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crime.” He glanced at his watch. “There isn’t much time.”
    I turned to the keen-looking young men who were standing behind their chief like a pair of little girls holding a bride’s train. “Run away and play. This is grown-ups’ business.”
    The guardian hesitated, then waved them back. “You can’t talk to auxiliaries like that, Dalrymple,” he hissed.
    It was about time I got my relationship with my former boss sorted out. “Hamilton, you’re still as much of a jackass as you used to be.” I wasn’t sure whether my use of his name had shocked him more than the animal imagery. “We both heard exactly what was said in there. I’m reporting to the Council, not to you. You’re supposed to give me whatever I want.” So far the show was going well. He looked like he’d swallowed a six-inch fishing hook. Time to reel it in. “So where’s the fucking body?”
    Hamilton went on the retreat. “It was a collective decision of the Council.”
    I looked at him in disbelief. “Don’t tell me. You’ve moved the body, haven’t you? I bet that’s not all. I bet you’ve cleaned up after it too.”
    â€œCalm down, man,” said Hamilton, signs of guilt I’d normally have enjoyed disturbing his features. “We couldn’t wait any longer.”
    Outside I could see Davie standing by the Land-Rover. “Where’s the scene of the crime?” I asked as I moved off.
    â€œStevenson Hall, the men’s toilets on the ground floor.” The guardian tried to keep up. “Aren’t you coming in my vehicle?”
    I didn’t bother answering.
    Davie looked impressed as he started the Land-Rover. “You’ve got guts, having a go at the chief.”
    â€œMaybe.” I looked across at him. “But there’s something I haven’t got and you can supply it.”
    He turned on to Castlehill and headed for the corner at what used to be the Tolbooth church. It’s the most soot-blackened building in central Edinburgh. Maybe that’s why they’ve turned it into a strip joint. A group of enthusiastic Thai tourists had gathered outside.
    â€œWhat do you need?” asked Davie.
    â€œYour watch,” I replied, putting out my hand like the beggars used to on Princes Street before the Council turned them into more productive citizens.
    Through the fog the bagpipes were still wailing. I could just make them out above the roar from the Land-Rover’s defective silencer.
    â€œIt’s all yours.” Davie handed a watch over that was a lot better quality than mine. “Anything else I can do? I’d give a lot to be in on this.” His willingness to help was like a small child’s and about as suspicious. What was he after?
    I thought about it. I’d be needing an assistant, I was sure of that. On the other hand, he was a sworn servant of the Council.
    Beware guardsmen bearing gifts.

Chapter Three
    A large crowd was milling around outside Stevenson Hall; it used to be the Usher Hall, but the Council preferred the name of one of the city’s most illustrious writers to that of the brewer who paid for the building. Its great dome was lost in the mist.
    I had half an hour before the musical version of Kidnapped was due to begin. Shoving through the mass of people, I could see what had inspired the guardians’ decision to remove the body. Cancelling the event would have caused a riot.
    â€œCitizen, where do you think you’re going?” A pale guardswoman stepped forward from one of the entrances, a hand on the grip of her truncheon. Ordinary citizens aren’t allowed near Festival performances without special permission.
    â€œIt’s all right, guardswoman,” the public order guardian called from behind. “He’s with me.” It sounded like the admission caused him more angst than your average existentialist could