Nothing Ventured

‘And they won’t even get their hands on that,’ said Monti, ‘because we’ll have to confiscate the casket and its contents as evidence in their forthcoming trial, which won’t take place for at least a year.’

13.25 GMT

William and the commander parted company at Heathrow.

‘I’ll see you in my office at nine on Monday morning for a debriefing,’ said Hawksby. ‘Have a good weekend.’

For the first time, William felt he was a fully paid-up member of the team.

As he boarded the tube into London, he wondered if Lamont and Jackie had experienced similar success with Operation Blue Period. He considered calling her at home but decided it could wait until the Hawk’s meeting on Monday.

He left South Kensington tube station and headed in the direction of home. But was it home any longer? Would Beth have forgiven him, and already forgotten their first quarrel, or would she have locked him out? And if she had, who could blame her? He was feeling apprehensive as he walked up to the front door, but when he put his key in the lock, it not only opened, but his flowers were in a vase on the hall stand.

Beth came running out of the kitchen and threw her arms around him.

‘I’m so sorry,’ she said. ‘I acted like a fool. Of course I realize you can’t talk about your work, especially if it concerns the Rembrandt. But, please, next time you steal away in the middle of the night, at least phone me and give me a clue when you’ll be coming home. I’ve spent the last three days wondering if you’d left me, and when you didn’t call . . .’

‘I was on a job.’

‘I don’t need to know,’ said Beth, leading him through to the kitchen. The table was already laid with only the candles waiting to be lit.

‘I’ve cooked a special lovers’ tiff meal in an attempt to make up for my appalling behaviour. It will be ready in about half an hour, and then I can tell you my news.’

William pulled her into his arms and kissed her. ‘I’ve missed you.’

‘Missed you too. In fact I thought I’d lost you.’

He took her by the hand and led her out of the kitchen.

‘But we haven’t had dinner yet!’ she said as he dragged her up the stairs.

‘People have been known to have sex before dinner.’

‘Caveman,’ Beth said as he began to unbutton her dress.

William was reading an article in the Guardian – a newspaper he’d never considered taking before he met Beth. He checked the report from their Rome correspondent a second time before handing Beth the paper and waiting for her reaction.

‘Wow, over seven hundred thousand pounds,’ she said. ‘What a coup. Is that why you had to leave in such a hurry? Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.’

William nodded. ‘The real story should come out fairly soon, and it won’t be on page twelve, but the front page, but until then I can’t say anything.’

‘I understand,’ said Beth as she sliced the top off her egg.

‘Last night,’ said William, ‘you hinted that you also had some interesting news.’

‘That was before you interrupted me, caveman.’

‘So are you going to tell me?’

‘I’ve got a new job.’

‘You’re leaving the Fitzmolean?’

‘No, not until you’ve returned the picture I’m not allowed to ask about.’

‘Then what?’

‘I’ve been promoted to assistant keeper of paintings.’