“Bickering isn’t going to get us anywhere,” I said, my reflexes geared as ever to stopping the boys squabbling. But I couldn’t help feeling Clive had a point about a leak. Unless there had been a tip-off, I couldn’t see how Billy and Gary had got away with it. And until I did, Mortensen and Brannigan were going to be the fall guys, that much was clear. “Look, something has clearly gone down here that needs looking into. Will you give me twenty-four hours to see what I can come up with?”

Clive looked triumphant. “This will of course be at your own expense?”

Bill scowled. “I don’t see why it should be.”

I stepped in again. They were like a pair of stags in the rut. “The reward when the Smarts are convicted will more than pay for a day of my time,” I said sweetly. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Tony grin.

“I can’t pull my team off,” he said, “but I won’t pursue any active line for another twenty-four hours.” It wasn’t much, but it was a small concession. At least I wouldn’t be falling over PC Plod on every street corner.

Now the deal was struck, our guests couldn’t get out of the door fast enough.

“The guy’s a toad,” Bill grumbled loudly as the door closed

“To be honest, I’m not sure. I thought I’d just go walkabout and see what I can dig up. The Smarts are going to be on their guard after last night, so God knows if I’ll get anywhere. But I had to say something to stop Clive sniping away at us.”

Bill nodded. “Noted and appreciated. What are you going to do about the murder investigation? D’you need anything from me?”

“Cliff Jackson and his merry men have pulled in Maggie Rossiter. It might be worth checking whether she’s sorted with a good lawyer. If not, maybe you could give Diana Russell a bell? Jackson also wants to see me tomorrow morning, but I can handle it. Other than that, put it on hold. If Jett calls, tell him I’m pursuing some leads among the people she was hanging out with before she came back to the manor. OK?”

“No problem. I really am sorry to have dragged you back like that, but it was one of those situations where you have to put on a show of strength. Besides, if you hadn’t been there, that shithead Clive would have spent the whole time putting the knife into you.”

I knew Bill had enough on his plate right now without having to put up with Clive whingeing for England, so I gave him a reassuring smile and said, “As my grannie always said, if they’re talking about me, they’re leaving some other poor soul alone. I’ll let you know when I get somewhere, OK?”