The Patsy

by Bruce Cooke

  Greg hung up, and Pipa frowned.

  She turned to Scott. “Where were you an hour ago?”

  “You know where I was. You rang me.”

  “Yes, and it would have taken at least an hour to get back from Pettigrew’s place to here. They must be getting worried. Once you’re dead, it will all fall into place for them.”

  “Thanks for looking out for me. I appreciate it.” He touched her arm, and she felt a shudder run down her back. For a moment, they stared into each other’s eyes.

  “Greg said he thinks you’re a real killer and won’t look elsewhere.”

  Scott furrowed his brow. “How well do you know him?”

  “Obviously not as well as I thought I did.”

  “But do you trust him?”

  “Apart from a cheating asshole, I think he is an honest cop. Why?”

  “I just thought—no, forget it.”

  “What?” she demanded.

  “Just suppose he is in on the conspiracy. He might be working with Creswick.”

  “No, he wouldn’t—would he?” Doubt began to come to her mind.

  “You know him, and I don’t. If he was the honest cop you say then why wouldn’t he look for himself at the facts? I may be wrong, and I apologize if I am.”

  Pipa gave that some thought. “He was always complaining how he was broke. I even lent him some money once or twice.”

  “Did you get it back?”

  She looked down without answering.

  “If he suddenly has a new car or bought something expensive, would that make you suspicious?”

  She agreed. “Yes. I think you’re wrong, but I’ll follow it up.”

  “Okay. I hope I haven’t offended you. I’m not trying to put down an old boyfriend.”

  “I’d better tell you what I found out.” Pipa went through the companies that Rory gave her. “It seems the director is Pallister. Now why would he suddenly set up three fake companies and list himself as the director?”

  “To get the money paid in. It’s all becoming clearer now.”

  Pipa touched his arm again. “I’m sorry for the mess you’re in. I’m going to do everything I can to help you.”

  “You’re already doing that.”

  He pulled her close and stared into her eyes. “Thank you.”

  She felt herself flush a little, something that was foreign to her. She pulled him close and hugged him. “I’ll get back to you after I do some more investigating.”

  * * * *

  Once back in the office, she reached for her phone. She dialled and waited.

  “Jack Ainsley, Private Investigator.”

  “It’s Pipa, Jack. Look, I have used you before to find out a few things, and I have another job if you are interested.”

  “I’m always interested, love. What’s the job?”

  “Total discretion must be used. I don’t want anyone else to learn this.”

  He laughed. “You know I don’t kiss and tell.”

  “That’s why I’m ringing you. Do you know a detective named Greg Halpin?”

  “Shit, everyone does. He’s handling the assassination case.”

  “Exactly. He works for the Federal Police. I was in a relationship with him, and he was always broke. Can you follow him and see if he has suddenly come into money? It’s important, Jack.”

  “You think he has some rich blonde who is looking after him?”

  “Not exactly. Just see if he seems to be in charge of extra funds. Ring me if you find out anything.”

  “Usual fee?”

  “With maybe a bonus if it all works out for me.”

  “Leave it with me, love. I’ll get back to you in a couple of days.”

  “Thanks, Jack. It is important.”

  She hung up and stared at the phone. “God, I hope he’s not involved. He may be a cheat, but I think he is honest.”

  Fred saw her and raised his hand, indicating he wanted to talk to her. She went straight into his office and sat down.

  “Anything new?”

  “Yes. It seems three fake companies have been set up and guess who the director is?”

  “So this is twenty questions?”

  She ignored his comment. “Roger Pallister, one of the big knobs in the Federal Police. Creswick’s boss.”

  “Anything else?”

  “Yes, it seems five million dollars has been sent to these companies. Now they have been closed down. The money came from Ohma Abas.”

  “Stuff me,” said Fred, his eyes opening wide. “This has turned into a first-class conspiracy. Follow everything up. No expense.”

  “I’m already onto it. I am following another lead and will tell you if it comes to be the truth.”

  “Which is?”

  “I don’t want to tell you in case it ruins someone’s reputation if it is wrong.”

  He nodded. “Okay, Pipa. I trust you. Stick to it.”

  * * * *

  Twenty-four hours later, Jack rang her. “I have some info about Halpin.”

  “Yes,” she said breathlessly.

  “He just bought a new Falcon. Brand spanking new. He doesn’t seem to have a new girlfriend, but then again, he is involved in this case.”

  “Thanks, Jack. Where did he buy it?”

  “Jackson’s Ford in Canberra.”

  “I owe you. I’ll send you a check.”

  “Glad I could help, love.”

  She left the office and went to the Ford dealer. As soon a she entered, a slick salesman came up with his fake smile.

  “Can I help you, Miss?” he said pleasantly.

  “I may be interested in buying a new car. A friend of mine recently bought one from you, at least I think he did. He recommended I come and see you.”

  “I see. Who is your friend?”

  “Detective Greg Halpin. Am I in the right place?’

