Goddard could not think the same of his commissioner, a man he still loathed.
***
‘I’ve told you because I don’t want to kill you,’ Cojocaru said. The two men were in Cojocaru’s penthouse; neither was interested in the view.
‘If Ivanov knows that you are telling me, he’ll have you killed,’ Becali said. ‘We will not succeed a third time. Have you admitted to our previous attempts?’
‘I had no option. If I kill you, then I will survive a little longer.’
‘Then do it,’ Becali said.
‘Why?’
‘I don’t mean me. Kill someone, make it out to be me, body destroyed beyond recognition.’
‘You would do this?’
‘For you, Nicolae Cojocaru, I would.’
‘But who?’
‘Does it matter?’
‘Ivanov will want proof of your death.’
‘Then Ivanov must die. What about the other Russians?’
‘Ivanov’s Bratva will do nothing, business is more important to them. As for the other Bratvas, they will not act. The only risk is Gennady Peskov. He is loyal to Ivanov, the same as you are to me. He will forfeit his life if necessary to avenge Ivanov’s death.’
‘Then he must die as well.’
‘But how?’
‘You must stay here. This time I need to get close to the man.’
‘You will die.’
‘If I survive, get me out of the country,’ Becali said. ‘And I want the truth of what happened to Antonescu.’
‘It seems that we will both be growing vegetables back in the old country,’ Cojocaru said.
‘The truth.’
‘I was given an ultimatum in France. Either I shot Crin, or they would shoot both of us there and then.’
‘And you shot him in cold blood?’
‘They had severely beaten him. I apologised before I pulled the trigger. He forgave me before he died.’
‘You had no option, but now, we do.’
***
At Challis Street Police Station, a quandary on how to move forward. Larry met with Claude Bateman, the second time in as many days, a café close to Notting Hill.
‘The calm before the storm,’ Bateman said. ‘It’s a wait and see, and none of us wants to be involved. Ivanov’s recovery frightens us. We do not believe that Cojocaru will live long, now that it is proven that Becali shot at the Russian twice.’
‘Proven?’
‘Yes, we know that he did. I did not tell you the full story last time, too dangerous. Becali was seen going into that flat. I have a witness who will come forward when needed.’
‘Who? There is only one we know of, a covered woman in one of the flats on the same floor.’
‘It was not her.’
‘Then her husband.’
‘He will not talk without certain assurances.’
‘Such as?’
‘Protection and the right to stay in this country.’
‘You cannot give him that,’ Larry said.
‘But you can. If he gives you what you want, it is the lever to deal with Cojocaru, the opportunity to free ourselves from his influence.’
‘Would you welcome this?’
‘What option do we have?’
‘You’re admitting to criminal activity. I could have you arrested. Our conversation here today could be used as evidence.’
‘You will not arrest me or others,’ Bateman said. He took out a cigar from his pocket, put it back again.
‘Why not?’
‘The chance to rid yourself of Cojocaru is more important than arresting me. And besides, if what we plan works out, we can re-establish ourselves. And maybe Ivanov will go, and I will take the Romanian’s place.’
Bateman was not a fool, Larry knew that, but the man was indiscreet and naïve. He had seen how Cojocaru had dealt with those he did not trust or want. The West Indians were violent and handy with a knife and a gun, but they still retained the Caribbean sentimentality, and death, even if they were responsible, was met with sorrow by them and the community.
‘You are taking a risk, you must know that,’ Larry said.
‘There will be winners and losers, but to stand on the sidelines will achieve little. You can have Fahad Shaikh once you have satisfied his concerns.’
‘We can pull him in anytime. Why does he trust you?’
‘Who else can he trust? He has exceeded his visa, and he has been working two jobs, cash in hand. He came to me, not out of fondness, but out of desperation. He knew what would happen if he had come to you directly.’
‘We would have secured his visa for as long as necessary.’
‘For as long as it took to convict Becali. Shaikh needs more, and now, you have a man you can arrest. How much is this worth to you?’
‘Why have you protected him for so long?’
‘Leverage. He wants a commitment from you, in writing. I want your word that you will remove the malaise of Cojocaru and Ivanov.’
‘Guarantees I cannot give. Cojocaru is possible, Ivanov is uncertain. The jobs that Shaikh has been doing. For you?’
‘It is better that I do not answer, wouldn’t you agree?’
‘I would. Where can I find Fahad Shaikh?’
‘He is at his flat. No agreement and he will not talk. He has placed his trust in me, not you.’
Larry knew that Bateman was right. Fahad Shaikh would give the team their first arrest and with the man’s testimony their first conviction.
****
‘Can’t be done,’ Richard Goddard said. He was sitting in his office on the third floor at Challis Street. On the other side of his desk, Isaac Cook and Larry Hill.
‘But the man’s a material witness. We need his evidence.’
‘Where is he now?’
‘Sergeant Gladstone is with him. I’ve organised two officers from Armed Response to ensure his safety.’
‘Okay, put him and his family in a safe house. I’ll see what can be done. Becali’s trial will stretch out for some time. I’ll make a few phone calls on behalf of the man, pull in a few favours. No promises, but
