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- Herausgeber: Clink Street Publishing
- Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
- Sprache: Englisch
The Gamble is the fourth volume in the Ian Caxton Thriller series. Ian Caxton has committed to a major change in his career, but will the gamble prove a success? Fresh challenges face Ian and his colleagues as they attempt to unravel more mysteries in the art world.Are the paintings of 'Sir Edgar Brookfield' and 'Mademoiselle Chad' worth millions of pounds? Who's the famous artist hidden behind the signature, 'Madeleine B' and why does Ian think an identicalpainting, currently on display in the Musée des Beaux- Arts d'Orléans, is really a fake? Is Gladstone's association with his boyhood hero connected to the murder of Millie Hobbie and why is Ian's nemesis, Jonathan Northgate, back in his life? All is revealed in the continuing page-turning tales of adventure, risks and rewards, where paintings once considered lost are now worth millions of pounds.
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Seitenzahl: 397
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023
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The Gamble
Robert Cort
To Waldemar Januszczak, for unravelling many of the mysteries and hidden stories about famous artists and their paintings.
“There are a million stories in the world of art… this has been just one of them.”
Contents
‘The Gamble’
‘The Gamble’ is the fourth volume in the Ian Caxton Thriller series.
Ian Caxton has committed to a major change in his career, but will the gamble prove to be a success?
Fresh challenges face Ian and his colleagues as they attempt to unravel more mysteries in the art world. Are the paintings of ‘Sir Edgar Brookfield’ and ‘Mademoiselle Chad’ worth millions of pounds? Who’s the famous artist hidden behind the signature, ‘Madeleine B’ and why does Ian think an identical painting, currently on display in the Musée des BeauxArts d’Orléans, is really a fake?
Is Gladstone’s association with his boyhood hero connected to the murder of Millie Hobbie and why is Ian’s nemesis, Jonathan Northgate, back in his life?
All is revealed in the continuing page-turning tales of adventure, risks and rewards, where paintings once considered lost are now worth millions of pounds.
Chapter 1
It was late on a Sunday afternoon and both Ian and Emma were still discussing the two options concerning their future. They’d analysed all the pros and cons but were still not 100% certain which was the right choice to make. It really was a tough decision.
How things could seriously change in just a few days, Emma thought. Her understanding was that everything had been sorted and agreed about Ian’s job at Sotheby’s. Ian was going to resign and they’d both concentrate on building up their art business and be able to spend more time using the apartment in Monaco. Now, with the offer of the Managing Director’s job at Sotheby’s, all this, potentially, was in jeopardy.
Ian had previously explained to Emma all the benefits of taking the Managing Director’s role. A much improved and secure salary, larger eventual pension, more benefits and enhanced personal prestige. Yet, despite all these attractions, Ian still could not convince himself, never mind Emma, that this new option was the right decision. Indeed the serious warning words of Michael Hopkins, his boss and the current MD, continued to bounce around in his head. He could almost remember Michael’s serious words exactly:
‘This is a big opportunity, but it is also very demanding on all your talents… and especially on your time and family life. It’s not for everyone, so you really need to get Emma’s full support and commitment too. Without that everything, and I mean everything, could easily fail.’
Emma could feel Ian’s frustrations and anxiety. They had both experienced broken nights’ sleep since Ian’s last meeting with his boss… and the tempting offer of the top job. It was a big decision, a huge decision! Even she was starting to have second thoughts. After all, there were no guarantees when you stepped away from a secure employed role and into the world of self-employment. No more regular income that they’d become used to… and had certainly taken for granted! Robert’s school fees and a large mortgage would still have to be paid. The usual domestic bills, food, two cars, entertainment, the list went on and on! They would have to be very, very successful in the art world to get even close to the income and benefits that were currently enjoyed by Sotheby’s Managing Director. Maybe we are being too adventurous. Are we really cut out for this uncertain existence? Yes, we are reasonably financially secure… well, yes, at the moment, but what about illness, another world financial crisis, that could well see the bottom fall out of the art market once again. Where would we be then?
Ian knew he had about 16 hours left in which to make his final decision. The biggest decision of his life. The decision that he might eventually live to regret? His excitement and enthusiasm, just a few days ago, had now changed to anguish and apprehension. How was he going to finally decide?
When Ian and Emma finally fell asleep just after midnight, it was due to exhaustion, not a gentle drifting off to sleep. They had gone to bed at 10.45pm with the final decision still in the air. Emma had suggested they try to summarise their many discussions by listing all the benefits and downsides they had decided before.
It was just before midnight when they’d finally, yes finally, come to a joint decision. Both Ian and Emma were definitely as one. They kissed and snuggled down under the duvet. Ian hoped he would now finally get a good night’s sleep.
