"I thought she did that last year," Ash said.

"She did; off a tree. This time she was clearing the gutters. The ladder slipped and she went through the conservatory roof. She was dead by the time they got her to the hospital. Shock from blood-loss, apparently."

"Oh, Prentice, I'm sorry," Ash said, and put her hand on my arm.

Dean shook his head and looked mystified. "Ah thought she had a heart attack."

"She did have one," I nodded. "About five years ago; got a pacemaker fitted."

"Maybe she had a heart attack while she was up the ladder," Dean suggested. Ash kicked his shin. "Oo-ya!" he said.

"Excuse Mr Sensitivity here," Ash said. "But like I said: we were all really sorry to hear, Prentice." She looked around. "Haven't seen Lewis here; could he not make it?"

"He's in Australia," I sighed. "Being funny."

"Ah." Ash nodded, smiling faintly. "Well, that's a shame."

"For the Australians, perhaps," I said.

Ash looked sad, even pitying. "Aw, Prentice —»

Dean prodded his sister in the back with the hand he wasn't rubbing his shin with. "Hoi; what was that about yon guy ye bumped into in that Jacuzzi in Berlin? Said ye were goantae tell —»

"Oh yeah… " Ash turned from frowning at her brother to frowning at me, took a breath, then let it out. "Hey; you fancy a pint later, Prentice?"

"Well, maybe," I said. "I think we're ordered up to the castle for drinks and a bite to eat." I shrugged. "This evening?"

"Okie-dokie," Ash nodded.

"A jacuzzi? I asked, looking at Dean and Ash in turn. "Berlin?"

Dean grinned broadly and nodded.

Ash said, "Aye, Prentice; watchin the wa" come doon. And a shocking and decadent tale it is, too, let me tell you. See you in the Jacobite about eight?"

"Right you are," I said. I leaned close and nudged her. "What Jacuzzi?"