I don’t have chance to see Blair after she walks away with Isaac. I’m caught on the phone with Micky, then spend an hour trying to find some information on a person who’s made himself of interest.
It’s past eleven when I find myself in the bar, sipping whisky I know my father would blanch at the price of. I’ve found time to read as sleep isn’t going to come anytime soon and I don’t need my own company.
Goldsmith thinks I haven’t seen him as he walks to my table. He’s carrying a glass identical to mine, a double measure of scotch.
“Benjamin Smith.” He takes the seat across from me and I put my book down on the table. “We haven’t really talked before.”
“Given I’m merely the hired muscle, there’s probably not much I can talk to you about.”
He offers his glass for an unspoken toast and I clink, the ice in his rattling.
“I think there’s plenty. You’ve known Blair a long time, I believe?”
He was on a fishing expedition, and an obvious one, given what he’d clearly drank.
“Since we were teenagers.”
He nods, tries to look serious. “You’re more than friends now though, aren’t you?”
“I’m not sure it’s my place to talk about my relationship with her. It’s her private life and who she chooses to be friends with is up to her, surely.”
Goldsmith smiles. “Don’t be so naïve. I’m aware that your relationship goes beyond the professional.”
“Can I ask why that’s any concern of yours?”
“I’m concerned about how her image will be devalued if the public find out she’s sleeping with the man who failed to stop her brother from being assassinated.”
There’s a moment where I wonder if Goldsmith knows something that I don’t; whether his intelligence have found something out about the killer that we’ve failed to uncover.
My heart rate settles and I consider my next move. He’s spent the evening with Blair, he talks to Isaac and he’s spent time with Elise.
Elise knew.
“There’s no reason for the media to find out. I’m sure we’d all like to keep our private lives just that, regardless who we may or may not be spending time with. How was your dinner? I hear the food here’s very good.”
“It is. That’s why I suggested it for Blair. I worry that she isn’t looking after herself.”
I make no comment, simply sip my whisky.
“I can offer you a position with my team. Make it worth your while.” He breaks the silence.
“Why would you do that?”
“Because we clearly need to have a common understanding of threats to security that affect both my country and Scotland. I believe you’re the man to do that. I don’t mean to go behind Blair’s back – I’ve already spoken to her about it. Joined up thinking could’ve stopped the death of her brother.”
I sit back in my chair and wonder if Goldsmith even realises how he’s contradicted himself. I should say nothing, or just thank the man for the opportunity and retire for the night but the genes I share with my sister won’t let me.
“So you’re offering the man you’ve accused as being responsible for the death of Lennox Stewart? That doesn’t make much sense even after a whisky, Mr Goldsmith.”
His eyes narrow.
“And yet you didn’t budge when I accused you. Your poker face is something to be proud of.”
“Unfortunately, I’m not interested in leaving Scotland.”
“Of course, your father still works at the castle, doesn’t he? He must be getting on now. How’s his health? I remember Lennox telling me about him. And your sister. How’s she? I hear she’s based in Norway now.”
“My father’s doing well. His active lifestyle keeps him healthy.” I didn’t mistake the threat that lined his tone.
