Imperfection (DI Gardener 2)

”

“Am I talking to the same William Henry Corndell who once played the lead role of the Phantom in the West End?”

“Good grief, young man, you have done your homework.”

Martin Brown almost laughed at the change in tone of Corndell’s voice. He sounded like an eccentric country squire. “So, it is you, then?”

“It most certainly is. But I’d still like to know how you got this number, and what you’re after.”

“I’m sorry, Mr Corndell, but I’ve seen and admired your work. I’ve even seen a copy of the film you produced which your father directed. Ahead of its time, is all I can say.”

“You flatter me, Mr Brown, but don’t stop, I could get to like it. However, you still haven’t answered my question. What do you want of me?”

“I’d like to book you, Mr Corndell.”

“Pardon?” Corndell sounded shocked, as if what Martin was asking was not an everyday occurrence.

“I’m in charge of the entertainment at the University of Leeds, and one of the students suggested we have a night of culture. They wanted me to find a classical actor of your ability to put on a one-man show here. I was really hoping that you were still involved, and wondered whether or not you’d be interested.”

“You have my undivided attention. I’m flattered you know so much about me. But there are two things I must ask. Firstly, when is it? Second, and perhaps equally as important, do you have the necessary funding?”

“I’m sure we could negotiate the price.”

“Don’t count on it, Mr Brown.”

Martin’s heart sank a little. He might be stepping out of his league, and he was beginning to think it was a bad idea. But at least he’d managed to avoid answering how he’d obtained the number. “I wondered if you would consider April 1st.”

The pause on the end of the line seemed to last forever. “I’m impressed, young man. But I have to say I’m extremely busy with Hollywood at the moment, negotiating for my latest manuscript, which, of course, must take precedence. But you’ve obviously gone to a lot of trouble to track me down and ask me to entertain your students. And furthermore, you’re asking if I’ll do it on my birthday. I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

“You’ll do it?”

“Don’t sound so surprised. Isn’t that what you wanted?” asked Corndell.

“Yes it is, but I never expected.”

“Don’t be negative, young man. Positive thinking has brought you this far. I presume you know my address, particularly as you know my ex-directory telephone number.”

“As a matter of fact, I do.”

“Good, then put a contract in the post to arrive no later than two days’ time. I shall sign and insert the price at the same time.”

“But that’s just it. The price. I’m not sure we can afford you.”

“The price, sir, will not be negotiable. If you want the best, then you have to be prepared to pay for it. However, my quote will not disappoint. Thank you and goodbye.”

Martin was listening to the dialling tone again. He was amazed, not only to find he had booked a man whose work he admired, but the fact that the conversation had ended so abruptly. He wasted no time in making the next call.

“Hello?” answered Laura.

“Laura? It’s Martin, from the university.”

“Hi Martin, how are you?”

“Just great. I’ve got an assignment for you.”

Chapter Eighteen

“You seem in a good mood tonight, Laura,” Reilly said to his wife.