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  ‘Sir,’ nodded Shani.

  ‘Now whilst he’s within his rights to leave hospital, it does seem suspicious that he has been so secretive.’

  Andy was tempted to say, ‘I might have predicted as much,’ but managed to keep his comment to himself.

  ‘So, we need to identify his accomplice,’ added Dave Goodman.

  ‘Indeed, work with Shani on this. So, Dave can you update us with your encounter with our old friend Wayne Roberts last night?’

  ‘Sir, we spoke to Wayne who seemed to have finished his business for the night. PC Billings spotted him coming out of the Bradfield Arms then she followed him and picked him up in Kitchener Street. He didn’t have any supplies on him but he did give us some useful info. He’s definitely an anxious bunny at the moment.’

  ‘Oh, I’m so sorry for him,’ said Andy, ‘perhaps we should offer him protection?’ he said sarcastically.

  ‘Carry on, Dave,’ said his boss, glaring at DS Walters.

  ‘Wayne used to be supplied by a dealer called RB but he’s now no longer on the scene. Probably up in London.’

  ‘So he now gets his supplies from another source who he refuses to name.’

  ‘Typical,’ added Andy.

  ‘However, it seems that this source is now also not a happy bunny due to the arrival of a bigger and more powerful player. It took a bit of persuasion but he told us that a drug gang going by the name of the Kilburn Boys has branched out into Persford and surrounding towns, Breckton in particular. Somehow they found out the name of Wayne’s supplier and threatened him and he now works for them. In exchange for his contacts he gets a bigger cut of the profits and more business.’

  ‘A classic example of a County Drug Line,’ added Mike Harris.

  ‘So although Wayne now has a lot more business from youngsters, who contact him for supplies he’s worried that if they feel he steps out of line they’ll not cut him any slack. Also, he’s under pressure to deal much more often than he used to, taking more risks.’

  ‘My heart bleeds for him,’ said Andy. ‘Don’t be fooled by his sob stories, he knows full well what he’s doing.’

  ‘You were saying, Dave?’ said Inspector Harris, wondering if he should ask Andy to leave the room.

  ‘Yes, some of his clients are as young as twelve or thirteen he estimates. Sounds like the Lensfield estate is where they chiefly originate from. He used to mainly supply students and over sixteens.’

  ‘So how does this connect with Sean Bailey?’ asked Shani.

  ‘We aren’t sure but there are a couple of possibilities. The first is that Sean Bailey was doing a deal or a handover to Wayne’s supplier and that person told the Kilburn Boys who ambushed them. Or Sean was hoping to become part of their gang and take on a bigger role in the area. Either way, Sean misjudged who he was dealing with and didn’t take enough muscle with him. That’s why we need to find the missing man, Jason Dawes.’

  Andy was listening but at the same time, he was musing about his favourite subject of the moment. He would once again be asking for permission to speak to Ron Radford. He had a gut feeling that he was involved in all this. Wasn’t it possible that he was involved in selling drugs? He’d managed to accumulate huge wealth and that was often a result of drug dealing. The more he thought about it, the more he thought he was the trump card.

  ‘So, the ballistics report sheds some light on things,’ said Mike Harris. ‘The bullet in Travis Cripps wasn’t from the same gun as the one in Jason Dawes.’

  ‘So, they are on opposing sides then?’ asked Shani.

  ‘Seems so, unless someone got caught in the crossfire. We’ve not found either gun. Jason Dawes has no doubt been able to remove all traces of gun residue on his hands by now. We need to find out whether his clothes were retained by the hospital. Shani, find out about his clothes whilst you are up there.’

  ‘Sir.’

  The team remained silent as they absorbed the latest information.

  ‘Also, the forensic report on the abandoned car in Breckton contained Jason Dawes’ blood. From the amount soaked into the seat, he must have been driving for quite a while whilst bleeding. His story about the car-jacking is clearly false.’ Mike Harris paused and flicked through his notes.

  ‘So, working with the Drug Squad, we need to find out as much as possible about this Kilburn gang and I’ll be arranging a meeting with DI Mills.’

  ‘So, my perennial question,’ said Andy Walters. ‘Ron Radford?’