  “You are indeed. Mr Halpin picked up his new car two days ago. I hope he is satisfied with his purchase.”

  “I think he is because he recommended me to come and look at your vehicles.”

  “Can I show you our range?”

  Pipa looked at her watch. “I’d love to, but I’m pressed for time. Maybe tomorrow.” She smiled and left, seething at what she discovered.

  * * * *

  “What did you find out?” asked Scott when she suddenly arrived on his doorstep.

  “The creep bought a new car. Can you believe that after he always said he was broke?”

  Scott said nothing as she raved.

  “You’re not surprised?” she said, noting no reply.

  “Before you condemn him, you’d better do what you do best.”

  She frowned surprised at his lack of delight. “What do you mean?

  “There could be any one of a dozen reasons why he bought a new car. Maybe he inherited some money from a deceased relative, maybe he is paying it off on the never-never?”

  “You’re defending him?”

  “No, but I think everyone has to have a chance to explain their sudden wealth. Look, you were in a deep relationship with him, and he cheated on you. Don’t use that to condemn him.”

  She stared at Scott, understanding where he was coming from. “You think I’m doing that?”

  “Only you can answer that. Just check it out first.”

  “And how do I do that?”

  “You’re the reporter, not me. You’re also very clever, so I think you can find out.”

  She shook her head. “I thought you would have been delighted to learn this. It’s another peg in the mystery.”

  He nodded. “Of course, it is if it’s true. If not, it could distract us from the truth. See if he is splashing more money around on other things.”

  “The more I see you, the more I’m sure you’re a good guy. I’ll do as you suggest.”

  “I have another motive.”

  She snapped her head to him. “Such as?”

  “I think you are gorgeous, and I’d like to see more of you once this is over, b
ut not if it is a rebound relationship.”

  “It’s not a rebound affair. Once he cheated, he was done. I move on pretty quickly. And we are not having an affair. Let me make that clear.”

  He moved closer to her and stared into her eyes. “How quickly?”

  She pulled his head down and kissed him gently on the lips. “Quickly enough?”

  He held her in his arms and stroked the side of her face. “That was nice.”

  “I thought so, too. Let’s see how this goes. I’m not into the next step yet.”

  “Agreed,” he said, smiling at her, then kissed her again.

  Chapter 10

  Pipa sat at her desk, thinking about the kiss. Hell, what am I doing having feelings for someone who might or might not be a killer? This has to stop.

  She sighed and went into Fred’s office.

  “Something new?” he asked as he looked at her face.

  “Maybe, maybe not. Will you do me a favour and investigate how someone came into a lot of money suddenly when they have been broke for the last six months?”

  “Who are we talking about?”

  “Greg Halpin.”

  “He’s your ex beau, isn’t he?”

  “Yes. I found out he just bought a spanking brand-new car, and I want to know where he got the money. He’s a Federal Policeman and could be on the take from Creswick.”

  “It won’t be easy, but leave it with me. This could blow the Federal Police off the map.”

  “Not all of them, just the crooked ones,” Pipa said.

  “Give me the address of the car firm. I might try a little bluff.” He reached for his phone and dialled the company, putting the call on speaker. “This is James Fuller from the Taxation Department. Perhaps you can help me before I take this any further.”

  “Of course, Mr Fuller.” There was a hint of panic in the dealer’s voice.

  “I understand a Mr. Greg Halpin recently bought a new car from you.”

  “Yes, sir. Is there a problem?”

  “Not from you, but we are investigating a possible taxation fraud. Mr Halpin may be entirely innocent, but you can understand why I am making this inquiry before we take any action.”

  “Of course. What is it you wish to know?”

  “Did Mr Halpin pay for this on credit or in cash?”

  “Just a moment, sir.” There were a few seconds of silence before the dealer got back. “He paid for it in cash, which is a little unusual.”

  “I see, not a bank transfer?”

  “No, just cash.”

  “Thank you, sir. That’s all I want to know.”

  Fred hung up. “You heard?”

  “Yes, and I’m pissed off. I didn’t think he could ever be on the take.”

  “A lot of money for someone who is scratching can be very tempting. Follow it up.”

  She nodded and left the office.

  Once she reached home, she dialled Greg’s number.

  He must have looked at the caller ID as he answered. “Pipa, this is a surprise.”

  “It’s not a social call. I’m investigating something complex. First, is there any progress on Peters?”

  “Not yet. We think he is getting help. He’ll blow his cover soon. How about we get together for a drink?”

  “No. By the way, I heard you have bought a new car. Is that correct?”

  “How the hell did you find that out?”

  “I’m a reporter.”

  “Yes, I did get a new car in the last few days. Why do you want to know?”

  “It seems strange that you have been broke for the last six months, even borrowing money from me, and now you can suddenly afford a new car.”

  There was silence for a few seconds. “Yeah, I won a heap on the races.”

  “Really, which horse?”

  “That’s none of your business.” His voice rose in anger.

  “The money didn’t come from Creswick, did it?”