At 6.45am the next morning, the bedside alarm clock rang. Ian switched it off but Emma hadn’t stirred. He got out of bed, showered and shaved. He then put on his best suit and his lucky blue tie. A quick bowl of cereal and he was then on his way, walking towards Esher railway station. Again, he recognised a number of the ‘regulars’ standing on the platform, waiting for the same train to London as him. But, again, he didn’t know any names, no occupations, nothing about their individual lives… he only recognised their faces.
It was 8.35am when Ian walked into his outer office. Penny, his PA, was usually the first to arrive, but then he remembered she had mentioned on Friday that she would not be in the office until about ten o’clock as she had a dental check up.
Ian walked through Penny’s area and into his own office, stopping in front of his desk. He placed his briefcase down on the polished oak surface and looked around the room. It was a nice and comfortable size, with space for a small table and four chairs for meetings and two more cushioned seats facing the desk.
This was not going to be his office for much longer, he thought… whatever his final decision! He walked over to the far wall and hung up his overcoat. On the cream painted wall immediately next to him was the large colour photograph he had taken some years ago. It was the view across Victoria Harbour from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island. Such a lot had changed in his life since the time he’d been working there. Great times, so many happy memories.
He checked his wristwatch. 8.40am. Twenty minutes to go. He took a deep breath and wished this was all over and done with. But, of course, it wasn’t, not just yet. Suddenly he smiled and remembered the old black and white cowboy movie, High Noon. Yes, his meeting with his boss in a few minutes’ time, was going to be his own High Noon. He could now feel the ‘butterflies’ fluttering in his stomach. His breathing was deeper and his heartbeat was much more rapid. He also began to perspire.
He walked over to his window and looked out. The earlier drizzle had now stopped and the street was busy with commuters hurrying to their offices, shops and elsewhere. Like ants going about their daily business, Ian thought. He checked his watch once again. 8.44am. He decided not to waste any more time and strode out of his office and walked along the familiar corridors. His mind was trying to focus on what the right words he was about to deliver to his boss would be. His stomach was still churning; the palms of his hands felt nervously damp. He hoped the tenseness he was feeling in his body would not develop into a horrible headache. As he passed the men’s lavatory he quickly popped in and washed his hands and perspiring brow. He dried both on a paper towel and then rechecked his watch. 8.52am. He looked in the mirror and brushed his hair with his hand. Four minutes later he walked into his boss’s outer office where he found Michael Hopkins, the MD, standing near his office door talking to his PA.
“Ah, Ian,” cried Michael, looking across and a little surprised. “A little early, but come on… into my office.”
Ian smiled and nodded at Michael’s PA. She briefly smiled back. He followed his boss into his office, gently closing the door behind him. He took a deep breath.
“Sit down, Ian. Did you have a good weekend?” asked Michael, sitting down behind his large walnut desk. He removed his reading glasses and placed them on the side of his desk.
Ian smiled. If only he knew. He sat down opposite his boss and said, “I’ve had a lot to think about, Michael, and, of course, I’ve also had numerous discussions with Emma. We really didn’t have much time to do anything else.”
“Yes, of course,” said Michael, more seriously. “A big decision. So then, what have you both decided?”
This was it, thought Ian. He shuffled a little in his seat and nervously rubbed his hands together. Finally, he looked across to his boss, and started to speak, “Michael, your offer of the Managing Director’s position, last week, came as a total surprise. I had no idea you were planning to retire so soon or that I was being considered by you and the chairman to be your preferred successor. Your wise words advising me to discuss all the implications with Emma before I made my final decision were very astute. A strong warning that the role was not for everybody, whatever their qualities and skills. As I mentioned earlier, Emma and I have discussed nothing else all weekend. Emma did, however, confirm that she would support me in whatever decision I finally made.” Ian took another deep breath before he continued.
“However, I have to tell you, Michael, it’s not my ambition to become Sotheby’s Managing Director. Over the last few days, I’ve found it very difficult to change that view. I accept that, careerwise, it’s a massive opportunity and you’re also paying me an enormous compliment, but… I’m sorry to say, Michael, I’m refusing your offer.”
“I see,” said his boss, a little shocked, but not totally surprised. “And that’s your final decision?”
“I’m afraid it is, Michael. As I say, it is a wonderful compliment you pay me, but your job isn’t what I want to do over the next five, ten or whatever, years. When I was in New York and Hong Kong I was single and very ambitious. Now I have a wonderful wife and a lovely son. My life has changed, my priorities and ambitions have similarly changed. My family is my future, not the Managing Director’s role. As you rightly warned me, it’s almost impossible to do both without sacrificing something. I don’t want to risk the possibility of losing Emma, or feeling that I’m not being fully committed to the MD’s role. That wouldn’t be fair to Sotheby’s, me, you or, indeed, anyone.”
