by Paula Lennon
The male detective leading the case was nowhere to be seen, which was a pity as she had planned to flutter her eyes at him and watch him crumble like the rest. The Norwood cop might have a reputation, but he was just a man after all. A white man was hanging around here too, she had learned, but he was not present either to witness what Jamaica’s finest looked like. The poor man came all the way from foreign probably expecting to find a few Miss World types. No such luck in Pelican Walk station.
Let the rest of them look, she thought as she placed her designer sunglasses firmly on her nose and sashayed under the archway and down the front path. They were all fools in this place and no amount of browbeating would get her to confess anything related to Carter.
*
Lunchtime was over. The corridor was still as the two detectives moved silently towards the evidence room. This time Preddy was a hundred percent certain that he was not mistaken. Someone was checking up on the Chin Ellis evidence. Preddy gently turned the handle and opened the door. Harris reached in swiftly and flicked a switch. They stared at the shocked face of the intruder who blinked furiously as the sharp light assaulted his eyes. Officer Timmins straighted up and backed away from an open drawer. Preddy was in his face with two strides.
“What you doing in here, Officer? Speak, man!”
“Me just a check how things going!”
“Where you get key?”
Silence reigned as the officer looked from Preddy to Harris and back again. Harris closed the door behind him and stood against it with his arms folded. Preddy towered over the other man who tried to step backwards, but was stopped by a chair. Not for the first time the detective wondered how many Pelican Walk officers were intricately involved in this case.
“You know, I have never had to arrest an officer before and I can’t say dat I am going to enjoy doing it, but I realise dere is a time for everything. Tampering wid evidence is a serious offence.”
Timmins’ eyes widened. “No, sir! Me never do anything to de evidence. Me woulda never do dat!”
“I want to know where you get key and what you doing in here!” demanded Preddy.
“Me borrow it from outa Odette draw when she gone a meeting.”
Preddy cursed under his breath. The damn secretary was a sweet girl, but she did not think in the way that law enforcement representatives were trained to think. “And what exactly did you want to see in here? Talk no!”
“Now is the time tae speak, Officer Timmins,” said Harris. “If we have tae cuff ye it will be tae late.”
Timmins felt his chest rising and falling repeatedly, and wondered if this was obvious to the two detectives. “Is just dat I noticed something earlier on and it was bothering me. A bracelet dat look like de one Carter did have on when we bring him in,” he said. “Zadie Merton did have it on. Me never know her, so me ask ’bout her and hear say is Carter woman.”
“Lots of people have his and her jewellery, Officer,” said Harris. “Ye must know that.”
“Me know, yes.” Timmins looked sheepish. “Me never see any bracelet look like dat. It really look like de same one Carter did have and me say to meself ‘suppose is de same one?’ Me did just plan to watch de video of her interview.”
Preddy felt his anger slowly dissipating, overtaken by adrenalin as his mind tried to work out the consequences of what was being said. If Timmins was right, then Zadie had been in contact with Carter within the hour either immediately before or after his death. She had lied to the detectives. Preddy straightened up and gave Timmins breathing space.
“I wasn’t here when she was interviewed,” Preddy said, watching the officer’s face. “You recognised it as Carter’s bracelet?”
“How do ye know what bracelet Carter had on?” asked Harris. “He didnae go through the booking process.”
“Carter reached over to try and stop us from arresting Lester and it fall off into de car. Me remember look pon it because it well shine. Him snatch it up and put it back pon him wrist.”
“So if ye wanted tae take a look at the video why not come tae one of the detectives with ye suspicions and let us run with it?” Harris asked. “Ye sure ye wasnae thinking ‘Let’s see what they have on me?’”
“No way! Me no have nothing to do wid any of dis!” Timmins was indignant. “Me couldn’t go ask any question ’bout anything after dem done take me statement and tell me not to talk to anybody except de lawyer. Me never feel say it make sense to talk to lawyer until me see de bracelet up close.”
