Hidden in Plain Sight (Detective William Warwick 2)

“So it’s the note you found on my desk. Big deal,” said Faulkner after glancing at it briefly. “What does that prove?”

“Would you read out the serial number of the note to the court?”

Booth Watson was on his feet unusually quickly. “M’lud, is my client to be subjected to the latest parlor game?”

“I suspect we are about to find out, Mr. Booth Watson,” said Mr. Justice Baverstock, before turning to the defendant and saying, “Please read out the note’s serial number.”

Faulkner hesitated for some time before saying, “KA73863743.”

“Thank you,” said Grace. “I will now ask the clerk of the court to show you the packet of twenty-pound notes that the police found on Mr. Heath when they apprehended him soon after he left your house.”

Once again Booth Watson was on his feet. “We only have the police’s word that these are the notes in question.”

“I agree with you,” said Grace, giving Booth Watson a warm smile. “But if Mr. Faulkner would be kind enough to read out the serial numbers of the notes in question, we can then be certain this was the money he handed over to Mr. Heath.”

Faulkner looked imploringly at his counsel, but Booth Watson’s arms were folded.

“We are all waiting, Mr. Faulkner,” said the judge.

Faulkner began reading out the serial numbers. “KA73863744, KA73863745, KA73863746…”

“If you look at the note found on your desk,” said Grace, “you’ll find it is KA73864543. Making eight hundred pounds in total.”

William couldn’t help feeling rather pleased with himself.

“What does that prove? I’ve already told you I gave Heath eight hundred pounds for twelve jars of caviar.”

“I’m so glad you’ve raised the subject of the caviar, Mr. Faulkner. Last Saturday, I visited Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly, and purchased a small jar of caviar.” She produced it with a flourish from below the bench, and held it up for all to see, then paused for a moment before saying, “Allow me to read the description on the label. ‘Finest Beluga caviar. Will complement any meal. Contains two portions.’ I confess, Mr. Faulkner, that I considered the price a little extravagant, but the manager assured me that it is a top-of-the-range product and is enjoyed by Fortnum and Mason’s most discerning customers. And as Mr. Heath told us, you’re only interested in top of the range, even if you’re not one of Fortnum and Mason’s most discerning customers.”

“M’lud,” said Booth Watson, once again rising to his feet, “I am sure we are all enjoying this little conjuring trick performed by junior counsel. However, as her recent purchase was not offered in the bundle of evidence, can I presume that you will rule it as inadmissible?”

“He’s worked it out,” Sir Julian whispered to Grace. “Let’s hope Faulkner hasn’t.”

Faulkner kept staring at him, a puzzled look on his face.

“And if not, may I request a short break in proceedings, so I can consult my client?” added Booth Watson.

“I had a feeling he’d be consulting you,” said the judge. “Ms. Warwick, may I see the evidence before I make my decision?”

“Most certainly, My Lord,” said Grace, producing three more jars of caviar from below the bench and handing them to the clerk of the court, who in turn gave one to the judge, one to Booth Watson, and the third to the defendant.

After the judge had read the label and studied the jar, he said, “The jury should be allowed to examine the evidence before we continue.”

“As Your Lordship pleases,” said Grace, producing two more jars and feeling relieved that she’d taken Clare’s advice and bought a box of six. She handed them to the clerk, who passed them to the foreman of the jury.

“Please continue, Ms. Warwick,” said Mr. Justice Baverstock once the jury had considered the new evidence.

“Mr. Faulkner, can I ask you how many people sat down for dinner at your home on the night of May the seventeenth?”

“Ten, including me, as has already been stated several times.”

“And they all enjoyed a portion of caviar, before moving on to the main course?”

“Without exception. In fact, one or two of them had a second helping.”

“Did they indeed?”

Booth Watson once again began tugging repeatedly at the lapels of his gown, despite the fact that Sir Julian was staring at him.