Chapter 2 Investigazione
The next morning DCI Strange and Sgt Lewis went over to Morse investigations. Violetta was working at the front desk.
"Good Morning Chief Inspector," she said.
"Good morning this is Sgt Lewis, my partner." He replied
"Pleased to meet you, Sargent," Violetta said shaking hands.
"Are you here about Signore Rapelli?" she asked
"Yes" replied Lewis "Did you know him?"
Violetta replied "Somewhat he went to our church. I didn't know him well."
"Then why did he hire your agency?" said Strange
"Well, I told him a long time ago that my husband was a private detective. Then a few days ago he asked if we could investigate a major theft. I talked to my husband and we set up an appointment. All routine." came the response
"Anything else?" continued Lewis
"He paid the retainer and we took the case. That's all I know."
"Are you sure?" asked Lewis "You do have a criminal history."
Violetta's eyes deadened and her response was cool. "Sgt I paid and continue to pay a high price for my mistakes. I was with my husband at the Opera last night."
She paused "If you wish to continue in this manner I must insist on calling our solicitor."
DCI Strange interrupted "That won't be necessary. Thank you for your help."
They walked into Morse's office. Morse closed the door. He spoke "What's was that about with Violetta? Are we suspects?"
Strange responded "Easy matey it's a murder investigation. We have to check things out. That's all."
Morse scowled "Right then. What do you want to know?"
Strange asked, "For starters why were you working for Signore Rapelli?"
"He had a valuable piece of equipment stolen a Rapelli Mark 10 Computerized milling machine. We were trying to locate and recover it. Here's a brochure on it." replied Morse
They looked at the brochure "It's quite large." said Strange
"Yes it fills two shipping containers." Responded Morse
"You would use it to cut metal with a complex computer program. The Mark 10 was the top of the line it cost 350,000 pounds"
"Whew matey who would spend that much." satd Jim Strange impressed
"Large companies mainly, but the government has a couple for MOD projects. This is a very high-end machine it's on the restricted list as to where it could be sold as well." Morse answered
Lewis broke in "Then why wasn't it guarded more?"
Morse responded "It's very specialist equipment. You need a lorry and crew to move it. Also, they send out three engineers to commission it. It takes two weeks at best. Then more training as well."
"I see," said Strange "Not the sort of thing you can take to a pawn shop."
"No, and since it has a serial number it is listed as stolen they will not be able to get parts or assistance on it. Normally the specialist nature keeps them from being taken."
"So we are not looking for the usual brand of thief then." Replied Strange
"It was most likely stolen to order." said Morse "Quite possibly a government."
Strange commented "Or they could strip it and sell the parts still make a bit of cash"
"Possible but not so easy" replied Morse "Every major item on that machine has a serial number."
"Do you have them replied?" asked Lewis
Morse nodded, "No but I will send them when I get them." he continued "By the way Sgt, Violetta is not happy with Signore Rapelli's death he was a benefactor to the church we attend."
"She has you in church then?" chuckled Strange "That has to count for something."
Morse replied "Well the church gives her peace and the music is to my taste. I attend with her sometimes."
Strange wrapped up "Ok then Matey we'll get on with our work and leave you to yours. Keep in touch."
They left. Once back in the car Lewis said to Strange "She's a beauty all right but a cool one."
"She is if you are going to act the fool." replied the DCI, He continued "Check their alibi. But if those two decided to kill someone most likely we would never catch them. Morse did the same job you are doing. He knows exactly what we would look for."
Morse and Violetta went to work preparing for interviews. They received a list of employees of the company and went to work. They started with background checks criminal and credit checks to see if anything was unusual.
While checking Violetta said, "This is strange."
"What do you mean Luv?" Morse asked.
"Well, Simon Candy the shipping clerk. He makes an average salary yet he has little or no debt and seems to be doing rather well."
"That's interesting." replied Morse "I'll be sure to ask."
Morse also called Dorothea, he filled her in on what he knew and asked if she could bring over any information the paper had. As he was talking to Dorothea he looked up.
Violetta was standing at the door. "There is a gentleman on line 2 he insisted on talking to you alone."