“Okay, Ian, you’ve made your decision and I respect your reasons,” replied Michael. He pondered on his next words. “We’ll just have to look for an alternative candidate, which, of course, may or may not be good news for you in your long-term career.”
Ian smiled. He had been expecting something along these lines. “I know. If I was the new MD, I’d want to make my own mark at Sotheby’s and review the whole set up. And, of course, that would include all of the staff as well.”
Ian put his hand into his inside jacket pocket and pulled out a white sealed envelope.
“When I came to the meeting with you last week, I had this letter in my pocket. However, when you announced you wanted me to succeed you as the Managing Director, I decided it was only fair and proper to give your offer the full and serious consideration it deserved. As I said, it was an enormous compliment. This serious consideration now done: I’m giving you notice that I wish to resign from Sotheby’s.”
Ian leaned forward and placed the envelope on his boss’s desk.
Michael picked up the letter, looked at the envelope and then back at Ian. After a few seconds, he placed the letter, still unopened, into the top left drawer of his desk.
Chapter 2
When Ian left Michael Hopkins’ office, he was still shaking and sweating. He returned to the men’s lavatory and washed his face and hands in cold water. He looked in the mirror. He was worried and wondered if he’d made the right decision. Too late now, he thought, but he was curious to understand why his boss had not opened the letter. Why did he just place it into the top drawer of his desk?
Drying his face and hands and taking two deep breaths, Ian realised that his increased heart rate was now returning to normal and his trembling body reaction was much calmer now.
After leaving the lavatory, he slowly walked back towards his office. However, he suddenly stopped and diverted out through an exit doorway and into the side courtyard to take a deep breath of cool, fresh air. On the far side of the courtyard three members of staff were talking and having a smoking break. Ian looked across, but he didn’t recognise any of their faces. He took some more deep breaths of the cool air, but then shivered briefly and decided to head back to the confines of his much warmer office.
When he arrived back into his outer office, he noticed Penny had still not appeared. He walked through to his own office, picked up his mobile phone and telephoned Emma. When she answered he confirmed he’d declined the MD’s job and had handed in his notice. Emma started to ask questions about his boss’s reaction, but Ian stopped her when he heard activity in the outer office. He said he would tell her the full details that evening. When he’d finished the call, he wandered over to the doorway between the two offices to investigate. He saw Penny hanging up her coat.
“Good morning, Penny. All okay at the dentist’s?” he asked.
“Oh hi, Ian. Yes, fine, thanks,” replied Penny, turning around to face her boss. “All okay.” She gave Ian a slightly exaggerated smile.
“Will you come into my office? I’ve got some news to tell you.” Ian wandered back to his desk and sat down.
When Penny walked into his office, Ian asked her to close the door.
Penny gently closed the door, walked over and sat down on her usual seat opposite her boss. Shutting the door was a rarity for Ian, so Penny was immediately concerned with what he was about to say. It was obviously going to be serious. Was it going to be bad news?
“First of all, Penny, what I’m about to tell you is for your ears only.”
Penny nodded, but remained focused on Ian.
“At least for the next two or three days.”
Again, Penny nodded, but still didn’t say a word.
Ian continued, “This morning I had a follow-up meeting with Michael Hopkins. Last week Michael told me, in confidence, that he would be retiring at the end of the current financial year.” Penny’s eyes suddenly became wide open in surprise. Ian continued. “The bombshell that came next was that he told me that both he and the chairman wanted me to replace him as the new MD.”
“Goodness!” exclaimed Penny. “Wow.”
“Michael gave me the weekend to talk it all over with Emma. Needless to say, we didn’t talk about anything else all weekend. We weighed up all the pros and cons and I’ve just told Michael my decision. I also gave him my letter of resignation.”
“Oh, my goodness, Ian. Really!” exclaimed Penny. She was totally stunned and shocked.
“You knew from our conversation some months ago that this was my intention, but I’ve decided the time’s now right to take this next step in my career. There’s more to tell you, but now’s not the time. Michael and I didn’t talk about the timescales before I leave Sotheby’s so, at the moment, I’m continuing on the basis that I’ll still be doing this job for the next six months… as per my contract.”
Again, Penny nodded. She wanted to ask him some questions, but decided to just sit and listen to what more he was going to tell her.
“Obviously things could change much more quickly. The appointment of the new MD may have a serious bearing on the matter. Sotheby’s may decide to pay me off and get rid of me, as soon as possible, but history shows that’s not their usual style. In the meantime, and if you’re still keen, I’ll continue to make every effort to push for you to be promoted to head of this department. You won’t pick up my director’s role, but the head of the department is a nice career step. So, are you still keen?”
Penny was still somewhat shell-shocked from Ian’s earlier news. “Well, yes. Yes, of course, but… you, resigning! Wow, Ian, it’s a massive step.”
“I’ve spent the last 18 months planning this move, Penny. Needless to say, both Emma and I have had many sleepless nights. But now? The decision has finally been made.”
