Rose Turner hands over dead trainer Ron Saunders’ diary

The real question,” said La Contessa, sitting back on the garden sofa as Nick vigorously agitated the martini shaker, “is why Rose Turner handed over the missing diary so easily?” “Exactly my Cagliari cogitator,” said Nick, handing her the martini in a frosted glass. “The only thing I can think is that there is nothing of value in it.”

La Contessa took an appreciative sip and picked up the diary from the coffee table. Baxter circled, sniffed at the diary and pawed at her leg.

“No it’s full of racing details, not missing money. I don’t know what is wrong with that dog,” she said, turning the table lamp to see the diary more clearly. “He won’t leave it alone.”

“This reminds me of that case I had when the crook who stole my diary died,” said Nick. “My thoughts are with his family.”

“Oh Baxter, get down!” said La Contessa as the beagle jumped up, knocking the diary from her hand and sending the lamp crashing to the floor. The shade broke away and the diary landed on the hot bulb where a page quickly began to smoke.

“Look darling,” shouted La Contessa. “A whole set of writing is appearing on the page where it’s getting hot.”

“Invisible ink,” cried Nick. “Lemon juice or even urine. It only shows up when you heat the paper.”

“Yuk, no wonder Baxter was so interested in the diary,” said La Contessa, patting the beagle’s head.

“Who’s a clever dog detective then?”

“Yes indeed,” agreed Nick. “So what does it say?”

Don’t miss next Tuesday’s episode by Matthew Benns. Order the new Nick and La Contessa novel The Dying Diplomats Club online or at your local bookstore.