‘We’ve found a match via dental records for Charlotte Weiner, a missing student at the London School of Economics,’ the boss had said.

It appeared Olivia’s belongings were left at the scene to suggest it was her. ‘Why, we don’t know,’ Bill had said. ‘Unless they wanted her to disappear, presumed dead. Folk still think that fire destroys everything,’ he’d finished.

McNab checked the time. He had fifteen minutes before he should log on for the strategy meeting, when apparently Ollie was going to reveal what had been retrieved from the gaming equipment on board the Orlova. There was, however, still time to make the call he’d been putting off, despite Rhona’s reminder when they’d spoken earlier.

Listening to it ring out, part of him hoped it wouldn’t be answered. When it was, he said nothing for a moment, forgetting that his name wouldn’t be on the screen because he wasn’t using his own phone.

‘Hi, Ellie, it’s Michael.’

The moment’s silence that followed saw his heart slowing to what felt like a stop.

Then, ‘Michael. Thank goodness you’re okay. I called Rhona when I couldn’t reach you. She said you were away on a job.’

‘Yes, sorry about that. My phone died.’

‘It’s about a date for the dinner party you mentioned. I expect it can’t be decided until you’re back from wherever you went?’ she said, a smile in her voice.

Over the course of her words, McNab’s heartbeat had risen first to normal, then above. Ellie actually sounded pleased to hear from him. She wanted to see him again.

‘True,’ McNab said.

‘So you’ll let me know when you’re back in Glasgow?’

‘I will,’ he promised.

After a short silence, she said, ‘Please stay safe, Michael.’

In that sweet moment McNab imagined maybe, just maybe, they might be back on firmer ground.

‘You too,’ he said, adding, ‘I’ll definitely give you a call when I get back, if that’s okay?’

‘Yes. It is.’

He found himself smiling, which felt strange, and also reminded him that parts of his face weren’t fully healed yet.

Thank God Ellie hadn’t suggested they have a video call.

65

Bill called them to order, then explained that DS McNab would be joining the strategy meeting from London.

When McNab’s face appeared on the big screen, there were a few whistles of approval, even one or two wolf whistles, belying the state of his face.

Apart from that, Rhona thought, he looks okay.

‘Stupid bastard,’ Janice announced beside her. ‘When he gets back, I’m going to kill him.’

Rhona understood the sentiment. ‘I’ll help you,’ she said.

Ollie was now up on stage and, in his usual, hesitant fashion, described what they were about to see.