“I remember you saying that tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our lives.”
“I said that? Well, yes, it’s true. This next year will be a massive change for both of us.”
Yes, thought Penny, and even bigger changes for me than you currently know… at the moment.
It was two days later when Penny stood at the entrance to Ian’s office. She looked across and saw Ian was peering at his computer screen.
“Ian?” she said quietly. Ian looked up. “I’ve just had Mr. Hopkins’ PA on the telephone. Mr. Hopkins would like to see you at 4pm.”
“Did he say what about?”
“No, sorry.”
“Okay.” Ian looked at his watch, 3.35pm. “I’ll be there.”
Penny smiled and then walked back to her desk. She really hoped he knew what he was doing. Was this the moment he would change his mind?
Ian considered Penny’s message. He assumed the directive from his boss was to finalise his employment situation, in particular, to tell him when he would be leaving Sotheby’s. At least Sotheby’s, he thought, were not the sort of company who would give him just one hour’s notice to clear his desk before security marched him, unceremoniously, off the premises.
At 3.50pm Ian logged off his computer and headed across the office. As he passed by Penny’s desk she looked up. Ian gave her a tentative smile.
“Good luck,” she said. Her worrying eyes followed him until he’d disappeared into the corridor.
As Ian headed towards his boss’s office, he was wondering what Michael was planning to say. Since the meeting on Monday, he’d not heard anything more from his boss. He also wondered whether Michael had now opened his letter of resignation.
When Ian entered Michael’s outer office, his boss’s PA gave him a smile and indicated, by the wave of her hand, that he should go straight through. “He’s waiting for you,” she said.
Ian smiled back, nodded and walked towards his boss’s door. Although it was open Ian still knocked politely and waited.
“Ah, Ian. Come in,” said Michael, taking off his reading glasses and pointing to a seat in front of his desk. “Please, sit down.”
Ian quietly closed the door behind him. He was thinking that this was all too friendly. Two days ago, he’d turned down the Managing Director’s job and handed in his notice. Why wasn’t Michael biting his head off?
Ian sat down and waited for his boss to speak.
Michael opened the top left drawer of his desk and pulled out an unopened envelope. He placed it on his desk and then looked across at Ian.
Ian wondered what the hell was going on! He recognised his writing on the envelope. It was his letter of resignation and it was obviously still unopened. Michael was not renowned for playing psychological games, but what was he trying to achieve?
A few seconds passed then Michael broke the silence. “Had any further thoughts?”
“Further thoughts?” queried Ian, somewhat surprised. “Further thoughts about what, Michael?”
“The Managing Director’s role, of course,” said his boss, pushing the envelope further across his desk so that it was directly in front of Ian.
Ian smiled a little. So that’s his game. He sat back in his chair, moving away from the envelope.
“No, Michael. Sorry, but my decision is still the same… and for all the same reasons.”
“That’s a shame, Ian. It means we’ll have to appoint Jonathan Northgate.”
You are kidding me, Michael, surely, thought Ian. He had worked with Jonathan Northgate in New York and knew the man was just hot air. Good presentation skills, but totally lacking in substance. “Well, I must admit, Michael, that is a surprise. And to be honest, a very big… and disappointing surprise,” replied Ian.
“He has big ideas for Sotheby’s and has a few immediate changes already planned.”
“In that case, Michael, I’m even more pleased to be leaving. I don’t rate the guy and I think the company’s making a huge mistake. You’ve been an excellent MD, Michael, and this man is certainly nowhere near your calibre… or indeed your class.”
Michael smiled and nodded at Ian’s compliment. “We wanted you, Ian, remember? But you’ve turned us down.”
“Michael, Sotheby’s are making a huge mistake with Northgate.”
Michael Hopkins leaned forward, still looking directly at Ian, and put both arms on his desk. He then released his right hand and slowly pushed the envelope further towards Ian.
Chapter 3
Earlier that day in Antigua, Oscar had visited the ‘Shell Gallery’ in St John’s. Wesley Fredericks, the owner, was keen to get Oscar’s opinion on a number of new paintings he’d recently acquired. Oscar had explained his immediate thoughts and ideas and had promised he’d speak with his connections to see if he could generate some interest.
After he left the gallery Oscar walked towards Redcliffe Quay, situated close to the waterfront promenade. This area was one of Oscar’s favourite parts of St John’s. He enjoyed walking among the old alleys and passages, glancing into the various shop front windows. The area, he knew, dated back over a hundred years and it still contained many preserved buildings of a bygone age. Occasionally he would enter a small art gallery or antiques shop, to see if there were any pictures that might just be worth buying. Today, however, nothing was grabbing his attention.
