‘The relevant parent?’ Shireen asked.

‘The husband, not surprisingly. In the case of divorce, it would revert to the custodial parent. Which I suppose might mean the woman, though I wouldn’t put money on it.’

‘Are there any sons?’ Claire asked.

‘Not yet. Prisha has a daughter, aged eleven. But according to this—’

‘—girls don’t count?’ Claire suggested.

‘You got it.’

‘Hang on a minute,’ Shireen said, getting out her calculator. ‘Assuming the assets are just the EoS shares, that’s over £10 million for a firstborn son, based on current share prices.’

‘Christ on a pogo stick,’ muttered Colin Hodges, scratching his beard. ‘That’s serious money.’

‘Harry may have enough money already,’ Shireen said. ‘But what about Prisha? If she gives birth before Harry’s new wife, her wealth goes from £600,000—’

‘Oh, just £600,000, poor duck,’ Hoskins said. ‘I hope there’s a food bank nearby.’

‘—right up to £10 million,’ Shireen said.

‘I haven’t read all of the codicil,’ Gillard said. ‘But there is a whole section on expected behaviour, self-discipline, and piety, would you believe.’

‘A bet you a pound to a penny that there are yet more restrictions on women’s behaviour,’ Claire said.

‘I’ll read it, boss, and get back to you,’ Shireen said. ‘If you think it’s really necessary, given the suspect has been charged.’

‘Okay, about that.’ Gillard addressed the whole room. ‘As you know, we’ve charged Jason Waddington with the offence. However, I don’t want us to sit back on our laurels. It’s possible that he knows a member of the family, and somehow was persuaded or paid to do the deed.’

‘What makes you think that?’ Hoskins said.

‘Nothing concrete as yet, just a hunch.’ He realised he was running out of lies to tell his investigative team. They thought the case was all over, but it was really just beginning.

It was 6.30 p.m. when Gillard pulled up outside the Richmond upon Thames home of the Roy family. The door was opened by a slim young man in a leather jacket, with designer stubble and thick-framed purple glasses. Loud Indian music could be heard in the background.

‘Ah, you must be the famous sleuth,’ he said, with a smile. ‘I’m Zayan, glad to meet you.’ He had a firm handshake.

‘And you I have just seen on a demo video showing kids how to cook,’ Gillard said.

‘Ah yes, that was great fun. The kids loved it.’

Gillard then explained that Kiara had granted him permission to look through Mrs Roy’s bedroom and bathroom.

‘OK. You know we’re all going through hell, don’t you? Poor Mrs Roy – everyone loved her. She taught me to cook, with patience and care, and built me a new career. A light has gone off in all our lives.’ He walked on a little, then said, ‘We live in a terrible world. No one feels safe any more.’

Zayan pointed him towards the rather grand main staircase and explained that Mrs Roy’s bedroom was on the first landing on the right-hand side. He passed a reception room where a photo shoot looked to be taking place. ‘She’s been working on this new dress range for months, so make sure you say you like it,’ Zayan whispered.