‘I knew because Brent Millar advised me … oh, long ago. In January, I think? His wife verified this fact when I telephoned her at her mother’s house to say that there had been a very little hold-up in the building of my hotel. Nothing grave. A spring in the foundations. It meant drainage and so on which had not been anticipated. I told her I would collect the canvases when the time was right. She said that was in order. The works would stay at the house. Voilà! The time is now, and that is all that I can possibly tell you.’

I tried a stronger line.

‘I have seen the Agendas which James sold to Brent Millar. They are, as you will obviously understand, of exceptional interest. They are extremely detailed and cover such a long time. From Paris up until Bargemon. Which you so very kindly guided him towards. Could we meet, just for a moment or two? Perhaps you have a tiny clue which could be helpful to me. I do need your advice.’

‘If Brent Millar has the Agendas, you can be perfectly certain, Mr Colcott, that they are in very secure hands.’

‘I can only be certain that he has the originals. I have seen those…’

The silence once more. This time there was the sound of not heavy, but simply breathing on the line. Somewhere I had a feeling that Aronovich was not quite sure of things.

‘Originals?’

‘Yes. James was very keen to earn some money. I expect you know how strapped he was for cash? Wretched business. But he thought that perhaps he could do well if the things were offered on the open market. You know? France, Germany, the US, where Mr Millar is a rather popular writer. There is a brisk demand for stuff like that, I gather.’

‘You say there are copies of the Agendas?’

‘One can’t be totally sure, can one? I know that I would keep a copy of anything I valued in the way of writing. I write myself. Essential to have a copy or even copies, and it is easy now to do that.’

‘It is highly unlikely, Mr Colcott.’

‘So, Mr Aronovich, is life on Mars. But who knows?’

‘What do you want?’

‘A meeting, very short. I have to be in Nice tomorrow to meet the afternoon flight from London. Would that be any good to you? If I am in Nice?’

‘I can be in Nice. Yes. Very well. Noon. The Pullman Bar on the observation floor at the airport. For a few moments.’

‘You are more than generous. I am sure that we will recognize each other, but alas! I am not a blond like James … and older …’

Suddenly Aronovich was at ease. He laughed lightly. ‘I know that. You have dark hair and it curls, eh?’ He hung up abruptly.