*
Lionel Franklin looked at his niece, still eating her breakfast at the other end of the table. She was beginning to look more and more like her mother these days. If things had been different… He dismissed the disquieting thoughts. In was in the past; water under the bridge. Things had been dealt with in such a way that no one was any the wiser, but at a cost, and a lot of favours.
With the assistance of Villiers and Hamilton the legal and financial niceties of his brother’s estate had been dealt with, to their advantage, but now he was meeting some unexpected resistance at the final hurdle.
‘I trust you are still obeying my instructions about conversing with our guardians? I somehow have the feeling you might have become a little relaxed about it.’
Catherine looked up at him, and he noticed the slight hurt in her eyes. Her reaction pleased him.
‘I’m just polite to them. I didn’t imagine you would mind.’
‘As long as that’s where it stays. Take Hartman, for instance. You might find yourself interested in him. He is, after all, an attractive man and, in my estimation, very experienced with women. However, this is not the sort of person you have been groomed to associate with. I feel it is my duty once again to make that clear to you.’
Green eyes flashed at him. ‘What do you mean, groomed? Why can’t I be free to choose my own friends?’
God! Still that sudden show of independence. Franklin felt his temper rising. ‘Friends? Like that Jennings woman? Someone else, in my view, unsuited to you.’
‘Sarah has been a very good friend!’
‘Good friends don’t fill people’s heads with notions of independent careers, when they should realise that your duty is here. I’ve seen that you had a good education and learnt social skills to enable you to make a good marriage, and it’s my responsibility to see that is achieved.’
He watched with satisfaction as he saw Catherine’s shoulders slump, and some of the fight go out of her. ‘We’ve had this conversation before, Uncle. I’ve told you, I don’t like the men I’ve been introduced to.’
‘What about Duncan Hamilton? Good family. It’s a while since you last saw him, I believe.’
‘Yes it is, and I don’t like him either. I don’t trust him.’
‘Perhaps you just don’t know him well enough. You ought to spend time with him a bit more. Maybe you could go up to Scotland for a break, or I’ll see if he’s coming down to London soon. I’ll have a word with his father.’
He noticed she made no further comment, and continued with her breakfast.
Franklin congratulated himself. That had gone better than he’d anticipated. Perhaps he’d speak to Gregory this morning.
*
After a few hours sleep Alex drove in to his office. He wanted to get down on paper the events of last night, just to cover himself. He didn’t intend to stay, and his dress was informal. There was a knock on the door and a face peered round it.
‘Hi, Alex, heard you were in.’
‘Hello, Bob. How are things?’
Bob Patterson was a former colleague still working in the CID. They’d become friends during Alex’s time with the Department and from time to time socialised together.
‘We’ve had the lab report on that Franklin letter. No joy, just the Judge’s prints. I’m not sure we can do anything more with it. We’ve hauled Johnny Clarke in for a chat to see if it’s anything to do with him; after all, it’s one of his men in trouble. Of course, he maintains he’s squeaky clean, allowing the law to take its course etcetera!’
‘I’ll bet he’s smarting a bit from Atkinson’s gaff. He’s going to make sure he’s as far removed from any suspicions surrounding the case as he can, so I can’t think he would do something as stupid as this.’
‘Anyway, wondered if you were free for a spot of lunch?’
‘Yes, sure, just finishing off here. I was on nights last night so I didn’t intend to stay long. Am I smart enough for you?’
*
They settled themselves into an alcove seat of the pub and started on their ploughmans.
‘Is Jenny OK, Bob?’
‘She’s fine thanks.’ Patterson looked rather sheepish and stared down at his plate for a moment. ‘Well, I might as well tell you, I suppose. We’re expecting the patter of tiny feet in about seven months.’
‘Brilliant! Congratulations to you both from me. Tell Jenny, won’t you.’
