“Yes. He rang me early on Friday morning to find out what the legal position was if the head of a department was caught using the bank’s money to carry out private deals.”

“Did he say which head of department?” asked Ross.

“He didn’t need to.”

“Did you say six directors?” interrupted Emma.

“Yes,” said Ross. “Why’s that important?”

“It constitutes a quorum. If Cedric were still alive, he would have spotted what Sloane was up to.”

“Oh my God. Now I realize why he needed me to sign those documents,” said Beryl. “Cedric will never forgive me.”

“Like you, I’m appalled, Mother, but don’t worry, you still own fifty-one percent of the bank.”

“Can someone kindly explain in simple English,” asked Harry, “what you’re all talking about?”

“Adrian Sloane has just appointed himself as the new chairman of Farthings,” said Sebastian. “Where’s the nearest phone?”

Chapter 13

13

SEBASTIAN CHECKED his watch. Just enough time to make one call. He was relieved to find the only phone box within sight was empty, and wasn’t out of order. He dialed a number he knew by heart.

“Victor Kaufman.”

“Vic, it’s Seb.”

“Seb, hi. You sound as if you’re phoning from the other side of the world.”

“Not quite. I’m at Huddersfield station. I’ve just been to Cedric Hardcastle’s funeral.”

“I read his obituary in today’s FT. That was one hell of a man you were working for.”

“You don’t know the half of it. Which is why I’m calling. I need to see your father urgently.”

“Just give his secretary a call, and I’ll make sure she fixes an appointment.”

“What I want to discuss can’t wait. I need to see him this evening, tomorrow morning at the latest.”

“Am I sensing a big deal?”

“The biggest ever to cross my desk.”

“Then I’ll speak to him immediately. When will you be back in London?”

“My train’s due to arrive at Euston at ten past four.”

“Give me a call from the station and I’ll—”

A shrill whistle blew and Seb turned to see a green flag waving. He dropped the phone, ran out on to the platform, and jumped onto the moving train.