‘Something of the sort, yeah. Why?’
‘Any chance you could leave it until my bit of business with him is over? A dish best served cold, and all that?’
‘I was thinking of waiting anyway. I don’t want him being taken down a peg without me being part of it.’
Bliss chewed on his bottom lip. ‘I’m sorry about this, Teddy. It’s my fault. Me going in there after him last night gave the game away. He knew he’d been followed, and stupidly I made a point of insisting that it couldn’t have been me. He must have been keeping an eye out for you today. I should have thought to warn you.’
As uncomfortable as it was, Barr gently shook his head. ‘Nah. This one’s down to me, Jimmy. I should have been more aware. Other than his bulk, he’s an average bloke. I thought I could follow him without him noticing. Plus, I turned into that alleyway blindly. I should have held back, taken it in before strolling down there like I owned the place.’
Bliss asked for the precise location and nodded when Barr told him. He knew the area quite well and was certain he could find it if he had to. He was starting to get riled up about the assault when Barr stuck a hand out to tug at his sleeve. ‘Let it go, mate. I’m not up to talking about it, if I’m being honest. Especially with the boys in blue. Knowing my luck I’ll get a couple who recognise me, and this is hardly my finest hour. Besides, neither of us wants to bring you into it. And let’s face it: if I don’t, then Watson will if he’s pinched. The truth is, I got careless. He’ll get his, in time. What you want him for is worth far more than my little embarrassment. So, do us both a favour and focus on that fucker.’
Reluctantly, Bliss agreed. A reprieve for Neil Watson, perhaps. But he was determined to make it a temporary one.
Fourteen
As Bliss strode into the station from the car park, he heard his name being yelled out. He looked around to see a uniform bounding over. Police Constable Barry Griffin, all rosy-cheeked youth and Bambi-limbed vigour, had won Bliss over with his infinite enthusiasm and dedication. Griffin gave boxing lessons to a group of young people who lived close to the edge and were in danger of taking the next step into the abyss. He had asked Bliss to volunteer a couple of hours a week, helping out with the coaching. Initially sceptical, Jimmy had caved to the point of saying he would think about it.
He hadn’t, of course. He’d completely forgotten.
‘Well?’ Griffin asked. His body was on the move even when standing still. Eagerness gleamed in his eyes. Somehow to let him down would be akin to booting a puppy up the arse.
‘Two hours a week, you said?’
‘Three at most, if we include setting up beforehand and cleaning down afterwards.’
Bliss shook his head. ‘That stops if I agree to this. If I’m going to help train these youngsters, we do it the right way. Those we coach do those jobs in future. It’s good discipline.’
‘That’s terrific, Jimmy. See, you’re already contributing. I said you’d be perfect for this.’ He was beaming all over his face. ‘All right. Two hours during the week, and maybe the odd Sunday morning.’
‘Woah, hold on a minute. You never said anything about weekends. Or additional hours.’
‘Just the odd occasion, sir. When I’m on duty, that sort of thing.’
Squinting, Bliss couldn’t help but admire his colleague’s sheer cheek. ‘You’ve got some neck, Barry, I’ll say that about you.’
‘My mother always told me if you don’t ask you don’t get.’
‘Mothers are wise. Generally speaking.’
Griffin gave a wide grin. ‘So you’ll do it?’
‘I’m going to have to see what kind of shape I’m in. I do some stretching exercises, but nothing strenuous. I haven’t worked a bag or a speed ball in ages. And I certainly haven’t stepped inside a ring in decades. I don’t want to embarrass myself, so let me do that and I’ll get back to you.’
‘No problem. You will get back to me this time, yes?’
‘I will. And I’ll commit on a trial basis. But you have to understand: if I’m balls deep in a case, I can’t always walk away because people are expecting me somewhere else.’
‘I appreciate what you’re saying, sir. But you have to understand that if we tell these young people we’re doing something, then we have to do it. We can’t ever allow them to question our commitment, or our word. That gives them an easy way out, and it’s not what this club is about.’
Bliss regarded him thoughtfully, admiring the young officer’s outspoken nature and commitment. ‘So, what you’re telling me is that if I’m in, I’m in all the way?’
‘That’s about it, sir. One of us has to make it. Every single time. We let these kids down, we lose them.’
‘Fair enough. Count me in.’
‘I knew I could, sir. Next Wednesday evening if you want to do a spot of training in the gym. Seven till nine, at the hall we spoke about.’
‘I’ll be there,’ Bliss told him, heading towards the stairs. He knew it was a serious obligation once accepted, but he supported the idea. It had worked for him, providing an outlet for testosterone-fuelled aggression. And as for signing up as a coach, he’d had no real choice in the matter. Not supporting Griffin had never been a viable option; you just don’t kick puppies up the arse.
When he entered the room, Bliss noticed Ashton had rejoined the unit. The NCA investigator sat alone at a desk close to the e-board, tapping away at a laptop. Ansari, Hunt and Gratton huddled together at another desk opposite. Meanwhile, Bishop and Chandler stood poring over an open folder containing a bunch of documents
