Chris nodded. ‘They do. And Luke’s in a mess with money. He’s behind with the daughter’s school fees and he’s borrowed heavily for his next TV show.’

Tony sat silent for a moment. ‘Who inherits Russell Fox’s money?’

‘Gaby,’ Chris said. ‘But she told us she doesn’t need it. In fact, she plans to split it with her brother David and to give some of her share to charity.’

‘It’s still a pretty thin motive for murder,’ Tony said. ‘If Luke told Gaby he was in a mess, she’d surely have bailed him out. Cut down on the charity donation.’

Chris shrugged. ‘She might; but Gaby strikes me as pretty shrewd. I’m not sure she’d pour money into Luke’s company if she thought it was badly managed. And they’ve a pretty expensive lifestyle, don’t forget. Never mind the school fees, there’s a flat in Belgravia – that won’t come cheap. My guess is their income’s good but it’s matched by their outgoings.’

‘Don’t forget the loan,’ Clare said.

‘What loan?’ Tony asked.

Chris smiled. ‘That’s where it gets interesting. He’s borrowed from Doug Gerrard. Six-month loan to keep the company afloat.’

‘And a guy like Luke’s no match for Doug,’ Clare said. ‘It wouldn’t be long before he came asking for his money and then Luke really would be in a mess. But if Gaby was grief-stricken enough at Russell’s death to take an overdose…’

‘She’s probably insured as well,’ Chris went on. ‘One pot of coffee and all Luke’s problems are over. He can repay Doug and still have enough to shore up his company. He might even agree to invest in Doug’s pubs as a thanks for helping him out.’

‘I’d say Luke and Doug have a pretty strong motive for getting rid of Gaby then,’ Tony said.

‘And Gaby was found half dead in a house belonging to Doug Gerrard,’ Clare added. She sneezed again.

‘Right, you,’ Tony said. ‘Home.’ He nodded at Chris. ‘The lad and I can deal with anything else that comes up. And I do not want to see you here in the morning unless you’re a whole lot better.’

‘Aye, right,’ Clare said, getting to her feet.

‘See she goes,’ Tony said to Chris.

Clare waved this away. ‘I’m going, I’m going!’

Out in the main office she was surprised to see DCI Alastair Gibson waiting for her. ‘Jim called me,’ he said. ‘Come on. I’m taking you home.’

Benjy followed Clare round the house, more subdued than usual.

‘He knows you’re not right,’ the DCI said, bringing her a bowl of soup.

She looked at the soup and her stomach turned over.

‘Try a little.’

She smiled. ‘You’ve made me chicken soup.’