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  To Helen and Andrew

  1

  He’s working later than intended. It’s after seven o’clock in the evening now. Late enough to call it a good day’s work. Putting documents away. All into their folders, placed neatly on the shelf. He’ll be working on them again tomorrow. It’s boring work, sure, but he long ago reconciled himself to that. He’s been doing accounts for thirty-five years; you can reconcile yourself to anything in that time. Might be different if it was a bigger operation. Way back in time, when he’d had ambition, he thought he could build something exciting. Gave up on that. Richard Hardy is happy with what he has now. A one-man company. A little office in a small building where he looks after his select group of loyal customers. There are two offices downstairs; he doesn’t see the people there much. A small charity has the office across the hall from his–something for the children of the very poor. Run by two middle-aged, well-meaning women. Richard used to have a secretary, but he had to let her go. Tough times. But he’s surviving.

  His customers are loyal because of the type of accountant he is. Reliable, solid, silent. Most of his clients are small-business owners, honest enough on the surface. They just want to catch a break now and then. It’s hard for them, Richard understands that. Moving money around saves some of it for the client. There’s nothing immoral about that, in his eyes. These people work hard; he helps them gain the fullest rewards. Surely the legal system has bigger things to worry about.

  He’s getting his coat from the peg on the back of the office door. Cold night out. He’s not in any hurry. There’s nobody waiting for him at home. His wife died twelve years ago now; they had no kids. More her choice than his. He didn’t mind, not as long as she was there. Once she was gone, it got lonely. Would’ve been nice to have a family then. Twelve-hour working days eat away at the loneliness. His accounts have become his children. That thought makes him feel sad and pathetic.

  Locking the office door carefully behind him. It’s a nice area these days. Wasn’t so quiet when he first got the office, but they’ve cleaned up around here in the last two decades. Never had a break-in, but you can’t be too careful. He has a client who develops property and rents it out. Some might call him a slum landlord, but Richard’s always thought that was unfair. People on very low incomes need somewhere to live, and they can hardly expect the Ritz. Anyway, this fellow had a string of break-ins at his office. The police figured it was something to do with his work, a disgruntled someone or other. They warned people connected with his business to be careful, Richard included. Really, though, what can you do? If people want to smash their way in, they will.

  He’s the last one out of the building. No lights on anywhere else. The front door locks automatically behind him–you have to be buzzed in or have a key. There’s a little courtyard at the front of the building, with parking for a select few who use the surrounding buildings. He’s been around long enough to claim one of the spots. There are only two other cars there right now. One’s always there. Must be a company car that nobody takes home. The other one he doesn’t recognize. Ordinary-looking black saloon. He’s taking his mobile out of his pocket to check for messages: anyone wanting some late-night advice, which might require their file. He’s over beside his own car before he realizes there are two people inside the black saloon. Two men, it looks like, sitting there in the dark. As he unlocks his car, the passenger door of the other car is opening. A young man’s getting out, looking across at him. Looks well dressed. Dark coat, dark trousers, smart shoes. He’s walking briskly across, while the driver gets out to join him.

  ‘Excuse me,’ the young man’s saying, ‘Richard Hardy?’

  ‘Yes,’ Richard’s saying, a little uncertain. He has his car door half-open. He’s ready to drop in, if this turns out to be some nut, or some thug looking for information about one of his clients.

  ‘My name’s Detective Sergeant Lawrence Mullen. This is Detective Constable Edward Russell.’ He’s pulling his little wallet out of his pocket, holding it out for Richard to look at.

  Richard’s nodding. ‘Okay. How may I help you?’

  ‘We need you to come with us to the station to answer a few questions about one of your clients.’

  ‘The station? Am I being arrested?’

  ‘No, no, not at all. There are documents we would like you to see. Confirm they belong to one of your clients. You’re a witness, nothing more.’ Saying it with a reassuring smile.

  ‘Can I ask who it is you’re investigating?’

