He had been too ready to listen to DC Smith’s assurances that the matter was being taken seriously, that further investigations were in hand, and – the latest excuse – that they were waiting for the fire investigation report. When it finally dawned on him that nothing was happening, he felt a cold anger, as much at his own credulity as at Smith’s inactivity. He made the call at nine thirty, reckoning it would be the best time to get hold of Smith’s superior, a Detective Inspector Steadman, only to be put through to a duty detective who sounded even younger and less experienced than Smith. Selecting his most authoritative tone, Hugh announced that he wanted to make a serious complaint but wasn’t prepared to go into detail until and unless he could speak to a senior officer. He was asked to hold. After what seemed a long time but was probably less than a minute he found himself talking to a detective sergeant named Reynolds. ‘Nothing personal, Detective Sergeant,’ said Hugh, ‘but I’m not prepared to discuss my complaint with anyone under the level of detective inspector.’ ‘Very well, sir.
