‘Okay, okay, both of you, sit at the table and I’ll make us all omelettes.’ While he busied himself at the stove, he relayed what Vic Blackwell had told him before he left. ‘They had no idea where he was heading, and he refused to tell them — if he even knew himself. He was in a rage, apparently — wild-eyed and seemingly unable to understand simple commands. On his second attempt to get away, the crew that finally pulled his car over had to taser him.’

‘And where was this?’ asked Sam.

‘Way out on one of the droves that leads towards the river.’ The sound of sizzling butter rose into the air. ‘He was only caught because a woman out walking her dog rang in to say a drunk was veering all over the road and had nearly hit her precious pet. It was pure luck that a crew was out there looking for a stolen vehicle and was within easy reach.’

‘I suppose they didn’t tell you what he was ranting about, did they?’ Laura wondered.

‘Uh, yes . . .’ Jackman tried to recall what Vic had said. It was only a passing comment, and Vic hadn’t taken too much notice. ‘He was furious with someone for taking advantage of him.’

Sam and Laura frowned at each other.

‘Who was he talking about?’ Laura asked.

‘He didn’t say, just went on about a so-called friend taking advantage of his generosity.’ He shrugged. ‘That’s all Vic could tell me, I’m afraid.’

‘He can’t have been referring to either of us,’ mused Sam. ‘And certainly not Julia, she doesn’t actually exist.’

‘I suspected as much,’ Laura said. ‘I googled Saltern Academy, and there was no mention of her on their website.’ She shook her head and winced. ‘My goodness, he really went to a lot of trouble to make us believe his “Mister Average” act, didn’t he? Sadly divorced, wonderful partner, loving mother he doted on and looked after like a loyal, dependable son. Jesus! What a crock of shit. And I fell for it — well, to start with.’

Sam laughed. ‘Come on, Laura, you never fell for it! You always knew there was something about that man that didn’t add up. That’s why you’ve been so anxious about him.’

‘I can second that,’ said Jackman. ‘I’ve never seen you so worried over a client.’

He served up the supper. It was plain, but a vast improvement on cold pizza.

‘I wonder who they got to assess him,’ said Laura. ‘I’ll be very interested to see their report.’