by Val Penny
“Mel, darlin’. Couldn’t even get past breakfast without thinking about me, could you?” He grinned. “Come in. I don’t think I know your pal.”
“DC Neil Larkin,” Mel said.
“Milk no sugar. Am I right? How do you take your tea, Neil?”
Mel couldn’t help smiling at Jamie’s cheek. She followed him into the large living-dining room and introduced the family to Neil. Then she and Neil sat down on the over-sized leather settee and waited while Jamie poured their tea.
“Bonny girls,” Neil said. “How old are they?”
“Almost three. They’ll be having a birthday party soon with cake.”
“Cake, cake,” Kylie and Dannii squealed and rubbed their tummies.
“Where does their red hair come from?”
“Their mum. Annie was beautiful.”
Mel was ruing the fact she was too far from Neil to kick him. And for once she was glad that Jamie came back into the room. He was carrying their tea. He handed it out and sat back at the dining table to finish his breakfast. Before he shovelled a forkful of food into his face, he spoke again to Mel.
“You’ll be here about the burglary next door. The old bastard will be blaming me. But you can’t fit me up for that one.”
“I don’t want to fit you up for anything, Jamie, but your fingerprints have been found all around the house. They were even on the hasp securing the attic.”
“I’m not surprised. I fitted the fucking hasp. Before we fell out with the Morrisons I even fixed their car. No charge mind, and that’s my business. Old Ma Morrison invited me in for a cuppa to say thanks, but the old man gave me a beer.”
“When did you fall out?” Neil asked.
“We’ll get to that bit. He doesn’t like a proper story, that one, does he?” Jamie said to Mel.
“None of us do, but some of us have learned to live with it. Go on.”
“Well, I had to go upstairs to the loo, and I went into the wrong room.”
“How did you manage that? The house is the mirror image of yours.”
“That’s it, mirror image. But I did see a lot of documents in the little bedroom.”
“What was the paperwork for?”
“I don’t know, but all sorts of names and addresses. Colour coded, they were. Odd, but it was like I remembered Arjun keeping accounts for me pop. I couldn’t linger because the old man was shouting up if there was enough paper in the bog and I wasn’t meant to be in there.”
Mel watched Neil pull a face and thought he’d have to get used to worse stories than that if he were to make it in Hunter’s team.
“Anyway, they’re pally with Arjun. And you know where that gets you, Mel,” Frankie added.
“But Arjun Mansoor’s inside,” Neil said.
Jamie snorted. “Your pal’s got a lot to learn. Next he’ll be telling me there’s no drugs or mobile phones inside.”
Mel shrugged. “That’s not our domain, but how come your fingerprints were still in the house? It must have been a while back that you were still on good terms with the Morrisons.”
“It is. Just shows what a dirty old devil she is. Should have cleaned better. And you can’t get me for yesterday. Linda and I were up at the hospital with Eileen all day. We met with the Blind Society people, folk for Guide dogs and her work popped in to say they want her back.”
“That must have been good for Eileen,” Mel said.
“Yes, but tiring. I was exhausted so she must have been right knackered,” Linda said.
“They had therapists in too, and we had to stay so we can learn what they do to help her, and we can do it too. Lots to think about. Anyway, the nurses can tell you we were there.”
“They did, and the hospital CCTV confirmed it. But can you think who might have wanted to break into the Morrisons’ home?”
“Look, their nephew is that former copper, and they work with Arjun Mansoor, go talk to them.”
“We will, Jamie.”
“In the meantime, have you got the bastard who blinded poor Eileen? That’s got to be more important than a few baubles nicked from our neighbours.”
“We have a few suspects and are interviewing them,” Neil said.
“Yap, yap, yap. Good for you. Give me a few names and I’ll get a fucking confession for you.”
“That won’t help, Jamie. We’ll find him,” Mel said. “Thanks for the tea. We better go.”
