‘Financially my father needed to sell all the flats built in the first development to fund further development. Then he decided to buy land near St Mary’s Church and build detached houses on it. When they were completed and sold, I persuaded him to use the money to build more flats on the convent grounds.’

Jane recalled passing some new houses on the way to the convent. ‘Does your father know about the coffin?’

‘Yes. I spoke with him last night. He said his solicitor liaised with the Church and Bromley planning department. They supposedly checked everything before he purchased the land and there was no indication that any bodies were buried there.’

‘Unfortunately, I know nothing about religious or legal rules covering consecrated ground,’ Jane admitted. ‘I’m meeting the diocesan bishop this afternoon. Their archives office should have records concerning any burial sites on the land and the sale of the convent.’

‘Would you like me to dig through our old company files for any paperwork relating to the original purchase?’

She nodded. ‘That would be helpful.’

‘Where do we stand as a building company if it is consecrated land?’

‘It wouldn’t be a matter for the police to investigate, unless there was any fraud involved in the original purchase,’ Jane told him.

Nick looked offended. ‘My father would never do anything dishonest. His reputation in the building trade is second to none.’

‘I wasn’t casting aspersions on your father. I was just stating how and why the police might be involved. A civil court would probably deal with any legal arguments about the purchase.’

‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound tetchy. My dad has got a dodgy heart, so I get a bit worried about him. He’s supposed to be retired and enjoying life, but this coffin thing has got him all worked up. As a company we stand to lose thousands of pounds if the development is stopped, which won’t do his stress levels any good.’

‘I appreciate your concerns,’ Jane said. ‘It might be advisable to consult your solicitors as they will be able to give you far better advice than me.’

‘I’ll do that. It is what it is for now, I guess.’

‘I’m sure the bishop will be able to tell me more about the convent land, and I’ll call you later if I’ve any more information.’

‘Thanks, I’d appreciate that.’ He went to his desk and picked up a business card. ‘I’ll put my home number on this as well. Don’t worry if it’s late. I doubt I’ll manage to get much sleep with this hanging over us.’ He handed Jane the card.

She couldn’t help noticing he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. ‘Is there anything else you’d like to ask me?’

‘Will you need to speak to my father?’