‘It was a white saloon,’ the officer blurted out.

‘That’s hugely helpful,’ Clarke said.

‘Maybe a Volkswagen,’ the man was stumbling on as Clarke hung up.

James Pelham. Not just Stephanie’s ex, but also friend to Fraser Mackenzie. Businessman and charity donor.

Should she add stalker to that list?

Day Six

20

They met at an early-opening café near Tollcross. The booths were tight, Rebus just about managing to fit. He was halfway through a bacon roll when Clarke arrived.

‘Yours might be cold,’ he said. ‘Wanted it ordered before they got busy.’

She nodded and sat down, looking bleary. ‘I’ll take it with me,’ she said, focusing instead on the mug of sepia-coloured tea.

‘Late night?’ he asked.

‘Probably a few more of those in my future – we’ve got hold of about two decades’ worth of dirt on Tynecastle.’

‘Gathered by the Complaints?’ Rebus guessed. ‘Fox must be like a pig in shit.’

‘Your name seems to be a constant refrain.’

‘Oh aye?’

‘A conduit between the Crew and gangland. Any truth in that?’

He chewed silently for a few seconds. ‘Maybe some,’ he eventually conceded.

‘Some truth?’

It was his turn to nod. ‘But I don’t see where any of it gets you – I didn’t top Haggard. Stands to reason if it was a cop, it was someone still serving.’

‘Or else with something in their past that has to stay hidden at all costs.’

‘Such as?’

‘You tell me.’

‘I would if I could, Shiv.’ Rebus took another bite of roll. Brown sauce oozed from it, causing him to put his fingers to his mouth to clean them. The café had filled with workmen queuing for takeaway. Bacon sizzled and spat in the kitchen. The radio behind the counter was tuned to a local station with an excitable presenter.

‘There’s something else,’ Clarke said. ‘We’re questioning everyone with access to keys to the tenement. That includes anyone who works for QC Lettings. What can you tell me about Thomas Oram?’

‘I can tell you I doubt very much he killed a man he didn’t know.’

‘And you’re sure he didn’t know Francis Haggard?’

‘I don’t think he’s kept much from me so far. Even told me about his dad.’

‘What about him?’

‘Tommy gave him a bed in a lock-up just off Calder Road.’

‘Why?’

‘Jack wasn’t quite ready to go home.’

‘Couldn’t his son have got him a cheap deal with QC?’

‘Even cheap deals cost money.’

Clarke paused, as if trying to make her mind up about something.

‘Spit it out,’ Rebus said.

‘Francis Haggard used recreational drugs from time to time.’

‘Not exactly front-page news.’

‘But it might connect him more firmly to Fraser Mackenzie.’

Rebus stopped chewing. ‘Mackenzie’s dealing dope?’ He thought of the kids on their bikes, delivering to cars, delivering to homes, kids befriended by Tommy Oram …

‘What is it, John?’ Clarke demanded.