Page 50 of The Scene of the Crime (Jessica Russell #1)

‘So what’s up then?’

‘You remember DS Richard Stubbings? He left the job three or four years ago.’

‘Yeah, after being sacked for gross misconduct. As I recall, he was caught accessing sensitive data and suspected of passing it on to a private investigator he knew.’

‘It was a misunderstanding, and no payments were ever involved,’ Wood said.

‘We both know that’s a load of bollocks. But why are you bringing him up?’

‘We joined the job together and are still in touch. Stubbs called me and said he’s got some info on the De Klerk case but wants to speak privately. I’m off to meet him in the pub.’

‘Why didn’t he contact you before now?’

‘He was in Spain working on a case and only got back last night. Stubbs’s work partner saw the news, told him about it this morning and he called me this afternoon.’

‘Don’t tell me Stubbings is working for the private investigator he passed information to.’

Wood grinned. ‘I’ve always said you’re a good detective. Whatever the info is, Stubbs is wary about talking over the phone. It might be something or nothing, but I won’t know until I speak to him.’

‘Be careful. He might be tapping you for information to pass on to the press.’

‘For fuck’s sake, Mike. I wasn’t involved in the press leak, and nor was Stubbs.’

‘I didn’t say you were. I’m just saying to be careful. I’m not a fan of Stubbings. I always thought he was an arrogant prat who strutted around like he was God’s gift.’

‘He’s not all bad, and he’s kept his nose clean since he left the job. If you’re that worried, why don’t you come with me?’

‘No, thanks. I can think of better things to do than socialising with Stubbings. Just be careful, Julian, and for God’s sake don’t tell him anything about the case.’

‘I’m not stupid, Mike. I’ll let you know how I get on tomorrow.’ Wood got back in his car.

‘What was that all about?’ Jessica asked, sitting in her car with the door open.

Chapman leaned in. ‘He’s got an informant who might have some useful information, but somehow I doubt it. I’m going to leave it until the morning to tell Anderson about Palmer, Wheeler and our conversation with Pauline Holland. I don’t feel like arguing with him over the phone.’

‘In that case, I’m not letting you do it alone. We’re in this together, and Anderson needs to hear all the facts . . . from both of us,’ Jessica said.

‘Thanks, I could do with your support. Anyway, we’re both knackered and need to get some sleep. Shall we meet here early and review everything we’ve got before speaking to Anderson?’

‘Yes. I think that would be useful. What time?’

‘There’s a lot to discuss, and Anderson usually gets in between eight and nine. Is between six and six thirty too early?’

She shook her head. ‘That’s fine by me.’

‘Convincing him that Palmer might be innocent won’t be easy . . .’

‘Only a fool would ignore the evidence. That said . . .’

Chapman laughed and eased her car door shut as she started the engine. He stood watching her drive out. ‘You’re quite something, Jessica Russell,’ he said to himself.

*?*?*

As DS Wood entered the Rose and Crown in Woodford Green, he saw Richard Stubbings sitting in the corner, reading the paper. ‘I’ll have a pint of Guinness, Stubbs,’ he said as he approached.

Stubbings got up and winced as he shook Wood’s hand.

‘How are you doing, Stubbs?’

‘Not bad, mate. Bloody sciatica is not getting any better though.’

‘You have had that for months now. Have you been to the doctor?’

‘Yeah. He said it might be nerve damage, put me on meds and gave me a load of exercises to do. Even suggested fucking Pilates. All bollocks, so it looks like I’m stuck with it.’

‘Sorry to hear that.’

‘I can live with it. The pain is not too bad, but it’s given me a limp.’

‘How’s work going?’

‘Just had an interesting job in the Costa del Sol. I spent a week in Marbella, with all expenses paid by the client.’

‘What was that about then?’

‘Following a cheating husband. He spent every night in the Navy Bar in Puerto Banús. The place is full of expensive, gorgeous hookers. The guy’s got his own haulage company and is loaded.

Anyway, I managed to befriend him, and he even treated me to a night of debauchery with two gorgeous tarts.

I got a few pictures of him shagging one of them.

The result is his wife wants a divorce and half of everything he’s got, which is a bloody fortune.

I felt a bit sorry for him. I mean, it wasn’t as if he had a proper bit on the side. Guinness, wasn’t it?’

Wood shook his head in dismay as Stubbings limped to the bar. He could tell he was trying to big up his private investigator job and actually wished he was still a detective investigating murders and serious crimes. But then again, Stubbs only had himself to blame.

‘Cheers, Woody,’ Stubbings said as he handed him his pint.

‘Cheers. So, what have you got for me on the De Klerk case?’ Wood asked, taking a sip of his Guinness.

‘This is strictly between us, OK? The client made me sign a non-disclosure agreement. If they found out I gave you any information, it could destroy me financially and the PI company I’m a partner in.’

‘You know you can trust me, Stubbs.’

‘I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you if I didn’t. We go back a long way, Woody, and we always had each other’s backs.’

Wood put his pint down. ‘Don’t take this the wrong way, but what do you want from me in return?’

‘Nothing, apart from the next round. The thing is, I can’t stand the client.’

‘Are we talking about a male or female client?’

Stubbings looked around, then leaned forward, speaking quietly. ‘We’re talking about Michelle De Klerk, aka “that bitch Belsham”. I think she might be involved in what happened to her husband.’

‘Are you serious?’ Wood asked.

‘Deadly serious. Take it from me. She’s only interested in herself and her career. There’s a jeweller called Nathan Cole you need to check out and a friend of hers called Chandice Bramston you need to talk to. Just don’t mention my name for Christ’s sake.’

‘There’s always a way round, Stubbs,’ Wood said reassuringly. ‘Just tell me everything you know.’