I wasn’t sure what alarmed me more; standing next to the cage of a very restless lion, or Terry Bennett’s reptilian smile when he clapped his eyes on me. Mind you, if I were in his position, I’d be feeling pretty pleased with myself too. My presence was a small but significant victory for him over the police. The knowledge wasn’t lost on my associates either, judging by the amount of posturing going on. I found it all rather amusing, but had to check myself and remember we were here for a very serious reason. A young woman, Rose-Marie Bateman had been killed, and it was looking suspiciously like those involved had been busy leaving a trail of death in their wake.

Bennett seemed very keen to move us indoors and out of view, as we were directed into a large gazebo-like tent in front of the big top – I guessed it was a shelter area for spectators in the event of rain. Not that it would be an issue today; it was a stunner. I didn’t really understand why we were here at the circus at all. I thought it would be easier for all concerned if these conversations took place at the station, but it wasn’t my call.

DI Johns was in charge of the case, and knowing what he was like, and with an inkling of what Terry Bennett was like, these two would be like flint on steel. If we were lucky, the presence of Smithy and a couple of other detectives would serve as a damper. Then again, the fireworks could be entertaining.

I was surprised Bennett had chosen not to have a lawyer present. Perhaps he thought he was big enough and ugly enough to handle any offensive. Of course, it could have come down to being too tight to pay legal fees.

He shot the opening salvo. ‘Right, can you run these utter crap allegations past me again?’ Hands on hips, chest thrust out like it was waiting to have a medal pinned on it, he went on, ‘I couldn’t believe my bloody ears. Do you want to tell me exactly what you think someone from my circus has done and what the hell you expect me to do about it?’

The DI did the honours on behalf of the police. ‘As I said last night, there is circumstantial evidence to suggest that a series of murders have occurred in towns where your circus has been visiting, so—’

‘Oh, I get it. Because the circus is in town and we’re a pack of bloody ratbags, thieves and criminals, it must be one of us killing people off. Is that how it goes? We get the blame for effing everything because we’re a pack of murdering gypsy bastards?’