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‘Not yet, Miles. My client is very wary, but I can tell you that the person who ordered and paid for the hit on the deceased, and I use the word “deceased” advisedly, is someone of significant note, you understand me?’
‘I think so. Is he up for being visited?’
‘He’ll need an initial visit, and he’ll also need to be taken out of jail, to identify a disposal site. Two caveats, though.’
‘I’m listening.’
‘One, I have to be present at all times, whatever it is that’s happening. I need to be there, okay?’
‘Understood, and two?’
‘No DS Max Craigie anywhere near it. Craigie cannot learn what is happening. He’s not independent, Miles. We believe that he has a large axe to grind against my clients caused by his confrontations with the now missing Tam Hardie. My client doesn’t trust him, and worse, he feels that Craigie could be responsible for his brother’s disappearance. This is non-negotiable. Is that clear?’
Wakefield paused at the end of the line and exhaled deeply. ‘I’ll make some calls, but this is going to have to go to the top, Leo. Craigie and his team have the ear of the Chief Constable. They’ve been highly effective, and those above me may think that Hardie shouldn’t be making demands when he’s currently serving a long sentence.’
‘Well, make it clear to the bosses that this is a pre-requirementfor the significant new evidence that Mr Hardie can provide. Let’s be fair, Miles, imagine that it was leaked to the press that Police Scotland weren’t taking seriously the claims of a prisoner, who has since rediscovered his Christian faith and wants to cleanse his soul for redemptive purposes. They’d go fucking nuts, Miles.’ Leo sniggered.
‘What, Davie’s found God?’ Wakefield said incredulously.
‘I’ve no idea. I doubt it, but imagine how the press will leap on it. “Convicted gangster who finds God is spurned by Police Scotland when trying to clear up six-year-old missing persons case of woman believed dead. Dodgy dealing with powerful individuals suspected, leading to claims of corrupt practice within Police Scotland.” Think about the headlines, a photograph of you alongside the photograph of the deceased victim. She’s very beautiful, Miles. It’d be a hell of a scoop.’ Leo chuckled again, a nasty throaty sound.
There was another long, deep sigh on the end of the line. ‘Leo, are you blackmailing me? Because I can get down and dirty in the trenches, if I need to.’
‘As if, old man. Just no Craigie, or anyone from his team. We’ll deal with anyone else, but not him, or anyone he works with. You must have other trusted cops.’
‘Aye, of course I do, but I’ll need to escalate this. When can you get us a name?’
‘Right now. Beata Dabrowski.’
‘I remember her. Polish girl who went missing in Glasgow a few years ago, yeah?’ said Wakefield.
‘That’s the one, she was a sex worker, and disappeared into thin air. Never seen again in Glasgow, or home in Krakow. Well, my client knows all the details and he’s willing to talk, but only if the deal can be done. He knows where she is, who killed her and who ordered her death, and one last thing?’
‘Go on.’
‘He can prove it.’
3
DCS MILES WAKEFIELDwas sitting in his office on the sprawling crime campus in Gartcosh, east of Glasgow. He looked at his phone as the call ended, frowning at the familiarity of the slimy lawyer, who seemed to think he owed him a favour. True, he had greased the wheels in the past once or twice, but nothing illegal, but he realised this new information could be dynamite. There was no choice, he’d have to speak to the Chief.
He dialled the Chief’s office, and as usual the call was taken by his PA, Margaret.
‘Margaret, Miles Wakefield, is the boss about?’
‘Hi, Miles. No, he’s on leave, sunning himself in Tenerife right now.’
‘Ach, of course, I remember now. Is Louise Campbell at the helm?’
‘She is, but she’s in her own office down the hall, still settling in after her transfer.’
‘How’s she getting on?’
‘Bit of a change from the Met, but she’s smart as a whip, if a little spiky.’
‘Well, she left Scotland a long time ago. She was sergeant in Strathclyde when she transferred south, right?’
‘That’s right. She’s on her fourth force now,’ said Margaret.
