Anthony Raven spoke then, also glancing at Peter. ‘I think we have to discuss the question of funding. It seems to be the suggestion that monies due to your mother, and now you, Peter, have been misappropriated. It is also quite possible that other funds have gone the same way. I see Hartman had thoughts that monies from Catherine’s mother might also be involved, still under her own name. If so, we must assume that when her estate was finalised not all funds were disclosed; and we might be looking at other serious irregularities. I admit that I always considered Lionel Franklin had some eccentric ways about him, but I would never have believed this level of corruption.’
He turned to Simon Kingsley. ‘You intimated that you had found it difficult to get information from the trustees of Catherine Hartman’s fund. Who are the trustees?’
‘They were Franklin, Geoffrey Villiers and Sir Gregory Hamilton. Hamilton died some time ago and I put myself forward as a new trustee but found that one had already been appointed, at Hamilton’s request before he died. His son Duncan is the third trustee.’
‘That little…’
CHAPTER 23
It was obvious that Dougie had managed to stop himself from uttering a profanity.
Anthony Raven looked over at him. ‘You know of him, Sergeant Johnson?’
Peter sensed there was something behind this exchange. ‘If you have anything to tell us, Dougie, go ahead.’
With an uncomfortable glance at Peter, Dougie outlined the episode with Duncan Hamilton at Richmond, and Alex’s subsequent interview with Franklin about the matter. Peter listened with disbelief and began to wonder how much more there was for him to learn, and it wasn’t long in coming.
‘I have some knowledge of Alex in this respect.’ Luigi’s voice was quiet, and all eyes turned to him. ‘Alex told me of an interview he had with Judge Franklin when they disclosed their marriage. I gather Franklin made some inappropriate remarks about Catherine, of a… sexual nature, and taunted Alex with suggestions that he had married her for her money. I’ll be the first to admit that Alex had a temper, as well as pride in his integrity, and he was always vulnerable where Catherine was concerned. I think it was a deliberate act to goad him, and Alex ended up signing a letter of disclaimer regarding any benefit from the monies.’
Simon Kingsley looked at Luigi. ‘I didn’t see any draft of this, or a signed copy.’
‘I understand Franklin produced a letter he had already prepared, and Alex signed it there and then, in anger.’
‘Of all the stupid…! No wonder he was adamant that his Will was to be drawn up in a certain way. Why didn’t he tell me then?’
Dougie smacked his forehead with his hand. ‘I’ve just thought of something! Supposing, with Franklin’s involvement with Clarke, as well as hitmen available to him, he also had forgers of various kinds. Now, think of this: if Alex signed a paper which was retained by Franklin it’s just possible that his original signature was then forged, which might explain the other bank account.’ He looked around the room for confirmation of his idea.
Jonathan Raven was the first to speak. ‘It’s an interesting theory, Sergeant.’
He then looked down at his watch. ‘I think, for a first meeting, that we have achieved quite a lot. We know where we need to look for further evidence. In light of Sergeant Johnson’s warning, I think it would be as well if we all remembered that there could be much more to all this than we know at the moment, and we should take care in our investigations.’
He looked around the room, and received nods from all present.
‘It would be much simpler if Lionel Franklin could be encouraged to tell us what he knows. It might even have to come to that. I’m still unclear as to his basic motives. However, for now I suggest we dig around some more and perhaps have another meeting next week, and I’ll liaise with you all on that.’
As everyone started to leave the room, Luigi came and placed his arm around Peter’s shoulder. ‘I’m sorry you’re hearing all this sort of thing, my boy. It won’t help when you see Franklin, will it.’
Peter sighed. ‘No. I think I’ll take Jonathan’s point about pretending to be someone else. However, what I’ve heard tonight has made me even more resolved, and I must deal with it.’
Luigi saw the determination in the grey eyes, and gave him a pat on the back. ‘Good boy. All I would counsel is not to underestimate Franklin. I warned Alex about him, and if I’d been aware of his actual investigation I’d have been even more troubled. He’s clever, and you will need to be on your guard.’
