> About Lance Wheeler? That was quick. Even for Randy.

> No, he … he hasn’t had a chance to conduct a full examination. It’ll be a day or two before we get his post-mortem report. But he gave me a heads-up.

> On what?

> On what he’s expecting to conclude. Nicky, listen: it wasn’t suicide.

> …

> Nicky? Are you still there?

> Yes, I … Shit. What the hell does that mean? I mean, I know what it means, but … Shit. Was he sure? How could he tell?

> Sure enough to pick up the phone. He said something about the ligature. The marks on Lance Wheeler’s neck.

> Jesus. I mean … Jesus.

> Quite.

> So what do we do? Have you told Burton?

> I … No. They’re playing games, Nicky. Burton, the PCC, the Home Office. This isn’t about Ben for them. For one reason or another, it’s all about Callum Richardson. Which, to be fair to Randy, is why he called me. I guess he must have seen the politics coming before I did, wanted to give me a chance to stay a step ahead.

> Good old Randy. I know you think he’s a pain in the arse, but his heart’s in the right place. Did you know he’s friends with my dad? Randy’s the one who stuck up for me when I told Dad I wanted to be a copper. Dad said if I wanted to work with the law, I should be a solicitor, like him. Randy’s the one who convinced him I had a mind of my own.

> Well, I definitely owe him. But we’re not going to be able to keep this to ourselves for long. The way I figure it, we’ve got a day or so to work out what exactly we’re dealing with here, before Randy has to file his report and someone higher up leaks it to the press. Which, the way everyone seems to feel about Callum Richardson, I guarantee they’ll do.

> Christ. Once the press starts working everyone into a frenzy, this whole investigation is going to be like fishing in a whirlpool.

> Quite. The good news is, I managed to get our interview with Richardson pulled forward to midday tomorrow.

> How did you manage that?

> I spoke to Richardson’s solicitor, threatened to call in a favour with the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and have a bunch of squad cars turn up outside Richardson’s home address. After first tipping off the press, of course.

> Do you even know the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police?

> Never met her before in my life. But listen, Nicky. While I’m talking to Richardson, I want you to stay on Melissa.

> Anything you say, boss. Do you think … if Randy’s right … do you think she’s in danger?

> To be honest, I don’t know what to think. But we need to bring her in while we still can.