Dead in the Water

by Wilfred Jules

  “You still don’t sound convinced he’s our man.”

  “That’s because I’m not. He strikes me as a bored and cynical young man, neglected by his parents, with too much money and time on his hands. He made his own life more interesting by dabbling in narcotics. Probably never even knew sentences for supply were that high or counting on his daddy’s connections to get an out of jail card free of charge if he was ever caught. But killing someone? He just doesn’t seem the type.”

  “But as you said, in a rage people can do strange things. Who can say he would never kill another human being in anger?”

  “Absolutely,” Ianthe replied. “If you just push someone far enough, everyone might become a killer.”

  Her phone rang. It was Pooh Bear.

  “Hello sir. …. It is going quite well ….. Yes, I can be there in half an hour.” And she rang off.

  “That was Winnie. He wants me to join him in Lewes at the HQ for a meeting with the ACC.” She grimaced. “Wish me luck.”

  CHAPTER 16

  As a Detective Inspector Ianthe Seymour had not often been asked to come over for a briefing. One of the drawbacks of making a career, she thought. The higher she climbed the more reporting that would need to be done. That was one of the reasons she appreciated Norman Stokes so much. He understood she preferred the field work and had shielded her quite effectively from the brass. Detectives like DI Vik Gorti might not like that at all of course, but she preferred it this way. As a Detective Chief Inspector, she might however be called upon more often to report in person. That is, if her promotion was confirmed. She wondered if that was one of the reasons she had been called here today. In any case, a lot depended on her being able to successfully solve Operation Blackbird. She had no doubts about that.

  She announced herself at the gate and parked her Audi in the lot just behind reception. Then she walked to the main building and to the office of Olivia West, the Assistant Chief Constable. The personal assistant of the ACC told her to go straight through and she entered a big but pleasant office on the ground floor with big windows on two sides with a very pleasant view over the meticulously kept lawn and the trees at the end of the lawn growing next to the brick wall shielding the grounds from Church Lane and inappropriate looks from passers-by. The office had been decorated in a traditional yet almost spartan and efficient way. A big mahogany desk stood at the far end of the office in front of one window and an oak meeting table with six chairs around it in front of the other one. Closer to the door there were also two dark brown leather armchairs arranged around a small glass table. Against the wall a small walnut side table with a rather out of place looking white thermos and teacups.

  The Assistant Chief Constable was standing with her back against the window behind the desk having a conversation with Detective Superintendent Norman Stokes who was sitting in one of the chairs across from her desk. They both had a teacup in front of them. Olivia West was a tall and very fit woman with close cropped blonde hair, blue eyes and a pleasant yet strong face. She was power dressed in a black business suit and a white blouse. No jewellery except for a gold wedding band. Her desk was exceptionally clean with just a notebook, one folder, a simple ballpoint pen and one framed photograph of her husband and her two teenage children. When Ianthe entered the room, the ACC looked up at her.

  “DCI Ianthe Seymour, welcome,” she said with a smile. “Help yourself to tea if you want. It’s in the thermos on the side table.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. Afraid I’m rather a coffee person, but thanks anyway.”

  “No worries, I’ll have Angela bring you a cup. Do sit down.”

  She sat down in her chair and called her PA to bring a cup of coffee while Ianthe went to sit next to the superintendent. Then she put her hands in front of her, entwining her fingers and looked Ianthe in the eye.

  “Operation Blackbird, Ianthe. Norman here has briefed me already but perhaps you will be so kind as to give me the latest? I understand you have someone in custody?”

  “That’s correct, ma’am. Helen Devos, the daughter of the victim, had told us that she had bought narcotics from Brandon Nicholson. A search of his home produced a package of one hundred grams of good quality cocaine. I charged him for possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, with aggravating circumstances he is supplying to minors, as Helen Devos still is a minor.”

  The ACC nodded.

  “But you have not charged him with the murder of Bert Devos.”

