‘Paula. An ace job, don’t you think? It’s surprising how getting tarted up changes your mindset. It’s a bit like when I was in uniform. Somehow wearing it made me braver.’

‘Is McNab in yet?’ Rhona said, indicating his empty desk.

‘He was here when I arrived. Not sure he got much, if any, sleep. He’s in with the boss. A confab before the meeting. You all set?’

Rhona nodded.

‘Okay, shall we go in together?’

The atmosphere in the room had changed dramatically since she’d last been here. Getting a result always had that effect. Like winning the lottery, it lifted everyone’s spirits.

Rhona had already had a brief résumé from Chrissy about what had gone down last night. Her forensic assistant had been agog with it over their joint breakfast.

Once she’d told Rhona her version, Rhona had been able to fill her in on Ava’s phone call and McNab’s visit.

Chrissy had given her a knowing look at that point.

‘What?’ Rhona had remonstrated with her.

‘Nothing . . . just that when he’s worried about something, you’re always his first port of call.’

Maybe in the past, she’d insisted, when McNab was playing the maverick game, but less so now that he’d been partnered with Janice.

‘Aye, right,’ had been Chrissy’s closing retort.

That riposte sprang to mind as McNab climbed on stage to a round of applause and made a point of checking out the audience until his gaze found her, which resulted in a smile.

‘He told me you gave him a hard time about Ava,’ Janice said. ‘Looks like you’re forgiven.’

‘McNab infuriates me most of the time,’ Rhona said.

‘You and me both.’ Janice gave a wry smile. ‘But I also know he always has my back.’

And mine, Rhona thought.

Calling them to order, Bill said, ‘As you are no doubt aware, last night’s operation was a success. We now have three suspects in custody. Hugo Radcliff, known to most of you by DS McNab’s nickname of the posh fucker . . .’ He paused as the laughter erupted, then, silencing it, continued. ‘As you may also recall, this is the man who knocked out DS McNab earlier in this case. What you might not know is that he tried to do it again last night. Fortunately, on this occasion, the detective sergeant took my advice and ran away to fight another day.’

More laughter as Bill gave McNab a pat on the back. The highest of praise indeed.