Skinner's rules

61

It was almost 4.00 p.m. next day before Henry Wills called Martin.

‘Chief Inspector, about your request. I’m sorry to have taken so long, but one doesn’t want to arouse unnecessary suspicions, when one makes casual enquiries about an individual. I’ve got something for you now on Mr Andrew Harvey. It seems that he has turned into a very respectable citizen, an entrepreneur, no less. I gather that he established and runs a very specialised computer software design company in a place called Cumbernauld. He calls himself Harvand Systems Limited. Now there’s original for you!

‘Your assessment was very perceptive. He is indeed a member of our Graduates’ Association. He donates about one hundred pounds every year, and he’s spoken at a few careers seminars for final year maths and science students. He goes down very well, from what I’m told. Does that help?’

Wills sounded pleased, like a man expecting praise. Martin did not disappoint him.

‘Very much, Mr Wills. Thank you.’ As an afterthought he added, ‘Any news on that other matter you mentioned?’

‘Only that I heard that the Zionists have invited the Prime Minister of Israel to speak in opposition to the Syrian. He turned them down flat, apparently, and won’t even allow his ambassador to represent him.’

‘That might encourage the Syrian to accept, if he was in doubt.’

‘Let’s hope not! Dear God, imagine it!’ Martin could picture Wills eyes rolling towards the heavens.

‘Thank you again for yesterday’s information by the way. Securicor’s shareholders can look forward to a healthy dividend. It seems that universities and colleges all over the country are hiring extra people for the week in question. I can only guess at your source.’

Martin laughed. ‘That’s right, Mr Wills, you can only guess!’

He went straight to Skinner’s office to report Wills’ information on Harvey. ‘Will I check him out?’

‘It sounds as if he’s one rebel who’s been tamed, but talk to him anyway, to eliminate him from the inquiry if nothing else. Go in with a good cover story. I want him to forget the conversation as soon as it’s over, if he has nothing to do with this business.’