Hail and Farewell (The Lakeland Murders) (33 page)

‘You mean how pissed am I?’

‘I didn’t, but it’s probably a pertinent question.’

‘I’m merry, Andy. I can’t quite believe it, to be honest. Jimmy Smith is so far gone in there that one of the lads has just arranged for a patrol car to take him home in a bit. They don’t think a cab would take him, he’s that bad.’

‘I’m not surprised. He’s been after George Hayton his whole career, and now he’s going to get him.’

‘And is he? Really, I mean?’

‘Is he ever. One of the really big bananas from the CPS in London was on to me not half an hour ago, saying that not only will we get to put Hayton and four or five more of his lads away for life, or something close, but we’ll also pick up a few quid in the asset seizures. They’ll make sure they’ve got all their ducks in a row, but they’re confident that Hayton will be facing charges within the week. The bloke was virtually dribbling his claret down the phone, he was so excited.’

Jane laughed. ’How much? Money, I mean?’

‘On the basis of a quick totting up they reckon twenty million, plus what’s offshore, most of which will get recovered. It could be knocking on for fifty million, all told.’

‘You’re joking.’

‘I shit you not. They’re talking about this being the biggest organised crime bust of the year, nationwide. Maybe the decade even. It’s a huge fucking deal, it really is. I asked the CPS bloke if he even knew where Workington was, and he admitted he had to look online to see where Cumbria was. He thought it was Cornwall, apparently.’

‘So you’re celebrating too then, Andy.’

‘Of course. It’s the best result that I’ve been associated in my whole career. Coppers two, cons one, I suppose you could say.’

Jane paused. She was sober enough to know what Hall was getting at.

‘You’re thinking about those deals we’ve cut? That’s the cons’ goal?’

‘Absolutely. A bent copper and a major criminal are going to get a free pass out of this.’

‘Two coppers, don’t you mean?’

‘Bill Iredale? No, I’m fine with that. He thought he’d given Hayton more than he had, now that we look at it, and it’s true that he never took a penny from the bastard. But as for the other two, what sticks in my craw is that the only reason they’ve got those deals is because we haven’t got the money or the resources to make cases without them. It’s just a simple matter of economics.’

Jane was sobering up rapidly, and didn’t want Hall to get on to his pet topic. Her long G&T would have evaporated before he’d finished.

‘It’s funny about Bell, though’ she said quickly. ‘Not wanting the full package.’

‘I know. I’ve been thinking about that.’

‘And?’

‘And I don’t want to ruin your drink up.’

‘Only the kebab that I’m bound to eat in about three hours time can do that, Andy. And we both know that it will. So what are you thinking?’

‘I can only see one explanation that fits the facts. Bell really had seen this coming, just like he said, and he’s already thrown his lot in with someone else. I think he might have just been biding his time before he grassed Hayton up. I think he had this all planned from months, maybe even for years.’

‘You’re thinking Moffett? You know that Bell used his smarmy bloody lawyer, don’t you?’

‘I do. And it’s possible, but I doubt it. Moffett’s getting on, and he’d been coming second to Hayton for years. Anyway, I suppose it doesn’t really matter, does it? Because no matter how many villains we take down there’ll always be someone new to take their place. It’s just the law of the bloody jungle.’

‘Christ, Andy. I wish you hadn’t phoned now.’

Hall laughed.

‘Ignore me. I’m a crouchy old bloke with a bad knee, and I’m missing you.’

‘Really?’

‘Of course. I can’t wait for you to get home. Another few days, and I reckon your work in the wild west will be done.’

Tuesday, May 13th

It was just after six in the morning, and Ian Mann was delighted to be the one knocking on George Hayton’s front door. The house, a handsome double-fronted Georgian place with a high-walled garden, had been under observation since last night. Hayton’s wife had left at about nine pm, and Hayton had helped her load three suitcases into the back of her car. Perhaps he knew what was coming.

Mann glanced up and down the road, then knocked. DI Smith was at the back with one armed response team, while the other was in an unmarked van parked across the street. Hayton opened the door within thirty seconds, and he was already fully dressed in a dark suit with a white, open necked shirt.

‘I’m glad it’s you’ he said, turning away and leaving the door open. ‘Coffee?’

‘We need to get going.’

‘Use your radio. Five minutes, just while I finish mine.’