After about an hour, he was feeling hungry and so headed towards the waterfront and, in particular, to ‘Jake’s Bar’. This was a bar he often frequented when he was in the area. He liked the colourful and rustic feel of the decor and the Caribbean food. It was very popular with the locals and therefore there was always something extra to the bar’s character and atmosphere.
To start with, Oscar ordered a beer and then, from the food menu, a portion of jerk chicken and fries. He sat down at a vacant table with his beer and waited for his food to arrive. Looking all around him, he guessed that the bar was probably about half full. Immediately behind him a group of four black men were sitting on the next table. They were talking quite loudly so Oscar had no difficulty in following their conversation.
When his food arrived, Oscar forgot about the neighbouring chatter and concentrated on his meal. He pulled away a portion of the chicken with his fork and placed it into his mouth. As he was savouring the hot and spicy piece of food, one of the men behind him mentioned the name of Millie Hobbie. The announcement of this name quickly grabbed Oscar’s attention. He knew her killer had still not been apprehended, so he leaned back on his seat and listened more intently to their conversation.
After a few general comments, it was then that he heard one of the men say, “Of course, nu’ting will ever be proved against Clancy. Besides, whether ’e was involved or not, ’ardly anyone in the Caribbean would find dat man guilty. Along with Bob Marley, we all know, ’e’s a big reggae hero.”
“Me brother, Charlie, ’e’s a policeman, and ’e says the case is slowly being wound down.”
“Clancy has donated a lot of his time and money to a number of Caribbean kids’ charities. De’ guy’s an ’ero. I agree. No jury would find ’im guilty. Besides I gather Millie was a gold digger. I really don’t know what Clancy saw in dat wuman.”
At that moment one of the men stood up and picked up the empty beer glasses. “Same again, guys?”
Suddenly the topic of conversation changed and Oscar returned to his food. He put another piece of chicken into his mouth and thought that maybe his colleague, Gladstone, would be interested in this bit of news.
Viktor had decided it was time to make some changes to the window display at the ‘Taylor Fine Art Gallery’. He looked through his stock and wondered whether he should have a new theme or just put what he thought were currently his best paintings on display.
The gallery had two large windows facing onto the street and Viktor wanted to make a new and strong statement. He tried different permutations and finally decided on a 19th century landscape theme. After placing the paintings in their new positions, he went outside and stood on the pavement to inspect both of the window displays.
He was still pondering on the new arrangement, when a female voice behind spoke to him.
“I preferred the previous display.”
Viktor turned and looked into the smiling face of Penny, his fiancée. “Oh, you think so?” he replied, slightly alarmed.
“Just kidding,” replied Penny, still smiling. “It looks very good. You’ve chosen a nice set of landscapes.”
Viktor turned back to re-inspect the new display. “You don’t think it looks a bit… twee?”
“Twee?” replied Penny, somewhat surprised. She stepped forward to look more closely. “No, I think it’s well thought out and gives a good suggestion of what the customer’s going to find once they step inside.”
“Okay… are you coming in?” asked Viktor, now feeling a little happier as he moved towards the door.
“Just for a few minutes. I’ve just been to look at two paintings that might be auctioned. I told Ian I’d be back by one o’clock.”
Viktor and Penny entered the gallery and he offered Penny a cup of coffee.
“No, I’m okay for the moment. Anyway, have you thought of any dates for the wedding?” asked Penny, reminding Viktor of their conversation of two evenings ago.
“No, sorry, Penny. I need to speak to my parents and they’re away until tomorrow. Do you have any suggestions I can give them?”
“I’m thinking of the beginning of September.”
“Seems okay for me, but, as I say, I’ll have to discuss it with my parents.”
“I’ve also been thinking, Vic. You’ll need to sort out a best man and I need someone to walk me down the aisle. As you know, there’s only me and my mum now.”
“Can’t we just elope to Gretna Green or Las Vegas? It’d be so much simpler.”
“No, we cannot!” responded Penny emphatically. “I only intend to get married once and I want a proper wedding.”
“Okay, okay. Just a thought.”
“Well, you can put that thought out of your mind.”
They both looked at each other for a few seconds, then Penny said, “What do you think about Ian?”
“What, as my best man?”
“No, no. I was wondering if I should ask him if he would walk me down the aisle.”
“Oh. Right. Err…”
“You don’t like the idea?”
“No, hang on. I didn’t say that. I just wanted to think.”
“And?”
Viktor walked over to his desk and sat on the edge. He looked up from the floor and across to Penny. Then he said, “I think it would be an excellent choice. But will he agree to do it?”
“Well, we’ll have to see, won’t we? I’ll ask him this afternoon.” At this point Penny walked over and gave Viktor a kiss, a smile and then left the gallery.
Viktor watched her walk away, heading in the direction of Sotheby’s. He decided he would love to be a fly on the wall when that conversation took place!
When Penny arrived back at her desk there was a note from Ian waiting for her. It just said that he would be back in the office just after two o’clock.