  “No ma’am. We are treating him as a person of interest right now in that matter. He had a relationship with Helen Devos that we know Bert Devos frowned upon and he claims he was keeping the drugs for Bert Devos. The drug angle gives him way enough motive to commit murder I find, but we lack direct evidence.”

  “I assume his solicitor wants to have him out on bail?”

  “Indeed, ma’am. I however have refused bail so far.”

  “And why is that? I understand the young man has no priors and is hardly a flight risk.”

  “Well, as you know, ma’am, even if he was only keeping the drugs for Bert Devos as he claims, that is still equal to possession with intent to supply, which is a criminal offence that the magistrates might pass on to Crown Court. But more important I find that he does not have an alibi for the night Mr Devos was murdered. He was supposed to be sleeping in his own bed.”

  “I see. Next steps?”

  “The lab is trying to determine if the narcotics found at Brandon Nicholson’s home are identical to those found on the boat of Mr Devos. DI Vik Gorti is talking right now to drug squad to see if they know Mr Nicholson. He will also try to get information from his contacts on the other side. I hope he will have something for me later today. We are also locating other witnesses who Brandon Nicholson may have sold drugs to. The lab is also still investigating the DNA of samples we have found on board. As you know, this takes time. The most credible lead we have right now is that Mr Devos was a drug trafficker. But as yet it is not clear where he procured the drugs himself and who he supplied them to. Brandon Nicholson is probably only one from many.”

  “Understood, Ianthe. You seem to be right on top of it, as could have been expected. But we need to deliver quickly now. There is a lot pressure on budgets as always. And the Nicholsons are a well-known family in this city as I am sure you are aware with connections everywhere in the country and beyond. We cannot afford to make even the smallest mistake.”

  “Noted, ma’am. I don’t intend to make mistakes.”

  The ACC nodded at that bold statement and rose to indicate the meeting was over.

  *

  Norman Stokes walked Ianthe back to her car.

  “What was that all about, guv, if you don’t mind me asking so? Why did I have to come all the way out here to brief the ACC, something I could easily have done over the phone?”

  “I guess the reason is the identity of your suspect, Ianthe.”

  “His daddy is rich. I get that. But there are more rich kids in Brighton.”

  “Brandon Nicholson’s mother is Rowena Stuart-Lane, originally from Eastington in Gloucestershire. That probably does not ring any bells with you, nor should it. But Rowena’s older brother Edwin Stuart-Lane happens to be Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police. And as it turns out, Greater Manchester Police have a vacancy for a Deputy Chief Constable. Rumour has it that Olivia West is in the running for that position.”

  “That explains it.”

  “As Olivia said, we have to go by the book here, Ianthe. We cannot afford to make mistakes.”

  “What they mean though is that we cannot afford to make mistakes that put the Nicholsons in a bad light. I’m rather certain they would forgive us making mistakes that would actually clear Mr Nicholson.”

  The superintended tutted at that.

  “Don’t be a cynic, Ianthe. You’re far too young for that,” he admonished her with a smile.

  *

  At eleven minutes past three pm Acting DCI Ianthe Seymour received
a call from reception of Malling House that she had two visitors. She asked for them to be brought to Interview Room Two and went to find DS Ben Armstrong to go with her. At twenty-two minutes past the hour they entered the room to find Brandon Nicholson’s solicitor Alistair Holloway seated next to Mrs Rowena Nicholson, nee Stuart-Lane. Both of them nursing a cup of weak tea they had been provided with.

  Brandon Nicholson’s mother was a striking woman of about fifty. She had shoulder length curly maroon coloured hair and remarkable green eyes. She was wearing a daringly purple Prada dress and a four-string pearl necklace. On every finger she had a ring, mostly diamonds. And a Patek Philippe watch.

  After introductions, Alistair Holloway said: “Mrs Nicholson has come forward to make a statement, Detective Chief Inspector.”

  Ianthe looked at Mrs Nicholson.

  “We welcome all information. What would you like to tell us?”