He picked the phone and said "Morse"
"My dear boy it has been ages since you have come up to London for a concert."
"Hello Singleton" said Morse
"Oh thank you for remembering. You have been missed you and we would dearly love to see you." Singleton continued "There's a ticket waiting for you at the station for the 18:15 to London I have a spare concert ticket and would love to see you and catch up on old times."
Morse responded, "Same drill as before?"
"Of course," replied Singleton.
"Ok see you then bye." He hung up.
He told Violetta "I have to go to London tonight dressed for a concert."
"What concert?" she asked
Morse smiled "Probably none, the people that I'm meeting very much like their incognito. Most likely I'll be back late don't wait up."
"Be glad I'm not the jealous type." she responded
He smiled "Don't worry, you're all the woman I need." She smiled back.
Before he left to go home and get dressed he called Jim Strange. After pleasantries Strange got right to the point. "Have you found anything?"
Morse replied "Not really the shipping clerk seems to have better finances than you would expect. Otherwise nothing. You?"
Strange responded "No it sure looks like a professional job. Only strange prints we found in there were yours. They must have worn gloves. CCTV didn't show anything either. He had a hat on couldn't see anything."
"Clearly knew what he was doing" replied Morse "Sounds like you have your work cut out for you."
"That we do." Replied Strange "Any help would be appreciated."
Morse said "I'm going to do interviews tomorrow with the staff. I'll let you know if anything interesting comes up."
Morse went home and dressed he went to the station and called for his ticket. On the ride up to London, he thought of the last time he met Singleton and his colleague. They did tend toward annoying and he did not care for them even though they helped him on a case previously. He was not sure why they called him but he would find out.
He arrived in London and Singleton met him. Morse was used to all the dodging around to slip tails so he went along with it. Presently they found themselves in a small conference room.
Singleton began. You are looking well. It's a pity you didn't come to work for us. We would have been more tolerant of your wife."
"Look " Replied Morse "Let's cut the games. I did pay a price, but I don't regret marrying Violetta." he continued "Furthermore I'm a mercenary now. If you want me to find something all you need do is pay me."
"Well, then you do it just for the money now." Replied Singleton.
Morse shot back "A man has to make a living. This is how I make mine."
Singleton pulled out a folder "To business then. We are interested in this machine theft. A hostile government might find it very attractive. We want to to keep us appraised of what you find. We will take it from there to intercept or if needed destroy the equipment. We will pay you in addition to any other fees you receive."
Morse interrupted "What is your interest in this?"
Singleton replied "Wars are increasingly about technology. This equipment is a weapon of war and could be very dangerous in the wrong hands. I'm told they could use it to make improved aircraft, missiles, or submarines. It could cost Billions of pounds for us to upgrade our forces to counter the threat. Very simply it's easier and cheaper to make sure the wrong people don't get the equipment."
Morse digested this "It sounds reasonable. Now as to money. I will need a retainer."
Singleton opened a desk drawer and pulled out an envelope with a piece of paper on top. "We don't really want a contract so here is 1000 pounds as an advance. A Company name and address are listed if you care to send an invoice. Discretion is mandatory. Sign the receipt and off we go."
"You're pretty free with money." Said Morse as he signed the receipt
"We've worked with you before. We know you. We also know that you are smart enough to know that we could make your life quite unpleasant." He gave a humorless smile.
Morse nodded as he tucked the envelope into his inside pocket. They left to get Morse to the station. As he left Singleton said, "Keep us informed."
The next morning after getting into the office Morse told Violetta about the money and she prepared a deposit slip and also an invoice to keep the books. He took the money and left to deposit it before going to interview people at Rapelli about the theft.
The interviews tended toward boring. The usual start "Hello I'm Mr. Morse. I am a private investigator investigating the theft of the Mark 10."
To which the subject would invariably reply "But I talked to the police yesterday about this."
He would patiently explain "The police are investigating the murder and theft. I am working for the insurance company to investigate only the theft."
Then the interview would start. Morse got his basic information about the company. He also found out how machines were stored in a bonded warehouse to avoid paying customs duties. Also the shipping procedures they followed to remove a machine. He also got most of the company gossip. How people felt about the company and Signore Rapelli. All the details that an investigation requires. But so far nothing stood out.
