*
This was the day Alex had been waiting for. It was Thursday afternoon and he had just brought Catherine and Peter home from the hospital.
Their next door neighbour had been very kind and made sure the house was cosy and warm with a roaring fire in the front room as well as the central heating. She told them that a casserole was in the oven for whenever they were ready, and then left them alone to enjoy the experience of their first evening together.
Peter was proving a little fractious; because of the change of surroundings, suggested a nervous Catherine. She was attempting to comfort him when the telephone rang.
It was Luigi, just home from their New Year holiday in Italy, staying with their son.
‘Good evening Alex. How is everything? How is Catherine?’
With a huge grin, Alex held out the telephone receiver, and then spoke into it again.
‘You heard the noise? She’s a little busy at the moment, Luigi, trying to quieten our son.’
He waited for the news to sink in. When it did, there was a riot at the other end. Maria was soon on the phone in floods of tears. Like everyone, they had been counting on the fact that they would be on hand for the birth.
With a confirming nod from Catherine, Alex interrupted the emotional outburst. ‘You must both come round tomorrow afternoon and we’ll show you our son.’
*
Alex left a little late for the office the next morning. The night had been quite disturbed, but Peter now seemed to have tired himself out and was sound asleep.
When he arrived in the office Dougie was already starting to put down the points he felt they had to make for their report, and they both worked through their information over the next hour or two. Some bits were a little sketchy for their liking, but others showed a definite pattern, now that they were looking for it.
‘You know, Dougie, I’ve been thinking about that letter that started the whole Richmond thing off. If you remember, the envelope had an EC4 postmark. The Court area would have the same. Just suppose that Franklin sent that letter to himself as some sort of smokescreen about the court case…’
‘He wouldn’t have wanted police crawling all over his house, would he?’
‘Maybe he thought it would just be one uniformed officer at the front gates. A miscalculation on his part. He wasn’t to know that people are very interested in his affairs. I wonder if the same thing happened in Scotland. He didn’t expect the level of policing that caught more than just a minor target.’
‘I see your point. It’s possible.’
‘There’s something else. Doesn’t it seem strange that when people appear to be superfluous, or in the way, they’re not just dropped but something seems to happen to them? There was poor Lucille Prentice. Just a simple mugging that went wrong, or something more? Did they think she knew too much? Take Scotland. What was the point of whistle-blowing? It’s spoilt a useful route for them. If they wanted to finish with it, why not just close it down without all this drama? There could be other things that have happened that we don’t know about. I get the impression that someone enjoys wielding a sense of power over people.’
He stood and walked up and down, then turned back to his companion, his face now grave.
‘Am I going out on a limb here, or should we have a look at the plane crash that killed Catherine’s parents?’
Dougie stared at him. ‘Come on, Boss, you’re not thinking that it was deliberate?’
‘As I said, I could have it wrong, but it might have been a chance to get hold of some extra money, as well as anything going to Catherine on their deaths.’
‘But… his own brother?’
‘I imagine stranger things than that go on in families.’
‘What details do we know about the incident? Has Catherine spoken to you about it?’
‘She’s done so once. Her father was with the Diplomatic Corps in Cairo and she was at boarding school when the accident happened. They were on their way home to the UK where her father was intending to resign and seek approval as a Conservative candidate for a parliamentary by-election due in a few months.
‘She was told they had flown into Rome on a scheduled flight and stayed there for a few days. It seems they then accepted a lift on a private plane to the UK. It came down in the Alps with no survivors.’
With a sudden chill, Alex remembered Catherine’s Italian industrialist. Rome! Italy! Could it be that she was supposed to be a payment or thank-you for a job well done? He felt sick. No, not where her own parents had been involved!
He saw Dougie staring at him, a look of dawning comprehension coming over his face.
‘Christ, you’re not saying he organised it with… that lot? He’s playing big if he’s getting mixed up with them as well.’
Alex returned his look, his grey eyes solemn.
‘I don’t think there’s any “if” about it, Dougie. I’m almost certain he’s playing in that rarefied atmosphere.’
Dougie rubbed his chin. ‘How could Franklin be sure about getting his hands on any monies even if he did stage an accident?’
‘He might have known of their private affairs and what was in any Will. After all, he could have drawn up the Will and any other documents, or Villiers could.’
‘Well, it would take us some while to obtain any report on the incident, but I’ll have a go if you like.’
‘Yes, see what you can do.’
‘Now you’ve mentioned this, it has me wondering about another bit of information I found out at The Grosvenor. We know that Franklin is a half-owner of the freehold. Well, one night I was chatting to the Manager and it seems that Franklin’s former partner sold out his share in something of a hurry about ten years ago, not long after the place was set up. He said he thinks the new co-owner is Italian, but he’s never seen him, and only has dealings with an accountant. Might be significant?’
‘It’s interesting, alright.’ Alex looked at his watch. ‘We’ll give it another hour and then I’ll be off home, if you don’t mind. I’ll think about all this tonight and perhaps we can thrash out some sort of final draft tomorrow.’
