Page 12 of We Chase Shadows

‘That’s five,’ says Steve. ‘Who’s the sixth?’

‘Tommy Griffin,’ says Vern. ‘An American.’

‘A dead American?’ asks Steve.

‘Well, no,’ says Vern. ‘An alive American.’

‘So, of the six,’ says Rosie, ‘three are dead. And the other three are you, Tommy Griffin and Jakob Eriksson?’

Vern nods. ‘Eriksson killed the first three.’

‘You know that for sure?’ says Amy.

‘Don’t take my word for it,’ says Vern. ‘Ask around. You’ll hear that’s true.’

Another one for Interpol, thinks Rosie.

‘Any other rivals in mind?’ Steve asks, back to work. ‘If you don’t believe this was Jakob Eriksson.’

‘Yes, two people to look at,’ says Vern. ‘Firstly, Tommy Griffin.’

‘The alive American,’ says Amy.

‘He’s been expanding into Europe, which he’s not allowed to do,’ says Vern. ‘Just been in Ireland, for example. Strictly forbidden. He’s making a move into my territory.’

‘And Eriksson’s?’ says Amy.

‘Where is he now?’ Steve asks. ‘Still in Ireland? I like Ireland.’

‘Palm Springs,’ says Vern.

Steve nods. ‘Is it hot there?’

‘Very,’ says Vern.

Steve sighs.

‘And the other name?’ Amy asks.

‘The other person I’d like you to speak to,’ says Vern, ‘is Georgie Glazier.’

‘And who is Georgie Glazier?’ Steve asks.

‘My ex-wife,’ says Vern.

‘So you’re single,’ says Rosie. It’s not a question, merely an observation. Rosie can’t help herself, by this point it’s a tic with her, she barely even notices she’s doing it. But there is something about Vern Blackwood she rather likes. Which, when she really thinks about it, is usually a red flag.

‘Very,’ says Vern.

Rosie looks over at Amy. ‘Make sure you write that down.’

‘I have a different file for your love life,’ says Amy. ‘A bigger file.’

‘We were a partnership,’ says Vern. ‘Amicably concluded, I thought. But she’s been in touch recently, asking for money, saying I owe her.’

‘And do you?’ Rosie asks.

‘Morally, yes,’ says Vern. ‘Financially, no. I told her she won’t be getting a penny from me. Perhaps she’s taken that badly. You know ex-wives, Steve!’