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“That’s assuming he ever makes it to the court.”
“Now listen to me carefully, Miles. Don’t do anything you’ll later regret.”
“Like what?”
“Like turning up to a wedding you weren’t invited to.”
“A clerical error.”
“And that’s not your only problem.”
“What else?” asked Faulkner, as a waiter whisked his bowl away, and another refilled Booth Watson’s coffee cup.
“Christina is refusing to sign the divorce settlement until the trial is over.”
“What’s her game?”
“She obviously thinks that if you’re safely locked up, she’ll be able to drive a harder bargain.”
“Well, she can think again. Because by the time I’ve finished with her, she won’t have a pot to piss in.”
The waiter reappeared by his side.
“Can I take your order, sir?”
“I’ll have the full English breakfast.”
* * *
They were all seated around the table waiting for the commander to appear. No one, not even Lamont, had ever known him to be late. Then suddenly the door was thrown open and in swept the Hawk. It was as if a force nine gale had hit them.
“I apologize,” he said while he was still on the move. “I’ve spent the last half hour with the commissioner, telling him all about my triumph on Saturday night at Limpton Hall.” They all burst out laughing and started banging the table.
“Many congratulations, Bruce,” said the Hawk, as he sat down. “Twelve grams of pure cocaine and the dealer willing to give evidence on behalf of the Crown. I do believe we’ve got Faulkner bang to rights this time.”
“Thank you, sir, but it was DS Warwick’s ability to think on his feet that saved the day.”
“Good thing you didn’t stay in Rome, William, checking out less important statues. Have the lab reports come in yet, DC Roycroft?”
“Yes, sir,” said Jackie. “The cocaine is of the highest quality, and probably originated in Colombia. They intercepted a similar batch recently in Manchester.”
“What about Faulkner?”
“Handed in his passport, deposited the million with the court, and is out on bail,” said William.
“Do you think he might make a bolt for it?” asked Paul.
“Unlikely. But if he does, the Director of Public Prosecutions will bank the million and we’ll have seen the last of the bastard. So it won’t be all bad.”
“I’d rather see him behind bars,” said William, “than enjoying the high life in Monte Carlo.”
“Your wish may well be granted,” said Hawksby. “The DPP believes there’s a strong possibility that Faulkner might change his plea to guilty on the lesser charge, once Booth Watson has had time to consider Heath’s evidence.”
“He’ll never plead guilty,” said William. “Not while he thinks he has the slightest chance of getting away with it.”
“You’re beginning to think like Faulkner,” said the Hawk. “That’s good. But the trial’s months away, and we still have other cases to work on, not least making sure Rashidi joins Faulkner in the dock. And one thing’s for sure, Rashidi won’t be granted bail in any circumstances.”
“But if he was,” said William, “he could pay the million in cash.”
