Tug Of Law (Bernadette Mackenna Cases Book 4)

by D. R. Bailey

  Bernadette nodded and laughed lightly. “There we are then, that’s true love. You’ve described everything about why I love Eve. I can well believe the bedroom part.”

  “Bitch! You know you’ve heard it for yourself,” Imogen giggled.

  “I didn’t want to mention it but, yes.”

  “Anyway, I’ll do as you suggest when we get home.”

  “Good, that’s my girl.” Bernadette reached across, took Imogen’s hand and squeezed it.

  “Have we anything else to do today?” Imogen took the conversation back to work.

  “I don’t know. What about trying to see the senior investigating officer on the case?”

  “Hmm, do you think it’s a good idea? We’re seeing Mason tomorrow and they might complain to him if we piss them off. He would become less cooperative.”

  “Yes, true. Defence barristers don’t usually talk to the Garda who are pursuing their clients. I just thought we might get something out of them.”

  Imogen shook her head. “Far be it from me to disagree but I very much doubt they would tell us anything useful.”

  “I tend to agree with you, it was just a thought. So, hopefully, after Mason, we’ll have the affidavit signing. We could always try the investigating officer after lunch.”

  “Yes.”

  “I feel like we’ve come over here and not managed to do much,” said Bernadette shooting her a guilty look.

  “Oh, for God’s sake, will you relax? If anyone should be worrying, it’s me, the junior. We had to come here for that interview if nothing else. Come on, darling, ease up on yourself and me too,” Imogen said crossly.

  “I know, I need to,” said Bernadette with a sigh, “Eve wants us to go on a proper holiday.”

  “And so you should, what a great idea.”

  “It would be, wouldn’t it. I know, I’ve been neglectful, and I know it,” Bernadette said sadly.

  “Really, darling! Stop beating yourself up, you’ve been so wonderful to Eve. That’s just silly. Anyway, anytime you want to go on holiday then I will be able to hold the fort no problem.”

  “Thanks, darling. We might as well have a good time while we are here then.”

  “My thoughts exactly, in fact, I insist on it. If not for me then for D’Arcy and for Eve. D’Arcy is so happy to be able to treat you two. You have no idea how much she loves you both. This trip means a lot to her.”

  “I know. Ignore me.”

  “You worry too much. Eve says so and she’s right.”

  “She’s too much of damn mind reader.” Bernadette rolled her eyes. “I can’t get anything past her, the witch that she is.”

  Just then Jackson appeared with their coffee and put it down on the table. It was accompanied by some biscuits and cake which he said he felt they might enjoy. They thanked him, he bowed and discreetly withdrew.

  “Oh my God, I’ll be back on my diet at this rate!” said Bernadette.

  “It’s only one week, I’m sure your metabolism can cope.”

  “You are right, and the cake looks rather delicious, I will just have to force myself to eat it,” Bernadette said taking a slice.

  ✽✽✽

  D’Arcy and Eve returned from their excursion and to Imogen’s surprise D’Arcy did not arrive loaded down with shopping bags. Eve put her purchases away until later, and D’Arcy pulled Imogen into the bedroom for a tête-à-tête’. Bernadette and Eve decided to leave them to it.

  “D’Arcy was remarkably restrained,” Eve confided while they went for a swim before dinner.

  “And how did you manage that?” Bernadette asked as they rested at the side of the pool.

  “I just pretended whatever it was didn’t really suit her, and then she didn’t buy it.”

  “You evil little witch,” Bernadette laughed.

  “I know but imagine what would have happened otherwise. In any case, she spent a large sum of money as it was.”

  “And did you buy anything?” Bernadette said kissing her lightly.

  “D’Arcy did buy me a couple of things which I’ll show you later, and I got a nice jacket and skirt for you.”

  “Babe, you didn’t have to.”

  “I did though.”

  “Love you.”

