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“He’ll never be offered another job in the City,” said Arnold. “I can only wonder what he’ll do next.”
“He’s gone to Cyprus,” said Hakim. “Barry Hammond followed him to Nicosia, where he’s taken a job on the commodities desk of a local Turkish bank. He was good at his job, so let’s just hope there aren’t too many racetracks in Cyprus.”
“Any news of Sloane or Mellor?”
“Gone to ground, according to Barry. But he’s pretty sure they’ll resurface in the spring like all pond life, when no doubt we’ll find out what they’ve got planned next.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” said Arnold. “I was at the Bailey last week, and a police sergeant told me that—”
“A little gift for you, Mr. Bishara, on behalf of my father.” Hakim swung around nervously, thinking someone might have overheard their conversation.
“What a wonderful surprise,” he said when he saw the portrait. “I’ve always admired the drawing of your mother that hangs in your father’s office, and I’ll certainly put this one in mine.”
“I do hope you’ll do one of me,” said Arnold, admiring the drawing.
“I’d be delighted to, Mr. Hardcastle, but I must warn you, I charge by the hour.”
* * *
The loud banging of a gavel could be heard coming from the top table. The guests fell silent as Victor Kaufman stood up once again.
“Not another speech, I promise. I thought you’d want to know that the bri
de and groom will be leaving in a few minutes’ time, so if you would like to make your way to the entrance, we can all see them off.”
The guests began to rise from their places and drift out of the ballroom.
“Where are they going on honeymoon?” Emma asked Harry.
“No idea, but I know someone who will. Jessica!”
“Yes, Grandpops,” she said, running across to join them.
“Where are your mother and father spending their honeymoon?”
“Amsterdam.”
“Such a lovely city,” said Emma. “Any particular reason?”
“It’s where Dad first proposed to Mom, eleven years ago.”
“How romantic,” said Emma. “Are they staying at the Amstel?”
“No, Pops booked the attic room of the Pension De Kanaal, which is where they stayed last time.”
“Another lesson learned,” said Harry.
“And have they finally decided which country they are going to live in?” asked Emma.
“I decided,” said Jessica. “England.”
“And have you let them know?”
“Pops can hardly be expected to run Farthings from Washington, and in any case Mom has been shortlisted for a job at the Tate.”
“I’m so glad you’ve been able to sort everything out to your satisfaction,” said Emma.
“Got to go,” said Jessica. “I’m in charge of confetti distribution.”
