“What?”

“A company called Firedrake, do you own half of the shares?”

“Well, yes. One share, fifty percent. But that's nothing to do with Byrne Tyler. It's a venture with a…a business colleague.”

“Who is that?” Mandel asked.

“Not that it's anything to do with you or this murder enquiry, but his name is Alan O'Hagen.”

“Interesting,” Detective Patterson said. “The other listed shareholder in Fire-drake is Newton Holdings.”

“Well, yes, that's O'Hagen's company.”

“No, Mr. Townsend. According to the companies register, Newton Holdings is owned by Byrne Tyler.”

Richard gave Jodie a desperate look. She frowned.

Detective Patterson consulted her cybofax again. “You've been partners for two years, is that right?”

“I…I've been a partner with Mr. O'Hagen for two years, yes.” He couldn't help the way his eyes glanced at Mandel. The psychic was watching him impassively. “Not Byrne Tyler. I've never met him. Never.”

“Really?” Patterson's tone was highly skeptical. “Have you ever visited the Sotheby's office in Stamford?”

Richard hooked a finger around his shirt collar; the air-conditioning wasn't making any impression on the heat suddenly evaporating off his skin. O'Hagen! O'Hagen had scammed him. But how? He wasn't a fool, he hadn't paid O'Hagen any money, quite the opposite. The painting…Which the police obviously knew about. “Yes, I've been there.”

“Recently?”

“Earlier this week actually. I think you know that, though, don't you? I was having an item of mine valued for insurance purposes.”

“Was that item a painting?” Mandel asked.

“Yes.”

“And didn't you also confirm its authenticity while you were there?”

“I suppose so, the assistant had to make sure it was genuine before she valued it. That's standard.”

“And the painting definitely belongs to you?”