On Friday 2nd December, Strike and Kim Cochrane meet at the Dorchester to conduct surveillance on Mrs A, the cricketer’s ex-wife.
This is a job that Strike, for personal reasons, was hoping to carry out with Robin, but she is due the evening off. Midge was originally intended to accompany Strike, but she phones him earlier in the day to tell him that she has swapped with Kim, because Kim ‘thinks Plug clocked her yesterday’. (Chapter 15)
Strike’s ‘bad mood was worsened by the fact that he considered the evening’s activities – infiltrating a gala dinner in benefit of a children’s charity – entirely pointless. Mrs A was to be in attendance, and the client was insistent that his wife should be kept under surveillance there, even though Dominic Culpepper was currently in Lancashire. Mr A thought his ex might ‘talk about shagging him, when she’s got her guard down’.’ (Chapter 16)
Strike changes into black tie and sets off for the Dorchester. He contemplates walking there (which would take around half an hour) but because his leg is aching, he catches a cab on Shaftsbury Avenue.
Kim is waiting for him outside the hotel. She is ‘in a clinging crimson dress, high-necked and long-sleeved, through which her nipples were clearly visible. She was very obviously braless.’
They enter the hotel through the revolving doors, and head for a seating area in the long, marble-floored lobby.
Kim tells Strike about the call she received earlier from Farah Navabi. As they talk, Strike notices Mrs A arrive, accompanied by another woman.
Kim follows the two women to the coat check; Strike tells her he’ll be in the bar.
‘The Dorchester’s bar was decorated in gold and green with Art Deco touches, and was bestrewn with more Christmas foliage and fairy lights.’
Strike sits at the bar and orders a double whisky, which has just arrived when his phone rings – it is Jade Semple, Niall Semple’s wife. They have just finished speaking when Kim joins him, taking a bar stool next to him. She proceeds to tell him about the visit she has just received from her ex-boyfriend.
When the gala dinner finishes, Strike and Kim head back out into the lobby and gatecrash the ballroom.
‘Tall vases full of white flowers and crystal icicles stood on the circular tables. Uniformed waiters and waitresses were winding through the party, clearing away empty bottles.’ (Chapter 16)
Kim heads off to dance near Mrs A and her friend. Strike is then approached by Nina Lascelles, with whom he had a brief relationship several years ago during the Owen Quine case. Nina is the cousin of Dominic Culpepper, the man that their client believes is sleeping with his ex-wife. Their conversation is antagonistic, and includes Nina accusing Strike of having ‘fucked up a friend of mine’s life.’
Kim returns, and they leave the ballroom. Kim has managed to get the evidence they need in the ladies’ loo.
The Dorchester is at 53 Park Lane in Mayfair. Find it on the map below.