‘. . .complete and utter disaster.’ The pathologists’ office was empty, so Logan shifted Isobel’s ‘MUMMY AT WORK’ mug out of the way, then perched one bum-cheek on her desk. ‘The ACC looked as if he was going to have an aneurysm.’

Samantha laughed down the phone at him. ‘So you ran away and hid in the mortuary? ’

‘I’m not hiding, I’m. . .’ He switched his mobile from one ear to the other. ‘I beat a tactical retreat till Steel and the ACC calm down. And yes: my nose still hurts, thanks for asking.’

‘Coward.’

‘What am I supposed to do? Everyone’s acting like Agnes and Anthony are this pair of lost wee kids, but they’re old enough to get married, join the army and get shot at. . . So what if they’ve run off to be together? Who are they hurting? ’

‘You going to be late again tonight? ’

‘It’s Agnes’s bloody parents causing all the trouble. Don’t like to think about their wee girl out there shagging Anthony Chung.’

‘Moan, whinge, moan. Don’t forget to pick up some milk on your way home. And you’re all out of Marmite too.’

‘Like they’ve not been at it for years already. You know what horny little sods teenagers are, any excuse and. . .’

He sat up straight, setting Isobel’s china mug rattling against its saucer: the mortuary’s outer door had just slammed shut. Then came the sound of footsteps, echoing down the corridor outside.

‘Got to go – someone’s coming.’

‘Don’t be such a wimp; you’re a DI now, take your medicine like a man.’

‘Acting DI, and no thanks.’ He hung up and jumped down from the desk. The footsteps were getting closer. As long as they kept on going, through to the cutting room, he’d be fine. Just have to sneak out once they were in there.

Crap. . . The footsteps stopped right outside the pathologists’ office.

Logan spun around on the spot. Had to be somewhere to hide in here. Behind the filing cabinet? Not enough space. Under one of the desks? . . . Yeah, and how would he explain that when they caught him? Looking for a contact lens?

Might be worth a go.

He pulled out the nearest chair—

The door swung open and he froze, halfway into a crouch.

‘Guv? ’

Logan looked up, and there was Rennie, frowning down at him.

‘You OK, Guv? Only you look like you’re about to curl one out on the floor there.’

Heat bloomed in Logan’s cheeks. ‘I was just—’

‘Should probably pull your trousers and pants down first though,’ a grin broke across Rennie’s face, ‘going to be hell of a mess otherwise.’

Logan stood. ‘Did you want something, Sergeant? ’