Finally, Mr. Simon Candy came in average height, weight, glasses, sandy hair. Clean-shaven, carrying a folder.
"Hello I'm Simon I handle shipping and receiving also the traffic manager."
"Nice to meet you." replied Morse "I understand you handle all the machine shipping details."
Candy replied, "Yes I do."
"Well, I'm investigating the theft of the Mark 10." replied Morse
"I can't believe it." came the reply "We have lost a couple of small items but nothing like this. It's never happened before."
"What can you tell me about it," asked Morse
Candy answered, "Well the machine was to be moved and we did the paperwork to sell it to the customer. Also, we had to pay the customs duties and taxes to remove the machine. I have copies here for you." He tapped the folder
"But somehow the machine never arrived at the customer. We received a call from the transport company that went to pick up the machine saying it had gone missing."
"How could that happen?" asked Morse
"I have no idea you will have to ask the warehouse" came the answer
"I intend to ask just that." replied Morse "Have you ever been there?"
Candy replied "No it's a warehouse and international trade zone. It's just containers and boxes to them anyway. They may or may not know what's inside."
"I see." replied Morse "But there is one more thing. We do an investigation on people we talk to and when we checked your financial position seems to be a bit better than average."
Candy broke in "I am careful with my finances."
"It's more than that" Morse shot back "It appears you are getting extra income from somewhere. Would you care to explain?"
Candy brightened "Of course, I'm a Detectorist."
"Detectorist?" asked Morse
"I own a metal detector." I go out hunting every chance I get for old coins and the like. Sometimes I have been rather fortunate in finding some rare pieces."
Morse replied "Oh I see from what I have seen they are like the mine detectors we used to have in the army."
"Somewhat like that. Ours are a bit more modern but yes much like that. As it turns out I have quite a knack for finding good pieces. I have sold a couple for quite a bit of money."
"That would explain quite a bit." Replied Morse "Well thank you for your time you have been most helpful."
Back at the office, Dorothea Frazil came in carrying a large envelope.
"Well Hello," said Violetta.
"How are you doing?" asked Dorothea
"Quite well. Sorry but Morse is interviewing workers at the Rapelli office. He will be sorry to miss you." said Violetta
Dorothea replied "Yes, I was hoping to see him as well. It's been too long. Anyway here is the information he asked for."
Violetta took the envelope "Anything unusual in there?"
"Not really a lot of marriage notices, the news story when Rapelli came to England. The only thing unusual is one of the employees there is a detectorist. A rather successful detectorist."
"What is a detectorist?" asked Violetta.
"Oh they use these metal detector things and look for old coins Jewelry and the like." replied Dorothea "This Simon Candy is rather successful, his nickname is Lucky."
Violetta nodded "Well that explains his finances then."
"Humm somewhat suspect to me. But possible." Mused Dorethea "Still we can leave that up to Morse, is he as sharp as ever?"
Violetta replied, "Quite, we have many satisfied clients."
"Doing all right then are you. Well, that is good to hear. Cost me my best source in the department when he left. I hope you are taking good care of him."
Violetta smiled contentedly "I do my best. He is an amazing husband. I am lucky and very blessed to have him."
"Really?" asked Dorethea
"Yes for the first time in my life I have both great love and a stable life." Violetta paused "He is the most considerate man I know, yet there is an unquenchable fire of passion in him. He loves me with his whole being. He also protects me from worries. I don't have to worry about the police, or having to move on short notice because we are under suspicion. Or bills, we are making a reasonable living. That helps a lot."
"I'm told he is a good lover." Replied Dorothea
Violetta asked, "How did you hear that?"
"He was dating one of my photographers years ago. Before she went to Vietnam and became a war photographer." Dorothea said with a slight smile
"He keeps me happy," replied Violetta with a smile.
Dorethea asked, "Have you been able to put your past behind you?"
Violetta paused "Not really, I bear it every day. The only reason it does not hurt as much is that I've grown accustomed to it. I can put it to the side but the guilt is always there."