*
As the evening of Peter’s visit to Franklin arrived, he still had no idea how he could keep himself from blurting out his knowledge of the man’s actions. However, he knew that somehow he must hold everything back and try to behave in his normal way. He had given some thought to the questions he would try to ask. It was obvious that he would have to lie, and he hoped he could do so well enough to convince Franklin.
When he arrived at the Club, Franklin appeared to be in good spirits, a little more so than Peter had ever seen him. Stamping down on the immediate desire to confront this man with his knowledge about the past, he accepted a glass of whisky and concentrated hard on what he had to do. He tried to turn the conversation round to college days, speaking about his own memories of the evenings with Donaldson and others.
‘Oh yes, I remember many a fascinating evening myself. Those were interesting times, when you had serious discussions with like minds.’ Franklin was sitting back in his chair staring into the fire, appearing relaxed, with a refilled whisky glass. ‘One of the Dons during my time, Helsenburgh, was quite a hothead. He was a good speaker: used to impress us. Richard was in our group, then, until he began to change his views.’ He went silent.
Peter tried to keep the thread of the conversation going. ‘I’ve kept in touch with one or two of my class. Do you still see any of the people you were at college with? Did you all go on to do well in careers?’
‘Well, you know Brian Donaldson, of course. He wanted to stay on in academia. He didn’t fancy the rough and tumble of the outside world. Aubrey Potter went into the Civil Service, like Richard. I’m in touch with him still. He’s retired now, although he’s called back from time to time to assist with committees and the like.’
He seemed to come out of his mood of reminiscence. ‘How’s the job going?’
The change of topic threw Peter’s concentration, and he had to work hard to keep the game going.
‘I’m enjoying it. I’m getting to know plenty of people in the corporate world, both here and abroad. I already have lines of communication to some very influential people. It could do me some good in the future, in a personal way, if you know what I mean.’ Untrue, of course, but it sounded good, he thought.
‘Oh yes, Peter, I do indeed know what you mean. Cultivate them. Find out what they’re like on a personal level. If you can get to know what makes someone tick, any weaknesses, you can work out ways it might benefit you.’
‘This is the same sort of thing you used to tell me to watch out for in Court? Keep an eye on the people involved?’
‘Yes. I did just that, and it’s proved very useful. In your new situation I think you could find this working for you… if you wanted it to.’
Peter found himself being watched by pale blue eyes, and with what he now knew about this man, wondered what was going on behind that gaze. Was Franklin suspicious of his questioning, or was it his own imagination? He made himself keep his face relaxed, and sipped at his whisky. He had never liked the stuff, but hoped it created the right sort of atmosphere.
‘Do you still see that girl?’
Again, the sudden change of topic.
‘Not as much. She’s involved with her own crowd now. There’ll be someone else.’
‘Choose well, Peter. Remember, this can bring you more influence. The old adage of marrying for money or position
still has its place in modern times. You’re a nice enough looking boy, well brought up, you shouldn’t have much trouble. Another reason to use your contacts.’
‘Yes, you could well be right Lionel. As usual.’ A quick smile over his whisky glass accompanied this remark.
Steady, he chided himself. He was starting to play-act too much. Perhaps it was the whisky. His grip on the glass tightened. He must be careful not to overdo it. The truth was that he was beginning to feel strained and tired, trying to keep up the act when all he wanted to do was let all his true feelings pour out. It was perhaps time for him to go.
‘Well, I think I’d better be on my way now. Thanks for the chat, Lionel. See you again soon eh?’
