‘He’s still drunk, but much better than he was in the pub – said he reckoned some scampi he ate was off.’

Baxter shook his head. ‘Yeah, right.’

When Kingston came back he’d washed his face and combed his hair. He looked a bit better. Teflon handed him a coffee and then walked a little unsteadily to the photocopier, spilling some of his own coffee along the way.

‘About earlier . . . I’m really sorry and I can assure you it won’t happen again,’ he said, making an effort not to slur his words.

‘I hope not,’ she replied without looking at him.

‘Can we put it behind us and move on?’

‘I already have.’

He looked surprised. ‘Really?’

‘I don’t bear grudges.’

‘Thanks, I appreciate it. What are you copying?’

‘My report about the Wilson sisters and the men in the cafe.’

‘You going to show it to Murphy?’

‘Yes.’

‘I really think you should wait until Monday, Jane, especially if he’s called us in because he’s got some good suspects in the frame.’

‘He has.’

She picked up the copies of her report and took them to Murphy’s office.

‘What’s she up to?’ the Colonel asked Kingston.

‘I don’t know, but I think Murphy might be about to lay into her.’

‘Good, I hope he does it in here so we can all enjoy the moment.’ The Colonel smirked.

A few minutes later Murphy came out of his office with Jane at his heels.

‘Right, gather round and listen up.’

The room went silent with anticipation

‘Before I brief you on the plan of action, I want you all to read WDS Tennison’s report.’

He nodded to Jane and she handed them out.

‘Is Katie coming in?’ Baxter asked.

Murphy shook his head. ‘Unfortunately, she fell over when she got home and cut her lip on a sideboard so she’s not feeling too good.’

‘Sounds like a lame excuse for I can’t be bothered,’ Baxter muttered.

Kingston noticed that Katie’s desk was uncharacteristically dishevelled, but it was the bloodstained tissues in the bin beside the desk that really made him wonder what had happened while they were all in the pub. As Jane handed out her report, the rest of the team exchanged bemused glances.

‘Stop gawping and get reading!’ Murphy barked. He looked at Kingston. ‘A quick word in my office, please.’

As Kingston followed Murphy out, the Colonel dropped Jane’s report on the table and flicked the kettle on. Jane went over and stood beside him.

‘Are you not going to read my report?’

He didn’t look at her. ‘What for? Murphy’s just toying with you – he won’t act on anything you’ve told him.’