Murmuring the Judges

41

‘The Dean confirmed it, sir. The arrangements for the joint bequest were complete, the wills and trust documents were in preparation, and the whole thing was due to be signed and sealed next week.’

‘How much money are we talking about, Mario?’ asked Andy Martin, as he stood by his office window, looking at the street outside.

‘The Dean said he couldn’t be sure but he reckoned that Archergait was worth about seven hundred thousand, and Barnfather maybe a bit less. Under the terms of the deal they were both transferring their properties to the Faculty now, the value to be realised on their death.’

‘So Norman King may have had a lot to lose next week.’

‘That’s right.’

The Head of CID turned to face McGuire and McIlhenney. ‘If Maggie and Sergeant Neville can come up with a witness out at the Nature Reserve who’ll identify Norman King. .

‘But I’m getting ahead of myself. We need to check whether King was a loser. For all we know there might be an existing will which disinherits him anyway. I don’t suppose the Dean mentioned the names of the solicitors acting for the old boys, did he?’

The big sergeant smiled. ‘As a matter of fact, sir, he did, in passing. You’re going to love this one. Old Archergait’s lawyers are Curle, Anthony and Jarvis.’

‘Oh Christ,’ Martin gasped. ‘That’s Alex’s outfit. I can see her now, digging in her heels and going on about legal ethics and confidentiality and all that stuff.’ He paused.

‘I think I’d better get her old man in on the act. . without delay!’