Page 49 of An Eye for an Eye
‘So you weren’t even in the building when the switch occurred?’
‘That’s correct, Chairman. When I returned, Alan Roberts told me about the police inspection that had taken place during my absence, which I assumed was standard practice whenever a member of the royal family makes an official visit.’
‘So, like me, when the drawing was unveiled you had no reason to believe anything unusual was about to take place,’ said the chairman, lobbing up another slow ball.
‘No,’ said Beth. ‘The preparations for the unveiling had gone smoothly. In fact, I even checked the cord was working before I went home.’
‘And I presume,’ said the chairman, ‘at that time theAngelwith Rembrandt’s signature was still in place.’
‘She most certainly was,’ said Beth. ‘In fact, I spent a few moments admiring the drawing before closing the curtain.’
‘Thank you, Dr Warwick. Now I will hand over to my colleagues, who I know have some questions.’
A board member seated at one end of the semicircle immediately raised a hand.
‘Ms Bates,’ said the chairman.
Beth wasn’t surprised that Ms Bates wanted to ask thefirst question. They had crossed swords several times in the past, and she had made no secret of wanting to succeed Sir Nicholas as chairman of the board when he retired in the autumn, which was one of the reasons Beth had allowed her name to go forward for director of Tate. And she hadn’t been surprised when William told her he’d seen Miles Faulkner deep in conversation with Ms Bates only moments after the unveiling had taken place.
‘Do you, by any chance, know who was responsible for the switch, Dr Warwick?’ was her opening salvo.
‘No, I do not, Ms Bates,’ replied Beth firmly.
‘It’s just that it all conveniently took place while you were at home.’
‘What are you implying, Ms Bates?’ demanded the chairman.
‘I wasn’t implying anything, Sir Nicholas. However, I will reword my question, if you think it would help. Do you have your suspicions as to who itmighthave been?’
‘No,’ repeated Beth, not sounding quite so convincing.
‘Despite the fact that your husband, Chief Superintendent Warwick, has been put in charge of the inquiry?’
‘We avoid discussing work at home.’
‘Perhaps, on this occasion, it might have been wise for you to do so, to quote one of your favourite expressions, given the circumstances.’
‘I did what I thought was best at the time, Ms Bates. Unlike some, I have not been blessed with hindsight.’ Beth immediately regretted her words. She could hear William saying, if you’re provoked, remain calm, and whatever you do, don’t rise. She had risen like a soufflé.
‘Would you like to ask a question, Mr Davis?’ said the chairman, wanting to move on, aware that Davis was a great admirer of Beth’s.
‘Thank you, chairman,’ said Davis. ‘Remembering that the drawing was back in place within an hour, and the gallery has been experiencing record numbers for the past week, can I ask if there have been any other repercussions since?’
‘I do hope, Chairman,’ interjected Ms Bates before Beth could reply, ‘that Mr Davis isn’t condoning theft, as long as it increases our footfall.’
‘I didn’t say that,’ snapped Davis.
‘Perhaps we should allow the director to answer the question,’ suggested the chairman.
‘I would be the first to admit,’ responded Beth, ‘that the unfortunate experience the Fitzmolean suffered on the night of the unveiling has not enhanced the gallery’s reputation, even if it has increased its visitor numbers.’
‘I couldn’t agree more,’ said Ms Bates, a little too loudly.
‘However,’ continued Beth, ignoring the comment, ‘among the hundreds of messages I have received during the past few days, the vast majority have been supportive, and I feel sure the board will be interested to learn that among them was a charming letter from the Countess of Wessex, asking if I would be kind enough to show her children around the gallery in the near future.’
Ms Bates remained silent, while the chairman couldn’t resist the suggestion of a smile.
Another hand rose.