by Laura Walker
An Inspector Hadley Case
Book One: The Galitzi Diamonds
(C)2018 LAURA WALKER
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the permission of the author.
CHAPTER ONE
Detective Inspector Mikey Hadley was still quite a young man for an experienced detective at thirty-five. He lived alone in an elite apartment in London and that was the way he liked it, being an elusive sort of character and not having met a woman to his taste. He often rubbed shoulders with the very rich and famous as he dealt with cases amongst this type of crowd. With his pale skin, sandy blonde hair and grey penetrating eyes he looked the part at most parties held by them and he fitted in well enough to observe human nature. That is what gave his investigative skills a boost in the right direction.
Today, which happened to be a grey, dusky morning, he was sitting at his desk in his office using his cognitive skills in his usual position with his hands placed behind his head and leaning back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other and his foot resting on his knee, when a telephone call came through from his friend Lord Manne Galitzi.
'I am sorry to disturb you, Hadley. I know how much you hate being disturbed when in your meditative state but it is a fairly urgent matter.' Lord Galitzi’s gravelly voice said coming over the speaker.
'What is it Lord Galitzi?' Hadley said shortly. Lord Galitzi was right, he did not like to be disturbed when in such a state of thought.
'I am hosting a party at my place and I want you to be there.' Galitzi said.
Hadley, shaken out of his reverie, suddenly sprang forward and glared into the telephone speaker as though Galitzi could see him.
'Did I hear you correctly, Galitzi? A party did you say? Since when has a party been a fairly urgent matter?' He roared into the phone.
'It would be mixing business with pleasure, Hadley. I need you to keep an eye on things at my place. You see I have a sneaky suspicion I am being spied upon and that the culprit is amongst some of my closest acquaintances and they will be at this party. I need you to watch the guests for me.'
'Spied upon, you say? In what way?' Hadley asked becoming calm again.
'Well, I have recently come into possession of the Galitzi family diamonds and this has become common knowledge amongst society and I think someone has become interested, shall we say, in this knowledge and would like to get their grubby hands on the diamonds for themselves.'
'Galitzi diamonds, you say? Worth a fair price I should imagine. When did you first become aware that you were being spied upon?'
'Yesterday, I am certain I was being followed home and then the house was watched last night. Then again today I was followed in a car and the house is being watched again now as we speak.'
'Are you sure it is not just paranoia, old chap? These things can get into your mind when you’re on edge, you know.'
'That is what I told myself at first but it has become increasingly obvious that it is real. I am really being watched. I think they will turn up at the party tomorrow and that is why I need you at your post, Hadley.'
'Did you get a look at the person spying on you? Could you say if it was a man or a woman, for instance?'
'I couldn’t say, the car windows were blacked out I’m afraid and whoever watches the house wears a black hooded cloak, obscuring their face. It could have been either man or woman.'
'What makes you so sure they are amongst your acquaintance? Could you be mistaken?'
'Not on your life. They are aware of all my movements around London, Hadley. I feel as though they know all about me.'
'Hmm, sounds like they’ve got under your skin alright.'
'They have that. So, how about it? Will you come, Hadley?'
'You can count me in, Galitzi. I never pass up an opportunity like this.'
'I’ll see you there, then. Seven-thirty sharp.'
He hung up.
Hadley resumed his former position, deep in thought. This time however, his thoughts had changed to the Galitzi diamonds.
Hmm, I myself read about the Galitzi diamonds in the evening paper a few nights ago.
Whoever has their eye on the diamonds could easily have read about them and the value of them. I agree with Galitzi when he says it is likely to be someone amongst his acquaintances. This type of thing usually was. We don’t know that it’s about the diamonds though. It could be another matter entirely. The party will no doubt make a few things clearer to me.
CHAPTER TWO
It was seven-thirty sharp, as instructed, when Inspector Hadley walked into the Galitzi Mansion the next evening. Dressed in an elegant dinner jacket and white lapel with matching black trousers along with the general chit chat, he blended in well with the other guests and became one of them in an instant. He was handed a tall, slender glass of champagne on a tray as he entered the huge, elegantly furnished dining hall. A swarm of mothers with their daughters came rallying around him trying to capture his interest, which usually happened to no avail on such occasions, making it difficult for him to be at his job.
The Galitzi’s were an ancient family of immense wealth and titles and originating in Italy until one of the family, who happened to be the current Lord Galitzi’s great, great grandfather emigrated to England and set up home here at the Galitzi Mansion. The family diamonds dated back aeons of time and were passed down the family line in succession.
'Ladies, I must excuse myself. I have to speak with Lord Galitzi.' Hadley said catching Galitzi’s eye from across the room and hurrying towards him.
'Glad you could make it, Hadley.' Galitzi said after a quick embrace and a pat on the back.
'It is good to be here, Galitzi. Indeed, it is.'
Lord Galitzi had inherited much of the Italian looks of his ancestry with his black piercing eyes and jet black hair gelled to his scalp. He was a man of forty and lived with his wife Lady Amelia Galitzi, born Riding, and two children Edward and Olivia.
