The Inspector Walter Darriteau Murder Mysteries - Books 1-4 by David Carter (best finance books of all time .txt) 📕

thinking, and then she did think and wondered if somehow Mrs W could have heard that she had been offered another job. Everyone knew that Joan West was as well connected as anyone could be in a city like Chester. She had contacts and friends everywhere, and if she didn’t, her high-ranking Masonic husband most certainly did.

‘I’m fine thank you, ma’am.’

‘The thing is, Karen, I’ve been going through your papers.’

‘My papers?’

‘Yes, you know, those Future Growth things you gave me. Been making a few enquiries too, and though some of them came back with a wealth warning, so to speak, the vast majority have been incredibly positive.’

‘I see,’ said Karen, nodding and wondering about the whole idea.

‘I just thought I’d ask how you were getting on?’

Karen paused and considered she might have reached the point of pulling back, but maybe not quite yet, and she found herself saying, ‘Good! Went to a big conference at the weekend down in Shropshire.’

‘Yes, I heard you’d gone on that. How did it go?’

‘Very impressive. Just opened this new cancer hospice in the hills, and they are talking about opening another one in California.’

‘Oh that is good. Nice to know some of the money is going on good causes.’

Karen nodded, but couldn’t shake off the feeling of discomfort. Wondered what ma’am would say if she told her she was thinking of leaving the force. Wondered if ma’am knew that the wanted man Donald Rushnell had been a star speaker. Didn’t look like Walter had told her.

‘Sometimes in life, Karen, you have to take a little chance, and so long as you can recommend it, I’m prepared to go with that,’ and she tugged open her drawer, pulled out much completed paperwork, along with a cheque, and slipped them across the desk.

Karen smiled, though maybe not as copiously as she would have done a week ago.

‘Anyway, take it home with you, look at it later, I am sure you have lots to do right now, and maybe talk again tomorrow,’ and she showed Karen the back of her hand and wafted it toward the door, and with that, Karen was dismissed.

OUTSIDE WALTER SAID, ‘What was that all about?’

‘She’s signed up, for Future Growth.’

‘God, give me strength! We have a murdered young woman, an executed policeman, a missing supermodel, and a major fraud case on the go, and all everyone can talk and think about is a loopy Ponzi scheme that’s certain to go tits up! Give me strength!’

‘It’s NOT a Ponzi scheme! And it’s not going... well you know.’

‘Well I am going to prove it is a Ponzi, when I have nothing better to do, which at the current rate of progress could be in about five years.’

‘So what are we doing today?’

Walter scowled and sat back in his large chair.

‘We wait.’

‘Wait?’

‘Yeah, the quiet before the storm.’

‘How do you work that out?’

‘Developments.’

‘Developments?’

‘If I’m right, things will begin to happen today.’

‘Today? Hope you’re right, Guv.’

Walter resisted the temptation to say, so do I.

‘Actually Guv, can I buy you a pint and a pie at lunchtime, there’s something I want to talk to you about.’

‘Okay,’ said Walter slowly, pondering on what exactly she meant by that. Maybe the weekend didn’t go so well? Fallen out with the hunk? Not pregnant, surely? Something like that anyhow, and he found himself saying, ‘I am not interested in joining Future Growth!’

‘I know that!’ she said, not quite succeeding in keeping the irritation from her words.

The phone before him rang and he scooped it up.

Karen heard him say, ‘You can speak to me about that,’ and he mouthed at her: Roland Barraclough, Solicitor.

PRYCE SAT BACK IN HIS chair. Afforded a quiet smile to himself. Glanced back at the Internet. He’d been thinking of splashing some of the oncoming Jessica Stone money, but was cautious enough to realise he didn’t have it yet. He loved Portugal, he was thinking of taking up golf. Looked back at the fabulous pic on the screen. Read the description one more time:

AN EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE 6 bedroom Quinta style villa, with a guest annexe set amongst beautiful countryside and enjoying far reaching sea views.

THE PROPERTY IS APPROACHED via a private driveway into landscaped gardens, with an inner courtyard, and comprises of, on the ground floor: entrance hall; double living room with balcony over the extended pool area; dining room; quality fitted kitchen; study; cloak room; laundry room; additional study cum office; 5 en-suite bedrooms with fitted wardrobes; and 6th bedroom next to the luxurious family bathroom, and so it went on and on...

NO LESS THAN TWENTY fab photos and an asking price of euros 1,999,000. Pryce grinned again, and realised that he would soon be able to afford such a thing, just so long at the Chinese Johnny came through with the funds. He switched the screen back to the real-time updating bank balance. Nothing in yet. Damn! His mouth went dry. Hard to believe you could swap a single human being for such a place, and still have change. He wouldn’t pay the asking price of course, no one would be stupid enough to do that, he’d make them an offer, and he found himself saying aloud: I’m gonna make you an offer you can’t refuse! And as he was muttering that, Brinton tapped on the door and came in. He didn’t look great.

‘What’s the matter?’

Brinton held up his hand and showed his palm.

‘Just a slight problem, don’t go crazy.’

‘What the fuck’s up?’ said Pryce, imagining there was some kind of Jessica Stone bad news.

‘Got a problem with the transport.’

‘What transport, what problem?’

‘The lorry’s broken down, the one taking the stuff back to Cambridge, it’s not going to be here today. They’re sending a replacement vehicle now, be here in the morning.’

‘Oh that,’ said Pryce, somewhat relieved, and then he realised he hadn’t been angry enough. ‘Why can’t it get here today? Where’s it coming from?’

‘Ely.’

‘Fuck!’ said Pryce, and then, ‘Is Jessica all right?’

‘She’s fine.’

Pryce shook