Our Lady of Pain by John Blackburn

Author:John Blackburn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Valancourt Books
Published: 2021-09-11T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

‘There is no need to thank me, Mr Munro.’ John Forest prided himself on having a versatile mind and he was carrying on a telephone conversation and studying two sheets of typescript and a quarto-sized colour photograph simultaneously.

‘I and the staff of the Daily Globe are staunch champions of law and order and we are always delighted to assist the guardians of the law.’ The photograph had been placed under an Anglepoise lamp and the reproductions of gold and silver ornaments studded with gem stones sparkled in its beam. ‘The data you sent over this morning will be fully displayed in tomorrow’s edition, so let us hope that the publicity reaps results. I only wish we could print the picture in colour, but I’m afraid our directors would not stand the cost. Hard, tight-fisted men, Inspector, who think of little but profit.

‘Still, someone may recognize Starr’s hoard of ill-gotten gains and come forward.’ He looked at Harry who was sitting at the other side of his desk. ‘Though I understand you told Clay that the hoard may not be quite so ill-gotten and no actual burglary was involved – not in the general meaning of the word.’ He listened to the policeman’s answer and nodded.

‘Quite so, and I fully appreciate that that is your personal opinion and not for publication.’ He frowned at one of the typescripts. ‘It does seem as if you’re correct, however, because Nathan Adler considers that the collection would fetch over a quarter of a million pounds at a reputable auction. An important sum of money, yet none of the pieces have been reported stolen in this country or abroad.

‘Very – very intriguing, Inspector. A treasure trove with items dating from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, which may have been hidden away generations ago. A miser’s hoard perhaps, and the hiding place must have been extremely secure. I’ll be delighted to know how Starr discovered it. Also whether there’s a connection between his death and the death of Fergus Carlin.

‘No comment, eh.’ Forest frowned petulantly at the reply. ‘Come – come, Mr Munro. You know you can trust me not to release anything till you give the word, and we’ve done you a great service. If young Clay hadn’t been on the scene when Marty Starr went berserk that kid would have had a bullet in her skull. Because Clay knew about Starr’s fear of rats and because he risked his life to save Mary Seaton, she is alive and well, and you and your brave boys in blue can take the credit. Clay’s a modest chap and he doesn’t want any medals for life-saving.’ He gave Harry a cynical grin. ‘Oh, I understand, Mr Munro. By “no comment” you mean that nothing was found in the Carlins’ flat to connect them with the jewellery business and you’re still in the dark.

‘A pity, but nil desperandum is my motto and I’m sure that you’ll crack the case with your customary verve before long.

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