Free The Body in the Boot: The first 'Mac' Maguire mystery by Patrick C. Walsh

in other people’s research and, when he spots something, he pulls it all together as one big study. It’s really valuable stuff. While Sammy’s away I’ll ask around though.’
    Tommy gave him one of his cards.
    ‘If you hear anything.’
    ‘Where is Sammy anyway, isn’t he contactable?’ Mac asked.
    ‘Unfortunately not. He’s gone white water rafting in the US. I did it last year, in fact I recommended it to Sammy figuring he could do with some time away from his beloved computer. See it’s more than the rafting, its two weeks without any modern technology, trekking across the desert and camping out. Really good fun but no technology, they even make you leave your phone at the base camp.’
    ‘Isn’t it a bit cold in January?’ Tommy asked.
    ‘No way, average is over twenty Celsius during the day at this time of the year, during the summer it’s over forty. Best time of the year if you ask me, especially for you Poms who aren’t used to the heat. Anyway he probably won’t be contactable for a while but I’ll leave a text on his mobile so he’ll know when he picks his phone up.’
    Holding the card up he said to Tommy, ‘Shall I give him this number?’
    ‘Yes please, tell him to ring me on my mobile number any time, day or night,’ Tommy replied.
    As they waited for the lift Tommy said, ‘Bloody hell, I thought he was the lab technician.’
    Mac started laughing.
    ‘You did too, didn’t you?’ Tommy said, joining in the laughter.
    ‘It’s a good lesson, never assume unless you have to. Unfortunately I think we’ll have to be doing a lot of that in this case unless we get some hard evidence.’
    Mac looked at his watch as they walked towards the car. He was surprised to find it was gone one o’clock.
    ‘Where to now?’ Tommy asked.
    ‘That sandwich seems a long time ago now, how about some lunch? I might know a place but first I need to see if someone’s free to meet us.’
    Mac rang a number and all Tommy heard was, ‘Yes, it’s has been a long time’ and ‘Okay, two thirty in the usual place.’
    ‘So where are we going?’
    ‘To New Scotland Yard or at least a pub nearby. We’re going to meet an old friend of mine who’s something or other in the National Crime Agency, it used to be called the Serious Organised Crime Agency. I don’t know why they feel they have to keep changing things. Anyway I was just wondering if there was any new recreational drugs hitting the street and, if there is, they’ll be the one who’ll know.’ 
    Mac directed Tommy to an old pub called the ‘Two Coachmen’ and they were lucky enough to find a disabled space immediately opposite the pub. Inside the pub was old fashioned and inviting with studded leather chairs and dark wood. 
    ‘The fish and chips are really good here,’ Mac said as he led Tommy towards a little alcove. ‘Good we’ve got just under an hour before my friend arrives, let’s order.’
    They both enjoyed their meals and the waitress had just taken their plates away when Mac spotted a familiar figure.
    ‘God, Katherine it’s so good to see you,’ Mac said with a big smile.
    A smartly dressed grey haired woman in her fifties gave Mac a hug.
    ‘It’s been far too long Mac, I did try and ring several times,’ she said in a soft Scottish accent.
    ‘I know, I’m sorry but I’ve been in a strange place these last six months. Let me introduce you to my colleague, Detective Tommy Nugent.’
    She shook hands with Tommy and sat down opposite him.
    ‘Tommy this is Katherine Rattray who is…what exactly are you now?’
    ‘I’m Deputy Director of the Organised Crime Command.’
    Tommy was clearly impressed.
    Mac smiled.
    ‘Nice to see you’re doing so well. Would you like a drink?’
    ‘No thanks, I’m afraid I’ve only got ten minutes, there are several men in suits twiddling their thumbs and waiting for me to turn up for a meeting. How can I help?’
    Mac explained the basic facts around the Henrietta Lewinton