*
Lionel Franklin stared into the heart of the fire, thinking hard. Was it his imagination or had the boy been overeager in his company tonight? It was unusual for him to drink whisky too. Perhaps he was becoming influenced by some of his new contacts! Then there was the out-of-character questioning. Just innocent interest, or was there something more behind it? Also, surprising news about the girl: he had seemed keen, and Peter had never struck him as the sort of person who would flit from one woman to another. As she was still around, it appeared she had not reacted as hoped to her mugging episode. Pity! He would have to watch that situation.
He thought again about the police and Clarke’s man. Yes, he must find out more about that. With slow steps he made his way down to the lobby phone.
*
Peter found Sarah waiting for him when he arrived back home.
‘Sorry to have let myself into your sanctuary, but I thought you might be feeling peckish. You can come up to the kitchen and I’ll fix you something if you like.’
‘That’s OK, Sarah, but I’ll get to bed, I think. I’m a bit tired. I’ve also had a glass of whisky which hasn’t helped.’
He sensed that Sarah was anxious about his reaction to tonight’s meeting and wanted to talk, but first he needed to calm himself and sort out in his mind everything he had heard. He could still feel the tension in him. As he watched Sarah fiddling with her hair, he had the curious impression there was something else on her mind.
‘I’ll leave you to it, then.’
She turned to go and then appeared to make a decision. She pulled out an envelope from her skirt pocket and handed it to him.
‘As well as the box Alex left with Simon Kingsley, there was a letter addressed to me. In it, Alex asked me to give you this envelope when I thought the moment was right. I don’t know if this is the right moment, and I don’t know what’s in the letter, but I think it’s about time for you to have it. Goodnight, Peter.’
Left on his own, Peter looked at the envelope. He recognised his father’s handwriting. It was addressed ‘To my dear Peter’. Sitting down on his bed he opened the envelope and drew out the contents. It appeared to be two pages of a hand written letter. What else was he now about to learn? He cleared his mind and began to read.
My dear son,
You will never know how much pleasure just using that phrase gives me. If you are reading this letter then you will know that I have not been able to be with you in your life so far. This does not mean that I do not love you; in fact, quite the opposite. It is for the love of you, and your mother, that I have taken the decision to remove myself from your lives.
I do not know whether your mother will inform you about the circumstances for my leaving you; that is entirely a matter for her. But I wanted you to know as much as I can tell you of my reasons.
I love your mother with all my heart, and always will. She has brought more happiness into my life than I had ever known before we met. I looked forward to living the rest of our lives together and enjoying shared experiences with you. Unfortunately she became aware of certain actions I was forced to take in the course of my work which caused her much unhappiness and distress; a fear I always had, but one that I hoped we could overcome. This has not proved possible, and as I have no wish to cause any further pain to her I felt it was better to leave and let her live in peace. My decision was not taken lightly. It caused me great sorrow to know that I would no longer be part of her life, and to enjoy seeing you grow.
Your mother loves you very much and I ask you to take care of her, as I always tried to do. I know that she will bring you up with the right attitude in life, and for my part I would urge you to try to be the best you can in anything you undertake. Sarah McIntyre and Luigi Gandoni will also give you good counsel if you require guidance.
Please do not think too badly of my decision. It was meant for the best. Where ever I am I will be thinking of you both, and you will forever have all my love.
I wish you luck and happiness in your life.
Your loving father, always,
Alex
Peter read the letter again and again, with tears running down his cheeks. As he refolded the pages and put them back in the envelope he wondered at the agonising his father must have gone through worrying all the time whether his investigations might drive him away from his family.
Sitting there alone, he whispered into the quiet of the room. ‘I’m sure it would never have happened, Father, but you weren’t to know that. I didn’t get the chance to take care of either of you, but I hope you’re proud of me, and I’ll try to be worthy of you. I’m sure you’re both together again, and I will do all in my power to right all the wrongs against you. I love you both.’
With even stronger resolve in his heart, he made ready for bed.
CHAPTER 24
Dougie Johnson was informed that Johnny Clarke was going to be brought in for questioning within days. He would have liked to be involved, but on reflection, thought it better to keep out of it. The less direct contact the better.
