by Roberta Kray
Instead Harry retraced his steps, strode down the high street and went into Connolly’s. It was quiet in the café with only a handful of customers. He ordered a coffee at the counter, paid, took the mug and found a seat by the window. Staring at the rain-spattered glass, he tried to digest the information he’d been given. There were only two reasons why anyone would want a gun, either to inflict damage or to protect themselves. When it came to Ellen, he leaned towards the latter. So who was she frightened of, and why? He had to find out before she did something foolish.
He made the decision to go over to her flat again that evening. No matter what she said, he couldn’t just walk away. This time, whatever it took, he would make her talk. Danny Street wasn’t the only guy in town who sold guns; if she couldn’t get one from him then she’d try elsewhere. He had to stop her before she ended up in a police cell.
Harry’s phone started ringing and he reached into his pocket. Checking the screen before he answered, he saw that it was Lorna. ‘Hey, hi.’
‘Where are you?’
‘I’m in Connolly’s. I’m just—’
‘You have to come back to the office. The police are here. They want to talk to you.’
‘What? What’s happened?’
‘Just get here, Harry – as fast as you can.’
‘Tell me what’s—’
But Lorna had already hung up. He hot-footed it out of the café and hurried back to Station Road. As he half-walked, half-jogged, all the worst-case scenarios ran through his head. Had Ellen done something crazy? Was it Sylvie? Perhaps Jess had been right all along and there had been something seriously wrong about that phone call. Jesus, why hadn’t he listened to her? Damn it!
The front door to the office was open and he took the stairs two at a time, his heart pounding in his chest. He could hear voices and as he rushed into the reception area he saw two uniformed cops sitting on the leather sofa. They stood up as he came in.
It was the older of the two that spoke, a grey-haired bloke in his fifties. ‘Harry Lind?’
Harry looked from the man to Lorna. ‘What is it? What’s going on?’
Lorna’s face was pale, her mouth tight and pinched. ‘It’s bad news. There’s been … they’ve found a body.’
Harry’s throat went dry. His gaze flew back to the cops. ‘What?’
‘I’m Sergeant Barrow, this is PC Watts. We need to ask you some questions. I think it’s better if we do it at the station.’
‘Just tell me,’ Harry said. ‘Tell me who it is.’ He wanted him to say the name, had to know the truth, but at the same time couldn’t bear the thought of hearing it. His hands clenched into two tight fists. ‘Please.’
Barrow gave Harry a long intense look and then softly cleared his throat before speaking. ‘We’re investigating the murder of Caroline Westwood. We understand you were with her on Friday night.’
COMING NEXT IN THE HONEYTRAP …
Harry Lind is in deep trouble. A woman has been killed and, as one of the last people to see her alive, he’s in the frame for murder. But that’s not his only problem. There could be two more lives in the balance. With Sylvie still missing, and Ellen spiralling out of control, his loyalties are being tested. He has to make some tough decisions about who he can help … and who he can’t. Time’s running out. Who’s the priority?
Which one is in the most peril?
Full of strong characters and authentic East End gangland action, The Honeytrap is an enthralling read from the author of No Mercy and Streetwise.
The Honeytrap: Part 3 is available for pre-order now!
