by Leo James
'Sounds very far-fetched Steve. Why on earth would a successful company get involved in this? They're making money from their business. Lots of money. Why follow someone from Malaysia to murder them in the UK?' A worried expression marred Roger’s face.
'You have a point. The police must have picked up the master copy of the Q7 network image. I’ll talk to them.’
######
Steve arrived at the London Metropolitan police station in Golders Green. He walked up to the reception desk, introduced himself and asked for Detective Superintendent Sproson. The desk sergeant pointed towards a row of red plastic chairs. 'Take a seat, Mr Roussos.'
A few minutes later a tall man came into the waiting area wearing plain clothes. He shook Steve's hand. 'Inspector Grimes, Mr Roussos. Come this way, sir.'
Steve spotted the officer’s red and white striped trainers, and Levi’s’; looking nothing like a policeman. His shirt barely reached the top of his jeans. The police are getting scruffier, and younger every day. Steve followed the inspector into an interview room and he was asked to take a seat. The officer sat the other side of the desk and turned on a recording unit; announced the beginning of the formal interview and asked Steve to confirm his full name.
This concerned Steve.
'Mr Roussos, this investigation relates to the tragic incident involving your colleague Mr David Morris.’
'Yes, I've known him for years. He's a dear friend. A tragic loss. I know little about his crash except what I heard from my other colleague, Roger Slater.’ Steve wanted to make sure he was as clear as possible.
'We have assigned a Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Sproson. The DCI will oversee the case. I'm also assigned to the case. We are working with the National Crime Agency anti-terrorist squad to assess the origin of the explosion. Any information which can help us in this investigation is welcome. Do you have any information? About the incident? Or leading up to the crash?'
'No, I was in Malaysia. I want to help, so I flew back.'
'Oh OK. So, what is on your mind?'
'Well, David is a computer geek and an expert in IT security,’ Steve explained, 'Chief Technical Officer at Seguro, or should I say “was”. He had many years of experience. He has published articles and books on the subject. A company in Malaysia called Q7 awarded us a contract just over two months ago. David found suspicious activity on their computer network which concerned him.'
'Can you be more specific about how this affects the investigation? He had returned from Malaysia,’ the inspector said.
'He recently flew back to the UK. Just over two weeks ago. They killed David because of what he found.'
'So, you figure someone in Malaysia travelled to the UK to murder your friend? And the reason was Mr Morris found suspicious activity on the internet?'
‘You have already confiscated David’s MacBook. David loaded an image of the Q7 system onto a mini drive. The mini drive is a complete master image of the Q7 system. The company I mentioned earlier. The mini drive should be in his MacBook's card slot. I have the password.' Steve handed over a piece of paper containing the password. 'Please get your computer forensic experts to analyse the data. This will prove what's going on at Q7.'
The inspector put the paper into a clear plastic bag, sealed it and made a note on the label. 'Did you discuss this with Q7?'
'We brought it to the Chief Executive’s attention, and he arranged for me to meet with the local police superintendent in Kuala Lumpur. Could be over-reacting.' Steve looked upwards trying to figure out what really happened.
'So, you believe someone in Malaysia may have a reason to murder Mr Morris? You think it's related to Mr Morris’s findings at Q7. You informed Q7 of your suspicions and they are investigating the claims of Mr Morris. They brought in the local police to talk to you?'
'Yes, Superintendent Anwar Tempawan of The Royal Malaysia police. He said I didn’t have enough evidence and told me to leave it with him and he would investigate further.' Steve raised his voice slightly.
'OK, I will ask the National Central Bureau to contact the Malaysian police. They will get an update from the local superintendent.'
'OK, great. Maybe I'm over-thinking. Watching too many movies.' Steve collapsed back in the seat.
'Interview ended. We will be in touch with you if we need any further information. Thank you, Mr Roussos.' The inspector turned off the recorder.
'Is that it? They murdered David.’ Steve gasped.
