Hunter's Rules (The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries Book 6)

by Val Penny

  Fucking Arjun Mansoor. Jamie couldn’t let that sit. He dumped his mug on the porch table.

  “Just out for a bit, Linda.”

  “A bit of what? I thought you were working at the showroom today.”

  “Gotta go, love. Tell Frankie I’ll be in later.”

  “Jamie, wait!”

  Jamie didn’t wait. He jumped into his car and pulled out of the driveway. He ended up two cars behind the black van at the lights. This would do. This would do nicely. He drove along West Mains Road until it became Blackford Avenue. He was fine. Much less likely to be spotted with two cars between them. Where was it going? The first car turned off onto Observatory Road. Still one car between them, then an old blue Mondeo jumped the lights at West Saville Terrace, and Jamie was back to being two cars behind. His phone rang. Pop again. He couldn’t stop to take the call now.

  He had forgotten what a long street Blackford Avenue was. Blast. The first car continued on while he had to veer onto Oswald Road. Still, at least the Mondeo was still there.

  Jamie looked around. The Grange was a lovely part of the city. Maybe he should stop by soon and do a bit of night visiting. He was sure there would be plenty of goodies for the taking behind the doors of the traditional Victorian homes here. He hadn’t been out for a while. Mind you, he might be a bit busy helping Linda with Eileen. Maybe he’d put thieving on the back burner.

  Bugger. Where was the Mondeo going? It had turned off onto Blackford Road. What street was Jamie on? It kept changing names. Kilgraston Road now. His phone rang again. Pop. He still couldn’t do anything about it now. The last thing he wanted was to be stopped for driving while he was on the phone and not be able to follow the van. At last, he turned from Marchmont Road onto Melville Drive. The van driver seemed to have spotted him. He sped up, but there were too many traffic lights and buses to go fast for long.

  Through the Meadows and onto Gillespie Place. Jamie had no doubt that the van would turn off at Gillespie Crescent where Mansoor’s wife and son still lived in his ground floor apartment. Jamie watched the van signal to turn, exactly as he had expected. No way he was going in there. It was a dead end, and there was never any place to park. He drove on towards Bruntsfield and would drive to the showroom. His phone rang again. Linda. He couldn’t take her call either because he was driving. He knew he’d get grief later.

  When Jamie got to the showroom, Donna was making coffee, while Frankie chatted to a punter who clearly didn’t have two beans to rub together. Maybe they could get rid of that old green Renault that had been sitting there forever and had done more miles than Lewis Hamilton. Jamie would be glad to get rid of that one. He took the keys to Frankie.

  “I have a couple of calls to make, but maybe the gentleman would like to see the nice green car that just came in? It’s not been valeted yet (it was valeted so long ago it was again covered in muck and dust) and don’t discount it (give it away if you have to).”

  Jamie knew Frankie could read between the lines.

  “I thought you were saving that one for the wee blonde lassie,” Frankie said.

  “I think the engine is too big for her to handle.” Jamie grinned at the potential purchaser and walked to the office to make the calls.

  Pop first.

  “Where the fuck have you been? I’ve called you twice, but you shut me down, you wee bastard.”

  “Well, you would know, Pop. There was something funny going on at the Morrisons, so I followed the estate agent’s van. Mr Morrison went with him.”

  “Where to?”

  “That’s just it, they emptied a whole lot of containers and boxes from the house and took it in Mansoor’s flat.”

  “What like?”

  “I don’t know, do I? I can’t see through metal or cardboard and even the glass containers, I couldn’t make out what was in them.”

  “Don’t give up your day job or apply to be 007, will you? So could you see any more when they unloaded it?”

  “No, they turned into Gillespie Crescent. I just kept going on the main road and came to the showroom. I thought I might call Blondie and get him to take a look.”

  “Aye, that’ll work. Oh, and by the way, you’ve bought a house.”

  “That’s grand, Pop. I’ll tell Linda.”

  ***

  Jamie hung up and called Linda. “We’ve got the house. There’ll be a room for Eileen if she wants to stay.”

  “Good. That’s good. I’ll tell her. And what all that about this morning?”

  “I’ll tell you, but not over the phone. See you tonight.”

  “But Eileen’s meeting her guide dog today. Aren’t you coming up to the hospital?”

  “Can’t do that babe. Too much going on. I expect I’ll see enough of it soon.” Jamie heard a click and realised Linda had hung up on him. It couldn’t be helped. He had things to do.

  He dialled Tim’s number and was confused when Mel answered the call.

  “Jamie, hello.”

  “Mel? I thought I’d dialled Blondie, but I suppose you’ll do.”

  “Thanks, you sweet talking Casanova. Tim’s hands are covered in mayonnaise, so when I saw it was you calling, I picked up his phone.”

  “Look what you and Blondie get up to in the privacy of the police station is none of my business. But there is something I need to tell you.”

  ***

  Mel ended the call to Jamie and ran along the corridor to Hunter’s room. She knocked once and opened the door. She could see Hunter was poring over the statements relating to Eileen’s case.

  “Mel, this seems urgent. I could do with a break. Want a coffee?”

  “No thanks, boss. It’s a bit too strong for me, but I’ve just come off the phone to Jamie Thomson. I think you want to hear what he had to say.”

  She watched as Hunter poured himself a mug of the strong, black coffee. “Make this good news, Mel. A breakthrough would be best.” He sat down again to listen to what she had to say.

  ***

  “Oskar, come through, will you?” Hunter said. “Mel has some news about the Morrisons’ house next door to Jamie Thomson, and a possible link to Arjun Mansoor. I want you to get a warrant to search both that house and Mansoor’s flat. There may be drugs, drug money or drug paraphernalia on the premises.”

  Hunter stared at Oskar. He didn’t move.

  “Go on. Chop chop,” Hunter said.

  “On what grounds do we suspect this?”

  “Did you and Mel discover anything when you spoke to Mr Morrison?”

  “Nothing useful. And this stuff was being specifically removed from the house at West Mains Road to Mansoor’s flat in Gillespie Crescent before the viewings for the house sale began.”

  “Mel, go with Oskar to his room and tell him what you told me while he’s drafting the request. I want you two to interview the Morrisons again while their place is being taken apart. And send Tim through, will you? I want him to go to the showroom and have a chat with Jamie.”

  “Yep, boss. Come on inspector, come with me and all shall be revealed.”

  “I’ll look forward to that.” Oskar smiled.

  ***

  “Blondie, what can I do for you?” Jamie called out across the showroom. “I was looking for you earlier, but Mel answered your phone and told me you and she were rolling in mayonnaise, or chocolate sauce, or something. I got quite hard thinking about it.”

  “Sorry to disappoint you, Jamie. I was only eating a burger. But I believe you saw something that might be of use to us. Why did the likes of you phone it in?”

  “The likes of me, DC Myerscough? That’s not very nice.” Jamie looked up. “But I thought it might cause difficulties for Pop’s auld enemy, Mansoor. So, I suppose I felt obliged. Coffee?”

  “Go on then, I will. And you can tell me what you saw the Morrisons and their estate agent getting up to.”

  “I will, once you’ve explained how Eileen got to the top of the guide dog priority list in one jump after an anonymous million-pound donat
ion to the charity.”

  “Aah, well. I might not give you all the details.”

  “That’s what I thought. Thanks Tim. For a cop, you’re a decent man.”

  “Thanks, I think.”

  “Sit down. I’ll tell you all I know.”

  ***

  “I don’t really like dogs very much.” Linda could hear the panic in Eileen’s voice from the other end of the corridor.

  “I think you might like this one, Eileen. His name’s Rory.”

  “That’s a silly name for a dog.”

  “Says my sister whose cat is called Princess Leia. Really Eileen, don’t go looking for problems,” Linda said.

  “Thanks for the support,” Eileen said. “I’m just not used to dogs.”

  “I know, but this boy is extremely handsome. And he’s so well behaved. Look at him.”

  “He’s here because I can’t, you idiot, Linda.”

