‘Tony’s been a fool and got himself in serious trouble – but if what you’ve told me is the truth, there are some things that don’t add up.’

‘What do you think will happen to him?’

‘I don’t know yet. The night duty CID will take a statement from the woman, then they may interview Tony or leave it to the early turn CID to take the investigation over. Are you happy to stay here for now?’

‘I’m not going anywhere until I find out what’s happening. Does Pam know he’s been arrested?’

‘Not as far as I know, though Tony would have had to give his name and address to the custody sergeant. I’m going to ask the CID to speak to you. Would you be willing to make a written statement if necessary?’

‘Of course, but I’m worried they’ll think I’m lying to protect Tony.’

‘I won’t deny that’s possible, but I’m a detective and I believe you.’

‘Tony’s lucky to have you as a sister-in-law.’

‘It’ll need more than luck to get him out of the mess he’s made for himself. If the investigating officer tells me to sling my hook, that’s the end of my involvement—’

‘Even if he’s charged?’

‘Yes. I’m putting my neck on the line as it is by being here.’

Jane went through the foyer door to the front counter, where she showed her warrant card to the duty sergeant and asked if the night duty CID were available. The sergeant told her DS Simon Boon was in the CID office on the first floor, and let her into the police side of the station.

Entering the CID office, she saw a man in his mid-thirties, dressed in jeans and a polo shirt, sitting at a desk typing.

‘Sorry to disturb you. I’m WDS Jane Tennison from the Flying Squad. Are you DS Simon Boon?’ She showed him her warrant card.

He nodded. ‘A bit unusual for the Sweeney to be out at this time of night. What can I do for you?’

‘I’m here about the indecent assault suspect you’re dealing with—’

‘He doesn’t strike me as a hardened armed blagger,’ a suspicious-sounding Boon remarked.

Jane was direct. ‘Tony Harrison is my brother-in-law. He used his right to a phone call after his arrest to contact me at home. I’m just trying to find out what happened and if he’s likely to be charged.’

Boon looked surprised, stopped typing and sat back in his chair.

‘He told the arresting officers his name was Tony Durham and said he lived at thirty-three Melcombe Street?’

She sighed. ‘That’s my address. I suspect he doesn’t want my sister Pam to know he’s been arrested.’

‘Well, he’s certainly not done himself any favours by lying.’