Denise Mina - Resolution

She turned sideways and looked out through the milky curtain across to the checkered Palace Square and saw the sun glinting off the gilded onion domes of the cathedral called The Resurrection on Spilt Blood.

She'd have to watch her time. There was only one English-speaking AA meeting per week in St. Petersburg and it began in an hour. She hadn't been sober long enough to go a week without one.

He sat down next to her on the bench and took her hand lightly in his.

"All right?" she whispered, still looking out of the window. "Are ye having a good time?"

"Aye," said Vik. "Oh, aye."

Many, many thanks to Gerry Considine for hours of help in explaining the Scottish legal system and for handing me plot twists on a plate. Also to Tommy Smith and a nameless officer of the Crown for explaining the ins and outs of the High Court. The Media and Information Service of the Strathclyde Police Department also helped. Thanks again to Selina Walker, Rachel Calder and Katrina Whone, all of whom love attention and will be thrilled at a mention. Particular thanks are due to Stephen Evans for Kilty's joke about the shark documentary, among many, many other things.

I'd like to thank all the kind souls who, over the course of this series, have, uncomplainingly, let me steal their jokes. Those who did complain will be dealt with forthwith, future jokes notwithstanding. You know who you are. Start running.