‘Absolutely. I’m more than happy to take it off Temple’s hands. The house and cemetery are problematic.’

Ryder looked up as a loud bell rang throughout the building.

‘Don’t worry,’ Buchanan said. ‘That’s the bell for rollcall.’

Voices started to filter into the lab as students began gathering in the quad outside.

‘Why are the house and cemetery problematic?’ asked Flowers.

‘Well, a proper right of way needs to be established so the cemetery can be accessed by the public, and the house is heritage listed. Anyone who buys it will be stuck with an old house they can’t demolish, and they’re going to have to spend a bomb doing it up.’

‘So, why are you taking it on?’ asked Ryder.

Buchanan smiled. ‘I knew you were going to ask that. Cate has all these lofty ideas of turning the house into a public gallery where she can show off all the antique bits and pieces Wendy has collected over the years. Wendy still has the original furniture her mother had in the house, and there’s a trunk full of old black-and-white photographs. Cate has already chosen ones to be framed for a history wall.’ He rolled his eyes in amusement. ‘She’s even talking about serving high tea and having organised tours of the gardens and cemetery.’

Flowers nodded. ‘I can totally see that.’

Buchanan held up both hands, his fingers spread wide. ‘I’m just trying to make it all happen, Detective.’

‘It sounds like your sister has her heart set on it?’ said Ryder.

Buchanan nodded. ‘She does.’

‘What about your aunt?’ Flowers asked.

Buchanan shrugged. ‘Wendy’s very pragmatic. She’ll be over the moon if we get it, but it won’t be the end of her world if we don’t.’

‘How many on the council object to the development proposal?’ Ryder asked.

Buchanan jigged his knee up and down, a bundle of nervous energy. ‘Only a couple, and they routinely oppose everything. Everyone else is on board.’

‘For the purpose of the recording could you state their names for me, please?’

Buchanan did as Ryder asked, and then Flowers enquired whether the remaining councillors had needed a lot of persuading.

‘No, they feel the same way I do, that turning the house into a gallery, and preserving it, will help highlight the history of the area.’ Buchanan leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with excitement. ‘The house was built by our ancestors. They’re the ones lying in the cemetery. Who better to own it and take care of it than us?’

When a second bell rang, Ryder decided they should make a move. He thanked Buchanan for his time and turned off the recording app.