Page 40 of Traitors Gate

‘A million was always a fair price,’ came back Harris, ‘and I won’t go back on my word. But just to make sure you don’t change your mind again, I want a hundred thousand upfront.’

‘But you don’t have anywhere else to go,’ Miles reminded him.

‘Neither do you,’ parried Harris. ‘Otherwise, I don’t suppose you would have rung a second time.’

Miles began to wonder if Harris even knew about the Rubens or if he was just becoming paranoid. One thing Miles did accept was he would never have a better opportunity tobring down Warwick and Hogan, and possibly even Hawksby all at the same time.

‘Why don’t you join me around six at my place?’ said Miles, ‘and let’s see if we can take this to the next stage. I’m assuming I don’t have to tell you my address?’

‘Not possible, I’m afraid, Mr Faulkner. This evening I have to drive my boss to Mansion House for a dinner with the Lord Mayor, but as he won’t be out before ten, you could join me.’

‘Where?’

‘In the back of the Lord Chamberlain’s car. The one place you can be sure no one will overhear us. And by the way, bring the hundred grand with you if you’re hoping for a third meeting.’

Miles put down the phone and placed an expansive tick against Harris’s name. He took his time considering the second person on the list. He was well aware the ex-copper hadn’t been overwhelmed with offers since leaving the Met, with neither friends nor reputation to fall back on. He dialled his number.

‘Lamont,’ said a voice after only one ring.

‘Bruce, it’s Miles Faulkner. I wondered if we could meet? I have a proposition I’d like to discuss with you.’

‘Any time that suits you,’ responded Lamont.

‘Tomorrow morning at my flat, ten o’clock.’

‘I’ll be there,’ said Lamont.

‘And be sure no one else knows you’re coming to see me,’ said Miles before he put the phone down and placed a second tick on his list.

Miles looked at the third name for some considerable time, and even wondered if he was on the right list. The damn man had gone behind his back so many times in the past. However,for the moment, he required his counsel, though if he put a foot wrong, Miles wouldn’t hesitate to shift him from one list to the other.

Miles dialled a private number he knew went straight through to his desk in chambers.

‘Booth Watson.’

‘Miles Faulkner, BW. I’d like to seek your advice on an unusual enterprise I’m considering, and wondered if we could meet?’ He waited for his response.

‘Always available for you, Miles,’ came back the immediate reply, revealing that clients weren’t exactly rushing in and out of BW’s chambers seeking his learned advice.

‘Can we meet at our usual rendezvous around midday tomorrow?’ asked Miles. ‘I don’t need anyone other than the royal swans to overhear our conversation.’

‘I’ll be there,’ said Booth Watson, not even checking his diary.

Desperate, thought Miles, as he added another tick to his list, although he knew BW wouldn’t come cheap. He couldn’t phone the next person on the list as he’d have to book a prison visit if he wanted to see him. He made an entry in his diary for Saturday afternoon between three and five p.m., the only time Tulip would be available.

The only other member of the team who would play a vital role in the success of the operation was also the one person he trusted without question. He pressed the buzzer under his desk and Collins appeared a moment later.

• • •

William arrived home before Beth, aware that would be happening more often now she had taken up her position atthe museum and would have to attend evening events fairly frequently. He made a noble effort to prepare the children’s supper but warming up a pizza in the microwave wasn’t going to earn him a Michelin star.

‘How’s your Colonel Blood project coming along?’ William asked as he joined the children at the kitchen table.

‘We’re going to win the prize essay competition,’ said Peter with a confidence that didn’t entertain doubts.

‘That goes without saying,’ said William, ‘but wasn’t what I asked.’

‘All will be revealed as soon as Mum gets home,’ said Artemisia, ‘when we’re going to read you the first chapter ofColonel Blood: Hero or Villain?’

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