The men looked at them and then looked at each other.
“Have you got an invitation?” the older one asked.
Elizabeth shook her head. “I’m only in town for a short time, and I was hoping to speak with the MSP. We’re friends of Jack Murray’s.”
Alarm.
Elizabeth saw it in their eyes.
“I served wi’ him and Andrew Lewis in the SAS,” Quinn said. “I think Lewis works for the MSP as well. He and I are good friends.”
The older of the two guards stepped back, spoke into his handset, his accent English. “I’ve a couple here who say they’re friends of Murray’s—an American woman and a Scot who says he fought with Murray and Lewis in the SAS.”
Elizabeth gave him their names again, watched as he relayed the information over the radio. He was jumpy, his gaze darting between her and Quinn.
He knew something.
He ended the radio call. “He’s going to talk to Lewis and the MSP.”
“Lewis is here?” Quinn grinned.
But Elizabeth wanted answers. “We’re heartbroken about Jack’s death. It must be hard for all of you, too.”
“Oh. Yes. An awful business.”
“Were you two friends of his, too?”
The looks on their faces answered that question.
“Yes, ma’am,” the older man said. “Murray was a good man. Roberts here didn’t know him well, did you?”
“No, I didn’t know him well at all.”
Then the older one took up his handset. “Yes, sir. Understood. I’ll tell them, sir.”
He met Elizabeth’s gaze. “Mr. Lewis says that he and the MSP can’t meet with you tonight. He suggests you schedule a meeting with his office in Holyrood.”
Elizabeth hadn’t expected this.
Quinn wasn’t happy. “That’s a load of pish. Give me the radio and put Lewis on.”
The guard stepped back. “I’m sorry, sir. They’re not available.”
“What the f—”
“Thanks.” Elizabeth cut across Quinn. “Tell the two of them to expect a call.”
She and Quinn had just turned to walk back to the car, Quinn cursing, when the front entrance opened. An older man leaned down and kissed a young teenage girl, the teen dressed in a revealing cocktail dress. Then the teen walked down the steps and out the front gate, the street light hitting the girl’s face.
Elizabeth stared. “Nicola?”
18
Quinn just had time to recognize her when Nicola ran, dashing in a panic down the street. Elizabeth ran after her, giving Quinn no choice but to follow.
Elizabeth called out for her again. “Nicola! Wait!”
Nicola was wearing high heels, so Elizabeth and Quinn caught up to her quickly.