Chapters (20)
“Release Rosco from custody,” he said. “Then I’ll start some rumours that Rosco’s talked to the police about the Sinclair fire, and you’re considering reopening the case. I’ll say he had to give you information about the arson to persuade you that he had nothing to do with the Franks murder. That’ll scare Barnes. That will flush him out for you. He’ll want to shut Rosco up before the case comes to court.”
“I can’t do that,” she said, shocked. “ I can’t put Rosco in that sort of danger.”
“Why not?” Rolfe said, and she knew then that bitterness had made him insane. “If Barnes finishes off Rosco, you can do him for murder.”
“I won’t do it,” she said, but she was fascinated all the same with the details of his plan. “How would you start the rumours?”
He shrugged. “I’ve still got informants,” he said. “People who work for Barnes. They worked for me when I was in the force, and they still do. The money’s just the same to them, whether it comes from my pocket or petty cash.
“Barnes would never believe them,” she said.
“He might. If he’s scared enough.”
And he’s scared already, Claire thought, with George Palmer-Jones’ turning up at Rashwood Hall. For a moment she was tempted to go along with the idea. There was some attraction in having a quick, if dangerous, end to the case, but she knew it would not do.
“No,” she said. “ I can’t allow it. It’s far too risky.”
“Suit yourself,” he said, and lay back on the bench, his eyes narrowed against the sun, watching the smooth underarm action of the bowler. She was surprised by his compliance. She had expected him to put up more of a fight.
“Well,” she said, standing, “thanks for the information anyway.” But he seemed not to hear her and did not answer.
It was only when she was on her way past the pavilion that he spoke, and by then she was well out of earshot.
“It’s not up to you to allow me anything, lady. I’m not a policeman now. I can do what I bloody well choose.”