‘Miss King, as far as you know, was Mr Nolan faithful to his wife?’

Fuck.

‘I think so,’ I said, our night together flickering through my mind like film through a projector. ‘Why?’

McKnight leaned forward. ‘We’ve been talking to people in town. As I’m sure you know, Mr Nolan wasn’t exactly next in line for Person of the Year.’ He grinned slightly at his own joke.

I only nodded.

‘There’s talk of, well … extramarital activity. Any thoughts on that?’

I ran my tongue over my teeth. My mouth suddenly felt unbearably dry. ‘I heard there were rumors about him,’ I said. ‘After the art classes and the private lessons and all that.’

McKnight nodded. ‘Yes, I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors.’ He folded his hands across his belly. ‘If it’s true about Claire Alby, well, that’s a very troubling allegation. So young, you know.’

A pause stretched between us, and I felt the need to fill it. ‘He and Vera, they were crazy about each other. He wouldn’t … I don’t believe that’s true.’

McKnight’s eyebrows shot up. ‘Really? A woman like you. A feminist, right?’

‘Yes,’ I said, feeling instantly judged. His definition of feminism and mine were very different, I’d put money on that.

‘You guys are supposed to believe each other,’ he said. ‘Right?’

‘Has anyone actually accused John of anything? As far as I know, it’s just small-town gossip.’

He cocked his head to the side. ‘And some talk of harassment on the part of Ms Abernathy. As well as a potential lawsuit from Claire Alby’s father.’

I bit the inside of my cheek. ‘I don’t know what you want me to say.’

McKnight held a hand up. ‘Nothing. Maybe you’re right. Maybe with him, it is all just gossip. But either way, it’s got me thinking. Isn’t it strange that stories like that would just pop up out of nowhere? Maybe, whether with her or someone else, Mr Nolan wasn’t as devoted to his wife as you seem to think. Sound possible?’

He didn’t. We didn’t. Nothing happened. A vision of our lips connecting, pleasure and guilt intertwined as one.

‘I don’t know why you’re asking me and not Vera,’ I said. ‘He was my friend, yes, but I can’t pretend to know the ins and outs of someone else’s marriage.’

McKnight leaned back in his chair. ‘You’re right about that. Marriage is long, with lots of ups and downs. You ever been married?’

I shook my head.

‘Didn’t think so.’ He shot me a smile that I didn’t trust in the slightest – his teeth were too long in the front, gums too red, like he was ready to devour me at any moment. He drummed his thick fingers against the table, waiting. ‘Is there anything else you think I should know?’