BLOOD DRAGON by Freddie Peters (books to get back into reading .TXT) 📕

“Did Ollie ever mention these trips?”

“Never … he kept asking more questions about China, but I assumed it was because of my background, and about my interest in Ai WeiWei’s work. Perhaps I should have been more inquisitive.”

“No one could’ve known … I fell into the same trap. Ollie spoke about China and I gave a pretty grim description of what I recalled, but it was such a long time ago, and the only place I praised was Hong Kong. Setting foot on the shore of Hong Kong Island felt like reaching the promised land.”

Nancy stopped, concerned about where the sudden flood of memories might take her. This conversation was not about her.

“We need to find out more about the NIBS in Beijing.  I’ll make some enquiries.”

“And I’ll find out who Randy Zhang is.”

“I have spoken to Ollie’s PA and arranged to pick up his personal effects from his office.” Cora drank some tea to stop her voice from trembling. She ran a hand through her spiky hair that no longer felt like a bristling hedgehog, more a puffed-up sparrow.”

“That sounds good.” Nancy took a sip of tea and smacked her lips. It had the right reach aroma that reminded her of late-night work at Chambers, slaving over a complex case.

“Did someone come and pick up the documents once you told Branning?”

“Within 15 minutes of me calling. A police car was sent by Inspector Pole. They must be with him by now.”

Nancy replaced the documents in the envelope and slipped it into the satchel that had almost cost her a stay in hospital. She patted it with affection. The strap had been torn during the incident, so she was now just using the handle. It was as hardy and resilient as its owner.

“I have an appointment at Scotland Yard soon … I’ll let you know what I find out about that Chinese research institution.”

Cora gave a small exhale. “I hope you won’t mind me coming back to this …” Her eyes searched Nancy’s face for a short moment. “But I believe in Ollie’s innocence … I mean, I believe he was clean.”

Nancy squeezed her hand. “I know you do … and I intend to find out the truth about what happened. I promise.”

* * *

The persistent ring of his landline, and the knock of his DS on his door, gave Pole the breathing space he needed. He apologised to an increasingly irritated Ferguson.

“I need to take this.” Pole didn’t wait for an answer. “DS Branning.”

Branning updated his boss and was given swift instructions about collecting the evidence and taking statements from whomever had been in contact with the envelope.

Ferguson grumbled his goodbyes in the middle of this activity, firing a resentful look at Pole. “We need to clear this up, Pole. I don’t believe in coincidences.”

Pole nodded and waved Andy in. He had called Yvonne to tell her the new piece of evidence was on its way to her, but not before Pole and he had been able to take a look at it.

“Perhaps we should take safety measures before opening the parcel?”

“Why? Do you think there will be something dangerous in it?”

“Ollie Wilson was targeted twice.”

“Anything dangerous in it would already have done its damage. Unfortunately, the envelope has already been opened by Cora.”

Andy’s eyes followed Ferguson as he left. “Bad news, Gov?”

“Always a little tense these days when Ferguson’s around … Nothing to worry about.”

“Yvonne is expecting the package as soon as we can deliver it to her.”

“Anything else?” Pole’s mind was still drifting back to his conversation with his counter- terrorist colleague.

“I’ve made progress on the account in Switzerland. It’s held by the owner of another numbered account in Malta.”

“Malta … a known platform for East European mafia activity.”

“Including Russians, of course.”

“And the man on the bike?”

“Evaporated … I don’t think I’m going to find anything.” Andy pulled a disappointed face. He had not yet admitted defeat but was edging closer to it.

“Although …” Andy hesitated. “You’re going to think I’m a little obsessed.”

Pole managed to smile. “Come on, tell me what crazy idea is brewing in that great mind of yours.”

“I’m not sure it was a man.”

“What?” Pole chuckled. “Another woman?”

Andy raised his podgy index finger. “No Gov, the same woman who chased Cora on the canal.”

* * *

“Am I troubling you?” Nancy had pushed her mobile into its dashboard case.

“Never … I’m just finishing a lengthy report and the chit chat with a friend is just what I need.” Yvonne didn’t bother to stifle a yawn.

“I am now seeking information about a biotech organisation called the National Institute of Biological Science, they are located in Beijing.”

“Beijing … difficult … but Hong Kong, I can do. A friend of mine worked for the Biotechnology Research Institute there. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t know a thing or two about that organisation.”

Nancy accelerated the Aston Martin’s engine to go through an amber light. It responded with perfect obedience. No surprise that Henry had loved driving this car.

“You will shortly receive a set of documents relevant to the Ollie Wilson case.”

“And you’d like to know what my take is on them?”

“If you’re offering …”

Nancy thanked Yvonne and concentrated on the approach to Scotland Yard. Victoria Embankment was packed, and she realised too late that it was madness to take a car into central London at this time of day. She had no choice but to slow down and crawl to a standstill until she arrived at the spot where the motorbike had tried to run her over. Nancy tightened her grip on the steering wheel. She looked straight ahead. In a few seconds she would leave the place behind.

The traffic eased off and she succeeded in brushing the memories of the encounter away.

She finally turned into Scotland Yard’s car park. Marsh’s PA had been good enough to arrange for a space in which to park her Aston Martin Vantage. Mentioning the car’s make had also done the trick. The Super did not yet own one of these.

A