‘A couple of uniforms are on it. I’m going to check. See if they’ve got anything.’

Minutes later, suited and masked, McNab headed out. A couple of SOCOs were combing the rough ground that served as the back court. He checked with them first, but they had little to report, apart from a fair number of discarded cigarette ends. It looked like a no-smoking policy had been implemented in one or more of the rented flats.

McNab’s announcement that he wished to come into the tent was initially met by silence, then a quiet acknowledgement from Chrissy.

Outside the tent, the smell had been strong despite the still blustery nature of the wind. Once inside, the suffocating nature of the stench was almost overwhelming. McNab had seen and smelt the dead more often than he cared to think about, but this was special and, he could foresee, long-lasting.

Chrissy nodded at him but said nothing, intent as she was on whatever Rhona was doing. McNab waited, aware that disturbing their concentration wouldn’t be welcomed.

Eventually Rhona leaned back on her haunches and observed him.

‘I’ve been talking to Jimmy on the ground floor,’ McNab said. ‘He flung the blanket over her.’

‘He was brave,’ Chrissy said. ‘Getting close enough to do that.’

‘Any idea who she is?’ McNab tried.

Rhona handed him the Faraday bag. ‘The mobile from the handbag that was under her body. I switched it off. Plus Chrissy has the bag with the wallet and cards in it.’

‘The credit card’s platinum,’ Chrissy said. ‘And we may have a partial from it.’

McNab read the name out. ‘Olivia Newton Richardson.’ He looked at them. ‘The name and the platinum card don’t scream local at me. So how did she set herself alight?’

‘Petrol, probably over her head, judging by the burn pattern.’

‘So we’re looking for a petrol can and a lighter?’ McNab said. ‘Both of which should be in the vicinity if she did it to herself?’

‘Exactly,’ Chrissy said.

‘The SOCOs outside haven’t found them yet. Anything else?’

Rhona nodded. ‘Her clothing is of good quality and mostly natural fibres. She was barefoot, yet had her handbag with her.’

‘She paints her nails, but didn’t have any jewellery,’ Chrissy said.

‘Also, if you come closer, you’ll see marks on her wrists and ankles,’ Rhona added.

McNab crouched beside her for a closer look, trying to stifle his rising nausea.

‘She’s been bound,’ he said, recognizing the distinctive marks.

‘The fire didn’t destroy them, thanks to your good Samaritan and his blanket,’ Rhona said.

McNab rose. If the victim had been bound before the fire, how did she get free? And where was she before she came out here?

7