Nothing Ventured (Detective William Warwick 1)

‘I think I might have the answer to that,’ said Jackie, looking rather pleased with herself. She allowed herself a moment before continuing. ‘“In the nick of time” is the clue, sir, because the Brookes are going on holiday in two weeks, and although they’ll be away for a fortnight, there is only one evening when the house will be empty.’ She allowed herself an even longer pause.

‘Get on with it, sergeant,’ said Lamont.

‘The Brookes have a driver, David Crann, and a cook, Elsie. Both live in, but the cook always goes on holiday when they’re away.’

‘And the driver?’

‘Crann will be on the premises night and day during that fortnight, except for the evening of Monday the twenty-third when Chelsea are playing Liverpool at home.’

‘I’m halfway there,’ said Hawksby, ‘but fill in the details.’

‘Crann has a season ticket, and never misses a Chelsea home game. The match kicks off at seven, so he’ll leave the house around five and won’t be back much before midnight.’

‘Are the premises fully alarmed?’ asked Lamont.

‘State of the art, sir. However, the nearest police station is about twenty minutes away, which would give the villains more than enough time to steal the picture and be back on the motorway before the local police could get there.’

‘That’s an outstanding piece of policework, sergeant.’

‘Thank you, sir,’ said Jackie.

‘For a change,’ said Lamont, ‘I think we may be one step ahead of Faulkner.’

‘Let’s just hope he’s not two steps ahead of us,’ said Hawksby. ‘However, prepare an outline plan for the twenty-third, Bruce, with the aim of catching them red-handed this time. But we also need some concrete results to keep the commissioner off my back. So before you leave, Warwick, what’s the latest on Churchill and old silver?’

‘Cyril Amhurst, the forger of the Churchill signatures, is coming up in front of the bench at Snaresbrook Crown Court later this week,’ said William. ‘We’re expecting him to be granted bail, and to appear in court sometime in the next couple of months. I’m assuming he’ll plead guilty.’

‘Never assume anything,’ said Lamont.

‘And the silver?’ asked Hawksby.

‘Turns out to be one of our regulars,’ said Lamont, taking over. ‘Kevin Carter. In and out of jail like a cuckoo in a Swiss clock. But we’re not sure what he’s up to this time, although one thing’s certain – it can’t be his own money he’s using to buy that amount of silver. Way out of his league. DS Roycroft and DC Warwick will be going down to Barnstaple later today to keep an eye on Carter and try to find out what he’s up to.’

Bugger, William wanted to say for a second time that morning. He’d have to call Beth at the gallery, which he knew her boss wouldn’t approve of.

‘Keep me briefed,’ said Hawksby.

‘And, Bruce, I suggest you and DC Warwick pay a visit to Pentonville as soon as William gets back from Barnstaple. Now, returning to the Rembrandt for a moment: Mr Booth Watson QC has been calling my office daily, demanding we return his client’s copy of the painting.’

‘Not just yet,’ said Lamont.

‘Why not?’ asked Hawksby.

‘Because if Jackie or I were to turn up at Faulkner’s house, we wouldn’t get past the front gate. But if we were to send an inexperienced, wet behind the ears young constable to deliver the painting, there’s just a possibility he might get a foot in the door.’

‘Fair point,’ said Hawksby. ‘But why not just yet?’

‘Faulkner is booked onto a BA flight to Monte Carlo next Monday, and he won’t be back for at least a month.’

‘How can you be sure of that?’

‘He’s a creature of habit. Every December he leaves for his home in Monte Carlo, and rarely returns before the end of January.’

‘And how do you know which flight he’s booked on?’

‘BA security is run by a former Met officer, who keeps me well informed, sir.’

‘Something else that might be of interest, sir,’ said Jackie. ‘He won’t be travelling with his wife this time. Sitting next to him, her ticket paid for with the same American Express card, will be a Miss Cheryl Bates.’