‘The name’s Fiona and you’re looking at her. You come about the robbery at the bank?’

‘Yes, I was told you were a witness. Can I come in and speak to you, please?’

She opened the door to let him in, then closed and bolted it shut.

‘Excuse my attire, Inspector, but I haven’t had time to shower, change and put on my make-up yet,’ she said as she went behind the bar. ‘You want something to drink or is that a silly question to ask a detective?’

‘You get a few “tecs” in here, then?’

He thought she looked attractive, even without make-up.

‘Yeah, CID from Leytonstone drink here, so do the uniform, but only when they’ve finished a shift, unlike the CID who like a pint at all hours.’

‘I’ll have a Scotch, thanks. Some publicans think having the police in damages their trade,’ he remarked.

She poured a large measure from the optic.

‘It also helps to keep the arseholes out. I’ve run the place on me own for three years since my husband died, and there have been a few occasions where officers have helped me out with drunk or obnoxious punters – and I’m grateful for that . . . Plus I don’t get done for serving afters.’

She smiled as she handed him his whisky.

‘Cheers.’

Kingston opened a blue folder he’d brought with him and took out some statement forms and a pen from his jacket pocket.

‘I was told you saw the face of the driver involved in the robbery.’

‘Yes, briefly when he got out of the car and then returned.’

‘I’ll need to take a detailed statement off you . . .’

She raised her eyebrows. ‘Detective inspectors take statements now, do they?’

He grinned. ‘When it’s in a pub with a generous landlady, yes.’

‘You’ll need to be quick as I’ve got to get dressed and open up for eleven.’

‘I can make notes for now in my pocket notebook and take the statement later, if that’s easier for you.’

‘I can do it early morning before I open, or after three as we don’t reopen until six. I’m pretty busy with this place and don’t get much time for relaxing.’

‘Do you never take a day off?’

‘Rarely. The last person I had in to look after the pub while I was away had his fingers in the till, which has made me a bit wary of leaving bar staff in charge. Mind you, I could ask one of the girls to do an extra shift this evening and make the statement then – if you’re free . . .’

‘That would be helpful, thanks, but tomorrow would probably be easier as I’m not sure I’ll have time today. I’ll take your phone number and ring you later to let you know.’