Frankie waited until the radio quietened. “The five children. Do you think the murderer has made five mechanisms, one from each body?”

“We’ve only seen three deaths which involve any bone contraptions. Brian killed himself, so if you’re right there are two more potential victims.” He pulled the photograph of the gun towards him, peering more closely. “I can’t make it out. I’ll have to take the gun out of the evidence bag.”

Corstorphine returned seconds later with the clear plastic bag, pulling on latex gloves before laying the gun down on his desk. They both looked at it under the bright office lighting, the light wooden-coloured stock revealing itself for the first time under their scrutiny.

“That looks like it may be a bone handle.” Frankie voiced what they both thought.

“In which case, and if you’re right, then there’s one more target left for this maniac to kill. Get this weapon to the forensics team at the dig and ask them if they can prioritise matching each of the carved bones to the remaining child skeletons. Lord Lagan is going to be at the Inverness Ball tonight and if I’m not mistaken, our murderer is going to have a go at him. I’ll contact the ACC, tell him to secure the site.”

“What about questioning Lord Lagan, sir? Are you going to bring him in?”

Corstorphine nodded. “I have to warn him his life may be in danger. It’s in his interest to come in today.”

She left him alone in the station, searching the police database for Lord Lagan’s mobile number. The phone picked up on the second ring.

“Hello?”

“Lord Lagan? This is Detective Inspector James Corstorphine. Can I ask if you’re attending the Inverness Ball tonight?”

“Why do you ask, Inspector?” He managed to make the word inspector sound like something that was beneath his contempt.

“I believe that someone may make an attempt on your life.”

There was a pause. “What are you talking about?”

Corstorphine wondered at the lack of surprise, almost as if Lord Lagan was subjected to death threats on a regular basis. How many enemies had the man made?

“You’ll be familiar with the orphanage run by the Sisters of Holy Mercy?”

“I’ve heard of it.” His response was guarded.

“You were a regular visitor, Lord Lagan, up until the orphanage closed in 2000. I have written statements from a number of the former children who were resident there. They’ve made serious allegations against you, sir. I’m going to have to ask you to come in for questioning.”

“That will not be convenient. Do you have any idea how busy I am Inspector…?”

“DI Corstorphine, sir. I realise you’re a busy man, but you will have to come in for questioning, either under your own volition or in the back of a police car. Your decision, sir.”