Northcote snorted a laugh. ‘You want my advice, on that assessment don’t try to calculate anything.’

‘It’s not advice I want. It’s explanation. I told you we were talking about you, me and the firm. About everything. And that’s precisely it. If this ever became public: if…’ Carver actually just stopped himself from saying that if it ever became an innuendo in the sort of financial commentary Alice Belling was so adept at compiling. ‘The house – this house, all our houses – would come tumbling down.’

‘You think…’ started Northcote, lost his way and then managed: ‘… believe I haven’t worked all that out!’

‘I’d like to know exactly – very exactly – what you have worked out. And where you – where we all – are going from here?’

‘Nowhere,’ declared Northcote. ‘That’s precisely and exactly where we’re going. Nowhere. At the annual meeting I am going to announce the reluctant severing with this firm of Mulder Incorporated, Encomp and Innsflow International. Their choosing alternative, independent auditing accountants will be based upon their long-standing personal relationship with me, which the partners already know about and recognize. And which is being brought to an end by my finally – and fully – retiring…’ Northcote smiled at last. ‘Which is what I am going to do. Live in the country, cut my grass, help Jane with her charity fundraising and start playing with my new golf clubs.’

‘Just like that!’ said Carver, snapping his fingers.

‘Just like that,’ echoed Northcote, mocking the finger snap with one of his own.

‘What’s it all about, George?’