I also know how to tell if they’ve been triggered at any time in the recent past, and in this case, they have.’

‘Can you find out who triggered it?’

‘It means going a layer beyond my security clearance, but I can call in a favour, yes.’

‘Do it . . . please.’

‘You think that . . . what? The Nortons were into the child abuse?’

‘I’m keeping an open mind. But Charles and Ray Doyle came up together. Maybe they shared certain proclivities. And if they’re being protected at the level you suggest then maybe it goes up as well as down.’

‘People have been trying to put the finger on some kind of high-ranking establishment abuse network since as long as I can remember, Abbott. What are the chances that you’re just going to stumble on it like this?’

‘Why must there be one? Why not several?’

‘OK, but this all started with your brother’s death. Scutter’s dead. Sweaty’s dead. Is it not time to pull out?’

‘And leave it to the authorities? How much good do you think that will do, based on what you know so far?’

‘No, just leave it.’

Abbott threw Cuckoo a look. A shame on you look. ‘No, can’t do that, mate,’ he said. ‘I’m taking down the Doyles. And then I’m taking down whoever else is involved.’

‘Oh, you are, are you? “Taking down Doyle”? And how do you plan to do that, Rambo?’

Abbott grinned.

And then he told Cuckoo about the Lady Norton deal.

Both of them.

‘You have got to be fucking kidding me,’ said Cuckoo.

‘My words exactly. But there you have it. I literally have a mandate to take down Doyle. I even have the money to pay for the men I need to do it. Not just one Rambo. Four of the fuckers. And on that note . . .’

He handed over a scrap of paper. ‘Three SF operators I used to work with. Ward runs a garden centre somewhere down south, in Kent, I think. Miller’s a personal trainer. Tom Brace is still in the game. A mercenary, as far as I know. Think you can do that? I don’t suppose any of them have gone off-grid. Well, maybe Tom Brace.’

‘I can find them for you,’ said Cuckoo. ‘And then?’

‘If I’m right, and if the Nortons are as dirty as I think, then them next.’

‘You’ve said yourself that they’re untouchable.’

‘I’m thinking of something a bit better, a lot more permanent.’

‘You’re planning on hunting them down?’

‘Could do that. Or maybe I could get at them when they’re all in one place.’

‘Wait. You’re not going to take part in their game?’