  ‘I don’t think it’s wise to discuss that out here on the pavement,’ the cop is saying, looking briefly around for show.

  Common sense says you don’t argue with the police. Being questioned may be damaging for his business, but it would be worse to cause a scene. Being arrested could be fatal for his business. A little bit of a panic. He’s dropped the mobile onto the driver’s seat of his car. He’s closing the car door, locking it and following the young cop across to his car. Then wishing he’d put the mobile in his pocket. Might need to call a lawyer. Too polite to ask if he can go back and get it. Too nervous to say anything.

  ‘We’ll try not to keep you long,’ the cop’s saying, sounding a little disinterested. ‘We’ll drop you back here when we’re done.’ He seems nice.

  Richard’s getting into the back of the car. Detective Mullen is sitting beside him, the older one back in the driving seat. Starting the car. No great rush to it. The policemen both seem relaxed, and that’s relaxing Richard. The initial shock replaced by natural nerves. Richard’s not the sort of person who finds himself in the company of the police often.

  ‘Am I in any sort of trouble?’ Richard’s asking. It’s been a couple of minutes of silence. He feels the need to say something.

  ‘Oh no,’ Mullen’s saying with an impatient shake of his head. ‘You might have information that’s useful to us. One of your clients. We’ll not question you under caution. If you’d feel more comfortable with a lawyer present, then you can call one when we reach the station. It’s entirely up to you.’

  He’s paying Richard no attention. Looking out the window, then looking straight ahead. The driver, he seems more interested. Richard’s seen him looking back in the mirror a few times. The driver, DC Russell, is starting to look nervous. Making Richard feel as though there’s more to this. Like maybe he is in trouble. Okay, he’s turned a blind eye to a few things. There are things he’s hidden away that should have been left in the open. Never pretended he was an angel. But, come on, that’s hardly a big deal, is it? He’s done nothing that he ought to be ashamed of, he’s damned sure of that.

  ‘Could you at least tell me what this relates to?’ he’s asking Mullen. He needs to hear something reassuring. Anything.

  ‘We’re investigating the way in which one of your clients makes his money. We believe he uses his legitimate business as a front for criminal activities. We just want to ask you a few questions. You’re under no suspicion. If anything,’ Mullen’s saying, ‘you’re a victim, too.’

  The initial shock masked it. Now it’s seeping through. The feeling that something isn’
t right. The cop who couldn’t care less and his nervous driver. These two want to ask him about a client. Want to ask about his money. So why take him away from the office? Richard is sneaking a look at Mullen. So relaxed, that one. Surely if there’s something they need to find out, they would have stayed at the office. They would want him to look things up. Go through his files. Check figures. That’s what he does. Can’t do it from the station. Surely they’re going about this the wrong way. He wants to say something. Wants to tell the cop they might be better doing this back where they started. Looking at Mullen again. That disinterested look doesn’t seem reassuring any more.

  2

  He’s had a vague awareness of their surroundings as they’ve been driving. Familiar streets, so he hasn’t paid much attention. Now he’s starting to look. To focus on where they’re going. This isn’t into the city centre. This is north. This is away from the built-up areas. It doesn’t seem to make an awful lot of sense. He’s looking around sharply.

  Mullen’s glancing at him. ‘Won’t be long now.’

  Richard’s sitting back in the seat. Pointless to complain. This is something too big for him to fight against. His life has always been about the confidence of others. Other people take command. He facilitates. It worked for him. Not a perfect life, sure, but better than many. Sit back and let other people play their games. Stay quiet. Stay friendly.

  They’ve left the city behind. Richard isn’t saying anything. This might not be as bad as it looks. As bad as it feels. Maybe they just want information. They might knock him around a little. Or just take him to the scene of a crime and ask some questions. Yeah, that could be it. Certainly nothing to gain from complaining. Rarely is. Quiet and friendly. Let them do as they please, and walk away from this. Neither of them has said a word for a while now. The silence is becoming uncomfortable again. Threatening even. Richard feels a need to say something, just for the sake of politeness. It’s how he handles clients. Never let things get too cold. Keep them talking. Not these fellows–they’re not interested in anything he has to say. Not yet, anyway.