He was aware of Dougie still looking at him. Was he right in his thinking, or was he so close to this whole affair that he was reading coincidences into events which weren’t even there? If he was right, it made the actions seem almost evil.
CHAPTER 21
Luigi and Maria arrived at Fulham just before Alex. Luigi told them with a laugh that Maria would have been straight round the day before if he hadn’t put his foot down. As it was, she had packed a bag and insisted on staying for a week to help out.
As Peter’s next feed took the ladies upstairs, Alex spoke in private to Luigi.
‘Are you sure you don’t mind about Maria staying? I can’t deny that it makes me feel happier for Catherine to have someone with experience close at hand. Mary next door has been a brick, but the poor lady knows as much about babies as I do.’
‘I don’t mind in the least, boy. At this time of year we’re never busy. In fact I thought I might do some decorating. Maria will be in seventh heaven.’ He smiled over at Alex. ‘How does it feel to be a father?’
‘I’m still a bit shell-shocked, but already I wouldn’t want to be without him. I’ll be glad when Catherine’s back to full health. It’s been pretty rough for her.’
‘From my experience its amazing how women bounce back. The next thing they talk about is having another! Maria did, but we weren’t lucky. I suppose this is why we both have such a strong attachment to you, Alex. In a way you became another son… and now look what we have: Catherine and Peter. Perhaps we will have the opportunity to help Peter in his life also.’
Alex felt warm pleasure at this remark. He remembered his unconscious reliance on Luigi and Maria being there for him in his youth, even if he hadn’t always admitted it at the time. As he had grown
older, he knew he could count on Luigi for sound advice if ever he needed it.
‘I must say, Luigi, that both Catherine and I look upon you both as adopted parents. Peter will be another grandchild for you.’
Luigi gave him a little smiling salute in thanks.
That evening, under careful tuition, Alex bathed his son. Feeling the warm soapy body under his hands, he had an incredible sense of caring in his actions, and wanted to prolong the event. Catherine, however, was anxious about the cooling water and between them they wrapped Peter in a warm towel and Alex, with gentle care, dried the little body. However, now the sensation of the soothing water had ceased, Peter let them know in no uncertain terms that he was displeased.
Alex held him on his lap, cocooned in the towel, and remonstrated with him. ‘Now then, young man, that will be enough of that. This is your father you’re dealing with.’
Catherine giggled, leaning against his shoulder. ‘I don’t think even you can provide him with what he wants now. Come into the bedroom with him.’
She made herself comfortable on the bed, and soon Peter was quiet again. Alex stood for a long while, looking down at the little tableau. He then lay on the bed next to them, once more mulling over the idea that during the last few hours had come to him even stronger. As if sensing his preoccupation, Catherine stirred and looked up at him.
‘Is anything wrong?’
‘No, my love, I was just thinking.’ He turned on his side and gazed into her face. ‘Catherine, I can’t claim to be a religious person, by that I mean someone who can believe all the Church’s teachings, but I do recognise that we should live our lives in a basic Christian way if we can. I’ve seen plenty of the other side, after all, and it’s never the answer. The world out there is a place where pitfalls can occur to even the most wary and you need all the help you can get.
‘What do you think about having Peter christened? Right now, I mean, not waiting until he’s older? I just wonder if that would give him some extra sort of… protection.’ He kissed the tip of her nose, and laughed. ‘If you understood any of that you’re lucky, because I’m not sure I did.’ Then he became serious again. ‘Do you know what I mean? I somehow feel a need to do this.’
Catherine stretched up and kissed him on the mouth. ‘I do know what you mean, and I think it’s a wonderful idea. We’ll need godparents. I suppose we’re looking at Sarah and Jerry again.’
‘Sarah, yes. But I was wondering about Luigi. Then Peter will have youth, and experience.’
‘Oh yes, that would be brilliant. You’re a clever old thing, aren’t you.’ She bent her head and gazed at her son still feeding. ‘Peter, you have a clever Daddy, did you know.’
Alex bent his head and covered her mouth with his own. After some time he murmured, ‘I must be clever if I chose you for my wife.’
He could feel his rising passion, and it wasn’t the thing to do, so with an effort he controlled his feelings. In an attempt to take his mind off the problem he added, ‘Perhaps I should have a word with Reverend Jones about it.’
With a half-suppressed giggle Catherine observed, ‘I’m not sure how much he’ll be able to help you with the problem.’
Embarrassed, Alex realised that she had guessed how he felt, and his efforts to get over it. He smiled back and gave her a light kiss.
‘I’ll go and see if Maria needs any help, as I can’t do much for you at the moment!’
He left the room, chuckling at her shocked expression.
*
Dougie and Alex worked on their report over the next few days. Alex was of the opinion that he would try to fix an appointment to see the Commissioner the next week; after all, he had insisted that this was first and foremost a policing matter. He decided he would outline his views in general and then, depending on how this was received, a joint meeting between himself, Sir John and Francis could be arranged for a discussion on further action.
