‘I’ll speak with Mrs Parkin this afternoon. She doesn’t work weekends, but hopefully she might have an answer for you by Monday or Tuesday at the latest.’

‘That would be fine. Thank you for your assistance. I really appreciate it.’

‘Do you have any photographs of the nun’s body?’

‘Not with me, but I can arrange for one to be delivered to you.’

‘Don’t worry, it was merely a curiosity to know how she looked.’

‘Unfortunately, her body was mummified with adipocere so she’s unrecognisable.’

‘How sad. Let’s hope we can find out who she was. May I ask when her body will be released to us for reburial?’

‘That’s a decision for the coroner. He has said that he would like us to identify her first, but I think that might just be a standard formality.’

‘I understand. Is there anything else I can help you with?’

‘No, I think that’s about it for now,’ she said.

The bishop turned to Father Chris. ‘You’ve been very quiet, Father Floridia. Is there anything you’d like to add?’

‘No, Your Excellency. I’ve merely been an intermediary, who thought it best to let Detective Tennison explain the circumstances.’

‘You’ve acted appropriately. When the nun’s body is returned to us, I’d like you to conduct the service at her reburial.’

‘Thank you, Your Excellency. I’d be honoured to do it.’

The bishop stood and proffered his right hand to Father Floridia, who stood then bowed and kissed the amethyst ring.

*

‘I thought that went well,’ Jane said as they walked back to her car.

Father Chris looked uncertain. ‘Do you? I think he was suspicious of me being so quiet.’

‘Then surely he’d have asked more questions,’ Jane replied, trying to sound upbeat.

‘That’s the thing,’ he said. ‘Normally he asks a lot of questions and chats away for ages. Why didn’t you show him the pictures of the coffin?’ he asked.

‘You told me a nun wouldn’t normally be buried in a metal coffin. If I’d shown him the photographs, it might have made him suspicious about her death.’

He sighed. ‘He’s not going to be happy when he knows the truth.’

‘Don’t worry, that’s my problem, not yours. Besides, he might realise the police were in a difficult position and be more sympathetic than you think.’

Father Chris didn’t look convinced. ‘Why does Barnes want the nun’s murder kept quiet, anyway? Surely it would make more sense to just be open about it so as not to upset Bishop Meade.’

Jane didn’t want to tell him about Barnes’s painful experiences with the Catholic Church. ‘I don’t know. I’d never met him until this morning. It’s not for me to question his decisions.’

He gave her a sideways look. ‘Does he also suspect a priest or nun might be involved?’