You do want to help us, dont you, Mr. Hellier? Sean asked.
Hellier sat silently for a time before leaning forward and snatching a pen and paper. He quickly scribbled something down and pushed the paper toward Donnelly. My wifes name and my home address, he said. I assume a phone call wouldnt satisfy you gentlemen.
Much obliged, Donnelly said, slipping the note into his jacket pocket.
Will she be at home now? Sean asked.
Possibly, Hellier answered.
Good was all Sean replied.
And when my wife verifies that I was at home, Im assuming that will be the end of it.
Sean almost laughed. No, Mr. Hellier, its a little more complicated than that. We need you to come to the station within the next two days. Whenever is convenient for you will be fine. Bring that solicitor too, if you want.
But Ive told you all I know, Hellier argued. Im sorry, but I really cant help you.
You had sex with a young man whos now dead, Sean told him. Murdered. Weve taken samples from the victims body. Forensic samples. If you had sex with him within the last couple of weeks, part of you could still be on the victim. We need to eliminate any foreign samples found on the body that may have been left by you.
That really wont be necessary. I always used a condom. I may be foolish, but Im not mad. You wont find any. . Hellier stalled, trying to think of suitable words. . . thing belonging to me on his body. You dont need to examine me.
Sean stood up and leaned in close to Hellier. Oh yes I do, Mr. Hellier. And you will give me what I need. If you dont, then Ill arrest you on suspicion of murder and take the samples anyway. Ill get a warrant and search your home. Ill search this office-and we wont be as discreet about our business as weve been so far.
He wasnt bluffing; the more serious the offense, the more he could stretch his powers to the limit. He opened his wallet, took out one of his business cards, and threw it on the desk. Thats my office and mobile numbers. You have a day to call me. And Ill require a full written statement from you at the same time. Youll have to tell us about your relationship with Daniel Graydon. Absolutely everything. One day to call, Mr. Hellier, and then-
The door to Helliers office unexpectedly swung open. Another well-dressed man entered the office without asking. Sean assumed the rich-looking man in his late thirties or early forties had to be Helliers boss. He gave the man the once-over, taking in details only a cop would see. He did it to everybody nearly all the time, an occupational hazard he was almost unaware of. The man had purpose and poise, and not just because of his physical presence: he was at least six feet tall, strong and fit, his tailored suit not disguising his deep chest and slim waist. But he also had an aura about him, a sense of power and control. Sean knew the man would be the sort of boss his underlings would both fear and love.
James. The well-dressed man spoke into the room. I heard about the theft. I trust you got hold of your bank before the bastards had a chance to cash any checks? The mans voice matched everything else about him: authoritative and dominating, but soothing and reassuring at the same time. Sean felt it was almost gravitational, drawing whoever he was talking to toward him, like a brilliant actor performing on the stage.
Yes. Yes, I did. Panic over, Hellier told him.
The well-dressed man thrust out a hand toward Sean and Donnelly. Sebastian Gibran. Senior partner here. Always a pleasure to help the police in any way we can. Any idea who youre looking for?
No. Not yet, said Sean, shaking his hand, feeling a little thrown off center by Gibrans very presence. The handshake was firm, but not overpowering, although Sean believed Gibran could have crushed his hand if hed wanted to.
Well, anything we can do to help, just let me know. Gibrans smile was perfect-straight white teeth that shone almost as brightly as his eyes-and radiated warmth and charm, all wrapped in a protective sheath of power.
Thank you. I will, Sean replied. Dont get up, Mr. Hellier. Well let ourselves out. And thanks for your time. Both detectives stood to leave the office.
Allow me to show you out, Gibran offered.
Well be fine, Sean said, keen to be away so that he and Donnelly could begin to speak freely. Im sure youre very busy.
I insist, Gibran argued, once again flashing his mouthful of brilliant white teeth. Please, follow me.
Sean and Donnelly followed Gibran, who smiled and nodded his acknowledgment to staff members they passed, using Christian names to greet each and every one. Sean had worked in the same office for over two years and still struggled to remember everyones name. Gibrans smoothness only made Sean dislike him all the more. When they were alone, Gibran spoke again. Where did you say you were from?
