They watched him leave, as fast as his legs could carry him.

‘Believe him?’ Chris said.

‘I think so. You?’

‘Yes. I’d say he’s spent a pretty uncomfortable night, worrying about it.’

‘Last of the great romantics, eh?’ Clare said. ‘The question is…’

‘Yeah?’

‘Did Doug Gerrard send that woman out…’

‘…to make sure he had something on Mark Mooney?’ Chris finished.

‘Exactly.’ Clare nodded slowly. ‘I’d say our Mr Gerrard doesn’t do anything without a reason. And I’d very much like to know what it is.’

Chris rose from his seat. ‘Brodie Hotel?’

‘Yep. Let’s see what they have to say for themselves.’

Chapter 11

Clare was relieved to see there were no reporters outside the Brodie Hotel when they arrived. The grounds to the rear were cleverly designed, with individual sun decks screened from each other by neatly trimmed hedges. They found Gaby Fox and Luke Gasparini sunning themselves in one of these. Luke sat up on his lounger, regarding them through a pair of gold-rimmed sunglasses. ‘Back again, officers,’ he said unnecessarily.

Gaby swung her tanned legs round and off her lounger, slipping her feet into a pair of sandals. She at least had the grace to remove her sunglasses. She held up a hand to shade her eyes and tried her best to smile. ‘Inspector,’ she said. ‘Erm, can I offer you a drink? Or tea perhaps?’

Clare waved this away. ‘We were hoping to speak to Mr Fox’s friends, but, as you’re here, maybe we could have another chat? If you felt up to it.’

‘I’m not sure she is,’ Luke Gasparini snapped. ‘She has just lost her brother, you know.’

Gaby gave Clare an apologetic smile. ‘Luke, darling, why don’t you run to the bar and order some cold drinks. I don’t mind talking to the officers.’

Luke glared at them and seemed unwilling to leave.

‘Go on,’ Gaby said. ‘I’d like a drink too.’

He glanced at his wife then said, ‘I’ll be a few minutes, then. If you’re sure?’

She nodded and Luke went off towards the hotel.

Gaby spread her hands. ‘I’m sorry, Inspector…’

‘Clare, please,’ Clare reminded her. ‘Clare and Chris.’

Gaby acknowledged this. Then she said again, ‘I am sorry about Luke. He’s rather protective, you see. And losing Russell in such a horrible way.’

Clare smiled. ‘I understand. I think you’re both being very helpful, in the circumstances.’ This seemed to put Gaby at her ease and Clare went on. ‘I wondered, if you didn’t mind, could you tell us a bit about Russell. If you felt up to it, of course. We’d like to build up a picture of what he was like. And I’m sure you knew him better than anyone.’