‘Is there anything you’d like to add, Detective Sergeant?’ She raised a well-teased eyebrow and Tom thought he could detect a touch of gentle sarcastic humour.

Tom was about to answer when she held up a hand to silence him. ‘Before you answer, I should say that the CPS will be looking for a simple resolution to this case. They are probably going to offer to plead guilty to misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. We may also get conspiracy to kidnap for Jones and Taylor, but I don’t think we will push too hard. I think everyone is keen to avoid a trial, particularly with the undercover aspect to this case. I’m sure you would rather not appear as a witness at court?’

‘I can think of other things I would rather do,’ Tom said, averting his gaze, which he imagined told volumes.

‘Well, all good then. As long as you’re happy I know everything I need to know?’

‘I think I’ve said everything appropriate, ma’am.’

‘Ugh, don’t call me that! I hate being called “ma’am”,’ she said with disgust. ‘It makes me feel old and like a lower grade crusty royal, call me “boss”, please.’

‘Sure thing, boss.’

‘Right, Tom, we’ll be in touch. Now, I believe that you’re expected back at Kilburn. I think the Borough Commander is expecting you, as well as Stan,’ she said with a straight face.

‘Stan? How do you know Stan?’

‘Doesn’t everyone know Stan, Sergeant Novak?’ Her smile this time was warm and genuine.

37

A Week Later

Zjelko Branko left the small bar at about 11pm, walking out onto a grimy back street in Belgrade to begin the slow journey back to his dingy hotel room in the most insalubrious area of the once great city. He had drunk far too much beer and vodka, as had been the pattern since arriving in the city over a week ago, and he staggered slightly as he negotiated the rough footway, cursing his failure to secure a woman to while away the evening with.

For the first time ever, he felt a little lost in his home city, being, as he was, very short of available funds. The city felt claustrophobic and down-at-heel to him and he’d resolved that, as soon as his situation improved, he would move on to somewhere new.

He had managed to hook-up with an old associate from his White Eagle days, who owned the hotel and had offered him the use of it for a few weeks until he could sort out some funds. Once they were secured, he should be good to go for a considerable time; maybe he could buy a nice Alpine retreat in the old country.