Maya, 10 a.m.

‘What did you and your brother disagree about?’ I repeated my question to Artem.

‘Women, for a start.’

‘Oh?’ I faced him. ‘Would you care to elaborate?’

‘Indra.’

As soon as he said it, I realised it didn’t surprise me. ‘What about her?’

‘I warned him about her.’

‘You warned him about what?’

‘They were both as bad as each other. The baby . . . ? If you ask me, it could be anyone’s. He probably didn’t even know about it. It’s a good job she miscarried. Least this way she won’t be bringing some bastard baby into the world.’

This corroborated what Marta had said: that Simas hadn’t known about the baby. ‘Did you warn Indra about your brother?’ It was hard to keep the irritation from my voice.

Artem shot me a dirty look, his expression full of contempt.

‘Is it your opinion that they were both unfaithful or do you know this for a fact?’

‘Listen,’ he snorted, ‘she even hit on me a few times.’

‘I suppose it’s what you expect from a slapper like her, eh? Or perhaps she was getting even with your brother? I’m sure you politely turned her down.’ This time I didn’t bother trying to hide my disgust. ‘Is that true about Indra or are you making it up?’

‘I suggest you ask her.’

‘I intend to, but this is a double murder investigation and I’m not prepared to have you turn it into cheap score-settling. I appreciate you sharing your views but where one person has their story, so do others.’ This was one of those investigations where everyone hinted at things and referred us on to someone else. ‘One thing.’ I put on my innocent face. ‘If you had to place a bet, who do you reckon lit that fire?’

‘I would bet my club on it being Indra.’ As he spoke, he covered his desk with a fine spray of spit. He sat forward and clambered to his feet. ‘Or that psycho sister of hers.’ He pointed at his temples in case I hadn’t got the message. ‘Hard as bloody nails, she is.’

I nodded. Pretended I agreed and that his words hadn’t shocked me. Artem might have hoped he was about to shoo us out, but we had a surprise in store for him. ‘DS Maguire?’ It was time to wind Artem up.

Dan was still in front of Artem’s desk. I shuffled back a few steps, allowing him to position himself right in front of Artem. Dan stood there with his legs apart, his left arm across his body, the right stroking his chin mock-pensively. ‘I see you have a record for arson, Mr Gudelis.’ His voice was quiet.

Artem stared at Dan then me, and I saw fury fill his small eyes. Good. We’d got a reaction.