Finn looks back out to the car park. ‘Mum…’ he says, but he stops as he begins to cry. His voice is softer now; Robin can just make out what he is saying. And it makes his blood run cold.

‘Mum. He’s dead,’ Finn sobs. ‘It’s my fault. It’s all my fault.’

8

Shock reverberates across the car park. A ripple of chatter, buzzing around the detectives and first responders alike. ‘Did he…?’ ‘What did he…?’

Craig is staring at the van. Then, as Finn disappears from view again, she turns to Robin.

‘We need to get him out. Now.’

Robin is still stunned by Finn’s words. ‘There’s no way he killed Sharp. Something else must have happened.’

‘Well, we’re not going to find out standing around here. I’m tempted to do a smash-and-grab and hope for the best.’

Robin turns on her angrily. ‘Hope for the best, DI Craig?’ he replies. He gestures for them to move away, far enough so Josie can’t hear the exchange. ‘What? Pray that he doesn’t kill himself in front of his mother? Or injures a police officer in the process? Please say your tactics are more sophisticated than that?’

‘Listen, DS Butler,’ she says, reverting to formalities to emphasise her senior rank. ‘Despite what you say, it looks like we have a murder on our hands. You know as well as I do that his confession doesn’t mean shit under PACE without a caution. What am I supposed to do? Bellow one from here?’

Robin stares at the now-silent van. She’s right. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act, Code C, requires that a caution be given before any questions are asked about an offence, along with a million other requisites, to make it hold up in court. But he hasn’t got any solutions either.

He can see everyone getting ready: first responders are standing by with big green bags, two PCs kitted out with stab vests. One steps forward, holding a yellow and black Taser.

‘You’re not going to use that, surely?’ Robin snaps.

‘My DCS is going nuts,’ Craig replies. ‘He wants him out, negative press coverage or not. We’re hoping the red dot on his chest will persuade him. But if you want to try before we do, this is your last chance.’

Robin snatches the black stab vest that Craig is holding and puts it on.

‘And don’t go messing up my crime scene.’ He’s handed a full white suit, gloves and shoe covers. He pulls them on obediently.

‘But if he’s a threat to himself, or others, we won’t hesitate to go in with the Taser.’ Craig’s face is grim as she continues, ‘And caution him the moment you get in there.’

‘Roger, boss,’ Robin mutters, sarcastically, and gets a warning look in return.