you know that I'm currently conducting an inquest into her death.'
'One could hardly avoid it.'
'May I ask if you're acting for her estate?'
'No, we're not. I believe her executors instructed someone else.'
'Her executors being—?'
'Her father and his long-standing solicitor, as far as I am aware.'
'I see. Then I presume you're still in possession of her files, at least until her bill is paid.'
'Yes,' Lynd said cautiously. 'That would be the usual situation.'
'Then, if you don't mind, I'd like to see the originals and to have copies made.'
The lawyer studied the backs of his hands. 'I'm afraid that won't be possible, Mrs Cooper.'
His objection came as no surprise, but Jenny was curious to see how he would justify it. He must know as well as she did that her next move would be to make an order requiring their disclosure, and that failure to obey would amount to contempt.
'You no longer have them?'
'I'm afraid I find myself in the position of being unable to answer any questions on this subject.'
'I do hope you haven't been placed under any pressure, Mr Lynd?'
'I'm really not at liberty to discuss this any further. I know it sounds odd, but that is the situation.'
'Mr Lynd, either you make Eva Donaldson's files available to my inquest in their entirety, or I will use the full force of the law to compel you. Do I make myself clear?'
With the pained expression of a man walking an excruciatingly fine line, Lynd said, 'I understand your impatience, but if you were to take that approach I can tell you that it would trigger a different order of legal proceedings entirely.'
'What kind of proceedings?'
'Enforcement, I would imagine.' Lynd spoke in such a way that suggested there was a subtext she was expected to understand.
The light slowly dawned.
'Are you trying to tell me that there is some sort of court order preventing you from disclosing Miss Donaldson's papers?' Jenny asked.
Lynd gave her look indicating that even to answer that question was a risk he couldn't take. She was left in no doubt: he had been gagged in a manoeuvre that only a lawyer of Annabelle Stern's expertise could have executed.
'I can't claim to be an expert on the law of confidentiality, Mr Lynd, but I do know that there is no lawful means of putting Miss Donaldson's papers beyond the reach of a coroner.'
'Moot point, Mrs Cooper. And not one I'm willing to test,' Lynd said.
'And if I were to make the order here and now and summon police assistance to take the documents from the premises?'
'I would pick up the phone to a judge.'
'Any judge in particular?'
Lynd's forehead creased with the mental effort of charting a course through his complex ethical dilemma. Whichever way he jumped, he risked being found in contempt of court, and many lawyers had been struck off for less.
Jenny said, 'Don't say anything. Just listen. I'm assuming there's an injunction in force preventing you discussing or disclosing any documents relating to Miss Donaldson or her affairs, and I can guess who obtained it. I can also guarantee that the judge wasn't told anything like the whole story, nor did he intend to derail a perfectly legitimate inquest.'
'All logical conclusions,' Lynd said, starting to relax a little now that she had retreated from her earlier threats.
'I appreciate you can't tell me who the parties were or even confirm that this injunction exists, but if it does, I'm sure it doesn't contain a provision preventing you from naming the judge who granted it.'
'Almost persuasive, Mrs Cooper.' He glanced anxiously at his watch. 'I think our time's nearly up.'
'Just a moment.' Jenny fetched out her phone and speed- dialled Alison's mobile.
She answered from her car.
'Alison, I need police assistance at the offices of Reed Falkirk & Co., Montego House, Queen Square. Right now.'
'Police? What for?'
'To enforce an order for disclosure.'
'Now, hold on a moment—' Lynd protested.
Jenny cupped a hand over her mobile. 'Yes?'
Lynd pressed his fingers to his temples in an agony of indecision.
'Mrs Cooper?' Alison's tinny voice cut through the ominous silence between Jenny and Lynd.
'I'm sorry, I don't have time for this. Alison?'
'No!' Lynd said. 'Mr Justice Laithwaite.'
'Thank you.' Jenny spoke into her mobile. 'Blank that last instruction, Alison. But I want you to call the Royal Courts and get me an appointment before Mr Justice Laithwaite. As soon as possible.'
She rang off and turned to Lynd. 'If a single document goes missing from those files I will hold you personally responsible. Do you understand?'