‘How’s that possible?’
‘Summers was a serving police officer at the time. If only I’d paid for lunch...’
‘That would be a first,’ said Miles. ‘Whenever I have a meal with you, not only do I end up paying the bill, but you then send me an invoice for a “consultation”. Breakfast one hour, lunch two hours, and three for dinner. BW, you’ve brought a new meaning to the word “refreshers”.’
‘It’s not my fault you can’t be bothered to attend chambers,’ countered Booth Watson. ‘In any case, you always have a reason for wanting to see me. So what is it this time?’ he asked, before dropping another lump of sugar in his coffee.
‘I wanted to make sure you’d sorted out Christina?’
‘On several levels,’ replied Booth Watson. ‘Where would you like me to start?’
‘Was she able to convince her friend Beth Warwick to bid for Raphael’s Madonna di Cesare on behalf of the museum?’
‘Christina even handed her a cheque for a million pounds, which will never be cashed as I will be putting in the final bid for the painting on your behalf. We wouldn’t want the punters to think it might be a fake.’
‘But why bother to involve Christina in the first place, when she could still switch sides and tell her friend Beth Warwick what we are up to?’
‘ “Involved” is the relevant word,’ said Booth Watson. ‘In the 1967 Criminal Justice Act it comes under the heading “aiding and abetting a known criminal”, as I’ll explain to Christina when we next meet. The maximum sentence a judge can award for this offence is six years, which should be more than enough incentive to ensure she keeps her mouth shut.’
‘Point taken,’ said Miles. ‘I have to admit, you’ve earned every penny of your refresher for a change. But I still don’t see why I have to marry the damn woman?’
‘Think of it as an insurance policy,’ said Booth Watson. ‘When Christina realizes she could also face a second charge, “sheltering a known fugitive from the law”, I’ll warn her that for that offence the maximum sentence is at the judge’s discretion.’
‘But that still won’t stop me having to cough up over a million pounds for a fake.’
‘It’s that or spend the next ten years in jail. Your choice.’
‘You’ve convinced me, BW. As I accept that I can’t afford to be seen on the Alden. However, I still need to rescue the rest of my collection from the apartment in New York.’
‘Then you’ll have to fly.’
‘I realize that but I’m still not entirely sure why I had to get Christina to hand over our tickets on the Alden to Beth Warwick.’
‘I want the Warwicks as far away as possible when the wedding takes place, and you plan to move into your new home.’
‘Christina doesn’t know about Barcelona...?’
‘No one knows other than you and me.’
‘Thank God for that. But you’ll still need to draw up a pre-nup,’ said Miles, ‘that leaves Christina in no doubt of the consequences of switching sides.’
‘I’ve already completed the first draft,’ said Booth Watson, ‘so as long as you don’t expect me to act as your best man, my job is done.’
‘Funny you should mention that, BW...’
‘Death is always a great sadness,’ said the priest in a sombre tone. ‘All the more so when it comes to someone so young, with so much unfulfilled potential.
‘Police Constable Nicola Bailey, Nicky, was such a person. She was tipped for a brilliant career in her chosen profession, but sadly that will now never be realized. We can, however, all share in the memory of her undoubted talent, her unquenchable spirit, and her infectious enthusiasm. Those she has left behind will remember her with affection and respect for the rest of their lives.’
The small gathering of mourners who surrounded the grave stood silently in grief as the coffin of Nicola Anne Bailey was lowered into the ground. Rebecca unashamedly wept when the priest offered the final blessing and gave the sign of the cross before the mourners departed. William joined her as they left the graveyard, but didn’t interrupt her thoughts. Grace and Clare accompanied Nicky’s mother back to her little cottage, where they all assembled for tea.
Mrs Bailey was touched that Commander Hawksby joined them, and even more so when he told her what an important role Nicky had played in his team. She couldn’t hide her pride, despite her grief.
Grace and Clare were the last to leave, and after everyone else had departed, Mrs Bailey asked if they could spare a few moments, as she wished to have a private word with them.
‘Of course,’ said Clare.
Mrs Bailey didn’t speak for some time, but when she did, it was clear that she’d given considerable thought to what she was going to say.
‘Nicky admired you both so much,’ she eventually managed, ‘and I’m grateful for all you did for her, especially offering her a job, after all her recent problems.’
‘We never doubted she was a bit special,’ said Clare. ‘That’s why I wanted her to join the firm.’
‘As you know, Nicky hoped the two of you would agree to be Jake’s godparents,’ said Mrs Bailey, ‘along with Paul Adaja.’
‘We were both flattered and delighted when she asked us,’ said Clare.
‘But I wondered, my dears, if I might burden you with an even greater responsibility.’
‘Anything,’ said Grace.
‘How unlike a lawyer to commit themselves before they’ve heard the details, and had at least a month to consider the implications.’
Grace and Clare laughed for the first time that day.
Mrs Bailey fell silent for a moment, before she said, ‘I would like to remove the word “God” from your new title, and for you to become Jake’s foster parents. At my age I’m not capable of raising a young child on my own, and I have no doubt you would make wonderful parents.’
Grace was speechless, but not Clare, who immediately said, ‘Nothing would give us greater pleasure.’
‘Have you been listening to a single thing I’ve been saying?’ said Beth.
‘Every word,’ said William, as he climbed into bed.
‘Then what did I just tell you?’
‘Tomorrow evening, Christie’s will be auctioning Raphael’s Madonna di Cesare. It’s lot number twenty-five.’
‘One out of ten. Try harder.’
‘Christina has authorized you to bid up to a million pounds on her behalf, and if you succeed, the painting will be donated to the Fitzmolean.’
‘Not bad, caveman. But you’re still not off the hook.’
‘She’s given you a cheque for the full amount, but if someone outbids you, you’re to tear it up, and never mention to anyone who you were representing.’
‘Impressive,’ said Beth. William placed a hand on the inside of her thigh, but she removed it as if they were on a first date.
‘And how will I be bidding?’
‘By phone from your office at the Fitzmolean.’
‘I owe you an apology, caveman,’ she said, taking him in her arms. ‘So now all you have to do is wish me luck.’
‘Before I do,’ said William, ignoring her advances, ‘I need you to stop thinking about what’s in it for the gallery, and start thinking about what’s in it for Christina.’
‘Why should I do that?’
‘My darling, I’m well aware that you would happily trample over a thousand dead bodies to get your hands on a minor picture by an obscure Dutch artist for the Fitzmolean, so heaven knows what you’d be willing to do to acquire a Raphael.’
‘Have you forgotten, that’s part of my job description? I’ve already secured a Rembrandt and a Rubens for the museum from the same source, in case you hadn’t noticed.’
‘I did notice, but on both occasions there was something in it for Christina. So what I want to know is, what would she trample over a thousand dead bodies for?’