Monroe (6)

After a short break, Monroe is back trying to solve the case of Thomas Sago.

 

Frank was on his way to 62 Claremont Road, Forest Gate, the home address of Doctor Matthews of the Ministry Of Manifestations and Divine Miracles. He’d asked Sandra to get Mark to meet him there.

He drove past the old Boleyn Ground, what used to be the home of his beloved West Ham United. Now partly demolished. He tried not to look, it was like seeing your family home being vandalised.

Forest Gate was in East London and wasn’t a posh area, bur Claremont Road certainly was. Every house was detached and at least 5 bedroom. When he parked his car outside number 62 he saw Mark waiting for him.

There was a traffic warden hovering on the opposite side of the street. Frank got out of the car and walked over to him. He showed his ID.

“I’m going to be an hour. No ticket. Okay?”

The warden just shrugged his shoulders and grinned.

“Okay with me. But I’ve got other places to go. If another warden comes along and gives you a ticket, nothing I can do, not my fault.”

Frank noted his tone and expression. What he was really saying was “I don’t give a shit who you are and I certainly don’t take my orders from people like you. Frank ignored the Wardens comment.” He calmly called over to Mark.

“Take this guys badge number down, if we’ve got a ticket when we come out, phone his boss, find out where he lives then charge him with obstructing Police business. Okay?”

Mark did as he was told all the while trying not to laugh. He looked back at the Traffic warden whose whole demeanour had now changed and was walking closely behind Frank like a well trained Police dog. He stopped at the car and almost stood to attention beside it.

“I’ll wait here until you come back. That okay sir?”

Frank smiled.

“Good man.”

He took Mark to one side.

“Right, so has Sandra brought you up to speed?”

Mark couldn’t contain his excitement.

“Bloody hell guv. Thomas Sago a fucking terrorist? Really?”

Frank laughed.

“It’s just a theory! Let’s see what the Pastor has to say about it.”

The large double iron gates were closed but not locked. Frank pushed on one and it opened. The pair of them walked up the gravel drive to the impressive front door. Mark looked at Frank.

“What do you reckon guv? Million? Million and a half?”

Frank already knew the answer. Sandra had sent him a text when he was on his way. The house next door sold the year before for £1.4m.

“Yep, something like that. Doctor Matthews is obviously very good at his job!”

He rang the doorbell and waited. Nothing. He rang again. This time they could hear a voice from behind the door.

“Hold on, hold on. Just a minute.”

The door opened and a tall, black, grey-haired man wearing what looked like a pair of yellow and green floral curtains stood before them. A huge open smile appeared on his face and his voice boomed.

“Gentlemen. Welcome to my house. What can I do for you today?”

Mark was lost for words but Frank was quick with his ID.

“Detective Inspector Frank Monroe. Doctor Matthews?”

His big impressive smile never wavered.

“Yes, yes. Please come in. Always a pleasure to see our servants of the law. This way.”

He ushered them into a grand hallway. There were pictures and statues of Lions everywhere.

“This way. This way.”

He led them into a room the size of Frank’s entire flat and gestured them to sit down. Every chair was covered in either leopard or tiger print material. As Frank sank into an extremely comfortable armchair he made a mental note of everything he’d seen so far. If the house was worth 1.5million then the furnishings inside were probably worth the same. The Ministry Of Manifestations and Devine Miracles was either doing very well or had another source of income. Before he could explain the reason they were there, Doctor Jeremiah surprised him.

“I assume you are here about our application to purchase the old building on Forest Road? It used to be a Milk storage facility but was closed over a year age. I know it would mean a change of use but we would obviously be willing to pay handsomely for the privilege of making it our new place of worship. It seems a great shame to leave such a beautiful building empty.”

Frank almost burst out laughing. Doctor Jeremiah obviously thought they were here to ask for a “back hander” to let them use the old Milk Depot for a new Church. He interrupted the Pastor who was in full flow.

“No, no. That’s not the reason for our visit today. It’s about Thomas Sago.”

For the first time the smile disappeared from Doctor Jeremiah's face. He looked worried.

“Thomas? Why, is he in trouble?”

Frank considered the Doctors answer. It seemed genuine enough. He decided to tell the truth and once again gauge the reaction.

“I’m afraid Thomas Sago was found dead at his flat in the early hours of this morning.”

The Doctor slumped into a chair, he looked mortified.

“Oh dear Lord. He seemed such a strong healthy young man. Do you know the cause of death. Was it a heart attack?”

Once again Frank pulled no punches.

“No it wasn’t natural causes. He was brutally murdered.”

The colour drained from Doctor Jeremiah's face, suddenly he didn’t look just upset, he looked genuinely scared.

“Have you spoken to anyone? “

Frank wasn’t sure what he meant by that remark.

“Like who?”

The Pastor chose his words carefully.

“The authorities?”

Mark blurted out exactly what Frank was thinking.

“We are the fucking authorities!”

Doctor Jeremiah walked over to a desk in the corner of the room. He scribbled down something on a piece of paper and handed it to Frank.

Frank took the note and read it. Just a name and a number. He looked up at the Pastor and shrugged his shoulders.

“And?”

Doctor Jeremiah was already opening the door for them to leave.

“I can say no more. You must go now.”

Frank and Mark reluctantly stood up and walked towards the door. As they passed the Pastor, Mark couldn’t help but have the last word.

“Okay, but we’ll be back.”

Doctor Jeremiah shook his head.

“No, no you won’t.”