‘But Rhona,’ she went on, ‘said that Malee put paid to those fishing trips. She wouldn’t allow Bill to go. And yet, here he is, after getting back from Thailand with Malee, and he’s reminding himself that he needs to get bait for the Sunday.’

‘Maybe it was after that that Malee put her foot down.’

‘Maybe, Carole. But it’s still worth investigating. This guy Red had known Bill all his life. He might be able to give us some useful background on him.’

‘Possibly.’

‘Now, I wonder how we can get in touch with him. Billy or Shannon will probably have a contact number.’

‘Actually,’ said Carole in a small voice, ‘I know where you can find him.’

Jude went on her own to search out Red. Carole, still embarrassed by her failed encounter, had said, ‘I’m sure you’re more likely to get through to him with your natural empathy.’ Only Carole Seddon could make those two words sound like an accusation.

It was sunny for February but nippy. Still only three boats were moored in the so-called marina. Jude was very aware of the smell: salt sea with undertones of diesel oil and rotting vegetation.

Red was once again sitting there, on the transom box by the outboard, going through the elaborate process of rolling a matchstick-thin cigarette. He had clocked Jude’s arrival on the pontoon but did not look up until he’d put the fag in his mouth and lit it with a disposable lighter. His expression was as unwelcoming as Carole had led her to expect.

‘What do you want? Are you from the council?’

‘No. My name’s Jude and I—’

‘I don’t care what your name is. Why’re you here?’

Jude had prepared the line she was going to take. ‘I’ve recently been seeing Rhona Hampton.’

The effect of the name instantaneously softened his manner. ‘Oh. You a friend of hers then?’

‘I’ve been treating her for a medical condition.’ She avoided the word ‘healer’, in case he was one of those people who would be put off by it.

‘Oh?’ Alarm wrinkled his face even more. ‘You haven’t come to tell me she’s popped her clogs, have you? I’d heard the old girl was in a bad way, but—’

‘No, no,’ Jude reassured him. ‘She’s still with us, but I’m afraid I don’t think it’ll be long.’

‘I’d heard that, and all.’ He half-rose from the transom box and indicated one of the side benches. ‘Why don’t you come on board?’

As lightly as someone of her bulk could, Jude stepped over the gunwale and sat down.

‘Could I get you a cup of tea or …?’

‘No thanks,’ she said, having caught a glimpse through the hatch of the boat’s chaotically grubby interior.

‘So, what is it you’re doing for Rhona then?’