Flynn senior nodded. “That was when I insisted on coming along with this young lady to make sure you were all right. She flashed her ID at the security chappie downstairs and I made a scene, pretending I was the grandfather of some young starlet this Gordon character was involved with.” Then he chuckled. “We were making such a fuss that he let us through.”

Flynn senior flashed me a shy smile from under his dashing moustache. “I can’t resist a damsel in distress.”

His smile evaporated as he watched me. “Seriously, Ms Baxter, I wanted to apologise. I assumed it was you who revealed my Chandler identity, when my grandson warned me that news about my alter ego was set to hit the newsstands. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. And neither should that grandson of mine.”

From down on the stairwell floor, Seth Gordon let out a self-pitying groan. Flynn senior snorted with derision. He lowered himself down beside him and wrestled off Seth Gordon’s yellow tie. “Give me your hands,” he snapped to the groaning man, yanking both arms behind his back and securing both his wrists with the tie.

Flynn senior examined me as he checked the knot he had made. “I know a couple of police officers. They’re members of the same bridge club as me. I’ll give them a ring about this idiot.”

Seth Gordon jerked his head up and let out a series of fruity swear words as he struggled ineffectually on the floor like a trussed-up turtle.

Flynn senior extended one hand. “Now I really would appreciate it if either or both of you two lovely ladies could help me to my feet, please? I know I’m incredibly dashing and it’s hard to believe, but I’m not in my first flush of youth.”

I grabbed one arm, Kerry the other, and we hoisted Flynn senior upright. “Many thanks.” He smoothed his flop of silver hair. “And in the meantime, you, young lady, need to go and speak to my stubborn idiot of a grandson. Tell him exactly what’s what and clear the air between the two of you. I can’t think for the life of me where he gets that stubborn streak from.”

I rubbed my upper arms again. Heat flared in my cheeks as I recalled Flynn’s wounded expression when he thought I’d betrayed his family secret. “I don’t think we have anything to say to one another.”