‘I thought I’d best give you a brief update. We’ve no good news on the witness front so far, I’m afraid. My officers have drawn a complete blank in Harry Mitchell’s old neighbourhood. Two of the witnesses that gave us a description of the suspects and statements at the time are no longer able to help us. The elderly chap, Cyril Miller, who lived opposite Mitchell, passed away last year, and Iris Jones, Mitchell’s next-door neighbour, now has Alzheimer’s and is residing in a rather luxurious care home, all courtesy of the generous Eddie Mitchell, apparently. There were two other neighbours who also gave us statements, but one has since moved to Spain and the other moved to an address in Canvey Island that no longer seems to exist.’

‘Any news on the DNA yet?’ Blyth asked in a slightly deflated voice.

‘The results should be back in the next few days, so fingers crossed on that one. As soon as I hear anything, I will let you know immediately.’

Blyth thanked the superintendent for the information and ended the call. Frankie was going to be devastated if there was insufficient DNA evidence to arrest Sammy and Jed, and the thought of having to break the bad news to the poor girl filled Blyth with dread.

Eddie Mitchell was surprised to arrive home to an empty cottage. Stuart rarely went anywhere without him, so much so that Ed had had to virtually blackmail him to have a night out with the lads for Gary’s thirtieth birthday last week.

‘I wonder where Stu is? I’d better ring him to make sure he’s all right,’ Eddie said to Gina.

Gina put her arms around her husband’s neck. So many people were frightened of Eddie because of his reputation, but deep down he was such a big softie and Gina was honoured to finally become the new Mrs Mitchell. ‘You worry too much. Stuart’s a grown man, Ed. What’s the betting he’s out with that girl you said he met up town at Gary’s birthday bash. Either that or he’s out with the boys.’

‘I just worry about him, that’s all. He did a long stretch for a young ’un and to have to move away from all his family and friends in Hackney must be difficult for him an’ all. I’m gonna give him a quick bell, just in case something’s wrong.’

Ed walked out of the room and returned five minutes later with a big grin on his face. ‘You were right, the crafty little sod is out with that bird he met the other night. Her name’s Emma and he’s taken her for lunch in Brentwood. That’s where she lives, apparently.’

‘See, I know these things. That’s why I was such a good private detective once upon a time.’