He scandalised Maria by insisting that he would have to work late on Friday. Catherine just gave him her grave stare, then smiled at him and mollified Maria by stating that Alex must have a good reason.
His actual reason was to once again use the quieter time of day to copy up all the new information to add to his mounting collection. He knew he would have to remove this from the office somehow and store it elsewhere before too long.
*
Peter was growing, so were his lungs, and he was exercising them all the time. Catherine and Maria sat at the dining table finishing their coffee. Peter, for once quiet, lay on Catherine’s shoulder. The Health Visitor had just left, after making some suggestions.
‘You know, Catherine, I think it is a good idea to introduce Peter to a bottle feed. It might be that he needs the extra nourishment.’
‘I can’t deny it’s making me a little worried, Maria, and I can see the point that as he grows he appears to need more than I can give. Its worth trying. I hope it will make him more contented.’
Right on cue, Peter reminded them of his presence. Once feeding again, Catherine stroked the small cheek.
‘You know, Maria, I wondered how Alex would react once a baby was here in real life. I think he panicked at first, but now he seems quite at ease. I’ve watched him with Peter, and the look on his face is quite moving. I’m sure he loves him.’ She stroked the cheek once more. ‘As I do.’ She planted a soft kiss his forehead.
‘I know what you mean. If you’d told me a year ago that Alex would be married with a child, I wouldn’t have believed it. Luigi and I are so glad for you both.’
‘I couldn’t be without either of my men now. I do worry about Alex, though. When he doesn’t think I’m around he has a sad look on his face sometimes, but there’s no use asking him if anything’s wrong. He tells me things when he has to, I know that. I can’t think its anything here at home, so it must be work.’ She stroked the small cheek again. ‘Peter, we must look after your Daddy, you and I, because we love him.’
*
On Saturday morning, Alex set off with his son in the pram and headed for the church. On his way he was stopped on several occasions by interested neighbours keen to glimpse the new arrival. By the time he reached the vestry he felt a warm sense of fellowship with people in the locality, and knew it was his son who had brought this about.
Reverend Jones was working on his sermon but welcomed the intrusion. As he admitted, ‘I may be more prepared than most, but it still comes hard at times.’
He admired Peter, now for once fast asleep, and waved Alex to a chair.
‘What can I do for you, my boy?’
Alex started to explain the reason for his visit, a little diffident at first, but then with growing conviction. After he had put his views, he waited for the Vicar to respond. He could see that the man was marshalling his thoughts.
‘I am glad that you and Catherine wish young Peter to be welcomed into the church. I see no problem with this being done at any age. It makes no difference as I see it. What I would say to you is that for all our best desires and wishes, there is no magic talisman which will prevent any ills befalling even the young and innocent. Having Peter christened will not give him immunity. You are not a fool, and through your job are well aware of what happens in the world. All we can ever hope for is that if a need arises, someone offers help and guidance, and we must believe that this is God-given.’
‘I understand that, Reverend. I just need to know that I have done the best for my son.’
‘I quite understand that, and I’m happy to oblige. If you are certain you wish to go ahead, I would perhaps like to combine the christening with a normal Sunday service. It makes the community feel part of it all. Would you and Catherine have any objection?’
‘I don’t suppose so. I hadn’t thought that far ahead.’
Reverend Jones consulted his dairy. ‘I am going to suggest that we look at about a month from now. Is th
at satisfactory for you? I’m not sure it would be possible before then.’
‘Yes, of course. Er… there was one more thing I would like to ask you. I haven’t spoken to Catherine about this. If you agreed, I would like it to be a surprise for her.’
‘Well, ask away. I can only say no!’
*
Alex felt his briefing with Sir John had gone quite well. The Commissioner was impressed with the operation in Glasgow and, irrespective of anything to do with the broader enquiry, was pleased with the outcome. He had asked Alex to enlarge on certain points in his enquiries, and then once he had a complete report he would look at the matter again. Just like that, Alex thought. Easy enough to request. He had put forward his point about turning all the information over to a larger dedicated team but Sir John was adamant that he wanted the matter left as it was for the time being.
Walking down the corridor away from Sir John’s office he encountered Assistant Commissioner Rankin. To Alex’s knowledge the two of them had met on just one previous occasion, and he wasn’t sure what he made of the man. He appeared affable and pleasant enough, but Alex had the odd feeling there was something else going on behind this façade.
‘Ah, Hartman. I heard you were in with Sir John. Been telling him about your operation in Glasgow? I understand you did some good work. More promotion, eh?’
‘I had a lot of help from my partner and the local forces, Sir. Chief Inspector King in particular. We struck lucky.’
‘Interesting how the tip-off came about. We have no idea about that?’
‘No, sir. Anonymous letter, hand-delivered, person unknown. No prints.’
Generations of Love Page 33