The discourse in the prison cell was suddenly interrupted by a loud laugh. It came from the older brother standing at the table. He was shaking his head at his younger brother: ‘Oh, Sandy, Sandy, I’m afraid that our nefarious plan has been discovered. Allow me to complete the narrative before I die of boredom – again.’ He did not look at Kane, but spoke almost absent-mindedly as he turned the cards: ‘The physician on top of the cart, the one who signed the death certificate, let’s just say that he was not exactly top of the class when he was my student. He did not, in fact, examine… what shall I call my deceased self… the body”. He simply recorded what my brother was telling him about the vital signs – the breathing, the pulse and what-not.’ He raised his head: ‘Oh – look!’ – and the older Balloch raised his arm for a moment, then let it drop down onto his side. ‘No sign of life. Obviously dead.’ Balloch laughed: ‘And that was what was recorded on the Certificate. Ingenious – no?’