The Sudden Arrival of Violence: A Glasgow Underworld Novel 3 Read Free

might be better doing this back where they started. Looking at Mullen again. That disinterested look doesn’t seem reassuring any more.

2
    He’s had a vague awareness of their surroundings as they’ve been driving. Familiar streets, so he hasn’t paid much attention. Now he’s starting to look. To focus on where they’re going. This isn’t into the city centre. This is north. This is away from the built-up areas. It doesn’t seem to make an awful lot of sense. He’s looking around sharply.
    Mullen’s glancing at him. ‘Won’t be long now.’ Richard’s sitting back in the seat. Pointless to complain. This is something too big for him to fight against. His life has always been about the confidence of others. Other people take command. He facilitates. It worked for him. Not a perfect life, sure, but better than many. Sit back and let other people play their games. Stay quiet. Stay friendly.
    They’ve left the city behind. Richard isn’t saying anything. This might not be as bad as it looks. As bad as it feels. Maybe they just want information. They might knock him around a little. Or just take him to the scene of a crime and ask some questions. Yeah, that could be it. Certainly nothing to gain from complaining. Rarely is. Quiet and friendly. Let them do as they please, and walk away from this. Neither of them has said a word for a while now. The silence is becoming uncomfortable again. Threatening even. Richard feels a need to say something, just for the sake of politeness. It’s how he handles clients. Never let things get too cold. Keep them talking. Not these fellows – they’re not interested in anything he has to say. Not yet, anyway.
    They’ve avoided the main roads. Richard’s noticed that. Maybe this is the route they have to take to get where they’re going. Certainly not something he’s going to mention. Not the sort of thing these guys would want to discuss with him. Richard’s taking another look at Mullen. ‘DS Mullen’ is what he said. He looks a little young to be a Detective Sergeant. Means he has a higher rank than the one driving, who’s obviously older. Richard’s had clients over the years who’ve told him a few scare stories about the police. They are willing to use scare tactics if they think it’ll get a response. This must be what their scare tactics look like. Scary, he’ll give them that.
    Still going. Still on minor roads, very little traffic. Richard doesn’t recognize where they are. Well out of the city now, that’s for sure. Looks like the countryside. His hands are beginning to shake. Not sure why. Not sure what’s changed. He keeps telling himself that it’ll be fine. These things don’t happen to people like him. Why should they? Everything will be fine, if he just keeps quiet and doesn’t cause any bother. Tell them what they want to know. Doesn’t matter who it incriminates; tell them whatever they need to hear. All you can do is be honest. When they have what they want, they’ll let you go.
    Turning to glance at Mullen. A cold look shot back at him. The young cop’s attitude has changed. More unpleasant than before. Just you wait, young man. When this is done, there will be complaints. People like you always get their comeuppance. Starting to realize why he’s become so much more nervous. The driver is slowing. Looking for something. Looking for a turn-off. Only country lanes to turn onto around here.
    ‘That’s it, on your right,’ Mullen’s saying to the driver. Speaking quietly. He doesn’t sound nervous.
    The driver’s slowing and turning carefully. No lights on the road ahead. Feels bumpy. Not much of a road at all. More of a track. What could there be around here that has anything to do with Richard’s business? Stay calm. Don’t let them see that you’re nervous. That’ll only annoy them, and there’s nothing to gain from that. Trees on either side of them. The car’s crawling along the track. Been going for a few minutes now.