Chandler considered his options – Mitch’s options, really. They needed the men to take them to the graves, but there was no way the lawyers would permit that. And without charging them with anything, they couldn’t keep them in the station much longer. Mitch was going to have to come up with something, anything, in order to keep them nearby. Probably the lesser charges of stealing a car and threatening a police officer. Mitch wasn’t going to like that. Chandler certainly didn’t.

‘My client would like to help you find those graves.’

The voice took him by surprise. Chandler looked up. The blonde lawyer who had been appointed as Gabriel’s counsel was standing at his desk.

‘He would?’

‘Against my advice, yes,’ she sighed.

As if he been waiting to pounce, Mitch came charging out of his office. ‘Excellent! Let’s get to work!’ he said, grinning from ear to ear.

With no similar proposal from Heath or his lawyer, Chandler offered to fetch Gabriel from the cells. As the door opened the slender figure didn’t move from the bed. Chandler couldn’t help but recall an article he’d read about criminals having the best night’s sleep after being caught, the anxiety of being constantly on the lookout finally gone.

Gabriel roused himself as Chandler was putting on the handcuffs.

‘Do we need those? I’ve agreed to help.’ His voice was weary.

‘Standard operating procedure.’

‘But I’m cooperating.’

‘For which we are grateful.’

Gabriel leaned in close to Chandler, as if he didn’t want anyone, especially Heath, to overhear. His voice turned to silk, regaining that elusive, mesmerizing quality Chandler had first noticed about him. ‘Have you – have they – not realized yet that he’s lying?’

Chandler studied the man who stooped forward slightly, his back bent as if he’d aged greatly after his night in the cells. He looked for all intents and purposes, beaten.

‘Not yet.’

‘You still think that I . . . ?’ he trailed off.

‘Neither of you can be ruled out, even now.’

Gabriel looked a little shocked by the answer. Chandler led him from the cells. Mitch addressed the suspect as his lawyer watched.

‘I hope the sergeant has explained what we are requesting you do.’ Gabriel nodded. ‘Just so you are fully aware, you are under no obligation to help. But we hope that you will.’

‘I’ve got nothing to hide,’ said Gabriel, making for the door with Chandler guiding him.

‘Where are you taking him?’

Gabriel stopped immediately. So did Chandler. Heath’s disembodied voice rattled from the cell. Gabriel turned towards the voice. And the face. The narrow slat in the door had been left down to help air flow in and out. The suspects stared at each other. Chandler kept his hand on the cuffs but didn’t pull Gabriel away, curious to see how the scenario played out.