The Dark Remains by William McIlvanney

Author:William McIlvanney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Europa Editions
Published: 2021-07-27T00:00:00+00:00

“Nice to see you’ve come tooled up, Cam,” Milligan said as he entered the interview room.

The lawyer seated next to Cam Colvin wore a double breasted pinstripe suit and a burgundy-coloured silk tie. Slender red veins suffused his nose and cheeks. His name was Bryce Mundell, and Milligan had had plenty of dealings with him in the past. Bobby Carter’s branch of the law was commercial, Mundell’s criminal. If you were bent and could afford his fees, he was the man you went to. Yesterday he had been representing Spanner Thomson. It was no surprise to Milligan to be facing him again across the interview room table.

“The stink in here constitutes a health hazard,” the lawyer complained, making show of unfurling a voluminous white cotton handkerchief and holding it to his nose and mouth.

“I wasn’t aware of any smell until your client walked in,” Milligan countered, getting comfortable.

“You’re a regular Merry Mac fun page,” Colvin told the detective.

“I like to brighten the gloom,” Milligan agreed. “That’s why I’ve got officers shining torches over each and every inch of real estate connected to you.”

“I’ve been in touch with Commander Frederick about that,” Mundell broke in, stuffing the handkerchief back into his pocket. “I’m far from convinced that proper procedures were followed before these searches commenced.”

Milligan ignored this. His attention was on Colvin. “Setting light to the Gay Laddie is one sure way of bringing John Rhodes running. That what you want, Cam? Smacking two of his boys to the extent that both needed a hospital visit—still a wise move in hindsight?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Colvin had folded his arms, head cocked to one side. He was peering at Milligan as though examining him on a slab. Milligan felt it was time for a bit of provocation. He opened the folder he’d brought with him. It was mostly for show, but he studied the topmost handwritten sheet while he counted off fifteen seconds. The solicitor was clicking his pen, indicating impatience. Not that he would be impatient, not when he billed by the quarter-hour.

“Was the meeting between Spanner and John Rhodes your idea?” Milligan asked, keeping his tone casual.

“What meeting?”

“Just over an hour ago.”

Colvin shifted slightly in his chair. If his arms hadn’t already been folded, Milligan reckoned the man would be crossing them now, unsettled and playing for time while the cogs turned.

“Spanner driving,” Milligan continued into the silence, “Rhodes in the passenger seat, a nice chinwag going on. Not exactly subtle either—driving down Castle Street in the morning rush hour. Spotted by several witnesses, so you can take it from me that it happened. I’m just interested to know if it was done with your blessing. You spend half the night attacking Rhodes, then send Spanner—Spanner Thomson of all people—along for a parley.” He broke off while he reconsidered. “Except that doesn’t make sense, does it? They were driving into town from Balornock, meaning it was Rhodes who paid a call rather than the other way round.

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