The impression she was getting from Mrs Kennedy-Craig was that she was a closed book, and so Kelly decided to go in with the sex with minors angle, to wake her up, if nothing else. If there was anything that rich people disliked more than losing money, it was unwanted and unsolicited attention. Being held to account publically, when they thought they’d bought their way above that years ago, was their worst nightmare.

If this story got out, the Kennedy-Craigs would be compromised and vulnerable. It could open a can of worms that would likely bring about the collapse of the vast empire of Tactika Enterprises. Kelly wanted to know how far Vivienne Kennedy-Craig would go to make sure that didn’t happen.

‘If you’ll excuse me…’ Vivienne said.

‘Mrs Kennedy-Craig, let me make myself clearer here. We’re investigating the death of your husband and the critical injury of a senior politician. I need to know who the target was: Lord Reilly or your husband.’

‘Target?’

‘Yes. We have evidence which points to the crash being a result of mechanical sabotage, and that would make your husband’s death homicide. I’m being as transparent as I can with you so that you can cooperate with us.’ Kelly had made the decision not to mention the specifics about the hydraulic cable to anyone outside the investigation.

Kelly waited. ‘Mrs Kennedy-Craig?’

‘I’m here. Why would you think that? The crash was an accident, wasn’t it?’

Now Kelly had her attention.

‘That’s what we assumed originally. However, there are certain mechanical issues that have caused the experts to reassess their view. Are you aware of anyone who’d want to harm your husband?’ Kelly asked.

‘Get in line,’ Vivienne said.

‘Thank you, but that doesn’t really help you or I. I need names. Did he have enemies?’

‘The climate fanatics, obviously. Can’t you people just do your job?’

‘That’s the obvious answer, isn’t it? We looked into that and it seems unlikely. It’s more plausible that your husband and Lord Reilly were targeted because of their arrangements together.’

‘Arrangements?’

‘Yes. It’s come to our attention that your husband was in the habit of using the Lake District property he rented for certain kinds of parties, involving underage girls. Maybe you knew about that?’

Kelly heard a loud intake of breath and braced herself. She wasn’t holding back with this woman but she had little choice. She either wanted to know why her husband was dead or not.

‘How dare you?’ Vivienne said.

‘I beg your pardon? I’m simply doing my job, as you’ve expressed you want me to. The facts are indisputable. We’ve arrested the housekeeper, Nellie Lowther, you know her? Did you visit the holiday home yourself?’

‘Never.’

‘Why not? It’s beautiful.’

Another sharp inhalation.