Nothing Ventured(100)
Booth Watson nodded, but didn’t comment.
Palmer took another sip of whiskey and waited for the door to close before asking, “Did I just witness a subtle bit of arm twisting?”
“Certainly not,” said the judge, raising his glass. “I have already decided Mr. Faulkner’s fate, although I confess that should he show the slightest sign of remorse, there is one concession I just might be willing to consider. But then, on the other hand, I might not.”
* * *
“Why do you think he asked you that?” said Faulkner.
“Judges have been known to make concessions at the last moment, but only if they sense genuine remorse.”
“How genuine?”
“If you were to hand over the Rubens to the Fitzmolean before Tuesday, I have reason to believe his lordship might consider that a genuine act of contrition.”
“And what could I expect in return?”
“Nourse is far too shrewd to give anything more than the suggestion of a hint, but it’s in his power to decide between the maximum tariff for the offense, of four years, or the minimum, of six months. There’s even the possibility of a suspended sentence and a fine of ten thousand pounds—but it’s only a possibility, so don’t get your hopes up.”
“As you know, BW, I don’t give a damn about the fine. But if I had to spend even six weeks in jail, heaven knows what havoc Christina could cause in my absence.”
“Does that mean you are willing to donate the Rubens to the Fitzmolean?”
“It means I’ll think about it.”
“Before Tuesday.”
* * *
Arthur fell asleep at ten o’clock, which was slightly embarrassing for the rest of the family as they were all enjoying a celebratory dinner at San Lorenzo, his favorite restaurant, where he was welcomed as if he’d never been away.
“Lights out at ten,” he explained. “After nearly three years, it’s not an easy habit to break.”
“What’s the first thing you’ll do when you wake up tomorrow morning?” asked Grace.
“At six o’clock,” said Arthur.
“Sausage, eggs, bacon, and beans?” suggested William.
“Scrambled egg that isn’t out of a packet, and perhaps I’ll allow myself a sliver of smoked salmon, some toast that isn’t burned, and a cup of steaming hot coffee with milk that isn’t powdered,” responded Arthur.
“And after breakfast?”
“I shall take a long walk in the park before going shopping. I’ll need a new suit if I’m to look smart when I return to work tomorrow morning.”
“Why not take a break before going back to work,” suggested Sir Julian. “Go on holiday.”
“Absolutely not,” said Arthur firmly. “I’ve already had a three year break. No, I intend to return to the office as soon as possible.”
“Could you bear to put it off for one more day, Dad?” asked Beth. “You and Mum have been invited to the Fitzmolean tomorrow for the unveiling of the Rembrandt, and I expect every one of you to be present for my moment of triumph.”
“Your moment of triumph?” said William.
Everyone laughed except Arthur, who had fallen asleep again.
* * *
Court number fourteen was packed long before ten in the forenoon, and, like a theater audience, they chatted among themselves as they waited for the curtain to rise.
Commander Hawksby, DCI Lamont, DS Roycroft, and DC Warwick were seated a couple of rows behind Mr. Adrian Palmer QC, the prosecuting counsel.
Mr. Booth Watson QC and his instructing solicitor, Mr. Mishcon, sat at the other end of the bench, discussing the coverage their client had received in the national press that morning. They agreed that it couldn’t have been much better.
Miles Faulkner standing next to Christ adorned several front pages, along with the words Booth Watson had written and his client had repeated verbatim: “Of course it’s sad to part with one’s favorite painting, not unlike losing an only child, but my Rubens couldn’t have gone to a better home than the Fitzmolean.”
The press benches along one side of the courtroom were so crowded that several old-timers who’d been unable to find a seat were left standing behind their less illustrious colleagues. Once the sentence was delivered, they would race to the nearest available telephone and report the judge’s decision to the duty editor.
The Evening Standard would be the first on the street, and it already had its front page headline set in type: FAULKNER SENT DOWN FOR X YEARS. Only the number needed to be filled in. The crime correspondent had submitted two stories the night before, and a sub-editor would decide which one would go to press.
From seven o’clock that morning, a queue of the simply curious and the morbid had begun to form outside the public entrance of the Royal Courts of Justice, and within minutes of a court official opening the door, every seat in the gallery had been taken. All of those present knew the curtain would rise as ten o’clock struck on the southwest tower of St. Paul’s. Not that any of those cloistered in the court would be able to hear the cathedral chimes.
The moment Mr. Justice Nourse appeared, the chattering ceased, giving way to an air of expectation. The judge took his place in the high-backed red leather chair, looked down upon his kingdom, and surveyed his subjects, feigning no interest in the fact that he’d never seen his court so packed. He returned their bow, and placed two red folders on the bench.