Corstorphine’s mind was in a turmoil, doubts chasing around his head in a kaleidoscope of activity. “I may be wrong, Frankie. Christ knows I may be wrong.” He drove in silence, attempting to collect his thoughts into some kind of logical order. “I viewed video footage from the hotel car park first thing this morning. Inverness DCI called me just after six to see if I recognised anyone. The picture wasn’t clear but I could see it was a woman, and she waved at the camera.”

“Sir?”

A reluctant smile escaped Corstorphine’s tight lips. He could see how this sounded. “The woman had a distinctive way of waving, fingers bending down towards the palm like a Mexican wave. My blind date, Jenny Peck, waved to me in exactly the same way.”

“Jesus. She’s your blind date?”

Corstorphine nodded, keeping his gaze fixed on the road. He could imagine Frankie’s expression without having to see it. They pulled into the hospital car park and waited for the two constables to make their way around the back before entering the building.

“Can I help you?” The receptionist looked surprised as they entered. Corstorphine held up his badge, and watched the worry leave her face.

“DI Corstorphine and DC McKenzie. I don’t suppose one of your staff nurses is in just now, Jenny Peck?”

“Jenny, yes, she’s just starting the day shift. Can I ask what this is about?”

Corstorphine knew his luck wasn’t that good. “How long has she been on duty?”

She checked a screen, tapping an enquiry onto the keyboard. “Since 7 a.m. She’ll be on the ward, still doing the handover, I expect.”

“Can you tell me which ward she’s on?”

The receptionist looked doubtful. “I can ask her to pop down if she’s free?”

“Thanks. Make some excuse for needing her at reception but do not mention the police.” They took a seat, watching the lift doors as the receptionist relayed his request for her to visit reception. He sat in quiet contemplation, wondering how he was going to deal with the next few minutes. A chime announced the lift’s arrival and a stout middle-aged woman in uniform caught his eye as the doors slid apart. Corstorphine rose to his feet, an apology already on his lips. He’d never seen this woman before.