Chapter 10
Located in a garage area at the back of one of his properties Baron Bailey's office was a hastily erected breezeblock shack with grilled windows. It consisted of a bleak waiting area and the main office. Inside, listening to the radio, Bailey sat behind a well-worn desk checking through the books to see who owed him what.
The only furniture besides the desk was a cupboard containing keys, a small table with tea-making equipment and a safe.
The newsreader was blathering on about another overdose on the Riverside, so what, it was a daily occurrence around here, who cared about those scumbags dying? They'd done the world a favour.
The only time it bothered Bailey was if it was one of his tenants, then he'd lose a few days rent until he found another tenant to let the room to. Chuckling he knew this wasn't one of those cases, he'd have known about it by now.
The next words out of the newsreaders mouth caught his attention.
A Chief Superintendent's daughter.
Quickly he grabbed for a pen but was too late, the officer's name had already been relayed, cursing he decided to make sure he caught the next bulletin. Get the man's name and send his commiserations, couldn't hurt could it. Poor bloke, probably sat trying to work out how his daughter became a junkie.
Wondering briefly if he knew the girl he tried to remember the name given but couldn't recall it. The chances were he did know her, if she'd lived round here she'd have probably rented from him at some stage.
When the next bulletin came on half an hour later he was ready with a pen and paper, Kelly Landers, Chief Superintendent Landers.
Kelly Landers aye, he knew that little slut, she was a friend of his wife's years ago. Charlene had never mentioned that her old man was in the force, but then again they didn't discuss anything about the Riverside or it's residents. Who'd have thought her Dad was a policeman though? Just went to show, he surmised shaking his head, even with a good role model like that you could still end up a worthless piece of scum.
Chief Superintendent Landers, the name didn't ring any bells, Bailey was sure he knew all the members of the force at the lodge so he doubted he was from there. Still it couldn't do any harm to send him a card expressing his sympathies at the sad loss.
The telephone rang interrupting his thoughts.
Snatching it up Bailey cleared his throat.
"Bailey's residential lettings. He announced in his friendliest voice.
"Oh hello detective Riley, what can I do for you?
"A key to one of my properties, why of course, anything to help the police carry out their duties, what address and I'll get it for you?
"Okay, hang on a minute.
He went to the cupboard and quickly located the keys, taking the front door key he placed the spares to the rooms back on their hook before picking the phone back up.
"Detective Riley?
"Well I have a front door key but I don't seem to be able to find the spare room key, is that okay?
"Yes, alright, pop in and pick it up. Oh and please try not to damage the room door too much won't you?
"That's okay, only too happy to help, do let me know if there's anything else I can do?
"Okay, see you soon, bye.
He sat back pleased with himself.
Locating the tenants book he quickly scanned through to see who they were after.
John-Paul Treacey, he checked the name against those that owed him money.
He wasn't on it.
The raid would probably be something to do with the death of the Landers girl, it figured, Treacey was probably a small time dealer. They should use the opportunity to stitch up that Jarvey.
After a moments thought on the subject he reached for the phone and punched in a number.
It rang a few times before being answered.
"Ah hello, it's Bill Bailey, is it alright to talk?
"Good, I was wondering if you could do me a little favour.
