Murphy looked quizzically at Kingston. ‘Moving forward, we need to be aware that these four men will undoubtedly strike again, especially as they didn’t get away with much this time. It’s also highly likely they’ve robbed other cash in transit vans, banks, jewellers, et cetera, et cetera, so, Katie, I want you—’

Kate jumped in, eager to be centre-stage.

‘I’m already on it, sir. I checked with the Tower Bridge and Barnes squads before the meeting and they’ve nothing on file for any robberies that match the MO or description of the men. I will of course make further enquiries after the meeting,’ she added, looking pleased with herself.

‘Good work, KP – as reliable as ever,’ Murphy said with a smile.

Dabs nudged Jane and whispered, ‘See what I mean about her being a teacher’s pet?’

Jane looked at Teflon, who blew out his cheeks to show Katie’s ingratiating behaviour made him want to throw up.

‘Is there anything else you or DI Kingston would like me to attend to?’ Katie asked Murphy.

‘Not that I can think of for now, but I’d like DS Tennison to spend some time with you. That way she can see how we handle investigations and paperwork within the office.’

Katie didn’t look pleased, and Jane knew Murphy was deliberately burdening her with office work, but she could always use the house-to-house as an excuse to get out of Katie’s clutches for a while.

‘Right, is there anything else anyone wants to raise?’ Murphy asked.

Everyone shook their heads apart from Baxter.

‘What about “keep ’em peeled”?’ He touched his eye with his index finger, then pointed into the room and winked. Everyone recognised the impersonation of Shaw Taylor, the presenter of the Police 5 TV programme. ‘He could appeal to the public for information.’

‘Actually, that’s not a bad idea.’ Murphy looked at Jane. ‘Give them a ring and ask if they could fit our case in. Also contact the bank and see if they’re prepared to offer up a reward for information leading to an arrest and charge. If you get a result with Police 5 or the bank, discuss it with DI Kingston.’

Jane nodded to herself. Murphy obviously wanted as little to do with her as possible.

Murphy closed his pocket notebook.

‘I know we’ve other unsolved investigations ongoing, but this case is our number one priority. Once you’ve finished your reports, I want you out on the streets talking to your informants and hassling any other lowlife on our patch for information. If it means visiting any dodgy pubs, you go in pairs, and I don’t want any of you coming back here shit-faced. We’ll regroup here at ten tomorrow morning. I want results, lads, and I want them quickly before someone does get killed by this gang.’

Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE