The last person on earth Jake wanted to see appeared at his lodgings the next morning. Andrew’s deep voice, so at odds with his slight frame, calling up the stairs, alerted him to a visitor. In the guests’ lounge stood the swarthy-featured inspector from York.
“Detective Inspector Shaw! To what do I owe this honour?”
“Let’s say to ongoing investigations.”
The reply was deliberately laconic, the dark eyes scrutinising him intensely, as hard as jet.
“Oh, yes? Have you caught Livie’s killer?”
“Don’t mess with me, Conley! I’m on to you, remember?
Jake glared at the police officer but swore to himself he wouldn’t let his dislike get the better of him. Instead, he spoke suavely.
“So, what can I do for you, inspector?”
He even managed a forced smile.
The policeman drew a small notebook f