Preddy cupped his hands together as if praying and raised them towards his pursed his lips while studying the nervous officer. “Detective Harris, rewind de video and let Officer Timmins see it.”
Harris looked at his supervisor in alarm and hesitated momentarily. Preddy’s eyes met his for a split second before the Scotsman grudgingly moved towards the recording equipment. He rewound the tape and pressed play, zooming in on Zadie’s left wrist. Timmins moved slowly towards the screen and craned his neck to get a closer look.
“Well, what do you think?” asked Preddy.
Timmins eyes remained fixed on Zadie’s wrist. “It look jus’ like it to me, sir. Serious thing.”
“You sure?”
“Yes, sir.”
Preddy walked towards the door and held it open. “Give me de key and leave. Right now.”
“Ye letting him go?”
The words came involuntarily from Harris and he did not realise that he had spoken out loud until the door closed behind Timmins and he heard Preddy respond, “Are you questioning my judgment, Detective?”
“But we dinnae know for sure why he was in here.” Harris’ face grew flushed.
“I believe him.”
“He should be suspended or at least removed from the premises.”
The look on Harris’ face was one that Preddy had seen before, a look that would make a lesser man tremble, turn water into ice. One thing Preddy would not accept from any officer was insubordination and he would certainly not stand for it from a visitor, no matter his complexion.
“Well, Detective Harris,” he said slowly. “I realise dat you have friends in high places, but wid respect, dat is not your call.”
Harris appeared ready to say something, but bit his lip. An uncomfortable silence followed for a number of seconds while the two men studied each other.
“Aye, sir. Yer right.”
“Now, how are we going to get hold of Zadie Merton’s bracelet?”
*
Marcus Darnay was feeling decidedly skittish. He should have left the damn car where it was rather than risk trying to get rid of it, but he had been unable to sleep comfortably knowing that it was sitting in the bushes. Now he was no longer free to walk the city streets in peace, although he had legitimate business to see to at the garage. His cousin was a nice lady, yet soon she would begin to question his sudden decision to come and visit her after not being in communication for nearly two years. She had been told of trouble at home and had no idea he was avoiding the police.
Darnay liked the cool hills of Moneague and wished he had been able to visit under different circumstances and bring the family with him. It was a treat to sit under an abundant tangerine tree and eat as many succulent ripe fruits as his stomach could hold. His relatives had a small field of banana and plantain trees and he was promised a few hands of each to take back to the city with him.
Standing on the verandah of the detached bungalow, he inhaled deeply, enjoying the smell of clean fresh air. Very little traffic ever passed by the property as it was set way back on a side road a good distance from the main road. An ideal place to rest and recuperate when you wanted to get away from it all. He sighed, knowing that he could not get away from his current reality. The children needed food and clothing and he had to make money to support them. For the umpteenth time he wondered how he had stupidly allowed himself to be manipulated into this intolerable position.
CHAPTER 26
Thursday, 13 August, 3:30 p.m.
Preddy was writing notes on the whiteboard, and Spence was fielding phone calls when Harris and Rabino entered the room. The Glaswegian’s pale face had acquired an orangey pink colour which signalled to Preddy that he spent too long in the afternoon sun. He decided against giving Harris any advice about the dangerous effects of going without sunscreen. The white man was going to look quite strange in a few days when his burnt face would match his flaming hair.
Harris flopped down in his chair and spun it around to face his colleagues. He used a notebook to fan himself while Rabino sat beside him and adjusted the oscillating fan so that its effects were felt by both of them.
“We executed the search warrant on Zadie Merton’s premises,” said Harris. “Lovely place the young lass has got there.”
“I’m sure she was glad you approved,” said Preddy. “Did you have any trouble?”
“Not really, she didnae even look at the warrant,” he replied. “Just gave Detective Rabino a really dirty look, then pretty much gave it up without much pressure. She was more annoyed that we interrupted her boiling her head.”
