Her tactic works. For a moment, Gabriel Stuub looks completely bewildered by the sudden change of subject. His eyes dart back and forth between Karen and Byle, as though looking for a fixed point.

‘Up at Groth’s,’ he replies weakly. ‘Bottling and shipping.’

‘And who’s your supervisor?’

Gabriel seems to ponder that for a moment.

‘I suppose that would be Jens. He’s some kind of sales manager, or whatever title he’s given himself, but we all work pretty independently.’

‘Surname?’

‘Groth, obviously. Jens Groth. He’s the son of Björn, the owner of the whole thing.’

Karen makes a note.

‘What time was it when you left your grandfather?’

This time, the change of focus has a physical effect. Gabriel Stuub’s cheeks take on a slightly green tinge and he clutches the recliner’s armrests, as though trying to steady himself. For a moment, Karen is concerned he might throw up again. Then he runs a hand across his forehead and slowly shakes his head.

‘Honestly, I don’t know what you’re getting at. Which time are you bloody talking about?’

‘Christmas Eve. You drove your grandfather home unless I’m mistaken. Or did you see him after that?’

Karen notices the colour returning to his face with a measure of relief. Gabriel meets her eyes.

‘No, I didn’t. I left him in the driveway and went straight home with the kids. No idea what time it was, but my best guess would be around half past three. And no, I haven’t seen him since.’

‘And you haven’t been back to his house? To look for something maybe?’

‘Look for something? What would I want from his house?’

‘A laptop, maybe?’

Gabriel chuckles. Maybe a bit too loudly, Karen muses.

‘Are you sure he even had one? He still had an old-style TV and a transistor radio.’

‘Sure, but your grandfather did teach at the university. Apparently did research as well. Are you telling me he used pen and paper?’

‘I’m sure he had a computer at work. And probably some old doorstop at home, too.’

‘Any idea where we might find it?’

‘I didn’t bloody steal his computer! The old git probably hid it somewhere. Honestly, I think he went a bit senile after Mum died.’

‘How did that manifest itself? Your grandfather’s dementia, I mean.’

Gabriel shoots her an annoyed look when he picks up on the discreet correction.

‘I don’t know. I guess it’s just that he seemed completely obsessed with this fucking island and all kinds of historical crap. Going on and on about the olden days and that now all people want is to make money and they don’t care about anything else. All I’m saying is that he was a bit doddery.’

Sounds more astute than doddery, Karen thinks to herself.

‘Did he direct his ire at anyone in particular?’ she asks.