‘I see you’ve been watching the movies, Mr Evans! It’s always some ex-cop who ends up the PI, right? Usually disgraced and with a chip on their shoulder and a talent for martial arts. I’ve seen those movies too. The real world isn’t quite like that. Finance is my background actually. I made a good career out of detecting fraud for a private firm. Turns out there’s nothing you can’t find out about someone if you can see what they spend their money on.’

‘And that’s how you found …’

‘Mr Olsen?’ the man cut in enthusiastically and Danny twisted to look around, suddenly very self-aware. ‘Yes, that’s exactly how I found him. While his actions were almost certainly driven by his own desire he was also making good money out of it. He sold images and videos and he seemed to have the knack of providing what was in demand. I don’t think I need to explain any more.’ Danny clamped his jaw tightly shut. ‘That’s difficult to hear, I’m sure. Fortunately, karma, in this instance, was called Danny Evans.’

‘Why did you do that?’

‘Do what?’

‘Set that up like I found it. For me?’

The man seemed to take a moment to consider his answer. ‘There were a number of victims, a number of families left in pieces due to the actions of that man and I am sure that any one of them would have appreciated walking into that room and having that … opportunity. But when we had all of the information together it was your story that stood out. We saw a young woman lying in a hospital bed having been coerced into taking a fistful of tablets. And then we saw what was left of her family tearing themselves apart as a result. It was an easy decision as to who would be the first in line.’

‘We?’

‘Yes. I told you I was hired by the family of another victim to find this man. This was a while ago – years – and like you, they were unhappy when the police investigation reached a conclusion without closure, without someone to answer for their suffering. Fortunately, they had the means to ensure it didn’t end there. The answers for that family led me to realise he was still very active.’

‘So why didn’t they walk into that room last night? Why spend money, time and effort looking for vengeance and then serve it up for someone else?’