  Noah, the man from the guide dog association, spoke softly. “We chose Rory for you because we know you’ve never had a dog before, and this boy is very gentle. He has a sweet spot where he loves getting tickled, right behind his ear. Give me your hand and I’ll show you where he likes to be touched.”

  Linda reached out, and the man helped her to stroke Rory’s head.

  “He has a beautiful coat. It feels so silky,” Eileen said.

  “He does, don’t you, Rory? And we’ll teach you how to look after him and keep it that way.” The man stretched Eileen’s hand a little further forward. “And there’s that sweet spot I was telling you about.”

  “I can feel him pushing his head into my hand. Which ear is it?”

  “Either and both. He likes to be made a fuss of. Here, why don’t you give him a dog treat? You’ll be his friend for life after that.” The man put the small, round thing into Eileen’s hand.

  “How do I do it?”

  “Just reach out and open your hand. He’ll do the rest.”

  Eileen felt the dog’s soft mouth take the treat from the palm of her hand.

  “Well done,” the man said.

  “Can I stroke him?” Linda asked.

  “Not right now. I want him to concentrate on Eileen.”

  “Of course. Silly of me. He is lovely, sis. And I think he could help you get around.”

  “This is just a first meeting. If you like him well enough, I’ll bring him back tomorrow. Would you like that?”

  “Yes, yes please. I think I would. Does he like cats?”

  “He’ll live very happily with your cat. You and Rory need to get to know each other and learn to work together. It’ll take a while, but we’ll help you and be with you every step of the way.”

  “I’ll put the work in. I must. I have no choice. Frederick made sure of that. I can’t understand why he would do this to me. My eyes were my best feature, everyone said so.

  “Linda, will you stay with me? That lawyer Jamie’s pop knows, Mr Donovan, is coming to see me and talk about compensation, but I don’t want to meet him alone.”

  “I’ll stay. I thought we might go down to the cafeteria for a coffee too.”

  “I’d like that. Just a change of air and to get out of the ward. Thanks, sis. Bye then, Rory. Pat you tomorrow,” Eileen said.

  ***

  I’ve never had a cat, but there have always been dogs in the family, so I am used to them. We tend to go for big dogs, Labradors, Setters and Springer Spaniels. That type of breed.

  Eileen told me she’s more of a cat person than a dog person. I can’t help wondering how she’ll get on with a guide dog. Time will tell. I watch her progress, but only from a distance, just in case she works out I’m me, by sound or smell.

  It would have been easier for me if she’d died. She’s getting so much attention and pity. You know the kind of thing.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  “You look beautiful, Gillian,” Tim said.

  “Thank you. I like that new shirt. Is it Gucci?”

  “It is. You’re getting better at spotting different designers.”

  “And I can spot a fake at ten paces, now. But why is Ailsa treating us to a meal when it’s her birthday?”

  “Today she turns thirty and inherits personal control of the funds our mother left in trust for her.”

  “Gosh, then will she be as wealthy as you are?”

  “A little more so. I just gave one million pounds to Guide Dogs for the Blind, remember?”

  “You paid that out of your investment interest, I don’t believe you touched the capital at all, but I don’t see why you had to do that. Eileen Maguire is not your responsibility.”

  “Maybe not. But I was able to make her life easier, secure the charity’s future for years to come, and as you say, I won’t notice the difference in my bank balance.”

  “Yet you work as a detective constable and won’t even take advantage of the fast-track scheme available to graduates. You’re a funny one, Timothy Myerscough.” She kissed him on the lips, applied a little perfume to her pulse points, and picked up her Mulberry handbag. “I’m ready to go when you are.”

  “Come on, the taxi will be here anytime. Let’s see if Ailsa’s ready.”

  “Is Kenneth not driving us in?”

  “No, Ailsa has another guest. Kenneth is driving them, I think.”

  “Is this the man in her life that she’s been so secretive about?”

  “I hope so. I want to meet him.”

  ***

  When they arrived at the Waldorf Astoria, Simon Land was already waiting in the foyer. Tim watched as he approached Ailsa and complimented her on her dress and her hair. The man kissed her gently, touched her blonde curls, and Ailsa smiled.

