‘As soon as we have some kind of evidence, Frankie, they will arrest them and bring them in for questioning. Until then, the last thing we want to do is alert Jed and Sammy that we are on to them. Everybody believes your story; that’s not the problem, I promise you that. The problem is that without proof we haven’t got a leg to stand on. There is no point in us taking this case to court when it’s just your and Kerry’s word against Jed and Sammy’s. We need more than that to secure a conviction.’

‘So when will the DNA results be back? Surely if they beat my grandad like they boasted about on the tape, then something must show up?’

‘I’ve spoken to the superintendent and the results could be back as early as tomorrow. If they aren’t, we should definitely have them by the end of the week. As I said earlier, Frankie, it is imperative that Jed and Sammy do not get wind of this, so please make sure that anything I tell you is kept solely to yourself. You haven’t told anybody else about this, have you?’

Frankie shook her head. Apart from Kerry, Babs was the only one who knew what was going on, but there was no point telling Blyth that. Babs was as dependable as they come, and Frankie didn’t want the DI to think she was a blabbermouth who couldn’t be trusted. ‘I would never tell anyone because I’d be too frightened of my dad finding out. What about Larry? Does he know you’ve come here today?’ Frankie asked worriedly.

‘I haven’t informed Larry about this visit, but if anything is mentioned, just stick to the original story that we are trying to get enough evidence to arrest Jed for conning old people, OK? I must go now. I have an important meeting at two o’clock and if I don’t dash, I’ll be late for it. As soon as we have the DNA back, I will let you know, but whatever the result, good or bad, I promise I won’t let this rest, Frankie. I know you’re telling me the truth and I want Jed and Sammy behind bars just as much as you do.’

Frankie said goodbye to Blyth and walked dejectedly back towards her cell. On the way she bumped into Katie, the travelling girl who knew Jed and who, in Frankie’s opinion, was her ex’s little spy.

‘I’m way over me due date. If me contractions ain’t started by Friday, they’re gonna induce me,’ Katie said brightly.

Frankie stared at Katie. Her accent made Frankie feel sick because she sounded so much like Jed and his family. In fact, everything about Katie and travellers in general made Frankie feel nauseous. Untrustworthy bastards, the lot of ’em, she thought.