The Rise: A Short Story by Ian Rankin

Author:Ian Rankin [Rankin, Ian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
Published: 2023-10-31T16:00:00+00:00

The crime scene tape was still cordoning off the reception desk and control room. A concierge stood by the lift, next to a man in chef’s whites and a hostess trolley complete with covered silver salvers. When the doors opened, the chef wheeled the trolley into the lift while the concierge keyed in the required floor before stepping back. Gish and Milton squeezed in beside the chef. The name of a five-star hotel on Park Lane was embroidered on his uniform.

‘Bit of a step up from Deliveroo,’ Milton commented. ‘Who’s the lucky recipient?’

‘Eighth floor.’

‘Roisin Gallacher? She often order from you?’

‘They all do.’

‘You know what happened here last night?’

‘I heard.’

‘Good that it hasn’t affected Mrs Gallacher’s appetite.’

‘People have to eat.’ The doors opened and the chef manoeuvred his trolley through the gap. Gish and Milton were silent as the lift continued to the penthouse. No one was answering, however, and the same was true at Jessica Forrester’s door.

‘The spa?’ Gish suggested. Milton nodded his agreement. They found Forrester on the banquette there, legs tucked beneath her, dressed in a plump white robe. Her hair was wet from a recent swim and she was sipping white wine with Allan Franklyn. Only a few centimetres separated them, though both shifted when they recognised the detectives.

‘Two birds with one stone,’ Gish said. Then, to Franklyn: ‘Could you make yourself scarce for ten or fifteen minutes?’

‘Is there news?’

‘Ten or fifteen minutes,’ Gish repeated. Franklyn looked questioningly at Forrester before rising to his feet and making for the lift. Gish took his place while Milton stayed standing.

‘One quick question, Ms Forrester,’ Gish began. ‘Why did you think Dwayne Hogarth might be able to supply you with drugs?’

Forrester took a few seconds before managing a look of amazement. ‘Who says I did?’

‘Dwayne told one of your neighbours. He wasn’t happy about it, either. I’m just wondering if he brought it up with you at any point?’

‘How could he – it’s not remotely true!’ Colour had flooded Forrester’s pale cheeks.

‘Then why was he so upset?’

‘How the hell would I know?’

‘And why make the accusation? Any bad blood between the two of you?’

‘Absolutely not.’ She ran a hand through her hair. ‘Wait though . . .’

‘Yes?’

‘A few weeks ago, he tried hitting on me. I’d come back from a party a bit tiddly. He asked if I wanted him to help me back to my flat. Came out from behind the desk, took me by the arm. I shook myself free, sobering up fast.’ She looked at Gish. ‘You know how it is. I’ve had more than my fair share.’

Gish nodded. ‘We’ve spoken with Mr Tan. Hopefully he won’t be hanging around outside any more.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Won’t stop him wanting paying though,’ Milton cautioned.

‘So you’re saying you rejected Dwayne’s advances?’ Gish continued.

‘Bloody right I did – and I could see he wasn’t happy about it. That poor girlfriend of his, I very much doubt she was the only woman in his life.’ She looked to left and right as though checking for eavesdroppers.

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