“Sounds even less credible,” said Baker aggressively, “why were they searching the house if their main purpose was as you say, to scare you, what could they have been looking for?” Baker was obviously designated the ‘black hat’ in this interrogation.
“Does any one else live at the house, your brother for example?” interrupted Naismith, “He could have had something valuable that these men were looking for Sam,” he said turning to Baker with a 'be reasonable' look.
Definitely a game going on here, I thought. “Why are you so interested in my brother,” I said looking directly at Naismith. “You brought his name up last night and here it is again, nothing to do with a car theft.”
“Does he live with you?” Baker said sharply, ignoring my question.
“No he does not,” I said heatedly.
“When was the last time you saw him?”
“He stayed with me a few nights ago and that was the first time I had seen him for some time.”
“Where is he now,” said Baker.
“I don't know, I assume he went home,” I responded.
“That’s a lie!” snapped Baker.
“Gentlemen,” said Cheadle, “I must ask you to explain your line of questioning which appears to have little relevance to the reason why we are here this morning.”
Naismith turned to me, “Your brother has a record Mr Lever, a record which indicates that he might be involved in things which are a threat to national security. Are you involved with him Mr Lever?”
“I don't know what you are talking about,” I responded with feigned surprise. “I am the victim here, it is me who has been attacked and threatened, and now you want to turn the whole thing around to blame me, what is your real agenda Inspector?”
Baker snorted and turned to Naismith. “Let's charge him with the car theft and move on.”
“I would advise you to think carefully about this,” said Cheadle. “My client is an important local businessman whose current public interests could be severely damaged if he were wrongfully arrested. Should he be wrongfully arrested we would hold you and this force liable for damages, damages that could be substantial.”
Naismith sat expressionless looking at us for what seemed and age and then with a grim smile “I don't think it helps getting in to threats,” he said looking at Cheadle. “Your client is free to leave now. That does not mean however, that he will not be charged at some future date.” With that he stood up and left the room.
I sat looking at Baker in silence for a few moments and then rose to my feet. The WPC opened the door and gesturing Ron to go first we left the room. As we did so I noticed a door to the left and on an impulse I opened it and walked in. It was an observation room with a one-way window, presumably through the mirror overlooking the interview room we had just left. Standing there talking to a balding middle-aged stranger, was Naismith.
“Sorry Inspector,” I said, “took the wrong turning,” at which I turned and left the room.
Downstairs we picked up Jason and left the station. There was a coffee shop across the road and I asked Ron if he had time for a cup and a chat before leaving.
Having ordered coffees the three of us sat down. “Well Ron, thanks for that. I think you stopped them in their tracks there. Not only was I about to be arrested but I think I was going to see the inside of a cell.”
“Maybe,” said Ron. “What was all that about your brother?”
“I don't know,” I lied. I had told no one of Adrian’s current predicament and I thought it best that it stayed that way for the time being.
“By the way” interrupted Jason, “my boss came back to me again and confirmed that Naismith is definitely Special Branch.”
There was a look of surprise on Ron’s face. “Well they certainly seemed to have something on their mind besides a car theft. Look Martin, reading between the lines I think if this were to go any further you need more specialised help than I can give you. I am basically a commercial lawyer and you need a criminal lawyer, possibly one with experience of anti-terrorism scenarios. I have a partner, Dave Withers, who has a lot of knowledge in this area, I recommend we bring him in if this goes further.”
“Anti Terrorism!” I exclaimed.
“Yes, I thought that at one stage they were going to invoke those regulations there and then to detain you.”
“A sobering thought,” I said, and sat there quietly drinking my coffee and wondering where Adrian was. Who had Naismith been talking to? Whoever it was he had obviously been observing the interview.
Back in the observation room Naismith was talking to Dawson. “Sorry we didn't get too far boss, he didn't scare easily and I judged it too risky to try and invoke special powers.”
“In the circumstances I agree,” said Dawson grudgingly. “However we need some more evidence.” I will stop that jumped up budding millionaire in his tracks and we need to find out where his brother is. Put a full team on him. I assume you have his ‘phone s monitored and house bugged? Hopefully his brother will make contact.”
“What do we do if we do find his brother, just follow and let you know?”
“Yes, unless you have a dead certain opportunity to take him without any one knowing, in which case do so, but make sure there are no mistakes. There is a rendition team on standby should that happen.”
“What about this Chief Super Fleet?” Said Dawson. “Do you know him?”
“It's a she,” said Naismith, “Fleet is a woman.”
“Oh! You can't talk to women, they always have too many scruples.”
“Yes and no better luck with the DI either, Lloyd is as unbendable as they come and follows the book to the letter. I know him of old.”
“Well,” sighed Dawson, “that makes it imperative that there are no cock ups and a snatch of the young Lever is done cleanly. Don't mess this one up Naismith.” he then turned and left.
Down in the squad room Naismith yelled across the room at a WPC in the corner. “Hailey, police constable Hailey, what the hell happened down there? How did Lever end up entering the observation room. He was in your charge.”
“Sorry sir,” said Hailey, “he just turned and opened the door without warning.”
“Well, keep a better eye on your charges in future, in the meantime get me another tea, two sugars mind you,” and he strode off to his office.
CHAPTER 21
Back at the office I went straight in to a development meeting, for which I was very late. I was not surprised to receive some irritable looks from around the room as I entered; I was normally a stickler for time keeping and tended to be sarcastic when other people were late. My presence was particularly important at this meeting as I was expected to guide the discussions in a meeting that was intended to put the final touches to a revised product strategy briefing for the board
That afternoon there was a board meeting at 3pm and I still had not had time to brief Alec on my morning adventures with Bath police. I tried to do so just before the meeting by going to his office only to find him ensconced with Frank. I interrupted; I thought it was urgent that I speak to them before the meeting.
“Good afternoon Frank, sorry to butt in Alec but I have something urgent.” I then went on to explain to them the events of the morning. “So you see Gentlemen it is possible that I could be charged with car theft, not a very good scenario for the director of a company about to list publicly!”
“Incredible, but I see what you mean, ” said Alec. Frank sat there quietly.
“The immediate issue is, do I declare this to the board this afternoon?”
“On balance, my view would be no,” said Frank. “We need more time to think about this and see what happens.”
“You mean to wait and see if I get bumped off!” I laughed grimly. We adjourned to the boardroom.
The board meeting was focussed on the product strategy presentation although Alec and Bill also reported on trading results and the on-going myriad of arrangements for the float.