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“I’ve no idea,” said Sebastian, “but I’m sure there’s a simple explanation”
“And you say he won’t be back until Friday?”
“That’s right He’s at a conference in York”
“So that gives us a couple of days to look into it You’re probably right, and there’s a simple explanation But one point six wood has accepted his offer?”
“That’s what Mr Vaughan of Savills said”
“Ralph Vaughan is old school and doesn’t make that kind of mistake” Cedric reo up to Shifnal first thing in the in at the local pub The publican always knows everything that’s going on in his village, and one point sixAfter you’ve spoken to hio anywhere near Collingwood If you do, Sloane is certain to hear about it and will assu to undermine him I think we’d better keep this between ourselves in case it turns out to be totally innocent When you get back to London, coan Place and you can brief me over dinner”
Seb decided that this wasn’t the time to tell Cedric that he’d booked a table at the Mirabelle for dinner toht with Samantha The clock on the mantelpiece struck six, so he knew the deputy chair outside He rose to leave
“Well done, Seb,” said Cedric “Let’s hope there is a si me briefed”
Seb nodded When he reached the door he turned back to say good night, to see Cedric sing a pill He pretended not to notice, as he closed the door behind him
10
SEB WAS UP, dressed, and had left the house before Sa
Cedric Hardcastle never traveled first-class, but he always allowed his senior h Seb picked up a copy of the Financial Ti the three-hour journey to Shropshire His mind was preoccupied with how best to use his time once he arrived in Shifnal
The train pulled into Shrewsbury station just after eleven thirty, and Seb didn’t hesitate to take a taxi on to Shifnal rather than wait for the connecting train because on this occasion time was money He waited until they had left the county town behind them, before he fired his first question at the driver “Which is the best pub in Shifnal?”
“Depends what you’re looking for, good grub or the best ale in the county”
“I always think you can judge a pub by its landlord”