‘Do I mind? Yes, I bloody well do mind. What is all this? Am I being arrested? If so, I demand to know on what grounds. You can hardly charge me with disturbing the peace. Heckling at a public meeting isn’t a crime, nor is disagreeing with someone in a position of power. At least, it wasn’t a crime last time I looked. I wasn’t aware we were living in a police state yet. I demand to know what’s going on.’ He glared at Geraldine. ‘You said I was just coming here for a chat. You said nothing about a formal interview. Do I need a lawyer?’ He paused for breath. ‘I refuse to say anything until I have a lawyer. All I will say is that I’m entitled to hold what political views I choose, and I’ve broken no laws. I take it David Armstrong is behind this?’

Geraldine glanced at Ian before replying. ‘In a manner of speaking, yes.’

‘This is outrageous,’ Jonathan cried out. ‘This really is the last straw.’

Geraldine and Ian had allowed him to talk freely, but he let nothing incriminating slip. Finally he sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and was silent. Geraldine had a fleeting impression that he might be enjoying the attention.

‘We’re not interested in your political views which, as you have reminded us, do not break the law,’ she said quietly. ‘We’re investigating the unlawful killing of David Armstrong.’

‘Unlawful killing? You mean he’s dead?’

Geraldine nodded. ‘Yes, David Armstrong was murdered.’

‘Well, well, bloody hell.’ Jonathan shook his head, frowning. ‘I’m not going to pretend I’m sorry to hear it, although I probably shouldn’t say that out loud. Still, it’s not like I ever kept my feelings a secret. No, I can’t say I’m the slightest bit sorry.’

‘A man has been murdered,’ Ian said, emphasising the final word in the sentence.

‘He was asking for it,’ Jonathan muttered.

Geraldine studied him. His face was pale and solemn, and he showed no signs of surprise.

‘Are you saying you think he deserved to be murdered?’ she asked.