by OMJ Ryan
And so this cat-and-mouse approach continued for the next thirty minutes, with Qing insisting, through very short bursts of conversation with the interpreter, that he did not know of, and had never heard of, anyone called Jimmy Wong; he was not, and never had been, a Triad, or involved in crime of any kind; he was an innocent man who did not understand what he had done wrong.
Finally, and clearly frustrated, Walsh returned the images to the folder and paused the DIR. He then pushed back his chair and left Interview Room Four.
A moment later he entered the observation suite, where he slammed the folder down on the table in front of Jones. ‘Bloody Triads do this every time,’ he growled. ‘Claim they don’t speak English and pretend they’re not gangsters at all. Just “poor put-upon migrant workers”. They’re a bloody nightmare.’
‘He has an answer for everything, doesn’t he?’ said Jones.
‘Exactly. Which is why I know he’s lying to me.’
‘So what’s next? Do we try the others and see what they have to say?’
Walsh exhaled loudly and rubbed his eyes with both hands. ‘We may as well, but I’m pretty sure we’ll get the same response.’
‘You never know; one of the others might let something slip,’ said Jones.
‘Yeah, maybe.’ Walsh cast a glance at the monitor, on which Qing and the interpreter could be seen talking. He turned his attention back to Jones and Bovalino. ‘There’s no point me doing anything without a fresh coffee. Either of you two want one?’
‘I could murder one,’ said Bovalino as he stepped up from the chair and stretched his arms and back.
‘Me too,’ said Jones.
Walsh led the way up to the canteen, and the three men eagerly huddled round the coffee machine as it processed their hot drinks one by one.
‘They’ll be serving food from 7 a.m.,’ said Walsh. ‘I’ll buy you both a bacon roll, courtesy of the Met.’
‘Now you’re talking,’ said Bovalino, cheerfully.
Just then, a voice called out from behind them. ‘Guv, we’ve got something on Wong.’
All three men turned to see Sergeant Parker stood in the doorway to the canteen.
‘What it is?’ asked Walsh.
‘Before the raid last night, I circulated Wong’s file to the airports, the ferries and Channel Tunnel—’
‘And?’ said Walsh sounding impatient.
‘The Aviation Team at Heathrow have just called through, Guv. It looks like Wong’s passport was used on a flight to Hong Kong three days ago.’
Walsh let out a frustrated growl. ‘Bollocks!’
‘Bloody hell, he’s scarpered,’ said Bovalino. ‘The Guv’s not gonna be happy.’
‘No, she’s not, and neither is Fox,’ said Jones, as he pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the time on the screen. It was 6.15 a.m. ‘Phillips’ll want to know straight away. I’d better call her and give her the bad news,’ he added as he walked out of the canteen.
15
Later that morning, the landline phone rang on Phillips’s desk. It was the call she’d been waiting for.
‘This is Phillips,’ she said.
‘Chief Superintendent Fox will see you now,’ said Ms Blair. ‘You have twenty minutes before she’s due in another meeting.’
‘I’m on my way,’ said Phillips.
She jumped up from her desk. Two minutes later, she made her way towards Blair, seated behind her desk.
‘You can go straight in,’ said Blair without looking up.
Inside Fox’s office, the Chief Superintendent stood by the window behind her desk, looking down at the street. She took a sip from a mug. Phillips could smell fresh coffee in the air.
‘DCI Phillips,’ said Fox as she turned to face her. ‘What’s so urgent you needed to see me so early this morning?’
Phillips didn’t consider 9.10 a.m. to be early, but then she was at her desk by half-seven most mornings. ‘Well, Ma’am. I received a call from Jones in London earlier this morning. They’ve located Wong.’
‘The suspect in the Carpenter case?’
‘That’s him.’
‘And?’
‘He’s fled the country, Ma’am, back to Hong Kong.’
Fox’s expression remained stoic as she took a longer drink from her mug. She took a seat. ‘You’d better sit down.’