“Steaming her hair,” Rabino corrected him. “Her eyes were all red and puffy. I think she is one of those ladies that really does not like to be seen other than at her best.”
“Look at this,” said Harris, as he took the evidence bag from his briefcase and held it up.
Preddy stared at the object in fascination. It was certainly a beautiful piece of gold jewellery and he could understand why it might be memorable to anyone who had seen it.
“We first checked with a few jewellers down at City Centre Plaza and they said it could not have been made in Jamaica,” said Rabino.
“I spoke tae Ida Chin Ellis and she said Carter had his jewellery made in New York, as all the family do. I got hold of the jeweller and a right pompous twit he was, talking about naw wanting tae disclose information like there was some sort of jeweller-client confidentiality law. I convinced Mrs Chin Ellis tae get him tae talk.”
“I’m glad we got her co-operation,” said Preddy. “She never ask why you were interested?”
“Aye, she did,” Harris replied. “I told her that it was very important and asked her tae trust me.”
Preddy nodded, wondering whether Ida secretly trusted Harris to do a thorough job much more so than the rest of the team. Black people had a habit of placing way too much faith in white people.
“And get this, the jeweller said there is only one in the world,” said Harris. “It was made especially for Carter and delivered tae him three weeks ago. Ye see that tiny number under there?”
He held a small magnifying glass over the bracelet and Preddy peered through it. “I see it.”
“How did it get to Zadie and who else has had dere hands on it?” asked Spence.
“No prints will be on it,” said Rabino. “She cleaned it up well. Says she soaks all her gold in ammonia.”
Preddy walked back to the whiteboard and tapped on Zadie’s name. “Dis young lady’s motive is possibly jealousy and anger at being cast aside. She seems to have received all sorts of gifts and money from Carter, but didn’t receive de commitment she really desired, only a lot of ridicule, and if she is to be believed, abuse. Says she was working at Sienna’s on Saturday night. We need to check her alibi and find out how she knows Marcus Darnay.”
“She’s one cold-hearted bitch to be swanning around in dat bracelet, like it’s her trophy,” Spence said.
“A woman scorned and all that,” muttered Rabino. “She does have a nasty mouth though, so it wouldn’t surprise me if she has an equally nasty temper.”
Spence nodded. “As Chaka Demus say, ‘a pretty face and bad character.’”
“We only have Officer Timmins’ word that Carter had on the bracelet. He isnae an entirely reliable witness.” Harris stopped fanning and focused on Preddy. “Officer Franklin said he didnae see any bracelet.”
“True, but I think I’ve read Timmins right,” said Preddy, holding the man’s gaze in an open challenge.
Harris frowned. “He could be sending us off on a wild goose chase, sir. It’s a good way tae deflect attention from himself.”
Preddy stared into the flared green eyes. “What we need to do is get dis piece of evidence in front of Marcus Darnay. Let him think his prints are on it. Wid dis and de car maybe we can get him to start talking.”
Harris turned to his keyboard, but Preddy could tell from his body language that he was not convinced. No doubt thinking all kinds of derogatory First World things about Jamaican detectives.
“Dat man still lying low, sir, but we will find him,” said Spence.
“Who is Arroun Fisalam, sir?” asked Rabino, squinting at the whiteboard where the name appeared below Zadie Merton’s. Preddy had already placed a black line through the name of Kirk Grantham.
“Dat’s what I was trying to find out. Seems clean as a whistle though,” said Spence.
“He’s de main finance man at Chinchillerz,” Preddy explained. “Gave us a glimpse of de relationship between Carter and Lester. Looks like de two were very close, but dey argued quite often as well. Mr Fisalam is not a very talkative person, we had to drag de information out of him—or rather Detective Spence did. Apparently Lester got very upset at de suggestion dat Carter might be being groomed for de chief finance role. Seems like Lester is a Jekyll and Hyde person though, mad one minute, happy as Larry de next.”