Penny put her mug of coffee on her desk and opened the packet of sandwiches she’d bought after leaving Viktor. She decided to have a quiet lunch and plan on what she was going to say when Ian returned to the office.
It was 20 minutes later when Ian reappeared.
“Oh, hi, Penny. Any luck with the Hendersons?”
“You were right. Their paintings are good examples of Cezanne’s work. Mr. Henderson said he’d ask Christie’s for a quotation too, but I’m still optimistic we’ll get the business.”
“Well done,” said Ian, walking towards his office. “Let me know how it goes.”
Penny rose from her desk and, before Ian had disappeared, she asked him, “Ian, can I have a word, please?”
“Please, eh?” said Ian, teasing. He stopped at the doorway and looked back at Penny. “Sounds important. You’d better come in.”
Penny followed Ian into his office. He sat behind his desk and Penny sat on her usual seat.
“Okay. I’m all ears,” said Ian. He leaned back in his chair and waited for Penny to speak.
Penny smiled. It was a phrase her boss often used, especially when he was in a good mood.
“It’s personal, Ian,” said Penny.
Ian now sat upright in his chair. His face was more serious. He waited for the probable bombshell.
“Vic and I want to get married this year…”
“Hey, that’s great news, Penny,” interrupted Ian. But he then realised what he’d just done – interrupted. So, he decided to hear Penny out without any further comments.
“…but we’ve not decided on a date yet,” continued Penny. “I’m thinking of early September. I want a proper, traditional, church wedding.” Ian nodded. “However, I do have a problem. You probably remember my father died four years ago and so I’ve not got anyone to walk me down the aisle. I was wondering if you would do me a great honour and be my ‘father of the bride’?”
Suddenly Ian’s eyes were wide open and a large smile appeared on his face. He couldn’t keep quiet now. “Oh, wow, Penny. What a fabulous honour. Yes, of course I’ll do that for you.” Ian began to feel quite emotional.
Immediately Penny leapt from her seat and ran round to Ian’s side of his desk and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Then she realised what she’d just done. She quickly stepped back and looked aghast at her boss.
Ian just laughed. “Does that mean I have to adopt you now?”
Penny still stared at Ian and slowly a tear began to trickle down her cheek.
Ian stood up and gave Penny a gentle hug. What would HR think about this? he wondered.
He then let her go and Penny wiped the tear from her cheek. They stood facing each other.
“I’ll really miss you, Ian, when you leave Sotheby’s. You’re a great boss and a lovely man.”
Ian smiled. “Vic’s the lucky man and you’ll benefit from me moving on. Speaking of which, I have some more news. You’d better sit back down.”
Chapter 4
Penny sat back down on her chair and Ian returned to his own seat.
“I’ve not had a chance to tell you about my meeting with Michael yesterday. He was still trying to persuade me to reconsider my decision about turning down the MD’s job, but, as you know, I’ve made my career choice and it no longer includes Sotheby’s.”
Penny nodded and concentrated on every word Ian was saying.
“This next bit of news is for you alone, Penny. Can you just pop over and close the door please.”
Penny swiftly did as she was asked and returned to her seat just as quickly.
“I know I’m out of order for telling you this, but I also know you’ll keep it to yourself until it’s all officially announced. Michael Hopkins is going to reveal his retirement plans at tomorrow’s press announcement and it looks like Sotheby’s will also be declaring the appointment of Jonathan Northgate as the new MD.”
Penny tried to recall the name, but then decided she had never heard of the man.
Ian continued. “I worked with Northgate in New York. He’s British and about four years older than I am. To be honest, Penny, I wasn’t impressed then and I’m even less impressed now. The guy won’t last six months in the role. He really hasn’t got the talent, intelligence, or any of the other skills needed to push the company forward and to be successful.”
“Then why is the management appointing him?”
“Good question. I challenged Michael, but he wouldn’t give me a satisfactory answer. What he did hint, however, was that one of the first things Jonathan Northgate would do would be to get rid of me!”
“You’ve resigned anyway. What’s the point?”
“You don’t know Jonathan. He knows I have a poor opinion of his abilities and that I’d be a threat to his authority from day one. He just wants me out of the way.”
“As I say, you’ve resigned. He can’t do that. He can’t sack you, surely?”
“Officially, Michael Hopkins has still not opened my letter of resignation. He’s still hoping I’ll change my mind before tomorrow’s announcement.”
“And will you?”
Ian smiled at Penny. “It’s tempting, just to keep Northgate from taking over, but, no. I’ve made my decision. Michael knows that… and he knows my reasons. I really don’t think he wants Northgate either. However, the chairman and the board have made that decision.”
“So, what are you going to do now?”
