‘What? Oh yes. I was sorry to hear about the assault. Look, Mrs Ogilvie is coming over on the next plane to look after him. We had a conference and the chairman thought it was the thing to do. He’s flying out himself and bringing her with him.’

‘You’d better stop him,’ I said. ‘It’s too late. Ogilvie died this morning.’

‘I’m sorry,’ said Costello. ‘I didn’t get that. There’s a crackle on the line.’

I repeated what I had said and there was a silence. At last Costello said in a disbelieving voice, ‘Dead?’

‘He was very badly beaten up. Didn’t Jolly tell you?’

‘He told me Ogilvie had been attacked but he appeared to overlook the severity.’

I said, ‘I have Detective Superintendent Hanna with me. He’s investigating the case. Do you want to talk to him?’

‘Put him on,’ said Costello, and I handed the telephone to Hanna and then went to pour myself another drink. I didn’t pay much attention to what Hanna was saying. It would be the usual soothing syrup for administration on these occasions. I got some water from the bathroom and then went back and lay on the bed. Hanna handed me the telephone and I put it to my ear and made a noise. ‘This is a heIl of a mess,’ said Costello. ‘Hanna says you’ve been wounded.’

‘I’ll live.’ I took a sip of peaty malt whisky. ‘I’ll be sending you a report on Salton Estates. I don’t think you have much to worry about but I’m recommending we have a seat on the board. That’s it in a nutshell, but I’ll dress it up in the report.’

‘What are you going to do now?’

I yawned. ‘Go to bed.’

‘Don’t be funny,’ snarled Costello. ‘I have to get on to the chairman to stop him taking Mrs Ogilvie to Campanilla. What do I tell him about you?’

‘You can tell him I’m helping the police with their inquiries,’ I said, and put down the telephone.

Hanna looked down at me. ‘You don’t take much from anyone, do you?’

‘I’m no pushover,’ I agreed.

‘I don’t suppose you’re ready to go to the scene of the crime?’

‘You heard the doctor. He advocated complete rest until tomorrow.’

‘All right, tomorrow after breakfast.’ He picked up his straw hat and walked to the door. ‘Have a good rest. If you move outside this room I’ll know about it.’ The door closed behind him.