Skinner’s round

`Michael said that he and Hector had told him, politely as ever was, to bugger off, and had said that they would find someone else to arrange their event. At that the chap came back, with a very ill grace and said that he would do it for his usual percentage of all money taken in from spectators, sponsors and exhibitors.'

A broad smile spread over Ski

And the guy looked at me yesterday and told me, wide-eyed, that he thought White was

"charming". According to him they were practically blood brothers.'

The Chief Constable leaned forward in his seat. 'Were they now! I think we ought to find out a bit more about Mr Morton.'

Too right,' said Ski

Proud smiled. 'That other job of yours comes in handy at times, doesn't it?'

It can do. I've thought about packing it in, letting the Secretary of State find himself a new part-time security adviser, then something like this crops up and I decide it's worth it after all.'

He stood up; Sir James followed his example. 'Look Chief, why don't you go and empty your in-tray and I'll speak to Brian Mackie. While I'm doing that I'll have Maggie Rose check that it's all right for us to see Myrtle White.'

Aye, fine. Come to think of it, we'll take Maggie with us. I'm a plain coward when it comes to coping with grief!'

Eight

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Mackie sat hunched over his desk as Ski

Mackie was serious — bordering on the mournful at times, in Ski

`Morning, sir.'

`Christ, Brian, but you look cheerful. Did you win the Lottery or something?'

As a matter of fact I did. A te

`Come on, Hearts wi

Not when they beat Hibs!'

Ski

‘Not a bit, boss. The truth is I really enjoy international enquiries. Contact with other forces broadens the mind.'

Brian Mackie had been moved into Special Branch as commander in the wake of Andy Martin's promotion to head the drugs and vice squad. Like Martin he had acted for a spell as Ski

`How are you doing with Morton?' Ski

The DCI's face lit up once more. 'I've just had feedback from the States on that, sir. Sports Stars Corporation… that's Morton's company,' Ski

`They're involved in far more than just golf.'

Ski

Mackie looked discomfited for a second, but, deciding to ignore Ski

'Golf is a very important part of the company's business, certainly — in fact that's where it started — but really, sir, now SSC gets everywhere. It's a major promoter as well as manager.

It has a boxing division, with a string of world champions, recognised by an organisation of which Morton's son-in-law is president. It owns an American football franchise, an ice hockey team, and a basketball side. Morton has a baseball team of his own. Then there's te

OK,' Ski

The message I'm getting, boss, is that they're both squeaky clean. I spoke to my opposite number in Miami. He said he knows Morton and reckons that if he ran for Mayor out there, he'd win hands down. He put me on to a contact in the State Attorney's Office and she told me the same thing. Mike Morton is a very respected businessman without a blemish to his name.'

Ski

The call was answered before the third ring. 'FBI.' `Christ, Joe, don't you have a secretary yet!'

There was a laugh on the other end of the line. 'No chance, my friend, I couldn't keep one busy. Anyway, there's a view in the Bureau that secretaries are a security risk.

`So how're you doin', you Scottish SOB. It's been a year now, since you made my phone ring.'

Ski

'Cuts both ways, Joseph. As for how I'm doing, you and I are almost related. I've got a half-American son, now. Didn't you know?'

Doherty laughed again, but there was something behind it this time 'Yes, I knew. There's very little happens to an American citizen resident in the UK that I don't find out about eventually.

Listen,' he went on, 'I've been pla

'Great idea,' said Ski

Our international man checked this guy out in his home state, Florida, and they gave him a character reference that makes him sound like Mickey effing Mouse. I'd like to know what your chums think of him. Can you find out?'