“Another good question, Penny.” Penny smiled. “I’ve agreed with Michael that I’ll leave Sotheby’s at the end of the month. According to the terms of my contract, Sotheby’s still have to pay me six months’ salary. However, I’ve agreed with Michael that, as long as he announces my resignation before Northgate’s appointment, I’ll only take three months’ compensation.”
“At the end of the month! This month? That’s just, what?” exclaimed Penny, and she calculated in her head, “ten days’ time!”
“That’s right. But now the much better news.” Ian opened his briefcase, pulled out an envelope and pushed it across his desk towards Penny. “That, young lady, is a letter from Michael Hopkins. It’s your formal notice of promotion to head of this department. With effect from the first of next month.”
Penny leaned forward, with eyes wide open. She hesitantly picked up the letter and immediately saw her name written on the envelope. She then looked back at Ian and decided she had at least a hundred questions she wanted to ask.
Ian continued, “Have a really good read of the terms and conditions. If you’re happy everything is okay, then fine. If you have any queries, talk to me tomorrow. You’ll have three months before Michael actually retires and Northgate takes up the role of MD, so that’ll give you a good period to get your feet under this desk. Michael also wants to see you tomorrow afternoon at four o’clock to personally congratulate you.”
Penny looked at Ian, then to the envelope and back to Ian again. She was not, at that very moment, very excited at all. “You know, Ian, the department is not going to be the same without you.”
Oscar had arranged to meet up with Gladstone at their usual bar. It had been three days since they’d last met and Oscar was keen to see Gladstone’s reaction to the news he’d overheard whilst lunching at ‘Jake’s Bar’.
Oscar was the first to arrive and purchased two glasses of lager. However, when he wandered over towards their usual table, he was disappointed to see that it was already occupied. He decided to walk a little further along the balcony when he saw two empty chairs. He placed the drinks on the table and sat down. He could still get a glimpse of the beach area, but quickly concluded that the view was much better from where they usually sat. He looked at his watch. Gladstone was ten minutes late, but Oscar had become used to that. Even after nearly two years of living in Antigua, Oscar still couldn’t get used to the Caribbean people never being on time. He pulled out his mobile phone and started to check on his emails.
“Why you hiding here, man?” It was Gladstone who had crept up behind Oscar.
“Our normal table’s occupied. Anyway, you’re late,” said Oscar, putting his phone back into his pocket.
Gladstone looked at his watch, shrugged his shoulders and sat down. He picked up the full glass of lager. “Cheers, man.” And before Oscar could respond, Gladstone drank about a quarter of the glass. “I needed that.”
“I’ve got some news for you,” said Oscar, adjusting his sitting position so he could see Gladstone’s face more fully. He then went on to summarise the conversation he’d overheard in ‘Jake’s Bar’. After he’d finished, he waited for Gladstone to respond.
Gladstone shrugged his shoulders. “I’ve told you before, it’s nothing to do with me, man. You have to remember, Clancy… he’s a hero in these parts. I agree, no jury would ever convict him here… even if he was guilty!”
Gladstone had not flinched a muscle in response to Oscar’s revelation.
“Are you not bothered that a murderer could be let off scot-free?”
“As far as I know, the police haven’t charged Clancy and, from what you say, they’re unlikely to do so now… or in the future. So, the guy’s innocent. Anyway, I’m on his side, he’s paid my bill for my correct valuations. Come on, man, lighten up. Let’s change the subject. What you been doing in the art world recently?”
Oscar decided he’d said enough about Clancy. It was obvious Gladstone was not going to admit to anything about any involvement in Millie’s murder. However, he did just wonder how much Clancy had actually paid Gladstone for his so-called ‘valuation fee’!
Chapter 5
In Tokyo, Yuki had become more content with his new business life. His involvement in the business partnership with Ian Caxton’s group had meant less travelling around the world to achieve the same level of painting sales and purchases. He was also pleased that Ian, and to a lesser extent, Viktor, were now becoming more the UK contact and the ‘local face’, to his British clients. And in China, a market he had not tried to expand into before, he was both surprised and encouraged to achieve a number of sales via May Ling.
As a result, Yuki was now almost totally based in Japan and had more time to discuss and develop possible ideas with his partner, Yoshi. In particular, they were now mulling over Yuki’s latest suggestion of expanding and setting up a new gallery in Osaka.
“So, Yoshi, do you think now is the right time to open a new gallery?” asked Yuki.
The two men were sitting in Yoshi’s main office situated above the ‘Cherry Blossom’ gallery. This was just one of the three galleries owned by the two men in Tokyo and which were managed on a daily basis by Yoshi.
Yoshi was pouring himself a top up from the bottle of mineral water.
“I’m not totally sure, Yuki. Yes, we’ve moved on quite a bit over these last two years, but with you wanting to retire soon and Osaka being many kilometres away from Tokyo, I’m not convinced we can manage a new gallery properly from this far away. We’ll need to take on either a good local manager or an additional partner. I certainly don’t have the time to oversee it as the three galleries here in Tokyo take up all of my time. It would also be a large capital outlay.”
