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"I can't afford to waste any time haggling," said Da
"Yes, of course, Sir Nicholas," said Hall writing down his every word. He hesitated for a moment. "I'll need a deposit of twenty thousand pounds before we can proceed."
"By the time you get back to your office, Mr. Hall, two hundred thousand pounds will have been deposited in your client account." Hall didn't look convinced, but managed a thin smile. "As soon as you know about the other two properties, call me."
"Yes, Sir Nicholas."
"And I must make one thing clear," said Da
"You can rely on my discretion, Sir Nicholas."
"I hope so," said Da
"I understand," said Hall. "How do I get in touch with you?" Da
This was the first question Da
"Of course, Sir Nicholas," said Hall, rising from his place once he had written the name down. "I'd better get straight back to the office and talk to the vendor's agents."
Da
Da
"Understood."
Da
Mario placed the bill discreetly on the table by his side. Da
"My pleasure, Sir Nicholas. Do let me know if I can be of any service in the future."
"Thank you, Walter. I may well be in touch."
Da
"Thank you, George."
George, Walter and Mario were now all paid-up members of his cast, although the curtain had only fallen on the first act.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
DANNY TOOK THE file marked Davenport off the shelf and placed it on his desk. He turned to the first page.
Davenport, Lawrence, actor-pages 2-11
Davenport, Sarah, sister, solicitor-pages 12-16
Duncan, Charlie, producer-pages 17-20
He turned to page 17. Another bit-part player was about to become involved in Lawrence Davenport's next production. Da
"Charles Duncan Productions."
"Mr. Duncan, please."
"Who shall I say is calling?"
"Nick Moncrieff."
"I'll put you through, Mr. Moncrieff."
"I'm trying to remember where we met," said the next voice on the line.
"At the Dorchester, for The Importance of Being Earnest closing-night party."
"Oh, yes, now I remember. So what can I do for you?" asked a suspicious-sounding voice.
"I'm thinking of investing in your next production," said Da
"You couldn't have called at a better time," said Duncan. "I've got the very thing for you, old boy. Why don't you join me at the Ivy for a spot of lunch sometime so we can discuss it?"
Could anyone really fall for that line, thought Da
"Well, fu
"Yes, I am," said Da
"Your local pub?" said Duncan, not sounding quite so enthusiastic.
"Yes, the Palm Court Room at the Dorchester. Shall we say one o'clock?"
"Ah, yes, of course. I'll see you there, one o'clock," said Duncan. "It's Sir Nicholas, isn't it?"
"Nick's just fine," said Da
Professor Amirkhan Mori smiled benevolently as he peered into the packed auditorium. His lectures were always well attended, and not just he also imparted so much wisdom and knowledge, but because he managed to do it with humor. It had taken Da
"It would have been better for the economic stability of our nation if John Maynard Keynes had never been born. I ca
"Moncrieff," he said. "What example do you have to offer of a legacy that Keynes could be proud of?"
"He founded the Cambridge Arts Theatre," said Da
"He also played Orsino in Twelfth Night when he was a student at King's College," said Mori. "But that was before he went on to prove to the world that it made economic sense for wealthy countries to invest in and encourage developing nations." The clock on the wall behind him struck one. "I've had enough of you lot," said the professor, and marched off the platform and disappeared out of the swing doors to laughter and applause.
Da
"I wonder if we might have a word, Moncrieff," said Mori, and without waiting for a reply, charged off down the corridor. Da
"Have a seat, dear boy," Mori said. "I'd offer you a drink, but frankly I don't have anything worth drinking. But to more important matters. I wanted to know if you had considered entering your name for the Je
"I hadn't given it a thought," admitted Da
"Then you should," said Professor Mori. "You're by far the brightest student of your intake, which isn't saying a lot, but I still think you could win the prise. If you have the time, you ought to give it your serious consideration."