‘We’ve four murders, one suspicious death; I don’t have time for what you want,’ Isaac said.
‘What I want, I get. That’s the way to get results. One day, Cook, you might learn, but I doubt it, and as for your Goddard, this sweet arrangement you had with him is over. From now on, we do it my way. Is that clear?’
‘It’s clear. I will put it in writing to you that the direction you are asking us to take is contrary to good policing,’ Isaac said.
‘Covering your back, is it? Lily-livered, hoping that when this investigation comes crashing down on your head, you’ll be able to wave a piece of paper to abrogate responsibility.’
The voices of the two men were elevated. Isaac knew that his career prospects were dashed, but there was no way that he was going to lick the man’s boot.
A message on Isaac’s phone. He looked at it. Don’t bait Caddick.
It was clear that someone outside the office had heard the voices and had SMSd Richard Goddard, who in turn had SMSd Isaac.
‘Very well. I’ll comply with your request,’ Isaac said. ‘And we will solve these murders.’
‘Don’t be surprised if you see me in Homicide on a regular basis,’ Caddick said.
Chapter 21
Charisa Devon’s visit to Challis Street was not unexpected. Negril Bob was back, and even though he was in Homicide’s field of view, there was not much they could do about him. Isaac knew the man to be smart, and he would not incriminate himself in the interview room. It seemed better for him to be out on the street and visible. In time, Isaac was convinced, the man would make an error, and he’d be arrested.
‘Billy’s been threatened again,’ Charisa said.
‘When?’
‘A few days ago.’
‘Why didn’t you tell us about this before?’
‘I only found out from him today. He didn’t want to worry me as I had exams.’
‘He could have told us,’ Isaac said.
‘They had told him not to.’
‘They?’
‘It wasn’t anyone he knew. A man came into the shop and threatened him, not long before Negril Bob returned. Billy was frightened. He’s doing well at the shop. He doesn’t want to steal from there again.’
‘Are you part of the deal if he doesn’t pay?’
‘Yes.’
‘How long does he have?’
‘Five days, and now they want all the interest that’s been accumulating.’
‘How much?’ Isaac asked.
‘Forty-six thousand pounds. If he doesn’t pay, they’ll take me.’
‘What protection do you have?’
‘None. After Negril Bob disappeared, we’d assumed it was all over, but now he’s around.’
‘Have you seen him?’
‘Yes. Once when I was walking home from college.’
‘What did he do?’
‘He was on the other side of the street. He made a suggestive sign.’
‘Describe it.’
‘You know it,’ Charisa said.
‘Thumb and forefinger of one hand, the forefinger of the other,’ Larry said.
‘That’s the one.’
It was clear that the situation was dangerous. ‘Charisa, you’ve got to get away,’ Isaac said.
‘I’ve still got exams. I can’t afford to miss them.’
‘These people are murderers. They probably killed your mother, and your exams are more important!’
‘I need a visa for America. It’s dependent on my passing these exams.’
‘You know what will happen if they take you?’
‘I prefer not to think about it,’ Charisa said.
‘You must. They’ll drug you, no doubt rape you. Are you prepared for this? Is America that important? And then there’s Billy. We can’t protect you and your brother if you’re both stubborn.’
‘We’ll not be intimidated by then.’
‘These are vicious men.’
‘I know, but I’m staying.’
‘Billy?’
‘He’ll not let down Mr Loeb.’
‘I can deal with Loeb,’ Isaac said, ‘but I can’t protect you and Billy from Negril Bob.’
Isaac could see in Billy Devon a decent young man, and in Charisa, the sister he never had. He could see the goodness in her that could easily be destroyed, and Negril Bob was a man of few morals.
Negril Bob was around the same age as Isaac, but he had not come across him before. Larry said that was because he had grown up to the east of the city, and he was known there as a tough individual.
Isaac phoned Billy two hours later and had a brief conversation with him. He confirmed what Charisa was saying, but was initially angry that she had put herself at risk.
Isaac phoned Larry who had since left the office. ‘What’s the latest on Negril Bob?’
‘The man’s visible, treating everyone to drinks at the pub, no doubt bragging about how he beat the police.’
‘Where are you?’
‘Notting Hill, trying to get an angle on the death of Samuel Devon.’
‘Any luck?’
‘Not really. Those who knew him said he was full of himself. Nobody, it appears, has a good word to say about him, not even his school teacher who called him an obnoxious little punk.’
Isaac looked over at Charisa who was still in the office. ‘He was,’ she said.
‘Sorry about that,’ Larry said. ‘I’d have been more discreet if I’d known you had company.’
‘Don’t apologise, Inspector. Samuel was only fifteen. Young enough to grow out of it,’ Charisa said.
‘Maybe,’ Larry said. ‘Most times, they’re into gangs by the time they’re twelve or thirteen. Petty crime then, but Samuel was playing with the grown-ups. He wasn’t the first one to come to a sticky end, won’t be the last either. What’s important, Charisa, is that you and Billy make it through, make your mother proud of the both of you.’
‘That’s what we intend to do.’
