Hidden From Sight by Rigby Sally

Author:Rigby, Sally [Rigby, Sally]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Top Drawer Press
Published: 2023-01-08T23:00:00+00:00

‘How are your parents? I haven’t seen them for ages. Not since I married Edith,’ Harold said to Seb once they were seated in his study.

‘They’re very well, thank you, and send their best regards.’

‘So, what can I do for you, Sebastian? You mentioned wanting to discuss some charity work that we could engage in together. I must say, it was somewhat surprising to receive your call considering my social standing since my marriage to Edith.’

‘I was a little economical with the truth when we spoke, Harold, because I wasn’t sure that you’d agree to meet with me if you knew the real reason. I’m here to enquire about the missing painting and the forgery that was put in its place.’

The man stiffened. ‘Why are you interested? I’ve spoken to the police and to my insurance company, and it’s currently under investigation. What have you got to do with this? Do you work for either one of them?’

‘No. I’m working for another party. I believe there may be a link between your missing painting and the disappearance of Jasper Pemberton, who worked at the art gallery.’

‘I know Pemberton and his parents. I didn’t know that he had disappeared, though. Do you believe he might have been involved?’

‘It’s a line of enquiry.’

‘So, when you said you were in investigation, did you mean that you’re a private investigator?’

‘That is correct. When was the last time you saw Pemberton?’

‘I don’t remember exactly. I occasionally go into the gallery to see what paintings they’re exhibiting and will talk to him if he’s there. But I don’t see him regularly. Maybe at a charity event occasionally, but nothing more than that.’

‘So, you didn’t deal with him when you arranged for your painting to be cleaned?’

‘No. I spoke directly to Oscar Devonport.’

‘Why did you choose this particular time to have the painting cleaned? Have you done the same for the rest of your art collection?’

The man hesitated. ‘I was debating selling it to raise some capital and I wanted it to be in pristine condition. But that’s strictly between you and me because I’m in the process of negotiating with the National Trust to take on the estate because of its historical importance, and for me to remain living there. Before they did an inventory, I wanted to see what the painting was worth and take it out of the equation.’

Somerton’s admission gave him a motive for orchestrating the whole affair. Except… why then admit it?

‘It could be suggested that the events went in your favour.’

Somerton’s face clouded over. ‘That, young man, is very presumptuous of you. You’re now accusing me of criminal activity, and I don’t appreciate it.’ The man clenched and unclenched his fists several times, and Seb’s interest was piqued; gestures made with both hands at the same time were often a sign that a person was lying.

‘I was talking hypothetically.’ Seb kept his voice light and nonconfrontational, wanting to elicit more information from the man, which he’d be unable to do if he wasn’t trusted.

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