Dead Giveaway by Simon Brett

motive against Barrett?’
    ‘He was certainly extremely angry when Barrett paired him with Fiona Wakeford for Round One. He didn’t reckon she would be much help to him.’
    ‘One can see his point,’ Quentin murmured.
    ‘But whether you’d murder someone for that . . .’
    Charles shrugged. ‘As you say, he was obsessed. Depends on the depth of his obsession, I suppose. What about Bob Garston?’
    ‘I don’t think he
liked
Barrett,’ Sydnee replied, ‘but then who did? There was also, I suppose, a professional rivalry.’
    ‘Oh?’
    ‘Bob was considered for the job.’
    ‘Hosting the show?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘And he knew that?’
    ‘’Fraid so. He shouldn’t have done, but he did. Casting Director was a little indiscreet with his agent when checking availability.’
    ‘And would he have wanted it?’
    ‘I think so.’
    ‘Course he would, Sydnee,’ said Quentin. ‘Just the sort of break he needs. Lose the “reporter” tag. Become a “personality”. A future of infinite chat-shows. He’d love it.’
    ‘And, of course, he may yet get it,’ said Chita.
    ‘How do you mean?’
    ‘There’s a reasonable chance he’ll be booked as host on the second pilot.’
    ‘Is there going to be a second pilot?’
    ‘You bet,’ Sydnee replied. ‘W.E.T. shelled out a lot for the rights in that show. They’re not going to let something minor like a murder stop them from capitalising on it.’
    Charles bit back the actor’s instinctive question (‘If there is a second pilot, am I likely to be booked again?’), and said, ‘So he stood to gain very directly from Barrett’s death. We should definitely investigate Bob Garston.’
    ‘Him first?’
    ‘I’m not sure. I think we should try and see all three of them. Who’s going to be the easiest to get in touch with?’
    Sydnee laughed. ‘Tim Dyer. He’s desperate for someone to go and talk to him about his bloody car.’
    Charles Paris grinned round at his research team. ‘Then maybe we should start with Tim Dyer.’

Chapter Seven
    SYDNEE DROVE AN old red MG Midget, fast. The hood was up, against the autumn weather, and she and Charles travelled in their noisy cocoon out along the A3 towards Petersfield, where their first suspect lived.
    ‘Are you sure he’s not going to think it odd, me coming along with you?’ asked Charles.
    ‘I don’t think he’ll give it a second thought. The only thing on his mind is that bloody Austin Metro.’
    ‘Is that what you said you wanted to talk about when you rang?’
    ‘No, I didn’t say it, but I think that’s the way he took it. Wouldn’t occur to him that there was anything else to talk about.’
    ‘Could be the second pilot.’
    ‘Could be, I suppose. Though, if the truth were known, he’s very unlikely to be involved in that.’
    ‘Oh?’
    ‘It’s a matter of research time. It’s difficult getting contestants, but it was more difficult setting up the rest of the programme. Probably be better to leave all that intact and just slot in four new contestants.’
    ‘What, leave the rest of the show just as it was?’ asked Charles, scenting another booking.
    ‘Yes. Assuming the powers-that-be don’t want major changes in the format.’
    ‘Are they likely to?’
    ‘Who can say? John Mantle and the American copyright holders are watching the tape through today.’
    Charles grimaced. ‘Fairly grisly experience.’
    ‘Only the end. Up to there the show ran as it should. Very few recording breaks, it was fine. John Mantle won’t waste the recording. I mean, for him it’ll be great, having the luxury of a second pilot. Another bite of the cherry, a chance to make sure it’s all dead right.’
    Charles winced. ‘
Dead
right.’
    ‘Sorry.’
    ‘Has it been decided yet whether Bob Garston will host it second time around?’
    ‘Not definitely, no. I think it’s a strong possibility.’
    ‘Hmm.’ Charles fell silent, his mind circling round the murder, round the possible motives and opportunities of