Double Jeopardy (Hero Book 4)

by MA Comley

  ‘What about recently? Anything untoward reared its head that possibly bugged him?’

  Nigel relaxed into his chair. ‘There was one thing that he raised a concern about.’

  Hero glanced sideways as Julie stopped taking notes and looked up at Nigel. ‘Care to tell me what that was?’

  ‘Laurence was pushing him to float the firm on the stock exchange.’

  ‘I see … and Ross objected to that?’

  ‘Yes, he’s always been one to want to control his assets. That right would be taken away from him if it was floated. He’d have investors to answer to, and it would be too restrictive for him. These guys only want to be involved in a successful business. That’s what really pissed Ross off, excuse my language.’

  ‘That’s okay. Why would it piss Ross off?’

  ‘Because of the amount of work and effort that has gone into the business since its conception. All his credit would be taken away from him.’

  ‘I can understand that. So, what was the outcome?’

  ‘I’m not sure. You’ll have to ask Laurence. He was the one trying to persuade Ross that it was the way forward.’

  ‘Was anyone else involved in the decision-making process? Other members of the board, perhaps?’

  ‘Eventually, we would all be asked to vote, but primarily, the negotiations have been going on between Ross and Laurence. They’ve been discussing it for weeks now.’

  ‘Interesting. Thanks for that. Do you know of anyone in the business who would want Ross dead?’

  He shrugged. ‘No, everyone really liked Ross. We were all mostly grateful to him for giving us the opportunity to be involved in one of the top businesses in the UK. I can’t see anyone on the workforce jeopardising their position with the firm in that way. These things have a tendency to be exposed, don’t they?’

  ‘They do, especially during an investigation such as this. Do you know much about Ross’s personal life? His friends and family members, perhaps?’

  ‘He was engaged to Rachel Elliott. That’s about as much as I know. They were due to get married in the summer. I know she was busy making the arrangements for that.’

  Hero turned to Julie to make sure she had noted the name down, and she had. ‘Okay, we’ll be paying her a visit in the next day or so. Maybe she can answer any questions we have on the personal front, regarding friends and family. You’ve helped us out a lot so far. Is there anything you wish to add that you think might assist our investigation?’

  ‘I can’t think of anything.’

  ‘Oh, one last thing before you go. How did you know we were leading a murder investigation?’

  He tilted his head, clearly puzzled by the question. ‘Georgina told me.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Hero pushed a business card across the table. ‘If you think of anything else or something suspicious happens around here in the next few days, please contact me on either number right away.’

  ‘I will. Good luck. Ross deserves justice. He was an honourable man and a good friend.’

  ‘We’ll ensure he gets the justice he deserves. Can you send the next person in, please?’

  ‘Sure.’

  When the man had left the room, Hero sat back in his chair and sighed. ‘Not liking what I’ve heard about Laurence up until now. Do you think the dodgy heart was an excuse to get out of the questioning?’

  ‘Maybe. He’s right at the top of the list for me so far.’

  ‘I’ve ordered the CCTV discs. It’ll be interesting to see what they show when we get back to the station.’

  There was a slight knock on the door.

  ‘Come in!’ Hero shouted.

  The door opened to reveal the only woman who was present in the room they first entered earlier.

  Hero rose from his seat and welcomed the woman. ‘Thanks for taking the time out to speak to us. Please, take a seat.’

  ‘I’m not sure I’ll be able to tell you much.’

  ‘You can start by reminding us what your name is, and we’ll go from there.’

  The woman’s face switched between smiling and looking nonplussed. ‘It’s Miranda Jackson.’

  ‘And what’s your role in the business?’

  ‘I’m the recruitment manager, head of human resources, if you like. How can I help?’

  ‘We’re just beginning our enquiries. At this stage, we’re trying to find out more about Ross Spalding and his working relationships with everyone at the firm. How well did you know him?’

  ‘I’ve worked here for five years and always found him to be a very fair and charming man to deal with. Never had a bad word with him myself, even though others have.’