  ‘I think I’m going to make your day. On the basis of this latest evidence, we will visit Mr Radford, both of us. I’m not going to take the risk of letting you loose on your own with him. Shall we say about 11 a.m.?’

  ‘I’ll look forward to it,’ smiled Andy.

  Andy felt like skipping around the room. Finally, he would get the chance to pay another visit to palatial Brensford Manor. He felt sure that beneath the respectable veneer was a hotbed of crime. The only problem was finding the evidence.

  **

  Ron was meeting with his accountant Sidney Failsworth.

  ‘More coffee, Sidney?’

  ‘OK, thanks, why not?’ replied Sidney.

  Ron got up and called to Laura through the door.

  ‘Now, let’s just go through the figures,’ said Ron. ‘The Alpha Motors site will be sold when?’

  ‘A week today. The paperwork is being signed by the buyer and we should exchange next week. ‘We should get four hundred thousand for the site, less the fees for the sale of course.’

  ‘Excellent. Make sure we keep it on deposit. I might need it at short notice.’

  ‘Really? What do you have in mind?’

  ‘Nothing at the moment, I just want to be able to seize any opportunities, should they arise.’

  ‘Well, things are certainly being streamlined which is good as you will doubtless have a large property portfolio coming under the wings of the Radford empire. It’s funny how things turn out, the Flamingo was yours and now the site is Maureen’s, via the late Hubert of course.’

  ‘It’s not funny, in my opinion,’ said Ron, sternly. ‘It belongs to Maureen. We still have to decide what happens to the property business, once all the assets have been transferred. But they will be transferred to her not me.’

  ‘The building plans for the Flamingo site are going ahead though, as planned?’

  ‘Yes, what of it?’

  ‘Nothing, I was just making sure there hadn’t been any changes. That’s all.’

  Sidney felt slightly uncomfortable. Ron’s mood had hardened suddenly. Mention of Welch Properties had touched a nerve. Fortunately, the tension was broken as Laura brought his second cup of coffee.

  ‘Thank you, Laura,’ said Sidney. He hoped his hand didn’t shake when he began to drink his coffee. Ron was still staring at him. He decided to leave it to cool slightly.

  ‘So!’ said Ron, breaking the tension. ‘At the moment, how’s our surplus looking? Not including what we’ve just discussed.’

  ‘Well, it’s not exactly a surplus, you are just about breaking even. Obviously, ClinTry was a considerable outlay but I’m pleased to say that it’s not draining cash. It’s not exactly making a profit but then you wouldn’t expect it to after it got in such a mess.’

  ‘Thankfully, Christian seems to be maintaining focus a little better,’ smiled Ron. ‘He’s quite solid now his personal life is more settled.’

  ‘What do you think it was?’ asked Sidney. ‘I must say, the first couple of meetings we had with him he seemed to be away with the fairies.’

  ‘I think he just needed a sort of mentor and I’ve fulfilled that role. He’s a quick learner and a sharp guy, he just needs to concentrate on the job.’

  ‘Well, that’s good to know,’ said Sidney. ‘I’ll leave the accounts with you and you can peruse them and get back to me.’ Sidney looked at his watch and finished the remainder of his coffee.

  ‘Well, I best be off. I need to get back to the office in time for another appointmen
t.’

  ‘Thanks, Sidney. I’ll be in touch and keep on top of the paperwork for the pending sale. I don’t want any cock-ups.’

  ‘Sure, will do,’ he said, collecting his briefcase and leaving the office.

  Ron had no sooner sat down at his desk when his mobile rang.

  ‘Hi, darling. Everything OK?’ he said to Maureen.

  ‘I’m not sure. Please come up to the main house, there’s someone to see you.’

  **

  Wayne Roberts had spent an uncomfortable night in a police cell. CID thought that he might be prepared to give them some additional information if he lacked sleep. However, they would soon need to release him or charge him. So far, his pleas to be released to attend his cleaning job had gone unanswered so he’d eaten the food provided for breakfast and was now shouting for the custody officer.

  ‘Wayne, shut up will you!’ said the custody officer through the flap in the cell door.

  ‘I’ve been in here all night. What’s happening? I’m going to get the sack, I should have been at work three hours ago!’

