Something about that, and also the thought of King Richard III strutting his stuff through the streets of Middleham more than a hundred years earlier, made me take stock of how transient human life can sometimes seem, but, equally, how important it remains for every one of us. We may exist for only a fleeting moment in terms of the total length of human history, and for a much shorter period than that in comparison to the age of the hills and dales that were laid out before me, but how we each feel right now continues to be relevant and meaningful.

I wiped tears from my eyes with my sleeve and tried to tell myself they were caused only by the wind.

‘Come on, Rosie,’ I called out. ‘Time for us to go.’

But we didn’t go home. Not yet.

Instead, we went to see Simon Paulson.

CHAPTER

17

I DROVE MY DISCOVERY into Simon Paulson’s yard during the height of evening stables, when his staff were either rushing about with sacks of dirty bedding slung over their shoulders, or measuring out feed and carrying buckets of water for their charges.

‘Can’t you bloody leave me alone?’ Simon said bitterly.

‘Not a hope,’ I replied.

I glanced up at the dark, threatening edifice of Middleham Castle to my right, and wondered if anyone was watching me this time from up high on the viewing platform.

‘Why did you tell Anton Valance that I was at Catterick on Tuesday?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Two of his heavies were waiting with baseball bats to ambush me in the car park as I left to go home, and they hadn’t just turned up by coincidence. Someone tipped them off that I was there.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ he replied, but there was something about his body language that told the real story.

‘Two runners, both favourites, and neither of them even came close to winning. They had no chance, did they, Simon? Because you made sure they wouldn’t win. I’m surprised the Catterick stewards didn’t hold an enquiry.’

I could tell he was frightened, as well he might be.

‘You and I need to talk,’ I said.

‘I’m not talking to you.’ He turned to walk away.

‘Oh, I think you will, Simon,’ I said to his retreating back. ‘Either that or you can talk to the Integrity Department of the BHA after I send in a report to them. Or perhaps I’ll tell Anton Valance that you have agreed to assist me in arranging his downfall. I’m sure he won’t be happy with that. Is your fire insurance up to date?’

He turned back to face me. ‘You wouldn’t.’

‘Try me.’

Rarely had I seen a man’s shoulders slump so much in resignation.

‘Shall we go to your office?’ I asked.