Saffina Desforges' ROSE RED Crime Thriller Boxed Set

by Saffina Desforges

  Red gestured to Anna. “There’s also some bog-standard coke paraphernalia which Anna has in the boot. But I thought you ought to see this first, Guv, before...”

  Andrews nodded thoughtfully. “Who else knows about this?”

  “Us three. Mrs. Barton, obviously. And whoever Peter Blake is mixing it with.”

  “No-one else at the school?”

  “Not on the staff. Mrs. Barton sat on it until we got there.”

  “Very sensible of her.”

  “Not that sensible. She handled it before realizing what it was.”

  Andrews sighed heavily. “We’ll need her in for prints for exclusion.”

  “Already in hand. Anna’s sorting it this afternoon. Can’t say as Mrs. Barton was too happy about that.”

  Andrews managed a wry smile. “Well, if the daft old bat will go sticking her dabs on lethal weapons...”

  “You think it’s real, then?”

  “No question. 9 m.m. revolver. Standard forces-issue pistol. Royal Navy, unless I’m very much mistaken.”

  “Navy?”

  “Is that a problem?”

  “I presume you know Peter Blake’s father is in the Navy?”

  “Of course. The Super’s got the photo on his desk. His eldest son in his Naval Commander’s uniform. It’s his pride and joy. Colin’s convinced he’s a ringer for Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me. Not that I can see the resemblance.”

  “Then it would be the father’s gun?”

  Andrews’ smile dropped as he began to re-wrap the weapon. “It’s a possibility. I know it’s strictly against procedure, Cass, but I’d like to discuss this with Colin before we log it in. As a courtesy.”

  “Of course, Guv. That’s why we brought it through to you first.”

  Andrews stared absently out of the window a moment, then, “Take the drugs gear through for forensics when you’re ready, Anna. Oh, and I’d like to speak to the Head when she comes in for dabs. I’ll arrange for forensics to visit the locker when I see her.”

  “Guv.”

  As Red and Anna moved towards the door Andrews added quietly, “But keep this...” He gestured with his eyes to the weapon. “Keep this strictly between ourselves for now.”

  Red and Anna exchanged glances.

  “Guv?”

  “No-one else is to know about this.”

  “Sir?”

  “No-one. Do I make myself clear?”

  Anna stepped forward. “But Sir, any firearms find must be –”

  “DS Hargreaves, that is an order.”

  Chapter 40.

  Red watched Mrs. Barton go into DCI Andrews’ office across the corridor before motioning for Anna to come through.

  “How did she take it?”

  “Quite relieved there was no black ink to discolour her delicate little fingers. I think she was secretly quite enjoying the subterfuge. Is the guv sorting the forensics for the locker?”

  “Yeah. Not quite sure how that’s gonna work. It must be covered in dabs from other kids at the school. Short of finger printing the entire school for elimination purposes I can’t see what it can turn up.”

  “That would be headline news.”

  “Exactly. I think the Guv’s going to arrange for the locker in question to be brought in, to avoid a police presence at the school. But most likely the weapon will be the boy’s father’s.”

  “A double scandal. Prestigious school and the Royal Navy too. No wonder the guv wants this kept under wraps.”

  “The fewer people who know about it the better.”

  Anna eyed Red warily. “Within reason, Guv.”

  “Anna?”

  “We should have filed a firearms report.”

  “The Guv’s taking care of it.”

  “So he says.”

  Red put down her pen. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Come on, Guv. You know exactly what I mean. We found the gun. It’s us that should be filing the report.”

  Red strode across and closed the door, turning on Anna. “Let’s hear it, Sergeant.”

  Anna returned the stare. “We find a lethal weapon in a school. A school, for Christ’s sake! Our DCI tells us not to file a report. Then he takes the weapon to his Super. Who just happens to be the grandfather of the prime suspect?”

  Red held Anna’s gaze. “What are you suggesting?”

  “I’m not suggesting anything, Guv. The facts are making the suggestions. Don’t tell me you’re happy with what’s just gone down, because I know you’re not.”

