When the alarm went off Jane reached out with her hand, turned it off and thought she’d have another minute or two dozing before getting up. It was a bad mistake as she woke up again at 8 a.m. and realised she’d have to get a move on to be in work for 9 a.m. She had a quick shower and washed her hair and dried it. She decided to dress down and put on a T-shirt, roll neck jumper, jeans, black Puffa jacket and trainers. She was hungry, but didn’t have time for breakfast, and was about to leave when the phone rang. She was going to ignore it but then thought it might be Tony.

‘What time and where do you want to meet?’ Pam asked.

Jane mentally cursed herself. ‘I’m really sorry, Pam, I totally forgot we were going to go shopping and . . .’

She also realised that Pam was still unaware of Tony’s arrest.

‘You’ve got to work.’

‘Yes, it’s been non-stop the last couple of days and our DCI said we all have to work the weekend.’

Jane heard a sigh on the end of the line. ‘Thanks a lot, Jane, I’d arranged for Mum and Dad to look after Nathan and told them you’d be round for supper.’

‘Can you apologise for me, please?’

‘No, I can’t – you ring them. I’m tired of being the bearer of bad news where you’re concerned.’

Jane tried to stay positive. ‘We’re only doing eight-hour shifts so I’ll be finished by five and come over then – I should be there about six-ish.’

‘And if I tell them that and you don’t turn up, I’ll get it in the ear.’

‘All right, I’ll ring them when I get to work.’

‘Make sure you do.’

‘Are you going shopping?’

‘Yes, assuming Mum’s still willing to look after Nathan.’

‘Could you do me a favour and visit a men’s outfitters and—’

Pam’s tone changed from annoyed to amused. ‘Got a new beau, have you? Not another detective, is it?’

‘No, to both questions. One of our suspects in the robbery was wearing a grey newsboy cap—’

‘A paper boy robbed the Securicor van?’

‘No, stupid, it’s a type of cap, that we want to show our witnesses. I’d be really grateful if you could get one for me and I’ll pick it up this evening at Mum’s and pay you back.’

Jane gave her a detailed description of the hat. Pam chuckled.

‘Will that mean I’m on the Flying Squad?’

‘Believe me, you might not want to be . . . Look, I’ve got to go, I’m running late. I promise we’ll go shopping another time.’

Pam snorted. ‘And pigs might fly.’