The Bad Things: A gripping crime thriller full of twists and turns

She gave a heartfelt sigh. ‘I’m going back to see her tomorrow. For the final part of the interview.’ She looked down at Malone’s hands. Began to stroke the signet ring he wore on the little finger of his left hand. ‘I’m sort of hoping that she’ll have had time to think and that she’ll trust me.’

‘And she’ll just happen to tell you where Millie is buried? Why should she do that? It would send her back to prison, wouldn’t it?’ His expression was kind.

‘I thought I would tell her that I wouldn’t tell anybody where the information had come from. Plead protecting my sources, that sort of thing.’

Malone cupped her chin. ‘Is that going to work? Post Leveson? There are other people involved in this, you know. Sasha for one. Jez. Gus, too. And if she does tell you, it’d be tantamount to her admitting killing the twins. You’d have to tell the police.’

She gritted her teeth. ‘I’m not telling the police. She has to be able to trust me on that. My only consolation there is that she has already served fifteen years. Not enough, but I’d accept it, if we could only know where Millie is. I just want to know, that’s all.’

He kissed her lightly on the lips. ‘No you don’t, you want retribution. Love, Millie’s gone. Buried in some wood or field. This woman is not going to put herself at risk by telling you anything.’

Deep down, she knew Malone was right.

‘Look,’ he said, ‘I’ll put in a couple of calls to some people I know, see if she said anything in jail. See if Jessop said anything before he topped himself.’

‘Jessop?’

Malone gave a shrug. ‘I know it’s a while ago, but people who’ve been inside have long memories. It’s worth a go.’

Alex took his hand. ‘Thanks, Malone.’

‘Now,’ he got up, stiffly, rubbing the small of his back, ‘I’m too old for squatting down on my knees. I suggest you go and write up at least the first part of your article while it’s fresh in your mind.’