‘You know perfectly well he’s a botanist,’ she flared.

‘And I’m sodding Christ. One more chance, Tilly. Tell me the truth’—he pointed the gun at Luke’s supine form—‘or I swear you won’t have to worry about him waking up anytime soon.’

The world seemed to freeze around Tilly. As from a great distance she heard the agitation of leathery wings and a myriad tiny squeakings overhead, and the subdued hiss of the pressure lamp pumping its light into the dark recesses of the cave. Her knees ached from kneeling beside Luke, and she felt the throb of her pulse in her fingertips. Sweat dripped from her chin, and a line of it tickled the small of her back as she stared into her erstwhile workmate’s feral brown eyes until he broke the contact, his gaze sliding, in usual fashion, away from hers.

‘What made you think he was Drug Squad?’ she said, fighting to keep her voice calm.

‘Answer me!’ he yelled suddenly, and before she could open her mouth, he fired. She screamed, cowering over Luke’s body, eyes pulled wide, and mind gibbering in terror as she searched his unconscious form for torn flesh and blood. There was none. Matt had fired into the roof, startling the bats into a whirring, squealing maelstrom that had him ducking and swearing, as Gerry burst back into the cave.

‘What’s happened?’

‘Nothing yet. But this bitch is about to get it. Doyle’s Drug Squad. He’s been spyin’ on us. And I’ll bet the bastard’s had the cash too. Frayed rope, my blind aunt! Who’s he think that’s gonna fool?’

‘He’s not!’ Tilly cried desperately as the gun swung towards her. ‘What cash? I don’t know what you’re talking about, Matt. Look, you’ve only stolen a few birds – that’s not much of a crime, but killing—’

‘There’ll be no killing.’ Gerry stepped forward and she breathed again. ‘She’s my wife, Mercer. Leave them both. Let’s load and clear out. We can disable their vehicle, and you can see he’s in no state to walk. No need even to tie them up. We’ll be long gone before anyone comes looking for ’em.’

‘So they just walk away with six months’ worth of cash? I don’t think so. As for being your wife – forget her. The bitch is sleepin’ with Doyle, anyway.’ There was jealousy in his tone and frustrated lust, she realised – so he had fancied her. His hand rose again and Gerry leapt forward.

‘No! I don’t care. I won’t be party to any killing.’