by OMJ Ryan
‘We can, Guv, and we are!’
A wide grin spread across her face as she grabbed her leather case. ‘Can you print those off for me.’
‘I’ll do it now,’ said Entwistle.
‘And then I want you to observe the interview from the video suite.’
‘You got it.’
Ten minutes later, Phillips walked into Interview Room Four and took a seat opposite Eric Jennings and his legal aid solicitor, David Thorogood. Jennings’s right arm was in a sling and he looked like he’d lost a lot of weight during his time in hospital. He held a plastic cup of water in his left hand.
After explaining the finer details of the interview process and the various recording devices that would be in use, she got straight to it. ‘Eric Jennings, you’ve been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder Victoria Carpenter as well as fraud—’
‘My client categorically refutes being involved in any way in the death of Victoria Carpenter,’ Thorogood cut her off.
Phillips fixed him with an icy glare, which he returned. ‘You have nothing to tie my client to Carpenter’s death, and I would like that noted on the record. Mr Jennings fully intends to cooperate with the investigation into the fraudulent actions of Cindy Shaw, and is keen to see justice prevail.’
Phillips turned her attention to Jennings and flashed a thin smile. ‘That’s very noble of you.’
Jennings remained stoic.
‘Can we just go back to the night Victoria Carpenter was murdered?’ said Phillips.
Thorogood rolled his eyes. ‘Really? Do we have to go over this again?’
‘Humour me,’ said Phillips, as she focused on Jennings. ‘Your car was seen near to the Carpenters’ home around the time Victoria died. About half a mile up the road in Didsbury, wasn’t it?’
‘Yes. Like I told you at the time, I was buying wine in the village.’
‘And you only stopped at the wine merchant? Nowhere else?’ said Phillips.
‘That’s what I said,’ said Jennings, clearly irritated.
‘And you were nowhere near the Carpenter house that night?’
‘No. I wasn’t. I left work, drove to the wine shop, had a quick chat, picked up my order and went home.’
‘You’re completely sure of that?’
‘Yes!’
‘I see,’ said Phillips, before changing tack again. ‘At your cottage, the night we were both attacked by Zhang Shing, you told me that he had killed Carpenter. How did you know that?’
Jennings took a sip from the water and swallowed hard. ‘I just assumed he had.’
‘Also on the night in question, you rang me and said you knew who Vicky and Cindy’s killer was, and you were worried that that same person was going to kill you. You even offered to tell me their name in exchange for witness protection.’
‘I’d had half a bottle of brandy. I can’t recall what I said.’
‘Well, I’ll remind you, shall I? You told me that Zhang Shing had killed Cindy Shaw and Victoria Carpenter, and that he had come to kill you because you knew too much about the Triads’ illegal operation – in particular the rezoning of St John’s Gardens, which you had forced through the Council. Any of that ringing a bell?’
‘Like I said, I was drunk. I don’t even know the man.’
‘Well, if you’d never met him, how did you know his name when we spoke that night?’
Before he could answer, Thorogood drew Jennings close and whispered in his ear for a moment.’
Jennings nodded, sat upright, and stared at Phillips. ‘No comment.’
Phillips smiled slowly and nodded, then pulled the prints from Entwistle’s bus camera footage from her leather file. She placed them face down on the table. ‘Are you familiar with the 6A bus that passes through Withington?’
‘No,’ said Jennings.
‘Well, you might like to know that the 6A travels right past the Carpenters’ house every fifteen minutes. In fact, there’s a bus stop right across the street.’
‘I don’t use public transport.’
‘No, I’m sure you don’t – but if you did – you’d know that they have CCTV cameras on them, some of which point at the door and capture footage out on the street as they travel along or sit at stops.’
‘What has any of this got to do with my client?’ asked Thorogood, sounding impatient.
Phillips glanced at Thorogood, then back at Jennings. ‘After Carpenter was murdered, we checked the CCTV footage of every bus that travelled or stopped along that route the day she died, and we found nothing,’ said Phillips. ‘Not a thing…but then one of my team – who’s a bit of a whizz with technology – spotted the fact that buses also have cameras trained on the drivers. One can see them, but also what’s happening over their right shoulders. You see – we had no idea those cameras existed, so we’d never checked them.’
