Mightier Than the Sword (The Clifton Chronicles 5)

“In exchange for a lesson, I ask for nothing more than information.”

“What do you need to know?”

“Have you ever come across a man by the name of Desmond Mellor?”

“Yes, I have.”

“And your opinion of him?”

“On a scale of one to ten? One.”

“I see. And what about a Major Alex Fisher MP?”

“Minus one.”

“Do you still own six percent of Farthings Bank?”

“Seven percent, and those shares are still not for sale.”

“That’s not why I asked. Shall we say ten o’clock tonight at the Clermont?”

“Could we make it a little later? I’m taking my aunt Grace to see Death of a Salesman at the Aldwych, but she always likes to catch the last train back to Cambridge, so I could be with you around eleven.”

“I’m delighted to be stood up in favor of your aunt, Mr. Clifton. I look forward to seeing you at eleven at the Clermont—where we can discuss Death of a Salesman.”

35

“ARROGANCE AND GREED is the answer to your question,” spat out Desmond Mellor. “You had a banker’s draft, cash in hand, but you still weren’t satisfied. You wanted more, and because of your stupidity, I’m facing bankruptcy.”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad, Desmond. After all, you still own fifty-one percent of Farthings, not to mention your other considerable assets.”

“Let me spell it out for you, Sloane, so you’re not under any illusions as to what I’m up against and, more important, what I expect you to do about it. I purchased, on your advice, fifty-one percent of the bank’s stock from Arnold Hardcastle, at a price of three pounds nine shillings a share, which cost me just over twenty million pounds. In order to raise that sum, I had to borrow eleven million from my bank, using the shares, all my assets including two homes, as well as having to sign a personal guarantee. Farthings’ shares are on the market this morning at two pounds eleven shillings, which means I’m showing a shortfall of over five million pounds, for a deal you said we couldn’t lose on. It’s just possible I may avoid going bankrupt, but I’ll certainly be wiped out if I have to put my shares on the market now. Which, I repeat, is because of your arrogance and greed.”

“That isn’t entirely fair,” said Sloane. “At the board meeting last Monday, we all agreed, you included, to put the asking price up to six pounds.”

“True, but the carpet trader’s son called your bluff. He was still willing to go ahead at five pounds a share, which would have got me off the hook and provided us all with a handsome profit. So the least you can do is buy my shares for

three pounds and nine shillings, and get me out of a situation you’re responsible for.”

“But as I’ve already explained, Desmond, much as I’d like to help, what you’re suggesting would be breaking the law.”

“That didn’t seem to worry you when you told Bishara that you had a bid of six pounds on the table from a ‘well-established City institution,’ when no such third party existed. I think you’ll find that’s also against the law.”

“I repeat, we all agreed—”

The phone on Sloane’s desk began to ring. He pressed the intercom and barked, “I told you, no interruptions.”

“It’s Lady Virginia Fenwick, and she says it is urgent.”

“I can’t wait to hear what she’s got to say,” said Mellor.

“Good morning, Lady Virginia,” said Sloane, trying to keep the impatience out of his voice. “How nice to hear from you.”

“You may not feel that way when you know why I’m calling,” said Virginia. “I’ve just received a pretrial invoice from my solicitors for twenty thousand pounds that has to be settled before the first day of proceedings. You will recall, Adrian, giving me your word that you would cover the costs of my trial. Pennies, in the grand scheme of things, if I remember your words correctly.”

“I did indeed say that, Lady Virginia. But you will also remember that the offer depended on the successful outcome of our negotiations with Mr. Bishara, so I’m afraid—”

“But Major Fisher tells me you only have yourself to blame for that remarkable lack of judgement. You may take this as you wish, Mr. Sloane, but if you do not keep your word and cover my legal costs, let me warn you that I am not without influence in the City…”