‘Not so far as we know.’

‘And would we be right in understanding that there are large sums of money to be made in dealing in illegal drugs?’

‘Undoubtedly. Some people make a very large profit.’

‘And are some people prepared to use violence to protect their financial interests?’

‘Certainly.’

‘So, Kevin Boyle was a man who probably had a number of enemies who would be men capable of using significant violence to further their own ends?’

‘That’s fair.’

‘Did Mr Boyle have a man working for him by the name of Thomas McGarry?’

‘Yes.’

‘Would it be fair to describe him as a minder, a bodyguard?’

‘Yes.’

‘Someone who was paid to be with Mr Boyle, to look after him, shall we say?’

‘I suppose so.’

‘Where is Mr McGarry?’

‘I do not know.’

‘Have the police been looking for him?’

‘Don’t answer that question, please.’

The Depute was on his feet.

‘My Lord, I object to this. I do not know what my learned friend is suggesting, but if he is seeking to implicate this man McGarry in some way, then he has lodged no special defence of incrimination against him.’

‘My Lord, I am not suggesting anything. I am simply asking about the whereabouts of someone one might have expected to be near Mr Boyle at the time of the incident.’

‘Mr Muirhead, I cannot ever remember you asking a question in which you were not suggesting anything. I will allow you to proceed, but I will be keeping a very careful watch on the direction in which this is going.’

His Lordship could smell a rat when one scampered across his court.

‘I am, as ever, very much obliged to your Lordship for his forbearance and indulgence.’

‘Just get on with it.’

‘Well, Superintendent?’

‘We have been looking for Mr McGarry since the death of Kevin Boyle. So far we have found no trace of him.’

‘Does he have an accent, so far as you know?’

‘Yes. Irish.’

‘Thank you.’

Muirhead walked towards his seat, nodding sagely as he went.

‘Oh, just one other matter. Your former colleague, DI Taylor, committed suicide, tragically?’

‘Tragically, yes.’

‘During the course of this trial?’

‘Yes.’

‘After the witness Samuel McPhee had given evidence?’

‘Yes.’

‘Did you become aware of the allegations made by Mr McPhee to the effect that he had been threatened or at least pressured by police officers?’

‘Yes.’

‘Was DI Taylor investigating these allegations?’

‘On my instructions, yes.’

The animated conversation in the jury box and public gallery was interrupted by the Advocate Depute rising to re-examine.

‘Mr McAllister, you say that Kevin Boyle would have had a number of enemies among the criminal fraternity?’

‘That is correct, yes.’

‘Would these enemies include Charlie Gallagher, the accused? The man charged with his murder?’

‘I believe so, yes.’

‘Thank you, Superintendent.’

‘Members of the jury. Lunch.’

The door to the retiring room was slammed with such force it nearly bounced off its hinges.

‘Christ, James, why?’