Devil in the Detail A.J. Cross (read full novel .TXT) 📖

carjacker choose this as a place to commit further attacks? Of equal relevance, how did he plan to stop any vehicle of interest?’

‘I was going to raise that with you,’ said Watts. ‘I’m thinking he used some kind of ruse to slow down or stop the Lawrences’ car.’

Traynor returned to the map again. ‘Let’s consider that. The immediate area around Forge Street has a lot to tell us.’ They watched his index finger move over it. ‘Despite it being part of the inner city and relatively close to its constant traffic flow and activity, Forge Street is economically deprived, offers little to no business activity or employment. Housing is some way off. It’s a neglected, forgotten place.’ He turned to Watts. ‘You’ve checked it out in terms of its history of criminal behaviour?’

Any optimism Watts had felt was draining away. ‘Nothing in the last decade beyond minor vandalism.’

Traynor moved to the table, selected one of a number of photographs of the Lawrences’ vehicle at the scene, the victims visible inside it. He raised it high. ‘Murder, the ultimate crime, occurred in that location, late that evening. The exact timing is unknown but possibly sometime around ten, ten thirty p.m., given the timing of the emergency call made by one of the victims. I agree with Detective Inspector Watts that the shots heard at around nine thirty appear to be a little early. One possibility is that the attacker followed the Lawrences to that location, although it’s also possible that he was waiting somewhere in the vicinity of Forge Street. Leaving aside for now how he got them to stop, at some point he gained access to the inside of their vehicle. Which raises a big question. Why place himself in such close proximity to his two victims? He had a gun. He could have remained outside the vehicle and threatened them’ – he looked at Watts – ‘which would be reminiscent of the carjackings. He chose to get inside. Why? From the information I’ve read, he already had the victims’ valuables in his possession when he shot them. Why would he do that?’ He indicated the left-hand map.

‘I see a stark inconsistency between the carjacking series and the attack on the Lawrences. There’s a lack of caution, smoothness and efficiency in the shootings. If one man is responsible for the carjackings and the Lawrence shootings, he changed his MO in Forge Street. Why would he do that? I don’t have an answer but the question needs asking.’

Jones raised his hand. ‘Are you saying we should be ruling out the carjacker for the Lawrence shootings? If it was the same offender, isn’t it possible he and his mate know Forge Street, checked it out and saw its isolation as a big plus for extending the offence area? DI Watts mentioned the possibility of a ruse being used to stop the Lawrences’ car. If that’s what happened, he was probably confident that, whatever happened after that car stopped, nobody would come along, stop and intervene. Plus, he’s already had one of his carjacking victims try to hold on to her property, so he’s equipped with a gun and ready to use it, with enough confidence to handle any confrontation.’

‘Those are all reasonable suppositions.’ Traynor nodded. ‘But step back a little. What’s the attraction of Forge Street for an experienced carjacker?’

In the following seconds of silence, Jones frowned. ‘Given what you’ve said about lack of through traffic, there doesn’t seem to be any.’

Watts looked from him to Traynor. ‘Are you saying that there’s no connection between the carjackings and the attack on the Lawrences? How sure are you, Will?’

Traynor gave a wry smile. ‘I understand why you’re asking the question, but we both know that there are rarely absolutes in our line of work, particularly at this early stage.’

He returned to the two maps and placed his hand against one then the other. ‘What I’m suggesting is that you visualize each of these areas, compare them, then ask yourselves the key question: how likely it is that the slick, youthful, six-times carjacker who lives close to his attacks, knows that area intimately, whose plan is minimal contact with his victims, and the individual who chose Forge Street in which to attack the Lawrences, rob them, kill one of them and almost kill the other, are one and the same?’

The silence was broken only by the door opening and Brophy exiting the room. A hum of voices started up, officers discussing what they had just heard.

Watts headed to Traynor. ‘I was hoping for something different, but being an optimistic type, as and when the CCTV data arrives, it might give us some clarification—’

‘Sarge, it’s here!’

They headed for Kumar and gathered around the large screen filled with four stills of traffic scenes. He started the recordings and pointed to the one at top left. ‘See that? Six twenty-nine, and that’s the Lawrences’ Toyota close to Mike Lawrence’s parents’ home in Handsworth Wood.’

They watched jerky footage of the car making a left turn. Kumar pointed again, this time at a road name. ‘His parents’ address.’ They waited, their attention fixed on one or other of the on-screen scenes, searching for the Toyota. Seconds passed. ‘Here it is again! It’s now heading away from the parents’ place.’ They watched the Toyota move slowly, hemmed in by heavy traffic, time: seven sixteen p.m.

Watts pointed. ‘That’s Symphony Hall on the left. They’re heading into town, to the restaurant in Newhall Street.’ All eyes were fixed on the four-part screen, the Toyota no longer visible. ‘I phoned the restaurant. It was busy that night. A member of staff thought they arrived at around seven thirty but couldn’t confirm what time they left. The Lawrences’ bill was handwritten, no time included. Mr Lawrence left cash on the table, alerted a waiter to it and they went. Run it forward a bit.’ Kumar did, the four-part screen now filled with heavy evening traffic. They searched it. No Toyota Previa.

‘Come on!’ murmured Watts,