  Red dropped her gaze, faking interest in a report on her desk as she gathered her thoughts.

  Finally, “You’re right, Anna. I’m not happy. I’m not happy that there’s a lethal weapon been found in a school. I’m not happy that cocaine is being handled in a school.” Red stepped closer to Anna. “But most of all I am not happy that a member of my team is calling into question the integrity of a man I greatly respect and admire.”

  “We found a firearm, Guv. We haven’t logged it in.”

  “I am aware of that, Anna.”

  “We are flouting procedures, Guv.”

  “Procedures can be flexible.”

  “Not where firearms are concerned.”

  “Our superior officer gave us an order, Anna.”

  Anna glared back. “So where is the gun now?”

  “It’s not a gun. It’s a firearm.”

  “I don’t care what you call it, Guv. It’s our responsibility. Where is it now?”

  “Somewhere safe.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Know what?”

  “That it’s somewhere safe. Do you really know? Because I sure as hell don’t.”

  “I don’t like what you’re insinuating, Detective Sergeant Hargreaves.”

  “Nor do I, Inspector Rose. But it needs to be said.”

  “So now you’ve said it. Anything else you need to get off your chest?”

  Anna turned and made for the door. She stopped and met Red’s gaze a final time. “I just hope you know what you’re doing, Guv. For both our sakes.” The door slammed shut behind her.

  Red let herself slump into her chair. “So do I, Anna. So do I.”

  Chapter 41.

  Red tugged the zip of her jacket up to her chin, the mid-March sun doing little to warm the afternoon against a cold north wind. Pulling her Blackberry from her pocket, she took the arched stairway at the side of the station, stepping out onto Battersea Bridge Road. She keyed speed dial one.

  “Hi lover,” said Pippa after two rings. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

  Red turned into Hyde Lane, trying to find a place not in the shade of the station. “Just having a crap day, that’s all. Thought I’d give you a call.”

  “You were lucky. Just waiting for the Jury to return in the Robinson. But I suspect you didn’t call to ask about my day. Problems?”

  “Just sick of Anna being on my back all the time.”

  “Anna? That’s not like her.”

  “About Bill not logging the firearm in the Peter Blake case. I’m right to trust him aren’t I, Pip? Bill, I mean.”

  There was a brief silence down the phone. Red walked aimlessly across the road, her eyes falling on a young man sitting on the steps leading from the City Mission, smoking a hand-rolled cigarette. She inhaled the second-hand smoke as she walked by, suddenly wishing she hadn’t given up. How many years had it been? “Pip?” She ambled back across the road, away from the cigarette smoke.

  “You realize the firearm will be inadmissible as evidence now? It could have been contaminated.” Pippa paused, deep in thought. Finally, “Of course you should trust him, Cass. William must have a good reason for what he’s doing.”

  “I know. I just... I just needed some reassurance.”

  “Trust him, Cass. Besides,” Pippa continued, “trust is important in any relationship.”

  Red stopped, leaning on the railings overlooking the car park. “Why do I get the impression that was
aimed at me?”

  Pippa sighed down the phone. “I mean, I can trust you, can’t I, Cass?”

  “What’s all this about?”

  “Just something that’s been playing on my mind a while now.”

  Red kicked at gravel waiting for Pippa to continue. She thought, What have I effing done now? She said, “let’s hear it.”

  “That day, at court, when you were there with William…”

  “Pip, I’m always at court with Bill. It’s part of the job.”

  “I meant outside, a week or so back? When I arrived in the taxi you two were outside?”

  “And?”

  The line fell quiet.

  “What about it, Pip?”

  “The present,” Pippa stated simply.

  “What? What present?”

  “You weren’t expecting me, that much was obvious. What did you buy Terri, Cass?”

  Red searched the sky for a moment, then laughed. “Oh my God. Pip, really?”

  “Really what? You’re not denying you bought her something, surely. William was clearly caught unawares.”

