‘What, that my father liked sex parties?’ He shrugged and smirked. ‘I guess everyone does, don’t they? I have no idea, but what I do know is that it would be more damaging to the family for that to get out than, say, stories on our finances.’

‘So, you think it’s a set-up? Who has the kind of influence to dictate to domestic media?’ she let the question hang.

‘I didn’t say that. I’m trying to answer your questions, not solve your puzzle,’ he said.

‘Fair enough,’ she said. ‘You are aware that these parties that are alleged to have happened involved underage girls?’ His comment about everybody somehow being free and at liberty to enjoy a good old sex party had annoyed her.

‘You have proof?’ he asked. ‘Because if that was the case, then I want to know.’

‘This private investigator, what has he, or she, unearthed?’

‘He. Not a lot so far, I have to say. I assumed your lot would be too busy pampering Donald’s family to get to the bottom of my father’s death, so that’s why he’s up here. I underestimated you.’

‘Can I meet him?’ Kelly asked.

‘I don’t see why not. George has been with the family for years; he’s meticulous.’

Pieces, absent in her head until a few moments ago, slotted into place, and she cast her gaze over Fabian’s shoulder, as her mind fitted George Fellows into the role of PI, to see if that would explain his movements as they knew them so far. It was a possibility.

‘George Fellows?’

‘How do you know?’

‘He’s popped up on some CCTV, and we’d like to talk to him,’ she said.

‘Well, that makes sense. At least I know he’s been earning his money,’ he said and smiled. ‘I’ll give him a call when we’re done. Can I see my father now?’

‘You’re ready?’ she asked.

‘No. But I need to see him.’

‘Of course. Follow me.’ She got up and he followed her to the corridor that led down to the mortuary, via a lift.

‘What can I expect?’ Fabian asked.

Kelly liked his directness.

‘The coroner is my father; he’s treated your father with respect. His body will be covered by a sheet but you can see his face and neck. He has bruising on his jaw, and some trauma to his temple, and his skin is discoloured from the fire, but apart from that, he looks at peace.’

‘You’ve seen him?’

‘Being present at autopsies is part of my job sometimes,’ she said.

‘How did he die?’

Kelly could tell that this question weighed heavy on his mind.

‘He suffered trauma to his internal organs from the impact of the crash.’

Fabian fell silent.