Blitz

The psychiatrist stared at Brant. All round the office were signs that thanked you for not smoking.

The psychiatrist wore a tweed jacket with patches on the sleeves. He had limp, fair hair that fell into his eyes, thus causing him to flick it back every few seconds. This doctor was convinced he had Brant’s measure.

He was wrong.

Said:

‘Now, Sergeant, I’d like you to tell me again about your violent urges.’

For the interview, Brant had dressed down. Beaten bomber jacket, blue jeans on their last wash, a pair of Dockers he’d bought in New York. He hadn’t shaved and this gave his granite face a blasted sheen. Now, he reached in his jacket, extracted a pack of Weights and a Zippo. The lighter was as worn as Brant but barely legible was the inscription:

‘1968’

Brant, smiling at the memory, cranked it. A cloud of smoke rose.

The doctor said,

‘Sergeant, I must insist you extinguish that.’

Brant took a particularly deep drag. The type that sucked your cheeks till you resembled a skull. Blowing out, he said,

‘And you’ll do what exactly if I don’t... arrest me?’

The doctor sighed, made a note on Brant’s chart. He was using a heavy, gold Schaeffer, proud of its splendour, said,

‘This doesn’t help your case, Sergeant.’

Brant smiled, said,

‘Nice pen.’

‘Oh?’

‘Yeah, it says a lot about you.’

In spite of himself, the doctor asked,

‘Oh, really? Pray tell.’

‘That you like a solid phallic symbol in your fingers.’

Almost rising to the bait, the doctor managed to rein in, said,

‘Sergeant, I’m not sure you realise the gravity of your situation. My report will be a major factor in whether you remain in the Force.’

Brant shot to his feet, startling the doctor, leaned over the desk, said,

‘You’re a little jumpy there, Doc.’

‘I must insist you re-take your seat.’

Brant moved closer, one knee up on the desk, said,

‘Thing is Doc, if I get bounced, I’m fucked. This is the only work I can do. So, if I’m out, I’m sure I’d lose it big time and do something truly reckless.’

The doctor, as part of his internship, had spent six months attached to an asylum for the criminally insane. He’d gone eyeball to eyeball with some of the most dangerous people on the planet.

Up close and almost personal.

None of them had scared him the way Brant’s eyes were scaring him now. He stammered,

‘Are... are you threatening... me...?’

Brant seemed to consider, appeared to back off, looking almost sheepish.

Almost.

The doctor, sensing victory, near shouted,

‘I should think not.’

Then Brant lunged, nutted him. The top of Brant’s head connecting with the bridge of the doctor’s nose, back he went, chair and all. Brant swung down off the top, came round the desk, pulled open a bottom drawer, said,

‘I knew it!’

Pulled out a bottle of Glenfiddich, two glasses. Grabbing the doc by the lapel of his jacket, he pulled him up, righted the chair, said,

‘Get a grip, for fuck’s sake.’

Poured two hefty wallops, shoved a glass into the doc’s hand, said,

‘Get that down you.’

The doctor did.

The booze hit him almost as hard as the nut. Brant poured an even greater dose, said,

‘Now you’re cooking.’

The doctor, born to an upper middle-class west London family, educated at the best schools, had never been physically struck in his life. As President of the Cambridge Debating Society, he’d flirted with verbal aggression. But among his own kind. In the asylums of his training, he’d had the backup of:

And, of course, the ultimate leveller — Thorazine.

Sure, driving his Bentley, he’d experienced mild road-rage and a woman, behind the safety of her windscreen, had once even mouthed,

Wanker.

Delicious thrill.

Now, he was in psychic shock, took the second drink like an automaton, drank it down. Brant stretched over, fixed his tie, straightened his lapels, said,

‘Sure, look at you, you’re a new man.’

He let himself out of the office without a backward glance. He’d left the Glenfiddich, perched centre desk, the cap on the blotter. The receptionist smiled and Brant said,

‘He’s asked not to be disturbed for the next hour.’

She gave an understanding nod, said,

‘Poor lamb, he works too hard.’

Brant considered asking her for a ride but she looked the deep type. She’d have issues and want to talk after.

He hated that.

Outside, he went to a phone kiosk, rang CIB. The police who police the police, bottom feeders. Brant said:

‘Could I speak to DI Crest?’

‘Speaking.’

‘Sir, I hate to rat out a fellow officer...’

Brant knew what was coming.

‘It’s not ratting out. We’re all on the same side. CIB are not the enemy, so you’re only doing your duty.’

‘That’s how I see it, sir. Doctor Hazel, our shrink... he’s drinking on the job. Even as we speak, he’s sloshing malted like a wino.’

‘And your name, officer?’

‘PC McDonald.’

And he rang off. The kiosk, of course, was awash with hooker advertisements. Every service available to man or beast. One:

He liked the sound of that, could hear the theme of Rawhide in his head. He jotted down the details with his newly acquired, heavy, gold Schaeffer.

PC McDonald had attempted to shaft Brant on more than one occasion. When word got out that he’d shopped Hazel — and word always got out — McDonald would be shunned. As Brant put the pen in his jacket, he said aloud,

‘Cap that.’

The day Roberts’ wife died, he was getting a bollocking from his Superintendent.

Like this.

The Super, nibbling on a rich tea biscuit, said between bites:

‘Brant is for the high jump.’

‘Sir?’

Roberts’ managed to inject just enough cheek to pass muster.

‘And I blame you, Roberts.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘How many times did I tell you to reign him in?’

‘Many... many times... sir.’

Now the Super caught the tone, shouted:

‘I don’t care for your manner, laddie.’

‘No, sir.’

That’s when the phone rang. The Super snapped up the receiver, barked:

‘What?’

The expression on his face changed and he glanced at Roberts, said,

‘I see.’

He didn’t.

Roberts felt ice along his spine.

The Super said,

‘Take a seat, Chief Inspector.’

The use of the title warned Roberts it was going to be rough. The Super pulled open a drawer, a replica of the one belonging to Brant’s doctor. Even the bottle was a twin. And of course, the requisite two glasses. He poured near Irish measures, pushed one across, said,

‘Drink that like a good man.’

Roberts did. He didn’t want to ask, wanted to postpone whatever was coming. The whiskey kicked like a mugger. Warmth invaded his stomach. The Super said,

‘There’s been some bad news.’

‘Oh?’

‘Your wife...’

The Super couldn’t recall her name so plunged on. ‘She’s been in a car accident.’

‘Is it serious?’

‘She’s dead.’

Roberts stared at his empty glass. The Super leant over, added a fresh jolt. Roberts asked,

‘How did it happen?’

‘She was rear-ended in Dulwich. Killed instantly.’

Roberts walloped down the drink, shuddered and said,

‘Maggie Thatcher lived down the road.’

‘Excuse me?’

‘Yeah, she put property values through the roof. My mortgage is a killer.’

Then, realising what he’d said, he gave a bleak smile.

The Super stood, said,

‘We’ll get you home. Your son will have to be told.’

‘Son?’

‘Yes, your boy?’

‘I have a daughter.’

“Course you do, my memory is not the machine it was. Let’s get you going, eh?’

While not quite being the bum’s rush, it was in the neighbourhood. The Super came round the desk, put a hand around Roberts’ shoulders. Roberts said,

‘I could go another round of that malt.’

‘Better not, laddie. Alcohol on an empty stomach and all that.’

Roberts got to his feet, staggered, said,

‘I never liked her, you know?’

The Super wanted him out and now, said,

‘It’s shock, Chief Inspector, you don’t mean that.’

As roaring alcohol does, it turns nasty as quick as benevolent. Belligerence clouded Roberts’ face and he near shouted:

‘Listen up, you prick. Christ, you’re so used to barking orders, you never hear anybody. I loved her, I just never liked her.’

The Super, stunned at the verbal attack, tried not to react, said in the voice ‘the manual’ suggested for such circumstances:

‘I’m going to forget that last outburst. We’ll put it down to trauma.’

A knock on the door. The Super said,

‘Come in.’

PC McDonald, gorgeous as ever, entered. He took, as Woody Allen says,

   ‘Handsome lessons.’

He was the Super’s new hatchet boy. Though from Glasgow, he managed to convey the culture of Edinburgh. That is, he’d ironed out the creases so his accent resembled Sean Connery’s burr. Recently, his carelessness had nearly cost WPC Falls her life. He knew that Brant knew that. More than ever, in collusion with the Super, he hoped to shaft:

      Brant

      Roberts

      Falls

      The Scottish Tourist Board.

The Super said,

‘Constable, please see to it that the Chief Inspector gets home and stay with him.’

‘Yes, sir.’

Inwardly he sighed. Babysitting that git did not come into his plans. He led Roberts outside, where a Volvo was waiting. Roberts said,

‘A bloody Volvo!!

‘Car pool is tight today, sir.’

Got Roberts in the back and slid behind the wheel. Adjusted the mirror so he could get a good look. Didn’t much stomach what he saw. A dowdy officer, looking like he’d done a month’s night duty on the Railton Road. Roberts asked,

‘Got a cigarette?’

‘Don’t smoke, sir.’

‘Me neither, but what the fuck has that to do with anything?’

PC falls was attempting to re-touch her roots. Not her hair, her heritage. Reared in Brixton, she’d been proud of her colour.

Black was beautiful.

...and she’d begun to lose it.

Chip

  Chip

    Chip

      Away.

The foundations of her confidence had eroded. Not without reason. The death of her father, the loss of a pregnancy, suicide of her best friend, indebtedness to Brant and her flirtation with alcoholism.

Who wouldn’t be hurting and badly?

She was.

Of all the loss, in truth, she most missed herself. At a recent knees-up Brant, in his bastardised Irish fashion, had played Van Morrison. That Belfast dude knew about ghettos. She’d been mesmerised.

Brant had said,

‘Van’s the man.’

‘Might be.’

But Brant knew he’d struck a chord. Gave her the wolf smile, all teeth and malevolence. Thus she’d bought Astral Weeks. In an attempt to re-black, she’d bought:

the huge selling platinum albums by Tupac Shakur. Then, on the news, she’d seen teenage members of The West Side Boyz Militia with ‘2 Pac’ on their T-shirts. She checked him out and found that he’d been a hot actor and was murdered after a Mike Tyson fight in Las Vegas. In Brixton Market, she’d bought a framed picture of him to put on her shelf. Wasn’t doing the job though.

Recently, she’d taken the Sergeant’s exam. Brant had said,

‘You’re a shoo-in. The fucks won’t flunk a black chick.’

Chick!

Mind you, it was nothing compared to names he’d called her in the past.

She failed.

A WPC from Asia passed so The Guardian wouldn’t be revving up. What Falls had done was call Porter Nash. An openly gay sergeant, he was her new best friend. He’d answered with:

‘Yell-o.’

‘Porter, it’s Falls.’

‘Hi, hon.’

‘I failed the exam.’

‘The bastards.’

‘Can you help me?’

‘With what, hon?’

‘A night out.’

‘Done deal.’

‘Thanks, Porter. I want to get legless.’

‘Like tequila?’

‘Love it.’

She’d never had it.

‘There’s a pub near Warwick Square, right by Paddington Station called The Sawyers Arms. Meet you there at eight.’

She visualised the map, then,

‘Porter!’

‘What?’

‘That’s west London.’

‘So? You need to circulate.’

She injected whine and cred into her voice, an impressive feat, said,

‘It’s not my manor. Wot dey say to a black girl from Brixton?’

He laughed, a warm sound, said,

‘It’s Paddington, they do black.’

Reverting to her own voice, she said,

‘But they do to blacks... what?’

‘My bleeper’s going, dress hot... we’re clubbing.’

Click.

When he’d been assigned to her nick, word preceded him. His rep was good: ‘street cop’, the best recommendation. But larger than that, he was gay; that he’d risen to sergeant was a bloody miracle. The day of his arrival, graffiti appeared on the toilet walls.

In the gents and ladies.

What the liberals term ‘Informed discrimination’.

Yeah.

The canteen was jammed for the first coffee break. No one was going to miss this. Even Gladys, the tea lady, was a-tingle. When Porter arrived, a hush fell. He’d gone to the counter, got a tea and two sugars. What the cops called ‘a Sid Vicious’. They’d all seen Sid and Nancy. Gary Oldman, wrecked on every chemical known to man, shouts at his record company rep, who had asked what he wanted:

‘Cup a tea, yah cunt... and two sugars.’

Gladys admired Porter’s courtesy. His lovely voice, saying:

‘Please.’

And wonders, ‘Thank you’.

She said to her husband later,

‘Say what you like but them ‘nancy boys’ have lovely manners.’

After Porter had his tea, he stood and moved to leave. All eyes on him, he turned at the door, said,

‘Even I’d draw the line at blowing Brant.’

Stunned silence.

Then rapturous applause and howls of approval.

He was in.

The arrangements for Mrs Roberts were fast and cheap. Roberts was in serious financial shit and had settled for a Croydon cremation. The most expensive item was the urn. Brant had driven him over there. No other officer attended, mainly because they weren’t told. Even Falls had got the message:

The crematorium was a nondescript building near the Mecca Bingo. As Brant and Roberts entered, a couple were coming out with their urn. Brant said,

‘Business is brisk.’

Roberts didn’t answer, a wave of nausea hit him and he put out a hand to touch the wall. Brant got him a chair, produced a hip flask, said,

‘Get that down yah.’

He did.

It burned like a bastard. He said,

‘I don’t know can I go through with this.’

‘You’ll be okay, it’s over in jig time.’

‘You think I should have gone for a burial?’

‘No, it’s all the same deal. You’re saving a few bob, she’d be glad.’

‘My daughter wouldn’t come.’

‘Smart girl.’

‘She’s shacked up with an Asian guy in Coldharbour Lane.’

Brant knew a great joke involving curry but felt he might hold on to it. A man emerged from an office, approached, said,

‘We’re ready for you, Mr Roberts.’

They entered a small room. There was a row of pews and what appeared to be a miniature assembly line. A coffin was placed on it, near smothered in white roses. Roberts asked,

‘Who got the flowers?’

Brant near smiled, said,

‘Guy on the stalls in Streatham owed me a favour; does a clean line in the fruit and veg.’

In fact, he’d also sent over a dozen pineapples but the crematorium caretaker had had those away. A tape began to play; it sounded like a Welsh choir-gone-boy band. Obviously well used, as it skipped in parts, startling the listener. Brant said,

‘Me, I like a nice Moody Blue.’

The attendant began to remove the flowers and signalled: ‘It’s time.’

Brant nudged Roberts, said,

‘Couple of last words, guv.’

Roberts couldn’t move so Brant led him over, took his hand and placed it on the coffin. The wood felt warm. Roberts tried to speak but no words came. Brant said,

‘We’ll miss you, love.’

And they stepped back.

A muted whirring and the casket began to move. A steel shutter opened in the wall, a red glow momentarily visible, then the coffin was gone. Tears slid down Roberts’ cheeks. Brant took his arm, said,

‘We’ll wait outside.’

