“Try not to dwell on it. Going back to the delivery of the vehicles.”
“They’re being shipped out by container from the Port of London this evening.”
“What time?” Katy asked, her excitement notching up a level.
“Ten, I think. It was a mumbled response I heard, so don’t quote me on it. It’s definitely the right area, though, so you might want to conduct your own investigation into that.”
Charlie scribbled down the information. “Going to Saudi Arabia, yes?”
“Correct. You know they have the money over there.”
“So the cars were stolen to order, is that it?”
“Yes, Anderton is a local businessman, exports and imports. Don’t ask me the name of his company. He takes pride in obtaining items that others can’t.”
“But used cars? Why wouldn’t the Saudis go to the manufacturers and buy them direct?”
“Don’t ask me. Maybe Anderton steals them, clocks the cars and then ships them out.”
“Possibly, that part would make sense.”
Salter sighed. “Please, I’ve given you all the information I have, we’re wasting time.”
“One last thing. You haven’t told us when they said they’d be releasing Lorraine.”
“I’m expecting a call this evening. I presume it will come through once the ship has left the dock. I’ll be on tenterhooks until then. Please, I’m begging you not to take any risks with my wife’s life.”
“Don’t worry. We won’t. Okay, I think you should leave work now. What time are you due to knock off?”
“In half an hour. Sorry, I’d rather stay here, stick to my usual routine, just in case someone is keeping an eye on me. Shit, don’t tell me you’ve turned up in a cop car?”
“We have, an unmarked one. Okay, stay here. If they make contact with you, I need you to ring me straight away, okay?” Katy slid a card across the table.
“I will. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get those people killed.”
“It was extenuating circumstances, you’re not to blame.”
“I think you’re being kind. Good luck, please be careful, don’t put my wife’s life in jeopardy.”
“We won’t, you have my word. Thanks for having the courage to be honest with us.”
“I don’t feel courageous in the slightest. In fact, I feel like shit for the role I’ve played in all of this.”
“Don’t beat yourself up.” Katy rose from her chair, followed by Charlie and Aaron.
Together they left the room.
“I’m not going to say anything to your boss, that can wait for another day.” Katy smiled at Aaron and patted his forearm. “Go back to work and act as if nothing has happened. We’ll make up an excuse for our early departure.”
“Thanks for your understanding, Inspector. I’m not sure every copper in your position would have reacted the same way.”
“There are always two sides to every story, Mr Salter. Take care, we’ll be in touch soon.”
They parted, and Katy and Charlie headed back to the owner’s office.
The receptionist gave the all-clear for them to enter the room. “He’s expecting you, told me to tell you to go straight in.”
Katy gave her the thumbs-up and walked into the room.
“Ah, how are things going with the staff?” Mr Harvey asked, motioning for them to take a seat.
Katy held up a hand, declining his offer. “We managed to speak to a couple of people. Unfortunately, we’ve been called away on an urgent lead. Would it be possible to return tomorrow to speak to the rest of the staff?”
He heaved out a sigh. “If you must. I was hoping to get the disruption out of the way today.”
“Unforeseen circumstances, sorry. We had every intention wrapping things up here today, but duty calls.”
“Don’t worry about it. What time will you descend on us again tomorrow?”
“Around eleven, unless anything else turns up in the meantime.”
“Is that likely to happen?”
“You never know. Thanks for working with us, Mr Harvey.”
“I hope the trip has been worth it?”
“It has. Thanks again.”
Katy and Charlie rushed out of the building and back to the car.
“Jesus, that poor man, umm…not Harvey, I meant Salter,” Katy said.
Charlie tutted. “Will the CPS be less likely to lay charges at his door in the circumstances?”
Katy nodded. “I should think so. I’ll have a word, see if that helps. I think they’ll need to put themselves in his shoes. I can’t think of anyone who would sit back and not succumb to the threats, do you?”
“True enough. What a terrible predicament to find himself in.”
“Yeah, not great. Let’s hope it’s not too late for his missus.”
Charlie held up her crossed fingers. “Amen to that!”
“We’ll head back. I think we’ll be working overtime tonight, are you up for it?”
“Too bloody right. Will you get an ART involved?”
Katy smiled. “Was that a question or a prod to ensure I go in the right direction, Charlie?”
“Simple question, nothing underhand intended, I swear.”
“The first thing I’ll do when we get back is run everything past Roberts. He’ll have to sanction the overtime anyway.”
Charlie nodded. “What’s the betting he’ll want to be involved in what lies ahead this evening?”
“Yep, I think you’re right. I don’t mind, as long as he takes a step back and doesn’t start issuing orders.”
“Is that likely?”
“You don’t know Sean Roberts well if you have to ask that, partner.”
“Oh heck. In that case, I feel sorry for you having to deal with what’s ahead of us.”
“If it wasn’t for the sanctioning of the overtime, I wouldn’t bother paying him a visit.”
11
By the time Katy brought DCI Roberts up to date with the information she and Charlie had gathered at the factory, he was chomping at the bit to get involved. “Of course I sanction the overtime, on one proviso,” he said.
Katy chuckled. “I warned Charlie you’d want to be involved.”
He laughed and pointed at her. “You know me too well, Inspector.”
“I do indeed, more’s the pity, sir.” Katy grinned. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get things organised ASAP.”
“Go. Do you need me to throw my weight around?”
“Umm…would you mind organising backup in the form
