his shoulder and pointed straight at the policeman as though to launch an RPG. 'We running?' she asked him.
The cameraman nodded and Melanie turned back to face Delaney. 'Melanie Jones, Sky News. What can you tell us, Detective Inspector Delaney, about the dead woman who was found on South Hampstead Heath this morning?'
Delaney was too long in the tooth to be caught on the back foot like that. 'It's an ongoing investigation, I'm afraid. I'm not in a position to comment at present.'
'Sky News has learned that there was mutilation of the body. Was this the work of a serial killer?'
'When we have information, we'll call a press conference.' He made the words a dismissal.
Melanie Jones called after him as he walked away. 'What is the significance of the belt buckle, Inspector?'
Delaney's turned back to look at her, his eyes hardened. 'I beg your pardon?'
'The Green Man belt buckle? What's so special about it?'
Delaney walked towards the police station entrance. 'Come with me.'
Melanie enjoyed matching her long stride to his. His reaction had pretty much told her that her source was genuine. The cameraman dropped his camera from his shoulder and followed at a more sedate pace. Delaney walked through reception and up to the security door. He quickly typed in the code on the small pad and opened the door. Melanie Jones walked through, but as the cameraman went to follow Delaney blocked his path. 'Not you.' He called across to the desk sergeant. 'Keep an eye on him for me, will you, Dave?
Slimline Matthews nodded tersely and came around from behind the desk, showing his massive frame. 'Sure thing, Jack.'
Delaney closed the door behind him.
'What the hell do you think you're doing?' The reporter's normally smooth voice had nothing honey-like about it any more.
'Come with me.' Delaney took her none too gently by the arm and marched her along the corridor. He opened the door to an interview room and pushed her into it, closing the door behind him and leaning against it. He crossed his arms. 'Start talking.'
'No, I won't start talking. Who the hell do you think you are?'
'My name is Jack Delaney. I'm a policeman.'
Melanie snorted. 'I know who you are, for fuck's sake, what I want to know is what the hell you think you're doing?'
'You kiss your mother with that mouth?'
Melanie took a deep breath and smiled, full wattage. 'I tell you what, let's go back outside, let my cameraman through and we'll do this properly.'
She walked up to the door but Delaney made no motion to move out of her way.
'You mentioned the buckle.'
'So?'
'So how did you know about it?'
'If you don't let me out of this room right now you'll have bigger problems to worry about than that.'
Delaney gripped her upper arm. She kept herself in very good condition, that much was clear, but she gasped as he tightened his grip. 'No details have been released about the belt buckle. Why don't you tell me how you know about it?'
Melanie met his gaze, unfazed. It was a long time since any man had scared her. 'How about you take your hand off the merchandise?'
