Page 70 of Murder in the Family

I think he may have got a text. You weren’t supposed to have mobile phones in Hall, but Rupert never thought rules like that applied to him.

JJ NORTON

So he left the dinner to make a call?

MALCOLM SEVERN

Which was a big thing, by the way. He got a severe ticking-off for doing that – you’re not supposed to leave until the Master gives permission.

JJ NORTON

And he never told you what the ‘emergency’ was?

MALCOLM SEVERN

No.

JJ NORTON

Wasn’t that rather odd?

MALCOLM SEVERN

(hesitates)

I suppose so. I didn’t think so at the time, but now you mention it, yes. It was a bit odd.

CUT TO: Studio, as before. JJ is still by the pinboard.

HUGO FRASER

Well, one thing we know is that whoever Rupert called that night it wasn’t the landline at Dorney Place – there’s no record of any such incoming call. And nothing on Caroline’s mobile either.

JJ NORTON

Though the timing is interesting – barely an hour after Rupert makes that mystery call, Luke is dead. Rather a coincidence, wouldn’t you say? Who knows, he could have been setting the whole thing up—

LAILA FURNESS

(sceptical)

Oh come on, you’re not really suggesting Rupert put a hit out on Luke? It’s Campden Hill we’re talking about, not theCosa Nostra.

JJ NORTON

I agree. But it’s strange all the same.

BILL SERAFINI

Did you ask Rupert about it?

JJ NORTON

(giving him a dry look)

I most certainly did.

CUT TO: INTERVIEW with Rupert. He’s at his flat this time. A leather armchair, piles of newspapers, a log burner. He’s wearing a check shirt, a woollen waistcoat, and a knitted tie.

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