‘Well, look, it’s probably nothing. But as it’s a murder enquiry I thought I should let you know.’

‘Yes?’

‘I was going through my emails. I’m back to work tomorrow, you see, and I like to know what I’m going back to. Anyway, there was another email from Russell. Must have been sent a couple of weeks ago. Just after I went off on holiday.’

‘Go on…’

‘Would you like me to read it out?’

Clare switched the phone to speaker so Tony and Chris could hear. ‘Please.’

‘Erm, okay. It says,

Hi Natasha,

Hope all’s good with you.

Bit of a change of plan, I’m afraid.

Forget those two investments I mentioned – the pubs and the TV thing.

Had a bit of bad news last week.

Doc told me I’ve a tumour.

No point in operating. Too far gone.

Bit of a kicker, but there you go.

I don’t want Gaby left to sort out my stuff.

She’s enough on her plate with her career and dealing with our dad.

I still want to sell the restaurants as planned – could you arrange for them to be marketed ASAP please?

I might take a bit of a holiday while I’m still fit enough to do it.

But the rest of the money’s to go into a trust for Gaby and her daughter Sacha.

Going away for my birthday so I’ll call you when I’m back.

Cheers, Russ

Clare thanked Natasha and asked her to forward the email. She put down her phone.

‘So now we know,’ Chris said. ‘But did Luke and Doug know?’

‘Good question, Chris. Chances are he did tell them. He wouldn’t want them to get too far ahead with their plans if he was pulling out.’ She sat thinking for a moment then said, ‘It gives them both a clear motive for murdering Russell. With the money going into trust, Luke couldn’t repay Doug. Nor could he plough any more into his company. But with Russell dead…’

‘Gaby inherits,’ Chris said, ‘before any trust could be set up.’

‘Quite.’

‘D’you reckon they hatched it between them? Luke and Doug?’

Clare nodded. ‘Wouldn’t surprise me. Doug organises a hitman and Luke promises to see him right once Russell’s money comes through.’

There was a knock on the door and Jim appeared again. ‘The lad you have in the interview room – seems he wants to talk.’

Chapter 46

Clare began the interview by cautioning Mark Mooney but before she could ask what he wanted to say the solicitor spoke.

‘Mr Mooney has some information,’ she said. ‘But he’s concerned that, by disclosing this, he may incriminate himself. He would like you to consider a reduced charge, if he divulges this information.’