It is 11.30am at a beauty salon in Scotland. Five young women are having their nails painted in a vibrant gloss. A queue is building, and business is booming. Even if the economy is a little careworn, these customers are keen their fingernails will not be.
“Now,” says Detective Chief Inspector Ruth Gilfillan. Four uniformed officers with batons and handcuffs attached to their belts surge across the pavement and force their way into the shop. They’re not here to have their nails done.
Following close behind, I’m struck by the stench of varnish, an acidic haze that the rows of extractor fans are doing nothing to dispel. Gilfillan’s eye is drawn to two figures peering out from behind white masks. They appear to be of