The guy stared at him. ‘You’re really asking me if I’ve heard folk fucking next door? Well, the answer’s yes, as I’m sure they’ve heard me at it too.’

‘The reports suggest it was of a violent nature. Screaming and moaning?’ Even as he heard himself say the words, he knew what would happen.

‘Sex can sound that way at times,’ the man said with a knowing grin. He’d relaxed now over his fear of getting busted, and was enjoying himself.

‘Do you know who owns or rents the flat?’

‘The uniforms who interviewed us already asked us that and the answer is no one knows. But there’s definitely a big footfall. Maybe an Airbnb? Then again, who would want to stay here for a weekend break?’

Heading down the stairs, McNab wondered if Jimmy had set him up. Anything to keep his company for a bit longer. He met the cat on the way, heading upwards, intent on what? Peeing on the top landing? Glancing up, he saw Lucifer staring down at him through the bars, a malevolent glint in his eye.

McNab got quickly out of the way, just in case Lucifer’s latest spray of urine was directed at him.

Back on the bike, his stomach reminded him how late it was. His day, he accepted, had evaporated and he was no further forward on anything. He contemplated returning to the office to report just that, or alternatively head for the chippy and satisfy one hunger at least.

Did he decide to go by the tattoo parlour or did the bike take him there of its own free will? Whichever it was, that’s where he found himself. This time the place was in darkness. So no one was in there getting inked, or laid, by Ellie.

He pulled up alongside to answer his phone, hoping against hope that it might be Ellie, while knowing full well that it wouldn’t be. There was a female name on the screen, however. It just wasn’t the one he wanted. Still smarting from his previous thought, he answered.

‘Michael? It’s Mary. How are you doing?’

‘Good,’ he said, even though it wasn’t true.

‘How’s the Harley going?’

The Harley you gifted me, you mean, McNab thought, but didn’t say.

‘Great, thanks. On it now.’

‘Glad to hear it.’ She sounded pleased. ‘I wondered if you fancied an Italian and a catch-up soon?’

It was something he’d promised her, but reneged on. Because of Ellie, a wee voice reminded.

‘Sure thing. When?’

‘Later tonight?’

McNab contemplated the evening stretching ahead with only thoughts of Ellie and Baldy and sexual shenanigans to fill it, and made a decision.

‘Okay. Text me where and when. I’ll be there.’

16