‘I didn’t finish my report until two, so I’m not in the mood for any jokes. How many radios have you got?’

‘One in the car and a portable as well.’

‘Tell the two lads with you to park up the road out of sight. Bring one of the radios and jump in with me.’

‘I thought you wanted backup?’

‘I do, but the Hillman sticks out as a police car. If Barry sees it, he might turn round and drive off. I can park my car round the back of the workmen’s hut, then if Barry tries to leg it we can radio the others to block him off.’

‘But he might not even turn up for work.’

‘I know, but we need to speak to the site manager first to find out whether he has or not.’

‘OK, I’ll be back in a second.’ He rushed back to the Hillman to speak to his colleagues and quickly returned. Once in Jane’s car, he made a call on the radio.

‘Papa Romeo from DC Boon . . . this is a test call . . . are you receiving . . . over.’

‘Yes, signal loud and clear . . . control over.’

‘Received.’ He turned to Jane: ‘The late-shift detective left a note for you in the office message book. Dr Pullen rang yesterday evening and asked you to call her this morning.’

‘Did she leave a number?’

‘Yes, I jotted it down for you.’ Boon started to rummage in his trouser and jacket pockets. ‘I could have sworn I . . .’

Jane shook her head, ‘You’ve lost it, haven’t you?’

‘I’m sure it’s here somewhere . . .’

‘Don’t bother. I’ll call the office later for it.’

Approaching the site, Jane noticed the lights were on in the Portakabin and the white Transit van was outside.

‘Looks like the foreman might be here already,’ Boon remarked, as Jane parked next to the Transit.

‘It could be Dermot,’ Jane suggested.

‘Nah, he drove off in an Astra yesterday,’ Boon told her. ‘Isn’t that the man who lives in the old chapel?’

Jane looked towards the garden wall that led to the site. ‘Where, I can’t see him?’

Boon pointed. ‘Over there . . . he just came out of the builders’ hut with his dog.’

Jane saw he looked angry about something. But his expression instantly turned to a smile when he saw them getting out of the car.

‘Good morning, officers. How are you both today?’

‘Good morning. Everything all right? Jane asked.

‘I was just asking the site foreman what was happening about the coffin, as some of the residents are a bit concerned. He wasn’t very helpful. Are you able to tell me what’s going on?’

‘It’s still under investigation,’ Jane told him.

‘I see,’ he said with a frown. He turned and walked off towards the walled gardens.

Boon was about to knock on the Portakabin door but, to his surprise Jane just opened it and walked straight in. She saw Lee sitting at a desk, with his elbows on it, rubbing his forehead with his fingers.