George cleared his mind. This was the best bit.

He smiled.

Detective Sergeant Amanda Dawkins brought Kate a cup of coffee.

‘Thanks. I could do with this.’

The other woman smiled. ‘You look beat.’

Kate nodded. ‘I feel terrible. I didn’t have a very good night and today isn’t much better.’

Amanda sat down opposite her.

‘Well, we’re gradually collating all the door-to-door info. The thing with this type of inquiry is that everyone with a grudge against their neighbour tries to implicate them.’

‘I know. The thing is that for every five hundred screwball accusations, there are normally one or two that are worth following up.’

‘Drink your coffee, ma’am. Before it gets cold.’

She grinned.

‘Call me Kate. I only threw my weight around yesterday because I am getting heartsick of this lot.’

She waved her arm in the direction of the male CID staff.

‘Bloody load of know-alls they are. Well, I’m going to make myself felt and heard from now on. I tried the friendly, tactful approach and it didn’t work.’

Amanda grinned, showing crooked white teeth.

‘This lot have never had a woman in charge of them before. It’s galling for them, to say the least.’

Kate sipped her coffee.

‘Shall I tell you something, Amanda?’

The girl nodded, a slight frown on her face at the other’s tone of voice.

‘I don’t give a toss what they think. If they give me any more hag, they’re off the case. I would appreciate it if you would be so kind as to set the rumour flying. Know what I mean?’

Amanda giggled.

‘I know exactly what you mean, ma’am.’

‘Kate.’

‘Sorry, Kate.’

‘That’s better. Now then, let’s get this show on the road because I have a feeling that this murder was only for starters. Whoever did it is getting ready for the main performance, and I want to find him before he does any more harm.’

Kate’s serious intention communicated itself to the younger woman. Amanda nodded at her boss, glad that she was going to be working with her and not one of the male officers.

DS Spencer was watching the two women. He sighed. Nudging his friend DS Willis, he poked his head in their direction, a frown on his ruddy face.

‘Looks like the Dolly Sisters are getting better acquainted.’ His voice was disgusted.

Willis shook his head in exasperation.

‘Oh, give it a rest, for Christ’s sake. She’s in charge and that’s that. Let’s just put all our combined experience together and find the bloody nutter who’s on the loose.’

Spencer’s face closed up.

‘Oh, yeah, of course. I suppose your experience with shoplifters and vandals will be invaluable, won’t it?’