‘This Scotch is very moreish,’ Becks proclaimed, slurring slightly.

‘It is, isn’t it?’ Judith agreed, going to refill Becks’ glass.

‘But what have you found?’ Suzie asked.

‘Well, it may be something, it may be nothing. But I’ve been looking at the website for the Marlow Auction House, since that’s where Stefan’s painting came from. There’s a page that explains the history of the business. It was founded by Elliot’s father. His name was Dudley. When he retired in 1985, Elliot took over as chairman. But this is what I’ve noticed, Elliot was initially only chairman for three years. Look,’ Judith said, handing her tablet to Suzie.

Suzie looked at the website and saw that Elliot Howard was listed as the chairman from ‘1985–1988’.

‘And then in 1988 a man called Fred Smith took over,’ Judith said.

‘Fred Smith?’ Suzie asked, her interest piqued.

‘That’s right. And he stayed chairman for the next thirteen years. Until 2001. Which is when Elliot Howard became chairman again. For a second time.’

‘So why did Elliot leave for a number of years and then come back?’

‘Good question, but that’s not what caught my eye. You see, Elliot stopped being chairman in 1988. But that was also the date on the painting we found at Stefan’s house, wasn’t it? Stefan bought it in 1988.’

‘Maybe it’s a coincidence.’

The women considered the evidence in their various states of alcoholic glow.

‘It’s strange, isn’t it?’ Judith said. ‘Let’s say it was Elliot who I surprised in Stefan’s house tonight. It seems the most likely explanation. But if it were, then that would mean he just stole the frame from a painting he sold to Stefan in 1988. The same year that he resigned from the auction house.’

‘You’re right,’ Becks said, enthused. ‘When you put it like that, it’s fishy, isn’t it?’

‘If you ask me, we need to find out why Elliot left his business in 1988.’

‘Good idea,’ Becks agreed.

‘Which is lucky for us,’ Suzie said. ‘Because I know exactly how we can do that.’

‘You do?’

‘All we need to do is speak to the guy who took over from Elliot in 1988. Fred Smith.’

‘Of course! He’ll know what happened. But how do we find him?’

‘Shouldn’t be too hard,’ Suzie said, smiling. ‘I speak to him at about eleven o’clock every morning.’

‘You do? How come?’

‘Because if I’m not mistaken, Fred’s my postman.’