Nothing Ventured

‘She could be his secretary,’ said Hawksby.

‘I don’t think typing is her speciality, sir,’ said Jackie as she passed a photo of Miss Bates in a bikini across to the commander.

A ripple of laughter broke out among the team, but order was quickly restored when Hawksby said, ‘So when Warwick turns up with the copy of the Rembrandt at Faulkner’s home in Hampshire, he will already be in Monte Carlo.’

‘Correct, sir, but his wife will still be in Hampshire,’ said Lamont.

‘Good, because I have a feeling that Mrs Faulkner might turn out to be a little more accommodating than her husband,’ said the commander after taking a second look at the photograph of Miss Bates.

14

‘I’M IN REAL trouble,’ said William as he turned on the ignition.

‘With the Hawk or Lamont?’ asked Jackie, as she fastened her seat belt.

‘Far worse. With Beth. I told her I’d be back in time for supper this evening, and now I’m on my way to Barnstaple with another woman.’

‘I think this calls for a dozen roses,’ said Jackie. ‘And I know just the person to solve your problem.’

As they passed through Earls Court, Jackie said, ‘Pull over.’

‘But it’s a double yellow,’ said William, ‘and we’re always fair game for traffic wardens.’

‘We’ll only be a couple of minutes.

And in any case, it’s official police business.’

Jackie got out of the car and William reluctantly followed her into a flower shop.

‘A dozen roses,’ said Jackie, ‘and make sure they’re fresh or I’ll arrest you for impersonating a florist. And we need them delivered.’

The florist took his time selecting each rose before asking for a name and address.

‘Beth Rainsford, the Fitzmolean Museum, Prince Albert Crescent,’ said William.

‘Rainsford . . . Rainsford . . . Why does that name ring a bell?’ said Jackie.

‘Do you want to add a message?’ asked the florist, handing William a card and a biro.

Sorry, something came up. Can’t make this evening. William x

‘I thought you liked this girl,’ said Jackie, tearing up the card. ‘Sounds as if you’re writing to your sister to let her know you’ve got the mumps. Try again.’

Miss you. Will call this evening and explain. Love William xx

‘Not a lot better, but I’ve just spotted a traffic warden, so we’d better get moving.’

‘That will be two pounds,’ said the florist.

William handed over a couple of pound notes.

‘Thank you, Mike.’

‘My pleasure, Jackie,’ said the florist as they ran back to the car.

‘So what’s the plan once we get to Barnstaple?’ asked William, when they joined the traffic on the motorway heading west.

‘First, we find out where Carter lives, then check into a one-star hotel or guest house nearby.’