met someone and didn’t want to confuse a normal relationship with selling herself on the side.’

Farhan relaxed back in his chair, almost certainly blushing.

‘If they ask for Olivia again?’ she asked.

‘Her phone number will not work.’

‘Is she safe?’

‘I’m not sure. You’ve been threatened. Olivia is hiding, and Samantha is keeping a low profile. Our investigations have placed not only you three at risk, but indirectly brought about the deaths of two people.’

‘You’re a policeman; you can’t stop doing your job because it may have unfortunate outcomes.’

‘That is true, but it’s a hornet’s nest we’ve stirred up. We’ve no idea how it’s going to end.’

‘You said you were separated from your wife.’

‘That’s correct.’

‘If you need company, let me know. I’ll see that you are treated well. No cost, of course, but a man needs an outlet. No point bottling up the tension.’

Chapter 29

Isaac decided to visit the production lot. He wasn’t sure why, apart from the fact that all three persons, two dead and one missing, had a close involvement with the place.

Until Wendy came up with some fresh information or Detective Superintendent Goddard was more forthcoming about why Marjorie Frobisher was so important, then the cast and production crew were his best bet. Maybe a snippet of information, a remark made in passing, and then a new avenue of enquiry would open up. Isaac hoped he would not make a fool of himself if he ran into Jess, but assumed he probably would.

Larry Hill had taken over the investigation into Sally Jenkins’ death, at least as far as ascertaining who could have murdered her, and how that person had got into her apartment. Was the person known to her? Was Sally Jenkins relaxed when the person mysteriously appeared in her apartment after breaking in? And now Larry Hill was intimating that maybe the murderer did not come in through the window, only made it look as though he or she did. The person who had held the hapless former PA under water could have been male or female. There seemed to be no way to clarify this.

It was remarkable when Isaac arrived at the production lot how busy it was. Everywhere he looked, he saw activity.

He saw why soon enough – Ian Stanley. The series producer with the Napoleon complex was out on the war path, shouting at whoever. He saw Isaac soon enough.

‘I hope you’re not going to hold us up today,’ Stanley said brusquely.

‘Not at all. Under the circumstances, I thought it would have been quiet out here for a few weeks.’

‘Are you joking? We’re here to produce thirty minutes’ worth of entertainment, five days a week, and then it’s syndicated to two dozen television stations around the world. If we don’t supply, they sue for lost advertising revenue.’

‘But you’ve had two people murdered?’

‘At the end of the day, you’ll find me sympathising.’ Isaac could not see Ian Stanley sympathising about anybody.

‘How was the news of Sally Jenkins received out here?’

‘Look, I don’t wish to be impolite, but I’m busy. Can this discussion wait?’

‘Sure,’ Isaac replied, ‘just interested to know what everyone thought.’

‘A few sad faces, but everyone knew she was only working with Richard Williams because she was an easy lay for someone with money. I made an inappropriate comment once about her screwing the boss, while everyone else was being screwed by him. She was so dumb, she didn’t respond, just laughed. I only hope she was better in the sack than in the office. She was damn useless, always stuffing up everyone’s pay and expenses.

‘That new one, Linda Harris, she’s good. No idea what she sees in Richard, money or no money. I reckon she could find any guy she wanted. She seems too smart for the job, and if she’s screwing Richard Williams, it must be for a reason.’ Isaac noted the comment.

‘Mind you,’ Ian Stanley went on, his voice raised after bawling out a couple of men hastily erecting a backdrop, ‘I don’t know what Jess O’Neill saw in him either, and she was screwing him.’

‘Is she here?’ Isaac asked, upset by Ian Stanley’s aspersion about Jess and Richard Williams. He hoped it did not show: it did.

‘You fancy her as well?’ the little man smirked. ‘Can’t say I blame you – if you like Richard’s seconds, that is. You didn’t give Sally Jenkins one as well, did you?’

It was evident to Isaac that the respect accorded him initially by Ian Stanley, due to being a ranking police officer, had dissipated. Stanley only saw him now as a black man in a suit.

Stanley’s voice had carried. Soon Jess appeared. She gave Stanley a nasty look but said nothing. He only smiled and continued pushing everyone around.

‘Foul-mouthed little man. I can’t stand him.’

‘Jess, it’s good to see you. I’m sorry you heard that.’

‘Give me ten minutes, and I’ll be alright. He’s been trying to get me off the set for a few weeks now. Any chance to make a comment or weaken my position, he takes it.’

‘Will he succeed?’

‘It’s hard to say.’

‘Why’s that?

‘He’s good at what he does. Someone mild-mannered, politically correct, wouldn’t have a chance to put this together. You don’t know how much work is involved out here. Most nights I don’t leave before ten at night, and he’s often still working.’

‘You’re looking good, by the way. How are you?’

‘I’m fine. It took me some time to get over that grilling you gave me down at station.’

‘I was just doing my job.’

‘I’m okay. My brother-in-law said you were going easy on me. It didn’t feel like it at the time.’

‘What about Sally Jenkins?’ he asked, hopeful that it would be a more sympathetic response than Ian Stanley had offered.

‘I was sad for a day or so, but she

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