Stolen Brilliance: A Lady Black Mystery by Michael G. Colburn

Author:Michael G. Colburn [Colburn, Michael G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: I.P. Publishing
Published: 2024-09-02T00:00:00+00:00

PART FOUR

THE INVESTIGATION

Chapter 25

JACK CRAMER in LONDON

Jack slept fitfully on his first night back in London. It had been his responsibility to protect the diamonds, and he had failed. He dreaded facing Fredrick Taylor, who was a powerful man. Lloyd’s was a marketplace and overseer of groups of investors that formed syndicates to provide insurance under the Lloyd’s umbrella. And Fredrick Taylor was the president of the largest syndicate sanctioned by Lloyd’s.

Jack wasn’t hungry but forced a light breakfast—coffee and a roll. He found that the walk to the Royal Exchange improved his mental state. He recalled how much he enjoyed walking the streets of London, especially the bustling area near the business center of the city. He glanced at the Old Lady of Threadneedle, better known as the Bank of England. Then at the stock exchange, which had been operating in the area for many years.

As he entered Lloyd’s subscription room, people were scrambling everywhere. Some were waving papers and shouting, some were in private conversations or negotiations. He breathed deeply. He loved taking in the energy at Lloyd’s. He spotted Herbert Archer, Fredrick’s head broker and second in command, exchanging documents with a sea captain, who was likely covering his next voyage with loss insurance. Fredrick Taylor had created the largest syndicate at Lloyd’s by recruiting wealthy primary investors, some representing unknown quantities of silent investors. Fredrick’s syndicate wrote the most insurance of any syndicate and took the most significant risks. Of course, his premiums were calculated to cover those risks. Jack waved to Herbert, who quickly concluded his business and approached.

“Jack!” Herbert exclaimed. “You’re here. I’m so pleased. Let’s go to a private room where we can talk.”

“Is Fredrick joining us?” Jack asked.

“No,” Herbert replied. “He’s indisposed now. I’ll explain.”

Herbert led him into a nondescript room with a desk and two guest chairs, a sideboard for tea, water, or drinks, and a secretary’s desk for notetaking and paperwork. There were no windows. They sat in the two guest chairs provided at the desk.

“Jack, the news you sent us from Cape Town on the diamond theft was about all Fredrick could handle. We’ve been plagued with losses this past year, and that heist could be the killing blow. It made Fredrick physically ill.”

Herbert looked scared. Jack leaned forward and spoke calmly and quietly, focused on his face.

“Herbert, I feel terrible about the theft, but there had to be some masterminds behind it to pull off something so substantial and complicated. I intend to find out who those people are. I’m sorry about Fredrick, but surely your reserves will cover the loss. When can I see him?”

Herbert leaned away from Jack and averted his gaze. He seemed almost guilty or defensive—not at all like his usual self. Jack leaned forward.

“Herbert, you’re acting strange; tell me what’s wrong.”

Herbert hesitated, then spoke very quietly. “Fredrick has been at a friend’s summer home for a few weeks. He doesn’t come to the office. He’s under a doctor’s care. He’s been waiting for your arrival to call an investor meeting.

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