Ivan nodded. ‘They ask me where the family is. Why don’t they come out? Do they have something to hide?’
‘No idea,’ Ally said. ‘I’ve suggested they go for a walk, but…’ She shrugged.
‘Have the police been here a lot?’ Ross asked.
Ivan raised his eyes to heaven. ‘Oh yes. And they ask me over and over again the same questions. Where was I standing? Who was I with? I tell them that yes, I am watching this champion, but no, I’m not at the very front because I am with friends and I am putting on my sweater. You know what else? That bullet went right by my ear too! I am in shock! Then the police ask if it might be meant forme! And then I get worried. Who would want to kill me?’ He shook his head and uttered what might have been a Lithuanian swear word. ‘Who wants to shootme?’ he repeated.
‘You can’t think of anyone, Ivan?’ Ally asked jokingly. But, of course, you never quite knew.
‘No, no,’ Ivan said, ‘because they like me here in the bar I think.’ He shook his head at the very idea.
‘It also had to be fired with great precision,’ Ross added, ‘and not hit the wrong person. Which makes sense, as the police think that the shooter was up on the hillside, hidden by the trees.’
‘You weren’t standing with the McConnachies then?’ Ally asked.
Ivan shook his head. ‘No, I am on my own with a couple of friends.’ He leaned across the bar, having taken a large gulp of his Scotch. ‘But I do not know one end of a rifle from another! That is the truth! I do not like guns!’ He pulled a face. ‘Unless they are in American westerns!’
Ally and Ross sat down with their drinks while Ivan dealt with a sudden influx of customers.
‘Do you think it’s at all possible you could shoot accurately if you were way over the alcohol limit?’ Ally asked.
‘I very much doubt it,’ Ross replied. ‘In any case, I don’t think it was Ivan who did it.’
‘Neither do I,’ Ally agreed.
Callum espied them as they crossed the reception area on their way to the restaurant.
‘I’ve got you a nice wee table by the window,’ he said as he ushered them in.
‘Thanks, Callum. How are you?’ Ally asked.
‘I’m OK,’ he said, ‘but feeling sorry for you being saddled with your unfortunate guests.’
‘Yes, they were booked in for a week, but I’ve no idea how long they will need to stay now. Good job I don’t have any further bookings this month and the rooms are free.’
As they sat down, Callum added, ‘I’m amazed the police haven’t made an arrest by now as it’s very obvious who did it.’
Both looked at him in surprise.
‘You know who did it?’ Ally asked, feeling a little excited.
Callum looked around to make sure that none of the other diners were eavesdropping. ‘Angus, of course,’ he replied.
Ally’s frisson of brief excitement took a plunge. ‘Oh, really?’ she said.
‘Why do you think it’s Angus?’ Ross asked.
‘No end of reasons,’ Callum said. ‘First of all, it’s well known he’s a fantastic crack shot, can shoot targets from miles away. Secondly, he’s got the key to the guns and could access them any time he fancied without anyone turning a hair.’
‘So why would he have to break in then?’ Ross asked, looking puzzled.
‘To make it seem like it was someone else,’ Callum replied. ‘And, thirdly, he was the wife’s uncle and, according to rumour, he never wanted her to marry Armstrong in the first place.’
‘But he said he wasn’t even at the games,’ Ally protested.
‘Of coursehe’dsay that!’ Callum scoffed.
‘I believe the police were there most of the day, because of the rifle being stolen,’ Ross said.