'I see you have become quite a favourite with the ladies again, eh?' He said teasingly.
Hadley waved an unconcerned hand across his face.
'Come on, Hadley. Any favourites yet?'
'Not one, I’m afraid.'
'You’re too fussy that is your trouble Hadley and that is why you live alone.'
'I can’t take to many women, Galitzi, that is the problem.'
'You think too much. Have another champagne.' He replied grabbing a glass off a passing tray as the foot man walked by.
Hadley accepted.
'Loosen you up a little but don’t forget you’re working, old boy.' He said slapping him on the back causing some champagne to spill out onto the floor.
Hadley silently surveyed the faces of each guest in his sight as he sipped his champagne but they were all in lively conversation and taking no notice of either himself or Galitzi. The noise level had increased as the hall filled up.
There was a sudden lull in conversation and everyone started elbowing one another, all eyes turned to the doorway in eager contemplation. Hadley stood on tiptoe to see what this sudden interest and dispersion was all about and he caught sight of a gentleman and lady arriving in the hall arm in arm and dressed in the finest attire anyone had ever seen. Finer even than the Galitzi’s themselves. They were followed a moment later by a young gentleman and young lady also arm in arm, whom one presumed to be the son and daughter of the fine gentleman and lady.
Hadley didn’t notice much about the young gentleman’s appearance as his eyes were all for the young lady on his arm. He felt she was exceptionally beautifu
l with chestnut hair piled high upon her head and dressed with little white crystals dotted here and there. Her dress of pale pink silk complimented her eyes which, were of a dreamy hazel brown shade that darted around the room in eager anticipation and excitement. Her eyes suddenly met with Hadley’s as she moved further into the room and his expression must have given away his thoughts as a rosy blush overspread her features which he found to be delightful to contemplate. She did not however, immediately avert her eyes as he had expected she would but continued to gaze into his face as though frozen to the spot until she was addressed in conversation by the young gentleman on whose arm she leaned, bringing her back to reality with a start and Hadley turned his attention to him for the first time. He was of a similar colouring in hair and skin tone to the young lady but his eyes were of a darker brown shade. Hadley flattened his feet again, ducking out of their view behind some other guests. Galitzi, who had turned to speak to a gentleman on his left now looked his way and addressed him again.
'How is it going, Hadley?' He whispered.
'No suspicious behaviour yet, although there was some commotion over the guests who have just walked in.' Hadley whispered back.
'Ah, they are the Sanderson family. New residents in London and their first public appearance, that is why there was such a fuss made over them. Very rich family, I understand, though not titled.'
'Have you met them yet?'
'I have met Mr Sanderson a day or two ago when they moved in and gave them an invitation here.'
'I wonder could he have heard of the diamonds and moved here to get close to them?'
'I see you have not lost your touch, Hadley. That is certainly a good theory to be sure.'
'To be going on with anyway. I’m going to move in for the kill and see what I can find out.'
'Alright, I’ll catch up with you later.'
Hadley stepped a little closer to where Mr and Mrs Sanderson were standing but kept well hidden behind two gentlemen where he could just observe their faces without being seen by them. They were deep in conversation, being bombarded by a lady who liked to talk, named Madame Genevieve. There was no great mystery there then, although there was something odd about Madame Genevieve’s French accent that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He gradually became aware that the two gentlemen he was standing behind were discussing the Sanderson’s and he became more attentive.
'The Sanderson’s are very rich indeed. The son George goes to the club where my boy goes and that is an elite club indeed.'
'Yes, so I believe.'
'They sat in the royal box at the opera last night, my wife commented on it when she spoke to Mrs Sanderson afterwards and she told her they were great fans of the opera, even naming their daughter after one. Can you guess what her name is?'
'Not even an inkling, I’m afraid.'
'Aida and their son George is named for a composer.'
'Is that so?'
'It is, indeed.'
Looking further to the left of them he spied a suspicious looking gentleman with full grey hair and a spirally beard. His blue eyes were intent on something right in front of him. Hadley followed his gaze and found that he was actually intent on watching a person. That person happened to be Galitzi!
CHAPTER THREE
Hadley started and edged forwards slowly, dodging out of sight against the wall and pushing his way through some guests until he was standing right behind the gentleman. He was still in the same position and watching Galitzi until the object of his spying finished the conversation he was having and disappeared into the crowd.
The man then turned and moved towards the door. Hadley followed him at a safe distance until he stepped outside into the cool night air. He pushed himself flat against the wall so he couldn’t be seen in the blackness, and watched the man walk along the path leading to the road. He darted forward and followed him from the trees to the side of the pathway. The man eventually stopped by a car parked in a lane and got inside, driving away at speed. Hadley just had time to read the number plate on the car as light from the streetlamp shone upon it for a moment. He took out his notebook and jotted it down quickly before returning to the house.
When he stepped back inside, George Sanderson was stood alone and a little apart from the crowd with his hands in his pockets. He approached him slowly.
'I don’t believe we’ve met. Mikey Hadley.' He said holding his hand out towards him.
'I don’t believe we have. George Sanderson. We are new in town.' George Sanderson replied shaking Hadley’s hand firmly.
