‘Ask Dick,’ Hilda said suddenly. ‘He will tell you.’
Reece turned to me. ‘What is it?’ he asked. Then suddenly threatening he came towards me. ‘Come on, damn you, what’s the mystery?’
‘That isn’t Shirer,’ I said.
‘Who is it then?’
‘Doctor Sansevino.’
‘Sansevino? Of the Villa d’Este?’ He suddenly laughed. ‘What story have you been telling these people?’ He caught hold of my arm and shook me. ‘What’s the game, Farrell? Sansevino shot himself. I checked up afterwards. Anyway, I’d know Shirer anywhere. Didn’t I escape with him?’
‘You escaped with Dr. Sansevino,’ I said.
‘Don’t lie.’
‘It’s the truth. Ask any of these people.’
‘But I’ve been through his villa. I know it’s Shirer. And he talked to me about our escape. Nobody but Shirer could have—’