  ‘Care to enlighten us as to who you mean?’

  ‘I’m not really one to gossip about people, but just lately, Laurence and Ross have been having a few arguments that have made the rest of us feel rather uncomfortable.’

  ‘Are these arguments to do with floating the business on the stock market?’

  ‘Yes. Laurence has been under pressure from some investors he introduced to Ross sometime last year. However, Ross feels – sorry, felt, that his business would change to become unrecognisable if he floated it.’

  ‘And what’s your take on that?’

  She puffed out a breath. ‘I don’t tend to voice my opinions on such matters, especially around here. Ross was a super-intelligent man. We all wouldn’t have the high-flying jobs we have today if it weren’t for him. I’d be the last person to stab him in the back and go against what he felt was right for the business. He took the corporation from a backstreet office to what you see now. Why would anyone doubt his abilities to know what was best for the business in order for it to grow?’

  ‘Well, it looks like someone objected to the way he ran things.’

  She gasped. ‘What are you saying? That you suspect one of my colleagues killed him?’

  ‘At this moment in time, that’s something I’m not prepared to rule out. Can you tell us if you’ve overheard anything suspicious going on during the course of your working day over the last few weeks?’

  ‘Nothing apart from what I’ve just told you about Laurence and Ross airing a few disagreements.’

  ‘Do you think Laurence was upset enough to take things further?’

  Miranda gasped for a second time and shook her head vigorously. ‘No, never. He’s not the type.’

  ‘Is there a certain type that goes around killing entrepreneurs, Mrs. Jackson? I wasn’t aware of that.’

  ‘No, that’s not what I meant. Oh dear, what I’m trying to say is coming out all confused. I’m sorry. It’s not intentional. I’m in shock because of what has happened to Ross. I can’t believe he’ll never walk through the office door again. My God, what will happen now? To the business? Will we be forced to look for alternative jobs?’

  Hero was seething. Why is it a person’s first thought is to think of themselves when they hear someone has died? ‘I have no idea. The murder investigation is what I’m concerned about, not whether the business will succeed or not, now that the founder of the company is dead.’ Hero saw Julie briefly look his way then back at her notebook. Maybe his tone had been a little too harsh.

  ‘I’m sorry. That was selfish of me to ask. It’s just that my husband has just had to take redundancy, and we’re raising two teenagers who are about to start university within the next six months.’

  ‘Then I understand your concerns. Maybe you should direct your question at Laurence Whitehall later today.’

  ‘I will, don’t worry.’

  ‘Going back to the arguments – or should I say disagreements? – you overheard taking place between Ross and his partner, did either of the two men threaten the other? Did the conversations ever become that heated?’

  ‘I never heard any threats as such, but there’s no point in my denying that they didn’t escalate to the heated argument stage. I don’t remember the two men ever bearing any grudges the next day, though.’

  ‘Are you saying they argued and then
the argument was forgotten about?’

  ‘Yes, sort of. Occasionally, I would notice an odd angry look ripple between them the following day, but not often. They’re both highly intellectual businessmen, not schoolchildren.’

  ‘Nevertheless, one of those highly intellectual men is now lying in a mortuary.’ Hero cringed, recalling the charred remains of the victim.

  ‘Of course, sorry. You must think what I’m telling you sounds daft.’

  ‘Not at all. This is just the type of information we need to hear. Most people think of only telling us the good traits people have when they’ve passed. You’re showing Ross in a completely different light to what the others have.’

  ‘Oh no, that wasn’t my intention. He was a good man. He was trying to safeguard his business and our jobs. At least that was my perception of what was going on. Please don’t tell Laurence I said anything. He wouldn’t think twice about giving me the sack, probably would see it as me being disloyal to him and the firm, when it couldn’t be further from the truth.’

  Hero sensed the woman could tell him a lot more if he played his cards right. He relaxed into his chair and smiled, hoping to put her at ease. ‘Please be assured that anything you tell us in this room will be regarded as confidential. No one will be able to attribute any information you give us in your direction. When did these arguments begin?’

