New Directions (31) UPDATED

Even though I was expecting it, the harsh sound of my American telephone setting startled me.

 

‘Bonsoir, Mon Lieutenant Peters.’ 

 

Addressing me by my original identity declarée reminded me to start off formally. ‘Bonsoir, mon Commandant. “La  Legion est Notre Patrie.”’

 

’So you have not forgotten, Monsieur Jesse.’

 

‘Jesse n’existe plus.’

 

‘If I thought for one minute he did, we would not be speaking.’

 

‘Guido, don’t play games, mate.’

 

‘Préférez-vous parler en Français, Lieutenant Peters?

 

’No Sir!’ Guido meant business, he was not happy.

 

‘I assume this contact is due to with Madame Bow’s erm, misfortune.’

 

‘Yes, it is, Sir. Have you been tracking me . . . Sir?

 

‘You were attacked - you’ve been in contact with an old acquaintance. Naturally we want to know why. We are relieved you made contact. If you didn’t things could have got very uncomfortable for you.’

 

‘I understand, Monsieur Commandant, “l’accord représailles.”  

 

‘Then do not be disrespectful, Terence. This is a dangerous situation.’

 

I lost it. ‘Why the fuck would I not respect that? It’s the reason I’m still alive.’ Guido was getting under my skin, I was embarrassed. I knew it was childish, but I wasn’t going to back down, he could take it or leave it. ‘Yes I contacted that weasel, but I had to start somewhere. I’m out of that loop. I had to do something if I’m gonna help that poor woman.’

 

‘You were always a batard insubordonné.’

 

‘I couldn’t have done my job for you if I wasn’t.’ 

 

Guido chuckled, ‘Touché. . . So, Terry, why are you so keen to help this person.’

 

‘I’m trying to find out who wants her dead.’

 

‘What makes you suspect her life is in danger?’

 

‘They used excessive force, I think they wanted to kill her and make it look like a robbery gone wrong. It’s the sort of thing I would—

 

‘Yes of course, Lieutenant, but not everybody is as cold as you.’

 

‘Organised, Guido - not cold. Never cold! . . . It just seemed too planned, two getting all the stuff ready to stick in the van while the gorilla beat the shit out of the old lady to get access to the cellar where she kept all her good stuff.

 

 ‘I see, and what do you intend to do when you find him?’

 

’This was a set up I know it. I wanna get to the boss and persuade him to stop.’ 

 

’Yes, very gallant, Terry, but you are — how you say? Sailing close to the wind or rather, so close to the police.’

 

‘You can’t go around beating up old ladies just because you want her valuables. It’s not human. OK rob her, but don’t do that. There must be a reason to kill her.’

 

‘That is not the point, Lieutenant. We can discuss that later. Listen, monsieur; you are a witness to a violent robbery, but not just a witness.  . . you are a victim.’

 

‘Yes I know, but Celia is—   

 

‘You were obliged to make a statement, n’ est-pas Lieutenant?’

 

‘Yes, Sir.’ I guessed where this was going. I’d been rash at the very least.

 

‘You seem to forget, you will be called to court if the police find these men . . . but that is only a part. The police will make further enquiries, very soon you will be contacted again as they follow up. You are a key witness, they will keep coming back. This is very dangerous, not only for you. You must cooperate with them at all times. They will be watching you. We cannot protect you if they begin to have suspicions about you.’

 

’Fuck it.’ I knew all this. I’d been stupid; I’d ignored first principles. ‘What now, Guido?’

 

Guido’s ironic laugh was tinged with relief. ’So you see the light. I am sorry to burst your bubble. Fortunately the police have done very little so far: they will be building a team. I think we can paint over your actions, but understand, Terry, this isn’t something you can do alone. I have arranged for you to have help. You will be contacted shortly. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.’

 

I had one last try, ‘I am already very grateful and sorry for the mess, but my main concern is for Miss  Bow.’

 

‘Bien sûr, Terry, but why do you think her life is in danger?’

 

’She knows the boss, or the boss wants her estate.’

 

’So you think it’s this Duke.’

 

At last we were getting around to the reason for my call. Guido never comes to the point until he gets what he wants. ‘Yes, Guido I do. I suppose you’ve already guessed I want access to his bank accounts and details of Miss Bow’s trust arrangement with the duke’s lawyers.’

 

‘Your contact will have the information you want. You know you must let us deal with the people responsible when you find them.’

 

‘Yes, but—

 

‘—but nothing, Terry. . . . We are not convinced it is the duke from what we already know. You should  consider other possibilities. Also no more contact with Mr. Stokes.’

 

‘Yes, but—

 

‘We have him under control. We’ll take care of him if it is necessary.’

 

‘Fuck you, Guido, I should have guessed you’d wanna get involved.’ I felt frustrated, relieved and grateful all in one mixed up emotion. I could hear Guido laughing his couilles off.

 

‘But you involved me n’ est-par? It is for everybody’s safety, mon Lieutenant, but there is one thing I would like to know. Why you are taking such a risk for a rich old lady you hardly know.’

 

‘As if you can’t guess already — I’ll tell you when this is all over.’

 

‘Of course you will my friend. Now I will leave you, I need to sleep.’