‘The Russian government did initially approve his excavations, which is why the issue of diplomatic immunity arose,’ continued Gareth, ‘but once he became too extreme in his actions, they withdrew their diplomatic immunity from him and his team. They distanced themselves from him completely, describing him as a “rogue activist”, and nothing to do with the Russian government.’
‘Do we believe them?’
Gareth shrugged.
‘Whether we do or not is irrelevant. What matters is that there will be no repercussions between our two governments over what happened. Professor Lemski was acting completely on his own. And, of course, he has been handed back to the Russian authorities, along with the rest of his team.’
‘So he gets away with it. With killing Dougie MacClain and John Gordon.’
‘We don’t believe the professor was actually involved in their deaths. It seems that may well have been Muir, acting on his own initiative.’
‘But Muir worked for Lemski!’
‘We don’t know that for sure. Whether he started out as an independent operator who linked up with Lemski; or whether he was in place beforehand, we don’t know. We’re still trying to find out more about him. Of course, now he’s dead, much of that will be academic. In fact, with his death, I think we can say, “Case closed”.’
‘What about the book?’ asked Lauren.
‘Ah yes, the book.’ Gareth smiled. ‘That would appear to have come into our possession.’
‘Those soldiers took it off me!’ said Jake.
‘Standard procedure when dealing with a hostage situation, to check all persons — including the hostages — for hidden weapons, or anything that might pose a threat.’
‘It was a book!’ said Jake.
‘A dangerous book,’ said Gareth. He looked at his watch. ‘Actually, I have another conference call about to start. So we shall say goodbye. Welcome back to the United Kingdom, Ms Graham. I’m sure you will be able to sort things out with your friends in New Zealand. As for you, Jake, I look forward to hearing from you when the doctor certifies you fit to return to work.’
And with that, the image of Gareth on the screen was replaced by a black square, and the message: Contact terminated appeared.
Jake turned to Lauren and sighed.
‘We lost the book,’ he said.
‘But we got each other back,’ said Lauren. ‘And there’ll be other books.’
He leant forward and kissed her.
‘Yes,’ he said. ‘There’ll be other books.’
Chapter 31
Robbie lay propped up against the pillows in his hospital bed, a drip attached to his arm. He gave Jake and Lauren a glum look.
‘We lost the book,’ he said.
‘But they saved your life,’ said Rona.
Jake and Lauren both knew they couldn’t leave the area without visiting Robbie in the hospital at Oban. Rona had gone to stay with one of her many aunts on the mainland so she could visit Robbie every day.
‘I know,’ said Robbie, ‘and I’m grateful for that, I really am. But we’re Watchers. Our job was to protect the book.’
‘You couldn’t stop it being found,’ Lauren said. ‘Lemski knew where it was, and he had unlimited resources at his disposal. And weapons, and people who would use them. Your Uncle Dougie tried, and look what happened to him.’
‘I suppose you’re right,’ said Robbie. But his downcast expression showed he didn’t really feel it.
‘But it’s in a safe place,’ said Rona. ‘Isn’t that right?’ she said to Lauren and Jake.
‘Oh yes,’ Jake assured them. ‘It’s locked securely away where no one can get at it.’ Not even us, he reflected ruefully.
‘How long do they think you’ll have to stay in hospital?’ Lauren asked Robbie.
‘The doctor said I should be able to leave tomorrow. Luckily, the bullet didn’t hit anything serious. And Dr Patel did a great job, which helped.’
‘Excellent,’ said Jake. He looked at his watch, and then said apologetically, ‘Actually, we’d better make a move. We’ve got to get back to Glasgow and catch a train.’
‘Mum and Dad say you’re always welcome at Craigmount,’ said Rona. ‘As friends, not paying guests.’ She gave them both a shy smile. ‘We hope you’ll come back.’
‘I’m sure we will,’ said Jake.
‘We certainly will,’ added Lauren firmly. ‘And next time we’ll enjoy the island, without being chased over it by people with guns.’
‘And stuff that sets you on fire,’ said Robbie.