The woman who answered the door startled Taylor with her resemblance to Rory—the same sheet-white skin and green eyes. She was as tall as he had been, nervous, in a cardigan and pleated skirt.

“Nicola Bannatyne?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Kathryn. I spoke to you this morning. I worked with Rory.”

“Oh, yes. Thank you for visiting. Please, come in.”

The flat was unnervingly neat and smelled institutional. Photos of their parents stood in frames on the dresser. A wall calendar showed a church amid snow.

When they were settled with teas, Taylor said: “I’m so sorry about what happened, the loss you must be feeling, but also, I imagine, some uncertainty. You must have questions. I knew Rory quite well, so I wanted to meet you in person. I thought I could fill you in a little more on the details. I’d also like to learn a bit more about Rory myself. It must have been a horrible shock, and so strange when he’s been so far away. I know it was to me.”

“Yes.”

“Did he ever tell you much about his work?”

“No. I understand that it was difficult for various reasons. I know he worked for the government, often helping with engineering projects abroad.”

“He was a hugely valued member of our team. A special person. Gifted.”

“I’m sure. And he was doing something like that on the island?” his sister asked.

“Yes. Helping with the internet there.”

“I was told I might be able to collect his belongings.”

“You will. This isn’t comfortable to say, but there’s some complexity to the situation surrounding his death. Around the time he passed away, a young woman on the island went missing. It’s still not entirely clear what happened to her.”

It took the sister a moment to process this. Taylor registered uncertainty and some caution, but not shock, exactly. She seemed to understand what this meant.

“You think ​—”

“I don’t. But then, I wasn’t there. You can appreciate, the police want to be thorough. And so that’s created a few complications. For example, the funeral’s going to have to be delayed for a few weeks. I can only apologize for the inconvenience. And let me know if it causes you any problems—if you need any help arranging or rearranging. We can provide assistance.”