Over My Dead Body (Detective William Warwick #4)(85)

William was beginning to think that ‘the first day of the month’ might not have been as important a clue as one of Paul’s informants had suggested, until a black Toyota pulled up outside the house and parked on a double yellow line.

When the passenger door opened, neither of them needed an identikit picture to know who it was heading for the front door.

‘Christ, he’s built like a tank,’ said Jackie.

‘Six foot four, two hundred and twenty pounds, and he practically lives in the gym,’ said William, as the giant knocked on the door.

Verenich waited for a short time, casting an occasional glance up and down the mews, before knocking again. This time a little more firmly. A few moments later Ross appeared, dressed in a tracksuit.

‘Doesn’t look as if he’s planning to come in to work today,’ said Jackie, as Ross handed a thick wad of notes to Verenich, who took his time counting them.

‘I still intend to put a stop to whatever he does have planned,’ said William, as Verenich gave Ross what passed for a smile, pocketed the money and returned to the car.

William switched on a radio that connected him to the rest of the team.

‘Verenich’s car is heading towards the traffic lights at the junction with Merton Street. I’ll let you know which way he turns. Remember to keep your distance.’

‘Understood,’ said three alert voices, who had also been waiting impatiently to go to work since six o’clock that morning. William was about to follow the Toyota when Ross came running out of the house, jumped into his car and immediately drove off.

‘The mark is turning left,’ said William, ‘so he’s yours, Danny, and DI Hogan isn’t far behind. Keep me briefed, but ditch Verenich when he reaches his next customer. Paul will take over.’

‘Understood,’ said two voices, as the Toyota drove past a taxi that never picked up a paying passenger.

William smiled when he saw Ross turn left at the lights and continue to follow Verenich. ‘Constable Markham.’

‘Sir.’

‘He’s driving a dark blue Volkswagen …’

‘Clocked him, sir.’

? ? ?

Ross could see the Toyota up ahead, and tucked in behind a taxi. The traffic light at the next junction was green, but he wasn’t sure he would make it in time. He put his foot on the accelerator.

Verenich’s driver turned right and the taxi followed, but the lights began to change as Ross approached them. He drove straight through, only to be met by a policeman who stepped out into the road, raised the palm of his right hand and with an exaggerated wave of the arm indicated that Ross should pull into the kerb. As he came to a halt Ross voiced several Anglo-Saxon expletives behind the car’s closed windows.

The young officer walked slowly towards him, as Ross wound down the window, his engine still running.

‘How can I help you, constable?’ he asked, as Verenich disappeared around the next corner.

‘Do you realize, sir, that you just drove through a red light?’

‘I did nothing of the sort,’ said Ross, breaking a golden rule.

‘My colleague and I,’ said the constable, looking to his left, ‘witnessed you breaking Section 36(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Could I see your driving licence please?’

Ross handed over his warrant card.

‘This is not your driving licence, sir,’ said the constable, handing it back.

‘I don’t have my licence with me.’

‘Then I’ll need to take down your particulars, sir,’ said the constable as he extracted a notebook and Biro from his top pocket.

‘Which I suspect you already know, constable,’ said Ross.

‘This shouldn’t take long,’ replied the officer, ignoring the comment.

‘How long?’ said Ross.

‘I beg your pardon, sir?’

‘How long did they tell you to delay me?’

‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about, sir.’

‘How long?’ repeated Ross.

‘Ten minutes, sir,’ admitted the constable.

Ross had to grudgingly admire Warwick. He might have had the face of a choirboy, but he didn’t take prisoners. He was beginning to believe he was, as Jackie had suggested, the natural successor to The Hawk. However, he still had a surprise in store for the Detective Chief Inspector before the day was out.

‘Can I go now you’ve served your purpose?’ Ross asked, innocently.

The constable checked his watch. ‘Yes, of course, sir. But perhaps you could drive more carefully in the future.’

? ? ?

Paul called in to report that Verenich had only had to clench a fist to ensure Sleeman’s second client coughed up.

‘Take advantage of it,’ said William. ‘Interview the man and see if you can get a statement from him that would stand up in court.’

‘On my way,’ said Paul.

‘The Toyota’s just driven past me,’ said Rebecca. ‘I’ll call back when he reaches his next collection point.’

‘What’s your position, Danny?’

‘I’ll take over from DC Pankhurst when he comes back out.’

‘What I can’t work out,’ said Jackie, as William switched off the radio, ‘is why they’re always at home when Verenich turns up.’