“I haven’t actually told her yet. But we can sort all that out tonight, can’t we?”
“Dr. Wolfe told me yesterday that you could win a scholarship to the American College of Art.”
“Dr. Wolfe will be just as proud when I’m the first girl from Jefferson to go to the Royal College of Art, though I thought I’d go to the Slade first, just like the other Jessica.”
“Will your mother or I have any say in all of this?”
“Let’s hope not. After all, you two have made such a mess of everything so far.”
Sebastian laughed.
“Can I ask, do I live up to your expectations?” she said, sounding unsure of herself for the first time.
“You’re even more talented and beautiful than I’d imagined. How about me?” asked Seb, grinning.
“Actually I’m a little disappointed,” said Jessica. “I thought you’d be taller and better-looking. More like Sean Connery.”
Seb burst out laughing. “You are the most precocious child I’ve ever met.”
“And you’ll be pleased to hear that Mom agrees with you, except she substitutes the word brat for child, which I’m sure you’ll do once you get to know me better. Now I must be off. I’ve got lots to tell Mom about, and I’m looking forward to wearing a new dress tonight I bought especially for the occasion. Where are we having dinner?”
“The Belvedere, seven thirty.”
Jessica threw her arms around him and burst into tears.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“Nothing. Just be sure you’re on time for a change.”
“Don’t worry, I will be.”
“You’d better be,” said Jessica, and quickly left him.
* * *
Mr Arnold Hardcastle QC sat opposite Hakim Bishara in a small private room at HMP Wandsworth.
“I’m going to say something, Hakim, that I’ve never said to a client before. Even though it’s a lawyer’s duty to present the best defense possible for his client whether he believes them to be guilty or innocent, I want you to know that I am in no doubt, reasonable or otherwise, that you have been set up. However, I must warn you that because of the government’s new guidelines on Class A drugs, the judge will have no choice but to refuse an application for bail.”
“And how long will it be before my case comes to trial?”
“Four months, six at most. Be assured, I’ll do everything I can to speed it up.”
“During which time I’ll be holed up in here, while the bank could go bust.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“Have you read the morning papers?” said Bishara. “They couldn’t be much worse. When the market opens tomorrow, the vultures will swoop down on the carcass and pick the bones clean. Is there any good news?”
“Ross Buchanan rang me at home last night to say he’d be happy to stand in as temporary chairman until you return. He’s already issued a press statement saying he has no doubt that you will be cleared of all the charges.”
“Typical of the man,” said Hakim. “Accept his offer. We’ll also need Sebastian to be at his desk when the market opens.”
“He’s in Washington at the moment. I’ve called his hotel several times, but he wasn’t in his room. I left a message asking him to call me urgently. Is there anything else I can do?”
“Yes, there is, Arnold. I need the best private detective you’ve ever come across, someone who’s fearless and won’t let anything stop him when it comes to tracking down who was responsible for planting that heroin in my bag.”
“Chief Inspector Barry Hammond is the name that immediately comes to mind, but I’ve lost touch with him since he left the Met Police.”