‘We can’t assist. Last time I went in there, he tried to shoot me. Sergeant Healy might be your best chance.’

‘Are you confident to approach the house?’ the ERU chief asked. ‘We can get you kitted out and there’ll be full support from all sides.’

Healy nodded, clearly anxious to provide aid.

The rain had stopped and Tom and Ray sat resting against the bonnet of the jeep. They had the frustrating job now of waiting. There was nothing else they could do.

‘Do you think it’s him?’ Ray asked.

‘I hope it is,’ Tom said. ‘It’s the only reason I can think of for his reacting like that. And I hope he hasn’t done a runner.’

His phone rang. It was Louise.

‘I’m safe,’ he said immediately upon answering. He’d texted her to tell her where he was so she wouldn’t be alarmed when she heard the news.

‘Are you still there?’

‘Outside. The ERU have gone in.’

‘Can’t you leave?’ she asked. ‘Why are you hanging around?’

‘It’s my job, pet. The lads will get it sorted.’

‘Tom Reynolds, you are to come home safe tonight. Do you hear me? I’m packing the car and we’re on our way back to Dublin.’

‘We’ll be fine,’ he answered. ‘I love you.’

‘I love you too.’

Ray looked at his own phone, a shit-eating grin spreading across his face.

‘What has you so happy?’ the inspector asked.

‘I sent Laura a text. I’ve three missed calls and a message asking if I’m okay. You’ve fallen off the map, you don’t even get a look-in. Who knew getting shot at could generate such good luck?’

‘Ring her back, you silly bugger.’

He watched as Ray slinked off, phone to his ear, beaming.

Jim Knowles signalled and the inspector walked over to the ERU command post, set up in the back of one of their vans. The communications radio was issuing static as the back-up officers waited for information from the scene.

It crackled as it came to life.

‘Sergeant Bart Healy is in situ and approaching. He’s calling out to house … he’s announced himself.’

There was silence, each of those present holding their breaths and all praying they wouldn’t hear gunfire. The inspector was unsure about Healy, but he didn’t want the man to come to any harm. Especially considering the bravery he was displaying.

‘Somebody is shouting back. Yes – suspect is in the house. He’s engaging with officer.’

Silence again.

‘Hold steady.’

Silence.

‘Officer is speaking. Suspect is quiet.’

Static.

‘Okay, lads. Keep alert. Officer has asked suspect to emerge. Suspect has confirmed he is coming to the front door.’

Tom could feel his heart thumping.

‘Door opening … suspect in frame. He’s empty-handed. I repeat, empty-handed. All eyes stay trained.’

Static.