‘Bloody hell, that was some revelation,’ Boon whispered to Jane.

She didn’t reply. Jane feared the Met’s senior officers would view his remarks as an unnecessary attack on the Catholic Church, and unbecoming to an officer of his rank. She wondered if Barnes was unburdening himself and didn’t care he was putting his career on the line.

‘Do you think children at the Sisters of Mercy convent were abused?’ the journalist asked.

Becky looked at Boon, who whispered to Jane.

‘I hope Stanley told him about Mrs Gorman . . .’

‘We have no direct evidence of that at this time,’ Barnes said. ‘But it is something we are looking into as part of our investigation.’

‘Obviously not,’ Boon sighed as Barnes continued.

‘I would encourage anyone who was abused in any way whilst at the convent to contact us. We will treat your information as confidential and support you. Unless there are any further questions, I think we can conclude this press conference.’

As members of the press left the room, the journalist in the pinstripe suit approached Barnes.

‘Thanks for answering my question about the cover-up. I intend to write an exposé about child abuse by priests and nuns. It has gone on for too long now and something needs to be done about the archaic laws the Catholic Church uses to deal with those who abuse children.’ He handed Barnes his business card. ‘You can rest assured I never reveal my sources.’

Barnes put the card in his breast pocket. ‘Thanks. I’ll keep you informed of any developments,’ he said, and they shook hands.

Becky had a quick chat with Boon and thanked him for letting her attend.

‘I was wondering if you still fancied going out for a drink?’ she asked.

‘I think I’m going to be busy with work for a while,’ he replied, remembering what he’d said to Jane about mixing business with pleasure.

Becky pulled a sad face. ‘Pretty please. I promise, I won’t ask a single question about the investigation.’

‘Go on, then. Tomorrow night will probably be best for me work-wise. I’ll give you a ring. What’s your home number?’ he asked, handing Becky his notebook.

*

Once the press had left, Barnes spoke to the detectives and civilian staff. He told them the office meeting would start in half an hour, but first he wanted to speak with Stanley, Jane, Boon and Lloyd Johnson in his office.

As Barnes opened the bottom drawer of his office filing cabinet, they heard the chink of glasses. He removed a bottle of Glenmorangie malt whisky and five glasses, which he lined up on his desk.

‘I keep this for special occasions,’ he said as he pulled the cork stopper out. ‘I thought the press conference went well, didn’t you?’ He poured some whisky into the glasses.

They looked at each other, wondering who was going to reply first. Lloyd elbowed Stanley, forcing him to respond.