Page 27 of End Game
‘But if he breaks the habit of a lifetime?’
‘Your Excellency, may I introduce my ex-husband? He’s a charlatan and a thief, whose only virtue is that he loves art, so if anything goes missing, call me, because I’ll be able to tell you where to find it.’
‘I do adore you, Mr Hackensack the Third,’ said Christina, as they left the house.
•••
‘Let me begin,’ said Beth, as she looked down at the packed audience, ‘by welcoming you all to the opening ofThe Hermitage Comes to the Fitzmolean, an exhibition of onehundred and twenty-seven Dutch paintings, watercolours and drawings that have been generously loaned to the Fitzmolean by the Hermitage, one of the most prestigious galleries on earth.’
The applause that followed suggested the guests agreed with the director’s assessment. The room was packed with eager art-lovers, sponsors, diplomats and staff who had come to view the unique collection.
‘My particular thanks go to Elena Petrovski, the museum’s distinguished director,’ continued Beth, ‘and her two colleagues, who have honoured the Fitzmolean by joining us in London this evening.’
Miles Faulkner, with Booth Watson close at hand, was standing near the back of the crowded room, listening intently. Miles looked around the assembled gathering, stopping only when his eyes settled on two Russians on the far side of the gallery, one of whom he recognized immediately, although he didn’t acknowledge him. As far as most people in the room were concerned, he had never laid eyes on Sergei Petrov before. The other had a shy, academic air, and Miles suspected she must be part of the official Hermitage team.
‘I do hope you will all enjoy this remarkable exhibition,’ continued Beth. ‘However, on this occasion, I shall not be ending my speech with the words, “please spread the word, as there are still a few tickets available”, because on this, the opening day of the exhibition, I’m able to announce that the show is already sold out for its entire Olympic run. To quote the art critic atThe Times, it’s a “gold medal performance”.’
Beth was greeted by even louder applause as she stepped down from the stage to join her family and friends.
‘I’m so proud of you,’ said Christina, ‘and as chair of theFitz, I think I can safely say this is the finest exhibition the museum has ever put on.’
‘But if I remember correctly,’ teased Beth, ‘those were the exact words you said about our last exhibition.’
The little group surrounding the director burst out laughing. They all knew that, with Beth as director of the museum, her feet firmly on the ground, and Christina as chair, full of ideas and endless enthusiasm, the Fitzmolean was in safe hands. They had proved to be a formidable partnership. Wilbur, too, more than played his part by constantly supporting his wife.
William looked on proudly, although Beth could tell his mind was elsewhere. She knew it had been difficult for him to attend tonight. He had been working all hours of the day, and recently the night, as he prepared for the opening ceremony.
‘I couldn’t help noticing,’ remarked Sir Julian, ‘that Miles Faulkner and his lapdog are in attendance this evening.’
Beth turned to her father-in-law. ‘To be fair,’ she said, ‘however much I detest the man, no one can question Miles Faulkner’s genuine passion for art, and particularly the Dutch school. If he were willing to loan us his fabled collection for our next exhibition, Christina would be able to repeat her words with the same conviction.’
‘I can’t see Miles agreeing to that,’ said Christina, as she glanced across the room at her ex-husband. ‘And take a look, Beth,’ she added under her breath, ‘he’s still staring at the Van Gogh self-portrait, as if it were the only picture in the room.’
•••
‘I have a feeling they’re talking about you,’ said Booth Watson, offering Commander Warwick a false smile.
‘In the words of Oscar Wilde,’ said Miles, ‘it’s better than not being talked about.’
‘And look where that got him,’ said Booth Watson. He immediately regretted his words, but fortunately Miles seemed more interested in the Van Gogh.
‘It’s quite magnificent,’ admitted Booth Watson, before taking a quick photograph of the masterpiece for his records.
‘When you next see it,’ said Miles, keeping his voice low, ‘it will be hanging above the fireplace in my drawing room.’
‘That’s assuming the Russians keep their word,’ said Booth Watson. ‘Not something they’re renowned for.’
‘They have no choice,’ replied Miles, ‘unless they want the whole world to know what they have planned.’
‘And whatdothey have planned?’ asked Booth Watson, who once again felt he’d been left in the dark.
Miles hesitated. ‘Petrov has finally revealed some details of Operation Blackout,’ he said quietly. ‘Commander Warwick will be praying, long before the opening ceremony is over: “let there be light”.’
‘“And there was light”,’ said Booth Watson, delivering the next line from Genesis.
‘I had Exodus in mind,’ replied Miles.
•••
