‘The magistrates believe otherwise. You were charged and released on conditional bail, were you not?’

‘The case hasn’t gone to court yet. My solicitor says the so-called evidence is weak.’

‘I’m sure he did.’ A small smile passed over Barrett’s lips.

‘Your bail was set at one thousand pounds. Where did you get the money from?’ Palmer asked, looking at the suspect and concluding that the man didn’t have a pot to piss in.

‘I work. I’ve got a job.’ Andrew wriggled slightly in his chair.

‘What is it you do to make a living, Mr Wade?’ Barrett couldn’t wait to hear the answer.

‘Odd jobs, here and there.’

Barrett suspected he knew exactly what that meant. ‘So, you don’t have full-time employment?’

‘Like I said, I do a bit of everything.’

‘And might that include selling drugs?’ Barrett bit back.

‘I’m clean. I told you,’ Andrew sneered.

‘Clean as of…’ Barrett referred to his notes. ‘November sixth?’

‘It wasn’t mine. Have you got cloth in your ears or something?’

Both officers knew that the interview was getting to Andrew. ‘You still haven’t explained where the money for your bail came from.’ Palmer leant across the desk.

‘A mate lent it to me,’ Andrew eventually admitted.

‘I can see from your record that, in the past, your father had posted bail. Why didn’t you go to him this time?’

‘None of your business,’ Andrew hissed.

‘This is a murder case. That makes it very much my business,’ Barrett responded coldly.

‘Well I didn’t kill the old fool.’

‘Can you tell us where you were in the early hours of Friday the thirteenth?’

Much to Barrett and Palmer’s surprise, Andrew burst out laughing. ‘Someone has a sense of humour.’ Andrew shook his head still smiling.

‘Why’s that?’ Palmer asked.

‘Friday the thirteenth. It’s funny.’ He grinned and revealed crooked teeth.

‘Does that date mean anything to you?’

‘No more than it does to everyone else.’ He shrugged. ‘So…’ Andrew unfolded his arms and leant in. ‘Do you have any suspects?’

‘We are exploring a number of avenues at this time.’ Barrett cleared his throat.

‘That means no.’ Andrew smiled again.

‘Tell me about your relationship with your father. When was the last time you saw or spoke to him?’ Palmer changed the subject.

‘Dunno. We didn’t have regular cosy little chats on the phone if that’s what you’re asking.’ Andrew looked down at his trainers and for a moment Palmer thought he saw a glimpse of sadness cross his face. ‘He wasn’t interested in me. We weren’t close. I wasn’t the son he hoped for. He only ever had time for that bookshop. I was an annoyance.’

‘When did you last see him?’ Palmer pressed.

‘Maybe a couple of months ago.’

‘Before or after your arrest on November sixth?’