Clare’s brow creased. ‘Just to be clear, Gaby, your husband Luke booked the cottage and said there would be room for David as well?’

‘Yes. It was so kind of Luke. David had sworn me to secrecy about him coming back, you know? But once we were on our way to the wedding, I told Luke.’

‘How did he react?’ Clare asked.

‘Oh, shocked, of course,’ Gaby said. ‘Asking me if I was sure, that it wasn’t someone pretending to be David. And then thrilled – once he got over the shock. Excited for me.’ She nodded. ‘I think he was as pleased as I was.’

Clare wondered about that but she just smiled. ‘So, Luke said there was room for David at the cottage?’

Gaby nodded. ‘It was so kind of him. I didn’t know what David’s plans were. He said he wanted to spend some time with Dad, and to get to know Luke and Sacha. But I honestly wasn’t sure how long he’d be around. Itchy feet, you know? I just wanted to have a bit of time with him. Time to catch up.’

‘And did you?’ Clare asked. ‘Catch up, I mean?’

‘We did. We had a meal together then Luke went out for a walk. It gave David and I time to speak properly.’ She smiled. ‘Oh, it was so good to be with him again. Especially with what had happened to Russell…’ She broke off then said, ‘David – he wanted to know all about Russell. About his time in prison, the restaurants and his friends, of course.’

‘What was his impression of Russell’s friends?’

Gaby frowned. ‘I’m not sure. He seemed to think maybe you hadn’t investigated them closely enough. He kept saying was I sure the three of them could be trusted.’

‘And what did you say?’ Clare asked.

Gaby shrugged. ‘I said they were Russell’s best friends. Of course we trusted them. And then he asked Luke the same question. He seemed fixated on them, as though he really did suspect them of being involved.’

‘What did Luke think?’

‘Same as me,’ Gaby said. ‘That they were Russell’s oldest friends. All the same.’ She broke off for a moment then said, ‘It does make you think, something like this.’ She raised her eyes to meet Clare’s. ‘Makes you wonder who you can trust.’

Clare nodded. ‘And the next morning?’

‘We had breakfast together. Luke mentioned some business he had. Said he’d be gone most of the day.’

‘And David?’