‘Interestingly Malone’s name came up again last night,’ Jane said. ‘Meade told Mr Bailey that Bishop Malone signed a dispensation and the Church couldn’t help him find Melissa because she’d renounced her faith. If Malone was involved in a cover-up about her disappearance it has to be because he knew what happened or was directly involved – plus it would take at least two people to move the coffin.’

‘The pieces of the jigsaw are falling into place,’ Boon smiled.

‘Hopefully. I got a confirmed ID the body is Melissa.’ Jane showed Boon the dental match report.

‘That’s good news, sarge. I’m glad you found the Baileys. You’ll have brought them some closure.’

‘We found them, Boony. We brought them that closure. This is a team effort. You’ve played a big part in this investigation and raised some interesting points others didn’t think of. You are going to make a good detective. I’m looking forward to doing your annual report.’

Boon looked scared. ‘Now I’m worried,’ he said.

‘Is Stanley or Barnes in yet?’ Jane asked.

‘Barnes isn’t. Stanley’s in his office reading a copy of our report. He said he doesn’t want to be disturbed. I think Stanley’s worried Barnes might be taken off the case.’

‘Between you and me, he’s only got himself to blame if he is. He let his emotions get the better of him when he interviewed Meade. Then the way he spoke to Archbishop Malone was naïve for a man of his experience.’

It was nine on the dot when a dour-faced Barnes walked into the incident room, followed by Stanley, also looking downcast.

‘This doesn’t look good,’ Boon whispered to Jane.

Barnes cleared his throat. ‘Good morning, everyone. I’ll keep this brief and to the point. I am to be relieved of my command later this morning and moved to a desk job at the Yard. DCS Salmon, a devout Catholic, will be taking over. In the meantime, complete your reports for a two o’clock meeting with my replacement. I’d like to thank you all for your hard work and support during my brief time on this investigation . . . especially Stanley, Tennison and Boon.’

His announcement was greeted by a stunned silence. Then one of the detectives said, ‘Why have you been replaced, guv?’

‘It would seem my remarks to the press on Monday about the Catholic Church and cover-ups did not go down well with the commissioner, or the current archbishop of the diocese, Andrew Malone. That said, I am certain, if you carry on with the same determination and enthusiasm, you will as a team solve the murder of Sister Melissa Bailey.’

Barnes left the room. While the rest of the officers started talking animatedly amongst themselves, Stanley told Jane and Boon that Barnes wanted to speak with them in his office.

‘Can I make a quick phone call, guv?’ Boon asked Stanley.