Flowers relaxed. There, it was out!

He watched Patrick’s eyes, which were like pieces of flint. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Kelly went from the room. Fifteen minutes later Flowers also left for the day. For the rest of the afternoon Patrick Kelly made numerous phone calls from home. By eight that evening he had spoken to the DPP, two prominent cabinet members and a host of other people. He phoned Flowers back at seven fifteen with the result of his efforts.

The next day Kate and Caitlin were both called into Ratchette’s office. Kate was surprised to see the Chief Constable in there. When everyone was seated he spoke.

‘I understand, Detective Inspector Burrows, that you are of the opinion that as all we have in the way of evidence is the genetic fingerprint of the murderer, we should set about taking blood samples of all males from fourteen to sixty-five in this area?’

Kate looked around at the three men.

‘Yes, sir. I do believe that. If nothing else it would eliminate an awful lot of people.’

‘But surely the killer would not be foolish enough to take the test?’

Kate shrugged.

‘That’s as may be, sir. But if only some people did, at least it would narrow the field of suspects. A majority of those would be eliminated through corroborated statements. That would leave . . .’

‘All right, all right, we get the picture.’ Flowers’s voice was impatient.

The room went quiet. Kate saw Caitlin and Ratchette look at one another briefly. She knew then that something was going on.

Flowers took out a large white handkerchief and blew his nose loudly. He made a bit of a performance out of it and Kate sensed he was playing for time.

‘You fill them in on the details, Ratchette. I have to get back.’ With that, he walked from the room. Kate watched him leave in amazement.

‘What on earth’s going on here?’ Her voice was plaintive.

Ratchette smiled at her. ‘You got what you wanted, Kate. You got the blood and saliva testing.’

She sat back in her seat, stunned.

‘My God!’

Caitlin laughed. ‘It’s all set up, Katie. I’ve never seen anything arranged so quickly since my daughter’s wedding. The testing starts on Monday the twelfth of February.’

Kate turned to him.

‘How come you knew? Why was the Chief Constable in such a foul mood? Just what’s going on down here?’

Ratchette answered.

‘Let’s just say that your idea was put to the big boys and they liked it, Kate. The Chief Constable is against the expenditure, but this man has to be caught. There’s a public outcry at the moment, and now the government is putting the funds at our disposal. So make the best of it. You never know when they may pull out again.’

‘But how come you knew and I didn’t?’