The de Vere Deception (David Thorne Mysteries Book 1) by Loy Ray Clemons Page A

confidential until I tell you different.”
                Thorne nodded his agreement and said, “Absolutely, and I appreciate your confidence.”
                Bada said, “We’ll have a morning meeting tomorrow with Jacques Rainier, our architect on the renovations of the castle, and our engineers, consultants, vendors and contractors will also be there. You should also know, we have not revealed to Rainier or anyone else outside our immediate group, about our search during the demolition. The fewer people that know, the better.” He produced a folder. “I also have general information about the upcoming final meeting in the town hall on the second of December you might find of interest.
                Thorne shifted his weight in his chair. “Again, I thought my role was limited to—”
                Bada said, “Of course—of course. But I think it’s helpful for you to be familiar with
    our supporters—and possible opponents— on the council. We have been told privately of the Council’s approval.”
                He leaned back in his chair and stroked his chin. “This brings us to our most virulent opponent, Roger Linsdame.”
     
     

Chapter 20
     
     
    Bada swirled the brandy in the snifter. “Roger Linsdame is an important man in Stratford, and considers himself to be the most important. He owns a number of tourist related businesses in town, including the largest department store, near the Shakespeare Centre in Henley Street. He also owns a local motorcar dealership, restaurants and other miscellaneous businesses in and around Stratford, and wants to keep the focus there—that is, on his side of the river. I don’t remember if I mentioned previously, Linsdame is responsible for the rumor the castle is haunted by the ghost of Richard Moldar. I realize it’s strange he would do that, as it only enhances tourist interest in the castle. He’s known to be rash and impulsive.
                “We have tried to make a strong argument that the renewed activity at the castle on our side of the river will not impede his business in the center of town. Unfortunately, Linsdame is stubborn and won’t hear of it.
                “As has been mentioned previously, Neville Forestal is another strong opponent He’s not on the Council, but as town architect, he wields a lot of influence. As I’ve said, we still consider him our friend even though we disagree on development of the castle and the property.
                Bada retrieved a file folder and handed it to Thorne. “You may have also seen the name Jacques Rainier shown on plans and other information provided you. Rainier is our architect from Brussels. His father is Belgium and mother is English, and he speaks English fluently. Because he is not English, he is assumed to be lacking in English interests— and more specifically, Stratford interests—so his relationship with Neville is tenuous at best. You’ll have the opportunity to meet Rainier when he conducts the meeting tomorrow. He can answer questions—”
                Thorne said, “Again, I want to emphasize—”
                Bada held up his hand. “You’re not to be involved in anything dealing with the technical or political aspects of the project. I just want you to be aware of the relationships of the characters involved.”
                Thorne asked, “What is Forestal’s background? Is he also a registered architect?”
                “Yes, he studied architecture at the University of Cambridge—quite possibly the best school for architecture in all of England. He’s from a family of modest means, and he’s exceptionally bright and talented. After graduation, he traveled abroad in Europe, and claims to be knowledgeable about castles and medieval fortresses. One of his duties is to also inspect various historic buildings and make recommendations to the Town