Jane and Boon took Lee Holland to the charge room and booked him in, whilst Stanley informed DCS Salmon of his arrest and interview.

‘How are PC Rogers and his wife?’ Salmon asked.

‘Absolutely devastated. They were heartbroken. When I told them where we had found Becky’s body, Mrs Rogers had a total breakdown. It was that bad I asked the police doctor to attend. He gave her some sedatives. I’m dreading telling them that Lee Holland said it was an accident.’

‘It’s going to be hard to prove murder in court,’ Salmon remarked.

‘If the post-mortem reveals injuries that are inconsistent with a fall, Holland’s screwed.’

‘Let’s hope it does, then. When is the post-mortem?’

‘Half past ten at Queen Mary’s. Will you be attending?’

‘Unfortunately, I’ve got a meeting at the Yard. I’ll leave it in your capable hands, DI Stanley.’

Stanley suspected Salmon was just squeamish.

‘Is everyone ready for the meeting?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Good, then let’s go. I don’t expect the commissioner’s decision will go down well.’

‘That’s an understatement,’ Stanley mumbled.

‘Sorry, what did you say?’ Salmon asked.

‘That I’m sure the team will respect the commissioner’s decision,’ Stanley said.

Salmon walked into a silent room of dour-looking detectives. The discovery of Becky’s body had saddened them all, and they suspected the investigation into Melissa Bailey’s murder would now be shelved after Bishop Meade’s suicide.

‘I’m sure you are all aware of the discovery of Becky Rogers’ body. Her death is a tragic loss to her family and everyone who knew her. Lee Holland was arrested for her murder this morning. Although he claims her death was an accident, I’m sure we all hope justice will prevail and a jury will come to the right decision. The commissioner has asked me to thank you all for your dedication and hard work investigating the death of Sister Mary.’

There were snorts of derision and a shaking of heads round the room.

‘It’s Sister Melissa . . . sir,’ Boon said, unable to keep the disgust out of his voice.

Salmon looked flustered. ‘Yes, sorry, slip of the tongue. Where was I?’

‘You were about to tell us the commissioner is shutting the investigation down,’ Stanley said.

‘Unfortunately, yes. The commissioner had our solicitors look at the evidence. They concluded that there is at present no reasonable prospect of convicting anyone for the murder of Sister Melissa. However, the investigation will be classified as a cold case and remain open, pending the discovery of any new evidence.’

‘There’s a stack of evidence against Bishop Meade. Not to mention the cover-up by Archbishop Malone . . . for which the commissioner is also culpable,’ Boon said.