The Magna Carta Murders (The Ralph Chamers Mysteries Book 12)

by P. J. Thurbin

  “You think their real aim is to steal the manuscript that’s on display at Salisbury Cathedral?”

  “Could be. Although from what my friend Jack Evans at the Bodleian tells me, it’s heavily protected inside a bullet proof case and there’s a guard around the clock.”

  “I see what you mean. But so far even the tightest security hasn’t stopped criminals getting at something they really want,” Stigart replied.

  The Colonel explained his theory that Mankovich had commissioned a fake and how the death of Alvaro Caminah and adopting the name Elias had all the hall marks of an intended heist.

  “There’s something else that makes me think that the Salisbury manuscript is the real target, Ralph. Earlier this week one of the staff at T24, the security company that handled the unification event, was killed outside his home; a bullet at close range. The police think that he must have known his killer. It was in a pretty rough area, and their official statement to the public and the Press was that he was the victim of a mugging. Commander Renton tells me that the man, a Frank Ross, was in charge of the team that couriered the Magna Carta manuscripts between their home bases and London and back again when the Unification Event was over. The police found that 50,000 pounds had been paid into his HSBC account over a six months period, possibly to avoid raising suspicions with the bank.”

  “Was there anything else to raise concerns about this man, Ross?”

  “Renton told me that they found two passports in a flat that he’d rented six months earlier. The British one was in the name of Ross, and a German one with the same photo ID was in the name of Franz Jergens. T24 say that he was experienced in handling rare manuscripts and art and that he had an impeccable track record.”

  “So you’re suggesting that if he was working for Elias, then that Mankovich you mentioned would have had to silence him once it all went wrong?” Ralph queried.

  “It all ties up. If our premise is correct, then once Alvaro gave Mankovich the information he needed to have the fake made, then Mankovich, or someone within his organization had him shot to keep him from talking. Then, presuming Ross was working for Mankovich as well, once he completes his job, he gets the same treatment as Alvaro.”

  “So what’s his next step?”

  “That’s what we need to find out. You have a clear remit from your VC and a perfect cover to get close to the people who’ll be at the Runnymede event. You could also check with your pal at Oxford. He might have heard if someone had shown any unusual curiosity over the Salisbury Cathedral manuscript. My guess, and Commander Renton agrees with me on this, is that this Mankovich will have another go at getting hold of the manuscript at Salisbury.”

  “But why that one in particular? As I understand it, there are still the two at the British Library and one other at Lincoln.”

  “It’s the name Elias, Ralph. As you said, it’s a direct link to Salisbury, but to be safe, they’ve all been alerted. The thing is, I don’t think Mankovich’s as smart as he thinks he is. Once we know what he’s planning, or if he tries anything, then Renton will move in.”

  Ralph had less confidence in Commander Renton’s abilities than the Colonel seemed to have. Renton had a lot on his plate. At Canary Wharf, he had only made his move after the terrorists had struck. Ralph did not care for a repeat performance at Runnymede. He wondered if both branches of the intelligence services had underestimated this Mankovich. To his mind he sounded more calculating and prepared to dupe others into doing his dirty work before he had them shot.

  It was with some heavy doubts as to whether he really wanted to get involved that Ralph joined the commuter rush on his way back to Surbiton. It had started to rain and there was an unseasonable chill in the air.

  ***

  It was a perfect day for strolling across the river meadows by the Thames at Runnymede. The early morning mist had burnt off and the sun shone in an azure sky. Katie looped her arm through Ralph’s as they walked through the grass towards a collection of pristine white Marquees. The Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes fluttered alongside a row of flags that represented a host of Commonwealth, European and Western Nations. The crowd had begun to gather for the short ceremony which Her Majesty the Queen was to attend. The press had listed some of the invited dignitaries from around the globe who would be joined by over 5000 guests to celebrate the signing of the Magna Carta some 800 years earlier on that very meadow.

  “What a perfect setting, Ralph. But I wonder why they chose this spot for the signing?”

