DI Sean Corrigan Crime Series: 6-Book Collection: Cold Killing, Redemption of the Dead, The Keeper, The Network, The Toy Taker and The Jackdaw

Sean shrugged his shoulders. He thought that little problem had been dealt with. ‘Yes.’

‘I’ve been trying to put it to bed, but it hasn’t been that easy.’

‘In what way?’

‘His conviction prints should be at the Yard, only they’re not.’

‘Borrowed?’

‘The original investigating officer told me the prison holding Korsakov had requested the prints, only I checked with them and they didn’t.’

‘So he’s lying to you. Any idea why?’

‘Not yet.’

‘Do you want to get Ethics and Standards involved?’

‘Maybe,’ Sally answered. ‘But maybe we should start treating Korsakov as a viable suspect, until we know for sure he isn’t?’

‘Fine,’ Sean agreed. ‘But if he does start looking like a reality, you tell me straight away. Don’t go running off solo, trying to be Cagney without Lacey.’

‘I won’t. I promise.’

Sally turned on her heels and headed out of the office. ‘By the way,’ Sean called after her, ‘have a nice lunch.’

Hellier and Templeman sat close together in the interview room that served as their private consultation room.

‘I need to be out of this fucking dungeon by six at the latest,’ Hellier told him. ‘No excuses, Jonathon. You have to get me out.’

‘It’s difficult to make that promise,’ Templeman answered nervously. ‘The police won’t tell me much. Until I know what they’ve got, I can’t be expected to judge our position.’

‘Our position?’ Hellier asked. He put his hand on Templeman’s thigh and squeezed hard. Templeman winced. ‘No matter what, you’ll be walking out of here. It’s me they want to nail to the wall. Keep that in mind.’

Hellier released his grip and gently laid a hand on Templeman’s shoulder. He knew the man was scared of him. ‘I know you’ll do your best.’ He spoke softly. It only added to his menace.

Templeman swallowed his fear and spoke. ‘Before we can even think about bail, we have to prepare for the interview. If they’ve re-arrested you, they must have something. If you know what that could be, you need to tell me now. They want to start the interview as soon as they can, but they’re only telling me the minimum they’re legally obliged to. You have to help me to help you. We don’t want to walk into a trap. You should answer everything “no comment”.’

Hellier could barely disguise his contempt. ‘Trap! You think they’re clever enough to trap me? They’ve got nothing, and Corrigan knows it. He’s trying to make me panic. Well, let him do his worst. You just keep your mouth shut and try and look professional. Let me do the talking and follow my lead. If Corrigan wants to play, fucking let him. Tell them we’re ready to be interviewed.’

Sean began the interview with the usual formalities, Hellier responding with a nod when asked if he understood the caution and his other legal rights. He nodded again when Sean repeated that he had been arrested for the suspected murder of Linda Kotler. His face was expressionless.

In an effort to gain credibility with Hellier, Templeman immediately went on the offensive: ‘I would like it recorded that it has been almost impossible for me to properly instruct my client, as the investigating officers have told me nothing about the allegation. Nothing about any evidence they may have that indicates my client could in any way be involved in this crime.’

Sean had been expecting as much. ‘The allegation is one of suspected rape and murder. It occurred less than thirty-six hours ago. I’m sure your client will be able to answer my questions without being given prior knowledge.’ Sean waited for a protest. None came. ‘I’ll keep the questions simple and direct.’ He and Hellier locked eyes across the table, then Sean launched into the interrogation: ‘Did you know Linda Kotler?’

‘No,’ Hellier answered.

‘Was that a no comment or a no?’

‘That was a no. I don’t know anyone by the name of Linda Kotler.’

‘Have you ever been to Minford Gardens in Shepherd’s Bush?’ Sean was trying to shut him in.

‘I don’t know. Maybe,’ Hellier answered.

‘Maybe?’

‘I’ve been to Shepherd’s Bush, so maybe I’ve been there.’

‘Minford Gardens?’ Sean repeated.

‘Wherever.’

‘Have you ever been to number seventy-three Minford Gardens?’

‘No.’

‘Sure?’

‘Positive.’ Hellier sounded bored.

‘Are you absolutely sure?’ Sean had to be precise. Any ambiguity now would be exploited later by the defence. Hellier didn’t answer. ‘I’ll take that as confirmation. But you’re lying. You have been there,’ Sean continued.

Hellier gave no reaction other than raising one eyebrow slightly. Sean noticed it.

‘You met Linda Kotler. You met her the same night you killed her.’

‘Really, Inspector,’ Templeman jumped in. ‘If you have evidence to support your allegation that my client was involved, then why don’t you just say so and tell us what it is. Otherwise this interview is over.’ Sean ignored him. Throughout the interruption he maintained eye contact with Hellier.

‘Where were you the night before last?’ Sean asked.

‘You mean you don’t know?’ Hellier tormented him. ‘All those policemen following me and you have to ask me where I was. How galling that must be for you.’

‘No games.’ Sean was trying to keep the pace going. ‘Where were you?’

‘That’s my business,’ Hellier snapped.

Good. His calm was breaking.

‘And now it’s mine,’ said Sean. ‘Who were you with?’

‘No comment.’

The questions and answers came quickly. Templeman kept on the lookout for a break, a chance to object, but he knew neither Sean nor Hellier would listen to him. This was between the two of them. Personal.

‘If you’ve got an alibi, you’d better give it now,’ Sean told him.

‘I don’t have to prove a damn thing,’ Hellier retorted.