The Hero's Fall (DCI Cook Thriller Series Book 14) by Phillip Strang (best classic romance novels txt) 📗

‘I’ll trade,’ Ashley said.

‘For what?’

‘Tell me about the secret child, and I’ll tell you what I’ve got.’

‘Official Secrets Act, I can’t. I’m telling you, be extremely careful. People who take shots at other people are unpredictable, and they have no intention of giving themselves up, more than willing to take another life. You could be playing with fire.’

‘People died?’

‘Innocent people. Please, don’t become one of those who end up dragged from the River Thames on a Saturday morning, your face half-eaten by crabs.’

‘I won’t. You care?’

The waiter hovered; Ashley ordered fish; Isaac ordered meat.

Isaac felt uncomfortable, unable to leave, feeling swayed by the mood, and knowing that at home, his wife only wanted to talk about their son, what he had done that day, and why did he have to work so long. And him there, a beautiful woman, available and desirable and single.

‘Sorry, can’t do this,’ Isaac said. Professionally, he should have stayed; personally, he couldn’t. ‘Be careful; call me anytime. Don’t get into potentially dangerous situations.’

She already had that day with Otto McAlister. Checking her emails, she found the number.

Any port in a storm, she said to herself.

‘Ten minutes, make mine meat.’

‘I already have. Red wine okay by you?’

‘Dessert?’

‘We’ll discuss that when you get here.’

If she couldn’t have a suave and tall black police chief inspector, ruggedly handsome wasn’t a bad substitute.

***

Perturbed that Jim Breslaw was back at the station, Tom Taylor made his concerns known to Jerome Jaden.

‘Don’t you worry,’ Jaden said from behind his desk, a cigar in his mouth.

‘But Jim’s starting to order me around, treats me as if I’m the office boy, only fit for menial tasks, getting him this, getting him that, running errands.’

‘Alison, how is she?’

‘We argued.’

‘About what?’

‘She accused me of chasing another woman. What if I was?’

‘Take a seat,’ Jaden said. ‘We’ll talk this through. I might have something special for you.’

Taylor realised the seat was a command, not an option. He complied.

‘It’s like this,’ Jaden continued. ‘You’re not up to the task of the head of programming, are you?’

‘A fresh approach, the optimism of youth, an understanding of what the viewing public want.’

‘And you believe that?’

‘It’s what you said, and Alison…’

‘What did my relative say?’ A subtle hint from Jaden to remind the woman’s boyfriend of the importance of his relative.

‘That you were a wily old fox. The ratings are down, and from what I know, the banks are hammering at the door.’

‘Dear sweet, innocent little Tom Taylor, whining like a child in the school playground. Did you believe what I said when I promoted you?’

Taylor was at a loss for words.

‘Cat got your tongue?’

‘I’m not sure what to say.’

‘Say nothing and listen. I know all about this other woman you’ve got on the side. Not that I care much either way but upset Alison, and you’re out. Do I make myself clear?’

‘But—’

‘No buts. Alison is family, you’re not, and I’m particularly fond of her mother. The Jadens look after their own.’

‘She’s a Glassop.’

‘Don’t be naïve. You’re playing with fire, upsetting her.’

‘Is Jim taking over?’

‘No, he’s not. Breslaw’s making sure that Tricia Warburton does this right. She’s the best we’ve got, not that I’d choose her, but we go with her.’

‘You preferred Angus?’

‘I preferred what we had ten years ago, but we deal with what we’ve got. The advertising revenue is down, and that’s the primary consideration.’

‘It’s down everywhere,’ Taylor said.

‘And where did you read that? The Beano?’

‘What’s that?’

‘A comic, what the young used to call entertainment.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘Of course you don’t. Breslaw does, not that he likes it any more than me.’

‘What do you want me to do?’

‘Make Alison happy,’ Jaden said. ‘You’re still green, full of yourself, believe that you know more than you do, no harm at your age. But remember, you know nothing about life. The viewers are not there, not the way they were, but they’re fickle, easily swayed, putty in the hands of smart people.’

‘You’re one of the smart?’

‘How far would you go for this company? For me?’ Jaden asked.

‘Anything. Are there any guarantees for me?’

‘There’s a woman, razor-sharp, likely to cause us trouble.’

‘I won’t do that.’

‘Do what? Kill her?’

‘No, never.’

‘The killer instinct is not in you. You have a limit to what you’ll do.’

‘Angus Simmons was murdered. Whoever did it will spend time in jail.’

‘Will they? What if they’re not caught?’

‘Are you saying that you know?’

‘Am I?’

Tom Taylor sat back on his chair, the realisation dawning that career advancement came at a cost, which he wasn’t sure he could pay.

‘What do you want? Is she that much of a threat?’

‘You know who I’m referring to?’

‘Ashley Otway. She wanted to ask questions about Angus’s death, accuse you of taking advantage.’

‘She hasn’t proof, not yet, but she’s no dummy. Took on a politician once, got shafted, ended up interviewing washed-out singers and talentless actors. But now, she’s back doing what she does best, investigating.’

‘The station? You?’

‘Us. And you’re right. She’s getting some dirt; I know that, although what it is and how much, I don’t know.’

‘Who’s keeping you informed?’

‘I’ve been around a long time; I’ve got contacts out there, some who owe me a favour, others who want money. The woman is playing it close to the chest, not letting anyone know, not until publication.’

‘You know the editor where she works?’

‘I do. A friend, or as much as anyone can be in this business. He’ll not tell me, no more than I would if I was in his position.’

‘So, what do you want with me?’

‘Ashley Otway, older than you, not