I try something else. Compulsive liars tend to find lies that have parallels to the truth. Cormac’s story about Ireland was likely lifted from the same story I read. But his parents’ relationship, the disappearance of his mother, they’re likely to be closer to reality. His parents split up in ugly circumstances and he sees this as the genesis of all of his problems? Something happened, something that shaped him for the rest of his life. I try a new tack.

Schultz death

A result comes up in the news from February this year, only nine months ago. Jenny Schultz. Where do I know that name from?

I click the article and read.

Jenny Schultz, youngest daughter of Casino owner Greg Schultz, found dead.

The Schultz family was struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of Jenny Schultz at her home in Beaconsfield Upper on Monday.

“We are broken, desolate, we just can’t believe it,” her brother Andrew said as he confirmed the news.

I pause for a moment, thinking. Adam Limbargo had a gambling problem, I know that much. It must all be related somehow. I read on …

The former high-school teacher was pronounced dead by paramedics when they were called to her Beaconsfield Upper home at 1:35 pm on Monday, after her son Nathan found her unconscious. Nathan, who had driven to visit his mother, is yet to give a statement but it is understood that Jenny Schultz’s drug addiction was not known by members of her family or close friends.

A spokesperson for Melbourne police said on Monday night: “At this stage, we are treating the situation as an unexplained sudden death. Officers are working to establish the circumstances. However, it is clear that drug use was a factor.”

Jenny Schultz was often an outspoken critic of her father’s empire, including his stake in a number of casinos. When Greg Schultz died in 2014, it is understood she sold her inherited stake to her brother Andrew Schultz who now is a majority stakeholder in the company.

Through the turbulent sea of thoughts, the name floats to the top like a cork. Nathan Schultz. Nathan. A memory comes back to me. I’ve heard that name before, years ago. Nathan. I search on Google but there is nothing other than the articles about his mother. No social media; none that I can find, anyway. No LinkedIn, no school history.

I think about the fires, first at my home office, then at the practice. Someone was looking for something and now I think I know what.

Nathan.

I go back to the bedroom creeping on the balls of my feet towards the door. I grip the handle, slowly turning it then pull the door a millimetre at a time.

‘You can cut the silent act.’ Gabe’s voice makes me leap. I close my eyes and inhale.