“It may not help you, but it’ll make me feel a lot better. Just as well pop’s on the case.”
“Tell your dad not to blot his copy book this time. Leave it to us.”
“Great idea, Mel. That’ll work.”
The change of tone in Jamie’s voice frightened the twins, and Kylie and Dannii burst into tears, and held their arms up to their father. Frankie gathered them up, one in each arm.
“Nice one, Jamie. It’s not the girls’ fault,” he said. “If you’ve asked all your questions, you and your pal can just go, DC Grant. Or if you need to talk to Jamie more, do it somewhere else.”
“No, I think we can go. Jamie has explained why his fingerprints are in the Morrisons’ house. Sorry for disturbing you and the girls, Frankie.”
“I don’t want to see any of you plods until you’ve got Eileen’s attacker locked up and the key has been well and truly thrown away. That clear?” Jamie said. “There’s the door. Go get ’im Mel. Get him before I do.”
***
“Do you believe him?” Hunter asked Mel and Neil.
“He was certainly adamant,” Neil said.
“You know Jamie, boss, He can be adamant whether he’s guilty or innocent,” Mel said. “But this time he invited us to check with the hospital staff and the CCTV. He was also clear as to why his prints were in various parts of his neighbours’ home. To be honest, boss, this time I believe him.”
“Yes, I’m inclined to believe him too. And I don’t like this connection between the Morrisons and Mansoor. I think I’ll ask Colin and Nadia to get over to Saughton and interview him at HMP Edinburgh because we’ve identified his prints in the house too. You two get your reports written up.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“Arjun’s a popular guy right now,” the guard said to Colin. “What’s going on? Don’t tell me, it’s just a routine enquiry, right? Except nothing with Arjun is ever routine. We know that as well as you do. Right, I’ll buzz you in, and we’ll get it organised.”
Neither Colin nor Nadia commented on these observations, or on the running commentary the guard continued while they were subjected to the usual searches and put their valuables into lockers.
“You know Mansoor is one bad lot. He’s in for drugs and stuff, but I think he’s still Mr Big outside these walls too, you know? He’s got all these cons dancing to his tune in here and they get out one by one, I’m sure they’re on a mission for him. You know how it is. They get out, do his bidding, and they’re back so fast they’ve no time to settle to life in the real world, you know?” He paused for breath. “Anyway, you’re clean. Just go through there to the waiting room. You know the way.”
They sat silently in the waiting room with the few others who were waiting for admission. One woman in a suit was probably a lawyer, Colin thought, while the young woman with the baby was probably the partner of a first timer on a compassionate visit.
The woman and baby were called through first. Colin looked at the guard, but got nothing back. Maybe he was in a huff because Colin and Nadia hadn’t returned his chat. Colin really hoped that Arjun wasn’t being difficult, that was the other possibility. Prisoners were permitted to change into their own clothes for visits, but few bothered to dress smartly for a police visit. After all, the criminals saw them as being responsible for their stay at Her Majesty’s Prison. His hopes were rewarded; they and the suited woman were called through to undertake their respective visits in private rooms. Private sure, but a prison officer was stationed outside the door.
He watched as Arjun walked in and took the seat opposite hims
elf and Nadia.
“A chink? When did they get a chinky copper in Edinburgh?”
Colin followed Nadia’s lead and ignored the comment. Colin took the lead in the interview.
“Thank you for meeting with us, Mr Mansoor.”
“It’s the most interesting thing that’s going to happen today. Might as well.”
“It’s about your friends, Mr and Mrs Morrison, of West Mains Road. Their home was burgled last night.”
“Well, it wasn’t me. I was tucked up here. Ask anybody.”
“I appreciate that, Mr Mansoor, but your fingerprints were found on the safe that was raided. It was under the floor in the dining room. Do you know why that would be?”
“Yes, probably because I put it in for them. It was suggested to them for security by a relative, I think. They needed help securing it.”
“Have you any idea what the Morrisons kept in it?”