  They’ve avoided the main roads. Richard’s noticed that. Maybe this is the route they have to take to get where they’re going. Certainly not something he’s going to mention. Not the sort of thing these guys would want to discuss with him. Richard’s taking another look at Mullen. ‘DS Mullen’ is what he said. He looks a little young to be a Detective Sergeant. Means he has a higher rank than the one driving, who’s obviously older. Richard’s had clients over the years who’ve told him a few scare stories about the police. They are willing to use scare tactics if they think it’ll get a response. This must be what their scare tactics look like. Scary, he’ll give them that.

  Still going. Still on minor roads, very little traffic. Richard doesn’t recognize where they are. Well out of the city now, that’s for sure. Looks like the countryside. His hands are beginning to shake. Not sure why. Not sure what’s changed. He keeps telling himself that it’ll be fine. These things don’t happen to people like him. Why should they? Everything will be fine, if he just keeps quiet and doesn’t cause any bother. Tell them what they want to know. Doesn’t matter who it incriminates; tell them whatever they need to hear. All you can do is be honest. When they have what they want, they’ll let you go.

  Turning to glance at Mullen. A cold look shot back at him. The young cop’s attitude has changed. More unpleasant than before. Just you wait, young man. When this is done, there will be complaints. People like you always get their comeuppance. Starting to realize why he’s become so much more nervous. The driver is slowing. Looking for something. Looking for a turn-off. Only country lanes to turn onto around here.

  ‘That’s it, on your right,’ Mullen’s saying to the driver. Speaking quietly. He doesn’t sound nervous.

  The driver’s slowing and turning carefully. No lights on the road ahead. Feels bumpy. Not much of a road at all. More of a track. What could there be around here that has anything to do with Richard’s business? Stay calm. Don’t let them see that you’re nervous. That’ll only annoy them, and there’s nothing to gain from that. Trees on either side of them. The car’s crawling along the track. Been going for a few minutes now. Pitch-black. No sign of lights ahead. They must be into some sort of woodland. A part of the world that Richard Hardy could not be less familiar with. This is making no sense at all. Richard’s looking at Mullen. Mullen’s not looking back. He’s just staring ahead, into the darkness.

  The car’s slowing almost to a stop. There’s a building there. Looks like a barn, but Richard only caught a glimpse in the headlights. The car’s stopping beside it, reversing. Turning to face the other way.

  ‘No, a little further,’ Mullen’s saying.

  The driver’s moving the car a fraction to the right.

  ‘That’s it,’ Mullen’s saying now. Satisfied they’re in the exact place. Exact place for what?

  The driver’s switched the engine off, but left the headlights on. Shining off into the trees. Ahead of them a circle of flat land beside the barn where they’ve parked, and trees all around. Now the driver, DC Russell, is getting out of the car. Doesn’t seem to be doing so with any great enthusiasm. He’s closed his door, left the two of them alone in the back. Russell’s walking round behind the car. Richard’s turning to look. Russell’s opening the boot.

  ‘Your client, Hugh Francis,’ Mullen’s saying quietly. It’s a slight struggle to hear him. Russell’s clattering about in there, taking things out of the boot that sound heavy. Something rustling, something else dropped on the ground.

  ‘Mr Francis, yes, the garage owner,’ Richard’s saying enthusiastically. Such a nice young man, Shug Francis. Always treated Richard well, always been loyal. Richard does his books for him. Handles his payroll. Has more employees than he ought to, and Richard hides that for him. Not a big deal.

  ‘What can you tell me about his financial records?’

