Chapter Twenty

 

 

Monday, 16th July.

 

An official car collected Veronica from King’s Cross that evening. It took her to the Home Office, where the functionary himself showed her into Tommy’s office.

Tommy came from behind his desk to hug her before holding her at arm’s length to study her face. “You look utterly fagged, old thing.”

“I feel it, Tommy. This has been an absolute nightmare.”

“I understand. Mrs. Scott’s got the tea on the go. I believe she mentioned the possibility of Digestives. Now sit down and let’s exchange news.”

She told him everything she’d not been able to the previous day, knowing the reputation rural exchange operators had for listening in to conversations and gossiping afterwards. Tommy listened with his fingers steepled on his stomach, his keen eyes glinting behind his spectacles.

“So,” she said at last over a cup of tea and Digestive biscuit. “His Lordship’s limousine collected Claire and took her to Percy Street, where I believe she’ll stay for a while. Now here I am.”

He nodded. “Quite.”

“What happens now? Is Claire in so very much trouble for letting Edward go?”

He took his time before answering, drinking his tea and meditating. Eventually, he set his cup aside and looked at her. “She could be charged with aiding and abetting a fugitive and obstructing the course of justice. Both of those carry fines and a prison sentence.”

Veronica pressed her hand to her eyes at the thought of Claire in jail. “Oh, God...”

“I said could, Ronnie, old thing. As for His Lordship, what he did merits more than a stern talking-to. However...”

“However?”

“I’ll touch on that in a moment. As for Edward Sibfield-Murray, your information and new description enabled the police to put a close watch on all ports and railway stations in Scotland, whereas before his previous description was circulated only to those in England.

“I’m pleased to tell you I received word this afternoon that Edward was apprehended in Fraserburgh yesterday evening whilst attempting to hire a fishing vessel. I believe he had some idea of trying to flee to Norway or Denmark, possibly to rendezvous with Levine—or Tzel, as we now know him to be. Inspector Milton reached Scotland today. He’ll bring both Edward and Fleischmann back here tomorrow for trial.”

Veronica’s heart sank in despair. “Claire’s going to hate me for this. She’ll know I informed on her brother.”

He gave her a kindly look. “You did the right thing, old girl. Claire has no moral reason to hate you.”

“As if that stopped anybody from having an absolutely beastly row with their lover.”

“Quite, but thanks to your efforts Edward and Fleischmann are going to face justice. Levine too, if we should lay hands upon him. Also, the information you recovered relating to the secret bank account has enabled us to seize the Nahmanides Faction’s funds. It amounts to several hundred thousand pounds.” He smiled. “His Majesty’s Government is suitably grateful for that and looks upon you kindly for your efforts.”

Veronica stared at him, nonplussed. “Thank you?”

“As for His Lordship and Claire, well, the government’s now involved, which puts a different complexion on things.

“Lord Sibfield-Murray’s a Tory Peer, with a great deal of influence in industry. The Prime Minister wants to keep any damage to His Lordship’s reputation to an absolute minimum. That goes for his daughter, too. Scotland Yard has instructions to tread lightly around them.” He gave a thin smile. “Such a favour also helps bind His Lordship closer to the PM. An obligation’s a wonderful tool for him to use when needed.”

Veronica shifted uneasily. “How cynical.”

“Indeed, but that’s politics for you. The trial’s going to be enough of an ordeal and scandal for the Sibfield-Murray clan anyway. It can’t be easy for His Lordship to know he had a spy in the house for several years, either. The only blessing in all this is young Ben’s release from remand this morning. He’s now back safe in the bosom of his family.”

“That’s one consolation, anyway.”

“As for you, dear girl, one or two matters have arisen which will have a bearing on your future.”

She blinked in surprise. “Me? Such as?”

“I gather the Marquess of Suffield has been making waves over your apprehension of his son last month. The man’s an odious fellow, a Liberal Peer, and a superannuated boil on the body politic. The House of Lords will be all the better when he finally shuffles off his mortal coil, which won’t be long, I’m given to understand. Even so, he has a certain amount of influence, and will be a nuisance for a while.”

“Why should I care?”

“His reach has an unexpected length. For instance, it was he who persuaded a certain gossip columnist, one David, to air a piece about you and Claire, alluding to your unconventional relationship.”

“Oh? We thought it was Eddie Hawthorn-Garth who tattled on us.”

“In this, Mr. Hawthorn-Garth is unusually innocent. However...”

He rose and walked up and down his office a few turns, hands behind his back as he mulled something over. Veronica poured more tea, nibbled on a Digestive biscuit and waited for Tommy’s wisdom to pour forth.

At last, he stopped and sat down again, leaning forward to rest his chin on his hands and stare at her.

“Christ, Tommy. There’s a look. What is it?”

“I think it would do you good to leave England and this scandal behind for a while, at least until it all blows over.”

She gave him a doubtful look. “If you say so.”

“I do. It so happens that there’s a ministerial fact-finding mission due to leave next month for Iraq. I can easily find a place in it for you, perhaps as a typist.”

“Iraq? But is it safe there now? After all, they had an insurrection there last year. James’ RAF squadron was involved, remember?”

He smiled. “Of course I remember. Our baby brother corresponded with me and kept me up to date with everything. No, it’s quite safe now. James reckons it’s almost boring.”

“Well, I suppose if it’s safe...”

“It is. Believe me, I wouldn’t send you into danger, old thing. The mission will last several weeks, and you’ll be paid a government salary along with expenses. It’ll give you the chance to see something of the world and be back home in time for Christmas. What do you say?”

Veronica sat back. “It sounds appealing. What with one thing and another it’ll give matters between Claire and I time to cool down, so we can see where we’re going without a lot of fuss. But would I not be required to stay for Edward’s trial?”

“No. He’s guilty by his own admission. Fleischmann’s previous crimes are more than enough to see him hang without needing your testimony. A signed and sworn affidavit will suffice to cover your involvement in Edward’s arrest. You needn’t appear at all, old thing.”

She leaned back and stared out the high windows at the pale facades of the buildings opposite. What have I got to lose? Besides, it sounds like it’ll be quite an adventure.

“Right-ho, Tommy. I accept.”