  Simon turned to Tim and Gillian. He shook Tim by the hand and double air-kissed Gillian.

  “Believe me, Tim, when I say that your sister refused to let me treat her for her birthday dinner. Apparently she has a surprise, and she wanted to host.”

  “She hasn’t told you?”

  “Told me what?”

  “Well, I don’t want to steal her thunder. Let’s go through.”

  Tim guided the group to follow Ailsa into the dining room. A bottle of Dom Perignon was chilling on ice at their table, and Tim was happy to see his sister looking so happy. Simon was a decent man and probably a good match for her.

  When the waiter arrived, Ailsa specified that her guests should have guest menus. Tim saw Gillian’s quizzical expression.

  “No prices,” he whispered.

  When they had ordered, Ailsa took a deep breath, but before she could speak, Lucky and Felix walked in and came over to their table.

  “DP, how delightful! May we join you, Timmy?” Felix asked.

  “This is my table, not Tim’s. He is my guest and no, you may not join us.”

  “Dr Myerscough, how unkind. Shall we just have a glass of fizz and raise a toast with you?”

  “You will not.”

  Gillian stood up. “I don’t know who you think you are, but please leave us alone to enjoy our evening.” She stared at Felix.

  “My goodness, what beautiful green eyes. Lucky, have you seen these? Is this Tim’s girlfriend you told me about? I’ve never seen such a distinct green hue, and the flash in the hair does it justice.” He touched Gillian’s hair. She smacked his hand. Tim stood up.

  “Don’t ruin my sister’s birthday meal, Felix. I think that gentleman is waiting to show you to your table.”

  “Indeed. And if I recall, you are familiar with the menu, sir.”

  “Of course. Always good to cross paths with friends. Sir Felix Buchanan, at your service any time, darling.” He kissed Gillian’s hand and followed Lucky to their table.

  Tim was relieved to see it was at the other side of the restaurant.

  “You do know some creepy people, Tim. Scum like that make me pleased to be going to Ukraine,” Gillian said.

  Felix turned back. “You’re leaving the country?”

  “Yes, in a couple of days. Not that it’s any o
f your business,” Gillian said.

  “Never mind him,” Tim said. “What were you going to tell us, Ailsa?”

  Ailsa announced to the table that she now had full responsibility for her trust fund account, and that she had taken advice from her accountant, and planned to make a business investment.

  “I would like to invest five hundred thousand pounds of capital into Land’s Farm to allow Simon and Robin to create an area to teach children where their food comes from. A children’s farm if you like.”

  Simon looked at her. “What? Ailsa, no, pet? I can’t accept.”

  “It’s not a gift, it’s an investment. I want legal documentation drawn up.”

  “But your proposal won’t cost Robin and me nearly that amount to put together.”

  “That’s fine. Keep the rest as cash in the bank for work needing done to improve the farm as it needs. I think it’s important that city children know about animals and crops and the sustainability of our planet. I am donating a similar amount to the city farm to secure its future.” She looked at Simon. “It won’t take no for an answer, so you might as well accept gracefully.”

  “Wait til I tell Robin that he’s in charge of the development of the children’s farm. He’ll be delighted. Cheers, darling. Thank you. We won’t let you down.”

  “I know. I won’t let you.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Oskar and Mel led Mr and Mrs Morrison into the station.

  “We appreciate your time today,” Oskar said.

  “You mean you want us out of the way while you search our home,” Mrs Morrison said.

  “It won’t be ours for much longer. We’re moving back to east Lothian to be nearer the family. That wee tyke next door bought it for a song, but he’s such a brat we just wanted rid of it.” Mr Morrison frowned and looked at Oskar. “Well, let’s get this over with, Inspector,” he said.

  They went into the same cramped interview room that Hector had been in before.

  “I know a good decorator. Looks like you need one.” Mr Morrison sat on the chair at the far side of the table with a familiarity that made Mel think he had done this before. “Why do you still bolt on those old recording machines? There are much more modern ones available.”