By seven there were thirty uniformed officers, two dog handlers, twelve detectives and a van full of search equipment on their way to the old convent in a convoy of vehicles, with Jane and Boon in the lead. Prior to leaving the station, Stanley and Jane briefed everyone regarding the exterior search parameters and inquiries to be made with all the residents. Stanley decided that if Becky’s body was discovered in the old chapel, the search of the woods, land and lake could stop, and be continued in daylight if necessary.

Arriving at the convent, Jane was relieved that neither of Nick’s cars was there. She sent two officers round to the rear of the chapel, even though she doubted Thomas Durham would try and escape out of the back. Boon pressed the intercom for Flat 10, the residence of the couple who had seen the red Citroën 2CV and a young woman matching Becky’s description.

The woman pressed the door release to let them in. Jane, Boon, Stanley, two detectives and a dog handler went into the chapel. Jane knocked on Thomas Durham’s door while the others stood to the side.

‘Hello, Jane. Come in. Is Nick with you?’ Durham asked when he saw her.

‘This is not a social visit, Mr Durham,’ Jane said.

He noticed the other officers. ‘I can see that. What on earth is going on?’

‘We are investigating the disappearance of Becky Rogers,’ she said.

‘Who is Becky Rogers?’ Durham asked.

‘If you’d like to let us in, I’ll explain further,’ Jane said.

Durham frowned. ‘No. You can speak on my doorstep.’

‘I have a warrant to search your property. If needs be, I can force entry,’ Jane said firmly.

He opened the door, and they all went through to the living room. Boon switched the TV off and Durham picked up a cup of coffee from the table.

‘So, what’s this all about?’ he asked, taking a sip.

Jane handed Durham a copy of the warrant. ‘Becky Rogers is a reporter for the Bromley News Shopper. She wrote the article about the discovery of the coffin and the murdered nun—’

He interrupted gruffly. ‘I read the article, but I never looked at who wrote it.’

‘We have reason to believe Becky came here to interview you yesterday,’ Jane continued.

‘Your information is wrong,’ Durham said huffily. ‘I have never met or spoken to the woman . . . nor would I ever want to.’

His dismissive manner was getting to Boon. ‘A woman matching her description and driving the same make and colour of car was seen outside these premises . . .’ he began.

‘Then she must have come here to interview someone else!’ Durham interrupted. ‘This is bloody ridiculous. I’m phoning my solicitor.’

‘I can’t allow you to make any calls until we have finished our search,’ Jane told him.

Durham gave an exasperated sigh. ‘Then bloody well get on with it!’