The pain from Stone’s cancer was now stretching from his right hip into the middle of his back. The diamorphine painkillers were just dulling the growing concentration of the pain that was now coming from his bones, right inside him. And he did not know how this would progress, what was to come. It left him frightened, alone with his solitary feelings.
And there were matters to tidy up.
Even though it was a summer’s day, he put a coat on, taking care not to move his bruised shoulder. He took the fast train to London, and it was then just under two hours before he walked into Sol’s shop in Hatton Garden. The journey made him tired, but the greeting from Sol was, as ever, warm, and even though it was before midday, the glass of whisky in Sol’s private room was nectar.
‘I’ve come to say goodbye, Sol. My doctors are telling me I don’t have much time left.’
‘Harry, what’s going on?’
‘Cancer. It’s eating away at me.’
‘Are you getting the right attention? I know some good doctors; I’ve sold diamonds to a few.’
‘Yeah, I’ve seen the top people. But today I’m putting my affairs in order before it’s too late. And I’m dodging people knocking on my door chasing for money.’
‘Harry, I hope you’re not giving in to some of the underworld. There’s a lot of ’em out there. I see it very often in this diamond business, where some think there’s easy, anonymous money to be made. And I don’t like to think anyone will ever come knocking on your door to ask where you got these beautiful, rare diamonds.’
‘Yeah, let’s keep it all close. These are the laboratory certificates you wanted and one last big stone I’ll get to you soon. And that’ll be it.’
‘Don’t leave it too long. My Russian contact from St Petersburg is excited at handling another big diamond if it’s the same cut and clarity, and I’m meeting him at his house in Regent’s Park middle of next week. It’ll be worth good money, tens of thousands again.’
‘Claire’s onto it, and I’ll have it with you soon.’
‘This has been good business, Harry. And I’ve got the cash for you, the readies you wanted to settle the balance.’
Stone sipped at his whisky as Sol left the room. He again felt a tinge of nervousness about where he would go after saying goodbye to Sol.
Two minutes later, Sol came back, and he handed a well-worn leather bag to Stone.
‘£25,000 all in twenty pounders, Bobby Moores. And be careful how you carry it, my friend.’
They enjoyed another whisky together. Their last. But the parting was quick; lingering with a long farewell was not Stone’s way. Just a warm handshake between them was enough as Stone left.
Carrying the leather bag, Stone did not look conspicuous; he did not feel exposed, even coming from a diamond dealer in the heart of London’s Hatton Garden. He took a taxi to the Tower of London. He looked at the Tower against a leaden sky. Of course, the Crown Jewels, with the largest diamond ever found and priceless irreplaceable other jewels, were kept there.
But where was that naïve thief Josh with his big diamond?