‘We’re extremely happy to be here.’

‘Without being too personal, Mr Danes, would I be right in saying you’ve chosen a new-build home because you have an aversion to dirt?’

Jason looked at him, a little miffed at such a personal remark. ‘How do you know that?’

Fortinbrass smiled. ‘Shall we say, as the vicar it’s my job to know about issues with my flock?’

‘I’m afraid neither my wife nor I are very religious.’

‘But you do believe in something, don’t you? A bigger picture?’

‘Well – yes – who told you that?’

Again, that strange smile. ‘As I said, it is my business to know things.’

Jason looked at him for some moments, puzzled by how he could know this. ‘Please come through and meet my wife, Emily – we have a friend with us, her business partner.’

‘What business is that, may I ask?’

‘Catering.’

‘Ah. Well, that could be very interesting for me, very interesting.’

They entered the kitchen. To Jason’s relief, Louise had her eyes open and was chatting to Emily. He introduced the vicar to both of them.

‘How very nice to meet you,’ Roland Fortinbrass said, shaking Emily’s hand and then Louise’s. ‘I don’t know if any of you are musicians or have good voices, but we are short of members for the church choir, and we are always looking for musicians for our church band.’

‘I’m afraid not,’ Emily said. ‘I’ve a singing voice that sounds like two cats fighting in a dustbin.’

‘And I’m tone deaf,’ Jason added.

The vicar turned to Louise. ‘How about you?’

‘I live in Brighton, I’m afraid,’ Louise said. ‘I’m just here visiting Emily.’

‘What a shame.’ Looking at each woman in turn, he said to Emily, ‘Your husband tells me you are in the catering business? We must have a chat about catering for one of our church events, sometime. And if there is anything I can ever do for you, please let me know – you can always find me at the Vicarage – the house right next to the church.’

‘Actually,’ Emily said, shooting a glance at Jason, then Louise. ‘There is one thing.’

‘Oh?’

‘I understand the Church of England has diocesan exorcists in every county.’

Fortinbrass suddenly looked awkward. ‘Well, yes, although we prefer the title Ministers of Deliverance. Why are you interested, if I may ask?’

‘We think we need one to come here,’ she replied.

38

Monday 17 December

As soon as the vicar had left, Jason went up to his studio and rang the number for Richwards Estate Agents. When the receptionist answered, he asked if he could speak to Paul Jordan.

After a short time on hold, he heard the familiar, jovial voice.

‘Ah, Mr Famous Artist, sir! Very good to hear from you – how may I be of assistance? And how is everything in beautiful Lakeview Drive?’

‘Well,’ Jason replied, ‘not great, actually.’

‘Oh? Oh dear, I’m sorry to hear that.’ The estate agent sounded genuinely concerned. ‘What’s the problem?’