The lane gradually lost the tarmac skin and potholes of various depths appeared causing the van to sway and rattle. The two remaining occupants in the back could only hang on.
The air was cool; the place private. In the distance a tractor could be heard but not seen. It was now a matter of waiting. Don and Asif sat in the open doorway and each lit a cigarette. Neither knew the other man’s thoughts but they were both pondering the same thing. Why the sudden rush, the swift clearing and packing? The phone call had brought a controlled panic to both Doc and Flam and it had unnerved them. Now, sitting here they felt more in control.
Mason looked around the apartment and the Marie Celeste sailed into his mind. Moving to the window, he stared down the Mersey. It was evident from the way in which things had been scattered that whoever lived there had left in a hurry. The only advantage to that was it would be awash with DNA and evidence. He was also aware that criminals of this calibre had escape plans. Key documents, cash and credentials were always stored to be accessed at a moment’s notice. Looking around, it appeared as though they had done just that. ‘Fuck!’ was the only word he uttered as he stepped into the elevator.
Chapter 30
April finished her meeting with the techy boys and dropped the report on her desk. She was neither pleased nor disappointed. The information retrieved would be collated and matched with what they had already gathered. It was another step in the right direction. What excited her more was the pending briefing planned for four o’clock. Bob Lawn was due, along with her boss. She had heard that Paula had concluded her chat with Kelly who had been taken to a women’s shelter alongside Sharon. April had requested Paula’s personal attendance. It was always better to discuss evidence received face-to-face with the team present. Memories and ideas could often be jogged from dark corners where they lay temporarily forgotten. She was also aware that Bob had a positive ID on Abid from the interviews with Quasim. Another session with the suspect was planned for later in the day. It was only then did she see the note from Brad. She dialled his mobile.
‘Brad, I take it you’re at the location?’
‘Effingham Street, just off Derby Road, Bootle. Just on my way back. Lucy’s with me. We’ve secured the place and started a search for the owner. Need to get a team in there as soon as, ma’am. According to witnesses here, there’s recently been a good deal of fresh activity. Looks like our dead man has tipped us the wink. What did you tell me on the day we were at the burial site? Dead men can tell tales. You were spot on.’
‘That was from my first boss. A wise fellow. Four o’clock, conference room and don’t be late. Thanks for the note.’
April greeted Paula and escorted her to the conference room. They chatted briefly. Paula enquired about the information she had sent. ‘Thought that it was critical, urgent. You saw she identified Quasim and gave a description of Sadiq. She’ll be brought here to work with the EvoFit technician in the hope you can get an accurate image of Sadiq although the CCTV from the address you gave has turned up a veritable treasure trove. The coverage is being checked as we speak.’
‘Kelly’s coming here this evening,’ April informed Paula.
‘And Sharon too? They’ve become inseparable and that, for me, is useful. They’ve made a request too, a rather unorthodox one. I’ve told them I’d see but couldn’t promise. Hope you didn’t mind my leaving the information with the officer when I rang your extension. I was so determined to get it to you quickly, I didn’t get to ask his name. I usually work after the case has run its course and not when it’s at this stage.’
‘It was Brad. He acted immediately on both fronts, checked the site and secured it but the other …’ She did not elaborate, but kept her suspicions to herself. The least said the better. ‘That was quick thinking and you’ve achieved a miracle with the girl. Acting immediately can be crucial, so no problem and the more faces we collect, the better. Thanks.’ She tapped Paula’s shoulder. ‘Good to have you working with us.’
‘Kelly’s been very co-operative, frightened but you can understand why. It’s all in the report. I’ve brought twelve copies.’ She handed April the documents.
Skeeter was the next to enter as the room quickly filled. She sat to one side. Lucy and Brad were last in. April wasted no time and started the briefing but it was to be led by DCI Alex Mason.
‘Thanks, a welcome back to Bob and a new welcome to Paula, the Independent Liaison Officer who’s been working with Kelly. If you can listen and read at the same time then Paula’s findings are in the file in front of you. She’ll brief you shortly. The latest progress is a mixed bag. As you know we’ve checked out Sadiq’s alleged address, turns out it was on a short-term lease. We’re checking the holder’s details but as you know ...’ He looked at the audience and many knew there would be little to track to a suspect. ‘On a more positive note, we’ve also been directed to a location derived from the three words found on the cards at Kelly’s place. It’s been secured and will be checked as soon as the teams arrive. When we get the call, I want Tony and April out there immediately.’ He checked his watch. ‘April, please begin as you might disappear at any minute.’
April was prepared and moved to the front. ‘The laptops have revealed a good deal about the man, Abid. Kelly tells us that he
