‘That’s you,’ a voice told her, only it wasn’t Jack’s voice any more, but Mary’s.

‘Mary?’ Karen said. ‘What should I say?’

‘Tell them. Tell them everything.’

36

It was good to get out of the city. Although it was surprising how swiftly the urban landscape changed to open fields, speedily turning spring green. Glasgow was renowned for its parklands, but one of its attractions apart from the river was how quickly you could come within sight of the Scottish Highlands.

Magnus stayed on the dual carriageway until the roundabout north of Stirling, which allowed him a spectacular view of the castle atop its rock on his way past, the light catching the bright colour of the restored Great Hall. The beauty of the castle pointed to it as a royal residence, whereas Edinburgh Castle, although imposing, was in reality a military barracks built to house the Queen’s garrison in Scotland.

Heading back now towards town, he gained a closer view, the green of the foliage on the west side of the castle rise making clear they were heading for summer. There was a magical path there, he remembered, called the Back Walk, a way he’d like to take again.

Turning left before the grassy spread of King’s Knot, he passed to the left of the castle and headed into Raploch. He’d visited the community campus before, having met Pat Robertson there, after which she’d taken him to the church building that housed the recovery cafe meetings.

Finding a parking space, he locked the car and headed inside, turning left towards the cafe, drawn by the smell of coffee and the chatter of customers.

The room was busy. Looking around, he didn’t spot the imposing figure that was Marge, so he got himself a coffee and, since the scones came highly recommended, ordered one. Carrying his tray to a high table by the front window, where Marge might see him on entry, he took a seat and surveyed the clientele.

It was a professional habit of his, this fascination with people. DS McNab did it too. Magnus had watched him in action, although he felt that their desires to observe came from different perspectives. His being psychological, whereas McNab was eternally looking for lawbreakers, past and prospective.

Currently in the room were a group of women round a table dressed as though they might work in the building. Two younger women, dressed in workout gear. A couple of elderly men in conversation. A group of teenagers on their mobiles and a mother with three children. A good cross-section of the community.

‘Professor Pirie,’ a voice now boomed out across the room, much to the interest and amusement of those gathered there.

Whereas he’d been recently studying them, now Magnus became the centre of attention. It was obvious from the greetings that followed Marge’s advance that she was a ‘weel kent’ figure, and a popular one.

Magnus stood and extended his hand in greeting, which she ignored, giving him a hug instead.