‘Well, I’m here to report on the reopening of the Sinclair resort and Sonia convinced me to have a look into Elizabeth’s death.’

‘You’re a reporter?’

‘Travel reporter. I’m just doing this for Sonia. I’m not working for a newspaper or anything.’ She took out her Vacation Staycation identity badge and showed it to Cameron. ‘Your name was in Elizabeth’s notebook and really I’m just trying to get another opinion on what happened, or what you think might have happened, or what sort of people the Sinclairs are.’

‘A bunch of bastards, that’s what sort they are,’ said Cameron. He glanced back at the bar. ‘Holly, look after the bar for ten minutes?’ He nodded towards a booth on the far side. Steph noticed he walked with a slight limp.

‘Thanks,’ said Steph as she sat down in the booth opposite him.

‘I haven’t got much to say,’ began Cameron. ‘But those Sinclairs think they’re above the law. I’ve never come across such an arrogant family.’

‘All of them? Even Harry Sinclair?’

‘Him especially. They’re a bunch of control freaks for a start. Dominic makes out he’s all for the community and giving something back to the local economy, but that’s only when it suits him. Yeah, he’ll scratch your back and all that, but you have to give the biggest scratch – it’s not a fair exchange.’

This wasn’t a particular surprise to Steph. She’d already decided Dominic was the most scheming of all the brothers. She hadn’t quite worked out Owen’s angle, but he was an instantly dislikable character and she was certain drugs were only the tip of the iceberg. Harry, though … she was surprised he was being tarred with the same brush. ‘Harry Sinclair didn’t much like you, from what I hear,’ she said, steering the conversation.

Cameron gave a laugh. ‘You can say that again. He thought there was something serious going on between me and Elizabeth but like I said, it was just a bit of fun.’

‘That’s not what she said.’ Steph was beginning to feel a little frustrated at the lack of forward motion in the conversation.

‘Like I said, we were close. She was bored. Lonely. I was single. I didn’t go looking for anything; she came to me. I actually felt sorry for her.’

It was the first time anyone, apart from Sonia, had shown any compassion or empathy for Elizabeth. Not even Harry had said anything like this, and Elizabeth had been his wife. Steph wondered how close to rock bottom their marriage had sunk. ‘It can be quite isolating being up at Conmere day and night.’

‘Exactly. Elizabeth could go for days without speaking to anyone outside of that family. It’s like a fucking cult, that place.’

‘How long were you both close to each other?’ ventured Steph, clear they were both using shorthand.