‘Oh, yes. The gardens were the Mother Superior’s pride and joy. She was a very knowledgeable horticulturalist. Would you like to see the slides?’ Davies asked.

‘We have an appointment on Canvey Island, I’m afraid. Do you have a copy of the calendar I could take with me?’ Jane asked, not wanting to appear dismissive.

Davies looked in a filing cabinet, pulled out the calendar and handed it to Jane.

‘Could I also borrow the 1962 slide? I’d like to get it enlarged by our photographic department.’

‘I can do that for you,’ Davies said.

‘We might need it for evidential purposes in court, so I have to get it done in-house,’ Jane told him.

‘I understand.’ He removed the slide and put it in an envelope.

‘Thanks for your help, Mr Scott,’ she said.

As they walked to the car, Boon could tell something in the last photograph had piqued Jane’s interest.

‘Spill the beans, sarge. What got you excited about that 1962 photo?’

Jane told him what she’d noticed. ‘I want to get their hands enlarged to be sure.’

‘Bloody hell, you’ve got eyes like a hawk!’ he said.

‘Every picture tells a story, Boony,’ Jane smiled.

Chapter Twenty-Four

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Barnes knocked on the door of Archbishop’s House and waited impatiently for someone to answer. Eventually, the young priest, Bishop Meade’s assistant, opened the door.

‘Can I help you?’ he asked with a pleasant smile.

Barnes held his warrant card up. ‘I’m Detective Chief Superintendent Barnes. This is Detective Inspector Stanley. We would like to speak with Bishop Meade.’

The priest’s smile turned to a frown. ‘I’m sorry, but he’s not available right now.’

‘Then we’ll wait outside his office until he is,’ Barnes replied.

‘I’m sorry, but you can’t come in,’ the priest said, starting to close the door.

Barnes kept it open with his hand. ‘Please, don’t make me have to arrest you for obstructing police. Be sensible and show us to Meade’s office.’

‘This is most improper,’ the priest replied, shaking his head.

They walked in and the priest hurried up the stairs. Barnes and Stanley followed close behind.

The priest knocked once on the door of the archbishop’s office and entered quickly. Meade was sitting behind his desk doing some paperwork.

‘I’m really sorry, Your Excellency. I told these police officers you weren’t available, but they forced their way in . . .’

‘It’s all right,’ Meade said calmly.

Barnes and Stanley showed him their warrant cards and introduced themselves.

‘Please sit down. Would you like a coffee or tea?’ Meade asked.

Barnes and Stanley declined his offer and Meade said the priest could go.

‘How can I help you?’ Meade asked.

‘I think you know why we’re here,’ Barnes said.

‘I assume it’s about the nun’s death.’

‘Murder, to be more exact,’ Barnes said.