“Sorry. I barely spoke to the man. I’d have rung you if I knew anything. I kind of assumed that Marina would tell you if there was anything to tell.”

I crossed my arms and leaned against the desk. Leah was right. She certainly should have.

Leah took off her coat. “That was mad wasn’t it, all the same? A snake, I hear?”

I nodded. “Well, it was a heart attack that killed him apparently. But yeah, he was bitten by a snake too.”

“Where did the snake come from?”

I told her about finding the box at Pollan Bay and the man with the Barbour jacket. Her eyes widened and she tutted. “You couldn’t make it up.”

“It seems the man is Marina’s brother. You didn’t meet him, did you?”

She had a think and then shook her head. “No, I didn’t. I don’t think she even mentioned she had a brother. She wasn’t that chatty about her family at all. I know her parents are dead, that’s about it.” She went to hang up her coat.

“So how did you cope with the floods?” I called after her.

She came back smoothing her blouse over her small bump. “Ach, we were all right. The weather was awful, but we just stayed put for the weekend.” She smiled. “One of the advantages of living on a hill. We missed all the drama. I hear Glendara was cut off.”

“That’s right. You were better off staying away from any drama in your condition. Bedding down on the floor of the Beacon Hall wouldn’t have been too much fun for you. How are you feeling?” I noticed she was still a little pale.

“Ach, I’m grand. Was a wee bit dizzy this morning when I woke up, and I didn’t want to get into the car until I felt better. Or rather Kevin wouldn’t let me get into the car until I felt better. I’m fine now though.” She nodded towards the door to the bathroom. “I see that leak is still going. Must get that seen to. If it starts to rain again, we might be in trouble …”

“Oh yes. It won’t be easy to get anyone though. People have far more problems than a little leak in the bathroom.”

“I’ll ask Kevin to have a look,” she said as she took her seat at the computer. “Right. Let’s get started.” She logged in and moved some files towards her. “Bugger, Marina has left me a right load of stuff …”

“Actually,” I said, leaning over the reception desk. I still had Amanda’s documents burning a hole in my pocket. “Would you mind looking something up for me before you start anything else?”

She pulled a notepad and pen towards her. “Sure.”