‘Believe me, it is, especially the exhibits room, which has an alarm linked to central control at the Yard. We had a case a year ago where a criminal did try and break in. He wanted to get the gun he used in a robbery so there was no evidence against him, but he was caught in the act and got an extra three years on his sentence when he was found guilty.’

Jane followed Dabs up the flight of stairs to the top floor landing, which was decorated similarly to the ground floor, though the mould on the walls and smell of damp were not so pronounced.

‘Through the first door on the right there’s a small kitchen area with a fridge, electric cooker and a kettle. Would you like a coffee?’

Jane said she was fine and Dabs continued.

‘Next to it is the ladies’ toilet.’ Dabs pointed to a door that had an A4 sheet of paper Sellotaped to it and KP’s TOILET written in large black letters. ‘She’ll have to add JT to that notice now,’ he joked, and Jane smiled. ‘The squad office is down the end on the left and opposite is my office with all my equipment and a forensic examination area. Though I do go into the main office quite a bit for a chat and office meetings.’

‘How many are on the team?’

‘Not including the surveillance team, there are twelve in total. Ten detectives – that’s including the two Governors and you, PC Murray the driver and myself as the SOCO.’

As Jane followed Dabs she saw a wooden plaque screwed to a door and knew it was the squad room. On the plaque was a golden eagle, with its talons outstretched as if about to grab its prey. Above the eagle were the words THE FLYING SQUAD and below it NEW SCOTLAND YARD written in gold lettering. She knew the swooping eagle was the emblem of an elite unit, which had gained a reputation for courage and determination in opposing the most violent of London’s armed robbers and hardened criminals. She touched the plaque with her hand, not for luck, but because she felt immense pride in being the first woman detective posted to the Flying Squad in its sixty-year history.