‘Well, all I can say is you’ve got a good snout there, by God.’

Jack Brady emerged from the factory and came towards them, an open document in one hand. ‘We’ve found the lease on this place in a filing cabinet in the office, sir,’ he said. ‘It’s made out in the name of Frank O’Connor. The property’s been made the subject of a demolition order so it’s owned by the city. O’Connor’s a citizen of Eire by the way.’

‘And probably on his way back there as fast as he can run at this very moment,’ Grant observed and turned to Miller. ‘You’re sure the snout mentioned Vernon’s name?’

‘Absolutely.’

‘Doesn’t make sense then, does it?’

‘It does if O’Connor was just a front man.’

‘I suppose so. Just try proving that and see where it gets you. I know one thing – if it is Vernon’s place then someone certainly has it in for him.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘My God, it’s almost eleven. Too late for me. See you two in the morning.’

He moved away and Brady turned to Miller. ‘Ready to go, Nick? Not much more we can do here.’

‘You know, Grant’s right,’ Miller said. ‘Whoever set this little lot up for us must really have it in for Vernon. Hang on a minute. I want to make a ’phone call.’

‘Checking on someone?’

‘That’s right – Duncan Craig.’

‘Not that again, Nick,’ Brady groaned. ‘Why don’t you leave it alone?’

Miller ignored him and went to the ’phone box on the corner. Harriet Craig sounded cool and impersonal. ‘Harriet Craig speaking.’

‘Nick Miller.’

‘Hello, Nick.’ There was a new warmth in her voice. ‘When are you coming round to finish your supper?’

‘Almost any day now. I’m just waiting for the crime figures to fall. Is your father in? I’d like a word with him.’

‘I’m sorry, he isn’t. He’s working late tonight. Was it important?’

‘Not really. I’ve got a rest day Saturday and I thought he might be interested in a game of golf.’

‘I’m sure he would. Shall I tell him to give you a call?’

‘Yes, you do that. I’ll have to go now, Harriet, we’re having a hard night.’

‘Poor Nick.’ She laughed. ‘Don’t forget to keep in touch.’

‘How could I?’

He replaced the receiver and went back to Brady. ‘Now there’s a thing – guess where Craig is at this very moment? Working late at the factory.’

‘Gulf Electronics is only just down the road,’ Brady said. ‘The big new block. You can see it from here. There’s a light in one of the top-floor offices.’

As Miller turned, the light went out. ‘Let’s take a look.’

‘Suit yourself,’ Brady said as they moved to the car. ‘But I think you’re making a big mistake.’