Time To Play by KA Richardson (best book club books of all time TXT) 📗

super’s on her way down so be prepared for a grilling. Your sergeant’s on his way down too, Marlo. So,’ he added with a wink, ‘I’d try to control yourselves.’

Sunderland City Police HQ – 21 November

Ali sat at his desk, a little on edge as he waited for the interview with Fred Rockingham to conclude. He hadn’t trusted himself not to leap over the desk and rip the guy’s head from his shoulders after what he’d done to Marlo, so he’d sent Charlie in to interview him instead. His anger had been simmering since the night before, and he knew handing the reins to her had been the right decision.

It didn’t stop him wondering, though. Would Fred give it up, provide them with the coveted information on the people behind the whole trafficking malarkey, or remain schtum and not give them the smallest of bites at the bigger fish. Wouldn’t really matter either way, Ali knew. They had him bang to rights for attempted murder of Connor and for assaulting Marlo. He would go away for a good long time, regardless.

‘McKay,’ he said absently, picking up the phone receiver as it rang beside him.

‘Ali, it’s Jacob Tulley from the digital lab. Have you got a sec?’

‘Aye, go on, Jacob.’

‘I’m trying to squeeze in the exam of the PC seized from the address on Wear Street the other day. Just wanted to make sure I have it in the condition it was seized in. The front cover of the base unit is separated, and I need to be sure no one’s messed with any of the interior components. Chain of command seems solid, but I figured a quick question to the source would put me at ease.’

‘As far as I know, that’s how it was seized. If memory serves, the cover had been screwed to the table leg. They had to loosen it to remove the base unit. Double-check with Kev Lang – am sure he was the one dismantling. He’s on duty now, saw his Romeo in the car park this morning. Talk about a midlife crisis car, like,’ Ali’s tone was light: he knew Kevin’s wife had died. Everyone did. He didn’t blame him for spending his money on something a little flashier than your average car.

‘Chance would be a fine thing,’ said Jacob. ‘Thanks, Ali. Catch you later.’

Ali hung up the phone just as Charlie pushed open the door to the office.

‘Hey, boss. Well, that was a complete waste of time. He made “no comments” all the way through. Solicitor’s paid for, decent company too. So, whoever’s pulling the strings is making sure he’s not going to speak.’

‘Yea, I thought he might go that way. Did he react to any of the names you threw at him?’

‘Not really. Glimmer of recognition at Yolanda but nothing substantial.’

‘We any further forward on getting details for her?’

‘There’s six Yolandas registered on the voters roll across the north-east. Two are in their eighties and live in care homes, the others either live so far north they’re in Northumberland or so far south they’re in Catterick. None live near to Sunderland at all. And the information doesn’t lend to a large amount of time taken travelling. Elvie said she’d walked on foot to where she hitched a ride in the dive boat.’

‘RIB,’ correctly Ali absently, considering what she’d told him. ‘How about Gaz? Any leads on him?’

‘Sorry, boss. He’s still in the wind. We’re running down his known associates, but they were tight-lipped last time we dragged them in. Can’t think their attitude will have changed that much between then and now.’

‘Damn, NCA are already going to be pissed with the lateness of the intel. I can see a sit down with the chief super in my not so distant future.’

‘Did we get anything else from the dive lad? He must know something. This was his dad and uncle for God’s sake. Bit hard to swallow like, him being a dirty cop.’

‘Aye, well we don’t know the full ins and outs yet. We’ve all been given gag orders though. No one but professional standards are allowed to speak with him. He’s been suspended pending full investigation, but I doubt very much he’ll be coming back.’

‘There’s always a choice,’ said Charlie, ‘he made the wrong ones.’

‘Aye, I know, just a shame, is all. With his dad and uncle as relatives, the lad never stood much chance really.’

‘True enough, boss. I’ve got an interviewee coming in shortly, so I’ll need to go prep. Catch up with you later.’

Detached House, Outskirts of Hetton-le-Hole – 21 November

Gaz glanced around furtively before slipping into the long driveway that led up to the big house. He didn’t even know if the boss lady would still be there, but he was determined to find her if she was, tell her what he knew and leave with her. Since learning of Rocko’s arrest, Gaz had harboured dreams that he would be the next boss; that he was next in line to bring the girls into the life for which they’d been brought to the country. He knew it would mean a different location, and he was fine with it. He had no ties to the north-east.

He’d almost had a heart attack on the spot when he’d wandered down Wear Street the other day and found the brothel surrounded by cop cars. Ducking behind an old van for protection, he’d watched as the cops had marched all the girls out of the premises and taken the computer from upstairs. And for the first time in a long time, he’d felt desperation.

This job was his only source of income, and already his meagre funds had run dry. He’d barely had enough for the petrol over here, let alone for anything else.

Reaching the front door, he tried the handle, not surprised to find it opened with