As he eventually turns onto the deserted M3, he dials a number and it rings over the hands-free speaker. It goes to voicemail. DCI Neal Baker’s rough London tones fill the car, and he hangs up before leaving a message. There’s still time, he thinks, glancing at the clock. Nobody’s expecting him at work yet and besides, he’s not sure what explanation to give. Personal matter or police business? It’s unclear.

He debates calling his DC, Freya West, but leaves it for the moment. He doesn’t want to wake her; she won’t care where he is for at least another few hours. He’s noticed she’s been looking a bit worn around the edges of late and remembers her mentioning a bout of insomnia. He dismisses the niggle. He’ll speak to her later.

Robin knows where he’s going: north on the M3, then up the A33, past Basingstoke, towards Reading. Radio 2 plays, more of a distraction than anything else. Robin can’t imagine what Finn has got himself into.

Finn is studious and sensible and – most of all – law-abiding. There’s no way he’s got himself into trouble with the police; it isn’t him. They grew up together, living two doors apart. His mum, Josie Mason, has known Robin since he was a baby, but it’s been a while since he last saw her. Nearly six years ago – Robin knows exactly when.

Finn is everything Robin isn’t – considered, clever, intellectual. It had been Finn talking Robin out of scrapes when they were teenagers: Robin’s impetuous nature getting him into trouble. And now the tables are turned? Robin can’t believe it.

His phone rings and Robin answers it. His DCI’s voice comes through on the overhead speaker, rough and to the point.

‘Butler? Craig called me, she said you were on your way.’

‘Craig?’ Robin echoes. ‘Guv, do you know what’s going on?’

‘DI Jo Craig, Major Crimes at TVP, in charge of the situation there in Reading. I know her, she’s good.’ Robin takes Baker at his word: his boss – a no-nonsense ex-Met beat cop – isn’t one for tolerating incompetency. ‘And no, not much. What I do know is that you’re right to be going. It sounds like a mess, and they need someone who knows him personally. To get him out of there.’

‘Why’s he locked in a van?’ Robin’s shouting to be heard over the road noise. ‘What’s he doing in a car park? And why is it a matter for Major Crimes?’

There’s a pause. Then Baker speaks again, but he’s distorted by the poor reception and Robin only hears snippets. ‘It’s not just that he’s locked… Robin. There’s… him.’

‘Sorry, boss. You’re breaking up. What did you say?’

This time, his DCI’s voice comes through loud and clear.