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“Then you probably already know that there are eleven of his works in galleries or churches right here in Rome. But tell me, DS Warwick, if you had been given the opportunity to arrest Caravaggio and have him hanged for murder in 1606, following a barroom brawl, what decision would you have made?”
“Hanged the damned man,” said William. “Unlike that greedy hypocrite Pope Paul the Fifth.”
“I’m glad you weren’t pope at the time,” said Beth, “otherwise we wouldn’t be able to see nine of those eleven masterpieces.”
* * *
“Do you think the Hawk knows we’re having an affair?” said Jackie.
“Of course he does,” said Ross. “That’s why he chose you as my liaison officer.”
“But most people think you’ve left the force.”
“Including my mother. But that was all part of Hawksby’s plan. So many young officers resign in the first couple of years, they’re quickly forgotten.”
“But it’s still a hell of a decision to become a long-term UCO, considering all the risks that involves.”
“I’ve always been a loner,” said Ross. “The Hawk spotted that early on in my career, and took advantage of it.”
“So are you getting anywhere, or just claiming lots of overtime?”
“That’s for others to decide. But I’ve already established that Tulip is a regular at the Three Feathers, as are several other dealers whose names I’ll be able to add to fairly soon. But it’s not something I can afford to hurry. For a UCO patience isn’t a virtue, it’s a necessity. That is if you hope to survive. If just one of those bastards suspected for a moment that I was a member of the drugs squad, the next time you saw me I’d be floating up the river on the early morning tide.” He placed a hand on the inside of Jackie’s thigh.
“Not yet,” she said, removing his hand.
&nbs
p; “But I haven’t had sex for weeks.”
“Who do you think you’re kidding? The Hawk got your latest report, and even asked me to congratulate you. But now he wants you to find out where Rashidi’s slaughter is.”
“That could take a little longer, because the Viper doesn’t invite you into his nest until you’ve proved yourself, and I’m still only a runner, the lowest form of life. So I doubt that’s going to happen overnight.” He took Jackie in his arms and began to kiss her gently on her breasts.
For a moment she forgot what the other question was that the Hawk wanted answered, as her lover’s tongue moved hungrily down her body. She lay back and didn’t think of England. Soon after they’d made love, Ross slipped out of bed and began to get dressed.
“Aren’t you going to take a shower?” she asked.
“Doesn’t go with the territory,” said Ross unashamedly.
And then she remembered. “The boss wants you to keep an eye out for a dealer called Adrian Heath. He was on your last list. Try and find out what he’s up to and keep us informed.”
“Did he give you any clues why the guy’s so important?”
“The Hawk doesn’t give clues, just commands.”
“Silly question,” admitted Ross, as he pushed open the window.
“And next time you turn up without warning, make sure you knock.”
“Why?” said Ross, as he climbed out onto the fire escape.
“You might find I’m in bed with someone else.”
11
Sir Julian looked up from the other side of his desk and smiled at his client.
“Your husband is offering you Limpton Hall—but not the paintings—the Eaton Square flat, which has only nine months left on the lease, ten thousand pounds a year to cover your staff expenses, and a settlement of half a million pounds.”
