She wanted to reply, ‘Give me a chance,’ but instead said, ‘No. I need to get hold of the social worker and the senior investigating officer on the case first. See what they can tell us. There’s nothing more about the case on the Internet and police files weren’t computerised back then, so I can’t even request the case file from Hampshire Police. It’ll have to be someone who worked on it.’

Bremer looked at the clock. ‘We’re pushing it for time. Carla, see if you can get hold of social services. Nell, you contact Hampshire and get the SIO’s details. But on the understanding we’re probably going to have to leave it until tomorrow until we get them in.’

Nell wheeled her chair over to her desk and picked up the phone at the same time Carla picked up hers.

‘Social services, how may I help you?’

‘Hello, this is Carla Brown from Thames Valley Police and I’d like to speak to someone about a Portsmouth care home.’

‘Is that a complaint or an enquiry?’

‘Enquiry.’

‘Hold the line, please.’

Carla listened to the elevator music with increasing irritation. There was no way they were going to give her information over the phone; the most she could hope for was a snippet of information to take her forward, but how likely was that going to be?

‘Hi Carla, Belle speaking, how can I help?’

The warmth in Belle’s voice took Carla by surprise.

‘Hi. I’m just hoping to get some info about a girl who was looked after about thirty-five years ago.’ Carla gave the details of the Waites case. ‘Anything you have would be really helpful. Especially the names of the child who was murdered and the second girl? The one who was with her when she was murdered.’

When Belle spoke again, her tone was serious. ‘I wasn’t old enough to have worked on that case but we all know about it. It’s the one we have training on the minute we start work.’

‘It’s particularly the second girl we are interested in. A name if possible.’

Belle paused before replying. ‘It’s going to take us hours to dig out the file and then every one will need a signed authority to release it, which could take us into next year. So I wonder whether you’d find it more helpful to speak to the social worker in charge at that time?

‘She’s still with you?’

Belle laughed. ‘God, no. Harriet left years ago. But she’s the one who does the training on the Waites case.’

Carla noted down the address and thanked her.

‘Any luck?’ Nell called over.

‘Got an address of the social worker. Retired, but moved to Princes Risborough.’

Nell looked impressed. ‘I’m having a nightmare with Hampshire. Seems they don’t know their arse from their elbow, let alone who ran the Waites case.’