“Not a clue.” He laughed a forced, laugh devoid of humour. “I didn’t stay around that long, just helped them put it in. They’re not good company, the Morrisons.”
“What makes you say that?” Nadia asked.
“They’re dull, unimaginative, but I like to keep them sweet. They live next door to Ian Thomson’s lad, so they can be useful.”
“They may be dull, but you stayed around long enough for your prints to be on the door handle to the smallest bedroom.”
“Perhaps I needed to use the facilities and mixed up my directions. I don’t remember. It might be a good idea to speak to their relatives, or others that might know. Perhaps those who are not in jail.” Mansoor stood up and left the room. The police officers had been dismissed.
Nadia drove them back to the station. “Chink? How dare he!” she exploded.
“I think he’s of Kurdish extraction, himself. But I thought you handled the situation well and most professionally. Congratulations.”
“Thanks, I think. You going to Tim’s surprise dinner for Gillian’s birthday?”
“No, Maggie’s out at her Pilates class, so I’m sitting in with the kids tonight. You?”
“No, it’s Mum and Dad’s wedding anniversary. We’re having a family meal.”
“Chinese?”
“What else?” she laughed.
***
Tim was pleased with himself. He had managed to arrange a birthday celebration for Gillian without her being aware of it. He texted Kenneth, one of the few members of staff his father still retained, to make sure he would remember to pick up Bear and Mel, Rachael and her wife Jane, then he and Gillian set off in his Mercedes to the Longniddry Inn.
“You look beautiful tonight, Gillian. That is such a pretty outfit.”
“Why, thank you, Tim. You would think so. You bought it for me.”
“But you chose it. The colour really suits you.”
“Thank you, dear. I’ve always liked green. Maybe it’s my Irish roots. Isn’t it lovely to have a quiet dinner just the two of us? Are you sure you don’t mind driving? I mean, Kenneth could drive us, and you could have a beer,” Gillian said.
“Don’t worry, pet. I thought this would be nice.”
“It will. I love the Longniddry Inn. It’s got a great ambience, and the food is delicious.”
When they arrived, he walked in front of her, towards the restaurant. Kenneth had parked the car down a side street as he had asked, and it was only when he held the door open for Gillian that she saw their friends and heard them shout ‘surprise’ that she realised it was going to be a bigger celebration.
She looked up at Tim and smiled. “Okay, you win,” she said. “I didn’t see this coming, but that’s why Kenneth couldn’t drive us, isn’t it?”
“It is, miss. Yes.” She turned round and saw Kenneth eating at the small table behind them. She bent down and kissed him on the cheek.
“Do you want to join us?” she asked.
“Sit down to dinner with you noisy young people? No thank you, miss. There’s little I would like less.”
“Come on, let’s get over to the group, Gillian,” Tim said. “Thank you, Kenneth.”
***
The conversation flowed freely, and the guests all had presents for the birthday girl. Tim noticed that Bear had carried out his threat to give Gillian an English-Ukrainian dictionary, although her Ukrainian was fluent. She took the gift in good spirits, but Tim was pleased when Mel tempered that with a pretty cashmere scarf and hat, to ward against the eastern winds. Rachael and Jane had chosen a smart new briefcase for Gillian.
“Like getting a new school bag for my first day at school,” she said.
“Oh dear, we forgot a new pencil case.” Rachael laughed.
When the starters arrived, Tim asked if anybody wanted another drink. Bear and Rachael ordered more beer, while it was agreed an extra bottle of white wine was needed for the table. Tim was only halfway through his pint of coke, so didn’t order anything.
Just then, he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Big celebration, is it?” John Hamilton asked. He and his brother, Hector, had walked in and noticed the table full of John’s former colleagues.
“What are you doing here?” Bear asked.
“Out on bail, but hush, we’re meeting business acquaintances, arranging the party next month for being in business five years.”
