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‘When offences are committed off the coast of Scotland, who has the jurisdiction to investigate?’
‘The police. The National Crime Agency. The Home Office.’
‘And who deals with the fishing industry?’
‘Marine Scotland manages fishing vessels, licenses boats and monitors catches.’
‘Theoretically, if a fishing boat was involved in human trafficking, how hard would it be to detect?’
One eyebrow is raised. ‘Theoretically?’
‘Yes.’
‘Theoretically, I’d say you’ve been pissing on my leg and blaming the dog. What evidence do you have?’
‘An eyewitness.’
‘Ah, your friend, Miss Cormac. What boat?’
‘The Arianna II.’
‘Which belonged to Willie Radford.’
‘You know him?’
‘He employs a lot of people in St Claire.’
‘Including undocumented workers.’
Ogilvy lets that comment pass.
‘Mr Radford is a pillar of this community, whose roots go back centuries. He’s a big employer, and he’s generous. This year he bought an inshore boat for the local lifeboat station that must have cost six figures.’
‘Sounds like the perfect candidate for higher office.’
My sarcasm fires something in the detective, who swallows and takes a moment to compose himself. ‘Let me get this straight, Dr Haven. You went to see Finn Radford and you accused him of people trafficking?’
‘I wanted to see if he remembered Evie.’
‘And did he?’
‘He said they were all ghosts.’
‘Who?’
‘The people on board – the ones who died.’
‘Allegedly,’ says Ogilvy. ‘You have no proof.’
‘Finn admitted to being involved in smuggling.’
‘Was that before or after he blew his head off?’
I don’t respond.
‘Had you met Finn Radford before today?’ asks Ogilvy.
‘Yes.’
