The woman was dead. The cover-up exposed.

Samson strode along the corridor of pillars flanked by his team. This was their moment of triumph, yet there was no celebration in what had happened. Their footsteps reverberated on the stone floor, echoing ominously.

They crossed the courtyard and stopped at the heavy arch door. Samson knocked. After a moment he called out: ‘Police. Open up.’

Silence greeted them. Samson nodded to the sergeant next to him and stepped back, allowing him space to use the battering ram.

He already knew what he would find inside. He knew they were too late.

The door crashed open and they filed in, the team spreading through the rooms of the old building.

Samson headed to the familiar office at the top of the stairs. The office he had sat in only the day before, questioning the Home Secretary.

The door was ajar. He pushed…