‘Searching for backers? Not yet.’
‘I could speak to Clifford again, though much good it may do.’
‘I don’t want you to have to go begging to him.’
She sighed. ‘He may be our only bet.’
‘I have one or two contacts. People I was at school with in England. I’m trying them. Time isn’t on my side, but look, when I’ve had a chance to sort something out, why not come to my palace with me?’ He gave her a warm smile. ‘Stay a few days. Once we get the project going again and the temperature starts rising it’ll be cooler there. Come. Take photographs. And we’ll have a chance to talk properly.’
‘I’d love to.’
‘And actually I might need a hand with the administration if you wouldn’t mind.’
‘Of course, but I’ve been meaning to ask if you’ve spoken to Indi about Chatur?’
‘She admitted Chatur asked her to obtain information for him.’
‘What about the other thing?’
‘She looked affronted and wouldn’t discuss it, but I have spoken to Chatur.’ He paused. ‘Do you know, it strikes me that he might be the one who stole the pyro, or more likely one of his men. I doubt he came across it hidden somewhere.’
‘But why then give it to Anish?’
‘To undermine you.’
When Eliza called at Clifford’s residence a few days later, she found him sitting in a shady part of the garden under the veranda. He rose to his feet, but was less welcoming than previously.
‘So what can I do for you?’ he said, sipping what looked like a gin and tonic. ‘Would you like one?’ he added when he saw her looking.
‘Just a lime soda for me, please.’
‘With salt or sugar?’
‘Actually I like both together.’ She paused. ‘Clifford, I won’t beat about the bush.’
‘It would be nice if you came to see me without wanting something.’
Eliza thought rapidly. ‘Actually I’ve been trying to help you out with obtaining information about Anish.’
He perked up a bit.
‘He’s not well.’
‘Well, I knew he’d had a little turn after Holi. Indigestion, wasn’t it?’
‘Not just that. He has a problem with his chest. He’s going to ask if you could recommend a good western doctor. He wants to keep the problem he’s having away from castle eyes, I think.’
‘How interesting. I’ll ask Julian Hopkins next door for a recommendation. If I can put one of our men in there it will help a great deal. Thank you. Let me know if you hear anything else.’
Eliza smiled. ‘Look, I am glad to have been of help, but you’re right, there is something.’
‘The irrigation funding?’
She nodded.
‘Well, as it happens I have found a new lead. Though its success rather depends on you.’
‘Me?’
