‘Yes,’ said De Corrado slowly, ‘Forest’s return should change things . . . If it makes you feel any better, we’ve been looking for Huck Donnager all this time too. But most people assume Donny knows where he is, that he took his son with him to keep him safe. There’s a rumour Jesse knew some dangerous people.’

‘You already know the story, then,’ said Ahab, wondering how much she did know. Jesse himself was plenty dangerous.

‘I wouldn’t be a very good detective if I didn’t know the story, Master Publican,’ she said. She smiled as Ned approached with a beer for Ahab and a menu for her. ‘Hi, I’m Detective De Corrado.’

Ned smiled, introduced himself, took her order of a gin and tonic, and headed back to the bar.

De Corrado watched him go, then said to Ahab, ‘How does Forest’s return change things for Ivy?’

He spat out his beer as she startled to chuckle. ‘You’re no fool, are you, detective?’

She winked.

‘Would you like to see something?’ said Ahab suddenly.

‘I suppose so,’ said De Corrado. ‘Can it wait until after I’ve eaten?’

‘Only if you don’t mind me joining you,’ said Ahab.

‘How could I refuse?’ She cocked her head. ‘Is this a keep your enemies closer kind of thing, Master Publican?’

‘You tell me,’ said Ahab. ‘I’m sure you didn’t choose to stay in my inn for the night just for the charming clientele.’

‘The clientele is growing on me,’ said De Corrado, with a rakish grin. ‘But what makes you think I’m staying the night?’

Oh, this woman was good. Ahab would have to stay on his toes.

After their dinner of battered flathead and chips – on the house, of course – Ahab led De Corrado up the rickety bent stairs that spiralled through the innards of the Mermaid’s Darling, past two other landings, until he reached the attic. He knocked on the door and heard his dog stir and snarl inside, before his voice – ‘it’s me, Keegan’ – set him at ease.

‘Guard dog?’ said De Corrado with resignation. ‘Dogs don’t like me.’

‘If anyone but me or Ned comes through that door, they’ll be leaving bloody,’ said Ahab.

‘Always dogs. Why can’t any of you people have a pet cat?’

Ahab walked in and petted Keegan, De Corrado following behind. Keegan gave a little snap at her, but she knew enough about dogs to not flinch away. ‘Stop it. I’m not hurting you.’

Then De Corrado lifted her gaze and swept it around the room. He was sure she wouldn’t be too impressed – his room was rustic, filled with old books and boating and fishing gear. It was just one wide space that had everything in it – including the shower and toilet in full view, the toilet seat up. She paused at that.