Michael

“Congratulations, Richard.” Will Stanton clinks glasses with his old friend. “I came over as soon as I heard. And how’s Beth? I have some flowers for her.”

‘Some flowers’ is an understatement. The bouquet is huge.

“I’ll find a vase for them,” I say. “You can take them up together.”

“Great!” His smile is broad. “And the baby, Adam is it? How’s he?”

“All present and correct,” beams Richard. “Mother and baby doing well.”

From the front door, the sound of knocking. “I’ll get it,” I say. “Enjoy your champagne. It’s probably another delivery of Congratulations cards.

I head down the hall, chuckling. I’d not considered that, Richard being who he is, one of the Great and Good of the City, we’d be overwhelmed by cards. The house is festooned with them: hundreds of the things: from friends, employees, colleagues, bankers and hangers-on, they all want to be remembered to the richest man in a hundred miles.

I open the door, expecting to see a mailman. Instead, it’s Hickman, a large brown envelope clasped in one hand. “Please excuse my intrusion, Mr Summerford, but I saw the police commissioner arrive. I wonder if I might have a word with him?”

course. Come in.

with exaggerated politeness. “And what

request from my employer. He

a cliché to say that you

again. Then opens once more. “You have my attention.”

envelope, passing it to Will: a sheaf of photo prints. “My employer requests that you obtain identification and anything else you can tell him about the men

each one quickly then moving

businesses in Sao Paulo. The businesses concerned are based at the addresses taken from a number of the…” …He makes air commas…

images, holding them up to the light.

is attempting to trace the connection between Finchby’s operation here, Baxter’s…um… supply chain… and

him a slow

was his phrase? … Cut the supply at source. He intends to ensure the Diaz female is no longer a threat to his family…” He casts a small nod to Mitch, another to Charlotte… “… And since

face cracks to a smile. “What do

I have this right. Lawrence Klempner wants me to supply him with information identifying individuals involved in organised crime in Brazil

with

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