‘No, you won’t.’

He put his hand on her shoulder before going back to the bar to order the food.

Jane wondered why such a nice bloke had got himself involved with Katie. It struck her that maybe he wanted out, but was worried Katie would react by telling his wife.

‘I ordered some bread and butter to go with it,’ he said as he sat down. ‘I forgot to ask you this earlier, but have you done background checks on the Wilson sisters?’

Jane nodded. ‘No trace CRO and the electoral register confirms them living at the Broadwater Farm.’

‘What else do you know about them?’

‘Not a lot, other than their parents were killed in a car crash, and they were badly injured – that’s how Rachel became deaf. Their uncle looked after them for a bit, but couldn’t cope, so he put them in a children’s home. Beyond that I didn’t go into any detail about their past.’

‘Well, you need to check them out a bit more—’

‘They seemed genuine enough to me; I’ve no reason to think they’ve lied.’

Jane was slightly vexed by his implication that they might be dishonest.

‘I’m not saying they lied to you, but Murphy will want to know if they are credible witnesses – and the courts, if we get that far. It’s to your advantage if they’re whiter than white.’

Jane nodded. ‘I understand, but I think they’re decent people, and I do feel for them. They’ve been suffering verbal and physical abuse from some of the younger residents on the estate and are trying to get rehoused. They’ve written numerous letters to the council but each one’s been rejected.’

‘I know how tough Broadwater Farm can be. I was the DI at Tottenham for two years, so I know loads of residents apply for a move. It could just be they are well down the list.’

‘I was wondering if you knew anyone on the council who has a sympathetic ear?’

‘Can’t say I do. Have they reported the incidents to the local plods?’

‘No, they’re worried if police start asking questions on the estate, they’ll be subjected to even more abuse and intimidation. Are there any detectives at Tottenham who might be able to help?’

‘There’s a couple I can think of, but it depends on how you want it dealt with.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, there’s the heavy-handed approach – i.e. scare the shit out of the little bastards so they don’t do it again – or the more subtle approach to the council, telling them that if they can’t get the sisters a move they may well go to the press about the council’s lack of care for the deaf community.’

‘What about getting them a move under the witness protection programme?’