  “King John and the earlier monarchs had palaces all over the country; many more than the Queen has today. They could have chosen the Tower of London. There was also a Benedictine Priory that Henry II used just across the river here, although it’s only ruins now. That could have been one reason why they came here. There’s a Yew tree over there called the Ankerwyke that’s eight feet wide and alleged to be more than two thousand years old. Rumour has it that the signing may actually have taken place there.”

  “Don’t think I can’t tell when you’re revving up for a lecture, Ralph. There’s been enough on the TV and in the press to fill a book. Let’s just enjoy a day out by the river.”

  Ralph nodded. He had immersed himself in reading Jack’s papers, and between that and the articles that all of the tabloids were running about how the American Bar Association had effectively adopted the Runnymede site, his brain was filled with volumes of information that he was bursting to share. He had to remind himself that not everyone was quite as enthusiastic about history as he was.

  He had felt that if he was to have any credibility with the people from the ABA he would need to be fully briefed. The VC’s promise of a free trip to the States had to be earned; he had no doubts about that. Then there was the Colonel who had given him his remit to act as the eyes and ears of MI6 at this event. So far it had all been pretty quiet.

  “I read somewhere that if you’re being pursued by the police and stand on that bit of land you can claim it’s American soil and they can’t touch you,” Katie said as she looked over at the Kennedy Memorial.

  “Well it’s a good story but I wouldn’t want to put it to the test.”

  “Seems like a lot of police around, Ralph. I suppose it’s because of the Queen and all the other dignitaries.”

  “Could be; although no more than I’d expect.”

  Inwardly he was not as blasé as he made out. He had read about the ABA involvement with the Kennedy Memorial which had been dedicated by the Queen and Jaqueline Kennedy a couple of years after he was assassinated. It had been damaged by a bomb some ten years later which was claimed to be part of the world wide anti-Vietnam protests that were going on at the time. It already had a violent history, he mused.

  “That tree over by the Memorial was planted by John March in 1987. He was Secretary of the US Army. They used soil brought over from Jamestown in Virginia. You know where the first permanent English settlement in the US was established back in the 1600’s.”

  “Ralph, one more lecture and you’re going for an unplanned swim, I promise you.” They both laughed and went into one of the Marquees that had ‘ABA’ marked on the outside. Ralph showed the security passes that Colonel Stigart had given them after he had agreed that having Katie with him would make Ralph look less like an undercover policeman.

  Once inside, the smell of freshly trodden grass and the wax preservative historically used to waterproof cotton tents assailed their senses. It crossed Ralph’s mind that the modern tents were probably made of PVC sprayed with something to create the authentic smell. He saw what he assumed was the delegation from Milton’s. There was no sign yet of the VC or Granger.

  “Excuse me,” Ralph said to a passing waiter who held a silver tray laden with flutes of champagne, “I’m looking for a Mr James Radnor.”

  The uniformed server indicated a thin man who wore a beige cotton suit and what Ralph recognized as an Eton tie, and who was talking to a tall very attractive blonde woman. She wore a stunning outfi
t and smacked of that quiet authority which some women acquire and he was struck by her elegance and poise. The man turned as Ralph approached.

  “James Radnor?”

  “Yes, that’s right. You must be Professor Chalmers; and this must be your charming wife, Professor Eggleton,” he said as he shook hands with Ralph and Katie. “May I introduce Miranda Warren, President of the American Bar Association?”

  Ralph was taken aback. He had never set on eyes on Radnor and neither he nor Katie wore ID badges.

  “Sorry. I should have mentioned that we were informed that you’d be here to keep an eye on things,” said Radnor.

  “So nice to meet you,” Miranda said as she shook hands with Ralph and Katie. “Please forgive me for rushing off, but I need to join the others who’re to be introduced to the Queen. Evidently there’s a strict protocol and we need to go through a briefing ceremony first,” she smiled apologetically before she moved away.

