“How"s the Martins coming along with prising the money from the exchequer to buy that misappropriated Velázquez, Fraser?”
He sniggered slightly before replying.
“Congratulations on your deduction and the pronunciation of that name, Terry. First class! The Treasury has raised almost all of the asking price, but, unfortunately we are still short of what Francesca wants. Are you impatient to reacquaint with the lady?”
“Not particularly, but if all this is running to a tight schedule I thought you might want me back there before the Treasury drags its heels and everyone has died of boredom, with your plan about putting Bartlett in your back pocket torn to shreds!”
“My ears are yours, laddie.”
The whisky had not been offered nor had Helen been at her desk. I should have been depressed by b
