LaContessaisbusyatbreakfastbuffetofStairwellsbytheSurf

‘These prunes are just what the doctor ordered,” enthused La Contessa. “Together with the high fibre muesli and probiotic yoghurt it is the perfect digestive aid.” “Quite,” said Nick, looking up from his full-English fried breakfast.

“But I would counsel that too many prunes can have an adverse effect.”

At that moment the glass door to the restaurant crashed open and a highly agitated young man in a torn T-shirt burst in, brandishing a kitchen knife.

“Where is she?” he demanded, waving the knife in the air. “She killed my girl. I know it.”

Underneath the table Baxter emitted a low warning growl. “Easy tiger,” murmured Nick. “Not yet.”

“Justin, there is no need for such dramatics,” said a grey-haired lady in a refined voice, standing up from a round table at the far end of the room. “I am here, why don’t you put that knife down and come and speak to me.”

The woman, dressed in an ivory beaded dress with a twin row of pearls, gestured to an empty chair.

“I don’t want to talk to you Violet Asquith,” snarled the young man, advancing across the room. “I want to kill you for what you did to your granddaughter.”

“Now Baxter!” shouted Nick, jumping to his feet as the fearless beagle burst out from under the table. Baxter clamped his jaws on the man’s wrist as Nick delivered a knockout blow to his jaw.

“Bravo boys! Now we need some questions answered,” said La Contessa.

“But first I just need to pop to the loo.”

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