We informed Mr. Hellier of where we are from, Sean responded.
Im sure you did, Gibran replied. But you didnt tell me.
Our dealings with Mr. Hellier are confidential, Sean said firmly. If he wants to tell you more, thats up to him.
If James is involved in anything that could damage the reputation of this institution, then I should be informed, Inspector, Gibran argued. Look, he said, taking a conciliatory tone, the smile back in place, a lot of people rely on me for their welfare and security in these uncertain times. It is my responsibility to protect their interests. The need of the many is greater than the need of the individual.
Meaning if Hellier looks like hes going to be bad for business, youll throw him to the wolves, Donnelly accused.
Gibran stared hard at Donnelly before speaking again. James is very privileged to have both a detective inspector and a detective sergeant investigating what appears to be a minor theft. He watched Sean and Donnelly look at each other; it was only a glance, but he noticed it. Really, you didnt think I was that stupid, did you?
Sean had no answer and felt he needed to counter, to try and knock Gibran out of his stride. What did you say you do here? Sean asked. International finance-what exactly does that mean?
Nothing the police need to be concerned about, Gibran answered. We help people and organizations raise capital for various business projects, no more. You know, oil people wanting to move into the building and property markets, property people wanting to move into the tech markets, and now and then someone literally walks in off the street with a brilliant idea but no funds. Well help them obtain those funds.
Well, that all sounds very noble, Donnelly chipped in.
Were not part of the banking system, Gibran assured them. Theres no need for animosity here.
Sean looked him up and down. He had no more he wanted to say. Good-bye, Mr. Gibran. It was a pleasure meeting you.
He could feel Gibrans eyes watching them as they finally escaped into the lift, the streets below beckoning them. Sean needed to drag Hellier out of his natural comfort zone and into his world, away from protectors like Sebastian Gibran. Then and only then would they see the real James Hellier.
James Hellier stood by his office window looking down on the detectives in the street below. He was careful not to be seen. He paid special attention to Sean. He disliked him, sensed the danger in him, but he felt no anger toward him. In his own way he appreciated him-appreciated a worthy adversary who would make the game all the more fun to play. They thought they were clever, but they werent going to ruin things for him. He would make sure of it.
James Hellier stood by his office window looking down on the detectives in the street below. He was careful not to be seen. He paid special attention to Sean. He disliked him, sensed the danger in him, but he felt no anger toward him. In his own way he appreciated him-appreciated a worthy adversary who would make the game all the more fun to play. They thought they were clever, but they werent going to ruin things for him. He would make sure of it.
He cursed under his breath-somehow hed been recognized at the damn nightclub and he wondered who by. He should have been more careful. It was unfortunate, but not entirely unexpected. He needed to stay calm. They had nothing on him. Police talk and threats meant nothing. He would wait and see if anything developed. He wouldnt panic and run. There was no need. Not yet.
But he would have to be careful of Gibran too. Trust him to come and stick his nose in where it wasnt wanted. He thought he was so fucking clever, senior partner at Butler and Mason, the self-appointed sheriff of the company. If it came to it, he would be long gone before Gibran found out. Gibran should remember who gave him a job at Butler and Mason in the first place. It was Gibran who personally checked his references, glowing reports from previous employers in the United States and Far East. Only thing was, not a single one of them was real. If Gibran had actually gotten on a plane to check Helliers background properly, he would have eventually discovered that Helliers previous employment history was a myth. But he knew Gibran would rely on telephone calls and e-mails, all of which were easily arranged, especially for someone like Hellier: he had friends in low places and dirt on some in high places. Gibran had been no more difficult to fool than any of the others. And while Hellier might never have been to university to study accounting or high finance, what hed learned on the streets, what hed learned in order to survive, had left him more than qualified to work anywhere he liked.
Hellier moved away from the window and sat back in his desk chair, his hands pyramided in front of his face. He liked his life, he liked all the privileges being James Hellier brought and the cover it provided for his other activities, past, present, and future. He wasnt going to let Inspector Corrigan or, for that matter, Sebastian Gibran, spoil it for him now, not after all these years. He loved to play the game. He enjoyed the money, but it was the game he loved, and this one wasnt lost yet.