“I…”

“The thing is, two nights ago Martin Fairstone was seen in a bar. Nothing unusual in that, except that his companion bore a striking resemblance to Detective Inspector John Rebus. Couple of hours later, Fairstone’s being fried alive in the kitchen of his house.” She paused. “Always supposing he was alive when the fire started.”

“Ma’am, I really don’t -”

“John likes to look out for you, doesn’t he, Siobhan? Nothing wrong in that. John’s got this knight-in-tarnished-armor thing, hasn’t he? Always has to be looking for another dragon to fight.”

“This doesn’t have anything to do with DI Rebus, ma’am.”

“Then what’s he hiding from?”

“I’m not aware that he’s hiding at all.”

“But you’ve seen him?” It was a question, but only just. Templer allowed herself a winning smile. “I’d put money on it.”

“He’s really not well enough to come in,” Siobhan parried, aware that her punches were losing much of their previous force.

“If he can’t come here, I’m quite willing for you to take me to him.”

Siobhan felt her shoulders sag. “I need to talk to him first.”

Templer was shaking her head. “This isn’t something you can negotiate, Siobhan. According to you, Fairstone was stalking you. He gave you that black eye.” Siobhan raised an involuntary hand towards her left cheekbone. The marks were fading; she knew they were more like shadows now. They could be hidden with makeup or explained by tiredness. But she still saw them when she looked in the mirror.

“Now he’s dead,” Templer was continuing. “In a house fire, possibly suspicious. So you can see that I have to talk to anyone who saw him that night.” Another pause. “When was the last time you saw him, Siobhan?”

“Which one-Fairstone or DI Rebus?”

“Both, if you like.”

Siobhan didn’t say anything. Her hands went to clasp the metal arms of her chair, but she realized it had no arms. A new chair, less comfortable than the old one. Then she saw that Templer’s chair was new, too, and set an inch or two higher than before. A little trick to give her an edge over any visitor… which meant the chief super felt the need of such props.