  Red slumped against the wall. “Sorry, Pip. My fault. I didn’t tell you about it because I didn’t want to worry you.”

  “Worry me?”

  “You remember the pig’s heart I told you about?”

  “One could hardly forget.”

  “Another package was delivered to my desk. Addressed to the guv this time. I took it straight to him. You turned up unexpectedly. I didn’t want you knowing. Worrying. I asked the guv not to let on what it was, but he could hardly take it back into court with him. The present for Terri thing was just an off the cuff remark Bill came up with. Honestly, Pip, it was nothing to do with Terri. Scouts honour.”

  Pippa considered the statement. “So what was this package?”

  “A mirror, with a threatening message aimed at the guv.”

  “And you thought this wasn’t worth mentioning?”

  “We figured it was just some prankster.”

  “Such a elaborate prank that you personally took it to court to show William?”

  “Pip, I swear to God. Ask Bill if you don’t believe me.”

  “Cass, this could be serious. Poor William.”

  “He’ll be fine, Pip. He’s got me to look after him.”

  Chapter 42.

  “Knock, knock,” Red said quietly, peering cautiously around Bill Andrews’ door.

  The DCI glanced at the clock. “Cass? I thought you’d gone.”

  “On the way out when I saw your car sat there, so popped back. On over-time? You look shattered.”

  “Take a seat,” a weary voice offered.

  Red closed the door softly behind her, flopping down onto the two-seater opposite the DCI. “So what’s so important it can’t wait till morning?” she demanded.

  Andrews forced a tired smile, rubbing rugged hands over his face. “Trying to make a link with two cases where there shouldn’t be a link.”

  Red grinned. “Sounds like fun.” She paused, biting the inside of her cheek. “I’ve been keeping Anna on a chain all afternoon, Guv.”

  Andrews nodded wearily. “I’ve told you before, Cass. She’ll go far, that one.”

  “She still has a lot to learn about loyalty.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning she asked too many questions about why we hadn’t logged the firearm in the Peter Blake case.”

  Andrews dropped his gaze to his desk. “It’s taken care of.”

  Red studied her mentor’s haggard features. “Anything you need from me, Guv?”

  “Like I said, I’ve dealt with it.”

  “Whatever you say.” Red nodded toward the desk. “How about a drop of the amber nectar, or is that reserved for the boys?”

  Bill reached down into his bottom drawer, producing two glasses between his thumb and fingers. His eyes never left Red’s as he poured. “I have this under control, Cass. You know that, right?”

  Red leaned forward to take the glass from him. “Sure, Guv. I trust your judgment.” She took a sip of scotch, the liquid warming her chest. “I just don’t want you carrying too much, that’s all. You’ve got a lot on your plate, what with the pomme-rouge thing as well.”

  “Tell me about it.” Andrews stared out of the window into the artificial light of the Station yard. “I sometimes wonder if it’s all worth it.”

  “Guv?”

  “Just ignore me, Cass,” Andrews sighed. “Thinking out loud, that’s all.”

  Red gave the DCI a few seconds to elaborate, then, “Guv, you know I trust you, don’t you?”

  “I know. Even so.” Bill looked at her over his glass. “I can’t say much at the moment. Orders from on high. Just trying to make the connections.”

  Red leaned forward. “The kid and the pomme-rouge?”

  “That’s not what I said.”

  “No denial, then. So that’s an affirmative. The Super’s grandson and the pomme-rouge? No way.”

  Andrews raised a dismissive hand, draining his glass. “Just forget about it. It’s late and we both have beautiful women to get home to.” The DCI stood, indicating that the conversation was over.

  Red knocked back her scotch. “Consider it forgotten. Until tomorrow,” she finished, her eyes throwing him a warning. “Oh, and Pippa’s on at me about that package. Your bloody fault, saying it was a gift for Terri. Now Pip thinks I fancy the new recruit.”

