He went down to the kitchen in the dark. He made no noise in passing Esther’s room. As he poured hot water from the kettle he looked up and saw her framed in the doorway. ‘Nine years ago you were standing in the same place. It was dark then as well.’ ‘Was it?’ ‘You were still wearing your overcoat. There was mud on your shoes. You told me that you had just come from Judge Curran’s house. That something dreadful had happened. Patricia had been found murdered.’ ‘Yes. I remember.’ ‘Your hand was shaking so much you could barely hold the kettle. It was dark and I couldn’t see your eyes.’ ‘Nine years. It feels like longer.’ ‘You need to talk to Gordon. To that policeman, Capstick.’ ‘Gordon was convicted of the murder.’ ‘But you don’t think he did it. You know he didn’t do it.’ ‘So what’s the point of talking to him?’ ‘You need to find out who killed her, Harry. Do it for yourself or do it for her. It makes no difference.’ ‘I’ll talk to Gordon again.’ ‘He didn’t kill Patricia.