  ‘A few months ago, I suppose.’

  ‘And it’s only recently that things have flared up?’

  ‘Yes, the last week or so. I thought things had died down, that they’d both got over their little spats, but then I overheard Laurence calling Ross an idiot for jeopardising such a lucrative deal.’

  ‘And Ross’s response was?’

  ‘He laughed at Laurence, said he had no idea how to run a top corporation and that he should take a step back and leave Ross to handle things the way he’d successfully done the last fifteen years.’

  ‘Ouch! And what was Laurence’s reaction to hearing that?’

  ‘He was furious. I saw him storm out of his office and immediately ring someone. As you can see, there isn’t a lot of privacy between the offices.’

  ‘What happened after Laurence placed the call?’

  ‘Nothing. Things quietened down. Until last night.’

  Hero sat forward in his chair again. ‘And what exactly went on last night, Mrs. Jackson?’

  ‘Everyone else had gone. I was busy filing away some new applications we’d had about a new graduate scheme Ross was eager to introduce. So many graduates leave uni with no chance of getting a job, in spite of obtaining super grades, and Ross wanted to address that issue and set money aside to take on two graduates. I suppose that idea will be shelved now that Ross is no longer around. Laurence was always against the proposal anyway.’

  ‘May I ask why Laurence would object to something that sounds very worthwhile?’ Hero asked, frowning.

  ‘He said it was a waste of funds, funds that could be used elsewhere and reap better financial rewards. Ha, like he would know! It was Ross, and Ross alone, who helped this company up the ladder to where it is today. Laurence had nothing to do with that at all. Maybe that’s why Ross objected to Laurence’s idea to float on the stock market. They were due to have a further discussion over dinner last night.’

  ‘Were they now? Thanks for that. Is there anything else you can add? Has Ross fallen out with anyone else within the company in the last few months?’

  ‘No. Laurence is the only one who ever felt Ross’s anger.’

  ‘Okay, thank you, Mrs. Jackson. You’ve been most helpful. You’re free to go now. Please keep this conversation private.’

  ‘I will. I hope you do the same, Inspector, for the sake of me and my family,’ she pleaded as she stood up and tucked her chair under the table.

  ‘You have my guarantee on that. Would you send the next person in please?’

  ‘Of course.’ Mrs. Jackson closed the door behind her.

  ‘Well, that was very insightful. Laurence didn’t mention that he was due to meet Ross last night for dinner, or did I miss that part?’

  Julie flipped through her notes. ‘Nope, he definitely didn’t tell us that, sir. He’s still number one on my list, especially after what Mrs. Jackson just told us.’

  ‘Right, here’s what we’ll do. We have three more people waiting to see us. We’ll question them then ask Laurence to step back in here for more questioning.’ He looked at his watch. ‘Jesus, it’s almost three o’clock already. We better hurry things along here because I want to get over to see the parents before the end of the shift. They should hear today that their son has lost his life.’

  ‘I’m surprised you did things this way round, sir. You usually inform the next of kin first.’

  ‘I know. It was a gamble. I didn’t anticipate things taking the route they have here, Julie. Are you all right to work longer this evening?’

  ‘Yes, sir, as long as it’s not too long. A girl has to eat, you know.’

  ‘Damn, we forgot lunch, too. Sorry about that.’

  Julie shrugged as another interviewee entered the room. Over the course of the next half an hour, the remaining three employees couldn’t add anything to what the others had said. Hero thanked them for their time and sent them on their way.

  ‘Ring the station, Julie. Ask Sally to do background checks on everyone before she leaves for the evening. That way, we can hit the ground running first thing. I’ll see if I can track down Georgina for the CCTV and then ask Laurence to rejoin us for a second round of questioning, if his heart is up to it, that is.’

  ‘Hmm … I have my doubts on that one. I’ll ring Sally now.’

