Kingston shook his head. ‘I’m not gonna waste time wet-nursing some kid with a baby. Move on and see if you can find an adult who saw what happened.’ He started to walk off.

‘Something she said about the two men with guns was interesting . . .’

Kingston spun around. ‘What part of move on don’t you understand, Tennison?’

‘Sorry, sir, I’ll see if there are any adults who got a closer look than Abby did.’

‘Don’t be flippant, Tennison. I’ve heard a few stories about you – some good, some not so good. I don’t doubt your enthusiasm, or abilities as a divisional detective investigating murders – but when it comes to the Flying Squad you’ve a lot to learn. We’re a specialised close-knit unit, not just because of the work we do, but also the dangers we face together. As you can see from the carnage of this morning’s events . . . The villains we deal with don’t play games and they hate the police with a vengeance – to them the only good cop is a dead cop.’

‘I’m a quick learner and I believe I can be a positive addition to the squad, sir,’ she said in her defence.

‘That remains to be seen. Everyone of sergeant rank and above served on the Flying Squad as a DC prior to promotion . . . unlike you. Right now, you’re the rookie, not to mention the first female officer we’ve ever had.’

‘I appreciate that, sir, but I don’t see my gender as a hindrance—’

‘Take my advice – if you want to fit in and get on, then best to just look, listen and learn for now.’

Jane suspected he was being polite, and what he really wanted to say was to keep her eyes and ears open and her mouth shut.

‘Yes, sir, and thank you for the advice.’

He forced a smile. ‘Good, and cut the “sir” crap, please. It’s “guv” or “guvnor” when we’re on duty and “Stu” in the pub.’

The Colonel came over and spoke to Kingston.

‘Stanley just radioed in – no one’s been able to find the Cortina. Looks like the robbers have gone to ground.’

Kingston sighed. ‘Any of the Woodville residents see anything?’

‘Uniform lads have knocked on all the doors and spoken to the people who gathered in the street. No one saw what happened here, though some heard the crash and bangs before it, which was probably the guns going off.’

Jane wanted to say that Abby was the only witness, so trying to get her to make a statement would be beneficial, but she didn’t want to incur Kingston’s displeasure again. Kingston looked frustrated.