Page 65 of Next in Line

Beth happily recalled first meeting James aboard the SSAldenwhen they were on holiday. They had both liked the precocious and bright young American who had helped William to solve the murder of his grandfather. She assumed he would want to have a word with William.

‘I’m afraid William’s not at home,’ Beth said. ‘But I’m expecting him—’

‘It’s not William I wanted to speak to,’ said James. ‘I’ve gota problem I’m not sure how to deal with, and I think you’d be the ideal person to advise me.’

‘I’m flattered.’

‘In William’s latest letter,’ said James, ‘he wrote to explain why you’d left the Fitzmolean, which I was sad to hear, but he also told me you’d started your own business.’

‘Which is still in its infancy and I’m afraid works on a limited budget,’ said Beth. ‘But if I can help in any way, I’d be delighted to do so.’

‘Do you specialize in anything in particular?’

‘We represent buyers and sellers of fine art, and I occasionally buy works myself if I spot something I think I can turn quickly. But I repeat, my budget is limited.’

‘But your brain isn’t, and that’s what I need.’

‘It’s clear you’ve inherited your grandfather’s charm,’ teased Beth.

‘That’s not the only thing I’ve inherited,’ said James, ‘which is why I need to seek your advice.’

‘Sounds intriguing,’ said Beth.

‘You’re right about that,’ said James. ‘But it’s also a little too sensitive to discuss over the phone, so I was thinking of coming to London so I could brief you in person.’

‘Then you must stay with us,’ said Beth. ‘Though I have to warn you the spare room is about the size of a below-deck cabin on a Buchanan cruise liner.’

‘Couldn’t be better because it’s a deckhand you’re dealing with.’

‘When were you thinking of coming?’

‘Next Monday.’

‘Then that’s something else you’ve inherited from your grandfather, James. You don’t hang about.’

CHAPTER 24

‘WHY ARE YOU LOOKING SOpleased with yourself?’ asked Beth as William parked the car on the far side of the cricket ground.

‘To start with, there isn’t a cloud in the sky, so there must be a fair chance we’ll get in a full day’s play.’

‘I can’t think of a more exciting way of spending a Sunday afternoon than having to watch a cricket match for five hours.’

‘Be thankful it’s not a test match that can last for five days,’ said William. He got out of the car and opened the back door, releasing three caged children.

‘Daddy,’ said Artemisia, grabbing his trouser leg. ‘Can we have an ice cream?’

‘Certainly not,’ said Beth firmly. ‘You’ve only just had lunch. So you’ll have to wait until the tea interval.’

‘I told you Mum would say that,’ said Peter, who left them and ran off to watch the players warming up in the nets.

‘Ah, I spot a cloud,’ said William as they walked around the boundary.

Beth was puzzled, because the sky was clear with the sun beating down on a contented crowd. Then she saw Christina, sitting on her own.

‘Why don’t you grab the deckchair next to her,’ said William. ‘Give you the chance to find out what she’s been up to recently – no good, I predict.’

‘Do you ever stop thinking like a policeman?’ Beth sighed.