The attendant showed them into an office and withdrew. Brant produced the flask, said,

‘We’ll get legless today.’

Roberts nodded, drank deep. Brant produced his packet of Weights and the Zippo. Cranked up. His brand of cigarettes were getting harder to find. Now he had to travel to the West End for them, ordering a month’s supply each visit. The proprietor had said,

‘You’ll need to change, soon they’ll be unavailable.’

Normally, Brant leaned a little on shopkeepers. More out of habit than need. But West End guys answered to a different drummer. He’d taken his supply, paid in full. Boy, he hated to shell out top whack for anything, felt it blunted his edge. He’d have to find an angle on this guy but hadn’t found it yet. Not unduly worried, sooner or later he got them all by the balls. Roberts said,

‘Gimme one of those.’

‘Sir?’

‘Come on, Brant, one cigarette won’t kill me.’

‘They’re kind of strong, guv.’

‘Give me the bloody thing.’

Brant fired him up, expecting Roberts to erupt in a fever of coughing and spittle.

Nope.

After a time, the funeral director approached; he was carrying an urn, solemnly, in both hands, said,

‘Mr Roberts, your wife.’

Roberts had the hysterical impression he was being introduced, wanted to shout:

‘How can I greet her? She’s no bloody hands.’

Brant, that extra sense — as always — attuned, said,

‘I’ll take that.’

The director whispered:

‘There’s the matter of... ahm... the bill.’

‘We are The Bill.’

A slight titter from the director, though he was far from amused. The burn-and-bury business will smash that right out of you. He said,

‘Things proved a tad more costly than anticipated.’

Brant led him to a corner, said,

‘You gave a price, got paid, and now you’re upping the ante, shaking down the dead?’

‘It’s the unforeseen extras, how they do mount up; every enterprise is prey to them.’

Brant gave him the look, asked,

‘You know what enterprise I’m in?’

‘Of course... sergeant.’

‘Trust me pal, you don’t want to fuck with me.’

Now Brant gave him the smile; it reminded the director of the corpses, before they’d been made up. He said,

‘I see.’

‘I bloody hope you do, pal.’

Then he rummaged in his jacket, found some crumpled change, said,

‘Bit of a drink in it for you, eh?’

The director turned frosty, said,

‘I don’t drink.’

‘You fuck with me again, you’ll wish you did.’

They got a minicab to Camberwell. The driver, from Rawalpindi, got lost twice. As they got out, Brant said,

‘On me, guv.’

He leaned into the driver, flashed his warrant card. The man sighed, said,

‘Not even a tip?’

‘A tip is it? Here’s one, buy a flogging A to Z.’

They got seriously wasted in a pub frequented by the staff and patients from the Maudsley Mental Hospital, formerly known as the infamous Bedlam. Sometime during the evening, they lost the urn. Or one of the patients nicked it.

Either way, Mrs Roberts was history.

Barry Weiss was seriously pissed off. He’d had a market stall at Waterloo. Then the local beat cop had brought the VAT crowd down on his arse. Finished that enterprise. A traffic cop burned him for drunk driving and he’d lost his licence. A neighbour reported him for excessive noise and a black policewoman read him the riot act. Coming home from the Cricketers, he’d taken a piss against St Mark’s Catheral.

Guess what?

A blond fuck of a Scottish cop named McDonald did him for public indecency.

He’d had it.

At the arse end of East Lane, he bought a gun from some non-European fuck for fifty quid. A Glock, who hadn’t heard of those babes? Lightweight, reliable, sleek. He loved that piece. To celebrate, he shot a traffic warden in Balham, like anyone gave a toss. It wasn’t even reported in the South London Press. That he found seriously depressing. Who the hell did you have to shoot to get a review? He’d failed to score any charlie the past few days so you do what you can. Bought a bottle of vodka and six cans of Red Bull. The working stiff’s cocaine.

It was starting to happen, a nice buzz building and Iron Maiden on the speakers. Crank it up. Then it hit him: kill a cop. It was what Oprah called a light-bulb moment. No... no, hold on a mo’... kill lots of cops. And if he got caught? There’d be book deals, Sky News, mini series’... And fuck... hold the phones... Jerry Springer. Where was the downside? Fucked if he could find it.

Dressed to kill: Nikes, Manson T-shirt (Charlie, not Marilyn), black 501s, black bomber, Glock. Nine in the evening, his brain electric, he went out. Darkness coming fast, he hit the Oval tube in five minutes flat. There, outside the pub, a policewoman doing up her tunic. He strode up, capped her, kept moving. On the Northern Line in six and out on Clapham Common in 15 minutes. Adrenalin surging up beyond the booze, heading to Nirvana, whispering: ‘I’m a player’.

Barry was a good-looking guy, or so two women had told him. Okay, so they were hookers, but didn’t that count? He was twenty-eight, six-foot in height, weighing in at close to two hundred pounds. Not a guy to fuck with. Few did, except for the police who seemed to fuck with him all the time. He had brown hair, shaved to a No. 1; gave his scalp a blond polished appearance. Blue washed-out eyes, a hook nose and a stab of a mouth.

He’d been a regular at a gym in Streatham and could bench impressively. A unisex joint, he liked to ogle the women in their spandex. What he’d do was oil all over, get the sweat rolling and flex the pecs. If the women noticed, they hid it well. A gay had come on to him in the saunas and he’d slapped him up the side of the head.

Slapped him hard.

That was all he sang.

Barry liked to read, but only crime, especially true crime. Had them all:

He’d studied these books. Sociopaths, psychopaths, serial killers, he couldn’t get enough. For him, those guys rocked. Focusing on their profiles, he found total identification. Bundy, Gacey were his role models. Their lives fascinated him, how they took it all the way. No fucking hostages, like never. Barry’s lucky number was eight so he decided to kill that number of cops.

Years ago, a particularly brutal one had given him a hiding. Outside a pool hall in Peckham, Barry had had one too many Supers. He’d gone upstairs and was giving it large to some Pakis over table number three. The cop had arrived.

Alone.

Barry had said,

‘Fuck off, pig.’

Turned to accept the approval of the pool punks. An almighty blow landed, rocking him from the crown of his head to the tip of his arse. Sprawled him across table ten. He couldn’t believe it — the cop had flattened him with a cue. What about procedure, civil liberties? Didn’t anyone read the fucking liberal newspapers? Then he was turned over and the pool ball jammed into his mouth, the cop saying,

‘It’s Sergeant Brant to you, fuck face.’

Grabbed Barry by the seat of his pants and pulled him down each painful step of the stairs. To roars of approval from the Pakis. On the street, he was bundled to his feet, the cop saying,

‘Here’s where I put me size nine up your arse.’

And did.

The shame, the humiliation, plus the task of ejecting the ball from his mouth, Barry hadn’t been back to that hall since. He’d bashed some Pakis though, every chance he got. Brant was the pinnacle of his list. When he’d killed the initial seven, he’d go for Brant with something spectacular. Made him hot just planning it.

Some years back, Brant had had the hots for the late Mrs Roberts. All that tight-ass Dulwich snobbery got him cooking. He’d caught her in bed with a young stud, did what he did best:

   blackmail.

In return for saying nothing, she had to go out on a date. Brant got suited and booted, took her to a flash joint in Notting Hill, surprised her with his charm. Just as she felt her interest quicken, he was summoned away to a particularly Peckinpah case. The fall-out got him knifed in the back and he’d left her alone after that. An A-list villain had taunted Roberts about his Sergeant shafting the missus. One drunken night, Roberts asked him straight out if there was any truth in the story. Brant answered,

‘Aren’t we mates, guv?’

Managed to slide a sneer and a whine into the question.

The evening after the crematorium, Brant came to muttering,

‘Yeah, mates!’

His hangover was a classic. Big, roaring and merciless, he spotted remnants of green chicken under a chair, prayed:

‘Don’t let me have eaten that.’

Stomach lurch and he was on his knees over the toilet bowl. After the upchuck, as he cleared the tears from his eyes, he saw he had indeed eaten the green. The phone rang and he shouted,

‘Fuck off.’

It didn’t.

He snapped the receiver, growled,

‘What?’

Super Brown, who said,

‘Sergeant Brant, where on earth have you been?’

‘Giving succour to the Chief Inspector, as ordered, sir.’

‘Well, get your botty over to the Oval, an officer is down.’

‘Sir?’

‘On the double, Sergeant.’

Click.

Holding the dead phone, Brant said,

‘Botty?’

Falls had dressed to impress. Okay, so Porter Nash was gay, and this wasn’t like a date. But you never knew where an evening might take you. She wore a white sheath and gasped at how black her skin appeared, said,

‘Yo’ looking foxy, girl.’

She was.

Two stud pearls for that Essex effect; keep the punters confused, get them thinking,

‘High yaller.’

Then, a moment, what would Rosie say? Not anything, not any more. Her best friend, a white cop. Then an HIV junkie had bitten her and she’d killed herself. The loss washed over Falls anew.

Rosie’s pig of a husband had said — regarding the funeral arrangements:

‘No police, thank you very much, and especially none of those vulgar wreaths in the shape of helmets.’

Falls had thought then and still did: Fuck you, asshole.

Sent the biggest, most ostentatious one she could get. Shape of a big, blue, Met helmet. Now, she went to the cabinet, took out a bottle of scotch, said,

‘Just a tiny one, get me stoked.’

She’d had some problems with booze, okay, so it had been said she’d a major problem. Like, it killed her father and she hadn’t the money to bury him. Three large. God, the mortification; phew-oh, Brant came through with the readies, said,

‘You owe me, Falls.’ He collected... and not financially. To make it worse, he’d saved her from the Clapham Rapist. Christ, she’d never be free of him. The way he liked it. Drank the scotch fast, it hit like love, warming artificially and ruefully. She thought: Just as artificial.

Cynic that.

Rosie, white girl as she was, used to play Leonard Cohen. Falls would chide,

‘Girl, yo’ want to hit de blues? Lemme git you Nina Simone.’

A line of Leonard Cohen’s shifted itself from her grief... something about the future and about it being murder.

Got that right, Greek boy.

She caught a number 36 bus, rode the top deck as far as Paddington Station, the booze bubbling in her blood. The conductor was a brother, said, near sang,

‘Sho’ looking fine.’

She smiled and he pushed,

‘Yo’ all wanna drink after mo shift?’

Gave him the full Railton Road glare, he backed way off.

The Sawyers Arms was a halfway decent pub. Mix of navvies, travellers and trainee yuppies, not the worst. Porter had the corner table, drinks all set. He stood, said,

‘You beauty.’

Gave her a big hug, that turned some heads, like she gave a rat’s, said,

‘Let me see you.’

He stepped back, wearing a suede tan jacket, open white shirt, navy chinos, police shoes. But the guys always did. She said,

‘Baaaad jacket.’

‘From Gap.’

‘Whatever.’

They were full delighted with each other, she lifted her tiny glass, sniffed, made a face. He said,

‘Tequila slammer.’

‘And you?’

‘Scotch.’

They touched glasses, drank deep, he reached in the jacket, took out Menthol Superkings and a chunky lighter, she said,

‘Mixed metaphor.’

He loved that, said,

‘I love that. The menthol is for the light-on-your-feet brigade and the lighter is for the whole YMCA gig.’

She wasn’t sure she got all that, but who cared? His mobile phone went, she said,

‘Don’t answer.’

‘I’ll have to.’

He did. Listened, his face clouding. Said,

‘Okay.’

Turned to face her, said,

‘Officer down.’

Outside the pub, Porter said,

‘I’ve transport.’

Falls gave him a look, said,

‘You told me we were going to get legless.’

‘So?’

‘So how come you brought wheels?’

Porter hung his head, said,

‘I hadn’t thought it through.’

She didn’t believe him, said,

‘I don’t believe you.’

‘Okay, Falls.’

‘Okay? What the hell is okay?’

‘I wasn’t going to drink much.’

‘But you were going to let me drink lights out.’

‘Yes.’

They’d reached a red Datsun he’d indicated was it. He said,

‘This is it.’

‘The poof-mobile.’

That stung but he rode it out, got the car in gear and she asked,

‘What sort of mate is that?’

‘What?’

‘You heard me. We go for a night out and you’re planning to be Miss Prim.’

He swerved to avoid an Audi, let down his window, shouted:

‘Get some driving lessons.’

She looked at him, regretted again he was gay, said,

‘You sounded like Brant.’

He grimaced, said,

‘Nobody sounds like Brant.’

He got a break in traffic, cut across a black cab, got some serious speed on. Both of them were thinking of the fallen officer but neither wanted to mention it. He said,

‘I’d have had a few drinks.’

‘Forget it.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘What did I say? Didn’t I just say forget it?’

He took a deep breath, said,

‘It’s a WPC.’

Falls stared out the window, then said,

‘Is she dead?’

‘Yes.’

‘Fuck, fuck, fuck.’

Porter knew about the suicide of Falls’ friend. For her the death of a WPC was doubly hard. He said,

‘I didn’t get any more details.’

‘She’s dead, what more is there?’

‘I mean... you know... her name... or what happened.’

‘We’ll know soon enough.’

They were coming up on Waterloo. Falls said,

‘I used to live here.’

‘Yeah? What was that like?’

‘Shite.’

He laughed then stopped abruptly, feeling guilty. She asked,

‘You’ve had some of these?’

He knew she meant police deaths but pretended not to follow, asked,

‘Some of what?’

‘Officer down.’

‘Yeah, a few.’

They were coming up on Kennington Road, could see the mess of blue lights ahead. Porter said,

‘The word is out.’

Police cars were everywhere, causing chaos. Any motorist complaining got short shrift. It was not a night to worry about public relations. A traffic cop flagged down their car. As Porter opened the window, the cop said,

‘There’s no way through, you’re going to have to wait.’

It wasn’t a request, it was an order. The cop’s face was grim, his eyes saying, ‘Give me lip and I’ll have your ass.’

Porter produced his warrant card; the cop examined it closely, said,

‘Sorry, sarge, I thought you were civilians.’

He grabbed an eyeful of Falls, the sheath dress, her legs, asked,

‘New uniform?’

Porter let it hang a moment then,

‘Watch your mouth.’

The cop, taken aback, muttered,

‘Just kidding.’

Porter was out of the car, in the guy’s face, going,

‘An officer is down and you’re kidding?’

Falls was behind him, said,

‘Porter, come on.’

Porter looked at his car, then back to the cop, said,

‘I’m leaving this vehicle in your hands. I’ll expect it to be well cared for.’

The cop indicated the chaos building from all directions, groaned,

‘Aw, sarge.’

Porter had already turned away, was marching towards the Oval. Falls shouted,

‘Wait up!’

As she caught up, he said,

‘When I was stationed at Kensington...’

‘You were stationed at Kensington?’

‘Yes, a sergeant there, named Carlisle, one of the best cops I’ve ever known...’

Falls was thinking: Carlisle, Porter Nash, no wonder they got a west London gig. He continued,

‘I was taking a lot of flak over being gay, he took me aside, said,

“Front the bastards up”.’