Alex had attended their wedding about six months ago. Now, in no time, they would be a real family. Bob looked tickled pink at the idea, and he realised with a shock that he felt a small stab of envy.
With an uncanny echo of his thoughts, Bob poked his arm. ‘When’s it going to be your turn, Alex? How about that sexy blonde you brought to the wedding?’
Alex took a sip of his beer. ‘Oh, that was over some while ago. I haven’t been involved with anyone since.’
‘Well, take a tip from me and don’t leave it too long. You don’t know what you’re missing. You’re too wound up with this career business. There are other things just as exciting!’ He grinned, with a knowing look.
‘Yes, sure, I get the picture.’
Alex wanted the topic changed. He was beginning to feel pressurised. Everyone had the same idea about him it seemed. Well, he was doing just fine, a rising career which was what he had striven for, and so far he had never been short of female company if he desired it. Why was it, then, at times he felt unsettled and restless? As thoughts of a particular young woman came into his mind, he knew he had to change the subject.
‘How are things in the Department, Bob?’
‘Oh, a bit quieter than you, I’ll bet. You’ve settled in well with SB, so I hear.’
‘I’ve had a bit of luck, I suppose,’ Alex smiled. ‘It must all have started from that tip-off with your brother. How is Ralph?’
Years earlier Alex had been on a protracted stake-out with Bob, and during the long hours spent in a parked car together, Bob had told Alex about his brother, a whiz kid in new electronic fields, who was looking for extra backing to put into his fledgling company. As far as Bob was concerned, this would be a gold mine for anyone investing. Alex had been thrifty in his life so far and had a small amount of spare money. The more he listened, the more interested he became, and in the end put some funds into the company. Bob told him to watch it take off on the Stock Market, and as Alex saw over the following years, it did just that. The value of his shares increased several-fold, but getting cold feet, he’d cashed them in about six months ago for a considerable profit, enabling him to purchase his Porsche.
‘I’m afraid I bailed out and cashed in my shares a few months ago,’ he admitted, ‘but thanks for the initial tip-off. It made me some money.’
‘Just as well you got out when you did. The company’s taken a bit of a hit at the moment. Annoying, because it’s not Ralph’s fault. He’s been dealing with a couple of suppliers for some time, but one of them has begun to have trouble with duff parts and it’s had a knock-on effect with his own supply, a couple of orders have been cancelled on him because of delays and he’s struggling at the moment. Ralph says the suppliers are in a jam as well, so it’s not just him. Getting their lawyers in on it, so he says. There’s even talk of deliberate sabotage. A bit far-fetched, but I suppose that’s big money business for you!’
Alex murmured his agreement, conscious that something had started to nag away at him.
‘Now you’re keeping a watching brief on Franklin, what do you make of him? Some of the lads reckon lawyers hate him being on the bench; he has the knack of coming up with legal points that ruin their cases.’
‘He’s not someone I would want on my Christmas card list.’
‘Well,’ Bob finished off his beer, ‘you may be at leisure this afternoon but I’d better get back to the treadmill. We’ll have to sort out a foursome one nigh
t. Go on the town. I’m sure you can find someone out of your little black book!’
Alex watched his friend leave the bar, and then made a sudden decision.
‘I say, Bob,’ he called. ‘I wonder if I could contact Ralph for a chat, for old times sake.’
‘Yes, sure,’ Bob walked back to him and fished out a small card from his wallet. ‘Here’s his business card. Give him call. Buy him a beer. Might cheer him up.’
Alex turned the small card over and over in his hand. Was this in any way connected with Francis’s theories or was he just grasping at straws?
CHAPTER 9
As Carl was due a day’s rest, Alex had arranged with him to reverse their shifts on the Friday of that week.
The Rolls had been playing up on the way back from town and Arthur wondered if they would even reach Richmond. The Judge was taciturn about any other arrangements and they managed to limp home. On arriving, Arthur set to work to see if matters were terminal for the old car.
