‘Would he have been useful to me, or am I useful to him?’ Fox enquired. He noted that Lyon had a fresh glow about her, and she’d had her short, blonde-highlighted hair restyled, too. He realised there was a history here that went beyond old friends.

‘James is worried,’ Lyon said. ‘With some justification, he feels.’

‘Oh?’

‘You know his wife – soon to be ex-wife – was related to Francis Haggard?’

‘It hadn’t escaped my notice.’

‘Well, James being James, he’s worried the media might try to make him the story.’

‘What does he think we can do about that?’

‘Not give them any additional ammunition, to start with,’ she stated.

‘With respect, you need to step away from your old friend.’

‘That doesn’t sit well with me, Malcolm.’

‘Nonetheless, James Pelham happens to be close to Fraser Mackenzie – and I’m assuming you’re not unaware of SOCD’s interest in the latter? On top of which, Pelham’s company is being investigated for fraud and he’s going through a very public and messy divorce.’

Lyon took all of this on board without her face showing any trace of emotion. Eventually she stared past Fox’s left shoulder towards the well-stocked bar. He didn’t think she was focused on anything in particular; quite the opposite. She was lost in some memory.

‘James has always had a thing for the ladies – that’s pretty much word for word how he would put it. A romantic from the old school, all charm and guile. Plus roses, champagne and getting his own way. I felt duty-bound to agree to meet him, even though I knew he was after a favour.’ Her eyes settled on his. ‘Those files you asked for are on their way. Don’t worry, I’m not petty like that.’

‘I never doubted it.’

‘And Siobhan Clarke?’

‘Time hasn’t been quite right as yet.’

Her demeanour had become more businesslike. ‘How much trouble are we likely to be in, Malcolm?’

‘Police Scotland, you mean? I’ll do what I can.’

‘But?’

‘Tynecastle should have been dealt with generations back.’

‘And if a handful of the worst offenders end up being brought into the light …?’

He gave a thoughtful nod. ‘Maybe,’ he eventually said.

Lyon leaned forward across the small circular table. ‘It would be a personal favour to me if, despite your reservations, you did whatever’s possible for James.’ She paused. ‘You know there’s talk of a place at the top table for you? Higher even than DCI. Positions are about to become vacant, and your name is being mentioned.’

Fox just managed not to lick his lips. ‘Message received, ma’am,’ he said.

‘Call me Jennifer, Malcolm,’ the assistant chief constable purred.