“We are following a number of lines of enquiry in respect to the unlawful killings of the Reverend Simon McLean, Minister of St Cuthbert’s; Oscar Anderson, gamekeeper at the Mhor Estate; and Sheriff Anthony McCallum, owner of same estate. It is also my sad duty to inform you that my predecessor, Detective Inspector Brian Rankin, took his own life this afternoon.” He waited for the hubbub to quieten before continuing.

“I am unable to tell you much about the enquiry for operational reasons, but I can tell you that we are also investigating allegations of historic child abuse at the local orphanage which was run by the Sisters of Holy Mercy prior to 2000. We have been provided with the names of individuals that we will be wanting to interview and are asking for anyone who either stayed or worked at the orphanage to get in touch with us.”

“Is this connected to the murders, Inspector?”

“We have reason to believe that there is a strong connection between the murders and whatever happened at the orphanage, yes.”

“Were any of the victims involved?”

“All murder victims, as well as retired Detective Inspector Brian Rankin, had regular involvement with the orphanage.”

“Had they been accused of abuse, Inspector?”

“I’m unable to answer that question.”

“Do you have a suspect for the murders, Inspector? Are you not worried that more deaths may occur until you catch the murderer?”

“We are pursuing several lines of enquiry, that’s all I can tell you at the moment. Thank you for your time.”

A question cut through the noise, the distinctive French accent making it stand out from the hubbub. “Inspector. Is it true that June Stevens, the Courier reporter found hanging in the very same tree that Oscar Anderson died on a week ago, was investigating child abuse at the orphanage back in 1997, the same year she died? Can you tell us what happened to her daughter and the other children reported missing from the orphanage? And is this in any way connected to the search for children’s bodies in the old orphanage grounds?”

Corstorphine fixed her with a steady look. “No further comment.” He ignored the increasing clamour of calls requesting more and left, closing the station door behind him. Josephine had carried out one task he’d asked of her, putting this information into the public domain. It was a risky manoeuvre but once it was broadcast the story couldn’t be kept under wraps any longer. He owed that much to the children. A full and fair investigation into the abuse they had suffered without any possibility of shutting Pandora’s box now it had been opened.

“Hamish. You’d better radio Lamb, warn him that a load of reporters are heading his way. Tell him to tape off the entrance to the gardens, we’re on our way.”