“Not known to be, but word has it he’s not averse to a snort now and then, and he usually keeps a few bowls of happy powder around the place to impress his important friends. Likes to fancy himself a bit of a playboy. More than likely he’s working with the Albanians on financial deals behind the scenes, money laundering through his property developments and so forth, sex trafficking through the pop-up brothels. All at several removes. Of course, he’ll probably be doing them favors here and there. That’s how they work, how they draw people in until they’re so deep they can’t get out.”

“How’s Blaydon’s business doing?”

“That’s interesting,” said Gerry. “I’d been wondering myself why someone like him—successful legitimate businessman, multi-millionaire and so on—would get involved in risky criminal enterprises.”

“DI MacDonald said it’s probably because he’s an adventurer type,” said Banks. “A gambler by nature. Maybe thinks he’s above the law? Perhaps a psychopathic personality? I must say, I thought I could pick up on a few of those traits when Annie and I talked to him. It was a perfect performance. He didn’t miss a beat.”

Gerry nodded. “Yes, I read that bit. The gambling part is certainly true. Apparently, he’s a high roller, known to a number of casinos and more than a few bookies. On a bit of a losing streak, too, these days, so word on the street has it. As an aside, he also has a bit of a reputation for holding sex parties at his mansion. There may be a few underage girls and boys present on occasion, and perhaps some trafficked girls. That could be how he formed his first links with traffickers and the pop-up brothel scene. Like I said, he’s a bit of a playboy. Craves attention. Likes to be photographed with celebs. Throws lavish parties for visiting pop stars and dignitaries.”

“Worth bearing in mind,” said Banks.

“But his reasons for criminal activity might even be a bit more mundane than DI MacDonald’s speculations would lead one to believe,” Gerry went on. “Practical rather than deeply psychological.”

“Oh? Do explain.”