The door opened and a man came in. ‘Good morning, sorry to keep you waiting,’ he said, moving towards the chair at the head of the table. ‘Let’s all have a seat.’

Jeremy Thomas was softly spoken, of medium height with grey hair, grey eyebrows and a bushy grey beard. He took a silver pen from his shirt pocket and opened the file he’d brought in. ‘Dan Lorrimer emailed this authority through to the office this morning,’ he said, handing Ryder a sheet of paper.

Ryder looked at the authority. The signatures of Dan and Ethan Lorrimer were consistent with the signed documents the developer had shown him. Heidi’s signature was there too, giving Jeremy Thomas the authority to speak to the police about their affairs.

‘How can I help you?’ Thomas asked, putting the authority back in the file.

‘We’re trying to establish what Art Lorrimer’s assets are. Dan Lorrimer tells us White Winter Station is held in a trust.’

Thomas nodded. ‘Yes, the property is owned by the company on behalf of the family trust.’

‘Who controls it all?’ asked Ryder.

‘Any two directors can sign for the company. The trust requires that all the family members have to be in agreement when dealing with the assets, and that includes selling them.’

‘Does that mean Art’s quarter share will form part of his estate?’ Flowers asked.

‘No, Art’s rights in any of the trust’s assets cease upon his death.’

Ryder raised his eyebrows. ‘So, the remaining three will get a third share each now?’

‘That’s correct.’

‘Who made the decision to sell White Winter Station?’ asked Ryder.

‘They all did. I have a form signed by all of them saying they agreed to the sale.’

‘How long ago was this?’ asked Ryder.

‘It would have to be going on two years now. My dealings have principally been with the two elder brothers. They arranged for the form to be signed and returned to me.’

‘Did Heidi and Art not take an interest in their affairs?’ asked Ryder.

‘Well, Art has always kept to himself, and Heidi’s been happy to leave all legal matters to Dan and Ethan to handle. They’re a little older than the twins, and they’ve always taken the lead since their father died.’

‘Are there other reasons for them wanting to sell up or is it purely a financial issue?’ asked Ryder.

‘They all have their personal reasons for selling, but in addition to that, the property itself is expensive to run and maintain. It’s become a financial burden to the family.’

‘So, once they sell the property, can they distribute the money among themselves?’ asked Flowers.

Thomas rotated the silver pen between his fingers. ‘Yes, and that could bring the trust to an end.’