He seemed much more relaxed. ‘I know my statutes,’ he said. ‘And Micklethwaite is no friend of Barstow. Our Chief Justice is as straight as a ramrod and he’s appointed for life, which means he isn’t afraid of politicians. I’d heard that he was worried about the activities of the police lately – the overreaction during the riots, for instance. Not that he’d said anything to me personally.’

‘But you knew he’d sign a court warrant,’ I said. ‘Did you really just see him by chance going into the club?’

Hanna smiled. ‘No, of course not. I telephoned him earlier in the evening, filled him in on some of the broad facts, and arranged to meet him there at ten.’

‘And I suppose you just happened to know that Shillabeer would be away from home last night.’

‘Mr Roker was giving a party,’ said Hanna. ‘Mr and Mrs Shillabeer were among the guests. They got home at two this morning.’ He looked earnest. ‘I did call his home several times last night, giving my name and saying that Mr Shillabeer must get in touch with me.’ He shrugged. ‘He rang here at two-thirty and my home soon after that. By that time, I was at Barstow’s place supervising the snatch.’

‘It’s copper-bottomed,’ I said. ‘But Conyers will never believe it.’

‘I don’t care if he does or not,’ said Hanna, sounding positively cheerful. ‘But it will stand up in court if I have to give evidence.’ He stopped smiling. ‘Now, about you. I’m not sure how long the casino will remain a safe haven. I’m having an eye kept on it and there’s been police activity there. I think you should move.’

‘Mrs Salton wants me to visit her at El Cerco.’

He considered that. ‘That might be all right, but it doesn’t solve the problem of Miss Tomsson.’

‘She’s invited, too.’

Hanna was astounded. ‘Invited?’

‘There won’t be another murder,’ I said dryly. ‘I’ll keep them apart.’

He wagged his head in a baffled way. ‘It might work. Who would look for Miss Tomsson at El Cerco? The problem is getting you both there safely.’

He switched on the intercom. ‘Has Mr Negrini come back yet?’

‘He’s here, sir.’

‘Send him in.’

As we waited I said to Hanna, ‘What have you discovered about Mrs Haslam?’

He gave me a frown and said, ‘It’s in the works.’

Negrini came in and Hanna swung his chair. ‘Ah, Mr Negrini. How would you like another chauffeuring job?’

‘Maybe I should charge expenses.’ Negrini winked at me. ‘A Caddy costs a lot to run.’

‘I wasn’t thinking of a car,’ said Hanna. ‘You have a boat – that over-engined so-called fishing boat of yours.’

‘It’s a speedboat,’ said Negrini testily. ‘I don’t get much time to fish so I like to get in and out real quick. What about it?’