She wrapped her hands around the cup of tea Geraldine had made to help calm her nerves. She’d been feeling anxious, because she knew Fergus would outline all the charges against Kurt. Geraldine was certain Kurt would do time in prison and she thought he deserved it, but Miki didn’t like to think of her brother behind bars. When she’d mentioned this to Geraldine, the older woman had guided her to the bathroom mirror. ‘This is what he has done to you,’ she said. ‘He’ll do it again.’

Feeling a strange sense of calmness, Miki now looked at Fergus. He was a big man like Kurt, but softer: dough instead of muscles, chins instead of a jawline, handlebar moustache instead of clean-shaven. He cleared his throat. ‘Sorry for what you’ve been through, Miki. I can see you’re in a bad state. Kurt shouldn’t have done that to you.’

Geraldine was at the kitchen sink, furiously wiping her hands on a tea towel. Her mouth was set hard and Miki knew she was angry. Geraldine would have preferred Fergus to wait longer before presenting himself here with all his important information about Kurt and the fire. But Miki didn’t really mind. She wasn’t afraid of the policeman, even though she’d never spoken to him except to serve him in the shop. There was nothing he could say that would surprise her. While she waited for Fergus to speak, she was thinking how there would be no more fish and chips in her life, no more locked doors.

‘I thought it was best I come and tell you what we’ve found out about your brother,’ Fergus said. ‘Then I’ll need to ask you some questions to make sure you’re in the clear.’

‘She’s not an accomplice, Fergus, if that’s what you’re implying.’ Geraldine glared at him, screwing the tea towel into a ball in her hands. ‘And you shouldn’t be conducting a meeting like this in my kitchen. It could have waited till next week when Miki was better. You could have done it down at the station.’

Fergus looked bashful. ‘Thought it would be less threatening for Miki here, but it can wait if she’s not up to it.’

‘I’m all right,’ Miki said. Another week wouldn’t change anything.

He fixed her with serious eyes. ‘Did you know about your brother’s room under the shop?’

‘Yes, but this morning was the first time I ever went there,’ she said. ‘He kept it locked.’

Fergus nodded. ‘Thought as much. We had to cut open the padlock. Do you know what was in there?’

She shook her head. ‘It was empty today. I know Kurt kept his gun down there and his gym. And the spare supplies for the shop.’