Jimmy was either there in a flash or he’d spied their arrival via the street-facing window of the flat. As the door opened, there he was, a big smile on his face. ‘Sergeant McNab,’ he said, the smile widening at a double helping of police officers.

‘This is DI Cleverly from the Metropolitan Police,’ McNab told him.

Jimmy looked suitably impressed. ‘You’re very welcome here, sir. Come away in, both of you.’

McNab followed Jimmy through to the rear room expecting to find the big black cat in his usual spot at the window.

‘Where’s Lucifer?’ he said when he saw the place was empty.

‘Out on the prowl,’ Jimmy said. ‘He’ll be back soon, I expect. Tea or coffee, gents?’

McNab returned Cleverly’s questioning look with a little nod. ‘Coffee for me, Jimmy. Strong.’

‘And you, sir?’

‘Same as DS McNab, thanks.’

When Jimmy headed for the kitchen, Cleverly said, under his breath, ‘You two are very pally. Sure he’s not got you coming back just for company?’

‘It was you who asked to speak to him,’ McNab reminded him.

‘So I’ll ask the questions,’ Cleverly said.

‘Here we go.’ Jimmy set a tray down with the three mugs. ‘Celtic for Sergeant McNab, Rangers for me. No idea who you support, Inspector, so I’ve given you my Scotland mug,’ he announced with a twinkle in his eye.

Cleverly was still wearing his serious look, which didn’t budge at Jimmy’s wee joke.

‘Okay, Jimmy. Give me your story.’

Jimmy set off. ‘Well, it was the night of the big storm. Me and Lucifer were in here at the window waiting for the roof to take off. That’s when I saw the flames and—’

‘Nothing before?’ Cleverly interrupted. ‘She must have arrived out there before the fire started,’ he insisted in a voice that suggested he didn’t believe Jimmy. ‘And you have a clear view of the back exit from here if you were, as you say, seated at that window.’

‘I wasn’t actually at the window,’ Jimmy said. ‘I was sitting on the couch.’

‘So you weren’t at the window?’

‘I went to the window when I saw the flames.’ Jimmy looked confused. ‘It all happened so fast.’

‘How did you know it was a person on fire?’

Jimmy’s face crumpled. ‘The screaming. It was terrible. That’s when I took out the blanket.’

‘So you saw no one out there along with the victim?’

McNab watched as Jimmy struggled with the question.

‘I might have seen someone in the light from the close.’

‘You never mentioned that before, Jimmy,’ McNab said.

‘I’m sorry. The police lassie was here. I didn’t want to frighten her. I didn’t mention the sex games thing either.’

‘Mention it now,’ Cleverly said.