Page 113 of Traitors Gate

‘By adding three words to the charge sheet.’

‘Which three words?’ demanded Miles.

‘“A replica of”, which you didn’t steal from the Tower of London, but from Madame Tussauds.’

‘They won’t get away with it.’

‘They already have,’ said Booth Watson. ‘Commander Hawksby has given theDaily Mailan unattributable exclusive with a photo of the replica crown, which I have a feeling will be their lead story tomorrow.’

‘Saying what?’

‘That you were arrested outside the Sovereign’s Entrance to the House of Lords in possession of a replica of the Imperial State Crown that you’d earlier stolen from Madame Tussauds. He’s even given them a recent photograph of you – the one taken in police custody following your arrest.’

‘When I give evidence from the witness box tomorrow,’ came back Miles, ‘Warwick will be laughed out of court.’

‘I have a feeling when the presiding judge, not to mention the press, examine the replica crown, it will be you who is laughed out of court and all the way back to Wormwood Scrubs.’

‘But the two cars with the false number plates should be proof enough that my team got into the Tower and somehow managed to get back out with the Sword of State and Imperial State Crown.’

‘Both cars are gathering dust at a pound in Wandsworth, with their original number plates back in place, and no doubt will be reclaimed by Lamont when he returns from Milan next week.’

‘But Bruce will confirm my story.’

‘I don’t think so, Miles, unless of course he wants to joinyou in the Scrubs. No, I have a feeling the ex-superintendent will be happy to pay a small clamping charge before reclaiming both cars and I wouldn’t be surprised if he hadn’t sold them back to the dealers for a good price by this time next week.’

‘Once I’m out on bail, I’ll let every other paper know the truth about what really happened.’

‘I don’t think they’ll be letting you out on bail quite that quickly,’ said Booth Watson.

‘Why not? The fake crown can’t be worth that much.’

‘The chairman of Madame Tussauds has given the police a written statement which says the crown was made by one of the nation’s leading craftsmen, at a cost of over twenty thousand pounds, and he has the bill to prove it. He also pointed out in his statement that it was one of the museum’s most popular attractions. He went on to warmly congratulate the police and in particular Chief Superintendent Warwick on its welcome return to the gallery, while reminding everyone that the crown will be back on display when the gallery opens at ten o’clock tomorrow morning. So I think, Miles, given the circumstances, you’re unlikely to get away with less than four years, remembering your past record. But I’m happy to take your instructions.’

‘I’ll tell you exactly what I expect you to do …’ the phone began to purr. Booth Watson checked his watch. A most satisfactory three minutes.

Commander Hawksby switched off the tape. He also considered it had been a most satisfactory three minutes, and decided to take Booth Watson’s sage advice.

He called the editor of theDaily Mailand gave him an exclusive, along with a picture of the replica crown and an up-to-date photo of Miles Faulkner. After all, wasn’t that exactly what Booth Watson had advised him to do?

The Hawk couldn’t make up his mind who was the biggervillain, Miles Faulkner or Mr Booth Watson QC. In William’s opinion, it was a score draw.

• • •

Ross smiled when the Governor’s wife handed him a Guinness and William a glass of champagne.

‘I’ve worked it out,’ said Ross.

‘Worked what out?’ asked the Governor.

‘Why Faulkner’s been released from solitary.’

‘Because he’s no longer a threat,’ said the Governor, ‘and we don’t need the public to think he ever was.’

‘Wouldn’t care to join my team, would you, sir?’ said William. ‘I even know the person you would replace.’

‘No, thank you, Chief Superintendent. In fact, I don’t want to see either of you again for another year.’

Both men laughed as the Governor’s wife refilled their glasses and said, ‘May I ask which of you was responsible for preventing my husband from being summarily executed?’

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