Barnes took his warrant card out of his jacket pocket and held it up as he addressed his colleagues. ‘Like you all, I took an oath of office the day I joined the police force. We swore to serve the Queen, without favour or affection, malice or ill-will. We learned our primary objective was the prevention of crime and the detection and punishment of offenders. As you progress in your service, never forget the oath you took and what you stand for. It has been a pleasure working with you all. You should be proud of what you’ve achieved in a short time on this investigation. Keep up the good work and I wish you a successful outcome. The last thing I ask of you is to find Becky Rogers . . . not for me, but for her family.’

As Barnes walked out, he stopped by the deputy commissioner. ‘We both know you can’t punish or discipline me if I retire.’ He handed him his warrant card. ‘Tell the commissioner to stuff this up his arse.’

Boon started to clap slowly. He was joined by another officer, then another, until the whole room was filled with applause for Barnes. Jane could see he was deeply moved by their show of respect and admiration. He raised his hand in acknowledgement and left the room.

Salmon shook his head in disbelief. ‘Just so you all know, I am Detective Chief Superintendent Rufus Salmon. I am now in charge of this investigation and need to be brought up to speed with everything. To that end, I will hold a full office meeting in twenty minutes. I want to hear what each and every one of you has been doing and what evidence you have accumulated.’

Stanley whispered to Jane, ‘What a load of bullshit. Now Meade’s dead, he knows full well the investigation is all but over. This is all about damage limitation with the diocese.’

‘I agree, but he needs to get his priorities right. Excuse me, sir,’ Jane said, trying to get Salmon’s attention.

‘And you are?’ Salmon asked.

‘DS Tennison. Are you aware we are also investigating the disappearance of a young journalist called Becky Rogers?’

‘No, I was not, though I did hear DCS Barnes mention her name just now.’

‘She hasn’t been seen or heard from since yesterday afternoon. We have evidence that—’

Salmon raised his hand. ‘You can tell me all about it during the office meeting.’

Jane was astonished by his lack of interest. ‘It’s possible Becky has come to some harm.’

‘Did you not hear me, Tennison?’

‘Becky is a serving police officer’s daughter,’ she continued undaunted. ‘He and his wife are worried sick about her.’