  ‘Well, er, I don’t know. This would be easier back at the office with his records in front of me.’ Pausing, considering. ‘There have been times when, I guess you could say, I’ve wondered about one or two things. Some of the money he brings in, where it comes from. Why he has quite so many employees. Nothing blatant. Nothing significant, I wouldn’t have said.’ Pausing again. That didn’t sound like enough. He needs to offer them more to keep them happy. ‘Of course I’d be willing to show you the complete accounts.’

  Mullen hasn’t said anything. Just a raising of eyebrows, and Richard knows what it means. Knows the cop is saying that looking at the books means nothing. Means the police know that Richard’s been subtly adjusting the figures to make Francis Autos look more legitimate than it really is.

  ‘I admit that I’ve… ensured that, er, Shug’s books add up. Perhaps I’ve broken the law. I accept that. I’ve needed to make sure that the figures add up. I basically handle his payroll. I needed to make the figures work for the number of employees he has.’ Talking more quickly as the sentences go on.

  Mullen’s nodding, as if he knows all this already. It’s because he knows it that he’s here. He knows that for the last few years Richard has been making sure that all Shug’s people get paid each month.

  There’s a thump behind them. The boot closing. Richard’s catching a glimpse of DC Russell walking past the car with a large bundle under his arm. Hard to see what it is. He’s walking in front of the car now. Dropping the bundle on the ground. It looks blue. He’s pulling something out. Also blue. Looks like a sheet of tarpaulin. He’s spreading it out carefully, about halfway between the trees and the car. Now he’s picking up the rest of the bundle and walking across to the trees. He’s only gone about three or four feet into them. Still in view of the car. Richard and Mullen both watch him. Each seems as concerned as the other. Watching him lay out the rest of the tarpaulin. Carefully taking out the contents that had been wrapped within it. Two shovels. Something white. Looks like a towel. Russell starting to dig. Richard’s watching. He can no longer hide the
fact that his hands are shaking.

  Mullen’s moving his head left and right. Trying to get a better view of his colleague digging. A sigh. Mullen’s getting out of the car. Walking round the other side, opening Richard’s door. ‘Come on–out,’ he’s saying. Still talking quietly.

  Richard’s doing as he’s told. Always doing what he’s told. That’s his life. Looking across to Russell. He’s hacking at the turf with his shovel, trying to roll up lines of it and place the turf on the tarpaulin beside him. Mullen’s glancing across at his colleague. There’s a roll of the eyes and a tsk of the tongue. He’s clearly not impressed; obviously feels he could do the job better himself. Must be why he’s the senior one.

  ‘What’s he…’ Richard begins to ask and then stops himself. If they want him to know, they’ll tell him. It’s not his place to ask questions. He’s not even sure he wants to know.

  He can feel Mullen reach out and touch his arm. A glance at Mullen’s hand. A moment of confusion. Mullen appears to have some sort of glove on. The sort of thin, clear glove the cleaners use when they’re working in his office. Must have put them on since he got out of the car. He’s pushing Richard gently forward. Leading him to the sheet of tarpaulin that Russell has placed in the middle of the clearing.

  They’re both standing in silence. Watching Russell dig away at the ground beneath him, putting all the dirt on the plastic sheet. Grunting as he digs. Not a man who’s used to this sort of labour. He’s sweating heavily; even in this strange light you can see that. Slowing down all the time. Every now and then Richard can hear a little sigh of exasperation escape from Mullen. Subtle, but the only other noise is coming from Russell. The exasperation comes every time Russell makes a mess, misses the tarpaulin with a little mud, that sort of thing. Tiring arms flinging the mud around. Richard’s turned to look at Mullen a couple of times. Saw him look at his watch once. Other than that, he’s just watching Russell. Watching carefully, waiting for something. Presumably waiting for him to finish digging. Richard doesn’t want to think about the digging. Not entirely sure what it’s all about. Might be digging something up. There’s a little voice in the back of his mind scoffing at him. Telling him it’s entirely obvious what Russell’s digging. It’s your grave, old man.