‘He’s under arrest. He’s across the street in the cells. He thinks he doesn’t need a lawyer because he’s not done anything wrong.’

Scott cackled. ‘One born every minute. You’d think he’d know better. Did you teach him nothing, all those years?’

‘I think he needs you. Because there’s some very tasty evidence stacked up against him.’

‘Can he afford me?’

‘Inheritance. Insurance. He can afford you.’

‘Go on.’ Scott was on the hook. Now Carol just had to reel her in.

‘His blood on the cuff of the jacket of the first victim. His alleged thumbprint on the mobile phone of the second victim. And the key evidence, as far as Fielding is concerned, is that both of the victims look a bit like me.’

The tip of Scott’s tongue slipped between her lips then she bit her lower lip. It was almost sexual. ‘Interesting,’ she said. ‘And where is this coming from?’

‘Do you remember Paula McIntyre?’

Scott made a sardonic face. ‘Killer interviewer. Yes, I remember Paula very well.’

‘She’s Fielding’s bagman now. She’s always had something of an alliance with Tony. She doesn’t like what’s happening, but she can’t put her head above the parapet or Fielding will shoot it off.’

‘Makes sense.’ Scott shivered and pulled her coat closer. ‘So what do you want me to do about it?’

‘I want you to go over the street and demand to see your client and do what needs to be done before Fielding gets her claws into him in the morning. They did an interview under caution and they plan to reinterview him and search his home and his office, according to Paula.’

‘Will he do what he’s told?’

Carol shrugged. ‘That’s debatable. I imagine it will depend on what you tell him.’

Scott shook her head, resigned. ‘They never know what’s best for them. Not even the smart ones. I suppose I should thank you for dropping this in my lap. So, thank you, Carol.’ She laid a hand on Carol’s arm, the dramatic scarlet nails drawing attention from her hand’s betrayal of the attrition of age.

Carol looked down at the false gesture of intimacy and Scott withdrew it, though not hastily. ‘I’m not done,’ Carol said.

Scott cocked her head to one side. ‘Of course you’re not. I presume you want to be briefed?’

‘More than that. I want to come in with you.’

Scott laughed, the sound echoing spookily round them. ‘You know better than that, Carol,’ she said merrily, as if it was the funniest thing she’d heard all day.

‘Why not? I’m not a police officer. And you’re the kind of superstar lawyer who’s always got interns running after you, carrying your files and sharpening your pencils. What could be more natural than an ex-cop considering a career in the law?’