The Retribution

by Shankar Kashyap

  “How the hell do the press know more about this dead man than the police do?” and before Mick could reply. “Is there any truth in what those guys are saying?”

  “They are shooting in the dark chief. You know how these reporters are.”

  “When are you going to get any info on this man? It has been now ..,” and he looked at the watch before continuing. “…six hours since the first cop got into this house.”

  “We should be getting some info anytime soon. They have been at it now for a few hours.”

  “I am off to the HQ. Call me when you get some info. I hope that Sean has got some news by now.”

  He walked through the house and through the back door where his car was waiting. He slammed the car door just as Mick was about his mouth to say something.

  “Where to chief?” The driver asked.

  “Let us get back to the headquarters and make it fast.”

  The morning peak hour traffic did not do anything to Philip’s mood. He was seething by the time he reached headquarters. The reporters’ parting question kept ringing his mind all through the journey. Sean was waiting for him in his office. He threw a sheaf of papers on the desk as James sat down.

  “I have been busy. There is a lot more to Dev Sharma than we think.” He started. “He is a priest. He is a Hindu priest during the day, married to a solicitor. He works in a Hindu temple on Wrexton Street. He is also a Social worker for the Leicester city council working with disadvantaged people.”

  Philip stared at Sean for a minute before saying anything.

  “You said Priest during the day. What do you mean?”

  Sean hesitated before continuing.

  “As I was saying, he is a priest by the day married to a solicitor. But he spends his night at the Quebec, Central motors and the Abbey Park.”

  “Then those reporters were right?” James said. “What about drugs? Is he involved in drug peddling?”

  “Yes and no.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t think he is really a drug pusher in the broad sense of the word. He is only a carrier for someone else.” Sean replied. “We did find a cache upstairs in the house. We also found a wad of money too.”

  “So he is a drug pusher then?”

  Sean hesitated before replying. “I am not convinced about that. There is something not quite right here boss. I can’t put my finger on it. It looks too neat. It looks like a package delivered to us. Whoever did this want us to believe that this was a drug kill.”

  “And you think it is not?” Philip said looking over his glasses at Sean. “Why?”

  “I can’t explain chief. It does not look very professional to me. Why have they left neat packets of drugs still in the house? We found it within half an hour of getting inside. They had more than enough time to take the drugs away. And the cash. I don’t know exactly how much money there was in the house. But there was an awful lot of it stashed everywhere. The thief would have had plenty of time to take all the money.” Sean paused. “Look at the fire. A professional would have made a good job of setting the place on fire. It just does not look like a professional job to me. It is almost as if they wanted us to find the drugs and the cash.”

  “Maybe that is what they want us to think.”

  Sean did not reply. It suddenly occurred to him that he might have been on the wrong track all along.

  “Anyway, let’s wait and see what the forensics dig up before we jump to conclusions.” Philip continued. “In the meantime keep digging. Try your contact and see if there is anything.”

  “You are right boss. I have already been speaking to the neighbours.”

  “Did you say Abbey Park?”

  “I know what you are thinking chief. The thought crossed my mind too when they said his favourite haunt was the Quebec.” Sean replied. “It is possible that he is gay.”

  “Did you not tell me he was married to a solicitor?”

  “Yes, that is right.” Sean replied scratching his head. “I wonder if he played for both sides?”

  Philip looked at him and smiled.

  “It takes all sorts I suppose. You better check out all the gay clubs and see if there is different angle to this murder.”

  “Yes chief. I will do that tonight. They usually come alive around midnight.”

  “If they have left the drugs and cash, we have to look for something else as motive for the murder.”

  “Yes, it could be a jealous lover.”

  It was a thoughtful Sean who left the chief’s office. He did not notice the usual smirks from the office staff as he walked out into the cold October air, heavy with moisture from the previous night’s rain. It had started to drizzle again. He pulled his jacket collar around his neck as he felt the chill in the air. He hated this time of the year when it is neither summer or winter and rained most days. He hated the cold rain. The breeze did not help and he was cold and wet by the time he reached his car. ‘Not much point going to the Quebec or the Abbey Park at this time of the day. A visit to the hospital to check out Mrs Maddison’s story may be useful,’ he thought. He turned the car towards the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

  The receptionist at the Accident and Emergency department was not the most helpful. She got him some forms to fill out to get information about a patient. He had done this before and was not surprised to see that the twenty page document now had grown to thirty four pages full of policies and procedures. Now it also needed a signature from the Superintendent too.

  “Can you tell me when a Mr Dev Sharma attended your department please?”

  The homely fat girl at the desk smiled at him.

  “You know better than that officer. I can’t give you any information about any patient without authorisation.”

  “I just need to know the date of attendance so I can fill out this form you have given me.” Sean turned on his best charm. No good. It just washed off her. Nothing he could say would change her mind. He returned to the office to fill out the dreaded form and get signed by Philip Stoker. It took him all afternoon to fill out the form. He was about to leave the office when his mobile rang. It was the milkman.

