McNab swore under his breath, knowing the MOD would be all over this now like a rash.

‘His quick transfer here was in the hope that we might get a statement before the MOD come for him. So get what you can before that happens, Detective Sergeant.’

McNab stood unseen behind the glass and observed the man Seven had referred to as the Scorpion. A call to Rhona as he awaited the arrival of the prisoner had furnished him with considerable detail on this man’s activities, both here and in Afghanistan.

If what Seven – McNab mentally corrected himself – what Lexi had told Rhona was true, it was obvious why Corporal Dempsey had believed her to be a risk to both his smuggling enterprise and his freedom. Hence his attempt on her life.

‘She wouldn’t talk about her captivity in Afghanistan, but something terrible happened there that changed everything for her, and in particular how she viewed her commanding officer.’

Rhona had ground to a halt then, her voice heavy with emotion, and McNab suspected that if anyone could have any inkling about what it felt like to be held against their will, it was Rhona.

McNab had changed the subject at that point, asking about the two remaining soldiers.

‘Lexi said they would have carried out Dempsey’s orders, left the island and reported for duty.’

‘The burnt-out jeep?’

‘I would suspect so,’ Rhona had said. ‘Lexi didn’t know the details.’

‘So the MOD will have them by now?’ McNab had sworn under his breath.

Rhona repeated what the boss had just said. ‘They’ll come for Dempsey and Lexi too. It’s only a matter of time.’

Dempsey didn’t look up as McNab and Janice entered and introduced themselves, but waited until they’d taken their seats opposite him at the table. McNab took time to study the face more closely now. The stillness, the direct eye engagement, the almost bored attitude suggested they were unlikely to be offered anything of interest from Corporal Dempsey. He was right.

‘You are required to inform the MOD of my arrest.’

McNab shrugged his shoulders as though he didn’t give a damn about such niceties and asked a question instead. ‘What do you know of the Sandman?’

‘The Sandman?’ Dempsey repeated, a smirk playing the corners of his mouth.

‘The Scorpion and the Sandman.’ McNab feigned surprise. ‘Looks like you’re the one who got stung. And you a soldier, too.’ McNab sat back, arms folded, and smiled. ‘Now a woman, that’s a much easier target, don’t you think? Fuck them and kill them. Easy-peasy.’

Dempsey’s face darkened and McNab wondered for a moment if he’d hit home, so he took another shot.

‘Seven told us what you did to her in Afghanistan. MOD will really like to hear that story.’

‘She’s a fucking liar. I got her out of that hellhole. I got them all out.’