Jane took a deep breath. ‘Only that we’d discovered a mummified body in the coffin dressed in a nun’s habit. He offered to introduce me to the bishop and help identify her.’

Barnes straightened in his chair. ‘At present I don’t want Father Floridia, the bishop, or anyone connected to the Church knowing this is a murder investigation.’

Jane was taken aback. ‘Surely, sir, the priority is identifying our victim and ascertaining if she was a nun at the old convent. Father Floridia’s assistance would be very useful.’

‘I don’t trust priests or the hierarchy of the Catholic Church to be truthful when dealing with something that reflects badly on them. They’ll make empty promises to keep you at bay,’ he said bluntly.

‘Will it not reflect badly on us if we don’t tell them?’ she countered.

‘I’ve made my decision, and I expect you to obey it,’ he said, stubbing out his cigarette.

‘Yes, sir,’ Jane replied. She wanted to ask why Barnes didn’t trust the Church, but thought it best not to. ‘Does that mean you want me to continue with the investigation?’

‘Yes, for now.’

‘Thank you, sir. Will the murder squad be based at Bromley or here?’

‘I’m not forming a full murder squad just yet. I want everything played low-key for now and no press involvement. If whoever killed her is still alive, the last thing we want to do is give them a heads-up and the opportunity to disappear. Do your best to identify the nun over the next three days, then I’ll review my decision on Monday.’

Jane was confused. ‘How do I do that without speaking to anyone connected to the Church?’

‘I never said you couldn’t talk to them. You’ve already got one foot in the door with this Father Floridia. Tell him the post-mortem is still ongoing.’

‘I don’t think I’d feel right lying to him.’

‘You don’t have to lie. Your report said further expert opinion is needed to determine the nun’s age and how long she’s been dead. That’s quite true, and it’s also true we need to identify her as soon as possible. I’d call it a means to an end. However, if you’re not happy about it, I can always find someone who is . . .’ He paused to let her answer.

‘I take your point, sir. Of course, I’ll do as you ask. DC Boon’s also been assisting me . . .’

Barnes frowned. ‘DI Stanley said he’s not very experienced.’

‘But he’s keen and eager to learn,’ Jane said. ‘He’s liaising with the Missing Persons Bureau and was with me at the building site and post-mortem, so he’s up to speed with the investigation.’

‘All right, but if he screws up it’s on you.’

‘What about the building site? Can they start work again?’ she asked.