He had tracked down Sir John Fraser’s secretary who, though nearing retirement age, still worked part-time for the force. Using a round-about reason for his enquiry he asked her what she recalled of the time leading up to the Commissioner’s death. After some thought, she remembered Alex Hartman’s visits to see Sir John. She always enjoyed seeing him, she said, as he was such a nice-looking, polite man. She also remembered Assistant Commissioner Rankin calling to see Sir John that particular evening. She had the feeling that there was some sort of celebration as she remembered seeing a bottle of some description. She also remembered Rankin, as he left, asking her if Sir John had any engagements for that evening as he thought he looked a little tired. She had told him of Sir John’s charity engagement.
She promised Dougie that she would give some thought as to any names of contacts Sir John might have made round about this time. He impressed upon her the confidentiality of his enquiry and, with a smile, she assured him of her understanding.
He was still working on tracing the young constable at the Fulham property and also the unknown Superintendent Fox. He had contacted the now retired Superintendent Charles who confirmed that no approach was made through him for permission to remove their investigation files, and that although he had not been involved, it would have been normal for him to have passed on instructions to Dougie for organising the removal rather than a stranger. He promised to give some thought as to other Superintendents known to him on the force at that time. Dougie was sure he suspected something about these enquiries, but he had made no comment.
He had turned his mind to Anthony Raven’s idea of finding the bullet from Alex’s gun. With no real plan he had driven out to the Fulham property, trying to work out some vague idea of how to gain entry. He was trying to avoid, if he could, the necessity for obtaining a proper search warrant, as the fewer people who knew about these investigations, the better. He was surprised to see a For Sale board outside the house. On enquiry he found that the property had just been sold and renovation works were being undertaken. This might be the right time to try to get inside. He would contact Peter Hartman, and see if they could use some pretext o
r other.
He wondered how the boy had fared with his visit to Franklin. It was uncanny, he mused, just how much there was about Peter that conjured up his parents. How did Franklin deal with it? Was there any remorse? He doubted it.
*
Sarah had passed on a message to Peter when he arrived home from work that Dougie was calling round at any moment, and in fact he arrived a few minutes afterwards.
As the three sat down at the kitchen table with a pot of tea, Dougie was trying to convince a sceptical Peter that they would be able to gain access to the property by saying that they were local amateur crime writers keen to view the scene of a past incident. Peter was not too sure at all. It sounded pretty thin as far as an excuse went.
‘Why don’t you just flash them your card or something? After all, they’re just workmen, they’re not going to live there, and even if they were I’m sure neighbours would at some time talk about past events.’
‘I’d prefer them not to think the police were snooping around. They might be more inclined to mention it to someone.’
Peter shrugged. ‘We can try your way, I suppose. It sounds a bit illegal to me.’
Dougie grinned at him. ‘It probably is, but I’m beyond all that now.’
He turned to Sarah. ‘Do you know what happened to Alex’s paperwork in the house when it was cleared?’
‘Yes, it’s all up in the attic. I keep thinking I ought to look through it sometime, but I never do.’ She looked at Peter. ‘Perhaps that’s something we should tackle.’
‘Would there be anything amongst it relating to Alex’s finances, do you know?’ continued Dougie.
Sarah smiled at him. ‘Oh, I’m sure there is. Catherine was meticulous in keeping a note of all their housekeeping details. It used to amuse Alex. He said it would be easier for him to get money out of Fort Knox than his own bank account. I know that he once had some shares in a small company that did very well, which is how he bought the Porsche and rented a good-quality flat. I believe he said that the remainder bought Catherine’s engagement ring. When he sold the Porsche to a friend of his, he had cash to buy the other car and also Catherine’s earrings. He told me this when he asked me to keep the jewellery so that she wouldn’t find it until Peter’s christening.’ She looked over at Peter with misty eyes. ‘He was so proud, that day, of his beautiful wife and son.’
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