God, now she would have to face not only a forensic psychologist, but a detective as well.

Two thoughts had accompanied her on the drive back from the Clouston farm. The first and most important was that the girl from the ship had to be protected at all costs. The second was that Ava’s suggestion of involving Glasgow might have merit. The decision on both of those she would now pass to Bill.

A final thought assailed her as she drew up behind the police car. I have to decide what to tell Chrissy. And Chrissy of all people knew her well enough, both by her expression and her voice, to recognize when she was avoiding the truth.

No one appeared to have noted her return as yet, so Rhona took her chance. If she could tell Bill the truth, it might be easier to face those indoors with a lie. Praying for a quick response, Rhona rang Bill’s number.

‘Rhona.’ He sounded relieved to hear from her. ‘How’d it go today?’

‘There was a stowaway,’ she confirmed. ‘A female. Her name is Nadia Kowalski.’

Rhona told him word for word what she and Ava had discussed. When she’d finished, there followed a moment’s silence, before Bill said, ‘Don’t repeat this to anyone, including Erling and Magnus. The fewer folk know about the girl’s whereabouts, the better.’ He paused. ‘When are you back?’

‘I’ll come with the body in the morning. Any more news on McNab?’ Rhona said.

‘No. I’m beginning to hope he’s gone rogue after all.’

The admission, Rhona knew, showed just how worried Bill was.

‘Let’s talk when you’re back,’ he said, before ending the call.

Rhona breathed a sigh of relief. The call to Chrissy, she would delay until she was inside.

She found Erling and Magnus drinking coffee in the kitchen. Both men turned expectantly on her entrance.

Rhona immediately focused on the reason for Erling’s presence. Sounding concerned, she said, ‘Is everything okay for tomorrow morning?’

‘It is,’ Erling assured her. ‘I just came in to say that I’ll pick you up at eight.’

‘Good. I’ve just spoken to DI Wilson and brought him up to date.’

In the short silence that followed, and before she could make her getaway upstairs, Magnus asked how it had gone with Ava.

‘Okay. Better than last night anyway,’ Rhona offered.

The two faces suggested that wasn’t enough, so Rhona added, ‘She wanted to talk to me in private about a piece she was writing on front-line workers and PTSD. She’d read up about the sin-eater case and wanted to feature my experience.’

Magnus looked slightly taken aback by this. ‘Did she mention this last night?’

‘She broached the subject, yes,’ Rhona lied. ‘That was the reason for the awkward atmosphere when you walked in on us.’