Hidden in Plain Sight (Detective William Warwick 2)

“It isn’t,” Faulkner had replied. “And it will be off the market by next week. I also want you to get in touch with Mr. Davage at Christie’s, and make it clear you will be bidding for any of my pictures should they come up for auction.”

“What makes you think she’ll put them up for sale?”

“Christina won’t have any choice in the matter,” said Faulkner. “If she carries out her plan to buy the dream property in Florida, she’s bound to put her account in the red.”

“And the pictures?”

“The walls of Limpton Hall will be empty long before then, along with her bank account.”

Booth Watson was a man who knew when to s

top asking questions he didn’t want to know the answer to. He was relieved when SO Rose returned to tell him their hour was up.

If the prison authorities had been more diligent, they would have taken a greater interest in 4307’s reading matter, and in one particular prisoner who regularly walked around the yard with him—and the offense he’d been convicted for.

* * *

“Sign here, here, and here,” said Sir Julian, as he handed Mrs. Faulkner his pen.

“So, it’s finally all over,” said Christina once the ink had dried. “Frankly I’m surprised Miles agreed to part with his precious paintings, considering he’s always loved them more than me. Still, he’ll be able to buy them all back when they come up for auction, although I’ll make sure they don’t come cheap.”

Sir Julian raised an eyebrow.

“I’ll have a bidder in the room making sure they all go way above the auctioneer’s estimate,” explained Christina.

“In which case you will be breaking the law, Mrs. Faulkner, which I would strongly advise against.”

“How come?”

“You would have formed a cartel with no other purpose than to force up the price for your own advantage, and, be assured, your husband will have already worked that one out.”

“Ex-husband,” she said, looking at the recently signed papers.

“Not until he’s also signed the annulment,” said Sir Julian.

“What choice has he been left with, now he’s locked up in prison?”

“With hours to think about little else except what you’re up to. And nothing would please him more than for you to end up in jail for breaking a law you didn’t even know existed. In fact, I suspect this would be one of those rare occasions when Booth Watson would be happy to appear on behalf of the Crown.”

“Then I’ll have to be satisfied with what they raise at auction.”

“I think that might be advisable, Mrs. Faulkner, and don’t forget you have already had an offer of five million for Limpton Hall, and I’ve had it confirmed that the five hundred thousand pounds has been deposited with the other side’s solicitors.”

“Which will make it possible for me to put down a deposit on my dream house in Florida on the same terms.”

“When are you thinking of moving to the States?”

“As soon as the paintings have been sold. Christie’s have valued the collection at around thirty million, and will be picking them up next week, ready for their spring sale. The timing couldn’t be better.”

“Are you confident that they’re all originals, and not copies?” asked Sir Julian. “Something your ex is well capable of arranging.”

“I’m certain. They’ve all been authenticated by the relevant experts at Christie’s. Otherwise I would never have signed the divorce papers.”

“And where will you live once Limpton Hall is sold?”

“In our apartment in Eaton Square. It’s only got a few months left on the lease, but that should be more than enough to see me through before I take up residence in Florida.”

“Then everything is settled, unless there is anything else you need to seek my advice on?”