Dorothea asked, "How do you deal with it?" "The church helps God does forgive and that gives me some peace. But Morse is the best help. The stable life he provides, and his love. Sometimes if I have a nightmare he will just hold me until the fear passes. He's an amazing man." She paused "I'm curious why didn't you and Morse never get together?"
Dorothea replied "I prefer men a few years older. Morse is a good friend. I had a little brother who died in the war. In some strange way, Morse took his place. Just keep him happy that's all I ask."
"I'll do my best." replied Violetta "He is my rock. If I left him I would die, have no doubt on that."
Dorothea went to leave. "Bye then. Call me if you have anything."
"We will," replied Violetta.
Morse continued interviews at the company and received copies of all relevant paperwork so that he could look at it. He went back to the office to pick up Violetta and take her home but while there he made a quick phone call to Singleton to if they had anything on any of the Rapelli employees. Singleton asked for a list and Morse sent it by fax.
The next morning Morse drove to the warehouse where the unit was stored. The insurance company had called and he was cleared through security and met the manager. They chatted and he introduced Morse to Jock the foreman. Jock was a large man with huge arms from decades of moving large items and rigging items.
Jock looked him up and down and said "Well your not looking for a job. What are you here for?"
Morse said "A Rapelli Mark 10 is missing and I am looking for it. I'm told it was last here."
Jock snorted. "It did not go missing here, it got loaded on a lorry like everything else."
Morse nodded and said, "Still it did go missing."
Visibly annoyed Jock said, "Come with me." They walked a few minutes and stopped in front of two huge crates. Each one looked like a large shed or small garage. "Yer lookin at a Mark 10 right there. Think you can slip that in your coat and walk out with it." He continued "The small crate is 5 tonnes the other be 10 tonnes."
Morse smiled "You've made your point." how do you even move those things?"
Jock smiled "We have a nice big Lansing Bagnall lifts 20 tonnes"
Morse nodded "So then how did the machine get out of here?"
Jock replied, "Well we got a call from Mr. Candy." He faxed over the paperwork and we loaded it on the truck all routine."
Morse nodded "Could I get a copy of that information?"
Jock replied "I'll take you to see Alice in the office. She should have it." They walked to the office and up to a desk.
Jock said to the women there. "Hello, Alice this is Mr. Morse he is investigating that Rapelli we shipped 2 weeks ago. Could you help him I have to get back to work."
Alice looked up and gave Morse a friendly smile. "What can I help you with?" she asked.
Morse smiled back "Well I need copies of all the paperwork for the machine shipment of the Rapelli. It seems to have turned up missing."
"Of course" replied Alice "Let me get them." She went to a filing cabinet pulled out papers and then went to the copier. Handing them to Morse she said, "Here you are."
Morse took the papers and started looking at them. "Thanks but I do have a question. It appears the transport company was changed by hand on these documents. Is that normal?"
Alice looked at her copy and paused "Oh yes, I remember now. Mr. Candy called and said the transport company they scheduled couldn't make it for some reason. He found another company to substitute and called me to change the bills."
"Thank you you have been most helpful." replied Morse as he left.
Driving back to his office he went in and looked up the number of both transport companies. He called the transport company originally scheduled to pick up the shipment. After introducing himself he got through to the head of dispatch "Dispatch" said the phone into Morse's ear.
"Hello, I'm Morse of Morse Investigations. I'm investigating the theft of a shipment. I understand your company was supposed to pick it up but couldn't for some reason. Could you tell me what happened?"
"Could you give me the day and details please." said the dispatcher Morse give him the details." there was a pause "Oh here it is. Our truck was involved in an accident?"
Morse asked "Could I get the details. "I'm not sure but I believe a stolen delivery van hit our lorry knocking it out of commission. You would have to ask the police or our insurance company for more details."
"Why were you unable to send another lorry?" asked Morse
"Ahh we couldn't we've only the one with a flatbed." They paused "We could have done it the next day but Mr. Candy said he couldn't wait. He would call another transport company." Came the response.
"Ok thank you." replied Morse
He called the second transport company After getting through to their offices he was sent to a manager.
"Hello I'm Morse of Morse Investigations and I'm looking into a cargo theft. I was wondering if you could tell me what happened to the shipment you picked up for Rapelli."
