She stood for a moment watching the sun as it sank in the sea, knowing the likelihood would be that she would have left Orkney before the longest day. Glasgow, she realized, would be only the first stop. After that, it would be London. She would have to make arrangements for Mark’s funeral. Deal with his estate, because he had, she knew, left everything to her in the event of his death ‘in the field’, he used to say. Even after they’d split up, that hadn’t changed.

Besides, the Go Wild investigation hadn’t ended with his death or her release of material. In fact, it had barely begun.

72

Stepping out of the train, McNab took a deep breath of Glasgow air. He’d always considered the countryside as his pet hate, but his trip to the Big Smoke had proved he just didn’t like being anywhere outside his home city.

He could have arranged for a squad car to pick him up, but chose instead to get a taxi. That way he could be brought up to date with the world in general, via the driver’s patter, in the fifteen minutes it took him to reach the station.

‘Ah kent you were the polis as soon as you climbed in ma cab,’ he was told as he paid his fare.

McNab didn’t ask him how.

The desk sergeant, acting as though a welcome ghost had just walked in, informed him he was delighted to see him back.

Absence definitely did make the heart grow fonder, he thought. God, even Janice couldn’t quash the smile that lit up her face when he came through the door. McNab could only hope Ellie’s reaction would be the same when he finally got round to seeing her.

‘So, partner,’ McNab said, as he took his seat, ‘what’s been happening in my absence?’

‘We have Steven Willis in custody.’

McNab was delighted to hear it. ‘How did that happen?’

‘We put his picture on Twitter and a former girlfriend called the station. Told us where “the bastard”, as she put it, was holed up. Needless to say, he wasn’t pleased to see us. He denies ever having been near the scene. Didn’t know the girl. Never heard of Go Wild. He’s lying, but obviously terrified of repercussions if he does talk.’

‘So he should be,’ McNab said. ‘If Go Wild get wind he’s been picked up, they’ll want him disposed of, and quickly. Where is he?’

‘Awaiting an interview with you,’ Janice told him. ‘So what’s your story?’

‘The posh fucker’s still out there. The man who set me free is in intensive care. Not sure if he’ll make it.’ McNab heard his voice break a little as he said the words he’d been trying to avoid even thinking.

‘So the Met did have someone inside?’ Janice said quietly, noting McNab’s reaction.