Besides, I had nothing left to lose. Not any more. The circuit judge opportunity that I’d been up for had been quietly withdrawn. Refusing to drop Tobey’s case and then being arrested had been the final nail in my career coffin, but Tobey didn’t need to know that.

‘I’m trusting you, Tobey. Now I’m asking you to do the same and trust me. We’re in this together and, if we both need to get our hands dirty to bring Troy and Libby back home safely, then I can live with that.’

‘Can you though?’

I shrugged. ‘I guess we’re both about to find out.’

thirty-nine. Sephy

‘Jon? It’s Sephy. Sephy Ealing.’

‘Oh God,’ he groaned.

‘None taken!’ I said dryly. ‘Did you pass on my message to Jarvis Burton?’

‘I did.’

Should I ask how he managed to do that? I decided against it. ‘And you’re sure that he and he alone received the message?’

‘Positive.’

Jon’s pursed lips and folded arms spoke volumes. My phone might not have been on the bleeding edge of technology, but the video image of Jon was still sharp enough for me to see that he wouldn’t be happy if I asked for yet more favours. Hell, he wasn’t happy now.

‘Are you going to answer every question with monosyllables?’ I asked.

‘Yes.’

‘How did Jarvis seem when you told him?’

Jon sighed. ‘I caught up with him as he was buying himself a coffee. I passed on your message word for word and then I scarpered. I didn’t stay to take in the minutiae of his facial expressions, the nuances behind any changes in body language or the intricacies of—’

‘OK. OK. I get it. Don’t pummel the point to death.’

‘Pfft!’

‘Well, that’s another one I owe you. How many is that now?’

‘I’ve lost count,’ Jon replied.

‘Thank you for your help, Jon. I appreciate it.’

‘I’d say you’re welcome, but I’d be lying,’ Jon replied. ‘Sephy, please be careful. I don’t want to see you get hurt.’

‘That won’t happen.’

‘Hmm. I hope you know what you’re doing.’ Jon hung up without another word.

His last words to me kept playing in my head.

I hope you know what you’re doing …

So do I, Jon. So do I.

forty. Tobey

Callie had no idea what getting her hands dirty really meant, but it would be pointless to argue. ‘Let’s go.’ I was already heading for the door.

‘Tobey, before we leave, I need something from you.’

‘What?’ I asked.

Callie straightened to meet my gaze. She looked like she was ready to do battle. What was she up to?

‘I’d like to see this recording you have of my mum allegedly holding the weapon that killed Dan.’

‘What? Why? What purpose would that serve?’