Richard was tempted to ask if they could loan him the money – it wouldn’t be a problem for chambers as over fifty barristers worked there. But it would prove difficult. Martha would find out and the police would get to know. No, it was best to see what he could do himself. He thanked Jamie, pulled out into the traffic and headed for home.

Martha, pale and tired, was waiting for Richard. She flashed him an angry look as he entered the lounge and flopped down beside her. Suni was pacing the room, on her phone. Finishing the call, the FLO sat opposite them and Richard and Martha looked expectantly at her.

‘The boy who delivers your paper is at the station now. A man approached him as he started his round this morning and asked if he delivered to you. Then the man offered him ten pounds to put the letter in with your paper. The paperboy didn’t ask any questions, just took the money and did as asked. He’s with one of our artists now, trying to put together an e-fit picture of the man, although his initial description was rather vague. Still, it’s another avenue to pursue, something positive to go on.’

Richard nodded then went upstairs to his study, followed almost immediately by his wife.

Martha got straight to the point. ‘How did you get on at the bank?’

‘Not good, I’m afraid. We can access some of our funds but Mr Hopps will have to get the okay from head office to give it to us in cash. I asked about a loan against the house and he’s looking into it.’

‘A loan? The full amount should be in the bank, but it isn’t, is it? Or at the building society?’ Martha, wound as tight as a spring, waited for an explanation, her anger barely disguised.

‘I told you, I’ve made a few investments.’ Richard turned away.

‘So you took money from our joint account, as well as most of the building society account and never thought to tell me? What the hell are these investments?’ Hot tears ran down Martha’s face.

Richard turned and looked accusingly at his wife. ‘Have you been going through my desk?’

‘Don’t try to turn this around on me – of course I’ve been through your desk! If you couldn’t work out how to raise the money, I was going to do it. It’s our money, not yours, and I didn’t realise we had secrets from each other!’ Her voice grew louder. Richard closed the study door to prevent Suni hearing. Martha continued. ‘So... why is there no paperwork in your desk about these investments? I’d like to read it to see what it takes to surrender the portfolio.’