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hint of admiration in his tone as he said, ‘You’re not just a pretty face are you?’
    Sukey ignored the comment and said, ‘So you were colleagues?’
    â€˜I didn’t say that.’ He hesitated for a moment before saying, ‘Look, there’s no sense in trying to hide it because you’re sure to find out one way or another. Fenella and I didn’t hit it off. We had diametrically opposed views on a number of things, including how our department should be run. In fact, there are a number of people who find her difficult to deal with, but so far as I know no one disliked her enough to kill her. And I can assure you I didn’t.’
    â€˜So you work in the same department as Ms Tremaine,’ Sukey commented.
    â€˜Haven’t I just said so?’
    â€˜Which is?’
    â€˜Administration and Accounts. Should really be two separate departments but they were lumped together under the late chairman. There used to be an overall supremo – pompous know-it-all, thought he was God Almighty – but he retired and so far no one’s been appointed to take his place.’
    â€˜Presumably the decision will depend on the result of the shake-up DS Reynolds referred to a moment ago?’ said Rathbone.
    â€˜I suppose so.’
    â€˜I imagine it’s quite a well-paid, responsible position for which there would be considerable competition?’ Ellerman made no reply, but took a further pull at his drink. ‘Do you consider yourself eligible, sir?’
    â€˜I certainly have the qualifications and experience.’
    â€˜Which are?’
    â€˜I have a law degree and an MBA – that’s a master’s degree in business administration.’
    â€˜Thank you sir, I’m aware of what an MBA is.’ Sukey could tell from the edge to Rathbone’s voice that he was becoming irritated with Ellerman’s condescending attitude, but he merely said, ‘And your doctorate, sir?’
    â€˜Human Relations in the Workplace.’
    â€˜What about Ms Tremaine?’
    â€˜I believe she has – had – a degree in some arts subject, but she was taken on at Maxworth’s as an accountant.’
    â€˜Presumably she is qualified?’
    â€˜Yes, either chartered or certified – I’m not sure which.’ Ellerman looked at his watch, reached for a remote control and waved it towards a large television. ‘Your time’s up. I’ll see you out. You can get me in my office if you want to ask any more questions.’
    â€˜We shall certainly want to speak to you again, sir,’ said Rathbone as he and Sukey followed him to his front door, ‘so perhaps you’ll let us know if your business commitments require you to leave the area.’
    â€˜You can contact us on this number.’ Sukey handed Ellerman one of her business cards.
    He took the card and looked her directly in the eye. ‘It would be a pleasure talking to
you
at any time, Constable Reynolds,’ he said in a voice that made Sukey think of oiled silk before closing the door behind them.
    Once outside the building, Rathbone exploded. ‘If there was a prize for being the most ill-mannered, condescending, self-opinionated oaf in the city, Ellerman would be a front runner!’ he exclaimed.
    â€˜He also fancies himself as a bit of a sexpot,’ Sukey commented drily.
    Rathbone, his pent-up irritation relieved by his outburst, gave a chuckle. ‘Yes, I noticed him giving you the eye. I have to admit he’s a good-looking bastard. It would be interesting to know what the overall supremo who retired thought of Doctor Ellerman! I wonder,’ he said in a sudden change of tone, ‘if his dislike of the late Fenella Tremaine had something to do with the fact that he tried it on with her and got the elbow. She must have been an attractive woman.’
    â€˜He gave us to understand that she rubbed quite a few people up the wrong way,’