The voice at the other end was cool "Sorry but I really don't know you and can't confirm anything. If you could leave a number I will check and see if I can call you back with details."
"All I'm looking for is basic information." said Morse "Nothing secret at all."
The manager replied "Sorry I can't help you unless you leave a number." Morse left his number and got on to other things.
He called Jim Strange up and filling him in he asked for the report on the accident. When Strange asked why he said, "Just checking everything." They locked up the office and went home.
The next day Morse was checking out the information. He had the accident report and it seemed a bit strange. Someone had crashed into the lorry in a delivery van. However, the driver ran away after the crash and disappeared. His eyebrow went up when he read that. It did not seem like a normal road accident. But he understood how with nobody hurt or killed it would likely not be pursued. It was a question of resources. With nobody hurt or killed it was just another strange event.
He also contacted Singleton to give a progress report. While talking to him he mentioned the accident and the transport companies. Singleton asked for details and Morse sent them by fax. He also made an arrangement to see Mr. Sterling a coin specialist to talk about Mr. Candy's hobby.
He got in the Jaguar and drove out to the coin grader. It was a small building with little sign of what they did. He went inside and give his name to the receptionist. "Mr. Sterling will see you in room 3 just down the hall."
He went into room 3 and shortly later Mr. Sterling entered by another door. "Good afternoon. How may I assist you?"
Morse handed his card and replied, "I believe you graded some coins for a Mr. Candy he's a detectorist."
"Oh yes, I know Lucky. But we do not normally discuss our client's activities with other people."
"I understand." replied Morse "However there has been a murder and theft at his workplace."
Sterling was puzzled "Lucky doesn't work with coins his detecting is a hobby only. I really do not understand why you are asking about this."
Morse paused, "Well his finances are very good for a man in his position. That is a red flag for us. If you could explain things we could put this area to rest. Or I could talk to the police and they could come in."
Sterling replied, "Well I am not comfortable discussing a specific client but I could give you general information."
"Ok we can start with that," Morse agreed. "Do you have a coin you want looked at?" Sterling asked." Morse pulled a coin out of his pocket and handed it to Sterling.
"Ahh 500 Lira piece, interesting." He pulled out a loupe turned on the light and inspected it.
"It's a memento," said Morse as he inspected it.
Sterling talked as he continued to look at the piece. "Well, it's not a valuable piece about the middle of the ratings perhaps a 30 to 40 out of 70 grade."
Morse smiled "More valuable as a memento then."
"Indeed," replied Sterling
Morse asked, "How exactly did you reach your conclusions?"
"We inspect under magnification it must have been a new coin when you found it but there is wear on the coin which reduces the condition. Also, there are no errors or distinctive markings which would increase the value. I'm going from memory here but as I recall only the first year coins were distinctive. If you had a double strike or error the coin would be worth more due to the rarity." replied Sterling
Morse nodded "Let me be sure I understand, you just inspect the coin and give your opinion then is that it?"
Sterling replied, "My opinion does count for something. I am a Master Coin Grader with 25 years of experience. Also if this were a formal grading I would document my findings then we would place the coin in a holder and supply a letter with photos of the coin. We would of course keep a copy for our files."
Morse asked, "Is that what you did for Mr. Candy?" Sterling responded carefully, "We have worked with him in the past. That is all I am comfortable saying." He paused then continued, "But if I may add sir, your theory has one glaring problem. The adding additional imperfections to a coin would reduce the value every handling mark counts against it."
"Thank you for your time," replied Morse He left and drove back to the office.
Back at the office, he called DCI Strange. He told them about the conversation with Sterling and asked if they could help.
Strange responded, "Let us try, perhaps a police request will carry a bit more weight."
As Morse and Violetta got ready to leave for the day a handwritten fax came in from a number. It said,
M
Your friend from London will be down tomorrow and would like to meet you at Oxford University park tomorrow at 12:07. In the meantime be very careful!
S
Violetta handed it to Morse puzzled.
Morse told her, "I'll meet them tomorrow. Meantime let's be very careful."
By the way he said it Violetta knew he was serious. "Do you know what to look for?" she asked.
He replied, "Not really, but better to be careful than sorry." They left for the day.
