‘If you would.’

The door opened and Nita came back in. ‘They’ve picked up Zac Buchanan,’ she said. ‘The Leven cops are bringing him up this morning.’

Clare smiled. ‘Now we’re getting somewhere.’ She stood thinking for a moment then said, ‘Nita, can you speak to the bank please? See if there’s a photo of him at the cash machine. I’d like to see what he’s wearing.’

Chris raised an eyebrow at this but Clare ignored it, turning to Bill, whose hand was raised.

‘What about the three friends?’ he asked. ‘Can we rule them out?’

Clare spread her hands. ‘At the moment, Bill, the only evidence we have against them is opportunity. They were all in the house when the shot was fired – sleeping, they claim. One of them, Steve Christie, had a companion all night. One of the minibus ladies stayed in his room. She swears he didn’t leave the room all night. Says she’s a light sleeper.’

‘Perfect alibi,’ Nita said.

‘Exactly.’ Clare glanced across at Chris. ‘I think we might have another chat with our Mr Christie – by himself, this time. See how he behaves when his friends aren’t around.’

‘Is it worth doing a formal interview with all three?’ Chris said. ‘Separately, I mean? Steve’s the only one with half an alibi, remember.’

Clare considered this. She was acutely aware the eyes of the press were on them in this case. The papers were running daily features and the reporters outside both the station and the Lodge showed no signs of shifting. If she brought the men into the station it would be all over the news within the hour. ‘Tell you what, ask Jim to arrange a room at the hotel and we’ll see them there, one at a time. See what they have to say when the others aren’t around.’

Bill raised his hand. ‘Any word from SOCO, boss?’

‘Not yet, Bill. But I’ll call them as soon as we’re done here.’

The phone in the outer office began to ring and Sara slipped out to answer it.

‘Is that it?’ Clare said. ‘Or have I missed anything?’

Heads shook and Clare ended the briefing. Out in the main office Sara was scribbling on a notepad. As Clare made for her office she ended the call.

‘Boss.’

‘Yes?’

‘They’ve recovered the car – the stolen BMW.’

‘Great,’ Clare said. ‘I want a SOCO team to go over it for Zac’s DNA and prints, please.’

Sara nodded and Zoe caught Clare’s eye.

‘He’s arrived,’ Zoe said, nodding in the direction of Clare’s office. ‘Tony.’

So, Clare thought, they’re on first name terms now. She smiled at Zoe but decided to say nothing. After all, it really was none of her business. As long as Zoe wasn’t getting in too deep. Even then…