Laughter all around, and even Damptey managed a titter, but she didn’t look happy. “I think you have a private investigation agency, isn’t it?” Quaino asked.

“Yes,” Sowah said, “for many years now.”

“Oh, very wonderful,” Quaino said.

“Thank you very much. Do you have time to discuss a case with Miss Djan and me?”

“Of course, of course. Come this way.”

They followed him to his office, which was air-conditioned—a perk an officer got once past the rank of chief inspector.

Emma let Sowah do all the talking. The link between each other that he and Quaino had discovered was handy because the rapport was instant, but from the corner of Emma’s eye, DI Damptey appeared tense.

“That’s the way we came to be following this case,” Sowah said, after explaining how Derek had come to them and the events that had followed.

“Yes, I see,” Quaino said. “Well, thank you for that, sir. I believe DI Damptey tried to explain to Mr. Derek that these investigations take time. Sorry he had to trouble you, Mr. Sowah, sir.”

“Not at all,” Sowah said, waving it away.

“Yes, I was working closely with Derek Tilson,” Damptey chimed in, “but he was too impatient.”

Emma doubted that very much. In her judgment, Damptey was an inadequate police officer who wouldn’t hesitate to cover her poor performance with a lie, whether big or small.

“And I understand you’ve arrested the gentleman, Mr. Yahya?” Sowah said.

“Yes, that’s correct,” Quaino said with an air of importance. “We found him in possession of the jacket he stole from the American man, and he’s now confessed to it.”

“And you also suspect him of murdering Mr. Tilson?”

“Yes please.”

“But do you have physical evidence tying Yahya to Tilson’s death?”

“Well, the jacket, sir—”

“That ties Yahya to Mr. Tilson, not his death,” Sowah pointed out.

“He will confess, sir,” Quaino said with conviction.

“Just be sure it’s not under duress.”

“Duress?”

“Be sure it’s non-coercive because the law doesn’t take kindly to that. You see what I mean?”

“Yes please. You are right. Thank you, sir.”

“Well, good,” Sowah said, placing his hands on his thighs and looking at Emma. “Did you have anything you wanted to ask?”

“No, thank you, sir,” Emma said. “I think you’ve covered it very well.” They got up and so did Quaino and Damptey.

“By the way,” Sowah said, as if by afterthought. “Is DCOP Laryea around?”

“I’m not sure, sir,” Quaino said. “I haven’t seen him today.”

“He’s a good man,” Sowah said. “He was also my mate in the good old days, along with your dad. I’ll stop by and say hello.”

“He’s on the fifth floor. Will you like me to take you there, sir?”

“Don’t trouble yourself at all, Mr. Quaino. We’ll find our way. Thank you so much.”