‘Are you serious? Nothing that I’ve discovered so far would fit with him being a party animal.’ Jazz chuckled. ‘Everyone who knew him remarks on how quiet he was. Only interested in his books, apparently.’

‘Jazz, it was the start of the Sixties when we were at university. And I can tell you, the things we got up to then would make your eyes water.’

‘They certainly would,’ remarked Celestria.

Tom nodded. ‘Yes, I’m sure I’m right. Perhaps I even went to one of his parties, but I was so doped up in those days, I wouldn’t remember.’

‘Tom!’ admonished Celestria.

‘You know it was true, my darling. Anyway . . .’ Tom scratched his head. ‘I think he did a PhD like me, then taught Latin at Oxford. Couldn’t tell you which college.’

‘Go on, Dad,’ urged Jazz. ‘Anything you can remember will help me.’

‘We-ell . . . if I remember rightly, and we’re going back forty-odd years, there was some kind of scandal. He left Oxford under a cloud. I can’t remember the exact reason, but I do know someone who can tell me. Want me to find out for you?’

‘Do I?! Yes please, Dad. I’ve been stymied on Hugh Daneman for the past forty-eight hours. Can you call your friend as soon as possible?’

‘Will do.’ Tom smiled.

‘So, darling, is it very different, hunting murderers in the sticks?’ asked Celestria.

‘Very,’ nodded Jazz. ‘I didn’t even have a phone socket in our makeshift incident room, which means I couldn’t access any data.’

‘Oh dearie me.’ Tom gave a look of mock horror. ‘And no crimes were ever solved before computers arrived, were they?’

‘Not as many, that’s for sure. And certainly not as fast.’ Jazz bristled.

‘Only teasing you,’ said Tom. ‘I would have thought it was rather refreshing to have to rely a little more on your analytical powers and those great instincts of yours. As you know, my theory is that every murder is committed for one of four reasons: love, money, revenge or fear. All the great detectives have always had a superior understanding of human nature. And you do, darling. Don’t be afraid to use your talent.’

‘Have you finished lecturing your daughter, Tom, or shall I delay joining you so you can continue?’ Celestria winked at Jazz as she brought through coffee and placed the tray on the table.

‘Was I being patronising? I do apologise. It’s old age, you see. You store up so much knowledge, but because you’re so ancient, no one wants to hear it. I’ve always said Big G got it wrong: we should be born old and return to him a helpless, innocent baby.’ Tom yawned.

‘Time for your nap.’ Celestria moved to the back of Tom’s wheelchair.

‘See? Just like a baby.’ Tom’s eyes twinkled. ‘Can’t I have coffee first?’

‘No, you know the doctor says caffeine is bad for you.’

‘Yes, Matron. See you later, darling.’ Tom gave his daughter a small wave as Celestria pushed him through to the bedroom.