‘Oh, don’t you? Well, let me enlighten you then. When I was here yesterday you had a call from the States. And George Markham, the man we want for our inquiries into the Grantley Ripper murders, is in the States. Florida to be exact.’

He butted in, ‘What’s this got to do with me?’

Kate pushed her face towards his.

‘You swore to me that you would get him for what he did to Mandy.’

‘Can you blame me? Well, can you? How would you feel if it had happened to Lizzy?

‘All that aside, Kate, I have many business dealings in America and Europe. Don’t you come round here reading the riot act to me over a fucking phone call!’

‘You’re just like Dan, do you know that? Attack as the best form of defence. Well, the minute I hear that George Markham has been hurt, I’m going to the newspapers, Pat. I mean it. I’ll scream it from the bloody roof tops.’

He shook his head sadly.

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about, Kate.’ His soft voice belied his eyes, which were like granite.

‘You’re disgusting, do you know that? What did I ever see in you? Maybe it was pity because of your daughter, I don’t know. But one thing I do know - the thought of you touching me now makes me sick to my stomach.’

She spoke through clenched teeth and the vehemence of her voice cut Patrick to the bone.

‘I think you’d better go, Kate. Before we both say things we’ll regret.’

‘Oh, don’t worry, I’m going. The sight of you makes me want to spew. But remember what I said, Pat. As soon as I hear Markham’s dead, I open my mouth. You can tell Flowers that and all, when you speak to him. I’ll go as high as the DPP or the Chief Justice. I’ll even go to the blasted Queen.’

The phone on his desk rang shrilly and he looked at it for a second before answering. O’Grady’s American twang wafted over the distance.

‘One moment, please.’ Putting his hand over the mouthpiece he looked into Kate’s eyes.

‘I think you had better go, before I throw you out.’

Giving him one last look she walked from the room. Patrick waited until she had slammed the door before he spoke to the man on the other end of the phone.

‘Sorry about the delay. What’s the score?’

He watched through the window as Kate got into her car and drove away. He felt as if a crucial part of himself had gone with her.

‘It’s all set up for tomorrow morning. As soon as the deed is done I’ll be in touch.’

‘Can’t it be done today?’