Phillips sat, and continued, ‘We raided the target apartment in Soho last night, alongside the Clubs and Gangs Unit, and apprehended three Chinese nationals. Wong was not among them, but DI Walsh from CGU believed the men were his former associates and brought them into custody for questioning. During their interrogation, the operational team received information from the Aviation division at Heathrow, who confirmed Wong’s passport was used to board a flight to Hong Kong two days after Carpenter was killed.’
‘That is unfortunate,’ said Fox. ‘I was rather hoping for a good result on this one, especially so close to the final interview for Chief Constable.’
‘That’s what I wanted to speak to you about, Ma’am. Where do we stand on jurisdiction here?’
‘How do you mean?’
‘Well, are we in a position to extradite Wong back from Hong Kong?’
Fox chortled. ‘In the old days, when it was governed by the British, maybe, but now it’s under Chinese rule, it would most likely take forever.’
Phillips had been afraid that would be the case, and frustration built in her gut. Carpenter’s killer was going to get away with murder just by jumping on a plane. Surely that couldn’t be allowed to happen?
Fox took a moment to drain her remaining coffee, and her eyes narrowed. ‘Are you one hundred percent sure Wong killed Carpenter?’
‘We found his DNA under her fingernails, Ma’am, which indicates she scratched him, plus some of his blood at the scene.’
‘Could there be any other explanation for that evidence?’
‘Such as?’
‘Well, for example, could Wong have been involved with Carpenter? You know, intimately? That could potentially explain those away.’
‘Not unless she was having two affairs at the same time.’
Fox raised an eyebrow. ‘What do you mean by that?’
‘She was already having an affair,’ said Phillips.
‘How do you know?’
‘Because her lover came forwards and told me.’
‘Really? Why did he do that?’
‘Because he’s known to the police and has his own theory on who killed Carpenter,’ said Phillips.
‘So who is this lover?’
‘Don Townsend, Ma’am.’
Fox recoiled, eyes wide. ‘The newspaper hack?’
Phillips nodded. ‘They’d been together earlier in the evening, about two hours before Carpenter died. We’ve checked his DNA and his alibi, and both stand up. He’s not our killer.’
‘Jesus. I would never have put those two together. I mean, Victoria was a very attractive woman, and Townsend…well, there’s nothing attractive about him, is there?’
Phillips chose not to answer the question. ‘They’d been together for almost a year, and it would seem it was serious. So much so, she had taken legal advice regarding a divorce.’
‘Well, “there’s nowt as queer as folk,” as they say.’ Fox placed her mug on her desk. ‘So, who did Townsend suggest had killed Carpenter?’
‘Her husband, but we’ve checked his alibi and he was across town at Old Trafford, watching the cricket game, when she died. He’s all over CCTV from the moment he left home to when he got back and found the body. It wasn’t him.’
‘So why was Townsend so sure it was?’ asked Fox.
‘Because, when Aaron Carpenter found out about the affair, he threatened to kill Victoria if she continued seeing Townsend. But as we know, death threats in the heat of the moment rarely come to fruition, and at the time Aaron made the threat, he had literally just found out his wife was sleeping with another man. Hardly makes him a prime suspect.’
Fox
nodded, and reclined in her leather chair as she cast her gaze towards the ceiling for a long moment.
Ms Blair buzzed through on the intercom. ‘Your next appointment is due in five minutes, Ma’am.’
‘Move it,’ said Fox firmly.
‘Of course, Ma’am,’ said Blair.
‘And find out how much flights to Hong Kong are,’ said Fox. ‘Bring them in as soon as you have them,’ she added, and closed the connection.
Phillips frowned.
‘You used to live in Hong Kong, didn’t you?’ said Fox.
‘Yes, Ma’am. I was born there and left when I was fifteen.’
‘Good, you’ll need that local knowledge if you’re going to track down Wong and bring him back here.’
‘You want me to go to Hong Kong?’
