Candles and Roses (32 page)

He looked up, not even sure what his answer ought to be. ‘Not so’s you’d notice.’

‘When I’ve got this bloody press conference out of the way, let’s go and grab a pint. And maybe a bite to eat. You’ve deserved it, and I’ll bloody well need it.’

He stared at her for a moment, surprised, and then allowed himself a grin. ‘Aye. Why not?’

The truth was that he could think of a dozen reasons why not, not least the question of whether he should keep this investigation open. But no-one, least of all Helena Grant, would thank him for suggesting that, so just at the moment none of them seemed worth mentioning. After all, he thought, when this was all out of the way, he’d be back with those bloody burglaries.

Not to mention the whole of the rest of his life.

‘Aye,’ he said again. ‘Why not?’

THE END

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Acknowledgements

Thanks as ever to all the people who helped make this book possible. Above all, I'm forever grateful to Helen not just for her unfailing support in everything but also, in this case, for her invaluable comments on the earlier drafts.  And thanks to James, Adam and Jonny for their help and encouragement.

I should also acknowledge all the necessarily anonymous folk who contributed insights and advice in respect of policing practice. As always, the credit for the detail should go to them, but any errors or artistic licence are mine alone.

Special thanks to all the people of the Black Isle for their unfailing friendliness and hospitality over the years. It's a magical place, whatever Alec McKay might try to tell you, and I hope to become a full part of it one day. Particular thanks to Jim and Anne Anderson of The Anderson in Fortrose for the beer, food and friendliness, and to Jim for not objecting to his cameo appearance in the book.

And, finally, thanks to Betsy and Fred of Bloodhound Books for being the best and most helpful publishers I've worked with.