Page 151 of Crocodile Tears

It certainly seemed that he was telling the truth. He had a little under £2 million in various accounts – nowhere near enough to buy an indie as pricey as Alexander. The mortgage statement showed they’d have a modest sum left over if they sold The Orchard – but again, nowhere near enough to buy Alexander.

“What happened?” Josiah asked. “Your family was once so rich – your father owned a major AV company, and you were the nation’s hero.”

Charles’s face creased into another of those beautiful smiles. “Well, thank you, but being a national hero isn’t quite as lucrative as you might think. After Alex’s disgrace, Dad went into a decline, the business failed, and everything fell apart.”

“Mr Lytton – could you tell me where you were all day on Tuesday?” Josiah asked suddenly, hoping to catch him off guard.

Charles blinked. “Uh… I was promoting a new product line for my sponsors at the Waterlooville Boat Show all day. There were plenty of witnesses.”

“And what about yesterday – did you leave the house at all?”

“I tried.” Charles gave a rueful smile. “But there were dozens of reporters outside, and I was worried about leaving Dad all alone in the house, so I came back inside and hired the security guards. I do hope I won’t need them for long – they are rather expensive.”

“So, you didn’t leave the house all day?”

“Only when I tried to go out to my duck.”

“You didn’t post anything, either, or arrange a parcel collection?”

“Uh, no.” Charles looked puzzled. “What would I have posted?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Josiah was sure the reporters outside had been there since the news about Alexander’s arrest first broke, so if anyone had arrived or left, they’d know. He’d easily be able to verify Charles’s statement on his way out.

“And your father? Where was he on both those days?”

“Dad?” Charles looked at him incredulously. “I can’t remember the last time he left the house, Investigator Raine. He can’t get anywhere by himself, and we can’t afford to employ anyone to help us out these days. As you can see, I’m in no position to help him.” He gestured at his walker.

“Tell me about Alexander,” Josiah requested. “Tell me what he’s like.”

Charles gave a fond smile. “He’s a sweet soul. A little lost, but misunderstood. He’s artistic, sensitive, kind, and loyal to a fault. He can be a little sharp-tongued, on occasion, I’ll admit – I always thought he was too clever for his own good – but he’s an artist at heart. He’s a good person.”

Josiah nodded slowly. That was an interesting take on his enigmatic IS. “Very well. Thank you for your time. I think that’s everything.” He stood up.

“Investigator Raine.” Charles put a hand on his arm. “Is Alex really okay?” His blue eyes were swimming with tears.

“He’s…” Josiah paused. “You know, I have no idea. He’s not an easy man to read.”

“Doyouthink he killed Elliot Dacre?”

“You said you were sure he wasn’t capable of it.” Josiah rocked back on his heels and studied Charles keenly.

“He isn’t. He was devastated by what he did to my father, you know, and theft isn’t anywhere near as bad as murder.”

“You haven’t seen him in seven years – he could have changed in that time.”

“Not that much. I’ll never believe my little brother could murder anyone.”

“Do we have a visitor?” a croaky voice interrupted suddenly. Josiah looked over to see that Noah Lytton had woken up.

“Sorry to disturb you, sir. I was just leaving,” he said politely.

“Not on my account, please. We don’t have many visitors these days.” Noah moved his blanket aside and got to his feet, shakily.

Now he was awake, Josiah could see traces of Alexander in his grey eyes and fine bone structure, different to his older son’s blunter features, which favoured his mother more.

“He reallywasjust leaving, Dad,” Charles said hurriedly, walking stiffly towards the door and gesturing that Josiah should follow.

Josiah didn’t care about upsetting any Lytton family sensitivities; he was here to solve a murder, and he intended to ask whatever impertinent questions were necessary.

---