Page 96 of The Killer’s Mark

‘What the hell, Tilly?’ Esmerée said. ‘I thought we were buddies.’

‘We are,’ Bradshaw said. ‘And that means I will always put your best interests first, even when it doesn’t appear that way. It’s why Poe and I do jigsaws every Sunday night.’

‘What’s that now?’ Poe said.

‘Nothing. I misspoke.’

Esmerée studied Bradshaw. No doubt saw what Poe had been seeing for the best part of a decade – complete honesty. She coughed nervously. ‘And you think …?’

‘I believe it is in your best interests to go and buy some sherbets and a milkshake.’

Poe pulled a twenty-pound note from his wallet. ‘And just in case you can’t find a fifties diner, go to Greggs and get some sausage rolls.’

‘You think I should leave too?’ Esmerée asked.

‘I do.’

‘You didn’t two minutes ago.’

‘I didn’t. But I trust Tilly. You should too.’

Esmerée swung her legs and jumped off the table she was sitting on. She snatched the money from Poe. ‘You ain’t getting any change, asshole.’

She left his office. Slammed the door, but more for effect, Poe thought. It seemed she didn’t mind that someone was looking out for her.

‘Now, who the hell is Vice Admiral Boyer?’ Poe said to Gilliard. ‘And why did his name scare the bejesus out of Tilly?’

Chapter 78

‘As I was saying, six years ago, Vice Admiral Boyer died. Pulmonary embolism. You don’t remember him, Poe?’

‘I don’t.’

‘He had a distinguished naval career before joining the boards of several defence companies. All above board. His interests were declared before contracts were awarded.’

‘OK,’ Poe said.

‘Do you remember the prime minister paying his respects at the start of PMQs?’

‘I don’t watch Prime Minister’s Questions. If I want to see infants scream at each other, I’ll go to a football match.’

‘And it wouldn’t matter if you did. The PM made no statement. No one in government did. Why do you think that was? Boyer had an unblemished record. Served his country with distinction.’

‘He was a Red Chamber client?’

‘He was. He told everyone that the woman who went everywhere with him was his personal assistant.’

‘And people bought that?’

‘For twenty years.’

‘What happened?’

‘Like I said, he died.’

‘Before or after his Red Chamber contract had finished?’

‘We think five years after.’