Hidden in Plain Sight (Detective William Warwick 2)

“All I can tell you is that while my colleagues were searching Faulkner’s home for drugs, I took a close look at as many of the paintings as I could.”

“And?”

“I’m not an expert, but I’d say every one was an original. They must be worth a small fortune.”

“That’s good to hear, because along with the house and the flat in Eaton Square, they’re due to be handed over to my client as part of her divorce settlement. Mrs. Faulkner told me that, with one exception, she’ll be putting the entire collection up for auction as soon as the decree absolute has been granted. She’s convinced that Miles will want to buy them all back for far more than he’d be willing to pay her.”

“Cunning woman,” said William.

“To do her justice,” said Sir Julian, “which is difficult at times, Mrs. Faulkner has agreed to donate a Vermeer to the Fitzmolean. The museum has Beth to thank for that.”

“Another cunning woman.”

“Which reminds me,” said Sir Julian. “Your sister will be representing the Crown at the magistrates’ court this afternoon, and opposing Faulkner’s bail.”

“Does that mean she’ll get the main gig?”

“If you’re referring to the trial, my boy, not a chance. They’ll want a QC of equal standing to take on Booth Watson and cross-examine Faulkner. In fact, the Department of Public Prosecution rang me this morning and asked if I’d consider representing them on this occasion. Desmond Pannel reminded me that I owed him a favor, so I told him I’d sleep on it.”

“If you agreed to take the case, you could appoint Grace as your junior.”

“Not if I want to win.”

“Father, they’re already talking about her becoming a QC.”

“I don’t approve of women QCs.”

“Wait until you come up against her, then you might change your mind.”

* * *

The magistrates’ court at Guildhall, which usually dealt with drunk and disorderlies, shoplifters, and the occasional application for a liquor license, was packed long before Mr. Joseph Lanyon OBE JP and his two colleagues took their places on the bench that Monday afternoon.

Mr. Lanyon looked down into the well of the court and feigned not to be intimidated by the presence of some of the most distinguished barristers in the land, along with their solicitors, a bevy of Fleet Street reporters, and a public gallery so packed that the clerk had informed him there’d been a queue outside the courtroom when he’d arrived that morning.

The magistrate looked across at the defendant standing in the dock. A tall, handsome man with a fine head of wavy fair hair that added to the film-star looks the press so often referred to. He was dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and navy-blue tie with thin white stripes, making him look more like a successful stockbroker than a man facing a serious drugs charge.

Mr. Lanyon nodded to the court bailiff who turned to face the defendant and said firmly, “Will the prisoner please stand?”

Faulkner rose unsteadily from his place and gripped the rails of the dock.

“For the record, will the def

endant please state his full name and current address?”

“Miles Adam Faulkner, Limpton Hall, Hampshire, sir,” he said, looking directly at the magistrate, with an assurance that belied his true feelings.

“You may sit down.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Faulkner, having delivered the seven words Booth Watson had prescribed.

“No doubt you wish to apply for bail, Mr. Booth Watson,” said the magistrate, turning to face the defendant’s legal team.

“I do indeed, sir,” said Booth Watson, heaving himself up from the bench. “I would like to begin by reminding the court that my client has an unblemished record—”

“Forgive me for interrupting you so early in the proceedings, Mr. Booth Watson, but am I not right in thinking that your client is currently serving a four-year suspended sentence for a previous fraud charge?”

“He is indeed, sir. However, I can assure you that he has carried out the court’s directive to the letter. I would also point out, with respect, that my client has pleaded not guilty to the present charge, and as he has no previous record of violence, and is a man of considerable means, he could hardly be described as a danger to the public. I find it hard to believe that the Crown would even consider opposing this bail application.”