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"Spencer Craig. I'm a barrister."
"I'll put you through, sir."
"Mr. Craig, it's been a long time since I've heard from you. I'm unlikely to forget the last occasion you called."
"Nor me," said Craig, "and that's the reason I'm phoning this time, inspector-many congratulations."
"Thank you," said Fuller, "but I find it hard to believe that's the only reason you called."
"You're right," said Craig, laughing. "But I do have a piece of information that might make your promotion to chief inspector even quicker."
"You have my full attention," said Fuller.
"But I have to make it clear, inspector, that you didn't get the information from me. I'm sure you'll understand why, once you discover who's involved. And I'd rather not talk about it over the phone."
"Of course," said Fuller, "so where and when would you like to meet?"
"The Sherlock Holmes, twelve-fifteen tomorrow?"
"How appropriate," said Fuller. "I'll see you there, Mr. Craig."
Craig put the phone down and thought he'd make one more call before Gerald turned up, but just as he picked up the phone, the doorbell rang. When he opened the door he found Payne standing under the porch, gri
Craig looked down at the images and immediately understood why Payne was so smug. Just above the knee on Da
"That's all the evidence Fuller will need," said Craig as he picked up the kitchen phone and dialed a number in Scotland.
"Hugo Moncrieff," said a voice.
"Soon to be Sir Hugo," said Craig.
CHAPTER SEVENTY
"AS YOU KNOW, Nicholas, this will be our last meeting."
"Yes, Ms. Be
"We have not always seen eye to eye, but I do feel that we have both come through the experience unscathed."
"I agree, Ms. Be
"When you walk out of this building for the last time, you will be a free man, having completed your license."
"Yes, Ms. Be
"But before I can sign you off officially, I have to ask you a few questions."
"Of course, Ms. Be
She picked up a chewed biro and looked down at the long list of questions that the Home Office requires to be answered before a prisoner can finally be discharged.
"Are you currently taking any drugs?"
"No, Ms. Be
"Have you recently been tempted to commit a crime?"
"Not recently, Ms. Be
"During the past year have you mixed with any known criminals?"
"Not known criminals," said Da
"I'm relieved to hear that," said Ms. Be
"Yes, but I anticipate moving quite soon." The pen hovered. "To a place I've been to before, which is officially sanctioned." The biro ticked another box.
"Are you presently living with your family?"
"Yes, I am."
Ms. Be
"We've recently been reconciled."
"I'm delighted to hear that, Nicholas," she said, a third of the boxes ticked.
"Do you have any dependents?"
"Yes, one daughter, Christy."
"So are you presently living with your wife and daughter?"
"Beth and I are engaged, and as soon as I've sorted out one or two problems I still have to deal with, we plan to be married."
"I'm delighted to hear that," said Ms. Be
"It's kind of you to ask, Ms. Be
"I see," said Ms. Be
"Yes, she does," said Da
"So once you find a job, you'll be a two-income family."
"Yes, but for the foreseeable future, my salary will be considerably less than hers."
"Why? What job are you hoping to take up?"
"I'm expecting to be offered a position as the librarian in a large institution," said Da
"I can't think of anything more worthwhile," said Ms. Be
"I have no plans to do so," said Da
"And finally," said Ms. Be
"I've made a decision that will render that option impossible for the foreseeable future," he assured her.
"I'm delighted to hear that," said Ms. Be
"Thank you, Ms. Be
"I do hope," said Ms. Be
"That's kind of you, Ms. Be
"And should you ever feel in need of any help or assistance, don't forget that I am only a phone call away."
"I think it's quite possible that someone will be in touch with you in the near future," said Da
"I look forward to hearing from them," said Ms. Be
"Thank you," said Da
"Goodbye, Nicholas."
"Goodbye, Ms. Be
Nicholas Moncrieff opened the door and walked out onto the street a free man. Tomorrow he would be Da
"Are you awake?"
"Yes," said Beth.
"Are you still hoping I'll change my mind?"
"Yes, but I know it's pointless to try and persuade you, Da
"But if I'm right," said Da
"But we could have a lifetime of nights like this without you having to take such a risk."
"I've been taking that risk every day since I left prison. You have no idea, Beth, what it's like to be continually looking over your shoulder, waiting for someone to say, 'The game's up, Da
"But what convinced you that this was the only way to prove your i
"You did," said Da
Beth laughed. "I can't remember when you last called me that."
"When you were a grotty little eleven-year-old in pigtails."
Beth fell back on the pillow and didn't speak for some time. Da
"I've had more than enough time to think about that," said Da