  ‘Oh, aren’t you the conscientious one? I always thought you were a work shy skiver.’

  ‘Look, I’ve had second thoughts, I’ve remembered something. Can you tell DS Patel?’

  ‘I hope you aren’t pissing me around, Wayne my son. Otherwise, you might regret it.’

  ‘I’m not. It came to me in the night. But I’m not saying anything without a solicitor. Make that clear to her.’

  ‘We’ll get you a duty solicitor, it will take a while though.’

  ‘Look, tell DS Patel I’m ready now and don’t forget about the solicitor.’

  ‘If you shut up talking to me I’ll go and phone. OK?’

  ‘OK,’ said Wayne as he went to lie down again.

  The custody officer slammed the flap closed and went to phone up CID. At least he should keep quiet for a little while.

  Chapter 15

  Maureen had shown the two detectives into the lounge and was in the process of making some tea. As she did so, she found that her hands were trembling and she dropped a cup as she took it out of the cupboard. Fortunately, she managed to fumble with it and prevent it from falling to the floor. To her relief, she heard Ron open the front door and went over to him.

  ‘Inspector Harris and Sergeant Walters are in the lounge,’ she said quietly.

  Ron looked furious but he paused for a few moments to take some deep breaths before striding in to greet them, smiling broadly.

  ‘Sergeant Walters, how nice to see you again. Inspector Harris, I understand? I don’t think we’ve met before?’

  The three men shook hands.

  ‘Please make yourselves comfortable.’

  Maureen brought in a tray with the drinks and some biscuits. ‘Gentlemen, how do you take your tea?’

  ‘Milk, no sugar,’ said Mike.

  ‘Same for me, please,’ said Andy.

  ‘So, are you going to enlighten us?’ asked Ron.

  ‘You used to employ Sean Bailey, at your club,’ said Mike, producing his notebook.

  ‘Did I?’ said Ron. ‘You’ll have to speak to my manager, well, ex-manager, as the club is now closed.’

  ‘And he would be?’ said Mike.

  ‘Clive Parker. He was responsible for the day to day running and all staff matters including hiring and firing.’

  ‘Do you have his address?’

  ‘I can’t remember off the top of my head but I’ll have it somewhere in my office.’

  ‘Don’t worry. We can probably track him down. If not, we’ll contact you again. The thing is Sean Bailey was killed a couple of nights ago. Shot and stabbed on a country lane.’

  Andy was aware of a slight intake of breath from their hostess.

  ‘Along with another young man, previously from the London area.’

  ‘Oh dear, well, I can’t help you I’m afraid. He must have got in with a bad lot,’ replied Ron without emotion.

  ‘He had traces of drugs on his clothes and in his system.’

  Ron shrugged. There was an awkward silence. Maureen felt very uncomfortable and concentrated her attention on her cup of tea.

  ‘We’ll speak to Mr Parker and see what he has to say,’ said Mike Harris. ‘We believe Mr Bailey was with a Jason Dawes on that fateful night. Have you heard of him?’

  ‘Sorry, no, it doesn’t ring any bells,’ said Ron, calmly.

  Mike Harris showed him an enlarged photo from Jason Dawes’ driving licence. Ron put on his reading glasses.

  ‘Ah, yes, I do recognise him, he used to manage Alpha Motors for me but that was a while back.’

  ‘However, Jason Dawes your ex-employee claims he was involved in a separate shooting that evening,’ said Andy Walters.

  Ron raised his eyebrows.

  ‘Well, as I said, it must have been about five years ago, so I can’t help you.’

  ‘That’s right, five years since he was in your employ officially, according to tax records,’ added Andy Walters. ‘Since then he seems to be self-employed.’

  ‘Well, I hope he’s doing well in whatever profession he’s chosen,’ smiled Ron.

  ‘Well, Mr Dawes received some bullet wounds to his leg and survived.’

  ‘That’s fortunate,’ said Ron.

  ‘However, he’s gone missing. We visited the address he gave but nobody of that name has ever lived there.’

  ‘Well, I wish I could be of more help, sorry.’

  ‘Has he been here recently?’ asked Andy.

  ‘Not to my knowledge.’

