Nothing Ventured

‘I told him I was an impoverished secretary, and couldn’t afford any of his wonderful paintings even if they were half the price. He then let slip that the artist wasn’t available at the moment. “Oh, I’m so sorry, has he left you for another gallery?” I asked, looking sympathetic. He told me it was a little more complicated than that.’

‘You’re enjoying yourself, you hussy.’

‘Any more remarks l

ike that, Detective Constable Warwick, and I might just forget what else my new friend Zac told me. Now, where was I before you interrupted me?’

‘It’s more complicated than that . . .’

‘Ah yes. “I’m not sure I know what you mean,” I said. “But if you can’t tell me, I quite understand.” He then admitted, “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but he’s in jail.”’

‘I adore you.’

‘Shh.’

‘What’s he in jail for?’

‘It seems he tried to sell a West End art dealer a long-lost Vermeer and got caught red-handed. “How?” I asked. Apparently he didn’t ask for enough money, which made the dealer suspicious, so he reported it to the police.’

‘What’s his name?’

‘I didn’t ask.’

‘Why not?’

‘Zac was beginning to sound suspicious, so I moved on to the Renoir, which is why it took so long to escape. In any case, it shouldn’t be too difficult for one of the nation’s leading detectives to track down someone who’s in jail for faking a Vermeer.’

‘True, but Zac still thinks you’re going to his opening on Wednesday?’

‘Sadly Barbara won’t be able to make it, or take up his kind offer to join him for the after-dinner party at the Mirabelle.’

‘But you gave him your number.’

‘01 730 1234.’

‘What’s that?’

‘Harrods Food Hall.’

‘I adore you.’

13

THEY DIDN’T SIT down for breakfast on Sunday morning until just after ten.

Beth wanted to go for a run in Hyde Park, claiming she needed to lose a couple of pounds. William couldn’t work out from where, but he agreed to join her.

‘We won’t need lunch,’ he said as he buttered another slice of toast. ‘This counts as brunch. But I’ll have to call my mother and let her know I won’t be joining them.’

‘You could still make it if you left now,’ teased Beth.

William ignored her as he helped himself to a dollop of marmalade.

‘Jez and I usually go to the cinema on a Sunday evening,’ said Beth. ‘So we can be tucked up in bed at a sensible hour.’

‘Suits me. I’ve got a commander’s meeting first thing in the morning.’

‘Sounds impressive.’