Clare smiled. ‘Thanks for that. Noted. We just have a few questions. Shouldn’t take too long.’

A look of relief crossed his face. ‘Happy to help.’

‘Can you tell me how the party came to be at Lamond Lodge, please? Why that particular property?’

He seemed surprised by the question. ‘Oh,’ he said, his brow creased. ‘I think it was Eamon. He phoned to say was I interested in coming along for the week. Then he said he’d let me know where we were going and how much…’ he tailed off.

‘And did he?’

Steve nodded. ‘Yeah. About three weeks ago. Told me my share and I transferred the money to his account. Then he said he was taking his car and he could give Doug and me a lift.’ He looked from Clare to Chris. ‘That’s about it.’

Clare said, ‘You weren’t consulted? Given a choice of properties to look at?’

‘Nah. It’s coming up to my busy time. Lots of customers looking for their Christmas stock. I told Eamon I’d go anywhere there was plenty of beer.’ He laughed at that.

Clare took a moment to frame her next question. ‘Mr Christie, did you have any contact or correspondence with the owners of Lamond Lodge?’

Again, he looked surprised. ‘No. There’s a key box round the back of the house. With a code, ye know? I think Eamon knew it and he opened up.’ He wrinkled his brow for a moment then said, ‘Him or Doug. I was getting the bags out of the boot. I think…’ he went on, ‘I think there was a kind of folder on the kitchen table. Emergency numbers and that. But we didn’t need it. Nice house,’ he added. ‘I’d book it again.’

Clare said, ‘Would it surprise you to know the house is part-owned by Mr Gerrard?’

There was no doubting Steve Christie’s reaction. He sat forward, his eyes wide. ‘Eh? That fancy house – Doug owns it?’

‘Part-owns.’

Steve sat back in his chair, rubbing his chin. He seemed to be turning this over in his mind. Then he said, ‘Sneaky bastard. He could have given us it for nothing.’ He laughed. ‘Always the businessman, that’s Doug.’

‘So you didn’t know?’

‘No I did not!’ Then he said, ‘Who’s the other owner?’

Clare smiled. ‘I’m sure Mr Gerrard will be happy to tell you. Meantime, we’re keen to contact Gaby Fox and her husband. Do you know where they are?’

He shook his head. ‘No idea, sorry.’

Clare watched him carefully. Was he hiding something? She decided to wait. See if he would say anything else.

The awkward silence worked. ‘I heard they hadn’t caught their train. But that’s all I know.’

‘How did you hear?’

He was quiet for a moment. Then he said, ‘Can’t remember. Probably Eamon. He usually knows what’s going on.’