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difficulties. No’ least that carry-on wae the new logo. That’s what happens when you get a load o’ policemen pretending they’re businessmen, eh, Jim? Anyhow, we’ll have tae move carefully with this suicide. I know the guy wasn’t a big player in government, but anything with a whiff o’ distaste aroon politicians an’ they get jumpy. I’ve already had the First Minister’s office on the phone. So be careful, Jim, if you don’t mind. I’ll be dealing wae this, so just gie me a shout tae let me know how things are getting on.’
    ‘Will do, sir,’ Daley replied. ‘You said you had a couple of things to discuss?’
    ‘Aye, that’s right, Jim.’ Manion hesitated, and Daley feared more questions about his private life. ‘I was oot seeing your wee pal earlier.’
    ‘Brian?’ Daley asked, knowing the two were good friends. Having joined up together they had maintained their friendship, despite very different career trajectories.
    ‘Aye, he was in good form.’ Manion sounded doubtful. ‘No’ quite himsel’, you understand. But no’ too bad neither.’
    ‘I’m glad to hear it. I haven’t spoken to him for a couple of weeks.’
    ‘Well, you’ll get a chance tae, soon enough. I’ve managed tae persuade him tae come back tae work. Light duties, you understand. Mainly office-based work – tae start off wae, anyhow.’
    Daley was surprised that Scott had decided to come back. Nearly every time he’d spoken to his friend recently, he’d been drunk, swearing he was going to take the compensation package on offer and quit the force all together. ‘How is he? I mean, getting shot is as traumatic as it gets, sir.’
    ‘Och, you know oor Brian, restless as usual. Aye, an’ when he’s time on his hands, you know fine what he gets up tae. He’s driving Ella mad; pissed a’ day. He needs tae get back tae work, or else he’ll be needing a new liver.’ Manion’s chuckle was mirthless.
    ‘So, some light duties at HQ, sir?’
    ‘No, not quite. He’s needing a change o’ scene mair than anything else. You’ll have your hands full o’er the next few days, wae a’ that’s going on. Who better than your old buddy tae help you?’
    ‘Yes,’ replied Daley, surprised by this news. ‘But what about the investigation?’ Since his recovery from gunshot wounds, Scott had been questioned by officials anxious to know how he had been overpowered by a man in protective custody, allowing him to escape. ‘And what about Superintendent Donald?’
    ‘You leave John Donald tae me, Jim,’ Manion replied confidently. ‘An’ remember, he’s Chief Superintendent, noo that he’s king o’ his ain castle.’
    ‘I’ll give Brian a call,’ Daley said, relieved that Manion was in charge of Scott’s rehabilitation. Underneath his rough and ready persona lurked a keen mind and determined personality; he was more than a match for Daley’s superior, John Donald, despite Donald’s eminence in the new Police Scotland set-up. ‘When can I expect him?’
    ‘Tomorrow, Jim. No time like the present, as my old granny used tae say. Mind, you reel him in, though. He can coordinate things at the office. This Cudihey thing is perfect fodder for him just noo. It’ll free you up tae get on wae the investigation on the ground, knowing Brain will have the admin covered.’
    ‘Really?’ asked Daley, only partially in jest. ‘Admin is not exactly his strong suit, sir.’
    ‘Och, he’ll be fine. Any problems, just gie me a wee shout,’ Manion said, brightly. ‘We owe him, Jim. Did I tell you,’ he continued, his voice less cheerful, ‘we lost oor wee poodle?’
    After a lengthy conversation as to the devastation wrought by the death of the much-loved family pet, Daley heard Manion hesitate.
    ‘I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I’ve been given quite a task, Jim,’ said Manion in more hushed tones. ‘Aye, by the new Chief Constable himself, would you believe?’
    ‘Task?’
    ‘Let’s say that you’re not