  “I understand my Brandon is in custody for narcotics related matters. While my husband and I find that shocking, the law must have its course and we will leave these matters in the capable hands of Mr Holloway here. However, I have been informed by Mr Holloway that you are also questioning him for the most atrocious murder of a Mr Bert Devos from Lewes who was killed on his boat in the Marina last Tuesday early morning. Mr Holloway tells you that Brandon wasn’t able to give you any alibi beside that he was at home in bed. I have come forward in support of that alibi.”

  Ianthe looked at her.

  “I don’t quite understand, ma’am, if you forgive me. Brandon told the sergeant here and me that he was indeed in bed alone that night and that there were no witnesses.”

  Mrs Nicholson smiled at her.

  “I am guessing you don’t have any children yet yourself, Detective Chief Inspector? No? When you will have children like most mothers you will want to check on them while they are sleeping to see if they are all right. And frankly to just have a look at them. I was up late on Monday and before I retired myself, I went into Brandon’s room to check on him. And sure, he was there, in his bed.”

  “And what time would that have been, ma’am?”

  “That was close to one am.”

  “And you are prepared to swear to that in court?”

  “Yes I am.” No hesitation.

  Alistair Holloway cut in at that moment: “I am certain you will agree with me, Detective Chief Inspector, that this throws a whole new light on the case. Given Brandon cannot possibly have been present at the crime scene at the time of the murder of Mr Devos, surely, he is no suspect any longer in that investigation. I ask again for bail.”

  “There is still the not unimportant matter that he has been charged with possession with intent to supply, for which we have ample evidence.”

  “I understand, but surely that charge does not warrant him to remain in custody?”

  “And there is the matter that he was acquainted with Mr Bert Devos, that he may have acquired narcotics from Mr Devos and that in general he may have information about Mr Devos’s demise.”

  “Look, my client is eager to assist you in any way you want in all matters pertaining to that case. But again, that can also be done from his home. Brandon is not a flight risk. We will gladly hand over his passport.”

  Ianthe thought for a moment, then replied:

  “I hear what you’re saying. I’m willing to consider bail if he will surrender his passport and if you can guarantee Brandon will not try to leave his home, and will make no attempts at contacting anyone and if you accept I will post an officer at your address to verify all this the costs of which will be borne by the family.”

  The solicitor looked at Mrs Nicholson, who nodded, and expressed their consent.

  Ianthe and Ben stood.

  “I will consider all this and come back to you before seven pm today.”

  Then they left the room.

  While they were walking towards the conference room, Ben asked: “Do you believe her?”

  Ianthe shrugged.

  “Not quite. Every mother will be tempted to lie on her child’s behest if you ask me. The thing is it is hard to simply say we don’t believe her. Let’s wait and see what DI Vik may have come up with. We cannot keep him in custody just on the possession and supply charges. There would be too much pressure from the brass for that one. I will decide after our four pm briefing and after I will have discussed with Pooh.”

  *

  “It is now four pm on Friday fifteen May and this is our Friday afternoon briefing of Operation Blackbird. I am glad to see everyone has been able to make it on time.”

  She looked around the table at her team.

  “It may be worthwhile to note that this morning I have been invited to brief the ACC in her office in Lewes. She is taking a personal interest in this Operation it appears.”

  That had everyone’s attention, in particular Vik Gorti’s. He said:

  “Any reason why, Ianthe?”

  “Who knows Vik? She must have her own reasons. Told her you were exploring the narcotics angle with the drug squad. Come up with anything interesting?”

  “Unfortunately, nothing so far. I spoke to DI Harris, who has been running Operation Flavour for the past two years. The names of Brandon Nicholson, Bert or Helen Devos so far have not come up in that Operation. DI Harris was able to tell me that there were indeed rumours on the street of a new coke supplier. It’s supposed to be surprisingly good stuff. But there are no details yet except that he appears to be focussing on the college students for the time being. He is actually worried about the effect this may have on the local drug scene. As you know, the bigger dealers tend to be very protective about their territory. They won’t hesitate to take action. If the new kid on the block has the backing of, say the Colombians, we might be looking at a drug war right on our doorstep.”

