Vestey loaded the weapon and made it ready before handing it to Tom, his forefinger pointing at the safety catch for him to see. ‘There’s a round in the chamber and the safety catch is on.’

It felt warm as if it had been recently used.

Tom took up his position, raised the weapon and looked down the sights. He thumbed down the safety, let his aim drift slightly wide and fired.

The first round missed the target altogether.

‘Shit.’

‘Take your time,’ said Vestey, with a hint of weariness.

Tom aimed again, slightly closer this time. The bullet hit about three inches left of centre target. Again, he aimed slightly wide. This time it went four inches left of centre. His next three shots did no better.

Tom passed the weapon back to him. ‘Go on, then. Show me how it’s done.’

Philips gave Tom another of his anxious looks. But Vestey just shrugged. ‘Okay.’

He held the gun like a pro, like it was part of him, brought it up, aimed and fired. The first was an inch off, the second another inch.

‘Good skills,’ murmured Philips, as if a compliment was required to fill the silence.

Vestey remained in his position, fired five more times. None of them came as close.

‘Okay, give me one more chance.’ Vestey handed the weapon back to Tom. This time he got centre mass.

‘That’s better.’ The next one hit right home as well. He lowered the weapon and offered it back to Vestey. ‘Want to match me?’

Vestey’s eyes didn’t meet his. ‘Time I was getting back. Got another group in a minute.’ He turned and headed back the way they had come.

Outside, Philips lit a cigarette. ‘Sorry he wasn’t more forthcoming.’

‘I hope I didn’t wind him up.’

‘You’ve got to remember, for the people here, a lot of water’s flowed under the bridge. We have to accommodate all sorts.’

Tom spied Jackman coming towards them.

‘Sorry to butt in, gents, but the boss asks if we could swing by Redditch. That’s if you can spare the time.’

‘Is he at the hostel?’

‘He’s meeting the police there in an hour.’

Chapter 28

28

Redditch

Rolt was standing with a group of cops, some in uniform, others in hooded white overalls. Firemen were removing their kit. A group of noisy onlookers was being kept well away behind a tape. Some carried placards: Fuck off home and blow up your own people.

Rolt broke away and came towards Tom. ‘Care to have a look?’

Tom shook his head, disgusted by the carnage. ‘Expect the cops don’t want too many tramping around their crime scene.’

‘Yeah, but you’ve seen the effects of more bombs than any of them.’

‘It’s confirmed, then?’

He nodded, then shivered. ‘It’s only when you see it that the true horror hits you, doesn’t it?’