THE MID WALES MYSTERIES by Clifford Nicola

Author:Clifford, Nicola
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Book Folks bestselling detective fiction anthologies
Published: 2023-10-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter thirteen

Ben and Jack sat at a corner table in the King’s Head pub in the centre of Llandovery, watching the evening crowd and waiting for the rest of the team. Julie and Mark arrived together and Ian brought up the rear. He still looked exhausted, eyes red, skin pale even under the subdued lighting. They ordered drinks then sat to catch up on various elements of the investigation.

Julie spoke first. ‘We managed to track down Cavendish’s aunt, lives alone in Llandrindod of all places. I’ve been in touch and made an appointment to visit her tomorrow. The number that was called from the old phone box was hers.’

‘That was a good piece of lateral thinking, Jules,’ Ben said. ‘Did you get hold of his parents’ details?’

‘Yep. I’ve been chatting with Avon and Somerset Constabulary and they have informed the Cavendishes of their son’s death. His aunt, Gwen Hammond, has also been informed. I’ve made an appointment to visit because I want to ask her about the solicitor she arranged. James Spencer is checking the guy out, but what I’d really like to know is how the aunt knew her nephew had been arrested. He didn’t take advantage of his phone call when we nicked him, so I don’t understand how Steve Bowen knew he was in custody, let alone turn up to represent him.’ Julie took a long drink from her glass.

‘That’s my girl,’ Jack said proudly. ‘That’s been nagging at me too.’

‘I’ve been thinking about the new recruit,’ Ian said. ‘This is a touch left-field, but I’m pretty sure we’ll know when the Consortium start talking to someone else online, so how about we intercept any new guy and substitute him with one of our own? If we could pull it off, not only would we have access to the encryption codes, but we’d probably find out who all these people are – including Mr Big – and nick the lot in one go.’ He buried his face in a pint of bitter.

‘You mean an undercover operation?’ Ben asked.

‘Why not? At least we can start online. I can pretend to be whoever they choose to fill the post of chemist and block the genuine replies. If we eventually need an actual person – well, we’ve got plenty of those.’

Ben thought for a moment before answering. ‘In theory that’s a good idea, but let’s be honest, the only manpower we have available are coppers and I’m pretty sure none of them still play with their chemistry sets. The Consortium employed a kid out of university last time and we’re all a touch too old, don’t you think?’

‘Not just too old,’ Mark huffed, ‘but too well known. In a small area like this, folk know most of us by sight. We’d be too obvious, surely.’

‘You could be right,’ Ben said, ‘but just because the cookhouse was local, doesn’t mean the members of the group are, they could be miles away.’ Ben drained his glass. ‘Another anyone?’

Jack nodded. ‘I’ll give you a hand, boss.

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