Corporate Bodies by Simon Brett Page B

allowed his glass to be generously filled, without worrying about the fact that he’d almost definitely move on to the whisky when he got back to Hereford Road. He’d cross that hangover when he came to it.
    â€˜So I have your word that you won’t mention this to anyone?’ Ken insisted.
    â€˜No problem. Forgotten all about it already.’
    Charles was intrigued by the man’s over-reaction. Again it suggested some involvement in the affairs of Trevor and Dayna, and stimulated rather than allayed suspicion.
    What the Marketing Director said next stimulated it even more. ‘And if there’s any favour I can do for you that’ll help you forget the whole business, well, you only have to say the word . . .’
    This was so unexpected that it took Charles a moment to realise he was being offered a bribe. ‘Favour?’ he echoed stupidly.
    â€˜Yes.’ Ken Colebourne wasn’t finding these negotiations particularly easy, but he was managing without total embarrassment, which suggested it wasn’t the first time he’d made such offers.
    â€˜I wasn’t talking money, of course, though it might be possible for some kind of arrangement to be made on those lines. But I was thinking more of . . . well, maybe some kind of event you’d like to attend . . . ?’
    â€˜Event?’
    â€˜I have a lot of dealings with public relations companies. Most things can be arranged these days. The unobtainable has become very obtainable if you know who to ask.’
    â€˜What kind of unobtainable?’
    â€˜Well, concerts, theatre, opera tickets, those’d be no problem, whatever show you wanted to see. I can pick up that phone now and get you seats for tonight at the hottest show in the West End.’
    â€˜Oh?’
    â€˜Or, of course, if it’s sport that interests you . . . well, you name it. Test matches, rugby internationals, Ascot, golf, Wimbledon, Henley, whatever you fancy . . . And I’m not just talking tickets here, I’m talking executive hospitality – you know, the full package. A really good day out.’
    â€˜Ah.’ Charles, so unused to being courted in this way, was lost for the right response.
    â€˜I mean, what I’m saying is that I do very much appreciate the way you’ve taken this incident . . .’ Ken Colebourne spelled out the deal, ‘you know, saying you’ll forget all about it, not take it any further . . . so I’d like to say a little thank-you to you in some appropriate way. Bit of a quid pro quo if you like.
    â€˜I see.’
    â€˜So what do you say? Anything in the little lot I’ve mentioned that might maybe appeal to you . . .?’
    Charles had never had to ask himself before whether or not he was corruptible. By custom, the subjects of bribery are people who wield power and influence. There’s never been much percentage in trying to corrupt a predominantly out-of-work actor.
    So the ethical dilemma that faced him was unfamiliar.
    He certainly had no intention of abandoning his murder investigation. But Ken Colebourne had talked in such veiled terms that it wasn’t at all certain that that was what was being asked.
    On balance, Charles decided that accepting one of the offers would not be compromising himself at all. At the very least, he deserved some compensation for his bruised testicles.
    And, besides, there was one entertainment on Ken’s list that did appeal a great deal.
    It didn’t actually appeal much to Charles Paris himself.
    But he knew someone it really would appeal to.
    He asked Ken Colebourne to make the arrangements.

Chapter Ten
    â€˜FRANCES, it’s me.’
    â€˜Ah.’
    â€˜We’re getting predictable.’
    â€˜What do you mean?’
    â€˜I keep ringing up and saying “Frances, it’s me” and you keep saying “Ah”.’
    â€˜So?’
    â€˜So nothing. I just mention it in