Линда Ла Плант - Unholy Murder

Barnes opened his wallet and removed the business card The Times investigative journalist had given him, then left the room.

‘Where are you going?’ his wife shouted after him.

‘To proclaim the truth!’

After interviewing Barry May, Jane went to speak with Stanley. He was watching the Pope’s visit on the television and drinking a glass of whisky.

‘The Pope’s just arrived at Victoria station on the Gatwick train. Malone is with him. The smug son of a bitch is waving, and smiling to everyone,’ Stanley said.

‘He’ll probably be made a cardinal after arranging the visit,’ Jane remarked.

‘Fancy a quick snifter?’ Stanley asked, holding up his glass.

‘Go on then,’ she replied.

Stanley opened his bottom desk drawer, removed a bottle of Glenmorangie, poured some into a glass and handed it to Jane.

‘That’s the same whisky Barnes likes on special occasions.’

‘I know, he left it in his filing cabinet. Be a shame to let it go to waste,’ Stanley grinned.

‘You thieving git,’ Jane laughed as she raised her glass. ‘Cheers.’

Stanley raised his glass in turn. ‘Cheers. I wonder if the Pope and Malone will discuss Bishop Meade’s suicide?’

‘Probably, then sweep it under the carpet,’ Jane replied.

‘They’re all lying bastards. I reckon Bishop Meade would have confessed if we’d had the chance to interview him.’

‘For what it’s worth, I don’t think he was involved in Melissa’s death,’ Jane said.

‘Are you being serious?’ Stanley asked.

‘Yes, it’s just a gut feeling,’ Jane replied. ‘We all have our own views about what happened to Melissa and who killed her, but only she, and the person who killed her, know the truth. We worked hard and did our job to the best of our ability. One day the abuse and cover-ups carried out by the Catholic Church will come out. When it does, we can hold our heads high and say, “I told you, but you didn’t listen.”’

‘You and I might be long retired before that day comes,’ Stanley replied. ‘How’d it go with Barry May?’

‘Boon’s charging him with grievous bodily harm.’

‘Boony’s turning into a good detective.’

‘Well, he’s learning from the best, isn’t he?’ Jane grinned.

Stanley laughed. ‘Don’t flatter yourself... it’s me he models himself on.’

Jane raised her eyes. ‘God help us, then. Do you mind if I head off home? My house is in desperate need of some TLC, so I’m going to multitask with a paint brush in one hand and a large glass of wine in the other.’

‘One for the road?’ Stanley asked, lifting the bottle.

‘Just a wee dram,’ Jane replied.

Stanley poured some whisky into both glasses. ‘How’s things between you and Nick Durham?’

‘He made it quite clear that he never wants to see me again. I haven’t heard a word from him since and I don’t expect to.’

‘Sorry about that, but it’s probably for the best. And there’s plenty more fish in the sea.’

‘Like I said before — you win some... you lose some.’

‘And then you move on,’ Stanley said, and they both raised their glasses.

I would like to thank Nigel Stoneman and Tory Macdonald, the team I work with at La Plante Global.

All the forensic scientists and members of the Met Police who help with my research. I could not write without their valuable input.

Cass Sutherland for his valuable advice on police procedures and forensics.

The entire team at my publisher, Bonnier Books UK, who work together to have my books edited, marketed, publicised and sold. A special thank you to Kate Parkin and Bill Massey for their great editorial advice and guidance.

Francesca Russell and Blake Brooks, who have introduced me to the world of social media — my Facebook Live sessions have been so much fun.

The audio team, Jon Watt and Laura Makela, for bringing my entire backlist to a new audience in audiobooks. Thanks also for giving me my first podcast series, Listening to the Dead , which can be downloaded globally.

Allen and Unwin in Australia and Jonathan Ball in South Africa — thank you for doing such fantastic work with my books.

All the reviewers, journalists, bloggers and broadcasters who interview me, write reviews and promote my books. Thank you for your time and work.