Chapter 191: Natale, Part 29

Richard

My intercom buzzes.

"Yes, Francis?"

"I have the police commissioner on for you, Mr Haswell. He... doesn't sound very happy."

I can guess what this is going to be about. I've been waiting for it. "Thanks for the warning, Francis. Put him through please..."

The line clicks and reconnects. "Richard?"

"Good morning, Will. What can I do for you?"

"I think you can guess why I'm calling you. I'm hearing rumours I don't like. Disturbing rumours."

"I believe, Will, that I know which rumours you mean. I've been wanting to discuss them with you. Perhaps you would like to meet for lunch to discuss the matter? Somewhere quiet? "

"And away from the office? Yes, I think so."

*****

The waiter sets a plate in front of each of us, steak in pepper sauce for Will, a prawn souffle for me. He tops up the glasses of Cabernet. "Is there anything else, sir?"

"No, thank you. That's perfect." I wait until he is out of earshot before I speak. "So, Will...These disturbing rumours?