Capital Offence

Chapter 16

Monday 3rd June

23 days left

“It’s about the law and order thing. I know about jabs, so I could do the business. I don’t s’pose there’s queues of people wanting to take care of that. I used to be a male nurse. The work was boggin’, but I could do the jags. You couldnae get a doctor to do it because of the Hypocritic Oath and that.”

Jamie looked over at Cammy Murray, then got hurriedly to his feet, and pulled open the door to the next office where Donald Murray sat reading a book.

“Thanks very much Mr ...er... Eh, Donald, this gentleman has a useful suggestion, perhaps you could make sure we’ve got his name and address right in case we need him later. As Donald escorted him out, the man’s voice echoed back, “You wouldnae have to pay me, but.”

Jamieson Maclean took a drink of sparkling mineral water from a green bottle on the table. Donald reappeared.

“That’s enough of the salt of the earth, Donald. Get her in now, will you.”

As Jamie picked up a paper napkin and wiped his brow, Donald went back through to a makeshift waiting room next door. A couple of dozen people still waited to see if the PM would answer the questions they had submitted earlier in the afternoon. They were a fairly varied bunch. There were twentysomething entrepreneurs, and one gentleman whose gloves were attached to a string which disappeared up his overcoat sleeves. There were earnest community spirited ladies. There were one or two suits - a few others he couldn’t make a snap judgment about. At the far side of the room, Sir John Campbell-Barclay still lingered from the main Enterprise meeting, chatting easily with Cameron Russell.

They all looked up as Donald surveyed them. “Number 22,” he said, and waited for a response.

When the woman stood up, Donald wondered how he had failed to notice her before. She unwound slowly, and slipped a large canvas and leather bag over her shoulder, then smiled across the room at him. “Guess that’s me,” she said, then looked around the room, engaging in eye contact with the others whose hopes were now disappointed. Sir John looked impressed. As she walked across the room, Donald found himself appraising her. She was older than Donald, but she had one of those languid loose-limbed figures which wears well. Clothes would always look good on her. Jeans would hang on her hips. Even loose fitting jerseys would hint at something firm and interesting beneath. He knew fine she’d never been near a gym in her life - her figure was probably down to gin and fags - but what the hell. Her hair was dark and straight, with a slight turn inwards at her shoulders. But it was her gaze which switched on the current. There was a directness which unnerved him. Some woman.

She stopped in front of Donald, and for a moment he lost the plot.

“If you’d step in here, I’ll have to check your bag.” He looked past her at the others. Cammy was now ushering them to the door. Several still had points to discuss with the PM, but Cammy made it clear that the shop was shutting for the day. “That’s it I’m afraid. I’m sure there’ll be another chance to speak to the PM before too long. And we’ll take note of all your points, whether you’ve had an individual response or not. We very much value your contribution. Thank you.” His voice tailed off as he followed them out of the building.

Meanwhile Donald was trying to keep control of the situation, while feeling strangely that this woman was really calling the shots. “If you’d prefer a female PC to check you...”

“I certainly would not.”

Oh shit, thought Donald. This is exactly the type they warn you about. I should insist on having a WPC present, for my own protection. Anyway, needs must. He looked through the bag. It was full of the most unbelievable junk. You could have turned it upside down, stuck a tent pole in the middle, and lived for a week on the contents without going hungry. Or going short of a fag. Or a packet of condoms. And what the fuck... Donald inadvertently moved the switch on the vibrator to the on position before he realised what he’d picked up. He dropped it as if he’d received an electric shock, his face flushing instantly.