A Fine Target

Out on the lake the lightest of breezes ruffles the water and causes the reeds to stir with a dry, rustling sound. It would take a keen-eyed person to notice the drifting movements of a human hand among the vegetation near the water's edge... The dark blue BMW parked nearby belongs to Patrick Gillard. The body of the undeniably murdered man looks uncannily like Patrick Gillard. But Detective Chief Inspector James Carrick cannot bring himself to believe that his friend is dead. So it is a considerable relief when Gillard's mother identifies her other son, Lawrence. It's a clear case of mistaken identity. Patrick is an agent of one of those government departments responsible for national security known by a number: a number synonymous with secrets and danger. Patrick knows things , he represents a threat to certain people. Poor Lawrence, he was a recently divorced, slightly down-at-heel and disorganised teacher, struggling to raise his two children on his own, but loved by everyone who knew him. Carrick is sure that Patrick was the intended victim, but the job demands he make a thorough investigation. A quick probe into Lawrence's life is called for, just to clear the ground for the main inquiry. What he discovers takes Carrick by surprise – and leads him into an investigation with more twists and dangerous undercurrents than any he has encountered before.