‘What did he mean?’

‘Don’t hide who I am, put it right in their faces, let them deal with it.’

‘Did they?’

‘Some... the point is, he showed me it’s about being a copper, all the rest is irrelevant.’

‘He was white, hetero?’

‘Yes.’

‘Easy for him to say then.’

Porter rounded on her, fire in his eyes, near roared:

‘He was decapitated in a high-speed chase. The driver of the stolen vehicle was fourteen. You think it mattered then what colour Carlisle was, or what his sexual orientation was?’

They’d reached the Oval; a canopy had been erected near the station. Falls said,

‘They’ll have her in there.’

Porter said,

‘Wait here.’

And he approached the officers standing outside the station.

Falls heard a low whistle, turned to face Brant, he said,

‘That is some dress.’

Brant looked shocking, as if he’d been on the booze for a week. She said,

‘You look shocking.’

‘I’ve been consoling the Chief Inspector.’

‘How is he?’

Brant stared at the canopy then back to her, said,

‘Fucked.’

The dead policewoman was Sandra Miller. Not even a south Londoner; originally from Manchester, she’d come to London two years before. Spent six months in telephone sales, drove her demented. She’d applied to Ryanair and the Met Police, figuring one way or another, she was going to fly. The cops replied first, then Ryanair. What she did was compare the uniforms. Decided the police had a slight edge. Plus she relished the expression on people’s faces when they asked,

“And what do you do?”

Being a glorified waitress on a cut rate airline didn’t have the same impact. Found she enjoyed being a WPC.

Assigned to South-East District, she got a bedsit in Camberwell and set about policing them streets. She’d been on the job a year when Barry had randomnly selected her for death. Two shots and her life was done.

The Super had appeared at the scene, as did every cop for miles around. To make sure your face was seen. A horde of uniforms had been despatched to canvass residents of buildings overlooking the crime scene and beyond. Brown was talking to detectives when Brant appeared. Brown tried to disguise his loathing for the Sergeant, said,

‘I’m busy here. You’ll be briefed in the morning along with everybody else.’

To his surprise, Brant didn’t move; stood there with that habitual smirk. The Super snapped:

‘Was there something?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Can’t it bloody wait? This is a murder inquiry.’

Brant stared at the traffic, then turned, said,

‘There’s a witness.’

‘What, why wasn’t I told?’

‘I’ve been trying to tell you for the past half-hour but your...’

He moved his arm in a definite gesture of contempt to indicate McDonald.

‘... driver said you were busy.’

The Super saw the detectives around them suppress a smile. He tried for authority, asked,

‘Why hasn’t this... witness come forth earlier?’

‘Nobody asked him.’

‘What?’

‘Nobody spoke to him.’

With that, Brant nodded to a man standing near the kerb and he approached. If the heavy presence of police intimidated him, he wasn’t showing it. He had the air of a street person, knowing, crafty, ready. The Super inspected the witness. Obviously not impressed, he barked,

‘You say you saw the shooter?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Describe him.’

The guy gave the hint of a smile, took a moment, said,

‘Looks like him.’

He was pointing at McDonald. The Super near lost it, shouted,

‘That’s a damn policeman!’

‘He had the same hair, blond and cut tight, you know, like a nancy boy or somefink.’

‘And what were you at, hanging around on a street corner, you just happened to see the shooting?’

The man was unfazed by the Super’s shouting, said,

‘I sell The Big Issue.’

‘What’s that supposed to tell me?’

The man pointed to the Oval tube entrance, said,

‘That’s my patch; every day, morning till night, I see what goes down.’

Now the Super turned to Brant and ordered,

‘Get him down to the station and take a full statement.’

The man didn’t move, asked,

‘What about my customers? This is one of my busiest times, the pubs will be closing soon. People have had a few, they get that guilt going.’

‘You’ll be compensated.’

‘Yeah, like I believe that.’

Brant took the guy to the pub, asked,

‘What will you have?’

‘Pint and a large brandy.’

He got a pint. They took a table at the rear; Brant said,

‘It’s Tony, right?’

‘Anthony, and you’re Brant?’

‘You know me?’

‘Fuck, who doesn’t?’

‘So, run the description by me.’

‘Aren’t you taking notes?’

And got the look.

The area was preserved at the Oval, scene of crimes had been and most of the cops had drifted away. Porter asked Falls,

‘You want to get a nightcap?’

‘No.’

‘Hang on, I’ll get the car, drop you home.’

‘I’ll walk.’

‘Come on, Falls, you can’t walk home like that.’

She rounded on him, temper flashing.

‘What’s wrong with the way I look?’

‘Jeez, nothing, but you know... a woman on her own.’

Her hand on her hips, she said,

‘I hope some asshole tries, I really do.’

McDonald was feeling better. The day had started badly; he’d arrived at the station to find a dead rat pinned to his locker. Then, in the canteen, he’d moved to join a group at a table and, to a man, they’d gotten up and left. As the day progressed, he realised nobody was talking to him. Finally he’d approached the duty sergeant who glared at him. He asked,

‘Sarge, what’s going on?’

‘Like you don’t know.’

‘Sarge, I swear, cut me a bit of slack. What did I do?’

The sergeant was a Scot, otherwise he’d have blanked McDonald. He looked round, ensured no one was listening, said,

‘You shopped the Doc.’

‘Doc... what Doc?’

‘The one you’re seeing, the shrink. You called CIB, dropped him right in it. They went over there, found him pissed as a parrot, trying to get his leg over his nurse.’

McDonald tried to get his mind in gear, said,

‘I wasn’t seeing any shrink.’

The sergeant raised his eyebrows, said,

‘Whatever, the shrink is fucked. Won’t be a consultant to the force no more. Nice little earner, I hear. The word on you is you’re a fink, a rat.’

McDonald had suddenly realised, said,

‘Brant.’

‘What?’

‘He’s behind it; he made the call, I know it.’

The sergeant leant forward, cautioned,

‘Whoa, laddie, you’re in deep enough. The last thing you need is to have Brant on your case.’

McDonald was offended, countered,

‘I’m not afraid of that bastard.’

The sergeant took a deep breath, said,

‘Everybody else is.’

‘Yeah, well.’

He felt he’d over-emphasised his case, tried to withdraw, said,

‘Anyway, I’d appreciate it if you could spread the word that I’m not a fink.’

The sergeant was shaking his head, went:

‘No three ways to Sunday, you’re fucked.’

The call came to the main desk of The Tabloid, was re-routed to the Chief Crime Correspondent, a man named Dunphy. He picked up, said,

‘Yeah?’

‘I have information on the police killing.’

‘Let’s hear it.’

A pause, then Barry said,

‘Have some fucking manners.’

Dunphy sat up straight, recognising a tone, asked,

‘What?’

‘I’m offering information, you don’t even say hello.’

‘Hello.’

‘That’s better.’

‘I’m glad you’re happy.’

Another pause, then:

‘I’m not fond of sarcasm. Maybe I’ll start on journalists when I finish my cop quota.’

Dunphy hit the record button, eased his voice a notch, said,

‘We got off on the wrong foot, let’s start over; what did you say your name was?’

‘Jesus, what a corny ploy. I’m not sure you’re up to the task.’

‘Task?’

‘Yeah, reporting from inside the cop killings.’

‘You’re a cop?’

‘Ah, you’re too fucking dumb.’

Click.

Dunphy lit a cigarette, a light sweat on his forehead, knew he’d screwed up. He was about to listen to a replay when the phone rang, he grabbed it, said,

‘Yes?’

‘One more chance.’

‘Great.’

‘And learn some manners.’

Manners weren’t Dunphy’s strong point but he could fake it, as he did most things. He tried,

‘I appreciate your calling.’

‘Where are you on the food chain?’

Dunphy wasn’t sure what this meant, said,

‘I’m not sure what that means.’

‘Do you have any clout, are you one of the movers and shakers?’

‘Oh... I run the Crime desk.’

‘I can make you famous.’

Now he desperately wanted to let some obscenities fly; instead, he said,

‘That would be good.’

‘Which do you prefer... seven... or eight?’

He knew better than to ask ‘what’ so he went with,

‘Seven.’

‘Seven it is.’

‘May I ask, seven what?’

‘Seven more cops to kill, bye.’

Click.

Dunphy ejected the tape, headed for the editor’s office, wanted — after all these years — to shout:

‘Hold the front page!’

Barry came out of the phone kiosk, power was surging through his system, he couldn’t believe the rush, went:

‘Fucking hell.’

He’d had a journalist grovelling, actually had the guy kissing his arse and this was only the beginning. The thing to do now was to show he was serious. The gun was hidden in the waistband of his jeans, tucked against his spine. Like in the movies. Well, this was his movie and he was going to give them Acopalypse Now, not to mention Redux. A police panda car was parked at the beginning of Camberwell New Road. Just the driver. Barry paused, waited to see if there was any sign of a partner.

Nope.

The window was open, the officer listening to the radio. Barry took another look around, as is mandatory in Camberwell. If a cop car parks, everybody legs it, it’s almost the law. Barry wanted to play, said,

‘Yo’ there, policeman.’

The cop turned, gave him the full stare, asked,

‘You want somefink?’

Barry snapped back:

‘Thing!’

‘What?’

‘You said somefink... You think you’d at least be able to speak properly.’

The cop was debating getting out, had his hand on the handle, said,

‘Piss off.’

Barry registered shock-horror, said,

‘Oh my God! Is that any way to develop public confidence in the police?’

The cop narrowed his eyes, said,

‘I won’t tell you again. Get lost.’

‘But I have a question.’

‘What question?’

‘What would you do if I called you a cunt?’

Before the cop could get out, Barry said,

‘Ah... just as I thought.’

And shot him twice in the face.

Turned to walk quickly across the road, managed to jump on a 36 bus and in five minutes, he was in the centre of Peckham. Caught another bus from the opposite direction and felt the rush as the bus came towards the panda. A crowd was swarming and by peering down, he could see the policeman’s cap on the ground. He thought: Shit, that would have made a brill trophy.

All the crime books were big on trophies.

The papers went ape:

   Cop Killer Terrorises City

   Madman Menaces Met

   Second Police Execution

Superintendent Brown lashed his officers. He’d taken a bollocking from early in the morning as even the Home Secretary called. He was determined to pass it along. Brant was at the back of the briefing, sipping a large Starbucks. Porter Nash glanced at him and got a wink. Brown was winding down, said,

‘Due to the recent death of his wife, Chief Inspector Roberts is on extended compassionate leave. As you are all too well aware, we have a scarcity of senior officers due to the current crisis worldwide. In view of this, we are promoting Sergeant Porter Nash to acting inspector and temporary head of the inquiry.’

The room was shocked, even Brant was paying attention. A hand went up and Brown said,

‘Yes?’

‘Shouldn’t we promote from within?’

The Super glared at the questioner, added his name to the shit list, said,

‘The powers that be have decreed we need perspective on this one. Already we are the focus of a media circus. As acting Inspector Nash arrived from the prestigious...’

He paused, biting the words, letting the implication wash over them, before continuing,

‘...West London Branch of our glorious Met, he’ll satisfy the demands for the professional policing we seem to lack here in our primitive South East Division.’

Spontaneous applause.

Save Brant, who was staring openly at Porter. They both knew the immediate meltdown of this. Porter was Brant’s superior. Brant thought: The Super’s finally shafted me; just bent me over and did it.

He half-admired the nastiness of the scheme. Plus, a gay in the driving seat was the ideal scapegoat.

West London that.

In the canteen, Brant sat in a corner, lit a Weight. No one approached till Porter arrived and asked,

‘Get you something?’

‘Ah.’ Brant took a deep breath, before continuing, ‘A Sid Vicious and two Club Milks. I think my sugar level’s dropped.’

Gladys, as always, was delighted to serve the poof, and ventured:

‘Might I congratulate you on your... elevation?’

‘Thanks, Gladys, but it’s only a temporary position. I’m sure Chief Inspector Roberts will return soon.’

She put her hands on her hips, said,

‘That fellah’s away with the fairies... oops... oh-my-God, I didn’t mean anything. No offence.’

Porter smiled and she admired his teeth. If only straight men would devote such energy to their appearance. She was becoming hot for the pillow-biter.

He said,

‘Two teas, sugared; oh, and two Club Milk biscuits.’

Gladys fixed a malevolent eye on Brant, said,

‘You be sure that devil pays for his own.’

‘I will.’

As he walked away, she whispered,

‘Mind your back.’

Then bit her tongue; probably not an appropriate caution for a nancy boy.

Brant wolfed down the Club Milks, rolled the wrappers in a ball, bounced them off a new recruit’s head then turned to Porter, said,

‘Sorry, would you have liked one?’

‘I don’t do sweet.’

Brant enjoyed that, said,

‘Must put that in my notebook. Something you learnt in Knightsbridge, no doubt.’

‘Kensington.’

Brant sucked his tea, as if he were draining it past his gums, answered:

‘What?’

‘I was in Kensington not Knightsbridge.’

‘What’s the fucking difference?’

‘A lot if you own Harrods.’

Porter took out his kingsize Menthol, knew the effect they’d have on Brant, asked,

‘Got a light?’

He did.

Brant didn’t rise to the bait and Porter learnt a little. He knew the fearsome rep. Rumours of Brant’s playing vigilante, taking bribes, bugging the Super’s office, messing with Roberts’ wife, losing a suspect at Heathrow, his neardeath from a knife in the back. He asked,

‘Are you as black as you’re painted?’

At first he thought Brant hadn’t heard, was about to repeat the question when the eyes locked on his, asked,

‘Are you as nancy as they say?’

Porter finished the cig, said,

‘Touché. The thing is, are we going to have a problem?’

Now he got to witness the full neon of Brant’s smile, but no trace of humour or warmth. Brant said,

‘We already have a problem, a sick fuck is killing police officers and he’s just started.’

‘I meant, between us.’

Brant stood, brushed crumbs from his jacket and said:

‘I know what you meant. I’m not your thick Paddy, least not always. Problem? Not unless you follow me into public toilets. Hadn’t we better move our arses, at least look like you know what you’re doing.’

Porter got up, thinking he’d made a total mess of the ‘let’s get it all out in the open’ crap. He did realise that whatever went down, ‘open’ was not a terrain on which Brant operated.

There’s a terrific book on death by Bert Keizer called Dancing with Mr D.

It’s a cracker.

After Rosie’s suicide, Falls had tried to find some sense to the act. As she’d torn through the literature of grief (and she’d discovered a thriving industry there), she’d found only this book was of any help.

That and Jack Daniels.

Pour that sucker over ice and you didn’t even need the books. Falls, after the Porter night out, had decided on a night in. Take a long Radox bath, the old scruffy bathrobe, a takeaway pizza and who’d be hurting? She’d had the bath, got the robe on, when the doorbell rang.

‘Fuck,’

she said.

Answered it... to a Hitler Youth.

