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thoughts exactly. However, that wasn’t why I rang. I have everything set up for our campaign. I’ve handed over the first part. We need to make arrangements for the remainder.’
    ‘When?’
    ‘As and when they carry out each assignment, a sort of productivity bonus.’
    Rathmell laughed. ‘That sounds appropriate. Give me twenty-four hours to make the arrangements. We also need to talk about next week’s meeting.’
    ‘Whereabouts? At your house?’
    ‘That would be inconvenient. My wife is in residence, and the less she knows about what’s going on the better.’
    ‘Where, then?’
    ‘I know the ideal spot. For the moment it would be better if we avoid being seen together until after next Friday.’
     
    Gemma’s mobile rang. She glanced at the display. If it had been anyone else she wouldn’t have answered. ‘I’m about to go into a meeting. What is it?’
    ‘Not on the phone. We need to meet ASAP. When are you free?’
    ‘After work. Usual place. I can get there by six?’
    ‘I’ll be waiting.’
    This time Tucker was prepared. As soon as he saw Gemma’s car turn onto the moor road he stopped and reversed onto the verge. He got out of the car and balanced his binoculars on the wall. He lit a cigarette, wondering how many he’d get through before the end of his vigil.
     
    Nash had the radio on. He heard the news announcer read a statement from the Home Secretary on the subject of the prison service.
    ‘In view of the current level of overcrowding, all inmates whose sentence is due to end within the next three months will be released immediately. This will apply whatever their offence or the original length of sentence. The Shadow Home Secretary and spokesmen from other opposition parties condemned the move as an indictment of government policy. Calls for an emergency debate are expected to be tabled during Prime Minister’s question time.’
    Nash paused, razor in hand. One effect would concern him directly. Vickers would be out within days. He was still pondering when he reached Helmsdale.
    Clara looked up from the report she was reading. ‘There’s been another arson attack. Or an attempted one.’
    ‘Not another caravan? Anyone hurt?’
    Clara shook her head. ‘No, this time it was a house, fortunately unoccupied. A woman feeding her baby during the night raised the alarm. Only superficial damage.’
    ‘Where was this?’
    Clara glanced down. ‘Number thirty-two, Grove Road.’
    ‘Isn’t that —’
    ‘Gary Vickers’ house.’
    They were still considering this development when the phone rang. It was Pratt. ‘Did you hear this morning’s news, Mike?’
    ‘You mean about prisoners being released early?’
    ‘Yes. Well, I’ve just had word. Vickers will be out on Friday next.’
    ‘That’s the last thing we want. He’s going to need round-the-clock protection, Tom.’
    ‘I don’t see that. He chose to come back to Helmsdale.’
    ‘Maybe, Tom, but that was before last night.’ He explained about the fire. ‘This situation’s impossible. We can’t leave Vickers unguarded. King’s attitude means we can’t draft anyone in. Given Vickers’ record, leaving Clara to guard him is out of the question.’
    Pratt agreed. ‘It’s a bloody shame Pearce is on leave. All I can suggest is I lend you a DC from Netherdale.’
    ‘It would help if you can supply someone to baby-sit during the day. I’ll do the night shift until Viv comes back.’
    ‘I could always go over King’s head and ask the chief.’
    ‘That would prove King’s point. It’d set his back up even more. Besides, we can’t prove the fire was directed at Vickers. It could be a random act of vandalism.’
    They were unaware of a conversation taking place elsewhere.
     
    ‘Jake, how did it go?’
    ‘Danny sent Billy. Somebody must have spotted him. He’d to scarper when the fire brigade rolled up.’
    ‘Shit! I wanted that place destroyed.’
    ‘Don’t worry, Gem. I’ll get him to try again.’
    ‘You