Packham managed to stay silent, opting instead for giving her an unpleasant smile then checking his watch, reminding Ava that she was on borrowed time.

Lights and sirens ensured that she was back at the police station just as they were finishing booking Vicki Rosach in. Ava and Tripp would speak with her together, they’d decided, under caution. A duty lawyer had been waiting to represent her. All bases were covered. She let Tripp do the talking. Her temper was already frayed.

Having dealt with the legal formalities, Tripp began. Voice soft, low-key, all apologies for how bad the tea was and how uncomfortable the chair was, even the lawyer seemed to like the young detective sergeant.

‘So, Vicki … sorry, can I call you by your first name?’ Tripp asked.

‘Um, yeah, whatever.’ Her chin was on her chest, shoulders hunched.

‘Vicki, we need some information from you and your assistance at this early stage should ensure that we can do our best to keep any charges against you at a sensible level.’

The lawyer raised his eyebrows and Ava could understand why. Tripp, a veritable fluffy bunny among Police Scotland sergeants although no less good a detective for it, was doing a great job of indicating best-case scenario while promising nothing that would ensure that outcome for the twenty-something in the hot seat.

‘Perhaps just explain what the case is against my client and let us know what you want by way of information,’ the lawyer said drily.

‘Great idea, I can do that,’ Tripp said. ‘Thanks for being so direct. So, Vicki, I’d like to show you a couple of video clips and ask you to listen carefully to the audio. Would that be all right?’

Vicki nodded and Tripp hit play on the laptop that was kept on a separate table, just in case there was a sudden rise in hostilities and Vicki decided she needed something to use as a weapon. Looking at the young woman’s face, Ava decided that wasn’t going to be necessary. The first clip was enough to have her in tears.

The sight and sound of the laughing man had Vicki reaching across to hold her lawyer’s hand. The lawyer did his best to wriggle free.

‘Do you know that man, Vicki?’

‘Uh huh,’ Vicki responded, wiping her nose on her sleeve.

Ava reached behind her for the pile of tissues kept for such emergencies, knowing Tripp was a closet germaphobe. He and the lawyer both, by the look of it.

‘One more clip,’ Tripp persisted. ‘Perhaps have a sip of that tea, help calm you down, before I ask you any more questions.’