Chapter 37

“Now, I’m sure you want to get right down to business. As per Sir John’s instructions, we engaged a company to begin rebuilding Thorny Walk House.” Mr Harris fiddled with the papers on his desk. “I’m afraid much remains to be done.”

“What does the state of Thorny Walk House have to do with my half-brother’s death? The house had been damaged years ago, and quite frankly, I was certain by this time the repairs would have been completed.”

“If you’ll permit me to explain? What you’ve said is very true, sir, but the builder Mr John Synclaire employed were quite slow in the matter.”

“I don’t understand. I was familiar with that firm, and they’re quite competent.” I’d gone to see them myself, and while I was unhappy that Father wouldn’t trust me to do the job, I knew they’d do good work.