  “Is that Mr O’Connor?”

  “Yes it is, Mr Bamborough. Thanks for getting back to me. Just give me a minute and I’ll go outside where the telephone reception is better.”

  That was partly true. There was nothing wrong with the reception. He did not want the office spies to hear his conversation. He walked quickly outside and turned the corner into the car park.

  “Yes, we can speak now. The line is quite clear here.”

  “I just remembered something about last night. Or should I say early this morning?” Mr Bamborough said. “I am not sure if it is important. But I saw three Asian guys getting out of the alley behind Harrison Road as I turned into Wrexton Street.”

  “That is good Tom. Can I call you Tom?”

  “Sure you can. I did not think much of it at the time. But after your phone call this morning, I could not get back to sleep. I went over my route in my mind when I remembered the three men.”

  “Why do you think it was odd?”

  “Well it was very early in the morning. I think it could not have been more than 4.30. Usually there is no one at that time of the morning around that area. Three men coming out of a back alley was strange I thought.”

  “Yes, it is odd.” Sean replied. “Did you get a good look at them?”

  “It was dark at that time of the morning. There were three guys wearing hoodies. I thought one of them looked a bit chunky. Did not get close enough to see what they looked like. Sorry.”

  “That is OK. Did you see which way they were headed?”

  “They turned into Harrison road and got into a big car and drove off.”

  “What kind of car? You did not by chance look at the registration?” Sean said with a glimmer of hope.

  “Sorry. No. I know it was a big car. One of those van like cars. I thought it was a taxi at first.” Tom replied. />
  “Was it a taxi?”

  “I don’t think so. It was one of those big family cars.”

  “Did you make out the colour or make of the car?”

  “I think it was dark maroon. It may be a Ford or a Volkswagen. I can’t be sure.”

  “Thank you very much Tom. You have been most helpful. Is there anything else you can remember?” Sean asked.

  “Not at the moment officer. I will give you a call if I think of anything else.”

  Sean was not sure what to make of that call. Are these three men involved in the murder? They were near enough at or around the time of the murder. He decided to check out the Quebec and the Abbey Park. The drizzle had continued and it was quite dark by the time he got to the Quebec. It was still too early for any of the customers at the gay club. The staff were still cleaning and rearranging the furniture when he walked through the front door of the club. No one took any notice of him walking in. The guy at the bar was busy cleaning the shelves when Sean walked up and sat down on one of the stools. Sean cleared his throat and said, “Excuse me.”

  The barman could see Sean’s reflection in the glass shelf. He stopped cleaning the shelves and turned back.

  “The club is not open till six tonight. Come back later.” A gold tooth glittered in the light under the false ceiling of the bar when he smiled. Sean raised his hands in supplication and smiled back. He took out his badge from his jacket and flashed it in front of the guys face.

  “I am not here for a drink mate. I just want some information.”

  The two men who were rearranging the furniture stopped and looked at Sean.

  “What kind of information? We run a respectable establishment officer. We don’t want any trouble.”

  “I am sure you do.” Sean said adjusting himself on his bar stool which he found to be extremely uncomfortable. “I just want some info on one of your customers.”

  He took out a photocopied image of Dev from his jacket and placed it on the counter, straightening the folded paper as he did so.

  “Have you seen this guy in your club before?”

  The two men came over to the bar when they heard the question and peered over Sean’s shoulder. Before the barman had a chance to reply, one of the guys said,

  “I have seen him here. He was only here last night.”

  “Are you sure? Who was he with?”

  “I am quite sure. He comes here regular at least once a week. And he always has a posse with him.”

  “What do you mean, a posse?” Sean asked.

  “You know, he always got these young men around him, mostly white guys. He is almost never on his own. Good customer. Good tipper too.” He said with a broad grin on his face.

  “Can you remember who he was with last night?” Sean asked.

  “Not really. They had a few drinks and danced away till quite late. I am not sure what time they left.” The guy answered. “Why are you asking these questions? Has anything happened to him?”

  “We are investigating a death of someone and his name came up. I can’t say more than that. If you think of anything else, please call me.” Sean said handing one of his cards over to the guy.

  “I will certainly do officer.” He said looking at the card intently.

  “Is he gay?” Sean asked without looking up. There was a silence for a moment. Sean looked up at the guy.

  “Most people coming to this club are very friendly people and they enjoy each other’s company. We don’t ask questions. He has a regular boyfriend I think.” The guy sounded surprised at the question for some reason.

  “Do you know him? What is his name?”

  “I have no idea. He was always hanging out with many guys, but this one seemed to cling on to him most of the time. He must be the boyfriend.”

  “Tell me more about this boyfriend then. Is he Asian or white?

  “He is white guy alright. He is always with young, good looking white guys. He had good taste.” He replied. “If you come back later tonight, he might even turn up.”

  Sean looked around to the other two and said.

  “What about you guys? Have you seen this man before?”

