Faulkner didn’t flinch, desperately hoping to hear one word, and it wasn’t ‘fine’.
‘Therefore, I have decided,’ continued the judge, ‘perhaps against my better judgement, to also show some magnanimity, and to suspend your sentence, with the clear direction that should you commit any other criminal offence, however minor, during the next four years, the full term of your prison sentence will automatically be reinstated.’
Faulkner considered his generous gesture, as the judge had so kindly described it, to have been well worthwhile.
‘You are therefore free to leave the court, Mr Faulkner,’ said the judge, in a tone that suggested he was already regretting his decision.
William was livid, and didn’t leave anyone nearby in any doubt about how he felt. Lamont was speechless, and Hawksby reflective. After all, Mr Justice Nourse had said any other criminal offence, however minor.
When Beth heard the news later that afternoon, she simply said, ‘If I had to choose between Faulkner going to prison for four years or the Fitzmolean ending up with a priceless treasure, I wouldn’t have to give it a second thought.’
‘I was rather hoping for the best of both worlds,’ said William. ‘The Fitzmolean would get the Rubens and Faulkner would spend the next four years languishing in Pentonville.’
‘But which side would you have come down on if you were only given the choice between Faulkner spending four years in jail, or the Fitzmolean having the Rubens for life?’
‘On the side of the Fitzmolean, of course,’ said William, trying to sound as if he meant it.
34
‘YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS, my lords, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Tim Knox, and as the director of the Fitzmolean Museum, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the official unveiling of Rembrandt’s masterpiece The Syndics of the Clothmakers’ Guild. The Syndics, as you know, were taken from the museum just over seven years ago, and some thought they would never return. However, such was our confidence that they would eventually come home, we have never allowed another painting to hang in its place.’
A spontaneous round of applause followed. The director waited for silence before he continued.
‘I will now invite Her Royal Highness to unveil the lost masterpiece.’
The Princess Royal stepped up to the microphone. ‘Before I do, Tim,’ she said, ‘can I remind you that my great-great-grandfather opened this museum over a hundred years ago. I trust that when I pull this cord, something my family have considerable experience in doing, there will be a Rembrandt on the other side and not a faded rectangle where The Syndics once hung.’ Everyone laughed. Princess Anne pulled the cord, and the red curtain parted to allow them all to admire the painting, some of them for the first time. William glanced at its bottom right-hand corner to make sure the RvR was in place before he joined in the applause.
‘Thank you,’ said Knox. ‘But tonight, you are going to get two for the price of one, because you cannot have failed to notice that there is a second painting waiting to be unveiled. But for now, enjoy a glass of champagne and admire the Rembrandt, before we introduce you to our latest acquisition.’
William didn’t budge as he continued to admire the painting he’d first seen in Monte Carlo, and had wondered if he’d ever see again. He didn’t notice the commander standing by his side until he broke into his thoughts.
‘Congratulations, William,’ said Hawksby. ‘This has been a personal triumph for you.’
‘It was a team effort, sir,’ said William, reluctantly taking his eyes off the picture and turning to his boss.
‘Balls. It would never have been returned to its rightful place if you hadn’t joined the team. However, just to warn you, as soon as we get back to the Yard, I shall be reporting to the commissioner and taking all of the credit.’
William smiled. ‘I’m delighted Jackie was invited this evening,’ he said, looking across the room to see her chatting to Beth. ‘She did so much of the spadework before I even arrived on the scene.’
‘I agree. And although she’s been demoted, I’m pleased the department hasn’t lost her altogether. But that has created a problem, because Art and Antiques is only allowed one detective constable.’
William accepted the rule that if you were the last to join a unit, and cutbacks had to be made, you’d be the first to leave. He just hoped he wasn’t going back on the beat.
‘I’m afraid, William, we’ll have to move you to another department, but not before you’ve taken your sergeant’s exam.’
‘But I’m not eligible to do that for at least another year, sir.’
‘I’m well aware of that, Warwick. That’s why I’m putting you on the graduates’ accelerated promotion scheme, which you tried so hard to avoid when you first joined the force.’
William wanted to protest, but was well aware it was a battle he couldn’t win. ‘And what department do you have in mind for me, sir?’
‘I haven’t decided between drugs, fraud and murder.’
‘I’ve had enough of murder, sir, although I’ll be eternally grateful for your help in ensuring my future father-in-law was released.’
‘Never mention that in public or private again,’ said Hawksby as Arthur drifted across to join them.
‘I can’t wait to see what’s behind the other curtain,’ Arthur said. ‘Beth’s been making such a fuss about it.’