Page 44 of The High Island

‘We haven’t established the identity of the victim as yet,’ Erling told him. ‘Primarily because of the state of the body. It was badly burnt, as you’ve probably heard.’

‘I was hoping that aspect was just a rumour.’

‘Sadly, no,’ Erling said.

‘So Kris could still turn up here at eleven?’ Eddie said in a half hopeful voice.

‘Yes. Who else do you expect to be there?’

‘Definitely Hugh. Ivor’s other sons, Albert, Harald and Cameron. Maybe their wives too. Even their offspring. In truth, it’s open house for the Mowat clan, so who knows?’ He sounded apprehensive.

‘Do you know if Kris’s mother is still alive?’ Erling asked.

‘I have no contact details for Betty,’ Eddie said. ‘And neither, it seems, does Hugh, because I’ve asked him.’

‘And you have no idea who Kris’s father is or was?’ Erling said.

‘A taboo subject among family members, it seems. So none whatsoever,’ Eddie confirmed.

‘There’s something else you should know,’ Erling said. ‘Hugh has informed me that the family plan to dispute the sale of land at Lyrawa. He maintains his father wasn’t of sound mind when he did that. Plus he’s accused St Magnus House of negligence regarding Ivor’s death.’

‘Good God,’ Eddie said. ‘This reading could turn into a rammy, whether or not Kris shows up. I don’t suppose you’d consider having a constable attend, just in case?’

‘I intend on being there myself,’ Erling told him.

The relief in Eddie’s voice was obvious. ‘I really appreciate that, Erling. Thank you.’

Dr Stewart was also swift to answer his call. Erling had known Ian Stewart all his life, through childhood illnesses and teenage angst. As their family doctor, he’d attended his mother throughout her illness, and dealt with the practicalities of her death five years ago. He’d also worked out that the rebellious teenager of the family was gay before Erling would admit it even to himself.

‘I’ve been expecting your call,’ the familiar Orcadian voice said.‘Cathy and Elspeth from the care home have already been in touch. Plus news, as you know, travels fast round these islands.’

Acknowledging this, Erling said, ‘What can you tell me about Ivor Mowat?’

‘That he was a stubborn, opinionated man, who didn’t mellow with age. He checked himself into that home to get away from his family, despite the fact he could have managed perfectly well at home on Hoy, with maybe a home help a couple of days a week. Anyway, he loved it at St Magnus House, and he especially loved that wild tomcat who became his friend.’

‘And his health?’ Erling said.

‘Good, in fact better than many folk much younger.’

‘So why did he die so suddenly?’

‘I don’t know. Except that he was very old. If you want to know the exact reason, you would need to have a post-mortem.’

‘Dr Liddell put down cardiovascular degeneration on the form,’ Erling told him.

‘Aye, he would do that. Unless there was any reason to think otherwise.’

Erling explained about Hugh Mowat’s intentions regarding the sale of the land on Hoy and his criticism of the care home.

‘All nonsense,’ came the blunt reply. ‘Ivor had all his mental faculties. He occasionally forgot a name, but he had ninety years’ worth of names and family connections in that wily brain of his,’ he said firmly. ‘As for his care at St Magnus House, I’d vouch for that one hundred per cent.’

When Erling thanked him, he added, ‘And just get in touch when or if you need me to testify to any of this.’

Ringing off, Erling made his way upstairs to where the team had gathered. Jo had done as asked, with Willie’s photographs on display beside the still-rolling video. Judging by the facial expressionsof his team, they were as shocked by what they were observing as he’d been himself.

‘So,’ he began, ‘we have a suspicious death to investigate. The victim may have attempted suicide by fire, or he may have been set on fire by another party or parties. I believe the post-mortem will provide us with more clarity on that.’

He described his visit to the mortuary. ‘As you can see from Willie Halcro’s recording of the scene, identification with respect to the possibility of it being our missing Kris Mowat wasn’t possible. SoDNAevidence from items belonging to Kris will head down to Glasgow with the body later today for comparison.’ He paused there before asking if there had been any reported sightings of Kris or the hired car in the interim.