‘From the shape of the wound, it looks like a screwdriver, like I said, but as to what type or where it was bought, nothing yet. Maybe nothing ever. He might have had it for years. It’s not CSI, Finn. We won’t be checking every Woodies and B&Q in Ireland.’

‘It’s not a random mugging,’ I said.

‘I thought you might say that,’ Sadie said. ‘Talk to me. Fast.’

‘There’s a lot to tell – come up to my house? It’s all on my computer.’

‘I’ll get a car to drop us,’ Sadie said.

‘Great.’

If Jeremy Gill’s security guard was still following me, a Garda car might frighten him off for a while.

‘I think you’re on to something big,’ Sadie said. ‘Coincidences happen, of course. But, based on what you’ve told me, I need to pass on this information to the murder team in Dublin. Jeremy Gill is a suspect in Rhona’s murder. Has to be. You’ll have to pull back now, though – this is an active investigation, Finn, and you can’t do anything to prejudice it.’

I said nothing.

‘Are you listening to me, Fitzpatrick? I said you’re going to have to back off.’

‘I will. I know I can’t have anything to do with the criminal investigation – but I have to keep on with my own work, my civil case for the wrongful death of Deirdre Carney.’

‘You’ve spent the last hour telling me that Rhona’s murder is inextricably linked to Deirdre’s death. You’ve told me Gill had a man following you up to Dublin and back again. How can you possibly think it’s okay for you to continue with your investigation? A woman is dead, Finn. You’re out of your depth and you’re too stubborn and pig-headed to admit it.’

‘I see your point.’

‘Thank God.’

‘But I have just a few more things to do. Cork-based, mostly. Backgroundy things. I can’t just let it drop.’

‘Come on, Finn. What about your job? Your job that you were so worried about on Wednesday night? Has it even crossed your mind today?’

‘It’s less of a priority, actually.’

‘You’re impossible,’ Sadie said.

‘I know,’ I said.

‘If you’re right about Rhona and Gill … what I’m saying is that if Gill’s killed once, he could kill again. You could be in danger.’

‘I don’t see it that way. Now that I think about it, I’m in no danger whatsoever.’

‘I like your confidence.’