‘I don’t like the sound of that at all. I think you have every reason to be concerned. But an American, you say! That is interesting. I wonder how he found out it was you who owned the rose?’
‘It has to be the missing file.’
‘I doubt it, Kate. There’s got to be another explanation. Adell predicted this sort of thing, didn’t he? It doesn’t surprise me that the calls have started coming.’
‘I still think it’s the file. It makes sense. He finds out about the auction and then knows who’s handling the whole thing – Adell’s firm. And if he wants to know more about us and the rose, it’s all there in Adell’s files. Addresses, phone numbers, the brochure, everything. He may even know about you.’ She waited for him to respond.
‘Hmm,’ he said, obviously choosing his words. ‘If he did have the file, then he – or they, I suppose – certainly would have the inside track, so to speak. It wouldn’t augur at all well.’
‘What do you mean?’ Kate asked. Suddenly, she felt uneasy.
As if regretting his last remark, Kingston was slow to respond. ‘Well, like you say, they would know everything about you, wouldn’t they?’ There was another pause, then he added, ‘Where you live – and most significant of all, where they can find the rose.’
‘The possibility hadn’t escaped me,’ she said. ‘It’s not a pleasant thought, is it?’
‘Sorry, Kate. I didn’t mean to get you upset. What also concerns me is why the man wanted to remain anonymous. It goes without saying that any legitimate offer to purchase the rose would hardly be presented in such a manner. If, as you’re convinced, the file was stolen then it’s either an inside job or a professional one. More likely the latter, I would say.’
‘It’s all getting very complicated. Alex has told Adell – not that he can do much about it.’
‘Well, all you can do for the moment is to sit tight and, as best you can, ignore all these goings on until the auction. Meanwhile I suggest the two of you keep a close watch on the rose and, in general, be careful.’
‘We will, Lawrence. I’ll tell Alex that we talked,’ she said.
‘Why don’t you ask him to call me tonight, Kate? I’d like to ask him more about this mysterious American chap. It’s all very odd, I must say.’
They talked for another minute or so before hanging up.
‘Hello, Lawrence, it’s Alex. Kate said you wanted to talk to me.’
‘Yes, thanks for calling, Alex. I wanted to ask you about the phone call you got from this American chap. Kate was telling me about it earlier. Do you have a minute?’
‘Of course.’
‘You’re sure he was American?’
‘American or Canadian. I can never tell the difference.’
‘Was there anything in the conversation to suggest that he was representing somebody else?’
‘Yes. He referred to “a syndicate” at one point.’ Alex paused, then said, ‘Oh, and his “partners”.’
‘Did he mention any numbers? How much he was prepared to pay? Did that come up at all?’
‘Only vaguely. I think he used a phrase like “more money than you’ve ever dreamed of”.’
Alex combed quickly through the conversation again. ‘Oh, and he did say that Kate and I would become multi-millionaires.’
‘So, whoever they are, they’re fully aware of the rose’s value, commercially.’
‘He mentioned that, too.’
‘What?’
‘Let me think a moment. He said words to the effect that we must be aware of the impact that the rose would have commercially. I’m pretty sure he mentioned patent rights and royalties, too.’
‘That’s interesting. Anything else that struck you as unusual?’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘Well, then–’
‘Oh, wait a minute. Yes, there was. He said that he knew who our lawyers were.’
‘Hmm. If they’ve got the book on you, it’s likely that Kate could be right – that they’re the ones who have your file. It hasn’t shown up yet, I take it?’
‘No, it hasn’t.’
‘Well, Alex, let me mull this over and we’ll talk again soon. Oh, and let me know if he calls again. Correct that – when he calls again.’
Three more uneventful days passed with no sign of the file and no further word from the American. The fourth day was Alex’s birthday. To celebrate the occasion, Kate had planned an evening out with friends at one of Alex’s favourite restaurants in Shaftesbury. It was close to six thirty and they were about to leave for the forty-minute drive.
‘You did leave food and water out for Asp, didn’t you?’ Kate said, snapping shut her seat belt buckle.
‘Yes, he’s fine.’
Kate pursed her lips. ‘Did I leave the hall light on? I can’t remember.’
‘You did.’
‘And the back door’s locked?’
‘It is. And the portcullis is lowered and I’ll let the drawbridge down as soon as we reach the end of the drive.’
Kate smiled. ‘Happy birthday, darling,’ she said, for the umpteenth time that day.
As they approached the entry gate the postman walked into view.
‘You’re awfully late tonight, Sid,’ Kate remarked, as Alex pulled the car to a stop alongside him.
‘’Ad some trouble with the van,’ he muttered. ‘Piece of junk, that one.’ He handed over a small bundle of letters wrapped in junk mail flyers.
Kate put the letters on her lap while mapping out a route for Alex in the AA Road Atlas. Once they were under way, Kate flipped through the envelopes. ‘Bill – bill – doctor’s appointment – last three days of sale. Final notice?’
‘Final notice?’ Alex exclaimed. ‘Who’s that from?’
‘Just kidding. Hmm, this looks interesting,’ she said, slipping her fingernail under the flap of an expensive-looking envelope and opening it. She pulled out a one-page letter and started to read it. ‘Very interesting,’ she murmured.
Alex glanced up at the rear view mirror. ‘Who’s it from?’ he asked.
‘The letterhead reads, “Trident International” – there’s a London and a San Francisco address. Let me read it to you:
‘Dear Mr and Mrs Sheppard,I was most interested to learn about your blue rose. My company represents an individual – the head of an international corporation and a learned horticulturist – who is extremely interested in purchasing such a rose. Providing the plant passes certain botanical testing for authenticity and condition – which we will pay for in advance – my client is prepared to offer you a substantial sum in exchange for the rose and all subsequent patents.Would it be possible to arrange a meeting, at which time this proposal could be discussed in further detail and a viewing of the rose made possible?In the interests of time, please phone me at the Hampstead telephone number listed above. A prompt response would be most appreciated.’
Kate lowered the letter to her lap. ‘It’s signed Kenji. Tanaka, President,’ she said.
‘Ye gods! Here we go again. I guess the word’s really out, now.’
‘Out all over the planet, by the looks of it. I wonder how he got our name and address. Surely he can’t have access to our file, too.’
‘Not if the American lifted it.’
‘Hmm.’
‘It’s probably as Adell predicted. Someone from Bonham’s leaked it. I’m sure they know everything about us by now.’
‘I suppose you’re right,’ Kate murmured.