The mist still lingered, softening the hum of traffic on Byres Road. Stepping into Ashton Lane was like stepping into a ghost story. Free of vehicles, the only sound was of footsteps on the cobbles, their owners looming out of the mist to do a quick sidestep when they saw her.

No one sat at the outside tables because the mist was really a smirr, a Scottish rain that could not make up its mind to fall but hung on every droplet of air, just waiting.

The light and sound of the jazz club beckoned her down the stairs. She recalled the last time she’d been here, going to meet Ava, with McNab following on behind. A short time ago, in which too much had happened.

On the way here, she had made up her mind about one thing, at least. Depriving her forensic assistant of information regarding her recent examination of the stowaway’s room had to stop. It wasn’t professional, nor was it fair.

Chrissy could keep a secret, probably better than she could. Plus Chrissy’s advice at times such as these had in the past proved invaluable. Bill hadn’t ordered her not to tell Chrissy about Nadia, just stressed that they should keep it between themselves. And Chrissy was, without doubt, one of them.

Relieved at her decision, Rhona entered the room with a lighter heart, which was quickly noted by Chrissy.

‘Here to spill the beans?’ she said, a twinkle in her eye. ‘Good.’ She indicated the large glass of chilled white wine awaiting Rhona. ‘I thought I was going to have to ply you with drink first.’

She laughed when Rhona got to the bit about the dog hairs. ‘I knew they were dog hairs, even from the photos. So how’d a dog come to be aboard?’

The rest of the story came out then, to include Ava’s new house guest, which brought a low whistle from Chrissy.

‘And you’ve read Ava’s interview with the girl?’

Rhona nodded. ‘So has Bill.’

‘None of which was mentioned at the strategy meeting?’

Rhona shook her head.

Chrissy fell silent, her face clouding over again. She was, Rhona thought, considering what part McNab had played in all of this.

‘Think I’ll head home now,’ Chrissy said. ‘Give McNab’s namesake a hug.’

She gave Rhona one too before she left. ‘You’ll be all right here on your own?’

‘Sean’s here. We’re off out to eat shortly,’ Rhona told her.

‘Good.’ Chrissy approved of that.

Sean had obviously been watching for Chrissy’s departure, because he arrived on cue.

‘You ready now?’ he asked.

Rhona nodded. ‘Ready and hungry.’