Fox sat forwards in her chair and linked her fingers together on the desk. ‘Victoria Carpenter was a rising star in the Town Hall, and the mayor himself was a great admirer. I promised him we’d do everything we could to find her killer, so I’m not in a position to let this one go. Not if I’m to stand any chance of becoming Chief Constable. His opinion of the candidates will have a big bearing on who gets the job. I want Wong brought to justice – preferably in front of the media. And I know that if anyone can catch him, Phillips, it’s you.’
Phillips was stunned; had Fox just given her a compliment?
Fox continued, ‘We may not have always seen eye to eye over the years, but I’d have to be an idiot not to acknowledge you get results, which is exactly what I need now: results.’
There was a knock at the door and Ms Blair entered, carrying a print-out in her hand. ‘I have the flights information you asked for.’
Fox took the sheet and inspected it as Blair explained what she was looking at. ‘I’ve given you two options, business and economy.’
‘Economy will be fine,’ said Fox. ‘We’re not made of money.’
Blair continued, ‘Depending on which day you want, you’re looking at between £900 and £1,300, each way, flying from Manchester via Heathrow. There are no direct flights, I’m afraid.’
Fox passed the sheet back to Blair. ‘Fine. Once DCI Phillips has made the necessary arrangements, I’d like you to book her and DS Jones on the next flights to Hong Kong.’
Phillips couldn’t believe what she was hearing. ‘You want Jones to come, too?’
‘Of course,’ said Fox. ‘You may get results, Phillips, but you also have a knack for getting yourself into trouble, which is something DS Jones seems particularly adept at getting you out of. I need someone to keep an eye on you.’
With that, Ms Blair left the room.
‘I must admit, Ma’am, I’m a little confused. I thought you said extradition would take forever?’
‘It would, if we wait on the Chinese to do it on our behalf. However, if we find our suspect ourselves, we can go through the British Consulate and bring him back a lot quicker. You’ll need to liaise with the Royal Hong Kong Police, of course, and make sure they’re aware of your operation.’
‘Of course, Ma’am,’ said Phillips, trying her best to conceal her excitement; she was going back to Hong Kong for the first time in twenty-five years, and she was going after Wong.
‘Is there anything else?’ asked Fox.
‘No Ma’am.’
‘Very well. In that case you’d better get packing, hadn’t you?’
Phillips allowed a smile to creep across her face. ‘Thank you, Ma’am.’
‘Don’t thank me. Phillips. It’s not a holiday, and I want a result on this one.’
Phillips nodded and headed for the door.
‘Oh, and Phillips,’ said Fox after her.
Phillips stopped and turned. ‘Yes?’
‘Try not to get yourself killed, will you?’
‘I’ll do my best, Ma’am,’ said Phillips as she stepped out through the door.
16
Phillips called Jones straight after her meeting with Fox. He and Bovalino were just outside Macclesfield, making their way back to Manchester on the train. Judging by his reaction to the news of their impending visit to Hong Kong, he was just as surprised as her. With their flights already booked for late that evening, she sent him home to pack, then meet her at Manchester Airport. She told Bovalino to take the rest of the day off.
Next, she called her contact at the Royal Hong Kong Police, Senior Inspector Billy Li. His and Phillips’s fathers had been colleagues during her father's thirty years as an officer on the Island. She had made Li’s acquaintance a few years previous, when he had travelled to the UK for a convention. They had swapped emails, and remained in touch.
Phillips checked her watch; it was just after 1 p.m., which meant it was 9 p.m. in Hong Kong. She keyed in Li’s mobile number and hit the call icon. She hoped Li would be ok to speak at this time of day. A second later, she heard the unmistakable sound of an international phone ringing, and waited. It seemed to ring for an age before it finally connected.
‘Hello?’
‘Senior Inspector Li?’
‘Yes?’ Li’s tone was suspicious.
‘This is Detective Chief Inspector Phillips, from the Greater Manchester Police.’
There was a pause on the line; Phillips assumed Li was processing the information.
‘As in Jane Phillips?’ said Li.
‘Yes, Billy, it’s me. Sorry to call so late.’
‘Don’t be sorry, Jane, it’s lovely to hear from you. To what do I owe the pleasure?’