Yuki sat back in his chair, sipped his coffee and pondered on what Yoshi had said. Yes, Yoshi’s comments did make some sense, he thought, but Yuki was still keen to see the business expand. He didn’t want their business to stand still. “Okay, maybe you’re right. Let’s just keep the option open for the time being,” responded Yuki. “However, I have more time available now and it would be a shame not to take full advantage of it.”
“What about May Ling in Beijing? There must be bigger opportunities in China and Hong Kong. Maybe you should have a conversation with her and see if we can sell more of our stock into her market. That’s where all the new money is.”
“You’re right,” replied Yuki. “We’ve just been responding to May’s requests to date. Yes, I’ll speak to her. I need to be more proactive as we might be missing out on a much bigger market there than in Osaka.”
Yuki was as good as his word and sent a detailed email to May. In summary, he wanted to know what paintings and artists the Chinese market was particularly looking for at the moment.
Once he’d sent his email, Yuki looked at the lengthy spreadsheet of all the paintings they currently held both on display at their galleries and also in their storerooms. He started to make a number of notes and comments. After two hours he decided to have a break and switched his attention to his existing clients, especially those he knew already had paintings for sale. Again, he added these details to his notes.
Once he’d finished updating the spreadsheet, he sat back and thought about his findings. He hadn’t realised the volume and range of pictures he had immediate access to. And, of course, there was also the Singapore Freeport paintings opportunity to take into consideration.
When May Ling received Yuki’s email she was intrigued. To date, Yuki had been a useful member of the partnership and had volunteered four pictures painted by the Japanese artists that she had been searching for. Now it appeared Yuki wanted to be more enterprising. May Ling replied listing all the Far Eastern artists that were currently in fashion in China. She concluded by saying that she was eager to hear Yuki’s thoughts and any suggestions he might have.
Viktor decided it was now time to appoint an assistant manager at the ‘Taylor Fine Art Gallery’. The footfall had been increasing, but so too was the time he spent on making visits to new and existing clients. Each time he had to leave the gallery the ‘closed’ sign was placed in the entrance door’s window. This meant there were two major issues to resolve. Firstly, he didn’t know how many potential customers he was missing and, secondly, the gallery was closed at random times and on different days. He was determined to overcome these problems and get back to offering a better and more focused customer service.
It was during a quiet period on Thursday afternoon that Viktor drafted a detailed email to his senior partner, Bob Taylor, in Monaco. He outlined the problems that were occurring when the gallery was closed and the potential opportunities being missed. He then suggested an answer and included a cost–benefit analysis of employing an extra member of staff.
It was just three hours later that Bob replied. He’d agreed to Viktor’s request and suggested he should immediately advertise for an assistant.
Viktor had kept a copy of the original advertisement that Bob Taylor had created when he was looking to recruit the gallery manager. He now used this for the basis of his own advertisement and placed it in two art magazines, an employment agency and on their own gallery’s website. He now eagerly awaited the results of his efforts.
In Monaco, Zoe and Bob were expanding their client base significantly. The enthusiasm of Zoe, Bob’s greater freedom with the running of the gallery since Antoine had stepped back from direct involvement, plus the success of Ian Caxton’s partnership, had each made a contribution.
Bob totalled up their turnover and profit for the last nine months and, later that evening, he was explaining all the details to Zoe. “It’s quite amazing. We’ve increased our turnover by an average of 4% each month over the last 15 months. That compares really well against the time before you came back to work in the gallery and prior to the commencement of Ian’s partnership group. Turnover was largely flat then, or even slightly negative.”
“My father was stopping us from developing as well. You were right to join Ian’s partnership. The extra buying power’s made such a difference. I can talk to many more wealthy clients than I could before,” replied Zoe. She was really pleased with all the changes.
“Our London gallery is working well too. Viktor’s doing a really good job. So much so that I’ve agreed he should employ an assistant. A lot more of his business is now generated outside the gallery premises and he has to close the gallery each time he goes out. That’s not really how it should work. Anyway, we can now afford the extra cost and, hopefully, it should pay for itself in the long run.”
It was Ian’s last day of his employment at Sotheby’s and he wanted to keep everything very low key. He’d spent a large part of the last three days with Penny, explaining the details of the extra tasks and demands of her new role. She was a quick learner and Ian knew she’d be a success.
For Penny, however, it was an emotional time. She had worked with Ian since leaving university and she was apprehensive about her new role, especially without Ian’s presence and leadership to guide her. She had really enjoyed the last few years at Sotheby’s and had learned so much from Ian’s management style and experience. It was now all about to change, and, despite her promotion, she was not looking forward to the next few months at all.
