Kevin had found out that Peter Winston-Moore was attending the Evesham Arts and Antiques Fair at the weekend so he knew he might only have tonight to steal the painting as Peter would probably decide on an early night on Friday and Saturday to be fresh for the event.
His plan was for the chef to check the guest was either in the hotel bar or out for the evening and then ‘borrow’ the master key and pass it to Kevin who would be sitting in the bar.
He knew the chef would go along with it because he was very aware of Kevin’s reputation. He was not the kind of person you said no to. Anyone who really knew Kevin O’Connor was aware inside the man had a spot of true evil. He was like Jekyll and Hyde. One minute he could be the sweetest man on the planet. The next as dark as Hannibal Lecter.
And Wayne Hurst was no hero.
After getting Kevin’s ‘request’ the chef started asking around the hotel, trying to pick up any information and while standing in the bar at lunchtime he overheard one of the antique dealers say Peter had promised to show him the painting in his hotel room that evening if the dealer treated him to a meal in the hotel restaurant. The dealer was telling his associates Peter had told him he planned to take it with him to display at the Evesham Art and Antiques Fair and then put it into auction as soon as he got back to London.
Wayne checked the restaurant bookings and noted a table had been booked for eight-thirty and the plan was as soon as the two men were in the restaurant. He could keep Kevin informed of how long Peter was likely to be out of the way to give him time to steal the painting.
Everything was set. Wayne knew he could easily hand over most of the cooking to his assistant chefs. He had made sure the best ones were working with him on that shift so he had time to assist Kevin.
In the evenings with few guests signing in, reception would be unmanned after eight-thirty when Dawn finished her shift. If he gave it until around eight forty-five, the coast would be clear. He could take the master key card and pass it to Kevin who would be in the bar and then get it back from him before anyone realised it was missing. Guests didn’t usually phone to book into the hotel after reception had closed, but if they did a member of the bar staff would take the call and deal with it as part of their general duties.
Kevin thought the great thing about his plan was the art dealer would be going back to London after he had attended the Evesham Art and Antiques Fair over the weekend so he wouldn’t be around to talk to the police. He didn’t usually sit in a bar drinking fizzy water, he much preferred a few pints, but for a ‘pay day’ of sixty grand, for one night he was prepared to make an exception.
It looked like it was going to be a rewarding night for Kevin. What a lucky break he and his sons had been in the restaurant.
Chapter Fourteen
Norman Gentle was having a good day and feeling happy. On Mondays the Shoreditch gallery closed at four pm. and he was thinking of going home to wait for Peter who was out viewing a potential purchase when he realised the apartment hadn’t had any fresh flowers for nearly a week.
Since the cash windfall, Peter loved having a bouquet or two in the living room, so Norman decided to make a detour from his normal route and go via Wild at Heart, a fabulous flower shop situated on the Pimlico Road.
As he was leaving the shop holding a stunning bouquet and looked round for a taxi, he noticed a beautiful Bentley Continental convertible that looked very familiar.
He was just about to walk across the road towards it when he saw Peter with his arm around a young man. As they reached the car Peter and the young man start a passionate kiss and then got into the car and drove off in the opposite direction.
The bunch of flowers fell to the floor as Norman almost fainted. He couldn't believe what he had just seen.
Next to the flower shop, there was a bar, and after recovering his composure, Norman made his way inside and ordered a large gin and tonic.
As he sat down at the table in the corner away from everyone, tears formed. Had his eyes been playing tricks on him?
He needed another G and T.
What should he say when he went home. Should he confront Peter or should he hold back until he had more proof. After all, it had only been a kiss. But then why would Peter be kissing someone else?
Norman decided it was best to say nothing. When he got the opportunity, he would check and see if there were any messages or clues on Peter’s phone as to who this young man might be and what his partner was up to. Yes, he thought. Get the evidence before you make a fool of yourself.
He didn’t want to risk throwing everything away when there could possibly be a reasonable explanation. After all, he and Peter had been together for six years and recently had started talking about getting married. They had discussed where the ceremony would take place and were in the process of making up a guest list.
There’s got be a rational explanation Norman thought to himself. Better to sleep on it than rush in and create a scene.
Later that evening, when Peter went to bed, Norman made the excuse of wanting to watch the end of a film. Instead he took the