‘I’m coming to Hong Kong, Billy.’
‘Really, when?’
‘Tonight,’ said Phillips.
‘You should have told me sooner. I could have made arrangements to show you round.’
‘It’s all been a bit last minute, to be honest.’
‘So is it business or pleasure?’ asked Li.
‘Business. I’m looking for a murder suspect by the name of Jimmy Wong – potentially with links to the Triads. Do you know him?’
‘I’m sorry, I don’t. As you know, there are a lot of Wongs on the Island.’
‘Of course. We believe he landed back in the country a few days ago,’ said Phillips.
‘And he’s wanted for murder?’
‘Yes. We suspect he strangled a woman in her own home two days before he left the UK and flew to Hong Kong. It’s very important that we find him.’
‘Give me his name again,’ said Li. ‘I’ll see what I can dig up.’
‘He goes by the name Jimmy Wong, or Wong Heng.’
Phillips could hear Li scribbling a note at the other end of the line.
‘I’ll run him through the database in the morning.’
‘Thank you, Billy,’ said Phillips. ‘And what can you tell me about the Gold Star Trading Corporation?’
‘Why do you ask?’
‘I believe they could be somehow connected to Wong,’ said Phillips.
Li chuckled into the phone. ‘I very much doubt that, Jane. The Gold Star Trading Corporation is one of the most respected names in business in Hong Kong and China. They would have no reason to get involved with low-lifes and murderers.’
‘You’re probably right,’ said Phillips. ‘They just came up during our investigation. I thought it was worth a look.’
‘By all means look, Jane, but I think you’ll be wasting your time,’ said Li.
‘And there’s one more thing I was hoping you might help with?’
‘Oh, what’s that?’
‘I’m going to need a liaison officer within the RHKP—’
‘Let me guess – you want me to do it?’
‘If you’re not too busy, Billy.’
Li laughed. ‘Never too busy for you, Jane. And besides, if my father found out Chief Superintendent Phillips’s daughter was in town and I didn’t look after her, he’d have my head.’
‘Thanks, Billy.’
‘When do you land?’
‘We’ll be in Hong Kong early afternoon tomorrow.’
‘Call me w
hen you get to your hotel and we can make arrangements to meet.’
‘Great.’
‘Well, I must go. I’m just about to eat dinner,’ said Li.
‘Oh, God. I’m sorry. I didn’t realise.’
‘Not a problem, Jane. You take care and I’ll speak to you tomorrow.’ Li ended the call.
Moving her focus back to her laptop, Phillips could see it was approaching 1.30 p.m. She would need to leave soon to get packed and to the airport for the hop to London. Before she did, though, she had one more thing to do.
Opening up a new email, she entered ‘Daniel Lawry’ into the address box, which auto-filled with his email address.
Hi Dan.
Short notice, I know, but I’m flying to Hong Kong tonight, arriving tomorrow afternoon. It’s work-related, so I can’t give details on email. I’d really like to meet up and pick your brain on a few things if you don’t mind? I’ll call you when I get to the hotel.
In the meantime, can you give me the local view on the Gold Star Trading Company? I’ll explain why when I see you.
Take care, Janey. x
As a journalist, she hoped he might have the low-down on the company. She pressed send, then shut down her laptop and packed it away into her briefcase. It really was time to go if she was going to make her flight. A few minutes later, she strode across the car park.
‘Hong Kong, here we come,’ she whispered to herself.
17
When Phillips met up with Jones at the Manchester Airport check-in, she was taken aback by his hangdog demeanour. He looked exhausted. Dark shadows framed his bloodshot eyes, and his skin was almost grey in colour. He noticed her looking at him.
"Lack of sleep," he muttered.
Phillips frowned. She wasn't sure she believed him. He hadn't been himself for several weeks now; unusually short-tempered, tardy, and lax in his personal hygiene. She was also surprised to see that he didn’t seem particularly pleased about the trip to Hong Kong.
‘What’s going on with you, Jonesy?’ Phillips asked as they approached the British Airways check-in desk.