Mann had followed Hayton into the huge, light kitchen.

‘You should call your lawyer, and then we should go.’

‘Milk and sugar?’

‘Neither, thanks. Is there anyone else in the house?’

‘No, just me. Tell me, are you armed?’

‘I’m not, no.’

‘But your mates outside, they are?’

‘You’re a violent man Mr. Hayton, and you’re going to be charged with some very serious offences.’

‘So they are then?’

Hayton passed Mann his coffee.

‘Thanks. I’m surprised you decided not to run, to tell you the truth.’

‘Where would I go? Some shit-hole with no extradition treaty? Never see most of my family again? No way, son.’

‘You do know that the evidence against you is overwhelming? Your people are queuing up, looking for deals with the CPS.’

‘Aye, I know. Whatever happened to loyalty?’

‘In my world, it’s as strong as ever. I see it every day. But I don’t believe it ever existed in yours, not really. Fear and money aren’t enough, are they? Not in the end, like. Anyway, drink up, we have to go.’

‘I kept hard drugs away from kids, all these years. You ask anyone.’

‘Come on, let’s go.’

‘So there’ll be guns trained on me, like? When we get outside.’

‘Why should there be?’

‘Because of this.’

The automatic pistol was pointed straight at Mann’s torso. Hayton’s grip was steady.

‘Come on’ said Mann, mildly. ‘Put that down for me, and let’s get out there.’

‘Say it. Say what I’m holding on you.’

‘There’s no need. We’re going to walk out of here together. And that won’t be coming with us.’

For the first time Hayton raised his voice, but only slightly.

‘I’m aiming a loaded handgun at your man. I know he’s wearing a vest, but I’ll give him two to the chest and then one to the head. I can’t miss from this distance.’

‘I’m not wired for sound.’

‘Bollocks. Of course you are. I know how you people work. Two minutes from now your mates are going to come crashing in from all directions, aren’t they?’

‘There’s no need for that. None at all.’

‘You’re a cool one. I thought you would be. I know the bully-boy type, and you’re not it, are you, son? You’re something else.’

Mann didn’t reply, and he didn’t move. He concentrated on keeping calm, and his breathing regular.

‘So you’re willing to die, are you? All for a lousy pay packet and a pension.’

‘I’d rather not. But, if it came to it, I can think of worse ways. It’d be quick, anyway, if you’re a decent shot and those are hollow-points.’

‘You sure you’re not armed?’

‘Quite sure. Pat me down, if you like.’

‘No fear. You’re a fucking ninja, I know that. This is as close as we’re ever getting, thanks very much.’

They stood in silence for a moment, and Mann wondered how long it would be before the smoke bombs and the flash-bangs came in through the windows.

‘So what is this then, George? Death by cop? It’s a bit bloody old hat, isn’t it? It’s the coward’s way out anyway, is that.’

‘So you’ve got a better idea?’

‘Aye. Do your time like a man. Live to see your grandkids, like.’

‘Not going to happen. So how long have we got?’

‘Five minutes, tops.’

‘Will they shoot me?’

‘Not if they don’t have to, no. I’d say it’s fifty-fifty, unless you shoot me as they come in. They’re trained to use minimum force, see. And I do mean trained, George. Just like I was trained to shoot as soon as I saw a weapon raised. No questions, no regrets, no recriminations.’

‘And that’s true, is it? You don’t regret what you’ve done? In your life, I mean.’

‘Look, let’s concentrate on getting us both out of this in one piece.’

‘All right. How about I take you hostage?’

Mann laughed, and Hayton smiled.

‘Exactly. That wouldn’t work out too well, would it? So how about we walk out the front door, but with this gun on you?’

‘That wouldn’t be a good idea.’

‘Because if they have a clear shot they’d take it?’

‘If they were authorised then yes, I expect so.’

‘And they wouldn’t miss?’

‘No, they wouldn’t.’

‘And I’d die, right?’

‘Possibly, but they wouldn’t double tap you, nothing like that. When you were down that would be it, like, unless you still posed a threat. Best case you get hit in the shoulder or something, and they miss the vital organs. Worst case, you’re dead before you hit the ground.’

‘And what if I push you in the way?’

Mann shrugged. ’Time it just right and we both die.’

‘So what would you do, in my position? Turn the gun on myself?’

‘Never. You want that to be your legacy?’

