Jane was a little irritated that Sam had taken it upon herself to speak to the coroner and other experts without consulting her first, but she didn’t say as much as she knew Sam was trying to be helpful.

‘DCS Barnes wants the nun’s cause of death kept quiet until we identify her,’ Jane said.

‘The only people I’ve told are the ones I just mentioned and Prof Martin, for obvious reasons.’

‘Just let them know to keep it to themselves please,’ Jane said. She then told Sam about the engraved cross they’d recovered.

‘Well done, Jane. Identifying MB will be a big step forward in the investigation.’

‘I’ve got a meeting this afternoon with the diocesan bishop. Fingers crossed I’ll get a result today.’

‘Let me know if you do. Speak to you later.’

*

Stanley and Boon were waiting in the interview room for Barry to be brought in by the custody officer.

‘You take the lead, Boony.’

‘Are you sure, guv?’

‘Yeah, you nicked him and know more about the case than I do. I’ll write the interview notes.’

‘Thanks, guv,’ Boon replied, looking chuffed.

Entering the room, Barry let out a big sigh. ‘How long is this going to take?’

‘That depends on whether or not you tell us the truth. Take a seat and listen to what my colleague has to say,’ Stanley said.

Boon cautioned him again. ‘You do not have to say anything unless you wish to do so, but what you say may be given in evidence. Do you understand the caution, Mr May?’

‘I ain’t stupid, mate.’

‘Are you still happy to be interviewed without a solicitor?’ Boon asked.

‘Yeah.’

Boon opened his notebook. ‘You said at your flat you gave the cross to your wife as a present.’

‘Yeah, an early Christmas present.’

‘Where and when did you buy it?’ Stanley asked.

‘Ages ago, from a stall in Orpington market.’

‘Can you describe what’s engraved on it for us?’ Boon asked.

Barry hesitated before answering. ‘There’s a love heart on it.’

‘The love heart is actually a religious emblem known as the Sacred Heart of Jesus – it’s common on crosses that nuns wear,’ Boon told him. ‘What’s written on the other side of the cross?’

‘I think there’s some numbers and letters . . .’

Boon removed the cross, which was in a clear exhibits bag, from his pocket and placed it on the table.

‘Can you read what’s written on it?’

Barry looked offended. ‘I ain’t illiterate . . . M, B, 20, 02, 58.’

Boon put the cross back in his pocket. ‘And what do you reckon the engravings mean?’

Barry shrugged. ‘I don’t know.’

‘Would you agree it’s probably someone’s initials and date of birth?’ Stanley asked.

‘Yeah, I suppose so.’