‘Do you think a Bumbersnatch is related to the fuminousBandersnatch? Perhaps the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in Kincorth?’ Sniff. ‘Or is it just a coincidence?’
Silence.
Logan didn’t even move.
In the back, Rennie was graveyard still.
Both doing their bestnotto encourage him.
Finally, Tufty shrugged, started the car, and launched into a lumpy three-point turn.
With the moment broken, Rennie pointed. ‘Right: Seaton ho!’
Logan pressed buttons on his Airwave, and waited for the bleeps. ‘Sergeant Moore, safe to talk?’
‘Fit like, Boss Mannie?’
‘Spudgun: need you to grab a couple of bodies and stakeout the Wallace Tower in Seaton Park. Low key. No lights or sirens.’
Three-point completed, Tufty headed back towards the Bridge of Dee.
‘Oh aye? We looking for anything in particular?’
‘Charles MacGarioch used to hide out there as a kid. Might be nothing, but worth a punt.’
‘Could go in mob-handed if you like?’
‘Not unless you know he’sdefinitelythere. Don’t want to spook him, otherwise.’
‘See what I can do.’
‘Thanks, Spudgun.’ Logan ended the call. ‘Fingers crossed.’
A snort from Rennie. ‘Yeah, because when have we ever beenthatlucky?’
Good point.
The peroxide idiot sat forward, poking his head between the seats. ‘If we’re gonna do a stakeout, we should order pizza!’ Rubbing his hands. ‘And none of that meat-free bollocks: eighteen-inch American hot, with extra spicy sausage and jalapenos.’
‘Nope.’
Rennie pouted. ‘Oh come on, Guv – don’t even get propercheeseat home any more. Emma’s gone all vegan-bolshy.’
‘I mean “nope” as in “we’re not going on a stakeout.”Spudgun’s a big boy now: doesn’t need us to hold his hand.’ Logan pointed through the windscreen. ‘Countesswellsho.’
‘Eh? But what’s more important than catching Charles MacGarioch?’
Tufty took a left, pootling down Abbotswell Drive towards the bridge. ‘We does has a prior appointment.’
‘But...?’
Logan shook his head. ‘Don’t make me “nope” you again. It’s...’ His phoneding-buzzed an incoming text. ‘Hold on.’
SGT.BROOKMINSTER:
URGENT MEMO – ALL SENIOR OFFICERS!!!
Uniforms MUST B worn @ all times till staffing issues resolved!