Nothing Ventured

10

THE FIRST THING William did when he arrived back at the Yard was to brief the boss on his meeting with Appleyard.

‘There was only one piece of information he supplied that just might prove useful,’ said Lamont. ‘Did you spot it?’

‘The tattoo?’

‘In one. Because if you find Angie, she could lead us to the mystery buyer.’

‘But all we’ve got to go on is a tattoo.’

‘Which may be enough.’

‘Why?’

‘Think like a criminal, laddie, and not like a choirboy,’ said Lamont, leaning back in his chair.

‘Pentonville,’ said William after a brief silence.

‘You’re on the right track. But who do you need to speak to at Pentonville?’

‘The governor?’

‘No. Too senior for what we need.’

William looked lost, and once again had to wait for Lamont

to come to his rescue.

‘You told me Appleyard was only in Pentonville for three weeks before being transferred to Ford Open.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘During that time he would have been entitled to three prison visits. So you need to find out if anyone called Angie visited someone at Pentonville while Appleyard was there. If she did, they’ll have her details on file.’

‘We’ve also got to hope that she’s still his girlfriend.’

‘That shouldn’t be a problem. A tattoo to a con is like a ring to you and me. It’s a commitment, and, let’s face it, it’s all we’ve got to go on. Have a word with the senior officer in charge of visits. His name is Leslie Rose. Sir to you. Make sure you pass on my best wishes.’

William returned to his desk and looked up the number for the visits officer at HMP Pentonville. When the phone was answered, a stentorian voice barked, ‘Rose.’

‘Good afternoon, sir. My name is DC Warwick, and I’m ringing at the suggestion of my boss, Detective Chief Inspector Lamont.’

‘A complete wanker.’

‘I beg your pardon, sir?’

‘Any idiot who believes Arsenal can win the Cup is a complete wanker. What can I do for you, detective constable?’

‘In 1981, you had a prisoner called Appleyard at Pentonville. Ken Appleyard. He was only with you for three weeks, between April the ninth and the thirtieth, before he was shipped out to Ford.’

‘What about him?’

‘During his stay, another prisoner, whose name he can’t remember—’

‘Or doesn’t want to.’

‘– may have had a visit from his girlfriend, who we know was called Angie.’