EG02 - The Lost Gardens by Anthony Eglin

house. Everything was carefully inventoried after Ryder’s death and I would certainly have been made aware of any paintings like those you’ve described. I can’t believe for one moment that anyone, least of all the lawyers, would have made a mistake or concealed the fact.’
    He returned and stood by the edge of the sofa. By his expression, she could tell that he was not at all satisfied with her answer. He said nothing, just stood staring at her with those confounded eyes.
    Jamie was standing now. As far as she was concerned, the interview was over, coffee finished or not. She took two steps towards the door. ‘Anyway, Mr Fox, I’m sorry I can’t be of more help.’ She paused for moment. ‘I only wish they were here.’
    Jamie was fully expecting the man to thank her and politely leave but he didn’t. For an awkward moment they faced each other across the room.
    Then he spoke. ‘Look, Miss Gibson,’ he said, ‘I should have told you this earlier. Monsieur Girard does not have much longer to live, a few months at the most. He is a sick old man and I have promised him that I will do everything I can to find the paintings. They mean a lot to him and he wants to pass them on to his son. He told me he was a fool for not having settled the matter with Ryder long ago but, for whatever reason, he didn’t. Now he simply wants what is rightfully his.You must agree that is not too much to ask.’
    Jamie shrugged. ‘I’m sorry, I’ve told you everything I know.’
    ‘Much as I want to believe you, we know the paintings are here and not anywhere else. If you have any knowledge of them, please tell me now, it’ll save a lot of trouble for both of us.’
    Jamie pursed her lips. How many times did she have to tell him? ‘Look, I don’t know what more I can say. I’ve told you they’re not here . In any case, had it occurred to you that Ryder might have sold the paintings without Girard’s knowledge?’
    He smiled and shook his head. ‘There were safeguards against that ever happening.’
    ‘Like what?’
    ‘Never mind, it’s not relevant. But take my word for it, Ryder could not sell the paintings without our knowing.’
    ‘Well, what more can I say, Mr Fox? If you’d like to talk to my lawyer, I’d be happy to give you his number.’
    He shook his head. ‘That won’t be necessary,’he said, offering his hand. ‘Thank you for seeing me.’
    ‘If they do turn up, naturally I’ll call you right away,’ she replied, shaking his hand. Together they walked to the front door where she watched him get into his car. With a quick wave of the hand from the open window, he drove off.

Chapter Seven
    Driving back to Wickersham, Kingston was mulling over his visit to the Somerset Light Infantry Office. Jarvis had suggested that Kingston contact the Historical Disclosures Section of the Army Personnel Centre in Scotland, who, he said, might be able to give a more detailed account of Ryder’s military career.
    Kingston would do that in due course but from now on he would be best advised to proceed with Jamie’s blessing. Though they had developed what he felt to be an easygoing relationship he was, after all, an employee and he knew it was none of his business poking into her personal affairs. Besides, for all he knew she might prefer not knowing more about Ryder.
    When he arrived at the house, Jamie was waiting for him. She was fidgety and said little. They went into the kitchen where Kingston sat down, placing the bag containing the Amy Tan book and Jamie’s library book on the floor beside him. Before giving them to her, he decided to wait until he knew what was bothering her.
    She’d already made a pot of tea and poured him a cup without asking. It wasn’t like her. Had she somehow found out about his visit to the Light Infantry Office? Maybe Jarvis had called back? Then she proceeded to tell him about Fox’s visit.
    Kingston’s initial suggestion, that she should consider hiring a contractor to undertake a