‘What about me?’ Lloyd asked, looking forlorn.

Jane laughed. ‘You as well, Lloyd.’

‘You’ve a long way to go to beat Paul Lawrence’s track record,’ Stanley joked.

Pullen removed her gown and gloves. ‘Please let me know if you decide to call in an anthropologist or odontologist. I’d like to be present when they examine the body. Anyone fancy a drink at The Sydney Arms? It’s just up the road.’

‘I’ve got time for a pint before heading back to the lab,’ Lloyd said.

‘Sorry, I’ll have to decline as I need to get back to the station,’ Stanley said.

‘Can we join them for a drink?’ Boon asked Jane.

‘Sorry, Boony. We need to write up our reports of the day’s events.’

‘Just a quick one, sarge . . .’ Boon said.

‘Do as you’re told, Boon,’ Stanley said firmly. He turned to Jane. ‘I want to go over everything that’s happened before I speak with DCS Barnes. I’ll see you in my office when we get back to the station.’

Jane waited for Stanley to drive out of the mortuary car park before having a private word with Lloyd, who was putting his forensic case and exhibits in the boot of his car.

‘Can you do me a favour?’

‘What is it?’ he asked cautiously.

‘Would you contact the odontologist and Richard Eaves, the facial guy at King’s College anthropology department? I’d like to know their availability over the next couple of days.’

Lloyd sighed. ‘I’m not sure that’s a good idea. You heard what Stanley said about doing things your own way. Let him speak to Barnes before calling them.’

‘It’s already clear Barnes won’t be interested in my opinion, but he can’t argue with the experts. That nun was murdered, and whoever did it needs to be held accountable.’

‘If she was murdered in the mid-1800s, the case would be over 150 years old. There’ll be no one alive to arrest or convict.’

‘That’s my point. We won’t know how long she’s been dead, or how old she is, until we get further expert opinion. For all we know, it could have happened in the fifties or sixties, before the convent was sold for development. There may be a grieving family out there, still alive, wondering what happened to their daughter.’

‘Then they might have reported her missing. The convent records might help as well,’ Lloyd suggested.

‘I know. I was going to do the relevant checks when I get back to the station. Will you contact the other experts?’

‘I don’t like being used, Jane,’ Lloyd said as he shut the boot of his car.

‘I’m not trying to use you, Lloyd. All I want to know is if they would be available and willing to examine the nun’s body. I’ll take full responsibility if you get in any trouble.’

Lloyd shook his head. ‘I don’t want to risk my job as a lab sergeant . . . not when I’ve just started. If I got sent back to division, you know I can’t do front line duties with my problems. I’d be stuck behind a desk pushing paper.’