He swore again. ‘No, because I can’t get hold of them and I don’t know who else among the cops I can trust. I’m not even one hundred per cent sure of the inspector.’

‘Ring the Alloway Roadhouse,’ Tilly said practically. ‘If they haven’t got that far, you could leave a message. If they have – well, at least they’re that much closer.’

He did so, and after a short conversation, his face cleared. ‘Put him on, will you? Thanks. Ah, Wayne. I’ve a situation here . . .’

Tilly listened to his rapid outline of events and instructions, finishing up with, ‘Great, we’ll head straight back. Should be at the homestead by the time you arrive. See you then.’ He sighed in relief and hung up the phone. ‘He’s got my number and can ring if there’s a problem. Look, could you drive this crate back, do you think?’

‘Not with a flat tyre,’ Tilly pointed out. ‘It’s not punctured, or at least it wasn’t till I ran it flat. I fiddled with the valve, you see. I wanted to get him out of the vehicle. I thought it was my best chance.’

‘You’re a living wonder, Tilly.’ He kissed her. ‘And I see it’s already on the jack. It’ll only take a moment to change. Hang on here and I’ll bring my vehicle over. It’ll be easier with the headlights than a torch.’

With the second vehicle in position and lights to work by, Connor swiftly swapped tyres, having first shifted Matt by securing his tied hands to the side rail.

‘You’d be better off puttin’ some distance between us, copper,’ Matt sneered. ‘My mates are comin’ for me. Fancy your chances against four of ’em, do you? Yours wouldn’t be the first body dumped out ’ere.’

‘Oh, I think you’ll find the sergeant and his constable practised at dealing with scum,’ Connor said. ‘Plus the copper from Spadgers of course. None of ’em like killers. And I’m Customs by the way, not police.’

Tilly, handing him the last wheel nut, said, ‘Where was Burns when you were speaking to Wilmot?’

‘In the gents. Dead lucky we caught them. Wayne said they’d be underway soon as he got out.’ Connor wound the jack down and dismantled the handle. ‘Right. You sure you’ll be okay?’ he asked and when she made no reply, ‘Tilly?’

‘What? Oh, yes.’ Distracted by the twisted buckle on the tool roll, she nodded. ‘Of course. Besides we can’t leave those poor animals without water or food. Do you want to lead?’