  “Thanks for that, Vik. That’s quite in line with what ‘Dutchy’ told Ben the other day I guess.”

  Ben nodded at that.

  “What are your next steps?”

  “Tonight, I intend to go visit some of the haunts my informers tend to hang out at. Perhaps they know more. DI Harris and his team will do the same. We agreed to meet again on Monday to see if one of us has been able to make any progress.”

  “Right,” Ianthe said. “We have a major issue I believe, team.”

  She looked at every one of them individually allowing the silence to weigh in.

  “And the issue is we are not really making a lot of progress. Later today I will most likely have to release Brandon Nicholson on bail as his mother has provided him with an alibi. While the charge for drug dealing will hold, we have nothing at all to link him to Bert Devos’s murder. Sure, he has motive, but we have no evidence putting him on the scene or connecting him to what has happened. And while the drug angle sounds interesting enough by itself as Vik has just made abundantly clear, Operation Blackbird is not a narcotics inquiry but a murder investigation.”

  No one said anything.

  “Come on team,” Ianthe raised her voice. “We need new creative ideas!”

  DS Ajanta Ghani said: “Brandon Nicholson definitely has a strong motive for the murder. If we believe the alibi his mother provided him with is fake, we have to try proving that. But how?”

  “What about cell phone triangulation,” DC John Ryan replied. “We could ask his service provider to provide us with the details of his cell phone location for the night of the murder.”

  “The problem is,” Ben cut in, “that the marina where the murder happened is physically close to the Nicholson home. Brighton Marina is at the bottom of the cliff on which their house has been built. The same cell tower serves both the Marina and Roedean Way. In my opinion, if you get the data from the service provider, they won’t be able to determine if a cell phone was either in the Marina or in a house on Roedean Way.”

  “Not even doing triangulation with other cell towers the phone has connected to?” Ajanta asked.

  “Unlikely in my opinion,” Ben replied
. “Granted that I am not the technical expert, for triangulation you need at least three cell towers to pick up the signal from the phone. The cell phone the location of which you want to determine is then sort of in the middle of the triangle formed by those three cell phones. It’s called triangulation for something right? But the problem here is that for obvious reasons there are no cell towers built at sea. So, the best thing you will be able to get is confirmation that Brandon’s cell phone was connected that night to the cell tower that serves both the Marina and Roedean Way, but nothing better than that.”

  “It is a good idea though,” Ianthe replied. “to determine the whereabouts of Brandon Nicholson that day and night. And let’s get the location data for the cell phone of Rowena Nicholson as well to make absolutely certain she was actually even in Brighton that night. But I guess we won’t be able to get those details before Monday. Service Providers don’t generally work that quickly.”

  “I believe their service provider is O2,” Ajanta said. “I know someone there I can ask to get us those details faster.”

  “Excellent. Please proceed with that asap. You will need to get a warrant, but I’m certain the duty magistrate won’t make a fuss about that,” Ianthe said.

  “Now you were going to talk to Helen Devos again about Brandon Nicholson,” Ianthe added. “How did that work out? Did you get anything interesting from that conversation?”

  “Helen was at first a little reluctant to rat on her friends, but her mother made her. Josephine Devos is obviously furious with her daughter about using drugs. In the end she gave us a few names.”

  Ajanta consulted her notes.

  “There is an Arlene Glass, Katrina Mills and Stephanie Cline. Both Ms Glass and Ms Mills were away, but John and I managed to speak to Stephanie Cline. She insisted she never bought or used any drugs in her life, but she conceded she did know Brandon Nicholson. And when we told her that he was in custody, eventually she said that everyone on campus knew that you could get coke and pills from Brandon. Now where it becomes even more interesting is that Stephanie Cline graduated last year from Roedean School.”