Free The Celtic Dagger by Jill Paterson

relationship with Alex.
    ‘As a matter of fact, I’ve been wondering what to do with a bit of money I have invested.’
    ‘Well, why don’t you drop around to my office tomorrow afternoon?  Perhaps I can help.’
    'Excuse me, Dr Wearing.'  James turned to see Eve Lawrence at his side.  'Your father wishes to speak to you in the study.’
    ‘Is he all right?’
    ‘Just a little tired, I believe.’
    James turned to Simon.  ‘Will you excuse me, Simon?’
    ‘Yes, of course.  ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’
    The hum of voices died away as James made his way through the house to the study.  He found his father sat in the armchair behind the door, his mother perched on its arm.  She looked up when he came into the room.
    ‘Ah, James, I think it’s time we left.  Your father’s very tired.  I’m sorry.’
    ‘Don’t be.  People are starting to leave.  I’ll just have a word with Catherine, and then we’ll be on our way.’  James left the study and went back into the living room where he could see Catherine talking to Simon Rhodes.  He crossed the room toward her as Simon moved away.
    ‘Catherine, I’m afraid we’re going to have to make a move.  Dad’s very tired.’
    ‘Oh, of course.  I’m sorry.  I feel I’ve neglected them today.’
    ‘I’m sure you haven’t.’  They walked out of the living room and into the front hall.  ‘I saw you speaking to Simon Rhodes,' James added.  'I didn’t know whether you’d remember him.’
    ‘How could I forget?  He came to my sister Rosemary’s funeral.’  Catherine paused.  ‘But we’ve met since then.  He dropped by to see Alexander a few times.’
    ‘Oh?’
    ‘Yes, something to do with antiques, I think.’

 
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 11
     
    When he reached 60 Miller Street in North Sydney, James entered the building and walked over to the notice board beside the elevator.  Rhodes & Associates , in large gold letters, stood out behind the glass.  He took the elevator to the first floor and walked along until he found Simon's office.  Its door was ajar.  He pushed it open and walked in to find a windowless room, the only furniture a reception desk and several chairs placed around the walls.  Another door next to the desk opened and Simon appeared, dressed in a dark grey business suit with a maroon tie and handkerchief in the upper pocket.  With his hair perfectly trimmed and his fingernails neatly manicured, he looked the epitome of order and control.
    ‘James, I thought that must be you.’  James shook Simon’s hand.  ‘Come through.’  James followed Simon into a large office, its windows overlooking the street below.  ‘You didn’t have any trouble finding the place, I hope.’
    ‘No, none at all.’  James sat down on one of the two green leather bound chairs in front of Simon’s desk.  ‘It’s good of you to see me at such short notice, Simon.’
    ‘I’m pleased to help in any way I can.  I know it must be a difficult time.  I suppose Alex’s work will stop now.’
    James opened his briefcase and took out a folder while Simon sat back, his hands clasped together, his elbows resting on the arms of his chair.  ‘No.’  James cleared his throat.  ‘Tristan Harrow has stepped in to take over some of Alex's duties, so we’ll continue on.  It’s what Alex would have wanted.’
    ‘Yes, I’m sure he would.  He was a dedicated man, your brother.  How’s everything else going?  With the investigation, I mean.’
    ‘There’s been no word for the past few days, but I’m sure the police are doing their best.’
    James looked into Simon’s cold, grey eyes and wondered, again, why he had contacted Alex after so many years and what the reason was for his visit the day Alex died.  ‘You say you spoke to Alex the day he died.  How did he seem at the time?’
    Simon shifted in his chair.  ‘In fine spirits.  He’d asked me to drop by for much the same reason you’re here now.  His finances.