Richard was silent a moment and then spoke, very quietly. ‘If you think the old man rewarded kindness then you really didn’t know him very well. He rewarded strength, pragmatism, acumen … ruthlessness. If he’s rewarded you, it’s because he’s seen something in you that is like himself.’ The mask of foolish affability had slipped, and I could see in that moment that he didn’t like me any more than Helena and Harry did. I must have looked taken aback because when he spoke again he was all smiles, his voice returned to its hearty, fruity tones. ‘I’m sure Nick left you the shop because he had confidence in you, thought you could make a go of it.’

‘Did you ever know a dealer called Bert Evans?’ I asked.

He shrugged. ‘No, but of course I haven’t seen the old man in years. I don’t know who he associated with.’

‘Well, he knew your father, had dealings with him. And he was murdered too.’

He raised an eyebrow. ‘You think their murders are connected?’

‘I don’t believe it’s just coincidence.’

‘Unless someone’s out there randomly picking off dodgy antiques dealers.’ He raised his glass. ‘Good luck to him, I say!’

For a moment I was too angry to speak.

‘So, you haven’t been near him for years?’ I asked when I could find my voice.

‘Guilty as charged,’ he admitted, inclining his head.

‘Well, that’s really strange,’ I told him. He looked uncertain and it was my time to smile. I leant back in my chair. ‘You don’t remember our first meeting, do you?’

He frowned, his head cocked on one side. ‘Have we met before today?’

‘Oh yes, we bumped into each other – almost literally. I was forced to drive my van into the hedge because you were coming around the bend so fast – not in the car you’re driving today, but another big, swanky job – and I warned you to slow down because of horse riders on the road.’ I could see the memory of the event slowly unfold in his mind. ‘Surely you remember?’ I prompted. ‘This was just a mile outside of the town where your father lived − just a few weeks before he was murdered.’

Richard stared at me for what seemed like a long moment, his fingers playing idly with the stem of his glass. ‘All right, Juno, it’s a fair cop,’ he breathed at last. ‘I admit I did come down to see him, to tap him for money. The firm had been experiencing cash flow problems and … well, it wasn’t the first time he’d helped me out.’

‘He gave you money?’