‘Considering his heart condition, I wouldn’t want to cause him any further stress. For now, it’s probably best I contact you if I have any further questions. That way you can decide what you want to tell him.’

‘Thanks for your understanding of our situation. Is there a number I can contact you on if I need to?’

‘I work at Bromley in the CID office. I don’t have a business card, but the station number is in the phone directory.’ Jane stood up. ‘It’s been a pleasure meeting you.’

‘Likewise,’ he replied as they shook hands.

‘There is something I’d like to ask you that’s not police related, though,’ she said. ‘I was wondering . . .’

‘Yes, I would love to have dinner with you this weekend,’ he said with a straight face. ‘What time suits you?’

She laughed, unsure if he was just trying to be funny or was genuinely asking her out.

‘Actually, I was wondering if there was an electrician you could recommend.’

‘Is it a big or small job?’

‘I don’t really know. I recently bought a house in Chislehurst and I think the fuse box and wiring need looking at.’

‘The guy who does the wiring on our new builds might be able to look at it for you. It could be a week or two before he’s free, though.’

‘I’m in no rush.’

‘Leave it with me. I’ll have a word with him and get back to you.’

Jane thanked him and walked towards the door.

‘You didn’t answer my question about dinner.’

Now she knew he was being serious. She smiled over her shoulder but didn’t reply.

She stopped at Judy’s desk. ‘Thanks for the coffee. I was wondering if you have any brochures for two-to-three-bedroom houses or flats Mr Durham has built.’

‘Yes, we do.’ She opened one of the filing cabinet doors behind her. ‘Are you thinking of buying one of his properties?’

‘No. I’ve just bought a small house which needs some modernisation, especially the kitchen. The one I looked at in your brochure earlier was incredible, but much bigger than mine.’

Judy selected various brochures and put them in a large envelope. ‘You should ask Mr Durham’s advice. He designs all the interiors for our properties. He even designed our office.’

‘Really? I thought he was a building developer?’

‘He’s actually the company architect. He does all the plan drawings for the new builds and conversions but now he runs the business, people tend to think of him as a developer.’ She handed Jane the envelope.

‘Thanks for these. Where did he learn about interior design?’

‘Self-taught. He’s very creative and has a good eye for beautiful things.’

‘He certainly has,’ Jane replied with a knowing grin.