‘Francis Haggard must have come here, yes? You’ll vet every new client?’

She nodded.

‘So you met him?’

‘Just the once, very briefly.’

‘He was here to see Fraser Mackenzie?’ He watched her nod again.

‘One question, you said – my soup’s getting cold.’

‘Did Fraser take him to see the flat? Someone must have?’

‘I think it was Gaby. Gaby or Beth. Not for an inspection. He’d already made up his mind to take it, a month plus deposit paid up front. So it was just a courtesy really, a handing-over of the keys.’

‘Gaby works for the firm?’

‘If no one else is available to show a prospective client a property.’

‘Does Tommy ever fulfil that role?’

‘Tommy?’ She sounded almost aghast. ‘Repairs and maintenance are all he contributes.’

‘Did anything need doing at Constitution Street?’

‘Something always needs doing in that building. But this was a premium let, fixtures and fittings in perfect order. Now if you’ll excuse me …’ She pushed open the door and made sure it was locked behind her. Rebus tapped on the glass, gaining her unenthusiastic attention. But all he wanted to do was offer her a mouthed thank-you for taking the trouble. Then he crossed the street, reckoning he deserved a pie, or maybe a bridie, with an extra one as a treat for Brillo. The workmen and their van were still there, but the white car had gone.

17

The cordon was still being controlled by an officer in a high-vis jacket. He took Clarke’s name for his clipboard, but seemed to know Fox’s, the two men sharing a look that Clarke couldn’t quite read. Protective coverings were no longer needed, the scene-of-crime team having packed up and left. There’d been a stabbing in Gorgie, and Clarke reckoned that was where they’d be right now. She examined the key boxes fixed to the door jamb. Just the two of them, both locked tight. She unlocked the door using the key from the high-vis and started climbing, Fox right behind her. A postman passed them as he descended.

‘Nothing for the flat you’re interested in,’ he commented. Clarke reached out a hand to stop him.

‘Did you ever see the tenant?’

‘No.’

‘Did he get much mail?’

‘Bills and flyers, same as everyone else.’ He offered a shrug and continued on his way.