The Police Scotland HQ was situated right on the edge of town, off an open stretch of bypass road with misty hills and the looming shape of Ben Nevis dominating the background and nothing but empty fields opposite. A large car park separated the building from the road. It was after eight a.m. when Jeff passed the car park entrance, slowing down so he and Tuesday could take in the scene.

A number of vehicles were already there as officers and station staff reported for work. Sure enough, Grace’s old green Land Rover was among them, mud-spattered and incongruous next to her co-workers’ shiny newer saloons and hatchbacks. And just as expected, not far away from the Landy the black Range Rover was parked. The tinted windows hid its occupants from sight, but Jeff and Tuesday were sure the two watchers were sitting inside it, observing the station entrance.

Jeff rolled on by, drove a little further up the road and found a layby next to some unmanned roadworks where a battered old Transit van wouldn’t look out of place.

Tuesday was still fretting. ‘Great, so she’s here and so are we, but how the hell can we make contact with her?’

‘We’re just going to have to improvise,’ Jeff said. He tore open a sandwich pack from his bag of provisions. ‘Breakfast?’

‘What’ve we got?’

‘Anything you like, as long as it’s ham and egg.’

‘Guess I’ll have ham and egg.’

More waiting, more watching. Jeff and Tuesday took turns observing the car park and the building through Reaper’s compact binoculars. Vehicles arrived at the police station. Others left. People went in and out of the entrance, some in uniform, others in civilian clothes. Grace didn’t appear. The black Range Rover just sat there, no sign of movement from within. The watchers didn’t seem concerned that anyone might come out to question what they were doing there.

Midday came. The inside of the van grew hot. Jeff produced a bottle of spring water and said, ‘Ye need tae hydrate, laddie.’

‘Knock off the accent, will you? It hurts my ears.’

‘Touchy.’

They kept watching the building, knowing that they could be here for some time. But then, at 12.27 p.m., Tuesday nudged Jeff’s arm and said, ‘She’s coming out.’