“Jan only arrived in September,” said Danny. “I think he’s got more than he bargained for.”

Jan started walking sideways toward the stairs.

“Shower,” he said, standing on the first step.

“He’s a mathematician,” said Danny, as if Jan was out of earshot.

She spoke as if Jan was a small boy playing some game. He flushed even redder; the tips of his ears glowed.

“That sounds good.”

As Jude spoke, she wondered why everything she said sounded foolish. But he smiled.

“Yes, thank you. It is good.”

Jude decided it was time to go. She held out a hand. Danny took it and didn’t let it go.

“I could do a tattoo for you,” she said. “It’s a way of marking a moment.”

Jude was appalled by the idea.

“That’s an interesting idea,” she said.

“You’re a doctor. You can’t be scared of needles. Something beautiful and delicate, with a secret meaning.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Do that. We’ll meet soon.”

Jude was puzzled by that. Meet soon? What for?

Twenty

“Do you always walk that fast?” said a voice behind her.

Jude turned to find Vin. He was wearing a battered leather jacket that creaked when he swung his arms. Drops of rain glittered in his hair and beard.

“I thought I’d accompany you to the bus stop.”

“There’s no need.”

“That’s all right. I wanted a word.”

“What about?”

“You know. The mystery.”

“There’s no mystery.”

“Liam was up to something. And you were in on it.”

Jude stopped abruptly and turned to face Vin.

“You’re all wrong,” she said. “I’ve had this conversation with Danny. Just ask her.”

“Liam was my friend, Danny’s partner, Alfie’s father. We need to know what was going on in his life before he died. So what was?”

“I don’t know.”

Vin just looked at her, hands in pockets. Jude continued.

“Look, I’m really sorry about everything. I’m sorry you’ve lost your friend, but I’ve got a few troubles of my own.”

“Do you want to get a drink?”

“No,” Jude said. It was four in the afternoon.

“Something to eat?”

“I’ve really got to go.”

“I missed lunch,” he said. “You never can tell what time it is in that house.”

“How many of you are there?”

“Six now that Liam’s gone.” He thought for a moment. “Seven, if you count Alfie. There’s Danny and me, obviously. Irina.”

“Who owns the junk in your yard.”