‘The Maclure case is closed from our perspective. We now know that he was a regular visitor to Fenella Hawksmith’s ward when she was an inpatient, although he never treated her. Same thing with Jon Moffat. It’s a useful lesson in throwing the net wider for future investigations. Astrid Borde has been positively identified in connection with the murders of both Bruce Jenson and Gilroy Western. DI Graham will finalise his report shortly, but Miss Borde’s obsession with DI Callanach seems to have been the motivating factor in both murders.’

That was all she needed to say. Astrid’s DNA was a match for the blood spot on Gilroy Western’s engine and the footage of her at Jenson’s nursing home was all the conclusion needed to close the case. Thankfully, forensic testing hadn’t shown any DNA link between Callanach and Bruce Jenson, avoiding both the need for an awkward explanation to Pax Graham, and breaking that particular bombshell to Callanach.

‘What we actually need to talk about today is a new case,’ Ava continued. ‘Interpol has approached us with information that there appears to be a substantial flow of human traffic moving into Edinburgh through mainland Europe, highly organised. MIT are providing backup for Interpol’s investigation; although it’s very much an international effort. DI Graham’ll be heading up day-to-day operations here.’

As one, every head turned to look at Callanach. The obvious question hung in the air.

‘I’ve asked DI Callanach to handle matters as the Scottish police liaison to Interpol, based in Lyon. Given his experience with Interpol, that made the most sense. He’ll be leaving for France later today, so if anyone has any matters to discuss with him, you have a couple of hours.’

‘How long?’ Lively asked gruffly.

Ava hadn’t even noticed him in the corner.

‘How long what?’ Ava queried.

‘How long will we be without one of our DIs?’ Lively clarified, getting to his feet. He was red-faced and looked nothing like the habitual piss-taker they were all used to.

‘For as long as the investigation’s active.’ Ava coughed slightly. ‘It’s a major international case, so we’re making contingency plans for DI Callanach to be away from us for several months. In the meantime, you and DS Tripp’ll be asked to step into his shoes.’

The room was horribly quiet. Ava tried desperately to think of a way to lighten the atmosphere and came up blank.

‘The good news is, the French have better taste than you bastards, so I’ll finally get some of the adulation I’m entitled to,’ Callanach intervened to smiles all round.

Ava did her best to join in.

‘I know you’ll miss me, so I’ll be signing photos in my office for the next hour.’

That earned him a few whoops.

Ava waited for calm.