Page 53 of Traitors Gate

‘What was that?’ asked Jojo.

The twins looked at each other before they said in unison, ‘To steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London!’

‘But that’s not possible,’ said Jojo, ‘because we know how well they are guarded.’

‘Not in 1670 they weren’t,’ said Peter. ‘In fact, at that time, anyone could stroll into the Tower and, for the price of a penny handed over to the Jewel House keeper, they were able to view all the state treasures, including the crown.’

‘Turn the page,’ said William.

Peter did, but it was blank.

‘How long will we have to wait to find out if Blood succeeded in stealing the Crown Jewels?’ asked Beth as she placed four plates on the table.

‘Another week,’ said Peter, ‘by which time our contact should have supplied us with all the relevant details.’

‘Your contact?’ said William, as if questioning a suspect.

‘Idiot,’ hissed Artemisia at her brother.

‘And who is this contact?’ pressed William.

‘The Governor of the Tower,’ admitted Peter, sheepishly.

‘Sir David?’

‘Well, to be more accurate,’ said Artemisia, ‘he’s the former Governor, as he’s just retired. But he still phones us once a week – before you get home.’

‘That’s impressive,’ said Beth, ‘but I thought Miss Elton said you were not to have any outside assistance.’

‘He only recommends books we can find in the library and occasionally answers our questions.’

‘This must stop,’ said William. ‘The poor man has far more important—’

‘Then why don’t you call the Governor yourself, Dad,’ suggested Peter. ‘I think you’ll find he’s enjoying the whole exercise every bit as much as we are.’

Both parents were rendered speechless.

CHAPTER 17

WHEN THE PHONE RANG ATeight o’clock that morning, Miles picked it up, knowing who would be on the other end of the line.

‘I thought you’d want to know that Hogan has recently been giving evidence in a drugs case at Southwark Crown Court,’ was Lamont’s opening line.

‘So what?’ said Faulkner.

‘A court official, a mate of mine, left the building at the same time as he did.’

‘So what?’ repeated Faulkner.

‘He saw Hogan talking to a member of the jury and took a photo of him with the woman.’

‘And how’s that going to help?’ said Faulkner, beginning to sound exasperated.

‘The trial was still in progress,’ said Lamont, who paused for a moment before he added, ‘and under the 1994 Criminal Justice & Public Order Act, that could amount to evidence of jury tampering, or possibly the even more serious offenceof attempting to bribe a juror. And what’s more, although the dealer was convicted, it was a close-run thing – just the kind of case where a quiet intervention could have swung the whole verdict.’

‘What would be the likely sentence if Hogan was found guilty of attempting to influence an impressionable juror?’ asked Faulkner, suddenly more interested.

‘Two years minimum. But as he’s a police officer, it could be a lot longer.’

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