‘KP’s pedantic about the office being neat and tidy, she checks every bit of paperwork to make sure it’s written up, filed and labelled correctly. If you’re one penny out on your weekly expenses claim, she’ll make you type the whole form out again instead of just using Tipp-Ex to correct the error. You’d think the money was coming out of her own bank account, not the Commissioner’s.’

‘A good filing system isn’t a bad thing if you’ve got a big investigation running; it makes the paperwork easier to find.’

‘Don’t get me wrong, she’s good at her job but likes to think she knows best all the time – and she’s a bit of an arse-licker around the governors.’

‘How do you mean?’

‘Yes, sir, no, sir, three bags full, sir – especially with Kingston, who she worked for as the CID clerk when he was at Tottenham nick.’

‘How long’s Kingston been on the squad?’

‘Since he was promoted to DI, which was just over a year ago, but he was also a DC and DS on the squad before that. He’s as hard as nails, knows his stuff and is well respected. He was a good boxer in his day and won the Met’s Lafone Cup.’

‘To be honest, I’m not into boxing. I don’t see the point in two men trying to knock each other out.’

‘Are you the first woman to be attached to the Flying Squad?’ PC Turner interjected.

‘Yes, and no doubt you are amazed as everyone else seems to be – but please, I’m not in the mood for any more wisecracks about it.’

‘Actually, I was going to say you’ve done well for yourself.’

Jane was surprised. ‘Oh, thank you . . .’

‘My wife’s a WPC in the job at Plaistow on K division. She was in the Women’s Police before it became integrated with the men in 1973, so I know first-hand how hard it is for women to get on in the police force. She’s applied three times for the Advanced Driver Course and been turned down. I’m an advanced driver myself and given her lessons, so I know for a fact she’s up to it, and as capable as any male drivers – it’s just prejudice because she’s a woman.’

Jane smiled. ‘I’ve no doubt you’re right, PC Turner.’

‘Well, for what it’s worth, I say give as good as you get. My wife does – even at home!’ He laughed as he prised the garage door lock off and handed it to Jane. ‘Good luck with your investigation and I’ll ring your office in the morning with the result of my examination on the Cortina’s ignition barrel.’