5 Chapter 5

There was only one email, from a man by the name of Donovan Hayes.

‘Mr. Martin’ it began. ‘I am in need of your expertise. I purchased a book which, unbeknown to me at the time, had significant damage to two pages. If you are available and interested, please call me.’

No description of the damage? Usually people will over-explain what turns out to be something quite easy, if time-consuming, to repair. Well, Mr. Hayes, let’s see if you’re legitimate, first.

He always did a thorough check on a potential client who wanted his services. It wouldn’t do to walk into a trap because he was too trusting. It had happened once, when he had first set up his business, many years ago. He managed to escape unscathed, and had learned a valuable lesson in the process. Not all collectors were as honest and aboveboard as one could hope. But then neither am I, except when it comes to my business. Then I’m scrupulously honest.