A few years back, she’d found a young skinhead scrawling ‘Nazi’ on her wall. He’d spelled it wrong. She’d given him the price of a cup of tea even as the term ‘black bitch’ rolled in his mouth. An unlikely friendship had begun. Over the next few months she’d lent him books, music, money. He didn’t mention to his cronies of this tainted affair. It was a long time before he even gave his name. Or rather, his nickname. A Saturday evening, he’d drifted over; there was never an ‘orchestrated arrangement’, he showed or he didn’t. He’d asked,

‘Can I watch the football?’

‘Sure.’

‘I didn’t bring nothing.’

‘You drink beer?’

‘Course I do, whatcha’ implying? I’m not a bleeding pooftah.’

Falls enjoyed him immensely. His blend of front and fragility stirred a feeling she didn’t even bother trying to analyse. Taking a six-pack of Amstel from the fridge, she said,

‘I thought you might be a cider man.’

As always he searched her face for a sign of ridicule. What he saw was a lovely woman, real prize and almost forgot her colour.

Almost.

Later she heard him roar as the game finished, asked,

‘Who won?’

Suspicious, he near jeered,

‘What do you know?’

‘Leeds against Man U... right?’

‘So?’

‘Was Ian Harte playing?’

‘He’s a wanker is what he is.’

And Falls was delighted anew. She loved his predictability. In her mind, he was her project. Turn him, you could turn anything, anyone.

Dream on.

She’d finally got his name.

      ‘Metal’.

Falls laughed out loud. Blitzed on beer, he’d finally told her. Realising by his furious face that she’d fucked up, she tried to rally, went:

‘I’m not laughing at you, I’m laughing with you.’

She knew how weak that was. He was on his feet, spittle on his lips, shouting,

‘But I’m not laughing. You see me laughing?’

A takeaway pizza — heavy crust — and more beer eventually calmed him down. That plus her ‘2 Pac’ T-shirt. Wait till he discovered the dude was black; he thought it was an ad for beer. She’d asked gently,

‘So, how did you get... such... an unusual name?’

“Cos.’

‘Yes?’

‘I used to be a headbanger, like heavy metal, I’d get a blast of glue, go mental.’

‘And now?’

He shrugged, began,

‘Since I joined the British National Party...’

Stopped.

To gauge her response, couldn’t detect a dial tone, continued,

‘I stopped all that shit.’

She pulled the tab on a beer, handed it over, said,

‘Now you stomp people.’

‘Only wogs. And Pakis. Pooftahs sometimes.’

Now she was answering the door to him, dressed as a Hitler Youth. She asked,

‘What?’

‘Can I come in?’

‘Not in that garbage.’

He glanced round nervously, bit his lower lip, said,

‘I’m in trouble.’

‘Come in.’

She moved to the window, folded her arms, waited.

He finally spoke:

‘Can I get a brewski?’

‘No. What did you do?’

He began to pace, then,

‘I think we killed a geezer.’

She went out to the kitchen, got the Jack, two mugs, brought them out. He eyed the bottle, said,

‘Rocking.’

She said, ‘Sit down.’ And felt like his mother.

Poured large wallops, handed a mug over. His mug bore the logo:

      ‘Marsha Hunts’... Men’

He said he and a ‘unit’ had been patrolling Vauxhall. Falls asked,

‘Looking for bower?’

He stared at his boots. Doc Martens with reinforced steel toe-caps. He gulped down the drink, near choked, sputtlered, then said,

‘Just keeping it safe for white blokes.’

Now she was leaning over him, said,

‘John — oh yeah, I know your name and your thick file from Juvenile Records — it’s ball-busting time... you ever foul my home with any more racist shit or name-calling, I’ll make you eat those Doc Martens.’

Metal was afraid; she seemed to have completely lost it, a hardness in her eyes like granite. She slapped his head, asked,

‘Who’d you hurt?’

‘A sand nigger... sorry... an Arab-type guy.’

‘How bad?’

‘He wasn’t moving.’

He got his tobacco, began to roll a cig. She snapped,

‘Don’t you smoke in my house.’

He slipped the gear back into his pocket. Falls’ face was creased in concentration. Then:

‘Okay, I’ll look into it—’

‘Thanks, I...’

‘Shut up, I haven’t finished. If the man is dead, you’re on your own; in fact, I’ll nick you myself. Go home and wait till you hear from me.’

He stood up and she added,

‘It’s choice time, John. If you haven’t killed this time, you’ll either quit them Nazis or quit coming here. Do you follow?’

‘Yes, ma’am.’

As he went out, he asked,

‘Are we like... you know... still mates?’

‘I don’t know.’

Shut the door.

Brant had a new snitch, the life and blood of any police force. In his time, Brant had met some beauts. One way or another, they’d all come to a nasty end. One memorable Cypriot guy had been literally kebabbed to death. It had put Brant right off lamb souvlakis. His latest was old for the trade. Just over sixty, he’d been in nick for thirty of those years. His name was Radnor Bowen. No one knew if this was his actual name but as his speciality had been break-ins on Radnor Walk, it could have gone either way. Thus the severity of his sentencing; judges don’t like scum from ‘south of the river’ to get notions.

He was tall and thin, with open, warm eyes. You’d take him for a kindly uncle and he’d take you for everything you’d got. He’d been trying a new career until Brant had decided to run him.

Radnor was aware of Brant’s rep, plus the knowledge that his predecessors had come to a bad end; he was determined to outsmart the Sergeant. They met in an Irish pub off the Balham High Road. This time Radnor had got there first, was nursing a half of bitter. It tasted like warm piss, a potion he’d been forced to drink on his first stretch. He looked round the huge saloon, posters of the Wolfe Tones abounded. A framed picture of ‘The men behind the wire’. Coming attractions were advertised on the walls and these included tribute acts to:

   Daniel O’Donnell

   Brendan Shine

   Dale Haze and The Champions.

He shuddered — the originals were horror enough. An ashtray on the table contained the words:

   ‘Players Please’

He wondered if it was an omen. You don’t spend half your life in stir without acquiring superstitions. He was wearing a Crombie overcoat, silk cravat, blazer, grey slacks and highly polished black shoes. The barman had him clocked as ex-army. The pose of ramrod-stiff back was a further legacy of prison.

He knew what Brant would want. The cop killer, the whole south-east was buzzing with rumours. Radnor intended to make this his jackpot, a payoff that would take him to a small cottage in Cornwall and safety. The door opened and Brant strode in, looking as feral as ever.

Brant marched over to the bar, got a scotch and had some words with the barman. No money changed hands. Then he came over to the table. Brant was wearing a semi-respectable suit and a Police Federation tie. He asked,

‘Been here long?’

‘Just arrived.’

Brant got his cigs out, fired up, said,

‘You’ll know what I want.’

‘I do.’

‘So, spill.’

Radnor focused, said,

‘I’m on to something.’

‘What?’

‘I need paying.’

Brant smiled, dropped his cig in the bitter, said,

‘Oh, sorry.’

Radnor gave a sad smile, didn’t answer. Brant leant over, asked,

‘What had you in mind?’

‘Serious money.’

‘Whoa... like retirement benefit?’

He let his hand rest on Radnor’s knee, said,

‘Bony fucker, aren’t you?’

Is there an answer to this, an answer that bears some relation to sanity? If there is, Radnor hadn’t got it. Brant began stroking the knee, said,

‘But you don’t have the brains of a chicken... do you?’

Then Brant twisted his fingers and jolts of pain shot through Radnor’s thigh, along the testicles to lodge in his gut. Tears ran from his eyes as Brant continued,

‘I doubt if you’ve any Irish blood in you, you’re an out-and-out chap, the English gent in your poncy cravat and fucked coat. Me now, I’ve a wild streak of the Celt, makes me unpredictable. Them Irish, did you know they invented kneecapping? Answer me.’

‘Ahm, no, yes... I guess one would surmise...’

‘Ah, shut up with your fake Hampstead accent. As I was saying, kneecapping, it’s a nasty business. They fix you up as best they can, but you always have a limp. How does that sound, “Radnor the gimp”. How does that go down in your retirement package?’

Brant looked at the barman, said,

‘Yo, innkeeper, a brandy and port and a large scotch before closing time.’

Then he grinned at Radnor, all teeth, no warmth, said,

‘Christ, decent help is hard to find, know what I mean? Here’s what we’ll do: have a nice stiff drink, fortify our resolve, maybe a pack of ready salted or are you a cheese and onion man?’

Radnor managed to croak,

‘Cheese and onion.’

‘Good man, that’s the ticket. Barkeep, a selection of your freshest crisps, no expense spared.’

A man entered, took a stool at the bar. Radnor checked him out of professional habit. Brant did the same. The barman arrived with a tray of crisps and the drinks, put it down in the centre of the table. Brant said,

‘Well, go on Rad, pay the man.’

Radnor had to dig deep, produced a note and Brant said,

‘Keep the change.’

Sly smile from the barman. When he got back behind the counter, he said to the man on the stool:

‘Get you?’

‘A pint of lager and something for yourself.’

Bigger smile from the barman, the day was improving by the minute. Brant raised his glass, said,

‘Okay, tell me.’

Radnor took a deep breath, felt he was moving through a minefield, said,

‘There’s a guy who’s been shouting his mouth off; he was in that poncy gym at Streatham, beat a homosexual half to death there. When the management had a word and mentioned the police, he said: “I’ll be giving them something to worry about very soon”.’

Brant stopped mid chew, crisps lodged in his teeth, said,

‘That’s it?’

‘The guy is a nutter.’

‘Fuck, if we pulled in every wanker who said that, we’d be up to our arse in suspects. What’s his name?’

‘I don’t know. I’m meeting up with a guy who’ll give me that.’

Brant stood up, said,

‘Don’t bother, I’ll go the gym, ask the manager.’

Radnor, his dream evaporating, pleaded,

‘Don’t I get something?’

‘You’ve got cheese and onion... what more do you want, you greedy bugger?’

And he was gone.

At the bar, the man had been watching them. The barman said,

‘That’s a cop and his snitch.’

‘Yeah?’

‘Yeah, that piece of garbage that left, he’s Brant, a total pig; and the git in the cravat, he’s flogging him information.’

The man looked impressed, said,

‘You seem pretty sure.’

‘I’m the boss, it’s my job to know.’

He tapped his nose with his index finger.

Barry Weiss studied the man who’d remained and contemplated offing him but decided against it. He’d a full programme. Instead, he said to the barman,

‘Like another?’

Porter Nash had spent the day organising the teams. Officers tracked down every lead, went door to door, compiled a list of police haters. This last job was massive, and it had had to be narrowed down to a workable size. He finally got home at midnight, put a vegetarian meal in the microwave, zapped that. Tore off his work clothes and put on an old judo outfit from his days of aspiration. He took a large bottle of Evian from the fridge, drank deep. Could feel a slight relaxation at the base of his skull.

Porter lived at Renfrew Road in Kennington, opposite the old police training college. There was some neat irony in that but he hadn’t the time to infer it. The apartment was spacious, he had the entire top floor. Painted white, it had expensive, comfortable furniture, state-of-the-art music centre, mega TV, the works. An alcove had been siphoned off to hold his computer, printer, neat stacks of paper.

Now, he selected Puccini, turned it on low, enough to dance along his senses without serious involvement. The microwave pinged and he removed the meal. He’d bought a stash of these at Selfridges. Sat at his wooden table, prepared to eat. His doorbell rang, took him by surprise. It crossed his mind to get the police special from underneath the bed but as he had no sense of peril, decided to act on that. Opened the door to Brant, said,

‘Sergeant?’

‘Evening all. Not disturbing anything, am I?’

Porter gave him the full stare. Brant was dressed in a boilersuit, a very dirty one, as if he’d been crawling through a dumpster. Maybe he had. If half the stories were true, he actually lived in one. Brant raised an eyebrow, asked,

‘Going to ask me in?’

‘I was in the middle of a meal.’

‘Go ahead, I’d some spare ribs earlier, stuck in me teeth.’

Porter stood aside, watched as Brant took in the apartment and heard him say,

‘The Japs have a word for this... this type of bare look, don’t they?’

Porter coming behind, was impressed, said,

‘Yes, minimalist.’

‘Shite was the word I’d in mind.’

And Porter eased a gear, seeing how easily Brant engaged you then, wallop; he’d have to remember that. Brant was wrinkling his nose, not an easy task, asked,

‘What do I smell, that stuff the hippies use?’

‘Patchouli oil.’

Brant gave a knowing smirk, said,

‘To cover the “wacky baccy”, eh? Doing some of the weed are we, a little recreational drug use?’

Porter didn’t bother to answer, moved to the table and stared at his cold dinner. Brant at his elbow asked,

‘What the hell’s that? Jeez, you need to get some meat in you, a thick juicy steak, get the blood flowing.’

Porter moved to a chair and Brant asked,

‘Don’t I get a drink, first time to your pad and all that?’

‘In the bottom press, help yourself.’

Brant hunkered down, pulled the door to reveal a range of spirits, went,

‘Fuck, no wonder you stay home. Hit you with anything?’

‘No, I’ve some water here.’

Brant splashed some Armagnac into a heavy crystal glass, took a deep gulp, said,

‘Wow, that kicks.’

Porter could feel his eyes closing, watched Brant continue his tour, pick up a book, read:

‘This Wild Darkness; Diary of My Death. Who the hell is Harold Brodkey?’

‘It’s an account of his death from Aids.’

‘A fag, eh?’

‘Does it matter?’

Porter had, despite his resolution, allowed a note of testiness to tinge his tone. Brant was delighted, said,

‘Mattered to him. Me, I only read McBain. I saw him once, in the distance, wish I’d spoken to him. Tell you what, I’ll lend you one, get you away from this morbid shit.’

Porter shook himself, said,

‘Nice as this chat is... is there a point?’

‘I need your advice.’

‘Advice?’

He was truly surprised. Brant said,

‘I don’t care about you being a pillow-biter. Fuck, I don’t give a toss what people do, long as they keep it the fuck away from me. But I respect you, there’s not many I do.’

Porter was up, moved and poured a scotch, a large one, took a sip, said,

‘What’s the problem?’

Brant drained the glass, seemed to retreat, a baffled look in his eyes. Then, as if summoning all he’d got, he focused, said,

‘I’m losing it.’

‘In what way?’

‘I’m blanking out. Not often but enough to be worrying. I don’t want to talk, eat... not even drink. It takes a huge effort to drag myself out of bed.’

He stopped, unsure how to continue, so Porter asked,

‘What do you want to do?’

‘Stare at a wall, do nothing, absolutely nothing.’

Porter put the glass down, chased his cigs, lit one, blew out a cloud of smoke, said,

‘It’s burn-out.’

‘What?’

‘You’re on meltdown; a couple of days doing nothing, you’ll start to come back.’

‘You sound pretty sure.’

‘I am, I’ve been there.’

‘You?’

‘Sure, I was fucked nine ways to Sunday.’

