Free Even dogs in the wild by Ian Rankin

Alec Bell were in the office when
    Fox got back. They were eating custard slices and drinking tea,
    their feet up on their respective desks.
    ‘Where have you been?’ Compston demanded. ‘Apart from
    whispering sweet nothings in your boss’s ear.’
    ‘Actually, I’ve not seen Doug Maxtone. But I did go talk to
    Big Ger Cafferty.’
    ‘Feel free to keep us waiting.’
    ‘Where are the others?’
    ‘The Starks have been on the move. We’re using two cars so
    we don’t get clocked. Hence the exodus. That good enough for
    you, DI Fox?’
    Fox lowered himself on to one of the empty chairs. ‘Cafferty
    seems to think a local criminal called Darryl Christie might
    have been behind the shooting, maybe to impress the Starks. He
    reckons the Starks are in town so Dennis can get a feel for the
    city prior to taking over the family business. It would also
    explain the stops in Aberdeen and Dundee.’
    ‘We’ve already told you why the Starks are here.’
    ‘Be that as it may, I decided to have a word with Darryl
    Christie. He already knew that the Starks are in town.’
    ‘Did he bring them up first, or did you?’

    ‘He didn’t need any prompting.’
    ‘So you’re telling me two Edinburgh bosses just opened up
    to you?’
    Fox offered a shrug. ‘Do you want to hear what else Christie
    said?’
    ‘Go on then, hotshot, impress me.’ Compston brushed pastry
    flakes from his tie.
    ‘Christie is of the opinion that the Starks are here to meet
    Cafferty. Why? So that Cafferty can help them install Dennis as
    the city’s new boss, in place of Christie. As far as we know,
    that’s not the case, but it’s what Christie thinks.’
    ‘How did he know they were in town?’ Alec Bell asked.
    ‘The B and B owner.’
    ‘Well, well, well,’ a voice drawled from behind Fox. The
    door, which he hadn’t quite shut, was wide open now. Rebus
    stood with a hand resting against either jamb. ‘This isn’t quite
    what I expected, I have to admit.’
    Fox jumped to his feet. ‘How did you get in?’
    ‘Someone forgot to tell the front desk I’m off the books.’
    ‘John bloody Rebus,’ Bell said.
    ‘Hiya, Alec.’ Rebus gave a wave. ‘Not given up the good
    fight yet, then?’
    ‘I’ve heard of you ,’ Compston said.
    ‘Then you’re one up on me.’ Rebus stretched out a hand for
    Compston to shake. Compston complied, introducing himself as
    he did.
    ‘Desks for five, meaning we’re a few short,’ Rebus was
    musing, studying the room. ‘And barely any paperwork. Hush-
    hush, is it? Here to take down the Starks?’

    Compston was staring hard at Fox, waiting for an
    explanation. Rebus tried to rest a hand on Fox’s shoulder, but
    Fox twisted away from him.
    ‘Can’t really blame Malcolm here,’ Rebus said. ‘I was the
    only way he was getting to Cafferty and Christie.’
    ‘Is that right?’ Compston’s eyes were still on Fox, while
    Fox’s were directed at the floor.
    ‘Chief Constable must really have a stiffy for the Starks –
    team like this doesn’t come cheap.’ Rebus slid his backside on
    to a desk, feet waggling. ‘I’m guessing Foxy is your local
    liaison, and he asked for my help because he wanted to
    impress you with his gung-ho, can-do attitude. How did he
    do?’
    ‘This is no place for a civilian, Rebus,’ Compston said.
    ‘War breaks out in the city, it’s bad for everyone, whether
    in a uniform or not. If you’re watching the Starks, you know
    the score. They might be readying to take down Darryl
    Christie.’
    ‘That’s not why they’re here,’ Alec Bell let slip, receiving a
    withering look from Compston in response.
    ‘Darryl thinks it is. He’s got it into his head that they’re
    coming for him, stoked up by Cafferty.’
    ‘They’ve met neither Cafferty nor this Darryl Christie,’
    Compston stated.
    ‘So Dennis isn’t being introduced to low society?’ Rebus
    scratched his cheek. ‘You sure about that?’
    ‘We’ve got our eyes and ears on them.’
    ‘One of