‘I didn’t kill her, if that’s what you’re thinking. Sorry to disappoint,’ he said with a shrug. ‘No, it’s interesting because I don’t believe for a second you just happened to stumble upon her, not after all these years. Interesting because, the way I hear it, only four people knew where she was. Olly was one, but you couldn’t have heard it from him. He’s long gone, as is one of the others. According to you I’m allegedly another one, and I’m pretty sure you didn’t hear it from me either. So if you’re right that would only leave one person who could have led you to her.’

Bolton looked back towards the boat again, turning his body sideways this time instead of just looking over his shoulder. Porter couldn’t see the gun any more, Bolton’s left hand hidden from view now.

‘Don’t suppose you’d have any idea who that might be, boss?’ Bolton practically spat out the last word.

‘I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talking about, James,’ said Locke. ‘Or him for that matter,’ he added, nodding towards Porter. ‘Now I suggest you stop running your mouth off. I’ll call Jasper and we’ll be walking out of the station within the hour.’

‘Not this time, Mr Locke,’ said Porter. ‘This one’ll take a little more clearing up, even for your little lapdog Jasper. Funny thing, though,’ he said, brow creasing as he feigned deep thought. Locke was impatient now, and jumped into the gap he left.

‘Come on, then, Detective. Dazzle us with your wit. What’s so funny about you threatening me at gunpoint?’

Porter smiled, seeing it for the attempt at baiting him that it was. ‘Not that kind of funny. No, the funny thing is that when I just told you that we’ve found the body of your wife’s stepdaughter after thirty years, you didn’t react. Nothing. You didn’t even ask where she was. It’s almost as if you knew we were going to find her.’

‘That’s a load of rubbish and you know it,’ Locke snapped, the sharp edges of his usually precise accent blurring around the edges. You can take the boy out of North London, thought Porter. ‘That’s your proof that I know anything about this mess? That I didn’t break down in tears?’

Porter shrugged. ‘Looks like you need to convince your man here more than you need to convince me.’ He tipped his head towards Bolton. The big man hadn’t moved, head still swivelled, looking at his boss. Locke’s eyes flicked to Bolton and back again. Porter couldn’t see Bolton’s face, but he wagered it wasn’t exactly smiling right now. For the first time, Locke seemed uncertain of how to play the situation. He opened his mouth to speak, but Bolton beat him to it.