‘No. I don’t.’

Mann had to make an effort not to let himself glance at the doors or windows. But he didn’t need to think about what offered his best chance of keeping both himself and Hayton unshot. Because that was easy. The right angled turn from the kitchen door into the hall was the only place. He tried to picture the exact space and couldn’t. But it didn’t matter. That was the place. He decided to gamble, and try to second-guess Hayton.

‘If you really do want to get shot dead, then you’re best off staying here. And that’s the truth.’

Hayton didn’t reply for a few moments.

‘Bullshit. I’ve never known a copper who told the truth. You’re worse than we are, by a bloody mile. So turn round, and let’s get on with this. We’re going outside. Now.’

Mann held his hands up, unbidden, and turned slowly. Then he moved towards the door.

‘Any last messages you want passed on? In case I come out of this alive and you don’t?’

‘Good question.’

Mann had picked his moment perfectly, because he was just through the door already. He turned right, towards the front door, and when he sensed that Hayton was in the doorway behind him he turned, unsighted, and launched himself forward. His left shoulder hit Hayton full in the stomach, and he half heard, half felt the gun go off. Then he was on Hayton, his knees on the man’s shoulders. Mann hit him just once, on the inside of the right wrist, and the gun flew away, along the polished wood floor.

‘Suspect is down and disarmed’ Mann shouted, as loud as he could. ‘Hold your fire. Repeat, hold your fire. Officer is unhurt and in control.’

Keith Iredale was off duty now, but he was certainly still grafting. He’d volunteered to help his brother-in-law take out an old range from a house that Gambles was working on.

‘Don’t worry’ Mike had said before they started, ‘I’m selling this on. So it won’t be getting dumped, like.’

‘Does your customer know your selling it though?’

Mike had look hurt.

‘Of course. Christ, Keith, what do you take me for? I’ve knocked a bit off the price of the job, like.’

They’d stopped for a blow and a cold drink out in the street next to the van when Iredale’s mobile rang. He glanced at the display, and moved quickly away from Mike and his apprentice before he answered.

‘Sir,’ he said.

‘Can you speak?’

‘Certainly.’

‘Are you OK? You sound out of breath.’

‘I’ve just carried about eighty kilos of cast iron up a flight of stairs from a basement.’

‘Blimey. You’ve heard about George Hayton, I take it?’

‘Aye. I’ve had about five calls since I knocked off, from everyone but the hero of the hour.’

‘Ian? It’s all in a day’s work, as far as he’s concerned.’

‘But he nearly got shot, didn’t he?’

‘He did indeed. But I’m almost more relieved that Hayton is still in one piece. To be honest, in that situation I’d take Ian to win, even with a gun aimed at him.’

‘Pass on my congratulations, sir.’

‘I will. But you can do it yourself, if you like.’

‘Why? Are you having a do, down your way somewhere?’

‘I’m sure we will, but that’s not what I meant. We had a retirement recently, a very experienced DC on my team, and so I’ve got a vacancy that I’m allowed to fill. Praise the Lord, and all that. And between you and me I expect there’ll be a DS’s job coming along soon enough too.’

‘Ian’s getting promotion?’

‘I can’t discuss that. But I wanted to sound you out; find out if you’d be interested.’

‘It’d mean moving, I take it?’

‘Yes. We’d want you live on the patch. Look, I’ll be straight with you, Keith. Your stock has gone up because of this result, just like Ian’s and Jane’s has. So I doubt that this will be the only offer you get. So feel free to think about it.’

‘No, sir. I don’t need to think about it. I’d like to apply.’

‘Good. I hoped you’d say that. You’ll get an official email in a day or two, and meanwhile I’ll have a word with your DI.’

‘Thanks, but I’ll do it. I’d prefer to tell him myself.’

‘Of course. All right. Good work, once again, and make sure you don’t leave your instincts at home when you turn up here. You’re a born detective, Keith, and that makes you a very lucky bloke.’

‘Why?’

‘Because you’ve managed to end up in the job you were born to do. And not everyone can say that, not by a long chalk.’

Iredale rang off and walked back to his brother in law.

‘Everything all right?’

‘Aye, grand. We’ve just nicked George Hayton. Good and proper, too.’

‘Christ. No offence, Keith, but I never thought that would happen. And I don’t think anyone else round here did either, like.’