Delaney released his grip. 'Believe me, whatever you've got to peddle, I'm not in the market for, honey.'
'I got a call. The belt buckle. He told me to ask you what belt buckles were for. He said it was a clue. Seems he was right.'
'Who was it?'
Melanie smiled. 'Back in the market, are we?
'Just answer the fucking question.'
'I don't know. Male voice, could be twenties, could be thirties.'
'You didn't get his number?'
Melanie shook her head. 'It was withheld. He said he was the artist responsible for this morning's installation piece on Hampstead Heath.'
'What else did he say?'
'He said you were obviously no student of art history so he was going to have to give you some more clues.'
'He actually mentioned me by name?'
'Yes.'
And that was it?'
'Just that and the belt buckle. He said he'd be in touch with me again.' Melanie rubbed her upper arm. 'This how you treat everyone who has information for you?'
'You came in here pointing a camera and looking for a story. Not exactly trying to be a model citizen.' Delaney moved away from the door but Melanie Jones did not try to leave.
'You have your job to do, Jack. I've got mine. You're smart?' She made it a question. 'You'll see how we can help each other here.'
Delaney shook his head. 'Like you helped Alexander Walker last month?'
Melanie tilted her head slightly, looking up at him. 'Is that what the attitude is all about?'
'He was a poster boy for the worst kind of corruption in the police and you wanted to make him a media celebrity.'
'We're both on the same side here, Detective Inspector. You got any children?'
'What's that got to do with anything?'
'Financial security, Jack . . .'
'Don't call me that.'
'For life. For you, for your family, for your children. The inside story on how you brought down Alexander Walker. And how you worked with me to bring down a serial killer.'
'He's not a serial killer. And I work with you the day Johnny Cash starts his comeback tour.'
Melanie Jones shook her head, deadly serious now. 'We have to work together, whether you like it or not, Detective Inspector. He's contacting me and this guy is a serial killer. You know it, I know it and, more importantly, he knows it.'
Delaney would have responded but the door burst open and Superintendent George Napier barrelled past him into the room. He smiled apologetically at the reporter.
'I am really sorry about this, Miss Jones.'
Delaney glared at him. 'With respect, sir. I am conducting an interview here.'
'No you're not, Delaney. Your interview is over.'
Melanie Jones brought the full force of her professional smile to bear. 'It's quite all right, Superintendent. The detective inspector and I were discussing the case.'