“You think Lester could have hired Darnay to murder his brother, then?” asked Rabino with a great deal of incredulity. “Can’t see it, sir.”
Preddy shrugged. “Zadie and Darnay, Lester and Darnay...”
“What no go so, nearly go so,” quipped Spence.
“Sorry?” said Harris.
“Think of it as ‘dere’s no smoke without fire,’” offered Preddy.
“Och, I get ye.”
“Lester could have asked Darnay to hire a gunman, or Zadie could,” said Spence. “Darnay have an alibi as well remember, he was at de Orchid Bar and plenty of witnesses swear to it.”
“Drunk witnesses or at least alcohol impaired,” added Rabino. “Some of them had been drinking around the clock.”
Spence nodded. “True, de bullets match dose found in his car.”
“His car was definitely dere,” said Preddy. “Either de alibi witnesses are mistaken or Darnay loaned de Subaru to de gunman.”
Harris looked across at the detectives. “So who is the light being shined on here? Seems more likely Fisalam would want tae have Carter murdered? Maybe he wasnae ready tae give up his finance role and hired Darnay himself.”
Rabino held up a manicured finger. “Wait. Let’s not forget Carter was driving Lester’s car so there is still a real chance that Lester was the actual target.”
“He doesnae seem tae think he was a target at all. Denies he has any enemies or any links tae drugs,” said Harris. “It’s naw common for drug dealers tae go straight tae murder without issuing any threats anyway. They’re more likely tae take warning action first, such as assault or property destruction. Going straight tae murder is stretching it a bit and they would make sure tae get the right man.” He paused suddenly as if remembering his position and quickly added, “But ye would know the clientele around here better than me.”
“I think you’re right.” Preddy looked thoughtful. “Lester is now a murder suspect, but I don’t want dat mentioned by anybody unless and until we have some real solid evidence against him. In de meantime, check Zadie’s alibi. Either she or Lester is possibly guilty of aiding and abetting. Let’s keep up de heat on Darnay, speak to his known friends, relatives and acquaintances. Darnay is de key to de murder and we have to bring him in.”
Preddy lowered his voice as human shadows fell on the blinds. “And, of course, all eyes and ears should be kept open for four other persons within Pelican Walk whose names are not listed up here. We all understand de delicacy of de situation.”
“Yes, sir,” they chorused.
Preddy began t
o gather his papers. “I’ll be in my office. I’ll finish off my report and let de Super know where we are.”
Harris’s phone beeped and the Scotsman got to his feet. “Need tae say hello tae ma old mam before she goes tae bed,” he announced. “It’s pretty late in Glasgow.”
Preddy watched him as he walked briskly down the corridor with his phone planted to his ear.
CHAPTER 27
Thursday, 13 August, 5:25 p.m.
As Preddy entered the conference room, there was no doubt in his mind that this meeting spelt trouble. Superintendent Brownlow sat opposite Preddy and did not smile when the detective walked in. The blinds were drawn and there was a pile of paper folders in front of him which Preddy recognised to be personnel files. A feeling of numbness took over him as the superintendent started to speak and he forgot about the report that he had planned to deliver himself. Here was the superintendent indicating that the rug was about to pulled out from under his feet.
He learned that Commissioner Davis had placed his file into the category marked “recommended for retirement” and had submitted it for the attention of the national security minister. Preddy tried desperately to maintain self-control while listening to the voice of his superior officer. The superintendent swore that he was in the detective’s corner and batting for him, but was himself under extreme pressure from the commissioner and even the mayor, both of whom were deeply troubled following the Hip Strip fiasco.
Preddy had known that he was on dangerous ground although he had not accurately calculated how perilous it was. In fact, he imagined all rumblings had been quietly settled while the main investigation progressed, particularly now that the narcotics squad was running its own line of enquiries. He said as much to the superintendent.
