He put on his reading glasses and picked up the white flimsy that had been delivered from Records ten minutes earlier. ‘Let’s start with his two bully boys and a nice pair they are. Benjamin Carver, 35. Last known profession, salesman. Four previous convictions including five years for robbery with violence; conspiracy to steal; larceny; grievous bodily harm. He’s been pulled in for questioning on twenty-three other occasions.’

‘And Stratton?’

‘Even worse. Mad as a March Hare and twisted with it. William, “Billy” Stratton, 34. Three previous convictions including a five stretch for robbery with violence. Remember the Knavesmire Airport bullion robbery?’

‘He was in on that?’

Grant nodded. ‘The psychiatrists did what they could for him during his last stretch, but it wasn’t much. Psychopathic tendencies and too damned handy with a chiv. The next time he stands in the dock it’ll be for murder, mark my words.’

‘And Vernon?’

‘Nothing.’

‘You mean he’s clean?’ Miller said in astonishment.

‘As a whistle.’ Grant dropped the flimsy on the table. ‘Six years ago he was invited to help Scotland Yard with their enquiries concerning the Knavesmire Airport bullion robbery. The interview lasted exactly ten minutes, thanks to the best lawyer in London.’

‘And that’s all?’

‘All that’s official.’ Grant picked up another flimsy. ‘Now let’s look at what they have to say about him unofficially. Believe me, it’ll make your hair stand on end.’

‘Maxwell Alexander Constable Vernon, 36. Younger son of Sir Henry Vernon, managing director of the Red Funnel shipping line. From Eton he went to Sandhurst and was commissioned in the Guards.’

‘Only the best, eh?’

Grant nodded. ‘The rot set in when he was seconded for duty with a Malayan infantry regiment during the emergency. Vernon proved so successful at rooting out the Communists in his area that he was awarded the D.S.O. Then they discovered he’d been indulging in an orgy of sadism and torture. No one could afford a public scandal at the time so he was simply persuaded to resign his commission. His family disowned him.’

‘He took to crime?’

‘That’s what it looks like. Organized prostitution – he started with a call-girl racket – illegal clubs, protection, dope peddling – anything that pays, that’s our Maxwell. And he’s a bright boy – don’t make any mistake about that. The Knavesmire Airport heist was only one of half a dozen big jobs he’s probably been behind during the past five or six years.’

‘Why move up here though?’ Brady put in. ‘It doesn’t make sense.’