Shiflon waggles his shaggy head, and turns away from me, saying, ‘Yes, yes, yes,’ grabs two stools and passes one to me. ‘He did like this place.’ He perches on a stool, and so do I. The kitchen is out of the 1950s — checked linoleum, pale-green cupboards with glass windows and green Masonite bench tops. There is a present-day coffee machine in one corner.

‘But when I saw him towards the end, he would have liked any place except home.’

‘He was scared?’

‘I thought you knew him, man.’

‘Not very well. I certainly didn’t know he was into any of the stuff I now think he was into.’

‘Really? He told me you were his closest friend. The only man he could trust. Apart from me.’

‘If that’s true, it’s pretty sad.’

‘It’s true. That’s why he had me send you the boxes. You did get the boxes, right?’

All I hear is had me send you the boxes. ‘Seven of them. You sent the money?’

‘It was money?’

‘Yeah. In one of them.’

‘Makes sense, I suppose.’

‘So why did he do it? Why did you?’

Shiflon sighs heavily. ‘Let me see. I’ve known Tito forever: since art school. Best buddies. Kindred spirits, you know? But when we left, his work got really popular, everyone wanted it, and he started charging a fortune for it. Became a bit of an A-lister, or whatever you call it. He changed — got sucked in by the high life, hanging with rich people, doing what rich people do. He was into the booger sugar, and the punt, and it took hold. Turns out he was a gambler. Would bet on anything at any time. Started to get into some trouble. He married one of the rich girls, and things just got worse. So she decided to get him out of town. Fresh start in the country — you know the deal.’

‘Elaine told me the same story.’

‘Elaine?’

‘Tito’s wife.’

‘Yes. She did? That’s good. Anyway, he was straight for a while. Got in contact. I told him about the clays out here, and he started visiting. We kind of got our vibe back on, you know?’

I nod that I know.

‘You want a cup of coffee? It’s good — the real thing.’

‘No, thanks.’

‘I think I’ll have one. It is excellent for my thought energy. Do you mind?’

‘Go ahead.’