  They went out for dinner at Claridge’s at D’Arcy’s insistence. It was a stylish modern restaurant serving a range of high-class dishes which were less expensive than Bernadette expected and far more delicious. D’Arcy kept up a constant stream of chatter and flirted outrageously with the waitress who recognised her at once. Bernadette watched Imogen carefully, but it seemed she was managing to keep herself under control. Bernadette felt it was harmless enough. They returned to the hotel seemingly without incident and retired to bed.

  “Have you had a good day, my darling?” Bernadette asked Eve kissing her gently.

  “Yes, I really have. I loved Harrods we had a nice lunch there. It was tiring though. I was glad to get back to the hotel.”

  “I was glad to see you back. I’m sorry I could not be there, but we will plan our holiday when we get back, I promise.”

  “Thank you, my sweetheart.”

  “You can thank me in other ways.”

  “Mmm, you mean like this?”

  “Oh, yes, just like that… oh… God… Eve…”

  Chapter Eight

  Breakfast was an enjoyable affair. They all tried the Eggs Benedict for variety.

  “So, what’s on the agenda today, darlings?” D’Arcy said after consuming a couple of mouthfuls.

  “We’ve got an important lunch with the opposition barrister, as you know, and hopefully we can get the affidavit signed too,” Imogen told her.

  “Where are you going to lunch?”

  “The Waldorf.”

  “Ooh, that is one of my favourites.” D’Arcy gave her a sly look.

  “D’Arcy, no! You are not coming there for lunch,” Imogen told her firmly.

  “But, angel, can’t we just… I promise we’ll be quiet.” D’Arcy pouted.

  “No! This is business and as much as I’d love you to be there, we can’t have the distraction, I’m sorry, my sweetheart.” Imogen softened her tone and kissed her lightly. “Listen, remember how you wanted to go for tea at the Dorchester? You’ve been telling me about it for days—”

  “Ooh! Yes, yes, yes!” D’Arcy clapped her hands interrupting. “We will! I will make the booking this morning.”

  “There, is that better?”

  “Much,” said D’Arcy giving Imogen puppy dog eyes.

  “Anyway, D’Arcy, we don’t need to be rushing around this morning, we could all have another swim perhaps?” said Eve.

  “Yes, let’s do that after breakfast.”

  Following which D’Arcy was content, and the harmony of the morning meal was once more restored. Eve told them all about their trip to Harrods, and how much she had enjoyed looking around the food hall in particular. They all had a swim, used the sauna and steam room, then D’Arcy and Eve went out to find somewhere nice for lunch.

  In the meantime, there was no word from Damsa much to Imogen’s annoyance.

  “I know they probably don’t think it’s important but still,” she said impatiently.

  “Don’t fret, they might just need some time to think. I am sure she knows it’s important.”

  “Yes, but even so!”

  They were in a taxi on the way to the Waldorf where they were meeting Mason. The Waldorf stood on Aldwych just off the Strand. It was a massive stone edifice seven stories high. The ground floor was painted yellow and above that, the frontage with its large windows was punctuated by fluted Corinthian columns. The style of the hotel was Edwardian, and the two of them marvelled at the building before going in through the portico. Inside and out the building and its interior was pure Art Deco and had been carefully restored and refurbished in recent times.

  They asked for directions to the Homage restaurant and were shown to
their table.

  “Wow!” said Imogen looking around at the high ceilings, fluted white columns with gold capitals. They were in the raised part of the restaurant, and stairs led down to the large flat area where they used to hold tea dances. The ceiling over the dance floor consisted of squares of translucent glass which gave a warm feel to the whole place.

  “It’s rather beautiful,” Bernadette observed.

  The waiter brought them the menus and they opted for sparkling water to begin with. Mason would no doubt want alcohol, so Bernadette suggested waiting until they had ordered the food.

  Very shortly their guest arrived. He was wearing a sharp blue suit, black highly polished brogues, a shirt with thin pink pinstripes, and a pink tie. He was around six foot tall with a good head of black hair, blue eyes, and clean shaven. He looked the epitome of a successful barrister with expensive attire.

  “Hello, it’s nice to meet you a bit more informally,” he said as they stood up to greet him.