Brant’s turn to be surprised, he looked at the futon, sat down carefully, as if it might bite, said,

‘I don’t read you as a guy who gets frazzled.’

Porter paused, held a finger up as Puccini hit ‘Viena la Sera’, whispered,

‘Bimba dagli occhi pieni di malia.’

‘What?’

‘The next piece, it’s my favourite.’

He paused, then:

‘Two years ago, we’d a paedophile on the loose, luring kids into his car at Holland Park. We knew who he was but couldn’t catch him in the act. The kids were too traumatised to identify him, plus he was connected. A showbiz agent, he had heavy juice to call on. The guys at the nick, they classed me on a par with him... because of my sexual orientation. Put used condoms in my locker, sugar in the petrol tank... the usual stuff.’

Porter took a deep breath.

‘I was under massive pressure, chugging valium, mainlining caffeine, smoking again, anyway, I took things into my own hands. Broke into the creep’s house, four in the morning, mashed his privates with a baseball bat. A time later, I was burnt out, took a leave of absence, hid in my house and right after, I got transferred.’

A sound disturbed him, louder than the music. Brant was snoring, his head back on the up-rest, mouth open, dribbling spit. Porter got some blankets, covered him, said,

‘Goodnight, sweet prince.’

PC McDonald, still hurting from being cold-shouldered by his colleagues, had begun shadowing Brant. He’d been surprised to find him enter the building at Renfrew Road. Was he seeing a woman, checking out a lead... what? He called the Super. He’d been warned:

‘This is my private number, if you call me, it better be good; unless you have Brant’s balls, don’t call.’

Now the Super said,

‘McDonald!’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘I’m due at the Regional Dinner in ten minutes, this had better be vital.’

‘Sir, I’ve followed Brant to a flat in Renfrew Road but I’ve no idea who he’s here to see.’

He could hear spluttering, choking, indignation writ huge, then,

‘You bloody half-wit, you called me for that?’

‘I thought it might be a break, sir.’

‘Porter Nash lives in Renfrew Road, don’t you know anything? And sonny, what’s this I hear about you ratting out a doctor?’

McDonald looked at the phone, wanted to scream at the Super, say:

‘And what am I doing for you, eh? What do you call this?’

He said,

‘Sir, it’s a setup.’

‘Nobody likes a fink, especially a fink who gets caught. Am I making myself clear?’

‘Yes sir, absolutely.’

Click.

McDonald rummaged around in the glove department of his car, found some mints, popped them in his mouth. He wished he still smoked but was determined to get ahead. Cigarettes were for the likes of Brant. As he sucked on the mint, he took a small camera from his pocket, shot off a few of Porter’s building. With any luck, he’d get Brant and Porter in an embrace, fix them both.

Porter was eating muesli when Brant stirred. First thing of a morning, he was not a pretty sight. He stretched, reached for a cigarette, retched violently. Porter prayed he wouldn’t vomit on the futon, asked,

‘Don’t you want some breakfast?’

‘Coffee, two spoons, no sugar.’

When Porter brought it, Brant scratched his arse, asked,

‘Did you interfere with me?’

‘Yeah, right.’

As Brant slurped at the coffee, Porter asked,

‘Any idea who we’re looking for?’

‘A nutter, hardest type to catch. I checked out a gym in Streatham yesterday, got the name of a guy who might be worth a visit.’

‘You want me along?’

‘No, you’re lead: you’re up to your eyes in bullshit.’

Brant shook himself, stood, said,

‘I’m off.’

‘Yeah, well, don’t be a stranger.’

Brant looked at his shoes, then:

‘What I was saying last night...’

‘Stays with me.’

A pause, then:

‘I was just tired.’

‘Sure, grab some shuteye.’

As Porter let him out, Brant said,

‘The other thing...’

‘What?’

‘About you being a good cop.’

‘Yeah?’

‘I meant it.’

‘Thanks.’

As he moved down the hall, Brant added

‘For a pooftah.’

Porter shut the door.

Outside, Brant stopped, looked up at the building. McDonald started clicking; he’d swear there was a look of longing on Brant’s face. Blown up in stark black and white, Porter’s address in block letters on the top, it would tell its own story.

After Brant had gone, McDonald waited.

Twenty minutes later, Porter was down and McDonald nailed him. A little creative editing, the two men could be united in print. Nice big poster on the notice board, call it ‘Hands-on policing’ maybe. McDonald felt better than he had for a long time.

Barry Weiss was having a mixed day. He’d won a prize, that was the up-side. Every month, he bought Bizarre magazine: man he loved that sucker. Gathered all the weird and crazy shit, put it between glossy covers and was seriously deranged. Interviews conducted by people with names like Billy Chainsaw — Barry loved that dude. The most whacked-out letter each month received a bottle of absinthe. Barry had written six times... Nothing.

Then bingo.

Postman knocked early and there it was, he’d won. Unwrapping the parcel, he punched the air, shouted,

‘Bizarre rules!’

This was his letter:

And he’d given his own address as a ‘care of. He was so up on the win, he had a slug immediately, knocked him flat on his arse, and he said,

‘That is the bollocks.’

The bad news was, he was out of ammunition, went:

‘How did that happen?’

On the fingers of his left hand, he counted:

‘Okay, let me see here: the traffic warden, one bullet; the woman cop, two or three?’

He couldn’t recall, continued,

‘The guy in the patrol car, two?’

Truth was, Barry had been drinking since lights out, hammering the vodka in. A car boot sale on Clapham Common, some Ukranian guy was selling rip-off Stoli in batches of six. Barry wasn’t altogether sure whether he’d killed anyone else. He hated to have to alter his modus operandi. The serials he admired, they’d all had a signature. Discontinuing the Glock was unprofessional. Still, he’d call the newspaper guy, tell him he was making the deal more personal. He’d rented a locker at Waterloo Station, put all the stuff connected to the killings in there, just in case he got rousted. His beloved crime books, he gave to the Salvation Army ’cos he hated those fucks.

Suddenly thought: A hammer!

He had one; a solid, heavy job. It meant getting up close. Aloud he shouted:

‘Moving to Defcon One!’

Sergeant Cross lived in a studio apartment at Sirinham Point. Nineteen floors of crap with a view of the Oval Cricket Ground if you lived on the west side, floors eleven to nineteen. Cross had his on the second floor, east side. What he got to watch were nuns. Right opposite was a convent. If there’s a stranger place for them, Cross couldn’t think of it. There was a huge statue of some saint just inside the gate. Saturday nights — post football, post pub — the statue got to wear a Millwall scarf. Once, it had been a Man-U trophy. He had been tempted to climb the gates, have it away. But there were rumours of guard dogs in the grounds.

Nuns and Rottweilers: urban living in the zeitgist.

Cross had seen the Mother Superior once and figured they didn’t need the dogs. He had been married and — par for the course with the job — was divorced. His kids hated him and the settlement was crushing the life out of him. He was lucky the council gave him a push up the waiting list. Now, but two months from retirement, he was keeping a low profile. He went to work, volunntered for nothing and kept his mouth shut. When he got out, he had a job lined up with Marks and Spencer. Want to talk cosy number? Bust rich Arabs and receive praise for it. Cross was delighted to be leaving. Christ, they had a faggot heading up the murder inquiry. And the streets! Crack cocaine had opened the deluge and every bargain-basement chemical was out there. He couldn’t even keep track of the names. Recently, he’d been told of GHB, said,

‘You mean like grievous bodily harm?’

Laughed in his face. It was liquid ‘E’, all the joys of ecstasy and no payback. Like there was ever such a drug. If he’d learned anything, it was payback. Every bloody thing cost and there was no free ride.

Ask the nuns.

He’d asked Brant who explained ‘Gamma Hydroxy-butyric Acid’, said it usually ended in coma. Brant had asked:

‘Ever hear of River Phoenix?’

‘No, where is it?’

‘It’s a person, was a person, a young actor. What’s with you? Don’t you watch movies?’

‘Just westerns.’

‘Well, they say that drug killed him.’

Cross would have been more impressed if John Wayne had been the victim. Brant had sighed and walked away. No matter what stories he heard about Brant, and there were always new variations, Cross liked him. He was the old-school type copper: thick, ruthless, fearsome.

And he’d do you a favour. When Cross moved into Sirinham Point, Brant had patched him into a cable TV line. Cross had moaned,

‘Jeez, sarge, I don’t think I can afford that.’

‘Nobody can, you won’t be getting any bills.’

‘How come?’

Brant had stared right through him, asked,

‘You really want the answer?’

Pause.

‘No, I suppose not.’

‘Thought not, couple of weeks, I’ll fix up all that digital crap too.’

‘I owe you, Brant.’

‘Join the queue.’

The one passion of Cross’s diminishing life was Sky Sports. With the big screen, he’d sit there all day, a six-pack, cod ‘n’ chips, some saveloys for variety and how content could one man be? He was a Leeds supporter, going all the way back to Norman Hunter. He wasn’t too happy about Robbie Keane but relaxed when they bought Fowler. It was four on a Thursday afternoon, he was eating fried bread topped with mayo when his bell went. As he approached the door, crust in his mouth, he asked,

‘Who is it?’

‘Cable guy.’

Afterwards, even Barry would concede that ‘it got away from him’. Sure, he’d intended to bash the guy — why else had he brought the hammer? — but he’d lost it big time, really did a number on the poor fuck. Talk about overkill. Bits of brains on the wall, in Barry’s hair. He said aloud:

‘Now, that’s bizarre.’

Had started out well enough, the cop had let him in, seemed nervous about ‘being billed’. Barry had decided to play a little, replied,

‘But you are The Bill.’

...And set off the cop’s antennae. Barry blamed the absinthe, stuff made you whacko. He saw the light go in the eyes and had to quickly swing the hammer.

Missed.

Bloody fucking fresh air and Cross had rabbit punched him but hadn’t fully connected.

Else...

Of all the dumb luck, the fuck had tripped on the carpet as he prepared to pummel Barry. No more screwing around. Barry, hurting from the punch, was on him, screaming:

‘My bloody neck, you could have killed me!’

Raining blows on the guy’s face, lost in a Technicolor blur of blood and fragments. Till a banging on the ceiling snapped him out of it. With revulsion, he’d jumped away from the mess beneath... And, okay, threw up.

DNA that.

What else could Barry do? He’d have to torch the whole building. Teach the fuck above to pound on a person’s ceiling. In the kitchen, if an alcove could be called thus, Barry finished the fried bread. Said,

‘Mayo... what’s that about?’

Found the beer and a massive thirst, drained two cans, in, like... jig time. His clothes were ruined, he couldn’t possibly leave in them. Went through the cop’s meagre wardrobe and settled for a police jacket, the all-weather black job. Now that was a trophy. A pair of tan slacks, way too big in the waist so he’d to double belt them. A sweatshirt with the logo:

   Clancy Brothers Live.

Yeah, how old was that?

Naturally, he’d gone through the guy’s wallet. Twenty quid and a photo of a plain woman with three kids. He took both, found some lighter fuel and built a mound on the body, using clothes, newspapers and ten copies of Goal. Poured the fuel on the lot, said,

‘You Kings of New England.’

He’d seen Cider House Rules on Sky Movies and the line had lodged. Most valuable of all, he found Cross’s address book. Now, not only did he have a list of cops’ homes, he even had a personal phone number for Brant. At the door, he tossed a match and moved fast.

Roberts was trying to read the Observer Magazine, an article about ‘Wagonistas’. It’s sobriety but not the old-fashioned recovering addict, AA meetings stuff. This was being sober for a great lifestyle, for fashion, for economics. It was ten in the morning; Roberts lifted his mug, drank some of the red wine. He’d read once that it was good for the blood and heart. Though, if you drank it all day, maybe you were missing the point.

He was certainly missing his mouth.

A tremor caused the mug to hit the bridge of his nose and the stuff to spill down his front. He jumped up, trying to brush the liquid off. Wearing a pink dressing gown belonging to his wife, he hadn’t shaved or washed in days, knew he was going down the toilet but couldn’t summon up the energy to care. His daughter had been on a flying visit and borrowed fifty quid, then asked,

‘Are you going to sell the house?’

‘What house?’

She’d sighed eerily like her mother, then,

‘This house. You can’t live here, not with all Mummy’s things.’

‘And where will I go?’

‘To a bedsit, like all solitary older men.’

He thought he’d misheard, repeated,

‘Old... me?’

‘Oh, Daddy, you were always old. Tariq says you should be retired.’

‘You’re still with him then?’

‘Of course, he’s my karma; we’re going to Bombay to meet his family.’

Roberts felt a great weariness, said,

‘Bon voyage.’

Now she near shrieked:

‘We need money, we need you to sell up.’

Roberts counted to ten then tried,

‘You tell Tariq to come and see me. We’ll have a little chat.’

His daughter threw her eyes to heaven, then,

‘Talk to you? Nobody can talk to you. Mummy said it was like talking to a brick wall.’

He didn’t know how to proceed, so he said nothing. This riled her further. She spat:

‘Oh, you’re so pathetic, I hate you.’

And stormed out, slamming the door. He wanted to shout:

‘Oh yeah? Give me back my fifty quid then.’

It crossed his mind to have Brant drop in on Tariq, expose him to that mind-set. Instead, he’d gone to the drinks cupboard and found nothing but bottles of red wine. He vaguely remembered going out the day after the funeral and buying another batch. Now he surveyed the empty bottles and thought he’d better shape up. Managed to stand under the shower and felt a degree better. Then he looked in the mirror and the shock made him gasp. An unshaven, red-eyed lunatic was staring back. That was it for any hope of shaving. He put on a crumpled suit, a grubby shirt and headed out, resolving to stock up on groceries, household goods, all that citizen shit. When he got to Safeway, the security guard eyed him closely. He hurried in, got a trolley and began to move down the aisle. He was lost. The shelves seemed stacked with huge amounts of washing powder. All he wanted was soup — as in one packet — some milk, bread and maybe a few slices of ham.

Heard someone whisper,

‘Guv?’

Turned to face Falls. She was dressed in a white tracksuit, emphasising her blackness. She looked in his empty trolley, asked,

‘What are you doing?’

‘Shopping.’

Falls pushed the trolley aside, asked,

‘What do you need... everything?’

‘Some red wine.’

‘Oh, I don’t think so. We need to get the essentials.’

He wanted to say,

‘The wine is essential.’

But went with,

‘I’ll wait outside.’

He stood near the off-licence, wondering would he risk going for a bottle? A woman was passing, pulling a girl of eight or so by the hand. She stopped, rummaged in her bag, found some coins and shoved them at him, said in a testy tone,

‘That’s all the change I’ve got.’

And moved on, the little girl looking back, asking,

‘Mum, is that a wino?’

‘Sh... shu... shush, he’ll hear you.’

He stared at the coins in his hand, shock sneaking along his spine. Falls appeared, pushing a heavy trolley, shouted,

‘Give me a hand, eh?’

He put the coins in his pocket. Falls was driving a Daewoo, he asked,

‘This yours?’

