Gabriel shook her head. ‘Nothing. He’s gone to ground. Family haven’t seen him, he’s not used his bank card, he’s not popped up on any CCTV.’

Tennant gathered his papers and half-rose, then noticed Gabriel was still sat, so dropped down again.

‘Something else, Sophie?’

Gabriel paused.

‘We may have something on Abu Mujahid, sir.’ She waited. Tennant’s eyes raised a fraction.

‘Go on.’ His voice was cagey.

She filled him on the last couple of days, played the CCTV video on her laptop and handed him a printout of the photofit. Tennant took it and stood up, sending his papers to the floor. He walked round the table, tucking his shirt back into his trousers as he read. Gabriel waited, holding her breath.

‘I know how much finding Abu Mujahid means to you, Sophie. I really do.’ His voice was measured, but Gabriel detected a note of annoyance. ‘And I commend your efforts to keep tabs on him. One day we will get him back where he belongs. But,’ and he paused, as if trying to choose the right words from a menu in his head, ‘but I don’t believe that’s him.’

‘With all due respect, sir…’ Tennant raised a hand and she stopped.

‘Let me finish. You’re going on the report from a terrified person smuggled into the country that they were accompanied by a white man who gave them the willies. You know how many people are smuggled into the UK each year? Tens of thousands. I’d bet a fair few of those are terrifying individuals. I’m sorry, there’s not enough.’

‘But the video – that’s him. You can see it.’

‘No, you can see it, Sophie. I can just see a grainy figure. You’re chasing shadows. I need you to focus on the real threat here.’

‘Sir, I can’t disagree more. We can’t let him get away – he’s here.’

Again, he raised his hand, a gesture that infuriated Gabriel.

‘Sophie, you need to let it go. Look, I know you’re under huge pressure, but I’m already putting my neck on the line for you. I don’t want to add to your burden, but you need to know that people are watching you – not just the commissioner and the media either. Lesley Hogarth asked about you in COBRA on Monday.’

‘Asked what exactly?’

‘Asked if you were up for this. Of course, I put her straight. But I need you focused. You’re too close to Abu Mujahid and it’s clouding your judgement. Again.’

The word ‘again’ hung in the air. Tennant looked as if he wished he had chosen his words better. His voice lowered. ‘What I need is you to focus on the NRF. Focus on Rod Houghton. Focus on stopping whatever it is the NRF are planning next. Forget Abu Mujahid.’

#

Gabriel was seething. She resisted the urge to do violence to the cheese plant in the corridor, but kicked open the doors to the lift lobby so violently she stubbed her toe. She had been relying on Tennant to back her up – and when it mattered most, he had failed her. Despite everything that had happened between them, despite her risking her neck to save his career, despite a relationship that bordered on friendship. How had she misjudged this? And why couldn’t he see what was glaringly obvious to anyone? Abu Mujahid had gone off the grid in the Middle East – and three weeks later, a man matching his description was smuggled into the UK in the most suspicious circumstances imaginable. Unless… and then came a niggling doubt… unless Tennant was right. Was she jumping at ghosts? She jabbed at the lift button again and smouldered inside.