‘We were at Hendon training college together. That’s where he got his nickname. Are you by any chance Choirboy?’
‘Good work, inspector,’ said the Hawk, after he’d read William’s report.
‘Where do we go from here, sir?’
‘You’ll recall I said at this morning’s meeting there was one more thing I needed PC Bailey to do.’
‘I think I’ve already worked out what that might be, sir.’
‘Enlighten me.’
‘You want her to check all of Summers’s crime sheets to find out if he arrested a burglar soon after the theft of the jewellery from the van Haeftens’ home, because that would explain how he got hold of a ring he clearly couldn’t have afforded. Depending on her answer, we’ll know whose side she’s on.’
‘And if she’s on the other side?’
‘I’ll arrest her the same day Summers comes back from his holiday.’
‘And just in case you thought this was going to be an easy week, inspector, you might be interested to know that Mr Justice Ramsden has begun his summing-up in the Tony Roberts case.’
‘My father tells me it can only go one way. In fact, he was surprised Roberts didn’t plead guilty after I’d told the court I saw him on the platform talking to the two men who threw Rashidi onto the track.’
‘That might not be enough to convince the jury. They may conclude he was no more than an innocent bystander who was as shocked as everyone else on the platform by what happened.’
‘Then why did he start running the moment he saw me?’
‘Good question.’
‘And what about the dozen witnesses who also gave evidence?’
‘Unfortunately, there are also a dozen people on the jury who may have been persuaded by Booth Watson’s silver tongue.’
‘If we lose this case,’ said William, ‘I’d abolish the jury system.’
‘No, you wouldn’t,’ said the Hawk. ‘That way lies tyranny.’
‘Can you remember when my birthday is, caveman?’
‘Today,’ replied William, as he took Beth in his arms. ‘I would have wished you a happy birthday this morning if you hadn’t been sound asleep when I left.’
‘So where’s my present?’ she demanded, holding out both hands.
‘Waiting for you on our table at your favourite restaurant.’
‘The Ritz?’
‘Not yet. I’ll have to make commissioner before we can spend an evening at the Ritz. Until then, you’ll have to settle for Elena’s.’
‘Where we went on our first date, how romantic.’
‘And before that, we’re going to the Palace theatre,’ said William.
‘To see what?’
‘Les Misérables,’ said William, just as there was a knock on the door.
‘Who can that be?’
‘The babysitter. It’s Suzy’s night off. Why don’t you go and get changed while I introduce her to the twins.’
When Beth came back down thirty minutes later, William couldn’t stop staring longingly at her.
‘Not a chance, caveman. After dinner if you’re good.’
William grinned as he took her hand. ‘The children are tucked up in their cots, and your carriage awaits, my lady.’
‘I don’t think you can describe a second-hand Austin Allegro as a carriage? More like a pumpkin, I would have thought.’
They both enjoyed the show from the moment the curtain rose, but Beth still rang home in the interval to check the children were asleep. After they’d left the theatre she sang ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ all the way to the restaurant.
Gino guided them to their table in the corner, as he had done that first evening five years before. A green leather box awaited her. Gino uncorked a bottle of champagne while she opened it, to discover a necklace of cultured pearls. She gasped.
‘Did you steal these when you visited Garrard’s, caveman?’
‘No, my grandmother left them to me in her will, to be given to the woman I married.’
‘What took you so long?’
‘I had to be sure you’d last,’ he teased, leaning across the table and placing the pearls around her neck.
Beth opened her compact and looked at her present. ‘Wow,’ she said. ‘Your grandmother had good taste.’
‘As did my grandfather, who brought them back from Tokyo to celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary.’
‘Do you think we’ll make it to our thirtieth?’ asked Beth, taking his hand.
‘If we don’t,’ said William, grinning, ‘I’ll want the necklace back.’
‘Not a hope,’ said Beth as Gino reappeared at their table, notepad open, biro poised. ‘What’s it to be?’ he asked.
‘We’d like the same meal we had on our first date,’ said William.
‘Of course, but I will replace the bottle of Frascati with a vintage champagne,’ said Gino as he refilled their glasses.
‘I have another surprise for you,’ said William after Gino had left them. ‘It shouldn’t be too long before I rejoin the unit and officially go back to work at the Yard.’
‘What’s changed?’
‘PC Bailey. I think she’s back playing for the home team, which will make all our lives easier.’
‘Will she have to face an inquiry?’
‘With a bit of luck that won’t be necessary,’ said William as a waiter placed a bowl of stracciatella in front of him.
‘Did I really order soup on our first date?’
‘Followed by spaghetti bolognese. While I had the smoked salmon and the veal piccata with lemon sauce and creamed spinach.’
‘How did I ever get a second date?’
‘I could see the raw potential,’ said Beth. ‘Even if you’re taking your time about it.’
‘Are you the director of the Fitzmolean yet?’ asked William, fighting back.
‘No, but there’s a rumour that Tim will be awarded a knighthood in the New Year’s honours list, and he may soon be moving on to greater things.’
‘As may you?’ asked William.
A waiter was whisking away their first course when Beth suddenly grabbed William’s hand. ‘Don’t look now, but Christina’s just walked in.’
‘Is she with the captain?’ whispered William, as their main course was placed in front of them.
‘No, a rather dishy younger man I’ve never seen before.’
‘I wouldn’t have thought Elena’s was her style,’ said William, twirling a forkful of spaghetti.
‘Unless she doesn’t want to be seen by any of her friends.’
‘Didn’t you tell me she was getting quite serious about Captain Neville?’
‘That was certainly the impression she gave me when I last saw her, which was only a few days ago. She told me they were going on holiday to New York — on the Alden, no less. Frankly, I’m surprised she’s gone back to her old ways.’
‘I’m not,’ said William.
‘Do you think we should go over and say hello?’
‘She wouldn’t thank you for that,’ said William, ‘so I’d stay put.’
‘I feel sorry for Ralph. I rather liked him. But then, you always thought he was a gold digger.’
‘It’s not quite that simple,’ said William. ‘There’s something about Captain Ralph Neville that doesn’t ring true,’ he added, as their plates were cleared away.
Gino rejoined them a few moments later carrying a birthday cake. He took a deep breath and was just about to deliver a raucous version of ‘Happy Birthday’ when William whispered firmly, ‘Not tonight, Gino.’
‘Why not, signore? I’m known as the Pavarotti of Potters Bar.’
‘No doubt, but we’re trying not to attract the attention of a certain lady who’s sitting on the other side of the restaurant.’
‘Ah, Signora Christina,’ whispered Gino, joining in the game.
‘Is she a regular?’ asked William.