Page 97 of Savage Justice

CHAPTER 23

Nico

“One more thing, Mr McGuinness, before you leave.”

Marlowe has decided it’s time he headed off to his next assignment. Apparently, the Tate Modern requires his services to support a restoration project. The fee is eye-watering.

“How can I help you, Mr Savage?” He pauses at the foot of the three steps leading up into the helicopter cabin.

Molly, Lucy, and I stand back. We’ve said our farewells.

“The deal between Sheikh Mustafa and Borys went through a week ago,” Ethan reminds us. “He got it for a knock-down price, five point seven million euros.”

“The original was worth ten million, insured for even more.”

“Yes, but Borys was hardly in a position to haggle. The painting—your painting—is safely installed in whatever secret place the sheikh keeps his illicitly acquired merchandise.”

“Yes. I expect it is.”

“No doubt he’s enjoying his purchase.”

“Probably, though of course he is not in a position to share it with anyone else. Not that that will concern him.”

Ethan’s eyes narrow. “I think it’s time to burst his bubble.”

“I wondered how long you would wait.”

Marlowe is not the only one. Molly and I discussed the very same thing last night in bed.

“No point rushing things. But he’s had a few days now. And so has Borys. He thought he got away with it, until he checked his bank account and found it light by a few million euros. Apparently, he’s livid, threatening to set fire to half of Switzerland. He’s convinced the Gnomes of Zurich have nicked his money.”

“Alas, poor Borys…” Marlowe grins in genuine amusement. “It couldn’t happen to a more deserving character.”

“Quite. So, I was wondering if you have contact details for Edouard Montrou.”

“The art detective?” Molly interrupts. ‘You’re going to tip him off?”

“That’s the plan, yes. You said Montrou is respected, and influential in his field.”

Molly nods. “He’s also straight as a die. He’s known for it. Incorruptible, and believe me, many have tried. So, if you were thinking of hiring him…”

“I’m not, but if he’s as upstanding as you say, he won’t ignore the deal I’m going to send his way. The opportunity to recover a priceless artefact and restore it to its rightful home. An anonymous tip-off and an offer he can’t refuse. The original painting back, in return for exposing the fake in the sheikh’s private collection.”

Marlowe smiles. “I’m sure he’ll be delighted to hear from you. Montrou is based in Luxembourg. He has an apartment in Luxembourg City itself.”

“Thank you. That’s enough for me to work with.” Ethan offers Marlowe his hand. “Have a safe journey, my friend.”

“A bit clichéd, but it will have to do.”

The photograph of the original Dürer masterpiece alongside a copy of today’s Washington Post lies on the table between us.

“The US newspaper is a neat touch,” Tony remarks. “Throws them off the scent.”

“Let them think the painting is in America,” Jack agrees. “Now all we have to do is deliver this to Montrou and tell him what we want him to do.”

Ethan slides the picture into a large envelope. “There’s a phone number on the back of the photo. A burner, obviously. When he calls, I’ll explain our terms for the return of the original.”

“The sheikh won’t be keen on allowing anyone to view his painting to authenticate it or otherwise,” I point out.

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