‘Is there a point to this?’ said Thorogood.
Phillips ignored him. ‘So, armed with this new information, we went back and checked the drivers’ cameras that day, too.’ She stared at Jennings now, unflinching, then turned one of the images over. ‘And look what we found.’
Jennings’s eyes flashed to the printout in front of him and Phillips noticed he flinched, as Thorogood’s brow furrowed
Phillips tapped the picture with her index finger. ‘We took these images from a bus sitting at the stop on Wilmslow Road, across from the Carpenters’ house. You’ll have to excuse the round edges of the images – the camera uses what’s called a fish-eye lens – but even so, you’ll recognise that as Carpenter’s front drive. Notice the timestamp on this one says 7.37 p.m.’
Jennings shifted in his seat.
Phillips continued. ‘Here we can clearly see two men, one with his back to the camera staring directly at Carpenter’s front door, and the other looking back to the road.’ Phillips tapped the man’s face. ‘A suspected Triad henchman known to the police as Jimmy Wong.’ She turned over the next image. ‘In this one, we can see you, Mr Jennings, opening Carpenter’s front door to them from inside the house…’
Jennings's mouth fell open, and Thorogood’s eyes bulged.
‘Now, why would you be opening the door to Vicky’s house?’
Jennings said nothing and instead stared at the images on the table.
Phillips continued and turned over the last image. ‘…and in this last picture, the third man has turned to the side and we can finally see his face. Surprise, surprise, it’s the one and only…’ She paused for effect. ‘…Zhang Shing!’
‘I never thought they’d actually kill her!’ The words tumbled from Jennings’s mouth, ‘I swear!’
‘What were you doing there that night?’ asked Phillips.
Thorogood reached for Jennings’s arm to stop him from answering, but he was too late. It seemed as if Jennings couldn’t get the words out quick enough. ‘I went round to Vicky’s one last time to try and talk her into signing off the rezoning, but she was having none of it. Shing and Wong were waiting outside. I had no choice but to let them in.’
Thorogood grabbed Jennings’s wrist tightly now. ‘That’s enough,’ he said firmly, then turned to face Phillips. ‘I need a moment with my client.’
‘Do you know, I had a feeling you might,’ said Phillips, then smiled to herself as she gathered the images and returned them to the folder. ‘Take all the time you need. Your client’s not going anywhere. I’m suspending this interview at 11.29 a.m.,’ she added, then stood up and left the room.
She’d got the bastard.
49
The next morning, Phillips took a seat in Fox’s empty office and waited for her boss to arrive to update her on the investigation into Bovalino’s actions. It was very unusual for Fox’s PA, Ms Blair, to allow anyone access to the ‘inner sanctum’ alone, but Phillips sensed the vibe on the fifth floor was very different today. Quite why, she couldn’t put her finger on, but there was definitely something going on. Ms Blair had even prepared her a coffee, which was unheard of.
<
br /> As she sat cradling her steaming mug now, she glanced around the room. Her eyes fell on Fox’s ‘Hero Wall’, where she’d hung an array of framed photos of her with so-called VIPs: politicians, dignitaries, even the odd the TV star. Phillips had studied it many times during their meetings and noted that a number of photos were missing today. She wondered why.
At that moment, the office door burst open and Fox strode in. ‘Ah, DCI Phillips.’ She was in an uncharacteristically good mood as she walked round the desk, then dropped into the large leather chair. ‘How are things?’
Phillips placed her mug on a coaster on the glass desk. ‘Good, Ma’am. Very good, in fact.’
‘That’s what I like to hear.’ Fox’s Cheshire Cat grin seemed even wider than usual. ‘So, where are we at with the Carpenter case?’
‘After yesterday, I think we’re just about over the line.’
‘Yesterday? Why so?’ asked Fox.