  “Yes,” Bernadette replied.

  “Ah yes.” Then he said to Imogen, “You made the arrangements.”

  “Yes, that’s right,” Imogen replied with a slight smile.

  They shook hands and then resumed their seats, and Mason sat down too.

  “Well, this is very nice,” he said looking around, “It’s a while since I’ve eaten here, what an excellent choice.”

  “Thank you.” Imogen smiled.

  They ordered from the menu. Mason opted for the Chef’s soup, followed by a T-Bone steak medium rare. Imogen chose creamy mussels followed by a three-bone rack, and Bernadette Japanese cured salmon followed by Casterbridge sirloin. They opted for a selection of vegetables and potatoes as accompaniments. Since they were all eating meat, Bernadette ordered a bottle of Bonavita Merlot, and imagined they might well need two depending upon how much Mason had to drink. She and Imogen were going to pace themselves.

  “So, before we get down to business you obviously asked me here for, tell me a little bit about yourselves, you have a successful practice in Dublin I gather from what Shane told me,” Mason said sampling his wine.

  Bernadette noticed the flicker of a frown cross Imogen’s face at the mention of Shane, but then it was gone. Imogen had evidently still some issues over Shane, which Bernadette fervently hoped were not linked to an ongoing but suppressed attraction. She resolved perhaps to ask her about it when she got a chance.

  “Yes, I started it several years ago and I’m lucky enough that it’s flourishing with some fee earners. Imogen here is my junior partner in crime, or rather criminal law.” Bernadette laughed lightly and buttered a roll from a basket which the waiters had brought.

  “Lucky you, Shane says you’re quite famous in Irish law circles.”

  “I don’t know about famous, maybe notorious.” Bernadette smiled. “You and Shane are friends?”

  “Oh yes, Shaney and I go a long way back to Law school. We apprenticed together but then as you do, we went our separate ways though we’ve always stayed in touch. I tried to talk him out of going to Ireland but for whatever reason, he insisted.”

  “My understanding was they made him an offer he couldn’t refuse,” said Bernadette lightly.

  “Oh, I’m sure but he could have made far more money here for less trouble,” Mason laughed.

  The waiter bought the first course and they addressed themselves to eating for a few moments. Bernadette had already got Mason’s measure, she felt. He was motivated by wealth just as she thought he would be.

  “So you enjoy being a prosecuting QC?” she asked him after consuming most of her salmon.

  He gave a short laugh. “Enjoy isn’t a word I’d use. I mean, I don’t enjoy, for example, sending people to prison but it’s a job which sometimes has to be done and which pays exceptionally well. I try to do it as well as I can too.”

  “It’s not a calling then?” she said quizzing him a little on his motivations.

  “I wouldn’t say that, I chose law as opposed to banking which didn’t interest me. I wanted a well-paid profession to be candid. Being a silk means I don’t have to do all the leg work and I still get paid. We have briefs and solicitors who do it all for us. I just have to turn up in court and do my bit. I’ve done my time at the other stuff, thank you.”

  “I see,” said Bernadette laying down her cutlery.

  Imogen had been listening to this conversation intently. It was plain she did not approve at all of what she was hearing. Her expression certainly revealed itself to Bernadette who knew her extremely well.

  “Is that not how you see it?” he said interested, finishing up his soup.

  “I do see it differently, yes. For me, it is a calling, and even a passion. I believe passionately in justice and getting justice if I can,” Bernadette said frankly.

  “Shane told me as much when I asked him about you.”

  “We also believe in doing a lot of the leg work, as you termed it, for us, it’s part of the job. I actually enjoy it and I quite enjoy the challenge of being in court too.”

  “Yes, Shane said you were quite formidable, and not to be underestimated,” he said looking at her shrewdly.

  “Ah well, he flatters me there.”

  “No, he doesn’t, she’s extremely formidable and has a fearsome reputation,” Imogen said suddenly.

  “And you, is it why you work for her?” he said directing this at Imogen.

  “Yes, we have the same passions for justice, and I’ve learned a huge amount from her too.”

