Jane moved closer to the untidy desk. ‘I don’t understand. What do you mean by “who we sent”?’

‘Well, models, of course.’

‘But these were film premieres?’

‘Yes, they were, but the boss was often asked to supply some really glamorous girls – “arm candy”, they call it.’

Spencer was standing with his hands in his pockets, looking around at the upturned photos of the young models.

‘They weren’t asked to serve drinks or anything like that,’ Simon continued. ‘It was usually a good gig, as all the press photographers were there and some of these girls would give their right arm to get their faces in the paper. When there was a star actor who didn’t have anyone with them, we’d organize it for the girls to accompany them on the red carpet.’

Jane took back her notes. ‘So the numbers six, four, three – were these the number of girls at the premieres?’

‘Yes, I would think so, but it was always organized by Mr. Foxley. You have to understand that this was his sideline. None of the other agents were interested.’ He shrugged. ‘Not that anyone in this effing place shows any interest now he’s not here. In fact, I’ve not even had my wages paid. No matter who I ask, I’m given the cold shoulder. I know we were losing money, but we’d only been up and running nine months or so. Without him, as you can see, it’s finished.’

Spencer bent down, looking through the photos of the gorgeous young girls. At first he was unsure what he was looking for, then he straightened up.

‘The girls you supplied for these events – did they get paid?’

For the first time, Simon seemed uneasy. He looked away before shrugging his shoulders.

‘Well, they were given expenses, of course, and in some instances they were paid to get glammed up. But on the whole, as I said, they were very eager to be seen.’

Spencer nodded. ‘You didn’t quite answer the question. On top of the expenses, and on top of maybe buying a designer gown, were they also paid to go to these premieres?’

Simon was sweating. ‘You’re making it sound sleazy. I can assure you it wasn’t. I don’t know what you’ve heard, but all the girls were very well cared for. They had taxis home and there was nothing untoward about the evening.’

‘Thank you very much.’ Spencer nodded to Jane for them to leave.

Jane couldn’t quite see what direction Spencer was going in, but looked at her wristwatch and knew she needed to go if she wanted to get to Barnes for midday.

As they headed down the stairs, Spencer paused.