The Harrogate Crime Series: Books 1 – 3 by Malcolm Hollingdrake

Author:Malcolm Hollingdrake [Hollingdrake, Malcolm]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-01-22T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

There were eight officers in the briefing room when Cyril stepped through the door, his electronic cigarette in one hand and a bone china cup and saucer in the other. They looked out of place amongst the water bottles and mugs that had been left on the table by his colleagues.

“One day you will all see the light and realise tea and china are totally compatible.” He smiled, inhaled the vapour and relaxed into his chair.

Owen started the briefing. “We’ve not got all the details back but a couple of the students who were in the same halls of residence as Peter Anton tell the tale that he was a keen gambler even then. Thought he had it cracked mathematically and even though he was working in his spare time, he had debts.”

“Doesn’t every student?” Cyril responded whilst sipping his tea.

“One guy, a Carl Jones, told the officer that he was threatened by some guys regarding a fairly large amount of money that he owed. When questioned he seemed to remember that they were of Asian origin. This might be the reason he worked predominantly in the Chinese trades. Was he paying back debts?”

“Did you go to the cash and carry?” Liz asked.

“Yes, he worked for them most weekends, usually in the accounts. It was all above board too. They were pleased with his work, so much so that he was employed by them immediately after finishing University until he got a permanent job at the accountants, Jones and Croucher. It was for about six months.”

“Where did he live after Uni?”

“According to his employers, he was sharing a flat with two students. Just a second…” Owen flicked through his notes. “Yes, here it is. The flat was in Chadwick Street. Actually, when I checked, they’re very posh apartments that look onto the canal. It’s near the Armouries. Not cheap by all accounts but some Middle Eastern students often rent there so it’s not unusual. I thought it strange but if he were being paid well it shouldn’t have been a problem, particularly sharing.”

One of the officers who had been chewing a pencil for most of the briefing made a solitary contribution. “Who were the flatmates?”

“We don’t know at this stage but that’s being looked into. It shouldn’t be difficult to find out providing everything was above board. If he were crashing on someone’s couch, we’ve no chance. I’ve requested the names of all tenants for that period and we’ll see if anything shows. I’ll pass that task to you to chase, Stuart.” Owen looked at the officer chewing the pencil and smiled.

“Remind me to keep my big mouth shut,” he grumbled with a smile. The others around the table giggled.

“Anything to add Liz?” Cyril asked as he finished the last drop of his tea.

“When we interviewed the truck driver, he informed us that Stella organised the taxi to and from the meeting. It’s logical. I’ve checked her phone records and there’s no taxi company number on the phone. I’ve

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