He looked at them for a moment then said, ‘Of course.’ He loaded the bag into the back of the Range Rover and walked smartly back towards the front door.

Clare and Chris followed him in and stood waiting in the reception area. A few minutes later Gaby came down the main staircase. She was more formally dressed than she had been over the past few days and Clare guessed she was heading back to London. Perhaps to take up the reins of her morning show again.

‘Inspector,’ she said, a faint crease to her brow. ‘Eamon said you were looking for me.’

‘Is there somewhere we can talk, please?’

Gaby drew them across to a quiet corner of the cocktail bar and indicated some chairs. She waited for them to sit then she perched on the arm of a sofa.

Clare thought she seemed more in control than she’d been on their last visit. Perhaps it was the clothes. Was she back in work mode already? ‘Gaby,’ she began, ‘we have some news.’

The frown deepened and Clare searched her expression. Was it worry? Distress?

‘Yes?’ she said.

‘We recovered a gun cartridge from the roof of Lamond Lodge.’

Gaby flinched at the mention of the word gun but Clare pressed on.

‘We believe it’s from the weapon used to kill Russell.’

Her face softened and she gave a slight nod. ‘Thank you for telling me. It’s not easy… hearing these things. But I know you have your job to do.’

Clare went on. ‘The cartridge was examined by our forensic scientists and they recovered a DNA profile from it.’ She paused, watching Gaby carefully, then said, ‘I’m afraid it doesn’t match anyone on our system.’

Gaby’s shoulders sagged. ‘Then you still have no idea who’s responsible for Russell’s death?’

‘I’m afraid not. But our investigation continues and I have every available officer working on it.’

Across the room Clare saw Luke Gasparini looking round and she raised a hand to attract his attention. He walked quickly towards them, his brow creased. ‘We’re leaving shortly,’ he said, moving to stand beside his wife. ‘I hope you won’t keep Gaby long.’

Something in his manner made Clare hesitate. Then she came to a decision. She took a deep breath and said, ‘There is just one last thing – before you all leave.’

‘Yes?’

‘I’d like to ask for your permission to take DNA samples.’

Gaby’s eyes widened and Luke stiffened. Then he found his voice.

‘Mind if I ask why?’