Chapter 33

"Would you ladies care for anymore tea?" asked the smartly dressed waiter of the Chessington Hotel.

"Erm," said Alex looking at Shaz for confirmation, she responded by shaking her head. "no thank you, think we've had enough. Please could we have the bill?"

"Certainly madam." The waiter withdrew with perfect grace and manners to fetch Alex's and Shaz's bill for their afternoon tea…which had now stretched into early evening. The waiter had been very attentive to their needs while the two women had sat comfortably in the hotel's lounge enjoying cucumber sandwiches and the finest pastries. Although a pleasant afternoon, they were no nearer finding the answers to Alex's dream….or were they?...

Leroy was early, he checked his watch, he was always early. He was rather pleased he had managed to negotiate the central London streets and find the location with relative ease. He had steered the newly acquired Porche into the underground garage which was more like a Bond-esque bunker than a hotel residence's car park, giving Leroy the feeling of being a spy rather than an a cop. He even felt the need to look over his shoulder as he got out of the car just in case there was a psychotic Russian waiting to pounce. The whole ambience added to his unease of the situation he was about to walk into.

Still looking warily around he picked up the briefcase from the passenger's seat and headed for the lift, tossing the car keys to the expectant car park attendant as he went. Once in the lift he ran through his meeting in his head. 'Don't let the bastard call the shots –you're the money man, you are the man.'

The lift pinged when it reached the required floor, the doors slowly opened to reveal to Leroy the Chessington Hotel in all its splendour . 'Oh boy' Whistled Leroy impressed by the view. He strode confidently up to the reception desk . "The names King, Charles King. I have a reservation for dinner – A business associate will be joining me."

"Good evening Mr King, yes we have your reservation for the Langton dining room at 7." replied the receptionist with a professional smile.

"I'm a little early, is there a phone I can use? I need to make a coupla calls." said Leroy having taken on the persona of a rich American Businessmen.

"Of course Mr King. You can use the phone here on reception or if you'd prefer, there are public telephones in the saloon bar which will offer more privacy – and we can offer you an excellent selection of beers, wines and spirits…"….

"We should arrest that waiter for daylight robbery Shaz." complained Alex stuffing her receipt in her handbag.

"Me and Chris could have a three course dinner at the Bernie Inn for that amount." Agreed a shocked Shaz "Who'd have thought a couple of pots of tea and some tiny sandwiches could cost as much….You sure you don't want me to pay somethink towards it Ma'am?"

"Noooo.." said Alex as they headed for the door into the hotel's reception area "CID can pick up the tab….we are working after all." Alex stopped short of the doorway. "But I think I should visit the ladies again before we head back to the station. Not sure my bladder will make it that far."

"Thank you Mam." smiled Leroy to the receptionist, his back to the lounge door "I sure could use a drink."

Leroy headed for the saloon bar as in the same split second Alex and Shaz entered the reception area and headed in the opposite direction from Leroy to the Ladies' loo. Alex pulled up abruptly, sensing something 'not quite right', she turned around only to see the saloon bar doors swing shut on their own.

"Something the matter Ma'am?" quizzed Shaz.

"Not sure." Smiled Alex "Must have had a de ja vue moment, or one of those 'someone walked over my grave' feelings…I'm just being silly."

Leroy completely oblivious to the girl's presence, made his way to the far end of the ornate bar where the public phones were situated. Once more checking he wasn't followed or being watched he picked up the phone and dialled.

"Ok, listen carefully…" commanded Leroy into the receiver…" I know, I know…listen will ya?...Sorry, I'm a little on edge…nooo! It's not safe for us to meet, ya know that so quit asking me….I am calm!...will ya god damn listen? Right, I'm here, take this number down 22386, that's reception…you know the deal, if I don't call ya by…." He checked his watch…" by say, 8.30, call reception. If they can't find me you are to get help…understand?...yeah I know, I know…you too.." Leroy smiled "Yeah me too…bye."

Leroy replaced the receiver, took his place at the bar and ordered a beer.

Harry Makepeace didn't know what had made her want to drive over to the Fenchurch East station, or rather Luigi's to be exact. She had left SI10's headquarters not wanting to go home for some reason. So far the Coltrane case had gone nowhere, any scant leads had dried up and it had become an infuriating waiting game…and a lonely one at that. Sure, she had her colleagues, but somehow it wasn't the same without Dempsey. She had found herself trying to remember what her work life had been like before Dempsey…and struggled to recall. Now she was left feeling like her right arm had been cut off. So, instead of going home to an empty house with only her thoughts for company, she had decided she needed a distraction, needed the company others in a relaxed setting, with people who would understand what she was going through. In short she needed Alex.

"Get that down ye." ordered Gene who had just poured a huge glass of red wine to the brim in front of Harry. "With a face like that you look like you need it."

"Thanks." Muttered Harry, slightly daunted by the over generous glassful.

