‘Morning, James,’ he said. ‘I’m here earlier than expected, so we might as well have that chat now before the rest of the troops arrive. Come into my office.’

James felt an uncomfortable tightness in his chest as he sat across the desk from Tanner.

The DCI was a thick-set man with cropped grey hair and a slightly crooked nose. He was looking smart as always in a well-pressed suit, and his wide brown eyes were giving nothing away.

‘This won’t take long, James,’ he said. ‘I just want to make you aware of what’s happening before you hear it from someone else.’

‘That’s usually what people say when they’re about to dish out some bad news, boss,’ James replied.

Tanner pinched his face into a tight smile. ‘I suppose it will be bad news for you and the rest of the team if you’ve all enjoyed working with me.’

James felt his jaw drop. ‘Are you leaving us?’

Tanner nodded. ‘I’m moving up the ladder. You’ll know about the superintendent vacancy that cropped up at constabulary headquarters in Penrith? Well, I applied for it and was told on Thursday that the job is mine.’

James stood up and reached across the desk to shake Tanner’s hand.

‘My congratulations to you, sir. It’s well deserved and I, for one, will most certainly miss reporting to you.’

‘That’s kind of you to say so, but you need to keep it to yourself for now. An official announcement won’t be made for at least a few days.’

‘When will you be starting your new role?’

‘At the end of March. The wife is over the moon because, as you know, we live in the town and our place is within walking distance of Carleton Hall.’

James sat back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest.

‘Who’ll be taking over from you here?’ he asked.

Tanner arched his brow and smiled again. ‘I’m hoping it’ll be you. It’s about time you were promoted to Detective Chief Inspector.’

James was thrown off balance. He sat there in silent thought for a moment as Tanner tapped a pen against his teeth while waiting for a response.

Eventually, James said, ‘I take it you’re serious?’

‘Too right I am. I was asked to recommend a replacement and I put your name forward. There will be other candidates, but if you want the job, I’m a hundred per cent sure you’ll get it.’

James felt his chest expand as he took a breath. ‘There’s no question about me wanting it,’ he said. ‘It’s just come as a shock. I’ve only been with the constabulary for two years.’

‘But you’ve been a copper for over twenty. And since coming here you’ve made a good impression, cracked some tough cases, and earned the support and respect of the team.’

James grinned. ‘Thank you, sir.’

‘So, think about it and when you give the word, I’ll start the process,’ Tanner replied. ‘But don’t take too long. The powers that be want this sorted as soon as possible.’ He put his pen down and leaned across the desk. ‘Now, I want you to bring me up to speed on where we are with this case before the briefing begins. You will remain in charge, of course, and I’ll have your back. My first contribution will be to front a press conference later today. I know you hate doing them.’