easier life after the stresses of Whitehall and Westminster. Our group has resisted the opportunity to work with these people: they are not all suitable.’ She inspected him over the rim of her glass. There was the glint of mischief in her eyes. ‘Which is the reason for inviting you to come to Albi, to sit in at the meeting, and to have this discussion.’
‘The reason?’
‘We wish you to join the group, to become involved in our activity.’
Arnold stared at her. ‘Why me?’
‘As I have explained at length to those …
mandarins
in Westminster, first, because I have confidence in you: I have personal experience of your passion and desire to see ancient artefacts saved from damage, destruction or burial in rich men’s vaults, and we have worked well together these last few years. Second, your
curriculum vitae
… you have a remarkable history in the discovery of artefacts and a sound knowledge of the likely provenance to be determined in respect of some areas, in particular where we ourselves have little or no experience. Third… let me put it to you like this. We have known each other for two or three years now, and everything I know about you convinces me that what is often said about you in respect of the search for ancient artefacts is true: you are lucky.’
‘My job in Northumberland—’
‘Can surely be done by another.’ Carmela spread her hands wide and smiled broadly. ‘First of all, you already have a capable deputy. It is Signor Spedding, is it not, as I recall? A museum director, an academic, a past Fulbright scholar and a man who has been at many important digs. He can … how do you say … hold the fort in your absence. And as for your salary, it will be matched and indeed upgraded were you to join us. Courtesy of the British Government who will be funding your presence.’
Arnold frowned. This was an unexpected development. Carmela sensed his concern and continued, ‘We do not foresee this committee as a … what is the words … fly-by-night operation . We will be in business for the foreseeable future. There is much work to be done. It is my belief that you can help us greatly in that work. And the members of my committee agree.’
‘You’ve persuaded them,’ Arnold growled.
‘It was not difficult.’
‘You say funding is provided by participating governments. Whitehall will pay my salary, if I join you. But from what you’ve told me, you’ve turned away other suggestions, names offered by the British Government. I presume they would need to approve my name. What makes you think they will agree to my joining your group? I am not well known in Whitehall.’
‘Better known than you imagine,’ she replied almost soothingly, putting out a hand to caress his. ‘But you are correct. There have been reservations expressed. My making the proposal to you, it is the first step in a process. So, if you agree to join us, you will enter into a discussion with an official from London. So that you may be vetted.’ She made an impatient, dismissive gesture with her left hand. ‘I imagine it will be a formality, since we press our case so strongly on your behalf.’
The main course had arrived. She attacked her steak with gusto. ‘So, Arnold, what do you think?’
He hesitated. ‘I’m flattered, of course.’ He considered for afew moments, before he went on. ‘The proposal is also one that I find attractive. As you say, Spedding is a man who can handle the work in Northumberland. And I have been … unsettled, of recent months.’
Carmela nodded. She knew him better than he realized. ‘You do not enjoy the … the pen-pushing, is it not so? On the other hand, if you join us, will you miss the beautiful Miss Stannard? Or perhaps I can take her place in your longings?’
Arnold still did not know quite what to make of Carmela Cacciatore: he thought he detected a certain serious undercurrent in her mocking tone. ‘Karen already knows I’m not too happy. That won’t be a
‘The reason?’
‘We wish you to join the group, to become involved in our activity.’
Arnold stared at her. ‘Why me?’
‘As I have explained at length to those …
mandarins
in Westminster, first, because I have confidence in you: I have personal experience of your passion and desire to see ancient artefacts saved from damage, destruction or burial in rich men’s vaults, and we have worked well together these last few years. Second, your
curriculum vitae
… you have a remarkable history in the discovery of artefacts and a sound knowledge of the likely provenance to be determined in respect of some areas, in particular where we ourselves have little or no experience. Third… let me put it to you like this. We have known each other for two or three years now, and everything I know about you convinces me that what is often said about you in respect of the search for ancient artefacts is true: you are lucky.’
‘My job in Northumberland—’
‘Can surely be done by another.’ Carmela spread her hands wide and smiled broadly. ‘First of all, you already have a capable deputy. It is Signor Spedding, is it not, as I recall? A museum director, an academic, a past Fulbright scholar and a man who has been at many important digs. He can … how do you say … hold the fort in your absence. And as for your salary, it will be matched and indeed upgraded were you to join us. Courtesy of the British Government who will be funding your presence.’
Arnold frowned. This was an unexpected development. Carmela sensed his concern and continued, ‘We do not foresee this committee as a … what is the words … fly-by-night operation . We will be in business for the foreseeable future. There is much work to be done. It is my belief that you can help us greatly in that work. And the members of my committee agree.’
‘You’ve persuaded them,’ Arnold growled.
‘It was not difficult.’
‘You say funding is provided by participating governments. Whitehall will pay my salary, if I join you. But from what you’ve told me, you’ve turned away other suggestions, names offered by the British Government. I presume they would need to approve my name. What makes you think they will agree to my joining your group? I am not well known in Whitehall.’
‘Better known than you imagine,’ she replied almost soothingly, putting out a hand to caress his. ‘But you are correct. There have been reservations expressed. My making the proposal to you, it is the first step in a process. So, if you agree to join us, you will enter into a discussion with an official from London. So that you may be vetted.’ She made an impatient, dismissive gesture with her left hand. ‘I imagine it will be a formality, since we press our case so strongly on your behalf.’
The main course had arrived. She attacked her steak with gusto. ‘So, Arnold, what do you think?’
He hesitated. ‘I’m flattered, of course.’ He considered for afew moments, before he went on. ‘The proposal is also one that I find attractive. As you say, Spedding is a man who can handle the work in Northumberland. And I have been … unsettled, of recent months.’
Carmela nodded. She knew him better than he realized. ‘You do not enjoy the … the pen-pushing, is it not so? On the other hand, if you join us, will you miss the beautiful Miss Stannard? Or perhaps I can take her place in your longings?’
Arnold still did not know quite what to make of Carmela Cacciatore: he thought he detected a certain serious undercurrent in her mocking tone. ‘Karen already knows I’m not too happy. That won’t be a
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