Before leaving the interview room I took a chance and asked Bailey if he had any news on the Brendan Jones investigation. He looked at me quizzically and told me he had no idea what I was on about. I explained that I had been visited by his colleagues DI Wilmott and DI Cowley, as I was one of the last people to see Brendan before he was found dead. Again, he looked at me with confusion on his face. ‘This Wilmott and Cowley, did they definitely say they worked out of Peckham Police Station?’ he asked.

‘As far as I remember. Said they were CID I think.’

‘Just hold on here a moment and I’ll go and have an ask about.’

‘That’s very kind of you. Wayne is a nice bloke you know, just saying.’

‘Yeah, I reckon you’re right.’

Bailey left the room and returned about ten minutes later and informed me that nobody in the major investigation team had heard of Brendan Jones and there certainly was no ongoing investigation into his death. Likewise, he could confirm that there were no officers connected with the station called either Wilmott or Cowley. He asked me if I wanted to provide a statement or make a complaint against whoever was posing as a police officer. I declined. I instinctively felt that I was best off staying as far away as possible from this business. I was also still stunned by the gradual realization that Brendan might not be dead.

As soon as I got out of the station, I tried Brendan’s telephone number again. It was still no longer in service. My next instinct was to telephone DI Cowley, but as soon as this thought crossed my mind I remembered his sudden departure from the play area, which meant they once again hadn’t given me their telephone number. Once back in my office I sent a message to Brendan via his work email.

Hi Brendan

Was great to see you and your socks the other night. Shame you had to leave early. I stayed on and got chatting to a really nice lass, so, to be honest, I’m glad you fucked off! I bumped into her a couple of days later and she didn’t seem interested but I’m going to follow your advice and ‘pursue till it’s through’.

One bit of bad news… those documents that we are holding for you (your will, title deeds etc.) were stolen from my office on Sunday evening. No need to panic – I have details of them all on my computer and will be able to get replacements.

On a more positive note, could you give me a ring at your earliest… got some work I can put your way.

Cheers,

Gary

I received a reply almost by return from John McCoy, the owner of Cityside Investigations.