Casebook 3: War with Russia - 3.9[index]

---

Marltot verified the forgeries as originals and was given our blessing and support to remove thirty genuine paintings into her care.

The entire raid had been forged, even to the detail of Noet's accidental death. I thought of the tears of the sad Pierrot and felt strangely moved. Marltot, of course, had even forged her own death, and used the opportunity to disappear forever.

*            *            *

My holiday came to an end. As usual, I returned to my office early in the morning, unlocked the door and switched on the light. As the flourescent strip flickered valiantly towards life, I padded over to my desk, sat down and stared for a long time at the flat, emotionless expanse of my ceiling, waiting for the day to come.