‘He didn’t mean for it to upset anyone,’ I say. ‘It’s old, it belonged to someone in his family. He thought he’d pass it on.’

Danny is looking through me now. Jesus, it’s only a coat.

‘He told you that, did he?’

‘Yes. I thought you’d all laugh at it, see the funny side. It’s no big deal, Danny…’

Danny clearly doesn’t agree with me. With the wretched coat still in his grip, he walks over to Liam, who is now fast asleep, his soft baby breath the only comfort left in the room. Looking down at Liam, Danny wipes his eyes. Is he crying? Fuck, what’s going on? What is with that stupid smelly coat?

There’s something more to this baby coat, something Danny knows about. That’s the only explanation for his completely irrational reaction. I know he doesn’t like Bert but the poor man was only trying to be nice… Or was he? Maybe he did it on purpose, to upset Danny, to undermine the occasion. Maybe they dislike one another more than I know.

I leave Joanna with a big hug and apologize that I had ever brought the stupid thing to her baby shower… into her life. Joanna being Joanna, says not to worry, that it will blow over, that Danny was wrong and will eventually see the funny side of it.

I’m not so sure she’s right.

Chapter Thirty-Six

New Orleans is a great place for lunatics. Bourbon Street is fantastic, music blaring from every bar, the street busy with tourists, performers, drinkers. Jeff looks like he’s on a day trip to heaven. His friend’s hotel is fine – high ceilings and dodgy balconies, but it will do the job. I’m glad to get away from home, especially after last night – Danny seeing the coat and then Turner showing up like that, standing outside Jeff’s apartment when I arrived back. Lenny had told her where to find me when she didn’t get an answer at my apartment. More questions, no answers. The woman is convinced I know more than I’m saying. I don’t. Not yet. Hopefully after this trip I will.

I told Jeff I can only stay one night. If I go missing for two it might set alarm bells ringing and I’m in enough trouble with Danny as it is. And Turner. God only knows what she’ll do if she finds out I’ve come looking for Katie’s husband.

The plan is to get a ferry to Algiers in the morning, sniff around, see what we can find out. Hopefully we will get to speak to Thomas Collins. Until then we will savor the atmosphere of this amazing city. Dance the dance.

I’m nervous about tomorrow, about how I’ll approach Thomas Collins. I might be the reason his wife is dead. Thomas Collins might think I’m the enemy.