F for Fraud – Azure Spark. Part 6
[Background music at the end. This story will be posted in full after the Challenge for those of us that like to read everything in one complete telling,]
FRAUD – Wednesday Midday
Faking a way inside GEE’s building is as fruitless as forced entry. Nothing illegal has occurred. I have no search warrant and no reason to act on a feeling – even if the tingling tempts me.
Even before I got my first tattoo as a teenage Goth – angel wings
across my shoulders – the sensation was a guide to follow or flout with fallout.
Teeth grinding, my report is curt, and I head the bike towards
Porthmadog. The speed limit on the A487 is an urge to be challenged. Wind
buffeting as I lean into the bends. Blood pumping as the bike roars. Foresight
urges I watch out for patrol cars.
I reached CID undetected.
Kama gestures to our Detective Inspector’s office door and
signs, ‘Trouble’. I nod and point to
the kitchen. Mint tea will help.
Ffion Baines stands up to the Chief Inspector, but that must
be a point at which her position is untenable.
We knock then enter, and I bring over Ffion’s mint tea.
“Thanks, Sparkle. A pity the Chief Inspector doesn’t
drink a fitting tea. Or even black coffee like you two. I fear your current
case is using too many police hours – well, according to our penny counters at
HQ. Fatuous when I have my best team unravelling it.”
“So, we’re off the case?”
“No, Kama. They say just one should remain – and
working from the office. I have my thoughts, but what do you suggest is the
best approach?”
My eyes hold my partner’s. Tears are hiding there. And the
answer.
“I will move off the case. Only one person can resolve
this – Sparkle. Her mind can fathom this maze.”
Ffion beams at us. “My thoughts exactly. Officially, you
will be assigned to another existing case, Kama. DS Wiley Yates needs someone
with your contacts assisting him on a fraud investigation. However, I cannot
stop you two continuing to discuss this case after hours. That’s impossible when
you live together, but I urge caution around this office.”
My stomach groans. Our worst fear – excepting the other’s
death.
Who knows? We’ve suspected Ffion ever since she and Marc Anwyl,
my tad, persuaded me to join CID. But suspicions would’ve remained in this
office.
“Cautious around whom? Kama and I always discuss things
quietly.”
“That may be where the snide insinuations began. You’ve
both figured I know you’re a couple as your tad did. But we said nothing. You
have every right to be lesbians in the NWP, and nobody in this office or
station has any right to abuse you for your convictions. I’m just warning you
for the sake of your relationship.”
“And Wiley? How will his team react? Not that their frame
of mind will stop me.”
“Wiley is firm. You can trust him, but I can’t be sure
of everyone he interacts with. Just be careful, please. Thank you.”
Back at our desks, Kama messages me the latest forensic
report, then walks over to Wiley’s desk.
My eyes are unable to focus. Fuzzy. Working on the same case
was a blessing. The sting in my eyes must be hidden. Even if the pain remains –
unless our hours remain similar. Bed, beach and breakfast.
At least she won’t be distracted by Wiley, the office catch – dark, tall and single. The new DC, Vivian Utkin, is welcome to dote on him.
Focus.
Forensics confirm that the two victims may have been in the
seawater – but not for long. The black substance is pitch and there are traces
of timber as in boatbuilding. There are no new leads. Another road block.
I ring the hospital. Vic Vaughn is still behaving confused
and now fearful.
“He’s afraid that I want to sedate him,” says the
doctor. “But he won’t say why I might do that. A curious case of amnesia
might cause such behavioural frustrations, but there are so many variables. The
flux following his friend fleeing. Unknown factors.”
Fearful of another lecture, I say, “please let me know
as soon as someone can interview him, please.”
“Have you found Ellis Evans?”
“Not yet, Doctor. All our units have been alerted,
never fear. I’ll be in touch soon.”
Göteborg Electric Engineers is the only remaining lead. The Skoda Octavia is one of theirs – a fleet vehicle. No
traceable driver.
Ffyc.
Stretch that frayed mind. How was the package sent? We have
the delivery company’s details.
I ring them.
“Detective Anwyl, North Wales police here. I need to
know about a package delivered to GEE today. We know it originated in Göteborg,
Sweden, but please can you tell me where it arrived in Wales? And the contents
– were they divulged?”
“I’ll check that, but I will have to call you back. CID
where?”
“Porthmadog.”
Always suspicious when we ring, but we could be anybody –
even the Fraud Squad. That would be an irony if our case was fraud like
Wiley’s. I message my suggestion to Kama. I can visualize the grin.
The phone rings.”Dashiel Gofer here. That package originated for our company at Pembroke Dock in South Wales. I believe that it came off a freighter from Göteborg. The contents were recorded as garden products. Vague, I’m afraid. I do very much hope that I have been of assistance, Detective.”
F for Fraud and Freight. G for Göteborg and Garden. A for Amnesia.
“Very much so, and we always appreciate the help.”
GAFF. From a trick to even nautical meanings. Were the marks
made by a metal hook? Whatever the game, there were victims.
Is Göteborg the lead? Or part of the gaff?
[image error]Pembroke Dock in South Wales –https://businessnewswales.com/bomboras-european-headquarters-based-pembroke-dock-wales/
For further details on this theme visit my Blogging from A to Z Theme Reveal, and on
the evolution of Sparkle Anwyl visit Snowdon Shadows.
Other A to Z Bloggers can be found via the Blogging from A to
Z website’s Master List –
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/2019/03/link-to-view-master-list-and.html
^*^
And now
for something completely different.
“Music hath
charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”
William Congreve –
The Mourning Bride
