Page 80 of Don't Believe A Word

‘Have any of the computers been touched?’ he asked, checking his screen.

‘Cristy’s was unplugged,’ Jacks replied, ‘as if someone was about to make off with it, but I’m guessing they were interrupted, or changed their mind, because it’s still there. And up and running. I’ve checked the latest activity and it’s all ours, so no interference, or copying, or bugs as far as I can tell, but I’ll definitely give it another going over.’

Cristy turned to the whiteboard to see if a message had been left there, but it was exactly as they’d left it earlier. ‘This is bizarre,’ she said, dropping into her chair. ‘Who even knew the boxes were here apart from us and Sadie?’

‘Gita and Robert Brinkley?’ Clover reminded her.

Cristy almost laughed. ‘Well it obviously wasn’t Gita in herwheelchair, and Robert’s currently in Geneva so I think we can safely rule them out.’

‘In my opinion,’ Jacks said, ‘this with the boxes, is the kind of vandalism morons go in for, for fun, or to let you know they’ve come calling. A kind of intimidation tactic.’

Frowning, Cristy cast her mind back over their most recent podcast. ‘We haven’t mentioned anything yet about Matis Albescu or Eastern European gangs,’ she said, ‘but we did ask George Symmonds-Browne to be in touch.’

‘And this is how he does it?’ Clove cried incredulously.

‘If it was him,’ Connor put in.

‘Do you have any other suggestions?’ Cristy asked.

No one did.

‘OK, let’s work this back,’ Connor said, settling into it. ‘The last known sighting of Symmonds-Browne seems to have been in France circa 2016. Sure he could be anywhere by now, even in clink, but everyone knows that the Riviera is run by mobs, so it could be he was there …’

‘I’ll get onto a journalist contact of mine on theNice-Matin,’Cristy said. ‘She might be able to give us something with Vence being in her neck of the woods.’

‘We should also try Interpol,’ Connor suggested, ‘to find out what they might have on him, presuming they’re prepared to share it.’

Cristy grimaced. ‘The only person I know who has a good contact there is Matthew. Unless one of you can suggest someone?’ She looked at them all hopefully, and sank. ‘No, I thought not, but if you do think of someone please let me know before I get myself indebted to him.’

*

‘Hi, Mum, are you OK?’ Hayley cried over WhatsApp video. ‘What are you doing?’

‘Making chicken soup with dumplings for Aiden, if he shows up,’ Cristy replied, propping her phone against the toaster and reaching for her wine. She still had a mountain of research to get through for the series, but rather than stay at the office she’ddecided to do it at home given that Aiden was supposed to be staying with her tonight.

‘He’s got a new girlfriend,’ Hayley said. ‘Did he tell you about her?’

‘No. Anyone we know?’

‘Her name’s Pearl and she’s cool. That’s all he’s told me. Unless it’s changed since Tuesday, you know what he’s like. Anyway, I wanted to check you’re OK since the last time we spoke.’

‘Remind me when that was and why I wouldn’t be OK?’

With a laugh, Hayley flicked back her hair as she said, ‘Guess what, I can’t remember, but I know I’ve told you about maybe breaking up with Hugo …’

‘Yes, and I think it’s a shame when you seem so well suited. Have you done it now?’

‘Actually, not quite. I mean, Stefan’s really cool and everything, but he’s not … I guess he’s not Hugo and … Well, I’m just not sure what to do. I’m really attracted to Stef, you know, in a physical way, but what if we sleep together and it turns out I’d rather be with Hugo?’

Not much liking the sound of that, Cristy said, ‘Is this you asking if you should cheat on Hugo to find out which one you feel you want to be with?’

‘No, that’s not what I’m saying. Not at all, but … Well, should I? Actually, you’re totally the wrong person to ask after what you went through with Dad, so forget the cheating bit. Just please tell me you’re free this weekend so I can come and talk it through with you. I really need to clear my head, and I thought it would be great if we could hang out, just the two of us. I mean, if you’re going to be around, obvs.’

Thinking of her aborted trip to Guernsey, Cristy tried to sound upbeat as she said, ‘As a matter of fact I am. When are you thinking of coming?’

‘Tomorrow night? I’ve looked into flights and one gets in about six, so would you be able to pick me up?’

What a treat, a drive to the airport during the Friday rush hour. ‘Of course,’ she said. ‘It’ll be lovely to see you.’