'Can you wait here please Mr Roussos? I want you to meet one of my colleagues. 'The inspector left the room.
######
A few minutes later, two officers entered the room and sat opposite Steve. They started the recording and asked Steve to confirm his name again.
'Thank you, Mr Roussos. I am Detective Chief Inspector Graham Sproson and my colleague Detective Inspector Rebecca Power.'
The Detective Inspector nodded.
This time the officers wore police uniforms. DCI Sproson towered over the detective inspector even when they were both sitting down. The DCI's distinguished grey hair gave him an air of maturity and confidence. DI Power, was much younger; she had long ginger hair tied up in a knot and a ruddy complexion.
'We are part of the National Crime Agency, conducting enquiries into the deaths of Mr and Mrs Morris,’ The DCI said, ‘We have not found any more evidence to conclude that this was an act of terrorism. It is now a murder investigation under homicide and major crime command. We are following several lines of enquiry. We need to ask you some more questions.'
Steve nodded. 'Happy to help.'
DI Power explained. 'We confirmed that an explosive unit caused the car crash; planted under the petrol tank, detonated using a remote device.'
Bastards. They wanted David out of the way.
'Oh, my God. I knew it! Isn’t there access to CCTV?’ Steve said.
'We are investigating the footage, following up on several cars travelling in both directions, and suspect a particular car that drove at high speed away from the explosion. Someone covered the number plates. Are you aware of Mr Morris's government security status?'
'Yes, David was a security expert. He had security clearance for work he did in the nuclear industry.’
'Nuclear?' DI Power looked quizzical.
Steve explained. 'This goes back to his early days working at the Ministry of Defence VSEL submarines. He advised other government agencies, which included nuclear. David developed guided missile software for subs. So, he needed to get the OK to visit Malaysia using travel advisory notifications. It was a pain. Although I was in The Royal Signal Regiment where we specialised in providing Data Communication Services, Information Assurance and Electronic Counter Measures – that's Force Protection to support operations – I don't need security clearance any more. But I helped David to get his travel approval organised with the itinerary and letters from customers we planned to meet in Malaysia and Singapore.'
'Thank you, Mr Roussos. Was Mr Morris involved in any covert activities in the UK or abroad for any agencies?'
'Covert? Not sure what you mean? If you're asking if he was spying I very much doubt it, but I have no idea.' Steve could not stop himself from grimacing.
'Thank you. And Mrs Morris, David's wife. Did you know her well?'
'Yes, Trish. She has been David's partner for as long as I have known him. That’s over ten years,’ Steve shook his head, ‘Have you contacted the Malaysian police?'
'We will contact the UK National Central Bureau. They will follow up on your information. Do you have any plans to leave the UK?'
'Only to go back to Malaysia. I'm arranging customer meetings. I have no confirmed travel dates yet,’ Steve said.
'Can you make us aware of any travel plans? If we need you to answer any further questions, we will contact you. Thank you for your help. Interview ended.'
######
'I'm home.' Steve shouted as he opened the door.
An excited Labrador
did her usual welcome by running to fetch her favourite rope toy then barked with excitement.
'Hi love.' Beth skipped downstairs and met him at the door, throwing her arms around him. 'Hello stranger. Come here, let me give you a hug. Oh, I missed you. How are you?'
‘Just sorting out more shit, but it’s so good to be home.' Steve stretched his shoulders.
'Ah.'
Steve kissed her. ‘How are the kids? Is Kate feeling any better?’
Beth put her hands on his shoulders. 'We have a date for the consultant. It's the middle of next month.'
'What? Will she be OK until then?' He put his hands on her hips.
'She has only had a couple of episodes.’
'That’s not good,’ Steve said, ‘I’ll come along to see him with you. I'll make sure I'm back. Jake and Ellie?' He took his jacket off.
Beth took a step back. 'They're fine, missing you. I need to tell you something.'
'What?' Steve stopped in mid-motion.