The next morning Morse met with Strange at the station.
Jim Strange said, "Hello Morse."
Morse replied, "Hello Jim."
Strange continued, "Ok we have asked for the coin records officially. Not sure I can show them to you. But why are you curious about them?"
"I'm not sure yet," replied Morse. "But I have been wondering if someone is using those pieces to provide a very discreet payment for services rendered."
"What are you talking about?" asked Strange.
Morse grimaced "It's only a theory but you could buy an old coin and then plant it in a field for another person to find. You would have a difficult time proving it to be anything other than luck."
Strange thought a moment and said, "Possible, but rather a difficult way of doing things. But I can see it, hiding the payoff in plain sight. I'll have our people check out the finds against auction catalogues see if we find anything"
Morse left the station and walked over to the park. He had a newspaper with him and he spotted Singleton sitting on a park bench reading another newspaper.
Morse walked over and sat down on the bench reading his newspaper as well. The men did not look at each other.
Singleton began, "Once again you have created quite a stir with your work."
"Sorry," replied Morse.
"It seems your trucking company does a lot of shipping to the Eastern Bloc. We strongly suspect they are smuggling things into Russia."
"Interesting," said Morse.
Singleton continued, "By your calling them you came to their attention. They might be looking to eliminate you. We have told the police to keep an eye on your home and office for your safety."
"Thanks," replied Morse.
"Watch yourself and your wife," replied Singleton, "People who get in their way tend to meet a bad end."
Violetta meanwhile was at the office doing her work of filing, bookkeeping, handling phone calls, and mail. At lunch, she decided to go out and get a sandwich it was an indulgence she allowed herself as a working woman.
She locked up the office and keeping Morse's words in mind kept the keys in her hand in case of trouble. The police would frown on a former convict with a weapon but they could hardly complain about office keys.
Violetta knew all about fighting, from being a street kid in Naples to her time in prison she sometimes fought. As she exited the building a man charged at her. Violetta punched at the man her keys between her fingers in her fist. She heard him say "You bitch," and she screamed.
In no time at all, a policeman came up saying, "Easy now, what's all this then."
The man ran away and the policeman stayed with Violetta saying, "Are you ok Miss?"
Violetta was a bit shaken but managed to get out, "Yes, thank you, officer."
"May I get your name miss?" asked the officer.
"Violetta Morse," replied Violetta.
The officer spoke into his radio "Information room there has been an attack on Mrs. Morse. I will be staying with her for her safety."
"Oh that won't be necessary," said Violetta
"I'm afraid it is Ma'am" replied the officer, "I was posted here to keep an eye on you and your office. We were advised you could be in danger. That appears to be the case."
"Ok," said Violetta. "I'm just going out for a sandwich."
The officer was unmoved "I'll stay with you, Ma'am. Then I'll watch your office discreetly."
Morse came back after lunch and meeting with Singleton as he went into the office he saw the police officer watching his office. He went in and after saying hello and kissing Violetta said, "It appears the police are watching us."
Violetta replied, "They are and a good thing too."
"What!?" asked Morse
"I was attacked while going out for lunch," replied Violetta
"Are you all right?" asked Morse with concern in his voice.
"I'm fine," said Violetta, "got in a punch or two and the officer came right up scaring them away."
"That's good," said Morse visibly relieved.
"I thought it was a robbery but the officer was quite concerned. He said we might be in danger."
"I was told the same thing. It appears to be true." agreed Morse.
"I'm going to see what I can find on that trucking company." He went into his office opened a small safe and pulled out his old police revolver and holster checked it and put it in his waistband. Morse never liked guns but he had been in danger enough to know they were useful sometimes.
He spent the rest of the afternoon researching the trucking company. Toward the end of the day, Lewis called and told him they had some coin reports on the coins found by Simon Candy. Morse advised him where he could find old auction catalogs to check them against. They went home and rested. The police watched the house for protection.
The next few days were somewhat slow Lewis was working on checking the catalogs. Morse was looking at things as well. The trucking company was very secretive indeed. About all he learned is that they shipped a lot to eastern Europe.
During one of their conversations, Morse asked about his office being watched.
