‘I hadn’t finished counting all the money or checking the serial numbers against Mr Collins’ list, sir. DS Gibbs said I could go home and then Sergeant Harris insisted I cover the front desk. He didn’t come back for over an hour and I totally forgot to ask him for the receipt so he should have it.’
He took a long sip of the whisky. She was really nervous and could see he was annoyed, but was surprised he didn’t shout at her. Truth was he knew he was partially to blame for not counting the money with Spencer Gibbs at the time or as soon as they returned to the station.
‘Harris was off today as well so let’s hope he counted the money and put the receipt somewhere safe, though knowing him I doubt it.’
Jane felt queasy and unsure what to say. She was worried that if any money was missing she’d be accused of theft and dishonesty.
‘Well, it went from bad to worse. O’Duncie also told A10 that DS Gibbs slipped some money into his pocket during the search, which I know for a fact he didn’t. No doubt they think I’m bent as well. What really pisses me off is that O’Duncie actually tried to blackmail us. Anyway, when they interviewed Spence they noticed he had bruised knuckles on his right hand and jumped to the conclusion it was because he thumped O’Duncie. With that and the money allegation they suspended him from duty pending further enquiries.’ He sipped his drink and rattled the ice.
‘I’m really sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to cause all this trouble, especially for DS Gibbs and you,’ Jane said, close to tears, fearing her career might be over before she’d even finished her probation.
He could see how upset she was and spoke softly. ‘Hey, don’t look so worried. A10 can think what they like, it doesn’t scare me. They’ll strut about and ruffle a few feathers, but believe me everything will be OK and Spence will be reinstated. In this job you sometimes learn the hard way; O’Duncie and his solicitor are just trying to muddy the waters and it was me that cut corners, not you.’
‘Has he admitted that Julie Ann was at the squat for those missing two weeks?’
‘Right now he’s admitted fuck all, but I want the money thing sorted and you to check all the notes for sequential numbers first thing in the morning, then we can get them off to fingerprints branch. If by the luck of God a few match the serial numbers Mr Collins gave us, and we get his or Julie Ann’s dabs on them, then we got Terry O’Duncie in the frame for her murder and A10 off our backs.’
‘So is Terry O’Duncie the Big Daddy character?’
‘Nope, we got a call from Manchester CID and it appears Joshua Richards is Big Daddy. He was arrested for assault and banged up without bail. He’s a nightmare bastard apparently and probably why everyone is scared to death of him. He might be the guy that got Julie Ann pregnant, or it could be O’Duncie; truth is we will never know. Richards is out of the frame for her murder but I’d say he’s Terry O’Duncie’s supplier and that’s how Julie Ann knew Big Daddy.’
‘What about Dwayne Clark?’
‘He’s the sidekick runner for Richards and O’Duncie admits knowing him. He’s gone into hiding and so far we can’t break his alibi that he was in Coventry at the time of Julie Ann and Eddie’s deaths.’
He finished his Scotch and placed the glass down on a small coffee table.
‘We need something on O’Duncie to break him so he’ll talk.’
‘I hope it’s the money.’
‘Yes, but you have to understand that when you are asked to do something you must finish it, whether or not the duty sergeant wants you to cover the front desk. Any problems with Harris you come to me, do you understand?’
She couldn’t believe he was still letting her stay on the investigation and was worried at one point he might tell her she was suspended.
‘Yes, sir, I understand.’
‘Good. A10 will want to take a statement from you, and are you clear about why I wanted to have a private chat with you?’
She nodded, but the truth was she wasn’t exactly sure.
‘You back me up and you back Spencer up about O’Duncie’s aggressive attitude in the bedroom and the car.’
He held up his forefinger and thumb.
‘I’m this close to nailing him, OK?’
She nodded, and he patted his pocket to check for his car keys then walked through the archway towards the front door. She followed and opened it; he towered above her and she was taken aback when he leaned close and kissed her cheek.
‘We all sing from the same song sheet and everything will be fine, so be in early tomorrow.’
She closed the door after him. He smelt of whisky, cigarettes and faint lavender cologne. She replaced the chain lock, turned off the hall light and walked slowly back to her bedroom.
Bradfield got into his blue Ford Zephyr with Gibbs at the wheel.
‘Christ, you took your time.’
‘Yeah well, I had to be careful… met her mother – lovely lady, invited me for Sunday lunch.’
‘Come on, don’t string me out.’
Bradfield patted Gibbs on the shoulder as he started up the engine.
