‘No, she wouldn’t. There’s been ill-feeling between the two families going back generations now.’ Gilbert gazed at the sketch. ‘I’ll miss drawing the station though. I was due to go out there soon and do the final one.’

‘Are you retiring?’

‘Retiring, no, though I only manage to do one or two a year now.’

‘Oh, sorry, I thought you must be hanging up your pencils, if that’s the right expression.’

Gilbert chuckled. ‘Artists are like musicians, Detective, we don’t retire, we die on the job.’

‘So, why won’t you be sketching the station anymore?’ Flowers prompted.

A middle-aged couple had just walked in. John Gilbert greeted them the way he had Flowers.

‘White Winter Station has changed a lot over the years but, sadly, the biggest change is yet to come.’ Gilbert’s attention strayed to the couple who were showing particular interest in one of the paintings. ‘The station is being subdivided. I’m not telling you anything that isn’t public knowledge, Detective. The plans are on display at the Tumbarumba Council.’

‘Really?’ Flowers managed to say, his mind racing from the unexpected news.

‘Yes, now you’ll have to excuse me,’ Gilbert said. ‘I should speak to these people. It’s the second time they’ve come in looking at that painting.’

‘Good work, Flowers.’ Ryder’s voice buzzed in Flowers’ ear as he walked past the frozen duck pond, snow crunching beneath his boots.

‘It wasn’t great police work, Sarge. It fell into my lap.’

‘As I told Sterling recently, it’s all about observation, whether you’re interviewing someone or buying a coffee.’

‘We need to talk to the Lorrimers again,’ Flowers said.

‘We do, but let’s talk to Wendy and Cate Buchanan first. I’d like to know more about this bad blood before we ask the Lorrimers about it. I won’t be back in Thredbo until after four, so we’re not going to make it to the council today. Which shire is White Winter Station in?’

‘Snowy Valleys in Tumbarumba.’

‘Okay, how about you pick me up at six in the morning.’

‘Sounds good, Sarge. How are things in Sydney?’

‘Inspector Gray is happy enough with the progress report. I should get a forensic update from Harriet soon. I’ve also been through Lorrimer’s logbook. It’s pretty sketchy. Records aren’t required for fun flights and there’re no regular flights to Khancoban or anywhere else. Newcastle command have his car.’

‘I couldn’t find insurance for that, only rego.’