Resurrection by Ken McClure

replied the boy but he spoke the words like an automaton.’
    ‘I think there is,’ insisted Dewar but keeping his voice low. ‘Maybe you owe it to your friend to tell me exactly what you know? I understand how difficult things are for you so I’m going to leave now but I’ll leave my card on the seat. Call me when you feel it’s safe. If I’m not there leave a message.’
    The boy nodded uncertainly.
    ‘Well, thanks for your help Tariq, I’m sorry about your friend’s death. It was very sad,’ said Dewar in a louder voice that invited overhearing. He got up and was shown to the door by Tariq. To get there they had to pass the older man who didn’t acknowledge them as they passed but Dewar took a good look at him anyway. Maybe Inspector Grant could come up with some pictures. It would be nice to know who and what he really was. As he walked out on to the street he decided that he would stay on in Edinburgh for the time being..
    He booked into a city centre hotel and made his report to Sci-Med using his lap top computer and a phone link. There wasn’t that much to report, just that he wasn’t quite happy about the Edinburgh situation as it stood. He’d be staying on until he knew more. After that, he phoned Karen. She was at the lab.
    ‘You’re where?’
    ‘ Edinburgh,’ Dewar told her again. ‘I’m going to be here at least another day. How’s Kensington? Is the world still falling out of its bottom?’
    ‘People don’t have that kind of problem in Kensington ,’ laughed Karen. ‘They have “upset stomachs”. I think we’re on top of the outbreak. We’ve traced the problem to a cold meat supplier and closed him down for the moment. In theory it’s all over bar the sh … shouting.’
    ‘I wish I could say the same,’ said Dewar.
    ‘That sounded like it came from the heart,’ said Karen.
    ‘ I’ve got such a bad feeling about things here.’
    ‘ So there’s no chance of you getting back by the week-end?’
    ‘ Shouldn’t think so but there’s no way of knowing for sure. I’m just playing it by ear. I’m convinced one of Ali Hammadi’s friends knows more than he’s letting on. That doesn’t mean to say it’s anything relevant but I’d really like to understand why this man, Hammadi took his own life when he seemed to have so much to live for.’
    ‘ Maybe he didn’t.’
    ‘ The police are convinced it was suicide and his behaviour had changed in the weeks leading up to his death.’
    ‘While the balance of his mind was disturbed … ,’ intoned Karen.
    ‘It’s what disturbed it,’ said Dewar.
    After a pause, Karen said tentatively, ‘Why not pop down to North Berwick while you’re up there, say hello to my mother? It’ll take your mind off things for a wee while.’
    ‘Could do,’ agreed Dewar slowly.
    ‘Not a good idea?’
    The prospect of spending an evening with Karen’s widowed mother did not fill Dewar with enthusiasm. A few drinks and a bit of light conversation in the hotel bar might have been a preferred option however, he didn’t want to offend Karen. ‘Okay,’ he said, ‘Could do.’ He hoped he sounded more enthusiastic than he felt. ‘Any messages?’
    ‘I was actually hoping to get up to see her this weekend but I’m not sure how long the Salmonella thing will take to resolve. In theory we should have seen the last of the new cases by tomorrow. Maybe I should plan for the week after next instead. I don’t suppose you’ll feel like a return trip to Edinburgh that soon?’
    ‘ Why not. It would be fun to spend some time together up here,’ said Dewar. ‘Maybe we could run off to the highlands for a day or so?’
    ‘ That would be nice. Of course, you may still be there!’ laughed Karen.
    ‘ If I am it means I’ve hit big trouble and everyone might be running off to the highlands,’ said Dewar.
    ‘ Give Mother my love and tell her I’ll be up the week after next.’
     
    Dewar’s laptop bleeped as he reconnected it to the phone socket