Close Call

Chapter 54

Slim’s Club was full. On a week night the customers were beginning to drift home by midnight, but this was Friday, and people seemed happy to stay out late. McManus found a space at the very end of the car park and walked back towards the club’s entrance. He could hear the loud music from the dance floor while he was still fifty yards away. He nodded at the bouncers standing by the front door and went through into the restaurant, surprised to find that most of the tables were still occupied.

Lester Jackson, in an elegant dark suit with cream shirt and crimson tie, was sitting in his usual place against the back wall. He nodded almost imperceptibly when he saw McManus, who walked over and joined him, sliding in behind the table to sit on the banquette next to his host.

‘Bang on time,’ said Jackson without looking at McManus.

‘Have you ever known me to be late?’ The waiter came to the table. McManus saw that Jackson was drinking his usual fizzy water with a slice of lime. ‘Whisky and soda,’ McManus said, thinking it would look odd if he ordered anything other than his usual. ‘So what’s happening?’ he asked casually.

Jackson didn’t answer at once. He was looking around the room, as if counting heads – or the money the heads would bring in. He took a small sip of his water and said, ‘I got a nice little deal proceeding.’

‘That’s good,’ said McManus, as if it had nothing to do with him.

‘Big delivery. From abroad.’

‘Girls?’

Jackson shrugged and pulled one of his cuffs. ‘And then some. I could use a little help with this one.’

McManus said nothing. The waiter came back with his drink, and he took a large swallow, then put his glass down. ‘I’ve been meaning to speak to you.’

‘Oh yeah?’

‘I’m going to be retiring soon.’

‘Retiring? You ain’t that old, man.’ Jackson’s voice had suddenly lost its polish.

‘My pension says I am.’ McManus tried a smile. ‘Things are going to change.’

‘How’s that?’

‘Well, once I’m no longer working I’m not going to be much use to you, am I? It’s not like I’ll know what’s going on.’

Jackson looked amused. ‘You’ll still know plenty as far as I’m concerned. And you’ll know how to find out what you don’t know. Your buddies will still be working in the department, won’t they?’

McManus didn’t say anything. He sensed this was not the time to push the story of his retirement.

Jackson said, ‘You’re gonna help me tonight, aren’t you? Or you getting cold feet in your old age? Looking for your bus pass maybe.’

‘I’m OK,’ said McManus resolutely. ‘What is it you need me for?’

‘I got a dude collecting something from me, only I haven’t done business with him before. I want backup – in case he gets some odd idea of lifting one over me. I just need you to be there. Right?’

‘Since when did you need extra firepower? I know you’re carrying.’ He gestured at Jackson’s jacket. ‘I’m not. What use am I going to be if things get rough? Or are you expecting me to arrest him?’

‘It’s not about shooting – or arresting. I just want you there. OK?’ It was not really a question; the expression on Jackson’s face was telling McManus it had better be OK.

‘Where are we going?’

‘Not far.’

‘How far? I haven’t got much petrol in my car. I’ll need to fill up.’

Jackson gave him a thoughtful look. ‘You won’t need it. I’ll drive you.’

‘When do you want to leave?’

‘Now is not too soon.’

McManus nodded and stood up. ‘OK, let me have a slash first and then we can go.’

‘Do it later.’

‘What do you mean?’

Jackson stared at him expressionlessly. ‘I said, do it later.’

‘Can’t a man go to the bog?’

‘Sure you can,’ said Jackson, relenting. ‘But leave your phone behind.’

‘Why?’

‘Why do you think?’

‘What’s the matter? Don’t you trust me?’ McManus demanded, trying to put outrage in his voice.

Jackson looked amused. ‘I trust you, Jimmy, as much as I trust anyone.’ He paused. ‘Which means I don’t trust you at all.’

McManus shrugged. ‘OK then. I can wait. Let’s go.’

Outside it was suddenly cold; frost was settling on the bonnets of the vehicles in the car park. McManus said, ‘If it’s not far I’ll follow you. Then I can go straight home after.’ He started to head for his car, but Jackson put a hand on his arm.

‘Whoa. You’re coming with me.’ He pointed to the sleek silver Audi coupé he kept in a special slot reserved for him.

‘How do I get home then?’

‘I give you a lift or drive you back here for your car. But I need you with me.’

By now McManus was scared. It was clear from the way Jackson was behaving that he didn’t trust him, so why did he want McManus to go with him? It didn’t make any sense unless he wanted to use him as cover for whatever he was up to. They’d told him at headquarters, when they’d accused him of corruption, that the only way of avoiding a very long stretch was to help them get Jackson behind bars. They’d said that if he didn’t cooperate he’d find himself charged with abetting terrorism, because Jackson had got himself involved with a bunch of jihadis. They’d said they were expecting something to go down tonight and he was supposed to warn them if Jackson moved out of the club, but with Jackson being so suspicious, he wasn’t going to be able to do that. His only hope was that when they got wherever they were going he might get a chance to send a text to say where he was.

‘Here,’ said Jackson curtly, handing him the car keys, ‘You drive.’ He took out his phone. ‘I’m turning this off for safety’s sake. Give me yours and I’ll turn that off too.’