‘No. Like I said, I rang but he didn’t answer. The key was left in a lockup and he knew where to find it. Not that he needed it round here; the doors are always left open. He knew about my plans to convert the house to a business and he said he wanted to stay here for one last time.’

‘When was this?’

‘It was by email. A couple of months ago, I think.’

‘Do you know how he got here? There’s no sign of a car, and it’s a remote location.’

‘I did notice that. He always drove.’

‘So, we’ve probably got a missing vehicle too,’ Kelly glanced at Emma, who made a note. ‘It’s curious that the burglary occurred at the boathouse but they didn’t bother to come inside the house, don’t you think?’

‘It’s a disappointing start to a new venture,’ Sebastian said. Kelly stared at him and Emma looked away.

‘Why were you calling him on Sunday?’

‘I wanted to ask him if the builders had arrived to start work. They’re notoriously lazy.’

‘Which building firm are you using? It’s our understanding that there have been no sightings of work vans in the area.’ She was thinking how builders’ vans would be perfect to transport the heavy and sizeable stolen goods.

‘I can’t remember off the top of my head. I’ll have to ask my PA and get back to you.’

‘What is your occupation in London?’

‘I don’t have a job as such. I look after several investments, and I manage this.’ He swept his hand around, indicating the house.

Kelly took one last look at the bedroom. It was too neat for a man in his fifties with no wife to tidy up after him and no one to impress on his mini-break. Nothing was scattered across chairs; there were no toiletries on shelves, no newspapers and no luggage. Perhaps George had already packed to leave, but she knew from experience that men didn’t normally leave a bed that well made or fail to throw the odd dirty sock into a corner.

‘Thank you for your time. We’ll be staying for a while to chat to some of our officers. Thank you.’

‘Yes, help yourself.’

They went back downstairs to the study, and Sebastian asked if he could leave. Kelly watched out of the window as he walked towards the lake, his hands in his pockets.