‘The sea stayed rough in the aftermath of Storm Birka, even in Scapa Flow. Plus the water’s currently around eight degrees,’ Erling said. ‘A seasoned swimmer might cope with rough seas and a low water temperature, but they’d have to find shelter quickly if they were to make it to shore.’

Bill came back in. ‘Let’s take another look at the Orlova and question the locals in case we’ve missed something.’

Next up was Ollie with a map of all the countries he believed Go Wild might be working in and how they publicized their games.

‘There are an estimated 2.7 billion gamers across the globe. And embedding subliminal links to advertise real death games provided by companies such as Go Wild is a huge money-making exercise.’

He brought up a sample advert for such a gaming holiday, emphasizing the way in which participants might physically engage via virtual software to fight, maim or kill an opponent, supplied by Go Wild at a cost.

‘Their guarantee is that there will be no comeback, whatever the level you participate at. DS McNab got his injuries by stepping in to stop a fight he believed might result in death.’

There was a murmur from the crowd. Now McNab’s injuries didn’t seem so amusing.

‘Have we ID’d either of the fighters?’ a voice asked from the floor.

‘We’re working on it,’ DS Wilson told him.

As the crowd dispersed, Bill waved Rhona over.

‘We need to talk,’ he said, ushering her into his office and closing the door. ‘McNab told me about your meeting with Ava Clouston.’

‘He mentioned what she said about DI Cleverly?’ Rhona immediately asked.

She could tell by Bill’s expression that the name hadn’t come up in their conversation.

‘What about Cleverly?’ Bill asked.

Rhona couldn’t lie, not to Bill. ‘Ava said that Mark Sylvester, her colleague, wanted us warned that the detective the Met sent up wasn’t to be trusted.’

Bill gave a half-smile at that. ‘McNab managed to convey his concerns about some of the Met’s non-cooperation on this without pointing the finger at anyone in particular.’

‘He’s gone to London?’

‘Ah, I see the McInsh telegraph’s been at work,’ Bill said. ‘We’re keen to know what the hold-up on the fire victim’s ID is all about. The Met seem to be hampering that. I suspect it’s because there are a number of high-profile names on Go Wild’s books, so we need to tread carefully on this one. We have no intention of allowing this investigation to be taken out of our hands. Let me know if you receive any requests to share forensic evidence outwith Police Scotland.’ He added, ‘I’m assuming you’re in touch with Ava Clouston?’

Rhona nodded.

‘If she reveals anything else or asks any questions, let me know. McNab’s due back tomorrow morning. Things might be clearer by then.’

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