‘Entwistle discovered CCTV footage that puts Zhang Shing, Wong and Eric Jennings at the scene of the crime around the time she was murdered.’
‘Excellent work, Jane. Top notch.’
Jane? thought Phillips. Fox really was in a good mood. ‘Faced with that evidence, Jennings has been singing like a canary in the hope of getting leniency from the CPS. He’s given us full disclosure on Victoria’s murder; how he went round to the house that night to persuade her to accept a bribe to rezone St John’s Gardens. When she wouldn’t, he let Shing and Wong into the house and they murdered her. He claims he didn’t know that’s what they were going to do – and wasn’t there to see it – but his testimony, plus the audio recordings of Carpenter’s and Shaw’s homes, along with the theft of Carpenter’s laptop – which we found in Shing’s flat – means he’s going down for life.’
‘Has Jennings explained how he came to be involved with the Triads? I mean, he’s hardly gangster material, is he?’ said Fox.
‘No, he’s not. He insists it was a one-time deal and he did it to get his own back on his bosses at the Council.’
‘For what?’
‘“Retiring him,”’ said Phillips, making inverted commas in the air. ‘Apparently his bosses wanted a more dynamic Planning Department with Victoria Carpenter as the new boss. They pretty much told him he was no longer needed. Well, as you can imagine, a man like Jennings didn’t take kindly to being “thrown on the scrapheap,” as he put it. So, when he was approached by Gold Star’s representatives, the thought of getting one over his bosses and Carpenter – plus a nice addition to his pension pot – was too good an opportunity to turn down. He claims they offered him a brand-new apartment in the St John’s Tower Development, and in return he would ensure a successful outcome for their rezoning application.’
‘An apartment in the city centre? That could be worth close to half a million pounds.’
‘Depending on its size, yes, Ma’am.’
Fox shook her head. ‘Bloody fool. Instead of going quietly and enjoying his government pension in his holiday home, he’ll spend most of his retirement in Hawk Green Maximum Security Prison.’
Phillips nodded.
‘And what about Zhang Shing,’ said Fox. ‘Is he talking yet?’
‘No. Nothing. But that’s not an issue, now we have Jennings’s evidence. As well as Shing, he’s also implicated Gold Star Trading for attempting to bribe a government official. Sadly, it’s not enough to warrant us going after them ourselves, but we intend to share what we know with the Ministry of Commerce and Customs Administration, as well as the World Trade Organisation.’
‘And what will that do?’
‘Well, it’ll hopefully mean that any future deals they attempt to do in the UK will come under intense scrutiny. Whether that will actually happen, who can say, but their plans to rezone St John’s Gardens have been overturned. Plus, thanks to a campaign Don Townsend is running through the Manchester Evening News, the site is expected to fall under a preservation order, meaning it can never be built on no matter who’s in charge of the Planning Department. There’s even a discussion about a memorial garden being created for Victoria.’
‘That really is a wonderful idea. Good for Vicky,’ said Fox.
The new-look ‘happy Fox’ was starting to unnerve Phillips. ‘Yes, Ma’am. And the Council’s licensing team is also undertaking an investigation into Gold Star Trading’s investment into the Belmont Casinos. As I understand it, they’ll be shut down for the duration of that investigation, and the word from inside the Town Hall is they’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they never reopen.’
‘Hit them where it hurts: in the pocket,’ said Fox.
‘Quite, Ma’am.’
‘So, what about Senior Inspector Li? You mentioned the Royal Hong Kong Police had launched an investigation into his conduct regarding the death of Jimmy Wong. Any news?’
‘Officially, they’re keeping their own counsel on it, as you’d imagine, but according to my contact on the island, Jonny Wu, it looks like they’ve linked him to the Lui Triad family. It seems he’s been taking payments to look the other way for many, many years. Based on that, I’m pretty sure he was the one that led them to Wong in Chungking Mansions.’
‘But why get you and Jones involved in that mess? Why not just tell the Triads where to find Wong?’
