Page 59 of Traitors Gate

‘From whom did you acquire these coins?’

‘Sir Peregrine Singleton’s son, Percy.’

‘The late Sir Peregrine was a respected customer of this establishment, and I can tell you to my certain knowledge, madam, that he didn’t have a son, but two daughters, Eleanor and Victoria, who were the only beneficiaries of his will.’

• • •

Three men met up in the saloon bar of the St Pancras hotel. It wasn’t rush hour, so they didn’t need to look for a quiet corner. The bar was always empty at that time of day.

One of them handed Faulkner a Tesco shopping bag containing £135,000. Miles double-checked the contents. Satisfied, he handed over ten thousand in cash to a man whose name he didn’t know, and didn’t want to know. The man rose from his place and thanked him.

‘Before you leave,’ said Lamont, raising a hand, ‘keep your diary clear. It’s possible I may have something even bigger for you soon. I’ll be in touch.’

‘I look forward to hearing from you,’ said the nameless man, who slipped out of the bar without another word. He made his way quickly to platform 14 where he boarded a train to Potters Bar so he could be home in time to have supper with his wife. Pity, he thought. He would have enjoyed having dinner with Christina at Harry’s Bar.

‘Does he have a name?’ Miles asked once the anonymous man had departed.

‘It’s never the same for two days in a row,’ replied Lamont. ‘He’s known in the trade as “The Understudy”.’

‘How did you come across him?’ pressed Miles.

‘I arrested him for impersonating the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire,’ said Lamont, ‘and if I hadn’t nicked him he would have ripped off a local cancer charity for twelve grand.’ He took a sip of his drink before he added, ‘He specialises in bishops and Lord Mayors, and even convinced a security guard at Buckingham Palace that he had an invitation to the royal garden party. And after his superlative performance as Sir Percy Singleton,’ continued Lamont, ‘I think he’s ready to take on the more challenging role of Lord Chamberlain.’

Miles raised an eyebrow.

‘He’s about the same age and height as the present Lord Chamberlain – and if he can get himself into Buckingham Palace, perhaps he can pull off the same trick at the Tower.’

‘The Tower of London will be a far more demanding stage than a garden party at Buckingham Palace,’ suggested Miles. ‘And the Resident Governor somewhat more of a challenge than my ex-wife. Although, I confess, he made it possible for me to tick her off my list.’

‘In normal circumstances I would agree but, as you yourself pointed out, the new Resident Governor will be meeting theLord Chamberlain for the first time, which gives our man a built-in advantage.’

‘Let’s hope you’re right, because if anything goes wrong, it will be you who ends up in jail, and you needn’t bother to put me on your visitors’ list,’ Miles said as he downed his whisky in one gulp.

Lamont didn’t need to be reminded that their relationship was based solely on risk reward, and that neither of them liked or trusted the other. However, Lamont had one more ace up his sleeve. He waited, because he knew Miles wouldn’t let him go before …

‘Have you been able to prevent Inspector Hogan being around on the day of the switch?’ asked Miles, coming in bang on cue.

‘One of my old contacts tells me that Hogan is currently under investigation for perverting the course of justice, and it shouldn’t be too long before a hand is placed on his shoulder. And even if he’s out on bail, he won’t be sitting next to Warwick when he sets off for the Tower.’

‘I wish I could be there when the judge passes sentence, but I’ll have to be satisfied with you giving me the details. And don’t forget, you’ll receive ten thousand for every year Hogan goes down.’

‘It can’t be soon enough for me,’ said Lamont. ‘In fact, I’m looking forward to watching him squirm in the witness box when the damning tape is played.’

Miles removed another ten thousand from the Tesco bag and handed it across to Lamont, who quickly pocketed his latest bonus for the role he played in bankrupting Christina.

They both raised their glasses.

‘Now that Christina has been dealt with, and Hogan is about to go down, who’s next on your list?’ asked Lamont.

‘The biggest prize of all,’ said Miles. ‘Chief Superintendent William Warwick. So perhaps the time has come to hold a board meeting and make sure we’re ready to carry out a hostile takeover.’

• • •

As the door began to open, the Hawk barked, ‘I thought I’d made it clear I was not to be disturbed under any circumstances?’ But the door continued to open and moments later two smartly dressed men walked in, who could only have been police officers. They’d caught everyone’s attention.

‘I’m Detective Superintendent Ian Ferguson, sir. I’m in command of CIB3, the Anti-Corruption Command. I apologize for interrupting you, but I am here to arrest Inspector Hogan.’

‘On what charge?’ demanded the Hawk, who knew only too well.

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