‘You don’t know for sure yet that what Rachel told you is reliable. If the men were arrested and/or charged as a result of her information, then that’s a different matter. My advice would be to hold off on helping them for the time being. Then, if your further investigation pans out, we can review the situation and maybe get the witness protection unit on board.’

‘Should I at least tell them to report the incidents to the local officers?’

‘That would be a good start. I’ll contact DS Rickman at Tottenham – he’s the best man there to deal with it. I understand your feelings about Rachel and Emma, but you mustn’t let it cloud your judgement.’

‘Thanks for the advice.’

Jane took a sip of her drink. It was good to know there was someone in the office she could trust.

*

Katie parked her car, then got out and put on her coat and headscarf, before taking a deep breath and walking down the road towards the Prince of Wales. From the other side of the street she looked through the large front window of the pub, where she spotted Jane and Kingston sitting close together, engrossed in conversation and appearing to enjoy each other’s company.

*

The waitress came over with their food.

‘Who’s for the scampi and chips with bread and butter?’

‘We’re sharing, so just stick it in the middle please,’ Kingston said. ‘Is salt and vinegar OK or do you want any sauce?’

‘This is fine.’

Jane unwrapped her cutlery from the napkin and stuck her fork in a chip. He picked up a chip and popped it in his mouth, then had to spit it out onto his hand as it was so hot.

Jane laughed. ‘Serves you right,’ she said, handing him a fork.

He pushed it into a piece of scampi and held it up.

‘What do you call a crayfish with a messy room?’ he asked Jane.

‘I don’t know . . . What do you call a crayfish with a messy room?’

‘A slobster!’ he replied, and she couldn’t help laughing.

‘That’s a stupid joke.’

‘Yeah, but it made you laugh.’

*

Katie was rooted to the spot, transfixed by the sight of them laughing and joking together. Then suddenly she ran back to her car, slammed the door and started thumping the steering wheel with her fists.

‘You bastards!’ she shouted, before breaking down in tears.

*

‘Thank you for the scampi and chips, they were delicious.’

‘My pleasure. Have you got a boyfriend?’

‘Gosh, that’s a very direct question,’ she said, laughing.

‘Well?’

‘Not at present.’

‘You surprise me – it’s hard to imagine an attractive young woman like you not being in a relationship.’

‘I find they generally end badly – so I’m quite happy being single.’

‘I was thinking, maybe we could go out for a meal one evening?’ he asked, leaning across the table.