“Not by anyone but ourselves,” Banks answered. “We think we’ve been working on a crime with clear motivation and opportunity—drugs, organized crime—but what if the whole thing was completely unplanned and unexpected? What if Samir was just in the wrong place at the wrong time? What if the crime had nothing to do with the other stuff, but everything to do with the park?”

“And you’re assuming he was killed in the park?” said Annie.

“Yes. As I said, I don’t think there’s much doubt that the blood Stefan’s team has found is his, do you? We’ll have to wait for analysis, of course, but I’d bet next month’s salary on it.”

“And?”

“Well, who do you think might have been likely to be in the park when Samir ran there? I think it might not be a bad idea to go and have another word with Mr. Neighborhood Watch, don’t you?”

GRANVILLE MYERS led Banks and Annie through the bright kitchen to the paved patio area in the garden at the back, where four white fold-up chairs were arranged around a circular table with a brightly striped umbrella, under the shade of an overhanging willow.

The weather was warm enough for Banks to remove his jacket and hang it over the back of the chair. He noticed an outdoor grill in the corner by the door, which reminded him that he had been planning on buying one for a couple of years now but hadn’t got around to it. He thought he could probably master the basics of grilling a burger or steak; it would be something quick and easy he could make after a long day at work, leaving only a minimum of washing up. Spring seemed to have morphed into summer so much more quickly than usual this year, and he realized his mind was still stuck in winter. Time to get a move on and catch up with the seasons.

“I can’t imagine what it is you want to talk to me about,” Myers said. “I told the other young lady everything I know. Which is nothing.” In front of him on the table were a half-finished glass of orange juice and an open paperback copy of the latest Lee Child.

“Just a few minor details, if that’s all right with you?” Banks said.

“I don’t suppose I have much choice.”

“There’s always a choice, sir,” Annie said. “And it’s always best to make the right one.”

Myers scowled at her. “Thank you for that gem of wisdom. What is it you want to know?”