“Don’t move. Slowly raise your hands above your head. Do it now!”
It is just after eleven when the solicitor to represent Chris Linwood arrives for the interview. Mrs Martina Fanshaw from the firm of Price and Major.
She asks to speak with the officer in charge and is led into a private consultation room.
After two minutes, DI Eden Gold walks in.
“So, detective, if you can give me a brief rundown of what my client is alleged to have done?”
Eden grins. “We suspect him of being involved with the kidnapping of two young girls. We have photo evidence of him being involved. We raided his flat this morning and found nearly half a million pounds in cash and a gun we expect will be matched to the killing of one of the other kidnappers.”
“Mmmm. I see.”
“There is one other person we are looking for regarding this investigation. Obviously I cannot promise anything but you know how it works and if your client is prepared to offer information that helps us to find this other party, we can pass on his co-operation to the court, which might help with the length of his sentence.”
“Of course I will need to speak with my client first and take instructions from him.”
“I understand. But I stress the evidence we have is solid and credible. It is in his best interest to help us.”
“Can I have a word with my client, please?”
“Certainly. If you care to wait here, I will have him brought through. In the meantime, can I organise a tea or coffee for you?”
“Very kind, but not unless the facilities have been considerably upgraded since my last visit.”
“No. The tea and coffee is still as shit as it’s always been. Cutbacks and all that, unless of course, you’re management and you can afford a personal coffee machine in your office.”
“Quite so. I think I will pass on your offer.”
“Very wise.”
Five minutes later, Chris is escorted into the private consultation room where his solicitor is waiting.
They chat for over ten minutes, while the solicitor makes notes. She then informs the officer standing outside her client is ready to be interviewed.
Chris Linwood and his solicitor Martina Fanshaw are shown into interview room 2 where they see DI Eden Gold and DS Tracy Archer sitting with several folders in front of them.
They sit facing the two detectives.
Tracy takes out two CD disks and unwraps them. She places them into the recording machine and presses the red button. There is a five-second-long beep.
“I have to caution you now,” Tracy says. “Christopher Linwood, you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention, when questioned, something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Do you understand the caution?”
Chris nods.
“For the sake of the tape, can you please say you understand?”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Thank you.”
Eden opens one of the folders in front of him and pulls out two photos. “Now, Chris, is it okay if I call you Chris?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, Chris. Here are two photographs taken of you inside the old car workshop on Tennis Court Road.”
Eden pushes the photos across the desk.
Chris seems surprised to see them.
“That is you, isn’t it?”
“No comment.”
“Okay, let’s move on.” This morning, officers attended your address at forty-five Ross Street. During the search we found two suitcases stuffed with cash. The total is £498,200. Can you tell me where this money came from?”
“No comment.”
Eden pushes across another photograph. “I’m showing the suspect a photograph of four suitcases. It was taken by Albert Mitten on Monday the twentieth of May 2019. It shows the four suitcases that contained the one-million-pound ransom he was forced to pay for the safe release of his two granddaughters. You will see that one of the suitcases match the ones found at your address. Can you explain how these came to be in your possession?”
“No comment.”
“I’m showing the suspect a photograph of a 9mm semi-automatic gun that was found at your address. We believe this is the same weapon that was used to kill Kronid Nicolescu, who was found dead at the old car workshop on Tennis Court Road. Forensics are ongoing but we believe they will prove it is the same weapon.”
Eden pauses as if he expects a different reply.
“No comment.”
Eden pulls out another photo. Chris looks at it and flinches.
“I’m showing the suspect a photo of a man called Daniel Zugravescu. The photograph shows the horrific injuries he suffered when he was tortured by two men at his bedsit. The landlord of the property identified you as one of the two men who were there when these injuries occurred. These injuries proved to be fatal. Daniel Zugravescu died in hospital. So can you tell us about this?”
“No comment.”
“This is what we’ve found so far, Chris. Imagine how much more we will find now we have you in custody. We have means, motive and opportunity. I doubt there is a jury in the land that won’t convict you. Kidnapping and murder. You might never see daylight again. So how about you start co-operating with us. We know there was someone else involved. Help us to help you.”
“No comment.”
“Okay, Chris, have it your way. We’ve got you and we’ve got your money. Virtually every penny. So even if you do come out of prison at some point in the long-distant future you won’t have a penny of this. I think this interview has gone as far as it can. You will be remanded in custody while we make further enquiries. Are you sure you don’t have anything to tell us?”
Chris looked up directly at Eden for the first time.
“No comment.”
“You can reply with no comment as much as you want, Chris. That’s your choice but a jury will take that into account. I think you need to discuss this with your solicitor. She will
