‘That’s one of the reasons why I don’t work there anymore. I wasn’t comfortable with it and challenged him one too many times.’

‘The limp?’ Imogen said.

‘You noticed? An accident onsite, apparently. I am still not sure,’ Gerry scoffed.

Reece Corrigan was certainly consistent.

‘What do you mean?’ DI Walsh said.

‘Only the people Reece wanted out of the way seemed to have these career-ending accidents.’

‘Do you know of anyone else who had an accident at work?’ Imogen asked.

‘I hear rumours mostly, but there is a ring of truth to them. A few guys quit without working out their notice while I was there. I got the distinct feeling they were running away. God only knows what he did to them. I only stuck it out as long as I did because I needed the money. If you have met him, you know he gives off that scent of Eau de Nutcase.’

‘Did you go to the police about it?’ DI Walsh said.

‘I never had any proof; just a hunch, really. Reece doesn’t like being challenged on anything. If this was retribution, I got off lightly. There’s a darkness about him. I don’t even know how to describe it, but you just know not to fuck with him. His threats aren’t idle.’

‘Did you ever witness anything first hand? Would you be willing to testify?’ DI Walsh said.

‘I was his right-hand man on paper, but really I wasn’t someone he came to when he needed something. I don’t know if he is still there or what, but a bloke called Jimmy Chilton is who you need to speak to. He knew the ins and outs of what Reece was up to. I think he probably arranged for my little accident.’

‘Did you know Simon Glover or Leon Quick?’ Imogen asked.

‘No, sorry. What’s happened to them? It was a long time ago, though I try to remember as little as possible. Everything gets skewed when you are working there. It’s almost a hostage situation, or a cult, like you can’t leave unless he says so. I just want to forget about all of it. It changed me and I lost my family because of it. My wife, my kids, they didn’t recognise me anymore. Now they are gone. I can’t work in construction anymore because of my leg.’

‘Did Corrigan openly threaten you, then?’ Imogen said.

‘He openly threatens everyone. If you’re smart, you listen the first time.’

‘So, why would you stay there? Just money?’ Imogen said.

‘I wasn’t exactly swimming with career opportunities. He gives chances to people with a lot to lose and then that’s it, you’re on the hook.’

‘Lots to lose, how?’ Imogen said.