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“No, I’m not qualified for the job. But you are,” Beth said as she lowered herself gently onto the sofa and took his hand.
“Enlighten me, as the Hawk would say.”
“The Fitz is looking for a new head of security.”
“Sounds exciting,” said William, stifling a yawn.
“What’s exciting about it is that the hours are nine to five, five days a week, with three weeks’ holiday a year. And the clincher is that the pay’s better than you’re getting as a detective sergeant with the Met.”
“Sounds to me like a job for a retired officer who wants to supplement his pension.”
“I knew you’d say that. But at least promise me you’ll think about it.”
“I already have. Now can we watch the film?”
“Not yet, because I have another piece of news that’s not quite so pleasing.”
“You’d be my boss?”
“I already am. Be serious for a moment,” she said, not letting go of his hand. “Christina called just before you got back this evening. She sounded in a dreadful state. Said she needed to see me urgently. My first thought was she must have changed her mind about giving us the Vermeer.”
“It wouldn’t have been mine,” said William. “But then you’ve always been a glass half-empty person.”
“But it’s the official unveiling next week, just in case you’ve forgotten.”
“I expect she’s just overreacting to something her ex-husband has done,” he said, as he switched on the TV. “But what exactly can he get up to while he’s in jail?”
“I don’t know, but she did sound desperate,” Beth said, as the opening titles began to roll. “And I wouldn’t know what to do if she—”
“Shh,” said William, as she settled in his arms. “This looks quite promising.”
Beth was beginning to enjoy the company of David Niven and Gregory Peck, even if William had fallen asleep, when, to her surprise, he suddenly sat bolt upright and said, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Think of what?” said Beth.
“How to get into a building without being seen.”
* * *
They’d agreed to meet at the Fitzmolean at nine the following morning, which only made Beth more apprehensive. Nine o’clock was not an hour she normally associated with Christina. It didn’t help that Christina burst into tears the moment she saw a picture draped in a velvet cloth hanging in the entrance hall. She began to tell Beth in fits and starts why she needed to see her so urgently. Beth began to wonder if she’d seen The White Lace Collar for the last time.
“He’s done what?” she said, u
nable to believe what Christina was telling her.
“Miles has burned down the house and stolen my pictures.”
“But he’s in jail.”
“Surrounded by some of the country’s leading criminals, who would have been only too happy to oblige, as long as the price was right.”
“Well, at least you have one consolation,” said Beth. “The insurance will cover your loss.”
“No, it won’t.”
“How come?”
“Because Miles deliberately let the insurance lapse.”
