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. Everyone’s in the

He speaks with exaggerated politeness. “And what

request from my

you could hear a pin

closes again. Then opens once more. “You have my attention.” In the background, Mitch

from the envelope, passing it to Will: a sheaf of photo prints.

of images, examining each one quickly then moving on. “And these individuals are… of what

number of small, apparently reputable and legitimate businesses in Sao Paulo. The businesses

that so?” He peers at the images, holding

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

him a slow look, his lips

his family…” He casts a small nod to Mitch, another to Charlotte… “… And since it appears that the gang is still dealing with at least two branches of organised crime, protection and trafficking, he felt you might

his face cracks to a smile. “What do

“Let me see if I have this right. Lawrence Klempner wants me to supply him with information identifying individuals involved in organised crime in Brazil with the intention of what?

not entrust me with the fine detail of his

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