‘We have evidence that suggests Bishop Meade arranged to meet her,’ Stanley chipped in, ‘and a witness who saw him leave his office at the same time Becky left hers. The press has been informed of her disappearance and will shortly be making an appeal for assistance to find her. Needless to say, we can expect a deluge of phone calls. I doubt Becky’s parents, or the press, would be impressed if we didn’t answer the calls because of an office meeting.’

Boon decided to add his voice to their pleas. ‘I’m DC Boon. I know I can speak on behalf of us all. Investigating Becky Rogers’ disappearance must be a priority. Every second is precious if we want to find her alive and well.’

Salmon looked embarrassed. ‘OK, the office meeting can wait. Carry on as you were. I’ll read through the reports and we can have a meeting tomorrow if need be. I’ve a few things to do back at the Yard. Keep me informed of any developments, DI Stanley.’

‘I will, sir.’

Stanley waited a few minutes in case Salmon returned, then spoke to the team.

‘I think we all know what’s going on here. As far as I’m concerned, Sister Melissa Bailey’s death is still under investigation, since it could be connected to Becky Rogers’ disappearance. Meade may or may not be responsible, but either way we need to find out what’s happened. If you get any calls or information that you feel needs an immediate response, tell me, not Salmon.’

Chapter Twenty-Eight

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Jane sat at her desk to read through the shorthand in Becky’s notebook. She felt sad thinking of the aspiring young journalist writing notes on her first major investigation, full of enthusiasm and keen to impress her editor. It reminded Jane of herself as a young detective, going over the evidence in her mind and writing down her thoughts.

‘This fax just came through for you from BT,’ the civilian indexer said, handing over four sheets of paper.

Jane put the notebook to one side and looked through the calls. She found nothing of relevance until she spotted a number she recognised. Stanley was reading through some reports in Barnes’s office when Jane walked in holding up a fax sheet.

‘There’s a two-minute call on here made from Meade’s office yesterday afternoon.’

‘What’s interesting about a bishop phoning a presbytery?’ Stanley asked.

‘The call was made at a quarter to two, just before Meade left in a cab. He phoned St Mary’s Church presbytery. Father Floridia lives there. He’s the resident priest.’

‘So, Meade phoned a priest . . . what’s the big deal?’

‘You are hard work at times, Stanley,’ she said.

‘Then get to the point.’