  “I wouldn’t doubt it.”

  The waiter removed the empty plates.

  “That was delicious by the way,” Mason added as the waiter left, “I can’t wait for the mains.”

  “Amazing flavours, I agree,” said Bernadette, “Very subtle, how were your mussels, Imogen?”

  “Beautiful, loved them.”

  “So, then while we’re waiting, perhaps you might tell why you wanted this meeting,” Mason said getting to the point.

  “Sure, of course.”

  He regarded her expectantly.

  “Well,” she began, “I want to know why you are pursuing my client so vigorously to the point of wanting him extradited.”

  “I see.”

  “It’s a reasonable question,” she said slightly nettled.

  “Indeed, it is, and I’m trying to frame a reasonable answer.”

  “Did you think we’d come to negotiate, or perhaps look for a plea bargain?” Imogen enquired.

  “The thought did cross my mind.”

  “She doesn’t do that, it’s not her style.”

  “Yes… so…”

  “Shane told you?” she finished the sentence for him.

  “Yes.”

  “Shane seems to have told you a lot of things.”

  “He err… likes to study the opposition as it were, always did, it’s one of his traits I’m afraid,” he said almost apologetically.

  “I’m glad to have been a subject of his study then,” said Imogen slightly acidly which made him look at her a little askance.

  Fortunately, the waiter arrived with the main courses, and laid out dishes of cauliflower and cheese gratin, sauteed French beans with confit shallots, grilled asparagus tossed in clarified butter and Pomme Dauphinoise.

  “Mmm, delicious,” said Mason having helped himself to a liberal portion of the side dishes and cut into his steak to take a bite.

  “It is rather,” said Bernadette trying her own with satisfaction.

  Imogen put her attention back on her food, and Bernadette hoped she might curb her belligerence a little for the sake of some détente. Halfway through his steak, Mason’s phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and looked at it.

  “Damn, so sorry, I really have to take this. It’s another case about to come to court, I won’t be long.” With a regretful glance at his half-finished steak, he left the room.

  Bernadette called the waiter over and asked h
im to keep Mason’s plate warm, then she turned to Imogen.

  “Will you please lighten up for goodness sakes, darling, your animosity towards Shane isn’t helping us,” she said without trying to sound cross.

  “I’m sorry,” said Imogen at once, “I can’t help it, he just makes me so angry.”

  “Well, we are going to have a discussion about that,” said Bernadette firmly.

  “We are?” Imogen suddenly looked like a naughty schoolgirl.

  “Yes, you are going to tell me what the problem really is between you and Shane.”

  “Oh shit, can’t you just put me over your knee instead?”

  “No, I can’t, tempting as it may be,” Bernadette laughed, “But you need to come clean.”

  “OK, after he’s gone then.”

  “OK, but please in the meantime, I’m trying to get some mileage out of this meal and antagonising him isn’t going to help.”

  “Sorry, darling.”

  “I love you, Imogen, but just please try.”

  “I will, I’m sorry again.”

  “That’s OK.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to spank me anyway, as a punishment?” Imogen said playfully.

  “No! Now stop it.”

  The two of them laughed then and resumed eating. Shortly afterwards Mason returned and was grateful Bernadette had asked them to keep his food warm.

  “So sorry about that, I do hate taking phone calls over meals, but it was something rather urgent.”

  “It’s quite alright,” said Bernadette. She let him eat in peace. She and Imogen had almost finished their own dishes.

  He pushed his plate away at length. “That was marvellous,” he said taking another drink, “Absolutely marvellous. Nothing like a decent steak to set you up for the afternoon.”

  “Yes, or at least a satisfying lunch.”

  Bernadette noticed the wine bottle was empty and asked him if he’d like her to order another.

  “Oh no, not for me,” he demurred, “But you go right ahead. My days of heavy lunches are over. Most of us are the same now, can’t afford to get tipsy, muddles the thinking. Back in the day of course we’d be necking down a couple of bottles, but things are different now, many things.”