Rebus was busy reading the note. It was a telephone message. A doll had been found in Falls.

‘A doll?’ he said.

She nodded. ‘I want you to go take a look.’

Rebus burst out laughing. ‘You’re having me on.’ But when he looked up, her face was blank. ‘Is this my punishment?’

‘For what?’

‘I don’t know. Maybe for being drunk in front of John Balfour.’

‘I’m not that petty.’

‘I’m beginning to wonder.’

She stared at him. ‘Go on, I’m listening.’

‘Ellen Wylie.’

‘What about her?’

‘She didn’t deserve it.’

‘You’re a fan of hers then?’

‘She didn’t deserve it.’

She cocked a hand to her ear. ‘Is there an echo in here?’

‘I’ll keep saying it till you start listening.’

There was silence in the room as they held one another’s stare. When the phone rang, Gill seemed inclined not to answer. Eventually she reached out a hand, eyes still locked on Rebus.

‘Yes?’ She listened for a moment. ‘Yes, sir. I’ll be there.’ She broke eye contact to put the phone down, sighed heavily. ‘I have to go,’ she told Rebus. ‘I’ve a meeting with the ACC. Just go to Falls, will you?’

‘Wouldn’t want to get under your feet.’

‘The doll was in a coffin, John.’ She sounded tired all of a sudden.

‘A kids’ prank,’ he said.

‘Maybe.’

He checked the note again. ‘It says here Falls is East Lothian. Let Haddington or somewhere take it.’

‘I want you to take it.’

‘You’re not serious. It’s a joke, right? Like telling me I tried chatting you up? Like telling me I was to see a doctor?’

She shook her head. ‘Falls isn’t just in East Lothian, John. It’s where the Balfours live.’ She gave him time for this to sink in. ‘And you’ll be getting that appointment any day …’