‘Belongs to a neighbour, I do her shopping too.’

Opened the boot, began to put the stuff in, asked,

‘You all right?’

‘Never better.’

Back at his house, she surveyed the wreckage, asked,

‘Have you been camping here?’

He sank into a chair, said,

‘Give it a rest.’

She did.

He dozed, was awoken to the smell of cooking. The room was spotless. Falls handed him a mug, said,

‘It’s soup, you’re frozen.’

To his surprise, it was good, awakened his appetite. She provided French bread, slices of meat and he ate it all, said,

‘Christ, that was good.’

She gave a radiant smile. Lit up the whole room and he realised with astonishment that he’d almost never seen her do that. He said,

‘I think I’ll be okay now.’

Falls stared at him for a long moment, considered, then:

‘Yes, I think you just might.’

‘I’m going to sell this house.’

‘Great idea.’

‘You think?’

‘Yeah, who the fuck wants to live in Dulwich?’

‘I thought everybody did.’

He was genuinely astonished. She gave another of the smiles, asked,

‘How many black people do you know? I mean, as friends?’

‘Ahm...’

‘That’s what I thought.’

She got all his soiled clothes in the washing machine, warned,

‘Use fabric softener.’

‘Why?’

‘Jeez... men! Take it on trust, okay?’

She debated her next question, decided to risk it, went,

‘I need a favour.’

He watched her face, gauged the intensity, asked,

‘What?’

‘A kid I know is in trouble. I need to get him off the hook.’

‘Police trouble?’

‘Yes.’

‘How bad?’

‘He and his mates gave a guy a good kicking.’

‘And your interest is?’

Falls hung her head, her voice low, said,

‘The skinhead, remember him?’

‘Sure, he looked out for you when you went down the shitter.’

He paused, then exclaimed,

‘Aw no, tell me you cut him loose, what? You thought you could change him? Jesus, Falls, it’s him. He’s the one did the kicking? Aw, for crying out loud.’

A silence between them, she had no defence, leastways none that would sound reasonable. Roberts gave a deep throat clearance, then:

‘Okay, I’m not in any position to lecture you here. There’s a DI, he’ll know about it, he owes me from way back. His name is Nelson.’

‘Thanks, sir, I really appreciate...’

Roberts’ hand was up:

‘Don’t thank me yet, you haven’t met Nelson. He’s a piece of work; fact is, he makes Brant appear downright liberal.’

Brant checked his notebook:

   Barry Weiss, with an address in New Cross.

Brant decided to head home, shower, then pay a visit to the guy. By the time he got to his flat, he felt his mind begin its shut down. Inside, he made some tea, tried to focus on what he was to do first. Oh yeah, shower. He sat in the armchair, put the tea on the floor for easy reach. The TV was directly in front, he stared at the blank screen. The tea went cold, he didn’t move, just continued to stare at the screen.

Barry Weiss was in a phone kiosk, rang The Tabloid, got put through to the Dunphy, said,

‘There’s a fire at Sirinham Point. That’s Meadow Road... but a match from the Oval Cricket Ground.’

‘A fire?’

‘And you’ll want to know what your angle is?’

‘Ahm... yes... please.’

‘The second-floor flat, at the back, you’ll find number three. You can count, right?’

‘A third copper?’

‘Gee, no wonder you’re the crime capo. In case they start any nonsense about copycats, I used a new system.’

‘Can you elaborate?’

‘A hammer. Blunt enough for you? It was for him. I’ll be eating brains for a week.’

Click.

Dunphy was rewinding the tape when the phone went again. He grabbed it, heard

‘I thought of a name.’

‘Name?’

‘Is there an echo? Don’t keep repeating everything, it’s very annoying. “The Blitz”, like Blitzkreig, know how to spell that?’

‘Yes, but...’

‘It’s not negotiable.’

‘The other papers...’

‘Are shite, just do it.’

Click.

The Tabloid led with:

Brant, if he’d turned on the telly, would have found it top story on every channel. He didn’t. Continued to sit motionless, his mind a vacuum of white noise.

Porter was up to his arse in reporters, phones, leads, frustration. He shouted,

‘Where the hell is Brant?’

No one had seen him. A tabloid guy named Dunphy, who had tapes of the killer, was demanding an interview. Porter had ignored him. It took three days for Brant to appear. When he did, his face had the look of a man who had been to hell and only part ways returned. Porter said,

‘In the office. Now.’

Brant sat before the desk, his body language almost painful. Porter tried not to shout, went:

‘Where have you been?’

‘I’m not sure.’

‘What?’

‘I can’t account for my movements. Isn’t that the jargon?’

A thought hit Porter and he asked,

‘You do know another policeman has been killed?’

Brant shook his head. Porter went to the door, grabbed a WPC, said,

‘Give us some teas. Oh, and two Club Milks.’

She stared at him and he said,

‘Did you hear me?’

‘Sir, in view of the Sexual Discrimination Act, just because I’m female...’

‘Get the fucking tea.’

She did.

Porter leant over Brant, said,

‘A sergeant, name of Cross.’

An expression flitted across Brant’s face. Porter would have been hard-pressed to label it. Was it shock, regret, pain? What it wasn’t was anger. Porter would have preferred that. He continued:

‘The killer is now calling himself “The Blitz”. He used a hammer, then torched the flat. The Coroner says, despite the fire, they were able to do a full identification. Cross was not so much bludgeoned to death as beaten to pulp. They never saw such a beating in all their years. The killer has his own column in the papers.’

Brant finally moved, asked,

‘How’s that work?’

‘He calls a hack named Dunphy, gives him the details.’

Porter indicated the cups, said,

‘There’s tea and... Club Milks.’

‘I’m not doing tea. Dunphy, did you say?’

‘Yes, you know him?’

‘I do.’

Porter shuffled the avalanche of paper, asked,

‘How did it go in New Cross?’

‘New Cross? What’s in New Cross?’

‘Jesus, Brant. You were going to check out a likely lad, remember?’

Brant didn’t answer and Porter added,

‘Three days ago, you were to check on him.’

Brant was up, said,

‘I’ll go now.’

Porter stood, reaching for his jacket.

‘I’m coming with you.’

As they hit the street, a man approached. He had the appearance of an accountant with his hand in the till, mid-thirties with his head shaved to a sheen, he said,

‘Porter Nash!’

‘What?’

‘I’m Dunphy, from The Tabloid. I need to ask if you have anything?’

Before Porter could answer, Brant said,

‘I’ve got something.’

Dunphy swivelled to face him, said,

‘Yeah?’

Brant hit him in the gut and kept moving. As they got to the car, Porter asked,

‘And what was that?’

‘Didn’t I say already? I knew him.’

Barry was having a lie-in; he found fame more exhausting than he’d expected. The previous night he’d gone out and got steaming, really put them pints of lager away. Then a curry and collapsed into bed.

A pounding at his door. He shouted:

‘Fuck off, I gave at the office.’

He was suffering — a headache from hell and his stomach doing a curried jig. More pounding, then:

‘Police.’

Falls didn’t know how to dress to charm. She knew about intimidation, manipulation, but when you wanted a person to not only like you but to do you a favour, then what? She settled for her uniform. Roberts’ contact, Nelson, was probably old school, she decided. Reminded herself to play the subservient card. When she’d finally got Nelson on the phone, he’d been gruff, said:

‘What?’

‘Chief Inspector Roberts suggested I talk to you, sir.’

‘You’re a woman?’

She wanted to shout:

‘No wonder you’re a detective.’

Kept her voice neutral, said,

‘Yes, sir, a WPC.’

‘Bloody nuisance.’

She didn’t answer that, then he rasped,

‘What do you want?’

She took a deep breath, said,

‘A few nights back, an Arab got a bad beating.’

‘Oh, that? Don’t worry, we got two of the scumbags. The third one we havn’t found yet but we know who he is.’

Looking down at her hands, she realised her fingers were crossed, said,

‘He’s the one I want to discuss.’

Silence as he weighed the numbers, she continued:

‘Could I buy you breakfast?’

‘I can always use a breakfast.’

‘Great... in an hour?’

‘Two hours. There’s a café called Romero’s, know it?’

‘Yes.’

She didn’t.

Click.

There’s a level below transport café — not a level you’d want to reach. Construction workers will warn you away from them, that’s a warning you better heed. Known to cab drivers as ‘dives’, you literally dive in and out, coffee being the only item related to a taste zone. Romero’s was a dive. It took Falls the two hours to find it. Being in uniform didn’t help. An OAP asked,

‘Going to shut it down? Not before bloody time.’

And a young woman who said,

‘Oh, you don’t want to go there, it’s ghastly.’

It was.

If the windows had ever been cleaned, no one remembered. A grubby sign proclaimed:

   ‘Tuesday’s special, Toad-in-the-hole.’

She went in. Dim fluorescent light bathed the interior in suicidal yellow. All the tables save one were empty. Falls had projected Nelson as a Brant clone: big, thick, ugly. A man in a tweed jacket was sitting at the furthest table. In his mid-thirties, he had a mop of thick brown hair, a face that BBC newsreaders would describe as craggy and a solid build. He smiled and she felt a stir. The kind of smile that bathes you in its welcome, made you feel its delight was solely at the sight of you. He said,

‘Falls?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Are you going to guard the door or come and sit down?’

Why the hell hadn’t Roberts told her the guy was a hunk? Now that she thought about it, he’d had a sly smile as he told her. Totally thrown, she moved and took a chair. Up close, Nelson was even better. Brown wide eyes, ah... yes. She was a sucker for those. Pulled her mind to a halt, chided herself: So what? Roberts implied this guy was a bigot and that wiped out any physical attraction... right, course it did.

Then realised he was speaking, heard:

‘Falls, hello, you in there?’

‘Sorry. With the killings, we’re all a bit strung out.’ He smiled and she felt the pang as he asked,

‘What will you have? I strongly advise you to avoid the toad-in-the-hole.’

‘Tea. Tea, sir.’

Shook his head.

‘Enough with the “sir”, I’m Bob.’

And held out his hand. Long tapered fingers and — wonders — clean nails, cuticles pushed back, hands that were cared for. She immediately checked for a ring, nope, no ring. His grasp was strong and she wanted to shout,

‘To hell with foreplay, let’s do it.’

The proprietor emerged from the shadows, looking but a drink from the street. Nelson said,

‘Tea and toast for two.’

She adored that ‘two’. Turning back to her, he said,

‘You can smoke if you want.’

‘I don’t smoke, sir... Bob.’

He laughed, repeated,

‘Sir Bob! Mind you, if you did smoke, it could only help in here, maybe kill off the bacteria. To tell the truth, though, I don’t like women who smoke.’

She wanted to shout:

‘Me neither.’

But bit down. He reached in his pocket, took out a notebook, began,

‘Okay, we’ve got two of the guys involved in the assault.’

She grasped at the word:

‘Assault? He’s not...?’

‘Dead? No, God knows how, they did a real number on him. When those skins start in with the steel-cap boots, it’s serious. The two we nabbed are singing like canaries, gave up the third guy without a second thought and he’s — let me see, I can hardly read my own writing — John Wales, known as “Metal”. This is the guy you wanted to discuss?’

‘Yes.’

‘What is he, a snitch?’

She couldn’t believe it: here was an explanation, a plausible one. Nodding furiously, she said,

‘If there’s any way you can cut him loose?’

Nelson put the notebook away, leant back in his chair, said,

‘Anything can be buried.’

‘Will you?’

‘Will I? What’s it worth?’

Falls sighed. Frigging cops, it always came down to barter, she answered:

‘A lot.’

‘Come for a drink tomorrow night.’

‘That’s all?’

Now she got that smile but it seemed to have lost some of its wattage, he said,

‘You’ve been around, you know it’s never “That’s all”.’

‘Okay.’

‘I’ll pick you up around eight.’

‘That’s fine, let me give you my address.’

‘I have it.’

‘You know where I live?’

‘Jeez, Falls, what a stupid question.’

Barry pulled on a sweatshirt, track bottoms, opened the door. He recognised Brant but didn’t register the fact. Porter asked,

‘Mr Weiss, Barry Weiss?’

‘That’s me.’

‘Might we step in?’

And flashed their warrant cards. Barry decided to bust their balls, asked,

‘Got a warrant?’

Brant gave a tiny smile, pushed Barry in the chest, followed him in, said,

‘It’s in the post.’

Barry could see the other cop wasn’t happy with the Gestapo tactics so he’d work on him. Without a further word, Brant began a search. Barry looked at Porter, asked,

‘Get you anything? Coffee, nice drop of absinthe?’

‘Drop of what?’

‘Yeah, I won it. You want to get this month’s Bizarre, got my letter in there, won the prize.’

‘You write a lot of letters, Mr Weiss?’

Barry gave a resigned shrug, said,

‘Who’s got the time?’

Brant was back, said,

‘Nothing.’

Barry kept his eyes on Porter, asked,

‘What were you looking for, maybe I can help you?’

Brant caught him by the collar of his sweatshirt, pulled him into the chair, said,

‘You’re a real helpful guy.’

Porter moved over, asked,

‘What do you do, Mr Weiss?’

‘I’m between jobs.’

‘You like to beat up on people?’

‘What?’

‘At the gym, you clobbered a guy pretty good.’

‘Oh, that. Bloody fruit came on to me, I gave him a clip.’

He caught the look between the cops, quickly added,

‘Not that I’ve anything against homosexuals.’

Brant asked,

‘And policemen, how do you feel about them?’

‘Thank God, I say, thank God for the men in blue.’

Barry could feel the aggression from Brant, knew how badly the cop wanted to lash out. But the other guy, the fag, he was a restraining influence. Then something clicked in Brant’s eyes and he asked,

‘Do I know you?’

‘If we’d met, I’m sure I’d remember.’

Porter said,

‘Let’s go.’

At the door, Brant said,

‘You’re dirty, Barry. Of what I don’t know, but I’ll be keeping an eye on you.’

After they’d gone, Barry said:

‘Fucking amateurs.’

Outside, Porter asked,

‘What do you think?’

‘He’s a bad one but if he’s the one, I don’t know.’

They stood for a moment, then Brant said:

‘You’re thinking, if he is our guy, in the past three days he butchered Cross. If I’d gone to check him out, earlier...’

‘That’s pure speculation.’

‘Not for Cross it isn’t.’

Trailing that shadow, they went into a pub. Porter said,

‘I’m buying.’

‘Good, a pint and a chaser.’

The barman, recognising the heat, said,

‘On me, gents.’

Porter pushed the money across, asked,

‘Did I indicate we were free-loading?’

‘No... but.’

‘Then get my change.’

When they’d moved to a table, the barman muttered,

‘Like I’m supposed to be fucking impressed.’

Brant gulped his pint, belched, said,

‘Admirable as that was, you’ve only confused the poor bastard.’

‘I don’t do bribes.’

‘Leastways not yet.’

‘What’s that mean?’

‘That you’ve a lot to learn, give it time.’

