‘Are you sure he said Perelli?’

I spotted a slight movement out on the terrace, and guessed Muffin had arrived.

She turned away from me.

‘Why should I make it up?’

I moved over to the casement doors. Muffin, Paula and Mary Jerome were out there. I beckoned to Muffin, motioning to Paula and Mary to remain where they were.

Mifflin came into the lounge like a cat on a hot stove.

Serena turned swiftly and stared at him.

‘Dedrick’s upstairs,’ I told Mifflin. ‘He’s dead. Suicide.’

Muffin grunted, walked quickly across the room to the door. I watched him mount the stairs.

‘How—how did he get here?’ Serena asked, bar band going to her throat.