  ‘And you madam, Mrs er?’

  ‘Maureen Welch.’

  ‘Thank you, Mrs Welch. Do you live here?’

  ‘Yes, I’m in the process of selling my previous house.’

  ‘Maureen is my fiancée,’ interrupted Ron. ‘We are to be married soon.’

  ‘Where did you used to live, Mrs Welch?’

  ‘17 Springfield Avenue,’ she replied.

  Maureen was looking very worried by this stage.

  ‘And you, madam, have you seen this gentleman anywhere around the premises?’

  Maureen took the picture and shook her head. ‘Sorry, no.’

  ‘Well, thank you very much. If you do think of anything else, then please give me a call.’ Andy handed over a card to both Ron and Maureen.

  ‘I’ll see you out,’ said Ron, standing and extending his arm for them to leave the room and head out into the hallway. Maureen stood briefly and nodded. She heard the policemen leaving and sat down and exhaled. It had been an unnerving encounter. It was dreadful to think that three men had been injured, two fatally. However, it wasn’t just that which was troubling her. Her recall of names was failing but she never forgot a face. Sometimes she even wondered whether she could be regarded as a super-recogniser as the police termed it. She was sure that she had seen Jason Dawes one day at Brensford Manor. It was only a fleeting view but she had been looking out of the bedroom window and she had seen him coming down the path from Ron’s office. In the recent exchange, Ron had denied seeing him recently and more to the point so had she. For the first time in her life, she had lied to the police.

  **

  Hilary Worksop, Head of Innovation and Technology had asked Matt Pearson and Brett Chandler to call into her office.

  ‘Hi, Hilary,’ beamed Brett as they entered.

  ‘Brett, Matt,’ she replied. ‘Let’s sit over here.’

  ‘Before we get started I’ve just spoken to Rebecca and she tells me that Cancer Research is funding more trials at ClinTry. It means that at least another twenty patients should be able to benefit from UP-627,’ said Matt.

  ‘Well, that’s great,’ said Hilary but her mood didn’t seem as upbeat as normal. It was strange, thought Matt as this was news they’d been eagerly awaiting.

  ‘Hilary? Are you feeling OK?’ said Brett. ‘You don’t seem your usual chipper self?’

  ‘Oh, sorry,’ blushed Hilary. ‘No, I’m fine, just a bit preoccupied. I t
hink I better get my news out of the way.’

  ‘Sounds ominous,’ replied Brett.

  ‘Well, I’m not sure whether you’ve heard on the grapevine but the University has to make significant cost savings. We are running a big deficit. All departments are tasked with making any economies they can.’

  ‘Well, we hadn’t heard but it’s no great surprise,’ said Matt.

  ‘So, it’s possible that funding for PersCure will be cut back, from the University, I mean.’

  ‘Really? But it’s doing so well. It could be the best thing that has happened here for a long time,’ said Brett sternly.

  ‘I know, I agree, I’m merely the messenger.’ Hilary sighed and sipped her water. ‘So, for the moment don’t hire anyone else and see whether you can save anything on quotes, consumables etc.’

  ‘OK, point taken,’ said Brett.

  ‘So, we need to put out feelers for further investment from the city or business angels, is that what you are saying?’

  ‘Yes, exactly. Also....’ she hesitated.

  Both men raised their eyebrows.

  ‘Well, this is by no means certain, so please don’t spread this around but I thought I had a duty to tell you. There’s no easy way to say this.’ She drank more water. ‘The University might need to sell its total stake in PersCure to raise a significant sum. So it would mean the company standing on its own two feet and being a completely independent concern.’

  ‘What? I don’t believe this,’ said Brett. ‘PersCure could go under if we can’t raise the necessary investment.’

  ‘It might not happen but I think you should do the groundwork. Contact your financial advisors. See how this could best be handled. Get a valuation on how much the University stake could be worth.’

  ‘OK, well it makes sense,’ said Matt, tactfully.

  ‘If a single investor holds more than twenty-five percent we will lose SME status, that’s a further shortfall in funding. It’s very complex,’ added Brett. SME was the acronym for Small and Medium Enterprise, a classification which enabled companies to enjoy certain tax perks.