‘I’ll stand you a couple of drinks tonight at the ceilidh,’ Greg promised. ‘And you can have tomorrow morning off to deal with any hangover. I take it you are coming?’

‘Is there food?’ Colin said, his cheery self returning.

‘Karla’s stovies,’ Greg told him, aware that Karla herself was likely a bigger draw than her famous stovies.

‘Okay, boss, I’ll see you there.’

Greg left the Land Rover and walked the last section of road. Entering the gate, he found the women down at the beach on sun loungers, the view of the tarpaulin that covered the grave site apparently not spoiling their sunbathing.

He had hoped to pass by unnoticed, but had no such luck. A chorus of voices urged him over, their tone suggesting they were already on the champagne.

A quick head count found his only ally, Naomi, missing.

‘Ladies,’ he said with a small bow. ‘Enjoying the sunshine and the lack of midges?’

‘We were contemplating a swim, but if it’s very cold we might require a lifeguard. Colin told us you often swim in the green loch.’ Poppy eyed him. ‘Is that true?’

‘I learned to swim here as a boy, like most of the locals.’ He almost added, we’re not permitted access now, but didn’t see the point. They were guests and could do nothing about that even if they wanted to.

‘If you go in now, I’ll join you,’ Viola said with a smile.

‘No trunks with me.’ As soon as he said it, he realized his mistake.

‘Even better,’ Poppy offered, and they all laughed.

Greg decided an exit was required. ‘Sorry, I’m called to Ard Choille,’ he said. ‘Mr Stratton wants to organize things for tomorrow.’ He didn’t wait for a response to his apology but headed swiftly down the drive without looking back.

Stratton and the other men were out on the balcony and shouted at him to come on up.

‘A pre-dinner drink, Taylor?’ Stratton offered when Greg appeared.

‘I’m still working,’ Greg said.

‘I’m the boss and I say you can share one with us.’

‘Thanks, but no.’ Greg tried a placatory smile. ‘I’ll be driving later.’

It was clear from his expression that Stratton didn’t like being denied. Greg was pleased about that.

‘You could always walk to the ceilidh. I hear it’s been switched to the hotel because of the murder investigation.’

Greg remained silent, aware Stratton was trying to rile him.

‘We thought we might drop in. As an owner of the estate, it’s important to show support. Seeing as it’s the first get-together since the pandemic ended.’

Greg’s horror at that must have been obvious, because Stratton added, in a seemingly surprised tone, ‘You don’t think that’s a good idea?’

Aware he was being played, Greg forced himself to remain calm.