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If you come back, there’s going to be trouble. It’s already started. Your house was broken into a couple of nights ago. You nearly didn’t have a home to go to.’
    Vickers lifted his head. ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘The intruders set a fire. The fire brigade managed to put it out before it did much harm.’
    ‘What was the damage?’
    ‘The fire was contained in the lounge.’
    ‘And that’s all it was? The fire, I mean? There wasn’t anything stolen?’
    ‘Not that I’m aware.’ Nash saw the prisoner relax.
    ‘So, it’s started already.’ Vickers didn’t seem particularly upset or shocked. He’d been concerned about something, though.
    ‘You were expecting this.’
    Vickers nodded. ‘I knew something would happen.’
    ‘Because of what you’ve done?’
    Vickers’ laugh was devoid of humour. ‘Because of what I represent.’
    ‘I don’t follow.’
    ‘Some people regard me as a threat. But I can’t expect you to understand.’
    ‘Why don’t you try me? In a few days’ time you’ll be out of here. That doesn’t mean you’ll be free. You’ll be watched by us; your movements will be restricted. There are people who won’t be happy until you’re dead. And yet you still insist on returning to Helmsdale? You must be crazy.’
    If Vickers was alarmed, it didn’t show. ‘The ones who fear me; they’re the reason I must return.’
    ‘Then tell me what you know; what you suspect. Give me some idea how to protect you.’
    When Vickers replied, his voice was barely above a whisper. ‘My life doesn’t matter. Other things are more important. I’ll tell you when I’m back in Helmsdale. Not before.’
     
    Monday morning found Tom Pratt in Helmsdale along with Clara, listening to Nash. ‘That was it. I tried to make him change his mind. I suggested he put the house up for sale and move elsewhere. He wouldn’t hear of it. I told him how much the house is worth. He wasn’t interested. He reckons people are after him because he represents some sort of threat. About what, and who they are, he wouldn’t say.’
    ‘You don’t think this is an act?’ Clara asked.
    ‘It could be. Or it may be Vickers doesn’t know anything.’
    ‘Do you still think he might be innocent?’
    Pratt looked surprised by her question. ‘You’re not serious? Mike, you’ve read the evidence. There can’t be any doubt.’
    Nash explained his reservations. Pratt shook his head. ‘I don’t agree,’ he muttered.
    ‘Let’s see what Vickers has to say when he’s in Helmsdale. In the meantime, we’ve more pressing problems.’
    Nash explained about the body found near the allotments. ‘We need a description circulating to the media. I want a description of the dead man in tonight’s paper,’ Nash told Clara. ‘Call the Gazette. Ask them to send someone over. The sooner we get identification, the sooner we can start looking for a motive. At present we’re just sitting on our hands singing psalms.’
    ‘That’s an interesting concept,’ Clara commented.
    ‘Any clues from the crime scene?’ Pratt asked.
    Nash shook his head. ‘SOCO reported this morning. It didn’t amount to much. There are some footprints in the undergrowth close to where the body was found. Apart from that we’ve a sighting of a car. But they could be coincidence.’
    ‘Hardly conclusive. Anything more on the caravan deaths?’
    ‘Only to confirm it was arson.’
    ‘No clues on that either?’
    ‘Forensics picked up a substance from the undergrowth close to the caravan. It was semen. They’ve gone for DNA profiling on it. It’s probably nothing to do with the fire. On the other hand, we’ve to look at every scrap of evidence.’
    ‘If that’s all, I’m off back to Netherdale. I’m seeing your friend King this afternoon. He’ll want a detailed report. Shall I give him your love?’ Pratt saw Nash’s expression. ‘Very well,’ he laughed. ‘I won’t bother.’
    Clara watched the superintendent leave. ‘He’s in a