2F

Was Tony right to talk to the reporter, or was the DCC right that he shouldn’t have? Would things have turned out differently if he hadn’t spoken to them?

I don’t think he should be talking to reporters. Possibly things would have turned out differently if he hadn’t spoken to them.

Talking to the reporter without revealing important unknown facts is a good way to keep lines of communication open, especially if Tony and the police may need a favor in the future.

>3 JohnDBurke: is right about keeping the communication lines open...but most police units' frown on their officers giving out information to reporters. Maybe European departments are different.

McLean knew Jo Dalgliesh of old, knew she’d probably print her own version anyway, so why not try to keep some control over the situation.

Just as an aside, however, I thought McLean and Dalgliesh had come to some kind of pact in a recent storyline? (Even this book mentioned her emaciated appearance and referenced a poisoned chocolate cake - hadn’t he saved her life? Or is my memory playing up?) I do know I was surprised at the animosity he showed towards her…

I don’t think any damage was done by talking to her. In my opinion, call-me-Stevie was just being a stickler for the rules, wanting to slap McLean down a peg or two.

It was the only way Tony had some control over what was printed, and also knowing what they had. At times they need favours from the police so good to have some sort of 2 way street. They should really trust Tony.

Also as has been mentioned >5 Sergeirocks: there is some link from previous events between Tony and Dalgleish.