As Alex went inside he made a mental note to warn Carl that if the Judge required to leave the house that evening before the Rolls was repaired, other transport requirements would be needed, and if this were the case he had better contact him. He had a sudden humorous vision of Carl and the Judge packed into his tiny Mini! With a smile still on his face, he went into the kitchen.
‘It’s been a good day then, has it?’ Grace was giving him a quizzical look.
‘No, not at the moment. The Rolls is playing up. Arthur is giving it the kiss of life. I was just having a surreal thought about the situation, that’s all.’
‘So you mean it’s off the road?’ Grace asked, her tone of voice sharp.
Alex looked at her. ‘Could well be. Why?’
‘Catherine is at Sarah’s and Arthur had arranged to fetch her home later. He must have forgotten. I’ll have to ring her and tell her to get a taxi or something.’
‘I’ll go and fetch her.’ As soon as he said it Alex wondered what on earth had put those words in his mouth. It was a stupid idea from every angle.
‘Alex, you’re off duty now. You can’t go all that way into town and back again. Although it’s a very nice offer.’
‘I dare say it will make my halo sparkle a bit more!’ His remark sounded more light-hearted than he felt. He hadn’t even begun to consider Catherine Franklin’s reaction. ‘I think it might be a good idea if we don’t inform Miss Franklin of the change of arrangements beforehand.’
His meaningful look was not lost on Grace. ‘She couldn’t complain about such a nice gesture.’
‘Oh, I wouldn’t bet on it. I get the impression she considers me to be an incarnation of Bluebeard.’
‘Well,’ stated Grace, ‘perhaps this is your chance to change that opinion.’
‘Mmm, we’ll have to see, won’t we. What time was Arthur going to collect her?’
‘Not until seven-thirty, I think. Look, why don’t you stay here and have something to eat. That’s the least we can do, otherwise you’re never going to get a meal tonight. It’s a Friday night and the traffic will be horrendous. Go out now and tell Arthur in case he’s panicking about getting the wretched thing fixed tonight, and I’ll get the meal on the go. OK?’
‘Yes, that’s fine, Grace. Thanks.’
*
Grace had been right. The traffic was heavy, and although Alex thought he had timed it right, it was nearly eight o’clock before he turned in to the South Kensington street.
His ring on the doorbell was answered by Sarah.
‘Alex! What a surprise. Come on in. I have Catherine with me at the moment. She’s waiting for Arthur to come and collect her.’
Alex followed her into the lounge, which appeared to be empty.
‘I know Miss Franklin is here, Sarah. I’ve come to collect her. The Rolls is off the road.’
‘You’ve come to collect her? You mean you’re going to do all those journeys backwards and forwards tonight? Did her uncle ask you to do it?’
‘He doesn’t know. I volunteered. I’m off duty now. Arthur and I agreed it was safer than her getting a taxi on her own, and he wanted to work on the car in case it’s needed for tomorrow.’
Sarah’s grin was wide. ‘Well, this is going to be interesting. I wonder what Catherine will say.’ She then saw Alex’s tense expression and added, laying a hand on his arm, ‘Don’t worry, it’ll be alright.’
Just then Catherine came into the room and saw the visitor and the closeness of the couple, with Sarah’s hand on his arm. Her face appeared to tighten.
‘I thought it was Arthur,’ she said, her voice cool.
Alex was annoyed at her obvious misinterpretation of the scene. When would this wretched female learn not to jump to conclusions? It was about time she acted her age. He gave himself a mental kick. He must stop getting so worked up about her.
‘I’m afraid, Miss Franklin, the Rolls has broken down and I’ve come to take you home.’
He saw the small face whiten, and her obvious response to his statement made him even angrier.
‘Why didn’t Grace ring? I could have arranged for a taxi home, instead of all this… fuss.’ She waved her hand in Alex’s direction.
He was sure he had not misplaced the hint of panic in her voice.
