‘Retired journalist. Used to work for the Western Morning News. Down in Exeter.’

‘You’ve been to Exeter?’

‘Yes, Miranda, I have. I’ve been to eighteen Barnfield Hill, as a matter of fact. Looking for Martin Caldwell. But he wasn’t there. No one knows where he’s gone. But lots of people are looking for him apart from me. Including you, if the message you left on his phone is anything to go by.’

‘You heard that? How?’

‘I didn’t – Holgate told me. The neighbours let us into Martin’s flat. There was a break-in. His computer was stolen. The Japanese woman Martin was supposed to meet got injured by the thief, though she’s vanished since as well, so I can’t ask her what the hell’s going on. As for Peter Ellery, Holgate showed me a photograph dating from 1977 in which he appears, along with Caro, April, Martin and Alison Parker. The resemblance to me is obvious. As it must have been obvious to you and everyone else all my life.’

‘Christ. I need a cigarette. Wait here.’ Miranda went off in search of a smoke, calling back to Nick from the adjoining room. ‘None of this is down to me, Nick. Caro decided you were better off not knowing Peter was your father. I can’t say I blame her.’ She returned, lit cigarette and pack in hand. She offered him one. He shook his head. ‘Well, now you know.’ She sat back down. ‘Feel better for it, do you?’

‘I’m coming to terms with it.’

‘Not sure I can help you do that.’

‘Peter Ellery’s still alive, isn’t he?’

‘Marty believes he is.’

‘And so do you.’

‘Do I?’

‘Why did you phone Martin?’

‘I was worried about him.’

‘With good reason, apparently.’

‘I meant I was worried about his state of mind.’

‘Any idea where he’s gone?’

‘None at all. Listen, Nick, I’m sorry you had to wait so long to find out the truth about your paternity, but that’s down to Caro and April. It wasn’t my decision. It was nothing to do with me. So I really don’t know what I can say. Maybe Peter drowned with Alison. Maybe he didn’t.’

‘Why would someone steal Martin’s computer, Miranda? I mean, let’s consider the possibilities. Breaking and entering is fairly heavy-duty stuff. And this particular bit of breaking and entering was for a specific purpose. What does Martin know that’s so important – so damaging – that the people he knows it about go to such lengths to cover it up?’

Miranda took a long drag on her cigarette and shook her head. ‘I simply can’t imagine.’

‘Really? Didn’t your earlier visitor fill you in?’