  Again silence. “Now why would Creswick give me money? He’s one of my bosses.”

  “Just a thought. He’s beginning to make me ask questions.”

  The tone of his voice changed. “As I said, it’s none of your business, and you will do well to drop any inquiry about Creswick.”

  Pipa smiled to herself. “Why, does he have something to hide?”

  “You would have to ask him that. I’m just a detective. Anything else?”

  “Not really. I just know that something stinks about this whole thing. Bye.”

  She hung up and felt a little revenge that would make him think about his position.

  * * * *

  Greg replaced the phone and gave thought to Pipa’s words. “Shit,” he said to himself. “She’s a bulldog and won’t let go. What to do?”

  He waited an hour then decided to speak with Creswick.

  “What’s the problem, Greg?”

  “Not sure if it is a problem. I just got a phone call from Pipa Barret, asking me about the case.”

  Creswick listened closely. “Well, she is a hot-shot reporter.”

  “Yeah, but then she asked me how I paid for my new car.”

  Creswick touched his fingertips together. “And you told her—?”

  “That I had a big win on the races,” Greg said.

  “She never bought it?”

  “She asked me did I get any money from you.”

  “What? Is she onto something?”

  Greg frowned. “I think she thinks Peter’s not guilty. She’s been doing some research on him and says he rings her with his story.”

  “Does she know where he is?”

  “No, she says its only phone calls.”

  “She’s a smart bitch. She may be the one hiding him.”

  “That would make her guilty of harbouring a criminal.”

  Creswick frowned as well. “She’s a reporter and can see a front-page story about this. She has to be stopped. Have her followed, and we will see where that leads us.”

  “You want me to follow her?” Greg asked.

  “Not you, get someone else to do it. Let me know if he finds out anything. Get a tap on her phone. And stop spending any more of the money until we’re clear.”

  * * * *

  Pipa phoned Scott as soon as she finished talking to Greg. “He’s in it up to his ears.”

  Scott paused. “You spoke to him?”

  “Yes, I asked if he had any more news in finding you. Then I questioned him on the purchase of the car. He said he won it at the races. I’ve never know him to gamble. Then I asked did he get the money from Creswick.”

  “Big mistake. If Creswick hears about it then he may come after you.”

  She conceded he may be right. “Okay, I’ll buy a burner phone in case they tap this phone. Same as before. Let it ring out then answer when it rings again.”

  “Good, but I mean it, Pipa. Watch your back wherever you go. Creswick can’t afford for any scandal to come out. He might try and see you have an accident.”

  “Okay. I’ll try and come to see you tonight. I’ll bring a takeaway. There’s something else I want to talk about.” She hung up and went back to work.

  That afternoon, she left work to get to Scott. Alert, she noticed a car following her. When she turned corners, it did, too. She smiled and drove slowly down a side street until she came to a house with a gate by the side. She parked the car and looked up and down the street suspiciously, then went through the side gate of the house. After only ten minutes, she returned to her car and drove off.

  * * * *

  Greg got a phone call from the man following her.

  “I’ve got an address. She stopped outside this house in a quiet street. Went around the back and came out ten minutes later. She looked up and down the street and drove off.”

  Greg sighed. “Right, get a swat squad to it immediately and raid the place. We might get lucky.”

  Fifteen minutes later, the police arrived and surrounded the house. Greg nodded to the leader, and they stormed into the
house, breaking down the door. All they found was an eighty-year-old woman eating Meals On Wheels and watching television. She was shocked to see the police burst in.

  “What’s the meaning of this?” she asked, getting back her nerve.

  “Are you here alone?” asked Greg, still with his gun in his hand.

  “Of course, I’m here alone. Why are you bursting into my home with guns as if I am a criminal?”

  Greg looked at the other police then gave his attention back to the woman. “I’m sorry, madam. It looks as though we have false information.”

  “This is shocking. You come bursting into my house with guns, threatening me. You scared the hell out of me. I need to take a Valium. Put those guns away now. Why didn’t you just knock on the door?”

  “I’m sorry. We should have. We made a bad mistake.”

  “Maybe, but I want my front door repaired today. There are all sorts of perverts around here. I’m going to complain to your chief.”

  Greg sighed and left with the other police, promising to get someone here straight away to fix the door.

  * * * *

  Pallister was furious when he heard of the stuff-up. “She’s been playing us. The bitch knew we were following her. That tells me she is dangerous, and the matter must be fixed.”

  Creswick agreed. “Yeah, she could blow the whole operation, and then where would we be?”

  “In jail, you fucking idiot. Get rid of her. Make it look like an accident.”

  “Are you sure about this? She is the press.”

  “And it will be a tragic accident that we all regret. Fix it.”

  Creswick left his office to make plans.

  * * * *

  Pipa left work that evening, thinking about the next step. What to do next. It still hurt to think Greg would be involved in this killing, but the facts have shown he was. She thought about the tender moments they shared, the lovemaking she enjoyed. He certainly had his faults, but didn’t everyone.