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. Lloydâs was a marketplace and overseer of groups of investors that formed syndicates to provide insurance under the Lloydâs umbrella. And Fredrick Taylor was the president of the largest syndicate sanctioned by Lloydâs.
Jack wasnât hungry but forced a light breakfastâcoffee 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 Lloydâs 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 Lloydâs. He spotted Herbert Archer, Fredrickâs 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 Lloydâs by recruiting wealthy primary investors, some representing unknown quantities of silent investors. Fredrickâs 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.
âJack!â Herbert exclaimed. âYouâre here. Iâm so pleased. Letâs go to a private room where we can talk.â
âIs Fredrick joining us?â Jack asked.
âNo,â Herbert replied. âHeâs indisposed now. Iâll explain.â
Herbert led him into a nondescript room with a desk and two guest chairs, a sideboard for tea, water, or drinks, and a secretaryâs desk for notetaking and paperwork. There were no windows. They sat in the two guest chairs provided at the desk.
âJack, the news you sent us from Cape Town on the diamond theft was about all Fredrick could handle. Weâve been plagued with losses this past year, and that heist could be the killing blow. It made Fredrick physically ill.â
Herbert looked scared. Jack leaned forward and spoke calmly and quietly, focused on his face.
âHerbert, 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. Iâm sorry about Fredrick, but surely your reserves will cover the loss. When can I see him?â
Herbert leaned away from Jack and averted his gaze. He seemed almost guilty or defensiveânot at all like his usual self. Jack leaned forward.
âHerbert, youâre acting strange; tell me whatâs wrong.â
Herbert hesitated, then spoke very quietly. âFredrick has been at a friendâs summer home for a few weeks. He doesnât come to the office. Heâs under a doctorâs care. Heâs been waiting for your arrival to call an investor meeting.
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