  Hero went in search of Georgina, whom he found sitting behind her desk in the reception area. She looked up and smiled as he approached. He noticed the heavy makeup she’d been wearing when they’d first arrived was gone, and her eyes were slightly red as if she’d been crying.

  She cleared her throat. ‘Hello there. How’s it going?’

  ‘Going well. Is everything okay?’

  ‘Yes, sorry. Don’t mind me, soppy mare at the best of times.’ She reached for an envelope on her desk and handed it to him. ‘Two discs, one for last night and another for the night before, as requested.’

  ‘You’re a star, thank you. Is Laurence still around? He wasn’t in his office when I walked past.’

  ‘He’s nipped to the gents’, I think. I’ll let him know that you’re keen to have a word with him when he comes out.’

  ‘Brilliant. We just need another brief word with him, and then we’ll be off – that is, unless you think you have anything you want to add to our enquiry?’

  ‘Not sure I’d be much help, sorry.’

  Hero got the impression the woman was genuine enough, so he didn’t press the matter of why she appeared to be so upset. He nodded and walked back up the hallway, sensing the other employees he’d already questioned watching him as he returned to the supply cupboard.

  Julie swivelled in her seat. ‘All actioned, sir. Sally’s going to start straight away.’

  ‘Great stuff. I’ve got the CCTV. I’ll get Jason searching through them in the morning. I’ve told Georgina to tell Laurence we want another chat with him.’

  They waited another five minutes before Laurence entered the room. Hero looked over his shoulder. The man’s ashen face worried him a little, but he was keen to get on with the investigation.

  ‘Hello again, Mr. Whitehall. How are you feeling?’

  ‘Like death warmed up. Sorry, that was distasteful in the circumstances. Will this take long?’

  ‘As long as is necessary to finalise our enquiries here. Please take a seat.’

  The man plonked into the chair, leaned back, and crossed his arms. ‘Fire away.’ Sweat immediately glistened above his top lip.

  ‘It’s come to our attention that your relationship with Ross could be deemed volatile at times. Can you tell us why?’

  ‘What? Who the hell told you that? It was no
thing of the sort.’

  ‘It’s also come to our attention that you and Ross have been arguing a lot recently. Are you denying that, too?’

  ‘No. We’ve had a few disagreements, granted. But nothing we haven’t been able to sort out between us.’

  ‘Can you tell me your movements last night, Mr. Whitehall?’

  His face grew even paler. ‘Why? Has someone said something?’

  ‘We’ve asked everyone else. However, I didn’t have time to ask you before you became unwell and ended the interview abruptly.’

  ‘I left work around six and went directly to the restaurant around the corner.’

  ‘Is there anyone who can back up that claim?’

  ‘Are you crazy? Yes, lots of people at the restaurant. The staff know me well.’ He unfolded his arms and clicked his fingers. ‘Plus, I was there with a couple of the employees, Peter Barnes and Vincent Walker. You spoke to them, right?’

  ‘I see … they never mentioned it. We’ll look into that. Was there a reason behind you all going to the restaurant?’

  ‘Yes, Ross was due to join us, but he never showed up. We were due to discuss floating the business on the stock market, thought it would be better to discuss it in a public area to prevent tempers flaring out of control.’

  ‘Ross was due to join you? What happened when he didn’t show up?’

  ‘I came back here, looking for him. It’s not uncommon for Ross to ignore his phone and get distracted with work. That’s what I thought had occurred this time. But he was nowhere to be seen. I went down to the underground car park and saw his car wasn’t there and presumed he’d changed his mind and driven home.’

  ‘Did you try and call his home number?’

  ‘No. I went back to the restaurant. I was hacked off about him letting us down; so were the other directors when I told them. We ordered, ate our meal, and left the restaurant.’

  The way the man had rattled off what had taken place unnerved Hero for some reason. ‘What time did you leave the restaurant?’

  ‘Around eight, I believe.’

  ‘And where did you go after that?’

  ‘Home. What is this? I’m getting the impression that you’re asking these questions as if I’m a suspect.’