'Millie is having puppies.'
'She's pregnant, how did that happen?'
Beth smiled. 'Do you need me to draw pictures?'
He patted Millie on the head. 'Poor girl. What have you been up to?' Steve looked at Beth with a puzzled expression. 'Who's the father? I hope she didn't get out.'
'Of course not. We need the money, so I had her mated with Ron and Gabrielle's lab. The bills are stacking up.' Beth shook her head.
'Are you going to cope with Millie and everything else?'
'Do I have a choice?' She said.
He put his coat on the banister and pulled Beth towards him. 'What would I do without you?'
She rested her head in his chest. 'You owe me big time.'
'I know.' He kissed her.
'How's it going? Glen behaving himself?'
‘Glen is his usual self, but it’s going well. The solution is up and running. We should get some money soon.' Steve smiled.
'I'll believe it when it's in our bank. But it's great you are getting there…. Oh, I forgot to say… I’ve changed the downstairs loo as it was ancient. Gabrielle was throwing one away which is in perfect nick. And I did all the plumbing myself,’ Beth said.
‘What?’ Steve took a moment for it to sink in. ‘The loo. How have you done that?’
‘I’m not stupid,’ she smiled.
‘I know. I’m never surprised by what you can do.’ He held her close. ‘I love you. What would I do without you?’ He skimmed his lips along the sweep of her cheek ending with a peck on the lips. ‘I’ve been to see Roger today. He is in touch with David’s dad. There is an investigation. I visited the police to see if I can help.
‘I can’t stop thinking about David and Trish. I’ll miss my girly talks with Trish. I know it wasn’t often but it was great to chat about you men and work.’ She sobbed.
Steve’s shoulders dropped.
‘And I meant to ask, what will happen to Lola? Will she stay with family?’ Beth pondered.
‘She was in the car… with David and Trish.’
Tears welled in Beth’s eyes as he consoled her…
’Can't wait to see the kids.'
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Wednesday 22nd April
STEVE RECEIVED A CALL asking him to visit the London police station again. Further information had emerged. He got dressed, skipped breakfast and headed to the station.
######
An officer escorted Steve into an interview room and asked him to sit at the table. DCI Sproson entered, shook Steve's hand and sat opposite. 'Thank you for coming in again. We appreciate your help with the investigation.’ He started the recording.
DCI Sproson said, ‘We have spoken to the UK National Central Bureau, and they contacted the Royal Malaysian police. They are investigating several companies who are financing illegal activities in Malaysia.'
'Illegal activities. Oh, my God. Q7 murdered David.' Steve's brow furrowed.
'We need more evidence to come to that conclusion Mr Roussos. The Malaysian police informed us that you and members of Seguro are under investigation. They asked us to bring you in for further questioning.'
'What?' Steve tried to swallow and talk at the same time but ended up choking on his surprise. 'We've done nothing wrong.'
What the hell's going on?
'We are not suggesting that, sir. We would like to discuss your dealings in Malaysia. Are you dealing with any companies in Malaysia?'
'Yes, we are.' He explained the details again of Q7, Grithos and suspicious activity and the introduction to the Malaysian police. Steve sounded like a broken record, repeating the same update again.
'So, you are receiving payments from this company?'
'My company, Seguro, installed a solution to process online secure payments and person-to-person secure transactions. We started the project with Q7 over two months ago.'
'How are you receiving money?' DCI Sproson said.
'Seguro receive a licence fee per transaction. It's a revenue share agreement with Q7.'
'Is the payment sent to Seguro's bank account?'
'Yes, Roger Slater, our Financial Director deals with all the financials. The payments arrive at the end of each month into our company bank account. We use HSBC Bank. We are a UK company with a UK bank account.' Steve let out a harsh breath.
'Have you, personally, received any payment from Q7?'
'No,' Steve said. Then thought, 'Oh wait, Farid provided David and I with a prepaid card, but we didn't use them.’