‘I’m guessing because it would kill two birds with one stone – no pun intended,’ said Phillips. ‘Eliminate Wong, and scare us into giving up the investigation and leaving Hong Kong.’
Fox leaned back in her chair and cast her eyes to the ceiling. ‘You can almost admire his cunning, in a way,’ she said wistfully.
Phillips stared at her in silence. Fox’s cheerful demeanour was really confusing.
‘So, what will happen to Li now, do you think?’
‘I’m told it all depends on how it’s viewed by mainland China. They’re looking to make an example of anyone with connections to the Triads, so if he’s found guilty – which looks likely, according to Jonny Wu’s insiders – Li could end up front page news and facing a life sentence in general population. Not a safe place for a disgraced copper.’
‘Serves the bastard right,’ said Fox with a grin.
Phillips shifted in her seat. ‘Er, Ma’am. On another note, I’ve been meaning to ask: has a decision been made on Bovalino and his return to work?
‘Of course, Jane. Fully exonerated,’ said Fox. ‘And rightly so.’
Phillips let out a loud sigh of relief. ‘Oh, thank God!’
Fox continued, ‘The email came through last night. The panel found that he did what he needed to do under extreme circumstances. In fact, considering his actions saved the lives of four police officers and a civilian, I’ve recommended him for a commendation.’
‘Oh, wow. He’ll be over the moon.’
‘He’s a bloody good copper, Jane. You all are.’
The room fell silent for a moment, and Phillips took a drink from her coffee to distract her from the strange atmosphere. ‘Is everything all right, Ma’am?’ she asked finally. ‘You seem…different.’
Fox nodded eagerly, then leaned forwards across the desk, beaming with delight. ‘I have news,’ she said in a low, conspiratorial tone.’
‘Oh?’
‘But it’s strictly confidential. I only found out last night.’
‘Found out what?’
Fox looked left and right, as if checking no one was eavesdropping. ‘I’m to be the new Chief Constable.’
Phillips eyes widened. ‘Oh God…I mean… er, that’s amazing news, Ma’am.’
‘Isn’t it? The Divisional Commander called me last night to tell me. I’m over the moon.’
Everything suddenly fell into place. Blair’s unusual cheerfulness was on account of the fact she too was being promoted, by proxy. She had already begun to pack away Fox’s office in readiness for their move to the biggest office suite in Ashton House.
‘Credit where credit’s due, Jane,’ said Fox. ‘MCU’s results over the last few years played a
big part in me getting the job over Broadhurst. Your conviction rate is the best in Greater Manchester. Naturally, Broadhurst’s totally pissed off, but tough titties. This is my time.’
Phillips wasn’t sure how she felt about Fox getting the top job, but right now she had a more pressing concern. ‘So, do you know who your replacement will be, Ma’am?’
‘Why? Fancy it yourself, do you, Jane?’ said Fox grinning.
Phillips shook her head vigorously. ‘God, no. I couldn’t cope with the bullshit and the politics.’ The words left her mouth before she could stop them, and she held her breath for a long moment as she waited for the repercussions.
Instead, Fox’s grin remained in position. She was obviously too happy to notice. ‘I must admit, I’ve never seen you in the higher ranks, Jane. Not your world, is it?’
Phillips wasn’t sure whether to be offended or take it as a compliment.
Fox continued, ‘Well. It’s a good job you don’t want it, because they’ve already offered it to someone.’
‘Who?’ said Phillips, eagerly.
‘I’m afraid I can’t say. You see, they haven’t accepted it yet, so until they do, it’s confidential. I’m not about to make my first action as Chief Constable be breaking protocol.’
‘Well, can I at least get a clue, Ma’am?’
The trademark Cheshire Cat grin enveloped Fox’s face. ‘Let’s just say, you’ve worked with him before.’
Phillips’s stomach turned. ‘Oh God. It’s not Brown is it?’
Fox chuckled. ‘Now, now Jane. That would be telling.’
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Acknowledgements
This book was planned, researched and written during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I have never felt more grateful for the level of support I received whilst creating Deadly Betrayal.
