'Spilt milk,' I said. 'The money's gone.'

'What if I told you it isn't, not necessarily.'

'There was a thorough investigation.'

'How many thorough investigations have you known that were all complete bullshit?'

He had my interest now, not because I believed him, but because the smooth unflappability was fraying. Despite the air-conditioning, he looked a little damp around the edges.

'You've got a point, but Malouf's dead. He was identified by his wife.'

'Dental records? DNA? Did they bring in the Bali ID unit?'

'I don't know.'

'They didn't. There was a big stink on about a murdered family and they were preoccupied. He's not dead. He's been spotted.'

'So has Lord Lucan. So has Elvis.'

'This is reliable information. I want to hire you to catch him.'

'Why would I do that? The money's gone.'

'I don't believe it. I think the gambling was a cover story to help convince the authorities that he was dead. He's still got your money, or some of it. Plus that of a lot of other people who could be very grateful to you.'

I looked around the room-the framed certificates, the photographs in the company of celebrities in politics, sport and show business, the gleaming surfaces. Standish was the living embodiment of a business and lifestyle I disliked. He was right about me failing contract law. I'd detested the subject and wrote rude things about the questions and teachers before walking out. It had been a catalyst for my giving up university and doing other things. I didn't want to work for this man.

Standish tapped some more keys. 'Following on from what I said about your finances, it'll interest you to learn that Malouf left you a little legacy. More of a time bomb really. He bought, in your name, a parcel of shares at what seemed bargain rates. You OK'd the purchase. It was peanuts as things stood in your portfolio then. However, those are what's called option shares and holders are liable for a very substantial margin call on them. In about a month's time you're looking at a bill for three hundred thousand dollars, give or take.'