Down Among the Dead Men by Peter Lovesey Page A

different.”

6
    D ays passed with no progress on the jewel thefts. John Leaman, the anal retentive on the team, had spent days studying a map with the aim of profiling the offenders. The theory was that referencing the crime locations would pinpoint the likeliest area where the perpetrators had their base. If these had been one-man crimes, it might have worked. With a gang, the profile was never likely to provide the breakthrough. But the display board looked pretty decorated with push pins and pink strips.
    â€œI expect they drive in from Bristol or London,” Keith Halliwell said. He’d long since given up sparing Leaman’s feelings.
    â€œIf we had some idea where they’d strike next, it would help,” Diamond said. “There are far too many big houses stuffed with valuables.”
    â€œOur best hope is a tip-off.”
    â€œAlways is. But the snouts aren’t helping—which gives point to your theory about Bristol or London.”
    â€œThe gang now seems to know what they’re looking for. They take the major items and leave the rest.”
    â€œAnd it’s always a clean job. They must have a good look before they go in.”
    â€œPlanning.”
    â€œBut where do they get their information? How do they know who owns the rocks they steal?”
    â€œ Bath People ?” Halliwell said.
    â€œWhich people?”
    â€œ Bath People . The magazine.”
    â€œI get you.” The expensive glossy filled its pages with photos of the great and the good at local hunt balls, race meetings and glamorous fund-raising events. The pages, that is, that weren’t filled with advertising.
    â€œAll those women in posh frocks sporting the family jewels. Everyone is named. That’s how it sells.”
    Leaman spoke up from behind his computer, “If you like, guv, I can look through the back issues and see if there’s a connection.”
    â€œWhat a good offer,” Diamond said, resisting the temptation of winking at Halliwell. It was another perfect bum-numbing task for Leaman. “And I know where we can lay our hands on a stack of copies. Georgina buys it. In fact, she’s in it sometimes, rubbing shoulders with the lord-lieutenant and the mayor.”
    â€œDo you read it?” Halliwell said in surprise.
    â€œOnly at my dentist’s.” He turned to Leaman. “Georgina keeps her copies on one of the filing cabinets in her office. Be sure to ask before you borrow them.”
    Halliwell looked at Diamond. “Wouldn’t it be better if the request came from you?”
    â€œMe? I’m keeping my distance this week. She won’t mind. She’ll be tickled pink if we come across her picture.”
    â€œWearing the Dallymore tiara?”
    â€œShe’s always in uniform.”
    Leaman went off to try his luck with Georgina, never shy of speaking to one of the high-ups.
    â€œHe’ll have my job one day,” Diamond said. “See if he doesn’t.”
    â€œI believe you, guv. By then, we’ll all be history except him. CID will be one man and his laptop.”
    The grotesque fantasy came closer to reality before the day was out. Diamond picked up the phone and it was Georgina.
    â€œHow ready are you?”
    â€œFor what, ma’am?” His mouth had gone dry.
    â€œFor what we were discussing.”
    â€œThe, em . . . ?”
    â€œWe leave tomorrow morning.”
    â€œSoon as that? I haven’t made any arrangements.”
    â€œYou live alone like me, don’t you? What arrangements?”
    He didn’t like to mention his cat. The neighbour would take over. Raffles spent much of his time in her garden anyway. “I haven’t spoken to Keith Halliwell.”
    â€œTell him he’s in charge. You’re away for an unspecified time on police business. No need to say any more.”
    â€œI don’t know any more.”
    â€œGood thing. I’ve arranged for a driver. He’ll