‘Yes, Malcolm?’ she said.

‘There’s someone I’m seeing later. I’d like it if you came with me.’

‘Your pal Geoff Dickinson?’

She watched him shake his head.

‘I’d rather you had no preconceptions.’

She stared at him, but he’d said all he was going to. ‘As long as it’s not dogging or Scottish country dancing,’ she warned him.

‘I think we’re probably safe then,’ he said, turning away.

When Rebus heard the news, he tried calling Laura Smith, but it went to a recorded message.

‘It’s John. Just checking up. Get back to me when you can.’ He stood in the bay window of his living room. Brillo had had his morning walk and seemed content, curled in his basket. Rebus, on the other hand, had been unable to relax since his encounter with Beth Mackenzie. He studied his phone again, then called Siobhan Clarke, who picked up on the fifth ring.

‘Let me guess,’ was her opening gambit.

‘The hell happened to Laura?’

‘Firebomb.’

‘Petrol through the letter box?’

It took her a moment to answer. ‘No, but that’s an interesting point. It would have been a lot quieter, and a burning hallway and front door make escape that bit less likely.’

‘So what was this?’

‘A bottle thrown through the downstairs window. She actually got it under control pretty well by herself.’

‘So she’s all right?’

‘Apart from still coughing her guts up.’

‘I take it that means she’s staying at yours?’

‘Elementary.’

‘Who does she think did it?’

‘Well, she did post a photo online that couldn’t have made your chums at Tynecastle too happy.’

‘She’s the Courant?’ He rolled his eyes. ‘Of course she is.’

‘We’ve seen how downright reckless some of the Tynie lot are – breaking into Francis Haggard’s flat, to give one example.’

‘And getting on the wrong side of you, for another?’

‘Bingo.’

‘So who’s working the case?’

‘Ronnie Ogilvie.’

‘Neighbours any help?’

‘Heard a car pull away. Road cameras are being checked as we speak.’

‘No one in the frame apart from Tynecastle? Must be plenty ­others she’s pissed off in one guise or another.’

‘Well, there’s James Pelham. She was the one who put it front and centre when he was playing away from home.’

‘Sounds like a long shot.’

‘Except that she spotted him hanging around her house. Drives a white car, so if it was him, we’ll not find proving it too onerous.’

‘White car, eh?’

‘Mean something?’

‘I don’t think so. Pelham’s got everything to lose, though, no?’