‘Especially for the personal endorsement.’ ‘I hope it was embarrassing to listen to,’ Charlie said. ‘What’s this Varden like?’ ‘Ambitious,’ Charlie said. Moments later a tall, craggy-faced man in his early thirties entered the room after a perfunctory knock. ‘Ah, Roger,’ Charlie said. ‘This is Gina Lunghi.’ ‘My pleasure, Mrs Lunghi,’ Varden said as he and Gina shook hands. ‘Charlie tells me you’re a private detective and that you have an interest in the Adamson murder.’ Varden’s voice was rich, low and Scottish. ‘And Charlie tells me that you were involved in the investigation,’ Gina said. ‘I still am, should there be developments.’ Varden raised thin eyebrows. ‘Shall I confess now?’ ‘Oh no,’ Varden said. ‘Take more time about it. I like my wee fish to wriggle on the hook.’ ‘In that case I’m only here to get background,’ Gina said. ‘That’s better,’ Varden said. ‘Now, Lunghi is an Italian name, is it not?’ ‘Yes,’ Gina said.
