‘The bastard got bail. DC Lyons took the case for me. He detailed our objections, but the magistrate didn’t think they warranted a custodial remand. It was also in May’s favour that he had no previous convictions.’

Jane wasn’t surprised about the bail. She just hoped Katie had gone to her parents’ house.

*

There were eight members of the press and two cameramen waiting in the foyer. Boon was disappointed not to see Becky amongst them as he handed out the press passes.

‘Please follow me,’ he said, opening the door.

‘Sorry I’m late,’ Becky said loudly as she rushed into the foyer.

Everyone stopped in their tracks and looked at her.

‘I didn’t know Newsround covered murders,’ a journalist said sarcastically, and a few of the others laughed. Boon handed Becky a pass.

‘Well, that was a good start,’ he whispered.

‘Sorry, it took me ages to find somewhere to park. My editor’s well chuffed I’m attending this. I’ve got a list of questions to ask,’ she said waving a sheet of paper at him.

‘Please, Becky, just let the seasoned journalists ask the questions,’ he cautioned.

‘Shall we make our own way upstairs officer?’ an impatient journalist asked.

Boon was beginning to regret inviting Becky.

Barnes welcomed everyone and waited for the cameramen to set up before starting. The detectives on the squad stood at the side of the room. Jane noticed Lloyd Johnson walk in and waved to him. He waved back, then went and stood at the back of the room.

Barnes opened by introducing himself and Stanley, then addressed the journalists. ‘I’m sure most of you are aware of the article in the Bromley News Shopper.’

Members of the press nodded, while Becky looked at Boon with a satisfied grin.

Barnes continued. ‘I’ve called this conference today because we need the help of the mainstream media, press and the public to solve the murder of our unknown victim. Whilst the News Shopper is correct about some aspects of the nun’s death, there are also many inaccuracies. Most notably about the bodies of children being buried on the grounds of the former Sisters of Mercy convent. Sensationalist journalism doesn’t help our investigation. At present there is no evidence to support the claim that any children were murdered. Our primary focus is to identify the nun, which I’m confident will lead us to whoever killed her.’

Boon noticed Becky’s grin change to an indignant frown.

‘At this point, I’d like to hand over to Detective Sergeant Jane Tennison, who initiated the investigation. She will take you through the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body and the post-mortem. Jane, if you please.’ Barnes beckoned her over.

Jane was taken aback at being put on the spot. Barnes hadn’t given her any warning she was going to address the press.

‘Knock ’em dead, sarge,’ Boon whispered.