Georgie Ellis watched and waited as Jean Samson entered Donald May’s office. May offered the ACC his seat at the table. She nodded and took it. Riggs raised his eyebrows and looked at Ellis. Samson looked at each of her detectives in turn, leaving the Detective Constable till last. Samson gazed at Ellis for what seemed an eternity.

‘Proceed, Detective Inspector. What’s the latest on our four murders?’

‘Of course, ma’am. Charlie, will you summarise our conclusions so far, please?’

Riggs nodded. ‘Three of the murders were committed the same way, ma’am. Inhalation of a poisonous substance mixed with incense. The victims had also suffered strangulation postmortem. The same MO was used many years ago on the then Vicar of St David’s Church in Har...

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