Nothing Ventured (Detective William Warwick 1)

‘He is impressive, and responsible for four departments. A and A is his favourite, although it’s the least important.’ William took a bite of toast before adding, ‘The team meet on the first Monday of every month to bring him up to date on the cases we’ve been investigating.’

‘Then you’ll have rather a lot to tell him, won’t you, Detective Constable Warwick?’

‘You can be sure that if our artist is banged up, the Hawk will know his name, which prison he’s in and how long his sentence is.’

‘You’d like his job one day, wouldn’t you?’ said Beth, pouring herself another cup of coffee.

‘Yes, but I’m not in any hurry. How about you? Do you want Tim Knox’s job?’

‘I love what I’m doing, and am quite happy to stay put until I get a better offer.’

‘My bet is you’ll be director of the Tate before I sit in the commander’s chair.’

‘I can’t imagine the Tate will ever appoint a woman as its director.’

‘Even if she’d been captain of the school and captain of hockey?’

‘Who told you that?’

‘A policeman never reveals his sources.’

‘I’ll kill Jez.’

‘Pity. I rather like him.’

‘He’s the ideal flatmate,’ said Beth. ‘Clean, tidy and considerate, and his rent helps to supplement the derisory salary the Fitzmolean pay me.’

‘I didn’t realize you owned the flat.’

‘I don’t. It belongs to my parents. Dad works for HSBC and he’s been posted to Hong Kong for the next three years. The moment they return, Jez will have to go and I’ll be moving back into his room.’

Or mine, William wanted to say.

‘You’d better call your mother while I do the washing up. The phone’s in the study.’

‘Once a head girl, always a head girl,’ said William as he left her and made his way to the study. He picked up the phone and dialled the first number he’d ever known. He was hoping his father would pick up the phone, but a female voice came on the line.

‘Nettleford 4163.’

‘Hi, Grace, it’s William. I won’t be able to make lunch today. Something’s come up. Would you apologize to Mum and Dad for me?’

‘Something or someone?’

‘It’s a work thing.’

‘You’re such a lousy liar, William. But I won’t say anything, even though I was hoping you’d be around today.’

‘Why, is there a problem?’

‘Dad will be meeting Clare for the first time, so I was relying on you for moral support.’

‘I’ve never really cared much for blood sports.’

‘Thanks a lot. Will you be around next week? I can’t wait to meet the girl who would go on a second date with you.’

‘And I can’t wait to meet the girl who would go on a second date with you.’

‘Touché. But I still wish you were here.’