  Both of them nodded their heads denying it. Sean gave his cards to the other two guys as well before leaving. He suddenly realised he was starving. He had not eaten anything the whole day. He turned his car towards The Swan. Abbey Park and Central Motors can wait till tomorrow.

  The car park was in darkness as he drove in with very few cars parked. Daisy gave him a smile as he walked into the bar and slid on to his favourite stool. He always got a welcome smile from Daisy.

  “You are a bit early Sean.” She said wiping the counter in front of him. “Are you OK?”

  Sean smiled back, more of a grimace than a smile. “I have had better days Daisy. I am starving. Hope you have something to serve me nice for tea.”

  “The cook has done a fab job with fish today. I am sure you will enjoy it. Take a seat and I’ll send Judy over to you.”

  She signalled the waitress who was at the back of the restaurant part. A petite young girl came over looking nervous. Daisy turned to Sean and said, “It’s her first day here at work. Just out of school. Be nice to her.”

  “You know me Daisy. I am always nice.” Sean laughed.

  “Not that nice. I have heard stories about you being nice to girls!” Daisy also laughed. That seemed to make the little girl even more nervous. “Judy, this is Sean. Look after him. He is not as bad as he looks. Let me know if he misbehaves and I will take care of him.”

  “Hi Judy. Don’t listen to her. I am harmless. And I am starving as well.”

  “Do you want your usual while Judy gets the fish for you?” Daisy asked.

  “Yes please.” Sean said and walked over to a table in far corner away from the glare of the bar lights. Daisy brought over his beer and a bowl of nuts. He had not finished the beer when a guy in a worn out grey jacket and a nondescript crumpled hat slid into the seat in front of him.

  “Mind if I sit down here?”

  Sean shrugged and said “It is a free country.” And looking around the nearly empty pub, he continued “There are plenty of empty tables too.”

  The guy took off his hat and said offering his hand to Sean, “I am sorry. How rude of me. I am Derek Jacobs from the Herald.”

  Sean did not take the offered hand and instead said, “I think you better find another table mister. I don’t speak to the press.”

  “Come on Sean. Don’t be like that. You are in the middle of a big case which is about hit the national headlines and you don’t want to talk to the press?”

  The African accent was unmistakable.

  “I am not going to repeat myself. Bugger off.”

  “You could do with some good publicity right now. You are barking up the wrong tree. You want to know where the priest was before he came to Leicester.” When Sean did not say a word, he continued, “I know about your trouble with the Internals. I just want to ask you a few questions.”

  Sean could feel the heat rising under his collar. He had stopped drinking and stared at the guy in front of him.

  “I am not going to repeat what I said.”

  He pushed his chair back to get up when Daisy walked over.

  “Come on mister, leave Sean alone. He has come here for a quiet meal. I can get you a good table.”

  Derek got up and pushed his card out in front of him on the table.

  “If you change your mind, give me a call.”

  Sean sat down and pushed the card back to him “I won’t change my mind.”

  Derek started to walk towards the door with Daisy following him and turned back at the next table.

  “There are things about this case that you don’t know and it is not likely the cops will ever get the real story.”

  Sean did not say anything and appeared to be concentrating on something at the bottom of the beer mug. Derek turned back at the door, stuck his badly discoloured hat on his head and said,

&nbs
p; “For what it is worth, I think you should to talk to the grieving widow and a couple of r mates. Don’t leave it too late mate. Remember, you scratch my back and I will yours.”

  The door swung shut behind him as Sean looked up to say something. He was not sure what to make of the reporters comment. This case was getting more confusing and it has only been a couple of days, he thought.

  The Hunt

  The conference room was buzzing on the morning, three days after the body was discovered on Harrison Road. Leicester was going through a particularly bad patch with a string of murders and robberies over the past few months. There was pressure from the home office in London “to get their act together.” The police chief had come pretty down hard on Philip Stoker the night before and wanted some action as quickly as possible. They had a lot of information about the dead man but no leads. Stoker had called a news conference the day after the discovery of the body and appealed to the public to help with information. There were several calls the first day and they soon dried up to a trickle.

  The news conference was held at the headquarters this time and was packed with news media including the national channels – BBC and ITV as well as Channel 4. Stoker was accompanied by Mick Mills and the press officer, Sheila Blacklock. Dev’s two brothers were there on the podium too. Stoker started off with a statement telling them what they had found out so far, which was very little. They knew quite a bit about the dead man but they were struggling to find a motive. As soon as he finished there were a lot of questions thrown at him.

  “Is it true he was gay?”

  “I would rather concentrate on finding the killer than on his sexual preferences, if you don’t mind.”

  “Why do you think he was killed?”

  “Obviously somebody did not like the work he did. The motive is obviously jealousy of the work he was doing.” Krishen replied.

  “Did you know he was gay or bisexual.” The reporter from the Mercury persisted.

  “People loved him for the way he delivered his services. He was more casual, more sociable. He mixed with a lot of young people and attracted the younger ones amongst us. He felt that the Hindu priesthood was not delivering enough to the younger generation, he believed there was work needed so that the younger generation would know their heritage.”