‘Did I hear somebody mention Max Vernon’s name?’ Grant said as he led the way in.

‘Why don’t you take a running jump at yourself,’ Morgan told him bitterly.

‘Oh, to hell with it.’ Jack Fallon cursed savagely. ‘If you think I’m going to rot while that bastard goes free you can think again. If you don’t tell him, I will.’

‘You don’t have much luck with Vernon, do you?’ Grant said to Morgan. ‘Remember that Cable Diamond affair? I suppose he saw you all right when you came out.’

‘Five hundred,’ Morgan said. ‘Five hundred quid for five bloody years in the nick.’ The anger came pouring out of him in an uncontrollable flood. ‘All right – Vernon’s your man and much good it’ll do you. We were supposed to be back at his place no later than one-thirty. If he’s still there when you call then I’m Santa Claus.’

It was almost five-thirty when Miller went into Grant’s office. The Superintendent was reading through the statements made by Morgan and his cronies and looked up sharply.

‘Any luck?’

‘Not a sign. Must have cleared out the back way on foot. I’ve put out a general call. We’ve alerted the County and the Regional Crime Squad as well.’

‘He’ll probably try for the Irish boat at Liverpool.’ Grant said. ‘He won’t get far.’

‘I’m not so sure, sir. What if he’s still in town?’

‘Why should he be?’

‘There’s always Craig. He has a score to settle there.’

‘I shouldn’t think he’d be foolish enough to hang around while he still had time to get out.’

‘All the same, sir, I’d like your permission to give Craig a ring. I’d feel happier.’

Grant leaned back in his chair and looked at him reflectively. ‘You like him, don’t you?’

‘I suppose the simple answer to that is yes – a hell of a lot.’

Grant indicated the ’phone on his desk with a sweep of his hand. ‘Be my guest.’

The ’phone rang for a long time at the other end before it was lifted and Harriet Craig said sleepily, ‘Yes, who is it?’

‘Harriet – is that you? Nick Miller here.’

‘Nick?’ There was a pause and he had a mental picture of her struggling up onto one elbow, a be-wildered frown on her face. ‘Nick, what time is it?’

‘Twenty to six. I was hoping to speak to your father.’

‘I’m afraid he’s gone away for a few days.’ Suddenly, her voice changed and she came wide awake.

‘What is it, Nick? Is something wrong?’

There was genuine alarm in her voice and he hastened to reassure her. ‘Everything’s all right, I promise you. Are you on your own?’

‘No, Jenny’s here.’

‘Tell you what. How would you like to give me breakfast? I’ll tell you all about it then.’