  “Anything that you need Professor I’ll be right over there,” Radnor said as he gestured in the direction of a group of well-dressed men and women who sat at a nearby table. “Seems as though we’re the below-stairs staff today, Ralph. That was short and sweet. She was wearing a lovely outfit, but she could’ve used a size larger,” Katie added without any hint of sarcasm. “And you needn’t give me that look, it was pretty obvious that you were smitten.” She laughed. “Maybe this’ll be the lucky day you get your chance to save a damsel in distress.” Ralph looked at Katie to make sure that she was joking. As far as he was concerned, what went on in a woman’s mind was just as mysterious now as it had been when he was ten; it was still a minefield.

  The rest of the day proved uneventful. Once the Queen had performed her duties her entourage whisked her off to Windsor Castle. Katie and Ralph enjoyed the military bands who played a medley of John Philip Sousa marches: Stars and Stripes and Liberty Bell were old favourites. Even the non-American guests seemed to recognize most of them. They had enjoyed the wonderful luncheon that was laid on.

  “The poor still stand outside and watch while the rich and powerful stuff themselves,” Katie had commented as she pointed out how similar it must be to the huge banquets that King John and his Barons must have enjoyed near that very spot.

  Ralph knew that Australians hated anything that smacked of what might be seen as a privileged class. He understood Katie’s point of view, but although he was not proud of the fact, he had long ago accepted that he was a closet elitist.

  By late afternoon the formal celebrations had been concluded and the dignitaries and the ABA party had left. A few families still picnicked on the meadows and sat by the riverbank waiting for the fireworks display that had been arranged as the grand finale. Ralph was relieved that Stigart’s fears had been unfounded.

  “Let’s see if we can get across to see that 2000 year old tree you told me about, Ralph.”

  As they walked towards the river, Ralph heard someone call out his name. It was James Radnor. Ralph and Katie waited while he caught up to them.

  “Sorry but I was meant to ask you and your wife to join us for supper tonight at our hotel. Miranda Warren wants to meet with you to talk about some possible collaborations. We met your VC, Marcel Raveaux, and a chap who was with him. I forget his name. I hope that you are free?”

  Ralph was not overly keen to spend the evening with a lot of strangers. But this was his usual reaction and he put it aside. What he would have preferred was a meeting with Radnor in town and a chance to talk business. But at least this way he would meet some of the people from the ABA. “We would be delighted. What time?”

  “Well we are all getting together for cocktails at about 7. Just a casual affair. Oh yes we’re at Runnymede on Thames, just over there.” He pointed in the direction of the hotel that was visible from where they stood.

  Ralph thanked Radnor and said that they would look forward to it and James hurried back to join his party.

  “Well, this should be interesting,” Samantha teased. “You won’t need to chase after the ice maiden after all, now she’s summoned you.”

  “Maybe we can just get lost in the crowd,” Ralph replied. He had been thinking about how much he hated those big overblown affairs and had not really paid that much attention to what Katie had said. Now.as they set off to find the ancient tree, he realised that his response had been less than gallant.

  ***

  Ralph was surprised to be stopped by two uniformed guards as they walked up the driveway to the hotel. After a pleasant exchange and some comments that the hotel had only accepted invited guests because of the Queen’s visit and the celebrations at Runnymede, they were allowed to pass. Ralph also noticed the two police vans that were parked on the graveled driveway. An attendant in the hotel livery directed them to follow the pathway towards a large gazebo at the rear of the hotel. Women in evening dress and men in tuxedos gathered on the immaculately kept lawns that swept down to the river as waiters in white jackets weaved their way among the guests carrying silver platters of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Although it was still early in the evening, floodlights threw shadows across a stand of tall willows along the water’s edge.

  “Ralph, I thought that Radnor said that it was an informal do?” Katie whispered as James Radnor appeared and beckoned them to join him. “It looks like some of the men are even wearing medals. That man over there has one draped around his neck,” Katie indicated a man who had just accepted a cocktail from a member of staff.