"I will leave you two to ye girly chat." Gene wandered off in the direction of the lads leaving a miserable Harry with a concerned Alex.

"Okay, what's he done this time?" smiled Alex "Spill."

"He hasn't done anything – or at least I don't know he's done anything because I haven't seen him."

"What do you mean you haven't seen him? You work together." puzzled Alex. "Or…he hasn't quit has he? He wouldn't have…would he?"

Harry managed a weak smile "No, nothing like that. He's working deep undercover on a case."

"Sounds interesting.."

"No, not really…you see he's disappeared…"

"Oh!"

"Haven't heard anything from him for 6 weeks."

"For six weeks!" squeaked Alex in surprise. "That sounds serious."

Harry, without risking spilling her wine by trying to pick It up, leant forward and took a slow sip from the glass. "It is, " agreed Harry, "Very….I can't go into details, but he may not come back."

"Oh Harry, I'm sure he'll be fine.." Alex tried to comfort her "I'm sure."

Harry looked sadly back at Alex "He's in big trouble this time Alex…has been since the day he left New York…." She trailed off, wanting to say more, but couldn't

Alex was about to say 'I know all about it', but quickly checked herself. She couldn't reveal that she knew about Dempsey's contract when Harry clearly had known nothing. "What sort of trouble? You can tell me – if you want to…"

"I…I can't." Harry insisted "Even I knew nothing about it until recently, yet….yet bloody Spikings did. I'm his partner! I should have been told right from the start." Harry took another gulp of wine as she could feel herself beginning to get worked up.

"6 weeks you say?" Struck by a thought which had just popped into her head, Alex needed to clarify the facts.

"Yes! He disappeared 6 weeks ago….why?" Harry suddenly detected that the wheels had started turn in Alex's mind. "Is there something you're not telling me?" she said accusingly.

Alex looked like she was about to say something. Harry jumped in "Well come on –what?"

Alex paused , still deciding whether it was a good idea to say anymore, but one look into Harry's steel cold eyes told she had to or there would consequences . Alex took a deep breath "Harry, we've lost Leroy."

Harry shook her head in agitation "What do you mean you've lost Leroy –and what the hell has that got to do with it?"

Alex braced herself, this could go horrible wrong. "He vanished 8 weeks ago. Disappeared into thin air."

Harry suddenly made a connection and with it came anger. She said through gritted teeth "Leroy knows Dempsey, same precinct, same department, same boss.."

"Harry, it's not….." Alex tried to calm her.

Harry suddenly gave a mirthless laugh "I see! Been so stupid. Dempsey has been well and truly set up…with your help." She scowled at Alex who was now shuffling uncomfortably in her seat.

"Harry, really you must listen…." Alex tried again.

" It's all clear now. You and that buffoon of a husband of yours have brought Dempsey's would-be-killer into our midst. Ha! He's been feeding Coltrane all the information - that's how he knows Dempsey is here and where he works. He's been bidding his time, waiting for his opportunity. So that's what went on in New York, that's why you came back early…and bloody Leroy has even wormed his way into my family through Maddy…Bloody hell!" Harry threw her hands in the air. We've both been taken for complete mugs – If that's your idea of friendship you can bloody keep it.

"Harry, please listen, it's not Leroy." Alex was now sounding desperate. "Leroy has a contract out on him too."

"What?" Harry jumped to her feet , trembling she pointed an accusing finger at Alex "How do you know about that? I didn't say anything about a contract."

"Well, you said…er would-be-killer."

"I didn't say contract though –you knew didn't you? You have known all along."

"Harry I…" Alex was desperately trying to find the right words to say which would calm Harry, but none were forthcoming. Alex was lost and seemingly their friendship too.

"I thought you were a friend. I thought I could trust you…but because of you not only Dempsey could end up dead, but you have lied to me all this time."

"Please, it's not like that…" whimpered Alex.

"Save it! I don't need to sit here and hear anymore. " Harry forcefully scooped up her coat and handbag . "I am going to tell Spikings and hopefully save Dempsey from Coltrane – you lot can do what the hell you like for all I care." With that Harry stormed off leaving Alex on the verge of tears and a room full of stunned diners in her wake.

"HARRY I'M SORRY"

Meanwhile, back at the Chessington Hotel, Leroy's dinner guest had arrived.

Leroy arose to his feet and offered his hand "Charles King, please to meet to."

His guest shook Leroy's hand enthusiastically and said loudly in an American accent "Pleased to meet you Mr King." Not letting go of Leroy's hand he leant close into Leroy and said in a much quieter voice "It's good to finally meet you Leroy, I've heard a lot of good things about you…call me Carl."

Thank you your reviews so far, but please keep reviewing as without reviews it's difficult to judge if people are still enjoying this. I know it's a long time since I've posted again...but reviews really do encourage one to keep writing ;-) many thanks QQ