Herr Wagner looked at me with a mixture of surprise and interest which did make me wonder if he was involved in this somehow. Perhaps an attorney’s fee?
While I had the deepest respect for Sir Laughton, my great-aunt’s attorney, in view of the difficult situations he had handled on behalf of Brodie, my great-aunt had confided that there were instances in the past where he had perhaps—emphasis on the wordperhaps—manipulated the law from time to time on behalf of a client.
I did not inquire who that client might have been. I did suppose that anyone who was educated in the law might be able to find certain details that might favor a situation.
As for here and now, we had only Herr Wagner to rely upon and no knowledge of German laws. In consideration of that it did seem that we were forced to take extreme measures.
Herr Wagner studied me with growing curiosity.
“Who would that be, Lady Forsythe? Do you represent someone who would want to be included in the auction? I do not know if that is possible.”
“I wish to be included, Herr Wagner,” I announced and ignored Brodie’s not quite subtle reaction, the expression on his face, and the way he suddenly sat forward at his chair.
“That would be most...unusual, Lady Forsythe.”
“Because I am a woman?” I thought of Angeline Cotillard who was somehow involved in all of this. Another woman, and I was not about to be set aside.
“It is not that,” he replied. “You are here investigating the murder of the very man who apparently was responsible for handing over the documents.”
“The murder, yes. But let us speak plainly, Herr Wagner. You have said that the auction will be attended by those who represent other governments and with the means to participate.”
“Please continue,” he replied.
“Mr. Brodie and I represent an interested party, the British government. And I assure you that I have the means to participate.”
“Most interesting. If I understand correctly, you propose to join the auction with the purpose of securing the winning bid. Is that correct?”
“It is.”
“Do you understand that this ‘auction’ might very well reach the equivalent of several thousand of your English pounds if you were to bid recklessly? And the consequences for that?”
“I am quite familiar with the process of auctions, and I have access to sufficient funds to participate on a level with any of the other...participants.”
Herr Wagner sat back in his chair, chin resting on his steepled fingers. “My good friend, Sir Laughton, said that you and Mr. Brodie were remarkable, if somewhat unusual partners.” He was thoughtful for several moments. “I would need to speak with my ‘client’ in this matter, you understand.”
“Of course,” I replied, then added, “There would also be a substantial fee for your participation.” I caught the interest in his gaze.
For his part, Brodie remained silent, something that undoubtedly would not last when we were finally alone.
“I understand that each of the participants are required to post an amount with the gentleman who is in charge of the auction. An assurance of each person’s participation.”
“Of course,” I replied. “You have only to let me know what that amount would be.”
“Insane!” Brodie declared after we left our meeting with Herr Wagner with his promise that he would leave word when he was able to contact his ‘client’ with my proposal.
Brodie shook his head. “And at the same time, it’s most brilliant, foolish, reckless. I have reason to question if there is any insanity in yer family. Perhaps a long-lost relation consigned to Bedlam!”
I was somewhat familiar with the hospital in Bromley, Bethlem Royal Hospital, that had been given that nickname.
“Not anyone that I’m aware of,” I replied. “If it works and I’m allowed to join the auction, it is quite brilliant.”
“Just how do ye propose to accomplish this?”
“The same as everyone who will be participating. I will post the amount required and then enter the bidding process.”
“Ye do realize there will be all sorts of unknown persons also there, to protect others bidding, including Szábo and others just like him.”
“That is the reason that you will be there.”