When they got back to the station, Porter noticed the amused looks from the other cops, checked with the desk sergeant who said,

‘You better take a peek at the notice board.’

A large black-and-white photo of Brant and Porter, almost joined, was pinned there. A bold caption read:

Brant gave a thin smile, said,

‘Good likeness.’

Porter tore it down, swore,

‘Bloody morons.’

Barry Weiss was reflecting on the visit from the cops. The fascist one, Brant, would certainly call again. Barry couldn’t operate with the threat of that over him. He dressed in black levis, black T-shirt and the bomber jacket, headed out. Caught a bus that brought him right outside Waterloo Station. He headed upstairs to the main concourse, was happy to see the crowds of people. Moving at a brisk pace, he found the lockers and opened his. A smile lit his face as he surveyed the trophies. What the cops wouldn’t give to find these. He selected Cross’s wallet and address book, shut the locker, went to a designer coffee outlet. The assistant, a girl in her twenties, smiled and he said,

‘Tall latte.’

Pulled out the wallet and saw the girl’s eyes glance at the photo, the woman and three kids. He said,

‘My family.’

‘Lovely.’

As she handed across the coffee, he added,

‘All killed in a car accident.’

‘Oh my God.’

He sat in her line of vision, revelling in her shock. Opened the address book and began to flick through, mouthing, ‘Eeny, meeney miney, mo.’ The end coincided with Falls. He looked at her address, said,

‘Tonight, my sweet.’

Falls tried to sort through her feelings. Sure, she was attracted to Nelson, no argument there. The guy had most of the moves and wasn’t afraid to use them. But, he’d coerced her into the date. The stupid bastard, she’d have gone willingly. She glanced at the clock: he was due in twenty minutes, time for some Jack. She poured a small measure, considered then poured again. What would Rosie have said?

‘Go for it, gal; use him up, throw him away.’

Yeah.

She’d dressed, not so much down as with indifference. A white T, extra large that hid her shape, black Farrah slacks and flat black heels. No sex in that arena. The Jack gave her a jolt and she moved up a level, feeling mellow. Had heard a young boy shout at his mother in the supermarket:

‘Mom, take a chill pill.’

That’s what she was doing, chilling out and it felt fine. As she smoothed the line on her pants, she remembered PC Tone. A fresh-faced newcomer, he’d tried to impress Brant. Went after a ruthless pair of Irish villains who’d killed him for his pants.

Crease that.

The same pair had very nearly taken Brant down too. She knew he felt responsible for the young cop’s death and odd times went to the grave. But would he ever talk about it, open up? Would he fuck. She’d washed her hair with L’Oréal something-or-other and it looked good. On the commercials, all those white chicks purring:

   ‘Because I’m worth it.’

She hated them. All that girly simpering shit, made her want to scream. Her drink was gone. How did that happen? The radio was tuned to a local Brixton station and here was Mary J Blige with ‘Family Affair’. Falls sang along, moved to the sofa and put on her black denim jacket, turned the collar up, checked herself in the mirror, said,

‘All — right!’

She’d put fresh sheets on the bed, in case... in case the night got away from her. The doorbell went. Before she opened, she checked through the peephole then, reassured, she turned the lock.

He had dressed up: dark navy suit, white shirt and tie, police shoes. Looking good, he held out chocolates and flowers, said,

‘I don’t know if people do this any more.’

‘They should, come in.’

He did a cop scan of the room, checking where the exits were. She asked,

‘Like a drink?’

‘Sure, give you time to get ready.’

‘I am ready.’

‘Oh... right.’

Poured him some Jack and a small one for herself, went,

‘Cheers.’

‘Yeah.’

He was off balance, his composure rattled, so she relented, said,

‘I can still change.’

‘No, you’re fine.’

When a man uses ‘fine’ to a woman, it’s like saying you’ve nice eyes, meaning you’re a dog but I’d better throw you something. He knocked back the drink and asked,

‘Ready?’

‘As ever.’

He was driving a Rover, impressed her by opening the door for her, then moved round to let himself in. As he put the car in gear, he asked:

‘Italian okay?’

‘Sure.’

‘I booked a place at the Elephant, it’s got a rep.’

‘But for what?’

And they both lightened up. The evening went well from there. They’d two bottles of wine with the food and he was well able to talk. Most cops, it’s shop talk and the job and... the job. He never mentioned their work, spoke about music, movies, travel. When the coffee came, he said,

‘You haven’t said a whole lot.’

‘I like listening to you.’

He gave her a full look, asked,

‘So, we might do it again?’

‘I’d say so.’

On the drive back to her place, she was anticipating him spending the night, the prospect sent a shiver through her. After he parked the car, he leant over and she closed her eyes in anticipation of the kiss.

Nothing happened.

He was unlocking her door, saying,

‘I had a really nice time, I’ll call you.’

She couldn’t believe it. Clean sheets, wild anticipation and he’d “Call her!”

She asked,

‘When?’

‘When what?’

‘When will you call me? Later to see if I’m safely tucked in? Tomorrow, next week... some bright day in August?’

‘Jeez, Falls. I...’

‘Look, Nelson, I’m too tired for games. A man says “I’ll call” and the woman begins the countdown, waiting and hoping. He thinks, tomorrow or Sunday, what’s the difference? Let me tell you, there’s a hell of a bloody difference.’

She began to get out, he said,

‘Tomorrow. I’ll call you tomorrow.’

‘Piss off.’

And slammed the door. He stared at her through the windscreen then put the car in gear, moved away. She wanted to call him back, muttered,

‘Dumb, dumb, dumb... shit.’

Began to rummage in her purse. Where were those bloody keys? Barry Weiss moved out of the shadows, hammer raised.

The super was not pleased to see Roberts, especially as he was having his tea break. A daily ritual, he had two cups and two rich tea biscuits. What he liked to do was clear his desk, dunk the biscuits and slow dribble them into his mouth. Damn close to being the highlight of his day. He was mid-ribble when Roberts walked in. The Super, his head back, mouth wide — like Homer Simpson — was not a picture of leadership or authority. He near choked on being caught, went:

‘I didn’t hear you knock.’

Roberts launched:

‘You replaced me.’

‘What?’

‘Porter Nash is heading up the inquiry.’

‘You’re on compassionate leave.’

‘I’m back.’

The Super looked longingly at the tea, resolved to get Roberts out fast, asked,

‘How do you feel about early retirement?’

Roberts smiled bleakly, answered,

‘We’d miss you, sir.’

The Super told himself he was dealing with a lunatic. Hazel, the police shrink, had once told him that grief unhinges the mind. Here was the proof that Hazel knew his stuff, and who’d ever have thought he was a dipsomaniac? It was still a shock to realise that his own puppet McDonald had shafted him. He’d have to re-evaluate that young man. Now he straightened his back, tried for resolve, which he hoped he was famous for, said,

‘There are other urgent cases.’

‘I’ll take them.’

Surprised he hadn’t gotten an argument, the Super said in a reconciliatory tone,

‘Losing a wife isn’t easy.’

Roberts’ face lit up, he asked,

‘You lost your wife, sir?’

‘Well, no... I...’

‘Then, with all due respect, sir, how the hell would you know what it’s like?’

And then he was gone. Didn’t even wait to be dismissed. Skin had formed over the tea and the Super splashed the biscuit into it, said,

‘A lunatic, that’s for sure.’

Roberts went through the current cases. Christ, it was depressing. If it was war on the streets, the police had already lost. He flicked through accounts of rape, fraud, arson, burglary and considered going home. Let the tide of anarchy wash over them. Shook himself and selected a file at random.

Okay.

Pensioners were being targeted in their homes. An intruder broke in during the night, beat the occupant mercilessly and stole whatever money he could. The only description was that the assailant was white and in his twenties. Roberts put the file down, he saw McDonald cruise by, called to him, said,

‘Get me a map of Southwark.’

‘Now?’

‘Next Sunday? Course it’s now and be quick about it.’

He was.

Roberts looked up the addresses of those attacked and studied the pattern. McDonald, leaning over his shoulder, offered,

‘That’s a dead-end case, sir. I did the door-to-door myself, nothing came of it.’

Roberts took out his pen, made some marks on the map, said,

‘See those marks?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Those are the buildings where the pensioners live.’

‘Right, sir.’

‘Now, see how they almost circle this building here.’

‘I see that, sir, but...’

‘Shut up. Any guess as to what that building is?’

‘Not offhand, sir.’

Roberts pushed back from the map, looked at McDonald, asked,

‘Ever wonder why you’re still a constable?’

‘Well, sir, I...’

‘Because you’re a sloppy bastard. You do the minimum and away home with you. Jeez, a traffic warden has more balls. That building is the main post office and what happens there, do you think?’

McDonald wanted to shrug and say,

‘Not a whole lot.’

But thought harder, then:

‘Pensions.’

‘Brilliant. So what you do is go there on the next payout day, watch for a white male in his twenties who’s loitering and then you get back to me.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Okay, let’s see if we can solve another.’

Along the Walworth Road, people were being mugged for their mobile phones. Thing was, if the phones weren’t new, the mugger flung them back. Roberts said,

‘That’s not a crime, that’s a public service.’

Roberts couldn’t believe it, he was enjoying himself, the andrenalin rush was pure bliss. He said,

‘See McDonald, if you’d solved those two, you’d be on your way to sergeant.’

McDonald had never liked Roberts, now he hated him. Decided to brown-nose, maybe the superior prick would kick the credit for those cases his way. Said,

‘It’s a learning experience to watch a professional at work.’

Roberts let out a sigh, then:

‘I never actually believed people spoke like that. You certainly can’t have picked it up in Glasgow. What, you watch The Oprah Show, pick up a few pointers? Well, son, that might cut some ice with the Super but it don’t mean shit to me. Now, piss off and check out the post office.’

He opened another file. Young boys were being attacked on Clapham Common, usually on the way home from school. He made a note to arrange for a daily police patrol when the schools let out. It wouldn’t stop the attacks but it would definitely interrupt them. Standing up, he stretched, cast an eye on the pile of cases waiting, said,

‘At least I’ve dented them.’

Headed for the canteen. McDonald was there, wolfing a bacon sandwich. Roberts said,

‘Didn’t I tell you to go somewhere?’

‘Well yes, but I thought a bit of sustenance first.’

‘You thought wrong, get moving.’

McDonald began to pack away the food and Roberts barked:

‘Leave it.’

After the PC had skulked off, Roberts sat, realised he was hungry, checked the contents, Yeah, ketchup on double bacon slice and a hint of tomato. He took a healthy bite.

Barry Weiss had put all his weight behind the swing of the hammer. He wanted to nail this in one, heard a roar and a figure came hurtling at him, hitting him full-on. Barry went over, the figure on top of him. The woman was screaming. Barry managed to roll, came up in a crouch. The figure was a skinhead and as Barry registered this, he swung the hammer, connecting with the forehead, then he was up and running for all he was worth.

Falls wished the screaming would stop then realised it was her. Put a hand to her mouth and then slowly approached the figure on the ground. It was Metal. She tried for a pulse, couldn’t find one and heard the screaming again.

Porter and Brant were in Falls’ living room. A doctor had given her a sedative and she was sleeping. Brant found the bottle of Jack, poured one, offered it to Porter who shook his head, asked,

‘Should we be taking her booze?’

‘She won’t be counting.’

Brant knocked the drink back, grimaced then said,

‘I hate this shit.’

Porter didn’t know if he meant the situation or the drink, was too het up to care, said,

‘The skinhead’s dead?’

‘As a doornail.’

Brant shrugged and Porter asked,

‘She get a look at her attacker?

‘Only that he was white, said all white guys look the same to her.’

Porter felt powerless. He wanted to lash out, do something, asked,

‘She know the skinhead is dead?’

‘Yes, she knows.’

‘What’s the deal here? I mean, a black woman, a black policewoman and what... a skinhead guardian angel?’

Brant gave his smile, said,

‘Welcome to the liberal south-east, and you thought we were rednecks.’

Nelson arrived, strode up to them, near shouted,

‘Is she all right?’

Porter looked at Brant who said nothing, then back to Nelson.

‘What are you, a boyfriend?’

Nelson produced his warrant card, said,

‘I’m on the Job.’

Brant sniggered and Nelson gave him the stare, then:

‘I heard someone got killed.’

‘Falls is okay. Our cop killer took a run at her and some skinhead tried to save her, got his ticket punched.’

Nelson took a deep breath, then:

‘Metal... John something or other, runner with the British National Party.’

Porter’s interest was up, asked,

‘You had dealings with him?’

‘No, I knew of him, through another case.’

Porter studied Nelson, then:

‘Were you with her this evening?’

‘Yes, I dropped her off.’

‘You didn’t think to walk her to her door?’

‘I...’

Brant joined, said,

‘What a gent.’

Then turned his back, said to Porter,

‘I’ll sit with her.’

‘You sure?’

“Course.’

Nelson wanted to volunteer but he’d effectively been frozen out. He turned and left without another word.

Barry Weiss was rattled. He’d run till his lungs burst, convinced the cops were going to grab him at any moment. He leant against a wall to get his bearings, knew he had to get off the street. Across the road was a pub and he headed over. A siren sounded and it sounded near. Barry walked up to the bar and a barmaid gave him a curious look, said,

‘You running a marathon?’

He felt the hammer’s weight in his pocket, wanted to grab it, give her a lash across the face, say,

‘Run that.’

He wiped the sweat from his brow, said,

‘Two pints of lager.’

Got those and moved to a table. His heart was palpitating, a tremor in his hands. He sunk the first pint in one long, desperate gulp, thought: That’s the business.

In a few minutes, he felt the panic ease, thought: Jeez, that was close. If the woman had joined in, helped instead of screaming, I would have been in deep shit.

He knew he’d fucked up, should have gone after her once the skinhead was out of the picture. As he began the second pint, he tried to recall if Bundy or Gacy had fucked up. Sure they had, victims escaping from both of them. And... They got caught, how much more could you fuck up? He was still free but he’d have to be careful. When closing time came, he left with the crowd of people who’d drawn out last orders. The pints had restored him and he could feel his adrenalin sing. On the street, there was no sign of cops and Barry decided to restore his confidence. As the crowd began to disperse, hailing cabs, moving to the underground, he had to make a rapid choice. A man in an expensive leather jacket was waving goodbye. Barry fell in behind him, the man’s friends calling:

‘John, John, sure you don’t want to come to the club?’

‘No, I’ve an early start.’

Barry wanted to add,

‘Earlier than you think, mate.’

The man turned left, walked unsteadily and Barry caught up, said,

‘John.’

John turned and Barry moved in close, saying,

‘Jeez, John. What’s your hurry?’

Kneed him in the balls, caught him as he fell, got him to a doorway, took a look around. No one paying any attention, Barry went through his pockets, saying,

‘If you’d gone to the club, you’d have got really hammered.’

Took his wallet, loose change and heard people coming along, he stepped away, moved quickly up the street, thinking, A curry, I could really murder one.

The local police put John’s attack down to the usual mugging. He protested,

‘He took my wallet, my wages were in there.’

