‘I’ll organise a police guard. Someone who will stay here all night.’

‘Can’t you stay?’

Despite herself, and Jamie’s brush with death, Archer smiles. ‘I’ve got work to do.’

‘No rest for the hero of the hour.’

The nurse enters the cubicle. ‘He needs to rest now.’

Archer nods. ‘I’ll come back in the morning.’

‘I’d like that.’

‘We’ll be moving you to the Urgent Care ward, Mr Blackwell. There is a private room there, which is free for now. Would you like that?’ she asks.

‘That would be wonderful, Denise. How are the views?’

‘If you like car parks you won’t be disappointed.’

‘I can’t wait. Thank you.’

‘You’re very welcome.’

Archer calls for a police guard and hovers outside the A&E department waiting for the guard to arrive. Ten minutes pass with no show and she exits the corridor relieved to be shot of the oppressive smell of disinfectant. In the cold dark car park she takes her phone and scrolls to Quinn’s number.

She hesitates for a moment and then calls him.

‘Hi,’ says Quinn.

‘Seems we were wrong about Faulkner.’

Quinn sighs. ‘Back to the drawing board.’

‘They were planted. The mask. The spray cans.’

‘Aye. Sneaky wee bastard. Whoever he is.’

‘How’s it going?’ she asks.

‘Fun times. We scoured the premises but found nothing yet. SOCO are there. The entire place is sealed off.’

‘That’s good . . .’

‘Hicks has already left.’

‘Oh . . .’

‘I know. Some shite excuse about his wife being ill. Complete bollocks. He was looking a bit peaky before he hurried off. No stomach for this sort of thing.’

‘No backbone,’ says Archer.

‘That too. Tozer and Phillips are back at Merrick’s house. He’s not there, which isn’t unexpected. How’s the patient?’

‘Doing well. He needs to rest.’

‘Did you talk to him?’

‘Not for very long.’

Archer sees a police car approach, with two uniformed officers inside. One is PC Simpson, the other is PC Neha Rei.

‘Did he have anything we can follow up on?’

‘He said the killer wore a rubber suit and a mask. He reckons @nonymous has an accent. Scottish or Irish.’

‘How sure is he?’

‘Hard to tell. He’s still in shock and just doesn’t realise it. There’ll be a lot going on in his head. Where’s Merrick from?’

‘Cornwall. He still has a Cornish accent.’

‘Perhaps Jamie got it wrong.’

‘Perhaps.’

‘Listen, Simpson is here to watch over him.’

‘OK.’

‘I have to go.’

‘Bye.’

PC Simpson is loitering nearby. Archer takes him inside to where Jamie is sleeping and instructs him to not leave his side.

‘I won’t let you down this time, ma’am. I promise.’

‘I’ll contact Sergeant Beattie and ensure someone takes over from you before dawn.’

‘Thank you.’

Chapter 46

46