‘You’re wrong, Detective. Dead, dead wrong. These people have risked everything. They’ve survived torture and trauma. They’ve come here for help, which is why they’re so relieved to arrive, even if it’s aboard a rickety fishing boat. They made it, they survived.’ His voice was close to cracking. ‘They’re not the terrorists, Detective. They’re running from the terrorists. So we make a big mistake to fear them. If we fear them, we cast them out, and that’s precisely the moment they could be preyed upon by the people who we should truly fear. If we send them away, they’re more likely to be the victims of terrorism. Or, in worst-case scenarios, we gift criminals and terrorists a limitless supply of desperate people whose exploitation then funds attacks on us all. Put emotion to one side, Detective. This isn’t about emotion. This is about crime. As a man of law, I thought you might appreciate that.’

Manolis tapped his notepad thoughtfully with his pen. He did not like being dictated to.

‘Mr Onions, I do appreciate that. But a woman has been murdered in cold blood. I would say that a murderer among us is someone to fear, wouldn’t you?’

Onions’s face relaxed. ‘Of course they are.’

‘Then that’s all this is about. Gathering evidence for a prosecution, bringing a criminal to justice and ensuring the community is safe. No politics or agenda. As I said, this is one line of police enquiry, one of many, so I’d appreciate your assistance. Without it, I can’t close the book on all the people here.’

The colour in Onions’s face lightened a fraction, red to pink. He returned to his chair, posture ferociously erect, and invited Manolis to continue.

‘Can you think of anyone who’d want to hurt Mrs Abbott?’ the detective asked.

Onions did not hesitate in replying. ‘No. I can’t remember hearing a single bad word about her. She was a well-respected teacher, did an excellent job, and will be sorely missed.’

‘Did she have a boyfriend or lover?’

‘I don’t know. I understand she was widowed, but I made no enquiries about her private life. That was none of my business.’

Manolis nodded. ‘Was her behaviour any different recently?’

‘No.’ Onions scratched his chin. ‘I can’t say that it was.’

‘What about the detainees?’

‘Nothing I’ve heard. I get daily updates from the guards if there’s any trouble, and weekly updates from our psychologist. Of course, their behaviour has changed since Saturday night’s fire, they’re all frightened, but that was to be expected.’

‘Hmm,’ Manolis said.

‘Problem?’ Onions asked.

The detective paused, considering how to reply. In the end, he decided to try and make an ally of the manager, who was clearly his only way in.