There was still no emotion visible on Artem’s features. He was smart. It was a pragmatic response. Maybe none of it was news. It was hard to tell. ‘In the interim, perhaps you can help us with identification?’ I showed him Marta’s photos and an image of the two bodies.

‘He did have that watch and earring. If it helps, I can confirm that.’ He held my gaze defiantly. ‘So, what else can I do for you? My accountant is due shortly and I need to go over some figures.’

‘We will need you to come to the mortuary to ID the body in person.’

He gave a sharp nod.

‘There are a number of things we need to ask you about, so we’ll take it in stages, if that’s OK.’ I had no intention of leaving before I’d covered everything we needed to know. ‘First of all, do you have any idea who the woman in the fire might have been?’

‘No.’ He shook his head, as though he was surprised to see his brother with another woman.

‘Are you sure?’

‘Perfectly.’

‘Was your brother having an affair?’

‘I have no idea.’

‘Do you know any of the women he has had affairs with?’

‘It’s none of my business.’ It was a clever answer but he hadn’t denied his brother’s infidelity.

‘That wasn’t what I asked you. We need to know who might wish your brother harm and who might have a grudge against him?’

‘How long have you got?’ He lounged back in his leather bucket chair and rested both hands behind his head, arms wide. His suit cuffs rose up, and I caught a glimpse of his gold watch, gleaming in the subdued lighting.

‘I’m not here to play games, Mr Gudelis. Arson is a very serious offence and two people are dead.’ I took two steps closer. ‘If you know anything that could help us find your brother’s killer, we’d appreciate you telling us.’

He let out a sigh. ‘You’re Bangladeshi, right?’

I folded my arms. ‘Is this relevant?’

‘Did you grow up round here? If you did, you’ll know that things are changing in Brick Lane.’

‘They’re continually changing. Everywhere is. When my family moved here, it was still quite Jewish. The Bangladeshis were trying to establish themselves.’

‘My point is that some people were not happy about Simas and Indra opening their soup shop. Some of the local business owners and residents thought they were trying to push out the Bangladeshis. Others claim their soups and salads were pretentious, hipster food. You’ve seen their menu, right?’

‘Of course.’

‘They sold soups made from a base of lentils, quinoa, freekeh and teff. They’re healthy, nutritious and offer good profit potential. For some, their food was over-priced.’