‘There are a number of options open to us, but not for long. I am asking you, in the family’s name, to help. We need the picture, but more important, we need you on side for obvious reasons. Amanda wants to injunct you, but I have called her off. Actually, she admitted that she had gone too far, talking about prison. It would be pointless and it would make your life utter hell. I don’t want that. Estelle, there’s more to life than this. My father and I didn’t get on well, as you know, but I always appreciated the way you handled him. What people said was true: you were more or less running Bread Street. I should never have allowed myself to be sucked into the bank in the first place. It isn’t the life I wanted. What I do want, Stel, is that we all get out of this with our reputations intact. Including my father’s. I know you loved him. Can you please help me now? I beg you. What I have told you, only Nigel and I know. Not even Kim knows. You are one of the family, you were closer to him than anyone, and this is a family matter.’

He’s trembling and she is shaken.

‘Poor boy,’ she says. ‘I’ll help you.’

She holds the hand he is extending to her and squeezes it.

‘The painting is in a safe-deposit box in Mayfair. I’ll give you the key.’

He smiles, although tears are running down his face.

‘Did you really call Amanda a foul-mouthed-bitch?’

‘I’m ashamed of myself.’

‘Don’t be. Somebody had to do it.’

He hugs her. They are both snuffling like children as they recover themselves. All she ever wanted was to be part of the family.

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

‘She’s on side,’ says Julian.

‘How did you do it?’

‘I can’t tell you, it’s way too personal. Just accept that I gave her what she wanted.’

‘And she’s giving the picture back?’

‘Yes, she’s actually given me the electronic key of a safe-deposit box. Nigel, this is killing me. I wasn’t cut out for this kind of thing. Also, why is Cy delaying?’

‘I don’t know. It’s possible he’s got wind of something. The big guys have informants everywhere. He hasn’t commented on our disclosures. And maybe due diligence has taken longer than he expected. Or most likely he’s just trying to rattle our cage.’

‘Nige, can we take a walk? I’m going to get the painting myself. I don’t need Len.’