'Thank you. We will tell the Malaysian police, via Interpol.'
'Hang on. It's too much of a coincidence. David gets murdered after he uncovers suspicious stuff going on at Q7. What else could it be?' Steve said.
'We are following several lines of enquiry, including the possibility of a terrorist attack. We can't rule out other reasons such as Mr Morris's security clearance level and earlier involvement in the nuclear industry. We can't rule anything out Mr Roussos.'
'It makes little sense. Something is wrong. You should investigate Q7. There must be a connection,' Steve said.
He found it difficult to think straight. Many thoughts, some repeating numerous times.
Was it my fault?
Should I have protected David more?
What could I have done to prevent this?
Why wasn't I more assertive — telling him to stop?
If only I had kept him away from this project.
Am I responsible.
I've killed David and Trish.
I couldn't stop the project.
We need the money.
Was I too desperate to listen to David.
I have to find out who murdered him.
'Thank you. If you have any further information, please contact us. We will be in touch with you if we need anything further.'
'Can I go back to Malaysia?'
'You are free to go where you wish.'
'Thanks.'
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Friday 24th April
GLEN AND MAI ARRIVED at the Concorde Hotel. He paid the cab driver, and they walked hand in hand through the atrium lobby to the bar. The Crossroads Bar was crowded that evening as the resident band “Two BY Two” from Manila in the Philippines entertained, singing popular hits. He found a table and sat on a lounge settee then placed his two phones, phone charger, cigarettes, and lighter on the arm of the vacant chair beside them.
Leaning back in the chair, he pulled Mai towards him. 'Keep this sofa for Mark and Adam. Come here.'
A waitress approached. 'Hello, Mr Glen. How are you today? Iced tea?'
'Hello, Alyssa. I haven't seen you for a while. I'll have a beer and Mai will have a vodka and coke. Cushty'
'OK, Mr Glen.' Alyssa jotted on her notepad as she retreated to the lounge bar.
Mai looked with suspicion at Glen.
Glen squeezed her playfully. 'Chill. She’s the waitress who serves every day in the bar. No probs.'
'I know my love,' Mai said
&nb
sp; Glen smiled.
Mark arrived as Alyssa brought Glen and Mai’s drinks. He ordered a beer and sat down.
'Namaste. How are you?' Glen bowed his head.
'Had a sleep, and a great shower.'
'Where are we meeting Adam? The main man.'
Mark looked at his wristwatch. 'In the lobby. In seven minutes.'
Glen nodded. 'Did you clock the Ferraris parked out front? Mad, eh?'
'There's a big wedding going on. Hotel left a message in my room. Local bigwig.'
Glen smiled. 'It’s mad. When the taxi dropped us off, there must have been a dozen red Ferraris lined up outside. Lucky colour in Asia.'
The resident band played their renditions of Whitney Houston's classics.
'This bears no resemblance to Whitney Houston.' Mark held his hands to his ears.
'Cushty. It's great.' Glen and Mai swayed from side to side.
The noise from the band and the crowded lounge got louder and louder.
'Enjoy it mate. Come on,' Glen said.
Mark's phone pinged as a message arrived. 'Adam is in the lobby.'
'I will always love you. I, I will always love you, Glen sang.’
'OK, come on drink up.'
The music reached a crescendo as they left the bar. The lobby was very busy. Glen detoured to the back of the atrium to look at the huge banquet hall, full to the brim with wedding guests. At the far end of the banqueting suite, the stage held a band dressed in traditional Indian costumes playing Bhangra music. People dancing, eating and drinking. Fantastic costumes. The centre piece of the room housed a giant cake in the shape of a religious temple.
Mark walked over to Adam and they shook hands formally. Adam greeted Mai by kissing her on both cheeks.
Glen shook hands. 'Namaste. Let's go eat.'
Mark questioned Glen. 'Where is the Xin Kandar restaurant?’
'It's just over the road. We can walk,’ Glen said.