The transmission signal changed pitch, then stopped, as the connection was made. The machine lay still and silent for a few seconds, causing Skinner to wonder whether, after all, it was faulty, until, with a low hum, the single white sheet began to roll through.
Half a minute later it cleared the transmission gate, and fell to the floor.
Sarah, who had come into the room halfway through the process, picked it up and read its contents, aloud.
Confidential
DCI Mackie from ACC Skinner.
Please put the following into effect.
I wish total surveillance placed on Paul Ainscow immediately. Its purpose is to establish who are his associates, whether any have criminal connections, and in particular whether there is any link between Ainscow and Nicolas Vaudan, and one Alan Inch.
Using all sources at your disposal, check for any available information on Alan Inch. Currently employed as a property salesman by Immobiliara Brava of Torroella de Montgri. Search for information should pay attention in particular to convictions/arrests for fraud. I will seek to arrange here for a watch to be placed on Inch.
Finally, use international connections to have a watch placed on Nicolas Vaudan in France. I have just been advised by his office that he returned to Mougins this morning. Purpose is again to ascertain who his business contacts might be, and to establish any possible link between Vaudan/Inch/Ainscow.
Please confirm as soon as all arrangements are in place, and report regularly.
`Mmm,' said Sarah. 'Not very policespeak. No "afore shy;mentioneds" or "thereafters"!'
Skinner grinned. 'Sorry, I must be slipping. You know, back home sometimes I still receive the odd report that's "respectfully submitted", even although I tried to ban the phrase on the ground that if I need to be told that I had the respect of my officers, then I don't deserve it!'
`Where do you go now? Back to Arturo?'
`Yes, but I can't do that until tomorrow. Even he takes Sunday off.'
`You've really latched on to this one, my darling, haven't you?' Sarah smiled. 'International surveillance; I mean that's pretty heavy. What if Vaudan's letter turns up and proves that Santi was guilty and that he did kill himself? Won't you be-?'
Skinner interrupted. 'Won't my arse be hung out to dry, you mean? Trust me, my love. If that letter turns up, Santa Claus will bring it down the fucking chimney! I have no doubts. Not since smelling Inch sweat in an air-conditioned room. Not since he lied to me all the way through our chat — I know when I'm being lied to, Sarah. Not since I threw the word "murder" at him.'
You did? How did he react?'
`You could say that the bottom dropped out of his world. . or maybe it was the other way around.'