‘That’s really unimportant. I’m afraid we don’t have infinite amounts of time to play with. I needn’t tell you Marty Caldwell’s recent dealings with you and Mimori Takenaga have caused a great deal of trouble, beginning with Kazuto Kodaka’s enquiries – and those of his assistant, Umiko Wada – on behalf of Mrs Takenaga regarding her father Shitaro Masafumi’s death forty-two years ago. This persuaded Mr Nishizaki that drastic action had to be taken to cover his tracks in the matter – and in other matters concerning his business activities and practices. This action has culminated in a …’ Hardekar looked upset for a moment. He raised a hand in apology and took a sip of whisky. ‘I’m sorry. The news that reached us today … has rather knocked me.’

‘What news?’

‘You accompanied Erla Torfadóttir to Stóri-Asgarbær earlier today. What you found … is the news I refer to.’

‘How do you know I went there?’

‘That hardly matters.’

‘Who died at Stóri-Asgarbær?’

‘The police are still trying to determine the identities of the deceased. But it’s certain Marty Caldwell was one of them.’

‘Martin? What was he doing there?’

‘Hiding, with Peter’s help, from Nishizaki’s wrath. Sadly, Wada managed to lead Nishizaki’s agents straight to him.’

‘Was Wada also killed?’

Hardekar nodded. ‘So I’ve been informed.’

‘And the other two? Who were they?’

‘An irrelevant question at this stage. Peter’s concern – and mine – is to avoid any more deaths. Especially … yours.’

Nick couldn’t quite credit the directness of the threat to his life that Hardekar was suggesting. ‘Why should Nishizaki want to kill me?’

‘Because your attempts to discover the truth of your paternity threaten to expose some of his secrets. And because his traditional response to any kind of threat is to neutralize it.’

‘Does he … know I’m in Iceland?’

‘Does he personally know? I’m not presently sure. But we need to ensure you stop doing anything that could be construed as interference in his affairs.’

‘Including trying to contact my father?’

‘Indeed.’ Hardekar sighed. ‘I am sorry. Peter is clear this is how it has to be. It’s in your own best interests, which he’s naturally anxious to safeguard. Nishizaki will leave you alone if you leave him – and those associated with him – alone. It really is as simple as that. And the death toll at Stóri-Asgarbær should tell you how foolish it would be to go up against him. That was Kodaka’s mistake. And Wada’s. And Marty’s too, though he never knew that was what his actions amounted to. Peter wants to protect you, Nick. As a father would.’

‘But he won’t see me?’

‘It’s too big a risk. At present. But …’

‘But what?’