Quill recounted his interview with Jennifer Staunce. She had had a terrible expression on her face, not just the grief and horror Quill had seen so many times before, but a dubious and suspicious look that he was starting to recognize: she was shocked that her home, her security, had been violated, but her rational mind still couldn’t see how it could be so. ‘Geoff … had just turned down the sound on the television,’ she’d said. ‘He turned it down, and so we could hear the noise from those … Toffs they call them, outside, chanting from the street. So strange to have them here. Disturbing. He was about to make a phone call. To his brother. He’s in property, in Northampton. They talk about this time every week. That’s what he said he was going to do. He’s a creature of habit: nap every afternoon, he always likes the same things for his dinner. So I went into the kitchen to make some coffee. The percolator is quite loud, I didn’t hear … I didn’t even hear him scream or anything like that, I just heard … some odd noises, sounds of movement. So I went back in and … there he was. Being … hauled around. Already … already obviously … by something I couldn’t see. I didn’t get to see who was doing it. Geoff … must have been in the way. All I could think of was … they’ve got in. They’re in here.’

‘They?’ Quill had asked.

‘Those protestors. After what happened to Michael Spatley, I’d been thinking that Geoff wasn’t safe on the streets. But in here…! I’ve been a copper’s wife for thirty years, Mr Quill. I thought we were past him being in the line of fire. High office never suited him; he’s had nightmares with every promotion in the last couple of years. I’m rambling. Sorry. I ran, I’m sorry – I just thought of what he’d want me to do, and I was such a coward!’ She’d stopped and visibly steadied herself. She’d known what Quill needed from her. ‘They … say there was … a message? Something about Jewish people?’

Quill had nodded. ‘Is there anyone of Jewish ancestry in your or Mr Staunce’s family, ma’am?’

‘Not that I know of. We have some Jewish friends. Or I think we must do. It’s not something you ask, is it?’

‘Thinking back, was there any sign of an intruder?’