‘Hey, you could have been killed.’

‘Sure, like that was ever going to happen.’

McDonald planned to solve the attacks on the pensioners. Roberts had told him to case the post office and report back. He said, ‘Will I? Will I fuck.’ This was his time to shine, get noticed and back into the Super’s good books. He’d not mention Roberts at all. Let the whole glorious event be his. Waking early, he felt ready, his mind alert. Wore casual clothes and, at the post office, asked for the boss, showed him his warrant card, outlined the plan. The guy was all cooperation, showed him a counter from which he could see everything without being seen.

Perfect.

Meant he could sit if it proved to be a long day. It did. After four hours, he was bored rigid. The staff kept him supplied with tea and now he badly needed to pee. Then thought: Hello, you again.

Twice a guy in his twenties had passed him, an hour apart. The guy was so ordinary, he almost hadn’t registered: dressed in a parka, thick black-rimmed glasses and lank long hair. You looked at him, your eyes kept moving as your mind said ‘geek’, ‘nerd’ and searched for something more interesting. McDonald locked on him. The guy had a furtive, shifty look. Then he turned, headed for the door. McDonald went after him. The boss, sensing drama, asked,

‘You see something?’

But got no reply.

Outside, McDonald couldn’t see the geek, thought he’d lost him. Rage and frustration tore through his mind. Then, in the small café across the road, he spotted him, ordering takeaway chips. When he came out, McDonald positioned himself to follow. The geek walked towards Lee Road, took a right and entered a building. McDonald was close behind, saw the geek go up the first flight of stairs and was almost on top of him as he searched for his keys. McDonald said,

‘This your place?’

‘Who are you?’

‘The police. I asked you a question?’

‘Yes, yes it is. Is something wrong?’

‘Let’s take it inside.’

The geek opened the door and McDonald pushed him in. The chips fell and McDonald felt them squish beneath his boots. He slammed the door and moved after the geek, glanced round the flat. To his surprise it was neat, with books tidily arranged, newspapers and magazines stacked on a small table. He asked,

‘What are you, a student?’

‘Ahm, yes, accountancy. Look, I don’t know what you want...’

McDonald had seen Brant in action, heard the stories told with awe and admiration. What Brant did was ignore all the rules and get away with it. McDonald was tired of toeing the line and getting nowhere. He was going to have some of that maverick magic. He was nose to nose with the geek and head-butted him. The glasses and nose broke in unison. McDonald then gut-punched him and walked over to the window, opened it wide. He couldn’t believe the rush, the sheer power he felt. Indicating the window, he said,

‘You’re going out that if I don’t get the answers I want.’

The geek was crying now, on his knees, sniffed,

‘Tell me what you want. I haven’t done anything.’

McDonald stood over him, went,

‘You’re crying. Were the old folk crying when you attacked them, eh?’

‘What?’

He began to stand up, blood pouring from his nose. McDonald was about to berate further when the geek lunged, he had hold of McDonald’s shirt and they fell back against the window. McDonald tried to break the grip, hit out with his left fist, the geek staggered, tried to get his balance and fell out the window. McDonald was stunned, heard the thump and took a quick look. The geek had landed in a utility yard, his neck turned at an impossible angle. McDonald said,

‘Oh fuck.’

For a moment, he was lost, then jerked into motion. Out the door, down the stairs and on to the street, he knew he should call an ambulance but tried to reason with himself:

‘No, no, it’s too late.’

Passing a pub, he wanted to go in, hammer down a line of whiskies. But he might never stop. His heart was pounding, fright coursing through his system.

Brant arrived at the station looking like he’d been up all night, which he had. Porter said,

‘Jeez, you look rough.’

‘I feel it.’

‘How is Falls?’

‘She’s up, moving around but in that zone of delayed shock.’

Porter was swamped with reports, files, said,

‘I don’t suppose she feels it but she was lucky. If not for the skinhead, she’d be another statistic.’

Brant got out his Weights, cranked the Zippo and was soon engulfed by smoke. Porter sat, seemed to weigh something, then,

‘How do you feel about weddings?’

‘Weddings? Jeez, I give them a wide berth. Why, you thinking of taking the plunge?’

‘Not me, my father.’

‘You’re kidding, you mean you’ll be legitimate then?’

‘I’m serious, he’s 65 and he’s going to marry his secretary who’s, like... thirty.’

‘And you want me to go?’

‘I’d have asked Falls but under the circumstances... I don’t want to turn up on my own.’

Brant ground out the cig on the floor, gave a tight smile, said,

‘Sure, long as they don’t have me down as your... significant other.’

Porter lightened, said,

‘They don’t think much of me but I don’t think even they would see me as that desperate.’

Brant stood.

‘Don’t knock it, boyo. Couple of drinks and I improve out of all recognition.’

‘Christ, it would take an awful lot of drink. It’s Saturday, at The Carmelite Church on Kensington Church Street.’

Brant turned to face him, asked,

‘Catholic? I’s a catholic gig?’

‘So, you have a problem there?’

‘No, but there’s always a shitload of guilt in the air. Add booze and watch out.’

‘That’s why I’m taking you.’

‘For the aggro?’

‘No, the guilt.’

Roberts had cleared three more cases. One was a hit and run, which he solved by going round to see the family of the victim. Turned out a brother had been the driver and had been nursing an imagined slight for years. As soon as Roberts began talking to him, he confessed, which was police work at its most basic — talking to those involved. Next, a purse-snatcher operating in Kennington Park. A snitch had given up the perp in five minutes flat. The third was a stolen-car operation out of Streatham. Again, simple procedure had solved the case. Roberts placed surveillance on dodgy garages in the area and caught the gang red-handed. Admittedly, these were not the brightest of villains but their apprehension appeared greater than it was.

The station was buzzing with his triumph, cops had been congratulating him at every opportunity. His success made them all look good. The Super was astounded, sent for Roberts and got the bottle out of the drawer. Roberts said,

‘No thanks, sir; not while I’m on duty.’

The bottle went back in the desk.

‘By jove, Roberts, you’ve done a commendable body of work there.’

Roberts put it down to luck and having no home life. What else was there to do? The cases kept him from brooding. He said,

‘Thank you, sir.’

‘I believe you’ve been putting in Trojan hours of extra hours.’

‘I felt it was necessary, sir.’

‘And you were right. By God, you’re an example to us all. I thought after your wife died, well, I thought you were finished.’

‘Your faith kept me going, sir.’

The Super examined Roberts’ face for a sign of impertinence, didn’t see any and continued:

‘Pity Porter Nash and his team won’t take a leaf out of your book. I can’t promise anything but it’s very likely you’ll be replacing him. As acting inspector, he has proved sadly inadequate. Those people — queers — they don’t have the staying power.’

Roberts had no answer to the blatant homophobia and didn’t attempt one. The Super straightened his back, said,

‘You’re somewhat close to Falls?’

‘Close, sir?’

‘As well as being her superior officer, you two have a friendship, I mean, you can talk to her?’

‘Yes sir, I can talk to her.’

The Super sighed.

‘Yer darkies, I never fully trust them; they hate us, you know.’

‘Do they, sir?’

‘By God they do, resent us for being on top. Don’t you ever forget you’re a white man, Chief Inspector.’

Roberts considered the many insane replies available but instead just nodded. It seemed to be what the Super expected, he continued:

‘Good man. When they come rioting down the Brixton Road — and they will, mark my words — you’ll do well to know on which side of the barricade you belong.’

Roberts was seriously regretting his refusal of the drink. Much more of this and he’d lunge for the bottle, but the tirade was winding down, the Super lowered his voice.

‘You’ll know she had some connection to the Nazi who got killed?’

‘Ahm, I heard he saved her life.’

The Super waved a hand in scornful dismissal.

‘She intends going to the funeral, can you imagine?’

‘Well, sir, they were friends.’

‘Balls, friends! A Nazi and a nigger. Weren’t you paying attention before?’

‘Yes sir, I hung on every word and believe me, I won’t forget it ever.’

‘See you don’t. Now, the Hitler boys will be out in force, a fallen comrade and all that rubbish, so you’re to keep her from going.’

‘Stop her?’

‘Use your charm, man. I’m told you used to have buckets of it. Failing that, threaten her. Don’t forget, you’ll be heading up the murder inquiry soon, you’ll need mettle for that. Here’s a chance to get some practice.’

‘Is that all, sir?’

‘Yes, tell my secretary I’m ready for my tea.’

Outside, Roberts took a deep breath. Brant approached, said,

‘I hear you’ll be heading the inquiry.’

‘Maybe. Meantime I have to talk to Falls.’

‘Good luck.’

‘Want to tag along? Be like old times.’

‘Can’t, I’m going to a wedding.’

‘Oh, anyone I know?’

Brant looked him full in the face, smiled, said,

‘I very much doubt it.’

Roberts forgot to tell the secretary about the tea.

Outside Falls’ place, a Rover was parked. Roberts clocked it straightaway, tapped on the window, said,

‘Nelson.’

He opened the door and got in. The car reeked of booze and curry. Nelson looked rough, red-eyed and unshaven. Roberts, not long from the same situation, asked,

‘What’s this, a stakeout?’

‘Sort of. I’m keeping an eye on who calls.’

Nelson’s voice was ragged, a hoarseness as if he’d been shouting all night. Roberts realised the man was seriously wired, said,

‘Does she know you’re here?’

‘Yes, but she won’t talk to me.’

‘Give her some time, she’s had a close call.’

Nelson turned to Roberts, his eyes fucked, said,

‘But I screwed up, literally delivered her to the killer.’

‘What?’

‘You don’t know? We’d been out and I drove her back here, didn’t even get out of the car, just let her go and I drove off. The guy waiting there with a hammer.’

Roberts didn’t think platitudes would help so he went with:

‘You fucked up.’

‘Big time.’

‘We all do, she’ll get over it.’

‘You think?’

‘I don’t know.’

He started to get out and Nelson asked,

‘Will you put a word in for me?’

‘Sure.’

Roberts found himself anxious as he rang Falls’ bell. He expected to find her in a terrible state and wasn’t sure he had what it took to haul her back. No answer. A guilty relief began to sweep over him, but then the door opened. Falls was dressed in a spotless white sweatshirt with dark navy jeans. Her feet were bare, giving her an air of relaxation. She said,

‘Oh.’

He couldn’t think of a single form of greeting and stood there like an idiot. She glanced over his shoulder at Nelson sitting in the car, grimaced and said,

‘Come in.’

The place was neat, tidy and smelling of airfreshener. She indicated a chair and as he sat, she said,

‘Tea?’

‘Great.’

She arrived back with a tray holding teapot, cups, biscuits. While she poured, Roberts took a good look at her and had to admit she was looking good, no, looking great. Catching his scrutiny, she went:

‘What?’

‘I was thinking how well you seem.’

Anger in her eyes, she snapped,

‘You expected what? Tears? Hysteria? Let me tell you, I’m all through with that grieving shit. After Rosie, I went to pieces. You want to know something? I’m glad that maniac didn’t kill me. But let me guess, they sent you to talk me out of the funeral? Don’t waste your time, I’m going.’

He sipped his tea, said,

‘Okay.’

Took her by surprise and she asked,

‘That’s it, you’re not going to argue?’

‘Nope.’

‘Oh.’

He let her digest that, until,

‘You might give Nelson a break.’

‘Fuck him.’

‘Did he help you out, when you went to him?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Then cut the crap, he’s a cop, get off your high horse.’

She eyeballed him, assessing how far he could be pushed, figured she’d had her limit, said,

‘I’ll think about it.’

‘Think all you want, I want him at the funeral with you.’

Then he stood, said,

‘You need to talk, you know where I am.’

‘Thanks, I think.’

He reached out, touched her shoulder. The gesture took them both by surprise. He said,

‘The hard-ass act, it works for Brant. Anyone else, it wipes out.’

For a moment her eyes clouded, then she got a grip, said,

‘It’s getting me through, isn’t that the point?’

Roberts considered, said,

‘I have no idea what the point is or even if there ever was one but I do know you can’t hack it alone.’

‘You seem to.’

‘And what did it get me? You found me wandering the supermarket like a wino. No, that maverick shit is overrated.’

Porter Nash had another frustrating day. A ton of leads had been followed up but nothing came of them. The Press were screaming about police incompetence and a prime time TV programme had lashed their failure. An atmosphere of depression had settled on the station. As Porter called it a day and headed out, not even the desk sergeant said goodnight. Bad sign. The desk was a thermometer of the force. No matter how bad things got, the duty sergeant would usually find a cliché to rally the troops. Not today. Brant was leaning against his car, smoking, asked,

‘Want to come for a brewski?’

‘Sure, why not?’

Brant drove, heading towards the Oval. His driving was a model of controlled ferocity. Porter asked,

‘Where are we headed?’

‘Lorn Road. Think forlorn.’

‘There’s a pub there?

‘Fuck no, it’s residential. I live there.’

‘We’re going to your place?’

Brant glanced at him, grinned, said,

‘Yeah, and don’t get any ideas.’

‘I’m surprised is all.’

‘I don’t get too many visitors, so excuse the mess. I figure, you let me in your gaff, I’ll return the compliment. You hungry? Want fish and chips?’

‘No thanks.’

As they parked, Porter swept his eyes across the street. Nothing untoward was happening. It was one of those rare pockets of quiet in the maelstrom that was the Oval. He asked,

‘How’d you wash up here?’

‘I leaned on a landlord, leaned hard.’

When they got to the front door, Porter looked back at the car, asked,

‘Is it safe there?’

And got the wolf smile with,

‘Mine is.’

The living room was crammed with books. Centrepiece was a large photo of what appeared to be some kind of docks. Brant said,

‘That’s the Claddagh in Galway. You know, where the rings originated?’

Porter stepped closer, could make out swans on the water, said,

‘Must be a peaceful place.’

Brant snorted, said,

‘Last time I was there, some nutter was beheading swans. There are no peaceful places, not any more. You want peace, carry a piece. Sit down.’

Brant disappeared into the kitchen, returned with a tray, a bottle of what appeared to be water and two heavy tumblers. He set them down, said,

‘That’s poteen, Irish moonshine.’

‘Isn’t it illegal?’

‘I fucking hope so.’

He poured substantial measures, said,

‘Slàinte.’

‘Okay.’

Porter was expecting a lethal kick, waited, no... said,

‘Goes down easy.’

‘Sneaks up on you, like the country itself. You wake in the morning, have a glass of water, you’re pissed again.’

He moved to the bookshelf then carefully edged a volume out, looked at it with reverence, handed it to Porter, said,

‘Get you started.’

It was one of the old Penguin editions, the green-and-white cover with:

‘Thanks, I’ll take good care of it.’

Encouraged, Brant continued:

‘Published in 1956, it’s a winner. I’ve another fifty titles if you like that.’

Porter kept his appreciation low, the prospect of more was horrendous. He said,

‘I’d better make a move. You still on for the wedding?’

‘I’m on for anything.’