  “Don’t worry. I think that’s just the local Mayor,” Ralph replied. He had seen this sort of gathering when he was at Cambridge and at some of the more formal events he had attended with the Royal Navy. For most people it was simply a chance to dress up and pretend that they were important; he saw no harm in that. More sinister were the handful who used these sorts of affairs to flaunt their position and pull rank over others.

  “It’s no different than we wear our gowns and mortarboards at University Graduation ceremonies. Tonight we’ll just have to make do with au naturel.”

  Katie cursed under her breath as she put on a smile as James Radnor approached.

  “I’m so glad you could join us, Professor Chalmers, Professor Eggleton. Marvelous do over at the Memorial this afternoon. Now you’re off-duty, so to speak, I hope you can enjoy our little gathering here. Miranda’s looking forward to welcoming you both.”

  Ralph had accepted a cocktail from one of the waiters and Katie had asked for some water.

  “It’s so nice to see you both,” Miranda Warren smiled as she shook Katie’s hand and then took Ralph’s in both of hers. “I’m glad to see you made it through the afternoon’s festivities. I don’t know how we’d have managed without James. He did a splendid job with all of the arrangements.” Miranda withdrew one hand from on top of Ralph’s and touched James on the arm as she said it; Ralph could have sworn that the small man practically bowed.

  “Mr Radnor tells me that you might be interested in some sort of collaboration with the University,” Ralph said as he deftly extracted himself from her other hand.

  “We won’t talk business tonight, but I’ve asked James to set up a meeting at his offices in the City so that we can explore ways in which the ABA can forge some links with your University, Professor Chalmers.”

  “I’d be delighted to explore some of those possibilities,” Ralph agreed. “And please, call us Ralph and Katie.”

  “Good, Ralph and Katie it is. We’re having such a wonderful time here in England, and today just topped it off. James has even arranged for the hotel to take us out in their boat for a short trip up the river before we go to supper. He thought we might enjoy seeing Windsor Palace all lit up. Of course we’ll be back in plenty of time for the fireworks display. We only have one seat spare I’m afraid, as James has to meet some people who’re arriving at Heathrow tonight from Berlin. Perhaps you’d like to take his place?” She directed her question to Katie.

  Ralph knew that Katie would do anything to get away from
having to stand around exchanging small talk with a group of people who she might never meet again. It would not hurt for her to get to know something about Miranda Warren as well, especially if the University and the ABA agreed to collaborate on some projects in the future. He took it for granted that whatever work they did, he would include Katie as an independent consultant.

  “Katie would love to. Thanks,” Ralph said.

  He daren’t look at Katie when he said it. He knew how much she hated it when anyone made assumptions about her without checking. Miranda took Katie by the elbow and ushered her off to ‘meet some friends’ as she phrased it. Radnor made his excuses and left for the airport, adding that he would be back as soon as possible.

  Ralph wandered down to the riverbank to look at the hotel’s boat that Miranda had mentioned. Often hotels of this standard kept classic Victorian boats with added electric power or steam driven motor launches. They were usually sleek in design with polished teak decking. He knew of one at Kingston, the Lady Em, moored near the University, which offered excursions and served afternoon English cream teas as they motored along. From what he could see, this was a modern diesel affair. It had a practical metal hull and seated about eight comfortably. More of a work boat than a hotel flagship, he thought.

  As he strolled towards the jetty he caught the whiff of tobacco. Smoking was now prohibited in many public places and it was not possible for a smoker to light up without creating that tell-tale acrid smell. It brought back memories of his father, a dedicated chain smoker who had died of lung cancer. He could see two men in the boat and they appeared to be arguing. One walked away, and from what Ralph could see he was wearing a waiter’s jacket. The other was a large man who grunted as he climbed out of the boat and made his way up the pathway towards the hotel entrance. Just then Miranda and Katie and a small group of men and their wives approached the boat. Ralph had stepped back into the shadows as he had the feeling that Katie would be happier if he was not involved. He knew that there would be some post-supper accounting, but for now he was happy to spectate.