‘Street muggers, no doubt?’ He smirked.

‘Yes, but some of them used knives in the commission of the crimes.’

‘Were they pavement arrests or a result of your investigations?’

‘One was pavement during a team operation and the others were through good detective work.’

‘Flying Squad officers are renowned for their knowledge of the underworld and cultivating informants within it. “Snouts” are the jewel in the crown of our intelligence operations. Do you have any registered informants?’

‘No, sir, but I have been given information by people I have arrested, which has led to further arrests, convictions and the recovery of stolen property.’

‘How many years’ service have you got?’

‘Just over six and a half.’

‘And as a DS?’

‘Just over a year.’

Murphy toyed with his glass for a moment.

‘Apart from DC Baxter, who was also a police cadet, there are none of my team with less than ten years in the job. On top of that, Stanley has six years as a DS and the sergeant you replaced had been a DS for fifteen years. All of them are seasoned detectives . . . unlike you.’ He said the last word as if it left a nasty taste in his mouth.

Jane felt she was standing up for herself well but couldn’t help being a bit intimidated by his dismissal of her police record. Even though Murphy would have had to agree to her joining the Rigg Approach team, it was abundantly clear he thought she shouldn’t be on the Flying Squad and she wanted to know why.

‘I went through the selection process like everyone else who applied for the squad. There were many officers with more service than me who didn’t get selected. I was successful because of my abilities as a detective – not my length of service.’

He laughed dismissively, shaking his head.

Jane fought to control her anger.

‘If you don’t want me here, sir, why did you allow me to join your team?’

‘I don’t think you’d like the answer. Besides, you’re on the squad now so it doesn’t matter anyway.’

He took a sip of his whisky and a long drag on his cigarette.

But Jane was determined to get a straight answer.

‘Being frank and honest matters to me, sir. As a female officer I’ve put up with more than my fair share of insults and male chauvinism during my six years’ police service, so let me assure you, I’m not easily offended.’

He leant forward and looked her in the eye.

‘I don’t doubt that, but do I have your word that what I say goes no further than this room?’

‘I’m not one to complain about fellow officers, so if that’s what you want, then yes, I won’t say a word to anyone.’