11 Harrowhouse by Gerald A Browne Page B

because it was as valid an obligation as her account at Cardin or Saint Laurent. She was serious at the time but, apparently, it slipped her mind.
    On the twenty-fifth, Chesser called Antwerp.
    Wildenstein told him the diamond was ready.
    â€œHow does it look?”
    â€œFine,” replied Wildenstein.
    â€œHow many carats did it finish at?”
    â€œCome see and get it.”
    That same afternoon, Maren’s new Ferrari was delivered. It was a convertible, deep blue in color, with a boldly designed body and enough horses under the hood to qualify for the Grand Prix circuit. She wanted to drive it immediately and Chesser knew it was hopeless to try to dissuade her. He thought she might at least take it slowly until she’d gotten the feel of the powerful car. But no. She started with a snapping getaway and put the machine through an excruciating test run over the narrow, unpredictable country roads. She handled the Ferrari as though it had always been hers, and when Chesser warned that she ought not put such a strain on the engine until it was properly broken in, she pointed to a temporary sticker on the windshield which stated that the car had already been run the prerequisite distance. Chesser, unable to think of another excuse, could only make sure their safety belts were fastened and pray nothing was coming around the blind curves.

CHAPTER 8
    E VERYTHING WAS coming together nicely. Chesser could pick up the diamond in Antwerp, then go on to London and The System for his next sight. They had notified him by cable that his next appointment at 11 Harrowhouse Street was scheduled for Monday, June first, promptly at ten A.M. Underline promptly. While in London, Chesser planned, as promised, to let Watts have a look at the diamond before delivering it to Massey.
    Maren’s first suggestion was that they use the Fokker-28. The private jet belonging to the estate had been in repair but now it was ready to go. The pilots were always on stand-by. But her second thought, and the one that stuck, was to drive her new Ferrari 365 GTB. That would be more personal, she said, more leisurely. Chesser didn’t agree but he consented when Maren assured him that she’d let him do some of the driving.
    The decision to drive meant a change of plans. Instead of Antwerp-London-Massey, it was now much more convenient to make it Antwerp-Massey-London. That excluded Watts, but Chesser rationalized that perhaps Watts had expressed interest in seeing the diamond only out of politeness. Anyway, he’d explain to Watts when he was at The System.
    The only problem was having to call Massey. Chesser had thought he wouldn’t call until he’d seen the diamond and was absolutely sure it was right. Massey didn’t expect delivery for at least another two weeks, but Chesser was anxious to get the deal over and done with. Out of courtesy, he had to let Massey know when to expect him.
    He called.
    Massey sounded pleased to hear from him. “You’ve seen the diamond?”
    â€œOf course,” lied Chesser.
    â€œHow is it?”
    â€œFine,” said Chesser, borrowing from Wildenstein.
    â€œHow big?”
    â€œOver a hundred carats.” Chesser hoped it was.
    â€œThen you’ll be here the day after tomorrow?”
    â€œYes. We’re driving.”
    â€œBy we I assume you’re bringing your Maren along?”
    â€œShe’ll be with me.”
    â€œGood. It’s only an hour or so from Lydd to here. Have you ever driven southern England?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œIt’s a nice drive.”
    â€œI’m looking forward to it.”
    â€œSee you Wednesday.”
    â€œWednesday.”
    That’s one hell of a great client, thought Chesser, as he dropped the phone receiver back into place.
    From Chantilly to Antwerp is only about two hundred miles. However, until recently it was a long day’s drive, an obstacle course of small towns. Maddening. But now the Auto Route du