‘The professional armed robbers of today are wily, hardened criminals, Tennison. They know the law inside out, and pay through the nose for corrupt lawyers to represent them. If we arrest suspects before an actual robbery is committed, a shrewd brief can tear most conspiracy charges to shreds in court. Even if we make arrests after the fact it’s rare that any evidence is left behind. Unless your armed blagger sticks his hands up and says, “Fair cop, guv, you got me bang to rights”, you’re often left with nothing but egg on your face. Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you about how we need to carry out our work to be successful?’

‘That it’s preferable to arrest the criminal when they’re actually committing the crime.’

‘Exactly – my Flying Squad officers are specialists in the “pavement ambush”. Sheer speed usually wins the day and arresting a piece of shit with a gun in one hand and a bag of cash or jewellery in the other is not only exhilarating but it also means the villain is, as we like to say on the squad, “well and truly fucked”.’

Jane felt relieved she’d finally said something he agreed with. She could sense his loathing of criminals went deep.

‘My officers inevitably face considerable dangers on armed operations. Our methods are a high-risk form of policing and not for the faint-hearted – how strong is your nerve, Tennison?’

Jane was quick to answer. ‘I received a Commissioner’s commendation for bravery when I was a decoy and attacked by a man with a knife. I also received a commendation for detective ability and devotion to duty during an IRA bombing investigation. The details are in my case file, as I’m sure you know. Also I—’

He held his hand up, cutting her short.

‘I didn’t know because I haven’t read your file,’ he said bluntly.

Jane was surprised. ‘May I ask why not, sir, as I’m now one of your officers?’

Murphy ignored the question. ‘Tell me, Tennison – why do you think you’re here?’

‘Because of my proven abilities in a number of murder investigations and the IRA case. I was recommended by DCI Moran after I uncovered a dentist who was a serial killer in Peckham.’

He looked surprised. ‘That was your arrest? I remember the case in the papers. He murdered three women and a young man in Rye Lane, which the press started calling “The Murder Mile”, as I recall.’

‘That’s correct, sir, and—’

‘Didn’t the dentist kill himself before he stood trial?’

‘Unfortunately, yes.’

‘So technically he was never proven guilty of any crimes.’

‘Correct, but it was definitely him and there were certainly no more murders after his death.’

Murphy looked sceptical. ‘You may be a competent murder investigator – but have you ever arrested anyone for robbery?’

‘Yes, a few times when I worked at Peckham and Hackney.’