‘We can rule nothing out at this stage,’ Amir replied.
‘The family knew that you had someone in custody,’ Ally told him, ‘and seemed certain that you’d got the killer and that they’d be going home.’
‘I hate to disappoint them,’ Amir said with a sigh, ‘but that is not the case.’ He studied Ally for a moment. ‘Have they said anything relevant to you?’
‘Only that Greg seems very keen to get back to take over the business he co-owned with Archie Armstrong.’
‘That’s not entirely surprising,’ Amir said.
‘I suppose not,’ Ally admitted, feeling a little deflated. ‘And I overheard him saying to his wife that he’d persuadedPatti to keep away from the business but just take a share of the profits. And when Wendy asked him how he’d managed to persuade her, he said something to the effect that Patti was glad of her new-found freedom.’
‘I’ve a feeling that you suspect him then?’ Amir asked. ‘Is he top of your list?’
Ally looked at her painting of oranges, lemons and grapes on the wall. ‘He’s near the top of my list,’ she said, aware that she had indeed placed Greg at one o’clock and Patti was at the top at twelve o’clock – always suspect the nearest and dearest, she had discovered.
Shortly afterwards, Ally could hear the chairs being pushed back next door so assumed her guests had finished breakfast. She signalled to Amir, who picked up his briefcase, made his way to the door and waylaid them all in the hallway, suggesting they had ‘a wee chat in the sitting room’.
Ally could hear, from all the pleasantries being exchanged, that the family were most likely convinced that Amir had arrested the killer and that they’d be free to head for home. She could hear him talking quietly for a few minutes – followed by uproar.
‘What do you mean?’ Greg was shouting. ‘Why have you not arrested this guy?’
‘We just want to go home!’ Patti wailed.
‘I’m sorry,’ Amir said, raising his voice. ‘I’ve already told you that we have insufficient evidence against him and that he produced an alibi.’
‘But surely we can go home?’ Wendy piped up.
‘I’m afraid that will not be possible,’ Amir replied calmly.
‘Are you suggesting we’re suspects still?’ Greg roared.
‘I can rule no one out at this stage,’ Amir said diplomatically.
‘Ridiculous!’ shouted Patti. ‘How can you accuse me of shooting my own dear husband?’
‘I’m not accusing anyone of anything,’ Amir said. ‘I’m only telling you that the person we took in for questioning has now been released due to lack of evidence.’
‘Could we not go and stay in Inverness?’ Janey asked hopefully.
‘I’d prefer it if you could stay right here,’ Amir replied.
‘Bloody ridiculous!’ Greg shouted as Amir was leaving the room.
When he came back into the kitchen, Amir rolled his eyes and said apologetically, ‘I’ve left you with some unhappy customers, Ally, but there’s nothing I can do about that. Let me know if you have any problems.’
Ally nodded. ‘I will,’ she said, just as Morag reappeared from upstairs.
‘What’s all that shoutin’ goin’ on?’ she asked crossly, glaring at Amir as she began to make herself a mug of tea.
‘I must be on my way,’ Amir said hurriedly. ‘Thanks for the tea, Ally. And I’m glad we were able to release your son, Mrs McConnachie.’ With that, he sped towards the front door.
‘Well, well,’ said Morag, sitting down with her tea, ‘them police never give you a straight answer, do they?’
After Morag had gone and Ally was clearing up in the dining room, she could hear raised voices and the sound of arguments emanating from the Armstrongs. She could clearly hear one of the girls asking, ‘Whycan’twe go to Inverness? There’s nothing todohere!’
That much was true. Most young people here, as in many other country areas, left to go to college or work in the nearby towns and cities. They didn’t want to get away from it all – they wanted to be where the action was.
At that point, Patti emerged from the sitting room, slamming the door behind her.
