Nick finished his call and put the phone down. ‘This is a pleasant surprise,’ he said as he got up.

Jane stood up. ‘There’s something I’ve got to tell you – and I don’t think you’re going to like it.’

‘What’s wrong?’ Nick asked.

Jane took a deep breath – then just blurted it out. ‘The nun in the coffin was murdered. We don’t know who did it. I should have told you, but I couldn’t. I’m really, really sorry and don’t blame you if you don’t want to see me anymore . . .’

Jane was talking so quickly, Nick had difficulty in understanding what she was saying.

‘Whoa, slow down, Jane,’ he said, putting his hands gently on her shoulders. ‘I already suspected there was more to this nun thing than you were letting on.’

She took another deep breath to calm herself. ‘Why didn’t you say so? I’ve been worried sick about how you’d react. I really thought you’d be mad with me.’

He gently squeezed her shoulders. ‘I’m not going to get mad simply because you’re doing your job.’

‘My DCS said we were to keep it to ourselves until we had identified the nun. A journalist found out and wrote the article. She also alleged there could be the bodies of other nuns and children buried in the grounds of the convent. As a result, my DCS said you can’t do any work on the site until further searches are done,’ Jane said, looking forlorn.

Nick smiled. ‘That’s not your fault. I understand your boss’s reaction. I can’t say I’m happy about it, but I’m not going to argue. Is he going to dig it all up?’

‘Not at the moment, but he might later . . . and dredge the lake as well. I’m sorry for any distress this may cause your father, especially with his heart condition. But obviously I couldn’t say anything to him either.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ll speak with him. I’m sure he’ll understand, and we will both do anything we can to assist your investigation.’

Jane looked at her watch. ‘I’ve got to go to the diocesan archives and make some inquiries there.’

He kissed her on the cheek. ‘Don’t look so worried. Losing the site is only a temporary setback, I’m sure.’

*

Boon pressed the intercom at the News Shopper offices in Petts Wood, gave his details and was let in. The receptionist asked him to take a seat while she informed Miss Rogers of his arrival.

He saw the paper with Rebecca Rogers’ article on a table and read it while he waited. He thought it was a bit sensationalised, but it was obvious her father had given her a detailed account of the discovery of the coffin, post-mortem and cause of death.