‘He was in two minds at first, but having seen them he said it was worth a shot. I’ve got desks, typewriters, phones, and an index carousel to put in after the press conference. I’ll add details about our suspect Bishop Meade and the information Annette Gorman gave us once the press people have gone.’

‘How many other officers have you got joining us?’ Jane asked.

‘Ten detectives and two civilian indexers, which will make a total of sixteen, including Barnes.’

‘I thought we might have had more officers,’ she said.

‘Barnes said he wants to see where the press appeal leads us, then review things after a couple of days. I get the impression he wants to crack this case within a week or two.’

‘Somehow I don’t think it will be that easy,’ Jane remarked. She saw Boon walk in. ‘Any news on Sister Julie?’

He gave her a thumbs-up. ‘Her name’s Julie Dorton and she’s willing to speak to us. I’ve got her address. She lives in Hurst Road, Sidcup with her husband.’

‘Well done, Boony,’ Jane said.

‘Would someone like to explain who this Julie is?’ Stanley said.

Boon told him about his meeting with Annette Gorman.

‘Did Julie Dorton confirm what Annette Gorman said about the nuns and Father Bob?’

‘I didn’t ask, though Mrs Gorman had obviously told her why we wanted to interview her.’

‘Why not?’ Stanley asked, frowning.

‘Because I didn’t want to scare her off over the phone. An interview in the comfort of her home is more likely to produce the best results, like it did with Mrs Gorman,’ Boon said.

‘Well, let’s hope you’re right,’ Stanley replied.

‘He knows you’re right, Boony. He just hates to admit it,’ Jane teased, giving Stanley a grin.

‘You’ve done well, Boony. Barnes will be pleased.’ Stanley looked at his watch. It was half past three. ‘I’ve told the duty sergeant to keep the press in the foyer until we’re ready for them. I’ll go down just before four, hand out the press passes and bring them up to the incident room.’

‘I’ll do that for you, guv. I’m sure DCS Barnes will want you by his side as he enters the room,’ Boon said, wanting to keep his promise to Becky.

‘Good point. I’ll go and get the passes and leave them on the desk over there,’ Stanley said, walking off.

Jane guessed why Boon was being so helpful. ‘You’d best tell Becky Rogers to just listen and learn.’

‘I already have,’ Boon replied with a grin.

Jane looked at the photograph of the cross. ‘Do you know if Barry May got remanded in custody this morning?’ she asked Boon.