‘You and I might be long retired before that day comes,’ Stanley replied. ‘How’d it go with Barry May?’

‘Boon’s charging him with grievous bodily harm.’

‘Boony’s turning into a good detective.’

‘Well, he’s learning from the best, isn’t he?’ Jane grinned.

Stanley laughed. ‘Don’t flatter yourself . . . it’s me he models himself on.’

Jane raised her eyes. ‘God help us, then. Do you mind if I head off home? My house is in desperate need of some TLC, so I’m going to multitask with a paint brush in one hand and a large glass of wine in the other.’

‘One for the road?’ Stanley asked, lifting the bottle.

‘Just a wee dram,’ Jane replied.

Stanley poured some whisky into both glasses. ‘How’s things between you and Nick Durham?’

‘He made it quite clear that he never wants to see me again. I haven’t heard a word from him since and I don’t expect to.’

‘Sorry about that, but it’s probably for the best. And there’s plenty more fish in the sea.’

‘Like I said before – you win some . . . you lose some.’

‘And then you move on,’ Stanley said, and they both raised their glasses.

Acknowledgements

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Nigel Stoneman and Tory Macdonald, the team I work with at La Plante Global.

All the forensic scientists and members of the Met Police who help with my research. I could not write without their valuable input.

Cass Sutherland for his valuable advice on police procedures and forensics.

The entire team at my publisher, Bonnier Books UK, who work together to have my books edited, marketed, publicised and sold. A special thank you to Kate Parkin and Bill Massey for their great editorial advice and guidance.

Francesca Russell and Blake Brooks, who have introduced me to the world of social media – my Facebook Live sessions have been so much fun.

The audio team, Jon Watt and Laura Makela, for bringing my entire backlist to a new audience in audiobooks. Thanks also for giving me my first podcast series, Listening to the Dead, which can be downloaded globally.

Allen and Unwin in Australia and Jonathan Ball in South Africa – thank you for doing such fantastic work with my books.

All the reviewers, journalists, bloggers and broadcasters who interview me, write reviews and promote my books. Thank you for your time and work.

About the Author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR