‘After what you did to Jarvis, I don’t see how you can disagree with me.’

‘I don’t disagree. It would be nice if you had my back, though.’

‘I do. Always. Please don’t ever doubt that. This is me having your back. Who else is going to make sure you don’t get yourself fired?’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘It means you’re a sensitive guy. That’s one of the great things about you, but it’s landed you in hot water more than once. If the DCI hears about what happened with Jarvis, you will get a serious bollocking. I’m not saying he didn’t deserve it, either, but you can’t just let people wind you up like that. You make it too easy for them. It’s reckless and it’s going to get you into shit with the DCI.

‘Even bloody Jarvis had the sense to turn his camera off before threatening the guy. We just need to make sure we don’t give Corrigan the rope to hang us with.’

Adrian thought about what she was saying and felt his perspective flip. She was right. If he carried on this way, then Corrigan would get off and they would be left dealing with career-altering disciplinary actions. Imogen was also right about Adrian having a lot of buttons to push. He did need to be smart about this, but could he? Probably not. He reached over and put his hand on Imogen’s, squeezing hard. Imogen wasn’t the enemy here.

‘You’re right. I’m sorry. I will get my shit together. I promise I will. Some things just get under your skin, you know?’

‘I know.’

‘I’ll let you take the lead in this interview with Corrigan.’

‘No. I’ll see if I can get anything useful out of one of his employees or something. I’m now thinking maybe your seething hatred will keep Corrigan distracted. Divide and conquer and all that,’ she said, smiling.

They pulled into the construction site and saw Corrigan standing with Chilton; he rolled his eyes when he saw them. Chilton was obviously one of Corrigan’s confidants; maybe Chilton would be the path to breaking Corrigan.

Adrian got out of the car and walked over to the two men. Corrigan’s smile broadened as they approached.

‘Detective … Miles, wasn’t it?’ Reece said, not looking at Imogen once.

‘Mr Corrigan,’ Adrian replied.

‘How can I help you?’

‘We need to speak to you again about a couple of former employees of yours.’

‘Come over to the office; it’s a bit noisy out here.’

Imogen nodded to Adrian that he should go. Maybe he could distract Corrigan for long enough for Imogen to get something out of Chilton. He gave her the nod and then followed Reece into a Portakabin.