  Andrews slowly retook his seat, the brief smile fading as more serious matters prevailed again. “Some news on that too, Cass. May as well tell you now. You’ll be told officially first thing tomorrow morning once I’ve cleared it with the Super.”

  “Go on.”

  “You heard about the hoodlum found killed on Soho.”

  “Mickey Finn? Top of his head blown off at close range?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “But that’s not on our patch. What happens in the West End police-wise may as well be on another planet.”

  “Not any more. I’ve just had forensics on the phone this past hour.”

  Red splayed her hands. “And?”

  “The mirror prank wasn’t a prank after all.”

  “Guv?”

  “The blood was real. And it wasn’t from a pig. It was Mickey Finn’s.”

  Chapter 43.

  “And that’s it?” Red’s eyes pleaded with Jack for confirmation. “It’s out there, for everyone to see?”

  “It depends. It’s like on Facebook. You can choose to keep it private – just mates you know, or let everyone see it.”

  “So I could take a picture of you on my phone now and upload it and the whole world could see it. Just like that.”

  “Sure.”

  “And Ella would know how to do it?”

  “Duh.” Jack grinned at Red’s ignorance. “Even Ruby could do it. It’s only old people who think IT is difficult.”

  “Less of the old, young man.”

  “Well it’s true. Anyway, it’s no big deal if millions of people get to see you. In fact it sort of makes you famous without doing anything. It’d be cool.”

  It might be for you, thought Red, images of private moments with Pippa dancing before her eyes. What could Taylor do with that! She said, “You know, I like these little chats we have together, Jack. Just you and me. It helps us get to know one another. Makes me realize you’re not like the other kids out there.”

  Jack eyed Red warily. “What other kids?”

  “You know, the delinquents.”

  “The what?”

  “The kids on the estates. Vandals, hooligans, hoodies.”

  “What, like Darren, you mean?”

  “No, of course not. He’s a friend of yours. I was thinking more…” Red stared into the distance, recalling Mrs. Tasker wired up in hospital. “Jack, I’m sorry. You’re right. There’s no comparison between most of the estate kids and the kind of people I was thinking of. How is Darren, anyway? When’s he coming round to tea again?”


  Jack averted his eyes to the table. “Mum doesn’t want him here.”

  “Your mother said that?”

  “She doesn’t have to. It’s obvious she doesn’t like him.”

  “She doesn’t know him yet, that’s all.”

  “You don’t know him either, but you’re not against him.”

  “Your mum isn’t against anybody, Jack. It’s just…” Red searched the air unsuccessfully for an explanation.

  “See. She is against him.”

  “It’s not like that.” Red could see Jack was unconvinced. She asked, “Darren’s a good friend?”

  “He would be, if I had the chance. He doesn’t make fun of me the way the other boys do.”

  “Make fun of you?”

  Jack took a long slurp on his juice and found something interesting to watch through the window.

  “Jack? Who makes fun of you?”

  “The other kids.”

  “How? About what?”

  Silence.

  “Jack?”

  Reluctantly, “About you, and Mum.”

  Red sat back in her chair, deflated. “Really? Jack, I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you say something?”

  “And have Mum marching up the school making it worse?”

  Red leant forward, worry lines etching her forehead. “Jack, if you’re being bullied then it has to stop. Schools have anti-bullying policies nowadays. Your mother needs to speak to the head.”

  Alarmed eyes blazed at Red. “No way!”

  “You can’t let them get away with bullying, Jack.”

  “Yeah? And what’s Mum gonna do? Turn up in her wig and gown and put them on trial?”

  “She can talk to the Head. To the teachers.”

  “And embarrass me even more, knowing her.”

  “You can’t just let them get away with it.”

  “I don’t want Mum knowing.”

  “How about I speak to the school?”

  “But you’re the problem.”

  Red sucked in a breath. That hurt. “Jack, I’m truly sorry. But these kids need to grow up. You shouldn’t let them get to you.”

  “I don’t.”

  “Obviously you do, or we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Anyway, I thought the youth of today had a more enlightened outlook on life.”