He, the lawyer, had decided Gallagher, the accused, would not give evidence. He had made sure that the man could not give evidence. Charlie would never have a more difficult choice to make, and Muirhead had taken the decision for him. Now he would have to live with it. They would both have to live with it. But for only one of them were the consequences very real.

He thought of Gallagher and shivered.

Two men from opposite backgrounds, with different lifestyles, linked together and sharing one common bond. At this moment in time, they were each very much alone.

The metallic voice – again.

‘Thank you for calling 0686 174 582. Please leave your message after the tone.’

‘Look, I’m getting seriously pissed off leaving messages on this damned thing. Will you make contact with me – like yesterday? I have to talk to you. Things can be sorted out. Just give me a call. Eh, please.’

The caller banged down the handset.

‘Where are you, you bastard, and what the fuck are you up to?’

The phone was snatched up and a number angrily dialled.

‘Any sign of him?’

‘Nothing. All the boys have been out looking. We’ve left word everywhere we can think of. He’s gone to ground and is staying there.’

‘I want him underground and the sooner the better.’

‘He’ll surface soon. When he does, we’ll get him. He’s not going anywhere.’

‘He has gone somewhere. Somewhere you can’t find him, apparently.’

‘Relax. He’s no threat. He can’t get to you with the boys around you and he’s hardly likely to run to the polis, is he? If he stays hidden – no problem. When he surfaces – problem solved.’

‘I don’t want the problem solved. I want it and him eliminated – as in permanently.’

‘Who do you want eliminated?’

‘What?’

‘I asked you who you want eliminated?’

‘I didn’t hear you come in.’

‘That’s obvious. Now tell me what you were talking about. And don’t lie to me.’

‘Nothing to worry about. It’s just a bit of business. I’m taking care of it.’

‘Don’t patronise me. I’ve told you before that I’ve kept my mouth shut for far too long. No more. I want to know what’s going on. If you don’t tell me I WILL make it my business to find out. It’s taking care of business that has got us into this mess. Now, what the hell’s going on?’

‘There’s nothing for you to worry about.’

‘Jesus Christ! Just tell me!’

‘I’ve never heard you swear before.’

‘Maybe not, but you’ve heard it now. There’s going to be many new things around here, starting right now. So tell me, what is going on?’

‘It’s McGarry. I think he could cause us some trouble. Serious trouble.’

‘Us?’