AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘I did tell you, best pies in Scotland. I’ll leave you to it,’ said Steve.
‘Is the lawyer here, yet?’ said Frankie.
‘No, but on the way, expected any time. We have the immunity agreement here, no prosecution for minor matters, and early parole decision and removal from gen pop once statement given, okay?’ said Max.
‘I’m not signing until she’s seen it.’
‘That’s fine, once she’s spoken to you about it, we’ll knock it on the head for the night and start fresh in the morning. It’s after eight now, and I don’t want to be interviewing through the night. Now that your safety is taken care of, there’s no mad rush and we’d rather get it done right.’
‘Fine by me,’ said Frankie, turning back to the TV.
‘Happy with the accommodation?’
‘It’s fine. Four stars on Tripadvisor, and three of those are for the pie and the cheery desk sergeant.’ Frankie smiled, and it seemed genuine.
There were noises outside in the corridor, and Steve appeared. ‘Solicitor is here, Max. Ms Devlin, DS Craigie and DC Calder.’ He nodded and left.
A sturdy-looking woman appeared at the cell door, dressed in jeans, Timberland boots and a Barbour jacket. Her hair was short and neat, her face sharp and devoid of even a trace of humour, which showed in the deep brown eyes. ‘I hope you’re not interviewing already?’ Her voice was strong and cultured, and she showed not even a trace of trepidation at the unusual situation.
‘Evening, Ms Devlin. We were literally explaining to Frankie what was going to happen, and giving him a copy of the agreement ready for you to consult with.’
‘Yes, yes, of course. Now if you’ll give us a minute, I can explain my role and talk through the document. Then I intend on going back to my guesthouse. I’m decidedly tired, officer, and I want a bath and some food. It was a long drive made all the more tedious by the refusal of the NCA to disclose the location at the outset of my journey. I estimate that it took me almost twice as long as it needed to.’ She puffed out her cheeks, her eyes flinty. She clearly wasn’t happy.
Max opened his mouth to explain, then realised there was probably no point. ‘Fine. We’ll just be in the office, ring the bell when you’re ready.’ Max nodded to Janie, and they left the cell, shutting the door behind them.
Max and Janie were sitting with Steve in the office, eating a large meat pie each, washed down with strong tea that the sergeant had brought to them with his customary easy smile. As predicted, they were delicious, meaty and hearty and perfect fare for a cold winter evening.
A buzz made Steve look up. ‘That didn’t take long. I reckon she’s looking forward to a gin in her guesthouse,’ he said, standing up and then returning within a few moments with Ms Devlin.
‘All good?’ said Max with a smile, his mouth half full of a pie crust.
‘Yes. All explained and he’ll sign the document in the morning at the commencement of the interview. I want it read to him on tape first, is that okay?’
‘Fine by us. Fancy a pie?’ said Max.
Miss Devlin’s lip curled. ‘No, thank you. I’m a vegetarian, and anyway, pies aren’t really my thing.’
‘Dinnae know what you’re missing,’ said Steve.
Her stern face turned to a sickly smile. ‘I’m sure, sergeant. Now, I’ll be off, and I’ll be back here at nine in the morning.’ She nodded.
‘I’ll show you out,’ said Steve, who stood and followed the lawyer as she disappeared into the night.
‘She seems fun,’ said Janie, chewing with relish.
‘She’ll be fine. I’ve dealt with many a haughty solicitor in my time, and remember, Frankie needs us more than we need him.’
‘Fair point.’
Max’s phone buzzed on the table in front of him. He picked it up, a message from Katie.
Miss u oxo.
Max tapped out a reply.Miss u 2 x.
He stared at the screen, feeling his heart lurch at the thought of Katie sitting at home, Nutmeg probably snoring next to her.
‘All okay?’ said Janie.
