She walked towards him again, pacing each step. ‘I really don’t want that to happen.’ She made to press a hand against his chest, but he flinched, half turning from her. ‘Just remember, if you ever think of doing something stupid, it’s Gaby you’d be hurting, much more than me or Fraser. I suppose I’d better let you get back to work.’ She glanced over her shoulder towards the lock-up’s in­terior. ‘Might as well fold up that camp bed, eh? Doesn’t look as if it’s going to get much use now.’ She sucked in some smoke and began walking up the lane to where her car was parked.

Tommy Oram watched her go, jaw clenched. She lifted one hand, knowing he’d be looking, and waggled her fingers in a goodbye gesture. He opened the van door and peered into the canvas bag, but couldn’t for the life of him think if he had everything he needed.

Just before lunchtime, King and Ritchie leaped up from their desks and marched towards Trask’s office, rapping on the already open door and heading inside.

‘Looks promising,’ Esson commented to Clarke. Fox was already out of his chair and listening at the doorway.

‘Gold stars coming their way,’ Clarke agreed.

When they reappeared a minute later, they were followed by Trask, who was holding the sheet of paper they’d handed her.

‘Cab driver at Central,’ she announced to the room, ‘remembers picking up a drunk from our tiki bar on Great Junction Street. The passenger was memorable because he had to be woken up when they reached their destination, that destination being Till’s Casino in Corstorphine.’ She favoured King and Ritchie with a look they soaked up like Caribbean sun. ‘Colin and Jason, I want you to get a statement from the driver, see what else he can add.’ Looking around the room, her eyes fell on Gamble and Leighton. ‘George and Tess, you two go see the manager at Till’s. We need to question all the staff who were on shift that afternoon and evening, plus check any security footage the casino has. And let’s pray they don’t wipe it after forty-eight hours.’

If Trask had noticed the disappointed looks on King and Ritchie’s faces, she didn’t let it show. Clarke knew how they must be feeling, though – a chat with a cabbie was definitely the runner-up prize.

‘I know the place,’ Gamble was telling Trask.

‘Thought you might, George. Just don’t succumb while you’re on duty, understood?’

Clarke looked to Tess Leighton for an explanation. Leighton’s partial nod hinted that her partner had had some issues with gambling. Clarke was impressed that Trask knew. She’d obviously vetted the team at some point.