Stanley flopped back in his chair looking exasperated. ‘This is more than stupid . . . it’s fucking disobeying a senior officer’s order. Barnes will literally crucify you if he finds out!’

‘I didn’t know his views at the time,’ Jane said feebly.

‘Common sense alone should have told you not to say anything. And you didn’t even tell me you were going to see Father Floridia.’

‘It was an impulse decision on the way home,’ Jane explained. ‘Father Floridia promised he wouldn’t tell the bishop until I said it was OK.’

Stanley shook his head. ‘For your sake, I hope he hasn’t phoned him.’

‘What do you think I should tell Father Floridia?’ Jane asked.

‘The truth – that you screwed up and shouldn’t have said anything.’

‘Are you going to tell Barnes?’

‘What would you do if you were in my position?’

‘I don’t know . . . maybe realise I acted in good faith?’

‘I won’t tell Barnes,’ he said.

‘Thank you,’ Jane said, the relief obvious in her voice.

‘Don’t thank me yet,’ Stanley said. ‘Somehow, I doubt a priest is going to oblige you by lying to his superiors the way you did. In which case, you tell Barnes you messed up – and you don’t mention you told me.’

Jane knew she had no choice. ‘Do you want to draw up an action plan?’

‘Right now, I’ve nothing more to say to you, Jane. Have your meeting with the bishop, then we’ll discuss what to do next.’

‘I’m really sorry,’ Jane said.

‘So am I, Jane. I expected better of you. Just go before I change my mind,’ he said, waving her away with his hand.

Chapter Eleven

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Jane bought a sandwich in the canteen and ate it at her desk before phoning the mortuary. Jack, the mortuary technician, answered and she asked to speak with PC Rogers.

‘PC Rogers isn’t here, sergeant. I’m not sure when . . . or if he’ll be back.’

‘Did the coroner send him back to division?’ Jane asked thinking that would be a bit harsh.

‘I heard through the grapevine, the coroner told him his days as a coroner’s officer were numbered. Rogers was in a right sulk when he came back here. He said another coroner’s officer would be dealing with the case as from Monday and he was taking some time off. Then he left with his tail between his legs.’

‘Sounds like he’s learned his lesson the hard way,’ Jane said.

‘Well, he’s only himself to blame,’ Jack said. ‘He’s been warned about his attitude by the coroner before. Is there anything I can help you with in Rogers’ absence?’

‘There’s a priest called Father Floridia who’s helping me identify the nun. He wanted to come to the mortuary and say a prayer for her . . . if that’s OK with you?’