‘It’s DI Rebus,’ he said.

‘Inspector, I’m a bit pushed at the moment …’

He could hear other voices. Tourists, he guessed, probably deciding what to buy. ‘I don’t think,’ he said, ‘I ever asked you if you knew Philippa Balfour.’

‘Didn’t you?’

‘Do you mind if I ask you now?’

‘Not at all.’ She paused. ‘The answer is no.’

‘You never met her?’

‘Never. Why do you ask?’

‘A friend of hers is wearing a bracelet she says Philippa gave her. It looks to me like one of yours.’

‘Quite possible.’

‘But you didn’t sell it to Philippa?’

‘If it’s one of mine, chances are she bought it in a shop. There’s a craft shop in Haddington takes my work, and another in Edinburgh.’

‘What’s the name of the one in Edinburgh?’

‘Wiccan Crafts. It’s on Jeffrey Street, if you’re interested. Now, if you don’t mind …’ But Rebus had already put down the phone. Siobhan was coming back in with the number for Flip’s old school. Rebus made the call, putting the speaker on so Siobhan could listen. The headmistress had been one of the teachers during Flip and Claire’s time there.

‘Poor, poor Philippa, it’s terrible news … and what her family must be going through,’ the headmistress said.

‘I’m sure they’ve got every support,’ Rebus commiserated, trying to get as much sincerity into his voice as he could.

There was a long sigh at the other end of the line.

‘But actually, I’m phoning in connection with Claire.’

‘Claire?’

‘Claire Benzie. It’s part of the background, trying to build up a picture of Philippa. I believe she and Claire were good friends at one time.’

‘Pretty good, yes.’

‘They lived near one another, too?’

‘That’s right. Out East Lothian way.’

Rebus had a thought. ‘How did they get to school?’

‘Oh, Claire’s father usually drove them in. Either him or Philippa’s mother. A lovely lady, I do grieve for her so …’

‘Claire’s father worked in Edinburgh then?’

‘Oh, yes. Some sort of lawyer.’

‘Is that why the family moved? Was it to do with his work?’

‘Dear me, no. I think they were evicted.’

‘Evicted?’

‘Well, one shouldn’t gossip, but with him being deceased I don’t suppose it matters.’

‘We’ll hold it in strictest confidence,’ Rebus said, looking at Siobhan.

‘Well, it’s just that the poor man made some bad investments. I believe he was always a bit of a gambler, and it looks like this time he went too far, lost thousands … his house … the lot.’

‘How did he die?’

‘I think you’ve guessed. He booked into a seaside hotel quite shortly thereafter, and took an overdose of some kind of tablets. It’s quite a tumble after all, isn’t it, from lawyer to bankrupt … ?’

‘Yes, it is,’ Rebus agreed. ‘Many thanks for that.’

‘Yes, I’d better go. I’ve some sort of curriculum meeting to attend.’ Her tone told Rebus this was a regular occurrence, and not one to be savoured. ‘Such a pity, two families torn apart by tragedy.’