“At the moment I’d suggest that might be a bit previous,” Tim said. “When are you back for questioning?”
“Don’t worry. We’ve got an appointment to be at the station for ten tomorrow morning. Anyway, what are we celebrating here?”
“My birthday,” Gillian said. She looked up at John and Hector. “Look at the lovely hat Mel got for me.”
“That’s beautiful,” John said.
“And so are your eyes,” Hector added. “I have never seen such bright green eyes, ever. That hat shows them off perfectly. I like that flash of colour in your hair. Great idea.”
“Thanks,” Gillian said.
“Well, we’ll meet again tomorrow. Have a good evening, all of you,” John said.
“We must get back to our guests, although I would much rather stay and stare into your eyes.”
Hector smiled and kissed Gillian on the cheek. “Happy birthday, darling,” he said.
Chapter Thirty
Hunter had an early meeting with Oskar. He explained that Neil had only recently been seconded to their team and checked that he would be happy interviewing John and Hector with Neil. He went on to explain that they were amongst the few members of the team who had not been working there when John was on the force.
He looked at the Polish DI and sipped his coffee as he waited for an answer. He watched as Oskar ran his hand through his thick, dark blond hair. The man’s brow ruffled, and he broke into a smile that emphasised the creases around his blue eyes.
“You know, Hunter, you run this team very differently from others I have experienced. Never before has a senior officer asked my opinion on anything, never mind something as important as that.”
“I’m not senior, Oskar. Just acting up.”
“Oh, I’ve known a great many DCIs who have acted up,” the Pole said. He smiled again. “But I mean it as a compliment,” he said. “Anyway, I think it is a good idea that Neil and I interview the brothers. After all, I was involved in the search of the flat and Neil in the search of the office.”
“That’s what I was thinking. We let them out on bail, but they’re due back here tomorrow morning. I’d like to know if they can also explain how Hector’s prints were found in that house that was burgled. It’ll be interesting if their explanation matches that given by the victims. Also ask if they’ve ever used a dating app, will you?”
“What?”
“A dating website operated by an app on your phone. Just remember to ask, will you?”
“I’ll try.”
***
Oskar arrived early the following morning and took time to have a chat with Neil. As Neil was less used to interviewing, Oskar suggested h
e lead the questioning, and played bad cop, while Neil could take notes and interject at times to make helpful suggestions as the good cop.
He was pleased that Neil agreed to this arrangement because he didn’t have a back-up plan. He took time to read the reports of the finds in both the flat and the office. The one that surprised him the most was the large amount of cash found in the office. A rookie error.
Neil popped in to say that John and Hector had arrived with their lawyer. Oskar looked at his watch. Ten minutes early. Good move.
“If I forget to ask, will you check if they’ve ever used a dating app?”
“That’s a bit random, but yes, if you like.”
“Thanks. Which interview room is free, Neil?”
“One is free and it’s the biggest. Let’s nab that before anybody else does.”
“Good idea. Show John and the lawyer in there. We’ll let them sit for a few minutes. Hector can wait in reception.”
Neil was interested in John’s reaction when he looked around the room. “You’ve not had the decorators in since I was last here,” he said.
The room was small and dark. The only window had bars across it and was almost at the height of the ceiling, so he couldn’t see out of it. The bars were joined together by big, thick cobwebs.
John’s lip curled in disgust. He had clearly forgotten just how nasty these places were, and the smell in the small rooms was never fresh. It didn’t matter how much disinfectant the cleaners used, or how much air-freshener the officers sprayed around after the rooms were used. They always smelled of dirt, body odour, and farts.
Neil held the door open for the young PC who would guard it and then left, closing the door quietly. He waited outside until Oskar came along.
“Still ready for good cop, bad cop?” the DI asked.
“Yes, and I’m all set to take notes too.”
“Good. We’ll start with the flat, then the office, then ask about the fingerprints at the Morrisons’ house.”
“I thought that was just Hector’s prints.”