‘It wasn’t considered safe for you to be alone at this time of night.’ Alex was becoming even angrier now. ‘Fuss’, indeed!
‘Inspector Hartman, I remember you telling me the other day that your job is to protect my uncle, and I see no reason therefore why I should be included in your duties. I am quite capable of looking after myself.’
‘Oh, I see! Then just consider this. Any person or persons who have threatened your uncle could decide to use you as a target instead, something I’ve warned him about already. They could have been observing your movements, just waiting for an opportunity to inflict some harm on you which would put pressure on him.’
‘That’s just rubbish,’ she flared back, green eyes flashing. ‘What harm could come to me in a taxi? You’re just trying to scare me.’
‘I hope I am scaring you, young lady! Perhaps you might care to know that the Met Police have just arrested a taxi driver for taking lone travelling females into certain areas of London, on at least two occasions, where they have been accosted by him.’
‘How convenient. Well, thank you for the thought, Inspector Hartman, but all the same I will take my chances with a taxi.’
In the ensuing silence, there was an audible gasp from Sarah, who had by this time taken a spectator’s position on one of the dining area chairs.
Alex was beyond angry by now. All he’d attempted to do was help in some way. He ignored the small part of his brain telling him that he had an ulterior motive and had been quite looking forward to having her alone to talk to for more than a minute or two.
He stared at her for a long moment and then turned to leave. In a quiet voice, holding his anger in check at the extreme edge of his control, he said, ‘Very well, have it your own way. I’ve had enough of the whole thing. I cease to care what happens to you. I made the offer of a lift in my own time. I was off duty an hour ago, if you’re at all interested, but as it seems to me you’re more frightened about being in my company than by anything else, I’ll make it an easy choice for you and say good night. Just to run true to form, though, before I get home I might stop off and have a drink or two, or even three, and then perhaps ravish a few young girls just to liven the evening up a bit. I would hate to spoil a free Friday night now when I have the chance.’
With a slight nod to Sarah he stormed out and slammed the door.
Catherine almost winced at the sound, and felt a sudden sense of loneliness and loss. She hadn’t been sure of her ground in the argument, but something inside her was desperate that she should not be alone with this man. She looked over at Sarah, who just shook her head.
/>
‘Don’t look at me for any help. You got yourself into this one. What’s wrong with you? I’ve never known you to be so rude. He didn’t have to put himself out, did he. What makes you panic so about him?’
Catherine didn’t need her friend’s obvious censure to make her feel bad. She knew she had been rude but she had felt real fear at the idea of being alone with him in the close confines of his car. She couldn’t explain this to her friend, though, or even herself.
‘I will apologise to him, I promise. But he’s gone now, anyway.’
‘Of course he hasn’t gone!’ Sarah stood up and looked out of the window. ‘His car’s still there, and whatever he said he wouldn’t leave you to find your own way home.’
Catherine put on her jacket, collected her things together, and with a last look at her friend went into the hall. Taking a deep breath she opened the front door. He was leaning against the stair banister with his arms folded. To her consternation he looked even more overwhelming and masculine than normal. The grey eyes regarding her were cool and hard.
‘I’m very sorry I was so rude to you,’ Catherine managed to say in a quiet voice. ‘I would like to have a lift if that is still possible, please.’
Without a word he stood up straight and went off down the stairs with her trailing along behind him.
They had travelled a short distance when he pulled the Porsche into the kerb and turned to stare at her. She was looking back at him with wide, startled eyes.
‘What’s wrong! What’s the matter!’
‘Miss Franklin, as sure as I am that the makers of this car did a good job when constructing it, there is always the possibility that parts could fail. I would hate for the door locks to give way and pitch you out onto the roadside. How could I explain that to Sarah? Now for God’s sake sit round in your seat instead of trying to get as far away from me as possible. I find I’ve gone off the thought of molesting young girls tonight, they’re just not worth the trouble.’
Generations of Love Page 6