“Breaking and entering.”
“On what evidence?”
“Me,” she said.
“I can identify him.”
“He’ll have an alibi by now.” He flicked a strand of hair from her cheek with a gesture of casual affection.
“We need to tempt Crew into the open.”
It was Roz’s turn to sigh. In the cold light of morning, she was having doubts.
“It’s all guesswork, Hal. Crew could be squeaky clean as far as the Poacher’s concerned. Mr. Hayes likes to give the impression he knows more than he does. It makes him feel important.”
“But it’s the only scenario that makes sense.” He stroked his jaw and smiled at her with a confidence he didn’t really feel.
“My nose is twitching. It’s always a good sign.”
“Of what?”
“That I’m on the right track.”
“You’ll lose the Poacher if you’re wrong.”
“I’ll lose it anyway.” He drummed his fingers on the dashboard.
“Come on,” he said abruptly.
“Let’s go. Head for the city centre. Bell Street runs parallel with the main shopping area.
We’ll stop at the first telephone we see. And keep your eyes peeled for an electrical goods shop.”
She fired the engine and pulled out into the road.
“Why?”
“You’ll find out.”
He dialled Dawlington police station and asked to be put through to Geof Wyatt.
“It’s Hal.” He let the angry recriminations run for a moment, then broke in.
“Save your breath. I’m trying to sort it now, but I need your help.
What do you have on STC Security in Bell Street? No, I’ll wait.” He propped the receiver under his chin and took out a notepad.
“OK. Hayes. ExAriny. Clean as a whistle. You’re sure? Right. Can you meet me there in half an hour?” More squeaks.
“For old time’s sake, that’s why. No, you bastard, I don’t give a monkeys toss if you still feel sick. At the very least, you owe me for Sally. Half an hour.” He hung up.
Roz examined her fingernails with studied uninterest.
“Who’s Sally?” she asked.
“Myex.”
“Why does he owe you for her?”
“He married her.”
“God!” She hadn’t expected that.
He smiled at her startled expression.
“He did me a favour but doesn’t know it. He thinks it’s why I left the Force. His guilt is huge and extremely useful at times like this.”
“That’s cruel.”
He lifted an eyebrow.
“It hurt at the time.”
“Sorry,” she said regretfully.
“I keep forgetting we both have pasts.”
He pulled her against him.
“The marriage was long dead, and Geof didn’t set out to poach Sally.
He’s a decent sort. He held her hand out of friendship, and ended up with more than he bargained for. And that’s genuine gratitude talking, Roz, not bitterness.” He kissed her nose.
“Poor bastard. He had no idea what he was signing on for.”
“Olive’s revenge,” she said slowly.
He frowned as he dialled Directory Enquiries.
“I don’t follow.”