'Oh, really. Where are you from?'
'Hertfordshire, actually.'
'Ah, you’re a country bumpkin then. What made you move to the city?'
'My father’s idea, he likes city life. My mother prefers the country.'
'Really? But then I suppose you can’t please everybody, can you?'
'Not in families, Sir, no.' Said Sanderson with a chuckle.
'Have you known Lord Galitzi long?'
'Didn’t know him until this evening. Father’s met him on trips to London before.'
'I have known him an awful long time and he and I are like brothers these days. There is no service I wouldn’t render him. He is a good man.' Hadley said warmly.
'It’s good to have someone you can rely on, I suppose.'
'It is, indeed.'
'Where is your residence, Sir?'
'In an apartment at Ratterbridge Square.'
'Ah, yes, I know it.'
At this point, Miss Aida Sanderson appeared through the crowd and approached her brother.
'Aida, my sister. Aida this is Mr Mikey Hadley.' Sanderson said presenting her to Hadley.
'How do you do, Mr Hadley?' Aida said smiling up at him. Her voice was soft and sweet in his ear.
Hadley was aware that he was staring but he couldn’t control it. He seemed to have lost the ability to speak in her presence. He simply bowed his head.
Apparently satisfied with this greeting, Aida turned again to her brother.
'George, father was asking for you. He wants to introduce you to the Earl of Tewkesbury.' She said.
'Oh bother.' He said rolling his eyes at Hadley who grinned back at him.
Aida watched her brother disappear into the crowd and then turned to Hadley.
'I am sorry if I have disturbed you, Mr Hadley, but my father was most insistent.' She said apologetically and her wide innocent eyes looking into his melted his heart in an instant and he had to admit to himself that he had at last fallen in love and with this girl.
'There is no need to apologise, Miss Sanderson. If there is one thing I know, it is that you should never pass up an opportunity to speak with an Earl.'
Aida giggled.
'I am sure my brother has met nearly every Earl in the country by now. Father always insists upon it. I think he would like George to have a few stepping stones to help him on his way.' She said.
'Very wise, Miss Sanderson.'
He looked over her shoulder as he noticed what looked like an altercation between Galitzi and another gentleman. Galitzi was gesticulating and the other gentleman went very red in the face in anger. Galitzi then walked away angrily leaving the other man stewing over whatever words had passed between them.
'What are you looking at?' Aida said turning around to see what was happening.
'It’s nothing.' He said quickly.
'Well, it didn’t look like nothing.' She said a little peevishly.
Before he could reassure her, an announcement was made that dinner was served and they were instructed to enter the drawing room in twos. Hadley held out his arm for her and she quietly placed her hand on it, each of them feeling all tingly inside as she did and he led her to a chair at the long dining table set up in an elegant fashion. He pulled out a chair for her in the middle of the table purposefully brushing his hand along her neck and shoulders as she sat down and he pushed in her chair for her. He took the chair next to hers and Aida watched him intently with a rush
of excitement sweeping through her. He had certainly captured her heart at this moment.
Once all the guests were assembled and the meal began, Hadley watched all their faces one by one but everything seemed present and correct apart from the fact that the gentleman who had the altercation with Galitzi was nowhere to be seen. When he eventually turned back to Aida, he found she was watching his face curiously. He smiled innocently and continued eating.
'Are you looking for someone, Mr Hadley?' She asked after watching him a little longer.
'No, I just like to observe people.'
'Do you find them amusing?'
'Sometimes I do.'
'They can be rather surprising sometimes, can’t they?'
'They sure can. Take for instance the criminal mind, it can be the most amusing things that motivates people to commit criminal acts. A murderer say could have just taken a dislike to a man’s tie or a thief could have an overwhelming need for possession and not money as you would at first suppose.'
'You seem to know a lot about criminals, Mr Hadley. Can it be healthy to know so much?' She said eyeing him suspiciously.
'I am not sure it is, Miss Sanderson.'
Aida was whisked away by her mother after dinner and she received a scolding for her preferential treatment of him which, Hadley could not help but overhear.
'You are making a fool of yourself with that gentleman Aida. How am I ever going to teach you proper manners. You must allow me to introduce you to the Earl over there, he is a rich gentleman for sure, unlike the other one.' Mrs Sanderson said looking over at Hadley with distaste.
'I wasn't making a fool of myself, mama, and I don't think he is so very poor, why his suit is Saville Row, I noticed.'
Mrs Sanderson shook her head and dragged her away and Hadley saw her only from a distance for the rest of the evening.
He approached Galitzi and asked him about the altercation but he said it was just a simple disagreement that had nothing to do with the diamonds. With nothing more suspicious happening that evening, he left with high hopes that the diamonds would be safe for that night.
CHAPTER FOUR
'Morning Aida.' George Sanderson called cheerfully from across the table in the dining room at their elite three story town house. It was the morning after the party and he was just finishing off his plateful of bacon and eggs as Aida walked in. Overindulgence was amongst his worse faults along with a tendency towards idleness, typical of the rich and elite in London.