Strange replied, "Not my choice the chief told me that he was ordering it."
Morse nodded. Finally, Lewis called Morse. "Mr. Morse I think you were on to something. Could you come to the station this afternoon to look at some things?"
"Of course" replied Morse. He grabbed his coat and left.
Morse arrived at the station and went into a darkened room with Strange and Lewis. Strange said, "Proceed Sargent Lewis."
Lewis showed some slides. "Here are side by side pictures of two of the coins found by the suspect and coins from an earlier auction catalog." As you can see they are almost identical.
Morse looked at them and commented, "The one has a couple of extra marks."
Lewis replied, "Yes that is the picture taken by the coin grader."
"So the extra marks are from handling then. Good work." said Morse
"Thank you," replied Lewis.
"What's next then?" asked Strange
"Call in the coin grader and question him," replied Lewis.
"Is that a good idea?" responded Strange.
Lewis said "I think so sir he seems on the up and up there is no hint of scandal around him or his firm."
Morse jumped in "Let's go to their offices. reputation is important in their field, and they have a lot to lose by any association with scandals."
The next morning Morse met Strange and Lewis at the station. Shortly later they were back in room 3 with Mr. Sterling.
After the interview was starting Sterling asked, "We were told this is a police matter. What is he doing here?"
Strange replied "Mr. Morse is assisting in our investigation. You may rely on his discretion."
Sterling continued "I told him that we respect client privacy so I could not discuss things with him."
Strange interrupted "Mr. Sterling this is a murder investigation." He emphasized the word murder. He continued, "We understand your firm's reputation and because of that we came to see you as a courtesy. If you would prefer we can take you in and interview you under caution."
Sterling thought "Ask your questions but I do reserve the right to end the interview at any time.."
"Understood we reserve our rights as well." Replied Strange. They got to work and asked about the possibility of using old coins for payoffs.
Sterling replied. "Well it is possible I suppose, but it would be very inefficient. The act of burying a coin and digging it up would reduce the value of the coin. Possibly by a lot."
They then showed him the pictures Lewis found and asked his opinion. Sterling got very quiet and then went out and came back with a magnifier. After a few minutes, he looked up. "I'm stunned, but you appear to be correct. This appears to be a known coin that was put in a field to be found."
"Ok let's get some information on the buyer." said Strange "We can track it from there. Mr. Sterling thank you for your assistance. Also, this is a very active investigation not a word to anyone about this."
Sterling replied, "I have to say something."
Morse shot back "Tell people we were asking about the value of a coin in connection with a crime." Strange nodded Sterling nodded as well. They then left.
They drove back to the office and talked about the next steps. Strange told Morse "You haven't lost any of your skills. I wish you could have stayed with us."
Morse gave a rueful smile. "If Violetta died I would have. But now, though it is strange to say, I'm happy."
When they got back to the station they said their goodbyes and Morse left to go to his office. Strange told Lewis "Put a tail on him and keep it on him until I say so."
"But why sir he's on our side." asked Lewis
"Instinct. He's in danger Lewis. We need to keep an eye on him. Also if they should go after him we can get them."
Morse when he got back to his office called Singleton with the latest news.
Singleton was pleased going "Well done indeed. But be very careful. These are very dangerous people."
Singleton also said he would look into things and advised the Police of what he could tell them. He then spent the day working on other cases then went home with Violetta. They were both very watchful given what had happened and the warnings they received. They could not stop the criminals but they would make it more difficult.
The next morning they went to the office while there Morse received a call.
He left saying to Violetta "It's a tip on another case."
As he left the office a woman called to him, "Mr. Morse"
He turned to answer her and then went down as a man slugged him. A van pulled up and they put him in it. It was over in seconds.
They left however they did not see the detective tailing Morse who followed them. When Strange was advised he contacted the officer watching the office discreetly by phone.
Violetta saw the officer enter the office. "What can I do for you constable?" she asked
"Just stay here Miss." he replied "Your husband's been taken. I'm to stay with you until relieved. They are sending a detective to assist me."
"Is he ok?" Asked Violetta shaken.
The officer shrugged, "I'm not sure. We do have a tail on him hopefully we will know where he is. That's all I know for now."
