Hilda Gallagher was not accustomed to being shouted at – at least not without giving it back in equal measure. On this occasion she reined in her instincts and contented herself with giving Muirhead a filthy look before the penny dropped that the two of them were on the same side. She became a little more pliable.

‘About eight o’clock onwards.’

‘How many people were at the party?’

‘About fifteen to twenty. They were all people one had known for...’

‘Thank you. Now, was your son at the party. Your son, Charlie, that is?’

‘Yes, he was.’

‘Did Charlie live in your home at the time?’

‘He lived at home with his family, yes.’

‘Did he leave the party at any time?’

‘Of course not. Why should he want to leave? His family was there and...’

‘Thank you. Now do you know when your son went to bed?’

‘It was late on. We throw a good party you know. He must have gone to bed about 2.30, perhaps later.’

‘Did you see your son the following morning?’

‘Of course.’

‘Where?’

‘At home.’

‘Where at home?’

‘In his room. In bed. I woke him up.’

‘What time would that be?’

‘Half past nine – exactly.’

‘How do you know?’

‘When he had not appeared by nine-thirty, I woke him up.’

‘Why nine-thirty?’

‘His father had a meeting at ten-thirty and Charlie was going to drive him. He got up, showered, had some coffee and left with his father at quarter past ten.’

‘So, between, say, seven and ten, where was Charlie?’

‘At home.’

‘Sure?’

‘What do you mean sure? Why are you asking me...?’

‘Mrs Gallagher, your son is on trial for murder. Are you sure?’

‘Yes.’

Matthews was quickly on his feet. ‘What did your son do for a living?’

‘He worked for his father.’

‘What manner of business?’

‘Buying and selling.’

‘Buying and selling what?’

‘All sorts of things. Cars, videos, that sort of thing.’

‘Stolen things?’

‘Certainly not.’

‘Certainly not. I see. What about drugs?’

‘What about them?’

‘Did your husband, does your husband deal in drugs?’

‘Absolutely not.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes, really.’

The pretence at a posh accent was gone. Ma Gallagher was ready for a fight.

‘Your husband has a criminal record, I think?’

‘Just who is on trial here?’

‘Your son – for murder. And you are providing him with an alibi. Does your husband have a criminal record?’

‘He was a bit wild, but that was years ago.’

‘Has he been in prison?’

‘I told you, that was years ago. Many years ago.’

‘For violence?’

‘No, for robbery.’

‘Armed bank robbery?’

‘Yes.’

‘That’s not a crime of violence?’

‘No one was hurt.’

‘I see. Is your family on friendly terms with the Boyles?’

‘We know each other.’

‘Answer my question, please. Is your family friendly with the Boyles?’

‘No.’

‘Why not?’

‘I don’t know. My husband and Hugh Boyle fell out years ago. I don’t know why. It was something to do with the business. I don’t think it was that important.’