chapter five

 

Guernsey 2011

 

‘What! But how on earth–?’ Louisa gasped.

Before Fiona could answer, one of the policemen tapped on the kitchen door to say they were ready to leave. She escorted them to the door, asking if they’d found anything relevant and they said they couldn’t comment, but were taking Nigel’s laptop for checking. She returned to the kitchen and her bemused friend.

‘Long story. And I don’t have all the answers yet, in fact, I was in London to meet up with my old professor and ask his opinion. But that’s jumping the gun. You know we renovated the shop a few weeks ago?’ Louisa nodded. ‘Well, when we came to replace the old flooring we found a concealed trapdoor which led to a basement we didn’t know existed. We were in the shop when the builder discovered it.’

Fiona told Louisa about what they found, struggling to stay composed as she described their initial excitement.

Louisa sat speechless, her eyes widening as the story unfolded.

‘Do you have any idea who the paintings belong to?’

‘No, not yet, we…I, wanted to see if it was a genuine Renoir first. Whole different ball-game if it is. And…and my professor came over for a brief visit a couple of weeks ago and was pretty sure then, in fact, he got quite excited but wanted to carry out tests, which meant having it sent to London.’ Fiona chewed her lip, remembering how upbeat Nigel had been about the news.

‘Just think about the great publicity for the business if it turns out to be genuine! We’ll be all over the internet.’ His eyes had shone with a brightness which had rarely been present since his illness.

‘So, did he do the tests?’

‘Yes. I went over at the weekend and met with Sam in London. He said there’s no doubt it’s genuine. I…I tried to phone Nigel with the news, but…but it was too late. He must have been dead for hours.’ She could hold back no longer and let the tears fall. Louisa came round the table and hugged her tight. It was a while before either of them could speak, and Louisa suggested she might want something stronger than tea. Fiona nodded, saying there was wine in the fridge.

After pouring a large glass for Fiona and filling a glass of water for herself, Louisa asked, ‘What happens now? About the painting?’

‘We have to try and find the original owner. Sam suggested checking out lists of reported stolen Renoirs to start.’ She sniffed. ‘Which reminds me, I must phone him and tell him what’s happened. See if he’ll hold onto the painting for a while. At least it should be safe in the university vault.’

They sipped their drinks in silence, lost in thought.

‘I don’t like to think of you here on your own, Fiona. Why not come and stay with us for a few days? You know we’d love to have you, and we’ve plenty of room.’ Louisa squeezed her hand.

‘Oh, that’s kind of you, but I’ve got a lot to organise, what with the business and…and the funeral. I might be better here for the moment. Perhaps when things are more settled?’ Fiona was touched. They’d been friends since she’d come back to live in Guernsey, and had soon become close. And her husband, Paul, was delightful. She was tempted to accept the offer, knowing she would be cossetted, but thought it would be unfair for the couple, busy as they were at La Folie, Guernsey’s popular health centre.

Louisa frowned. ‘Well, if you’re sure. But I insist you must at least come round for a meal sometimes, starting tonight.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘Look, I’m sorry, but I have to go, or I’ll be late for an appointment I couldn’t change. I can come back afterwards if you like?’

‘No, don’t worry. I’ve calls to make, but if you could phone our friends and tell them, I’d be grateful.’

‘Of course. Do say you’ll come round tonight? About seven? Get a taxi, and one of us will run you back.’ Taking a last swallow of water, she added, ‘Is there anything I can do to help? Shopping?’

‘I’m all right at the moment, and I’d love to come tonight. You’d best get off, don’t want you to be falling out with the boss.’ Fiona managed a grin, the ‘boss’ being Paul, who managed the centre for Malcolm, Louisa’s father and the owner.

Her friend smiled and stood, flinging her arms around her.

‘Hang on in there, girl. I’ve been there, as you have too, with your parents. It’s tough, but you’ll come through. And never think you’re alone, cos you’re not. You have us and Charlotte and Andy and the others in the gang. Call, and one of us will come running. Okay?’

‘Thanks. Now go, and I’ll see you later.’

Once she had closed the door on the departing Louisa, Fiona returned to the kitchen and made a cup of coffee. Tempting as it was to continue on the wine, she needed a clear head for the phone calls she had to make.