Ruby ground her teeth as she approached the Crosby family residence. She could never afford anything like this. Even with her pension pay-out she would have to be frugal. It just didn’t seem fair.
Winding down her car window, she pressed her finger on the intercom buzzer, watching the cameras crane their necks in her direction. Ruby ran her tongue across her teeth. Her mouth felt barren. If there was ever a time she needed a strong mug of tea it was now.
‘Yes?’ a deep voice drawled from the intercom. It wasn’t one of those cheap scratchy jobs either. It boomed loud and clear.
Ruby flashed her badge to the camera. ‘I’m DS Ruby Preston. I’d like to speak to Mr Lenny Crosby. It’s urgent. Unofficial business.’
She hoped the emphasis on unofficial would gain her access. As the gates rolled open, she cursed her accelerating heartbeat. This was the last place she wanted to find herself given her run-in with Lenny in the lift. But she had to clear the air between them, otherwise she would lose sleep for fear he may return.
Besides, she had a favour to ask. But favours from the Crosby family did not come cheap. Although Jimmy Crosby had died in prison, his legend lived on. Even up until his death, Crosby still earned his reputation as a hard man. She had heard the stories of how the family made people disappear, and of the cops and high-powered politicians nestling in their back pocket. And when it came to blackmail… if anyone could dig up dirt it was the Crosbys, and they weren’t afraid to use it. She began to regret her decision not to tell anyone where she was going. For all she knew, undercover police could be watching the address, making a note of her presence. It was doubtful though; everybody knew the Crosbys were too clever to shit on their own doorstep. It was unlikely they’d hurt her, but then again, if she stumbled upon something she shouldn’t… and Lenny had been on a knife edge since he came out of the big house.
Ruby glanced at her phone on the passenger seat. It was too late to text anyone now. She knew they’d be watching every movement she made on the video intercom. The gates closed behind her with finality as she drove up the gravel drive.
The Chigwell house was a grand affair worth several million: one of their many properties. Nathan had long since moved out of the family residence, having built his own fort in an up-and-coming part of Hackney. The front door opened and a dour-looking man appeared. Tall, stocky, dressed in black. The Rottweilers were given instructions to sit, which they did, flanking him either side. A low growl rumbled in their bellies, and it gave her the creeps to know they could make pieces of her in minutes. If they were there to intimidate, they were doing a good job. And so was their master. His name was Logan, but everyone knew him as Fingers. Ruby recognised him from old intelligence photos and checked the absence of digits on his right hand. Two were missing from the joint down after a gun backfired during an armed raid. It was common, back in the old days, before quality firearms infiltrated the country. It wasn’t difficult to get a decent piece now, and there were plenty of people willing to rent them out, if the need occurred. Not that it mattered now. Ruby concentrated her efforts on getting safely inside. She was no threat to the Crosby family. She would be fine. She just wished her legs didn’t feel like rubber as the door slammed shut behind her.
Fingers led her through the long wide hall into an expansive living room. Yucca plants dotted each corner, and Ruby glanced at the designer furnishings and luxury rug, trying to imagine them in her poky flat. She waited as told, knowing it was all for show. Planting herself firmly in a confident stance, she stood next to the fireplace with her head held high. But still the niggling thoughts came back to haunt her. What are you doing getting mixed up with the Crosbys again?
It seemed like an eternity before the door finally swung open and Lenny Crosby was standing before her. His eyes were dark, his expression guarded. He strode forward, dressed casually in a shirt and jeans: so different to his father, who wore only the finest tailored suits. DI Downes once told Ruby that he had met many dubious men in his career, but old man Crosby was the only one that ever frightened him.
‘I didn’t expect to see you so soon,’ Lenny said, his eyes narrowed in disdain.
Ruby took a deep breath. ‘I need your help.’
The left side of his mouth jerked upwards in a sneer. ‘Do you now? This better be no wind up, ’cos if you’re trying to set me up for something… ’
‘Then why the hell would I come? I knew your father. I wouldn’t be here unless I was desperate.’ Ruby sighed before shaking her head. ‘I don’t know… this was a bad idea.’
Lenny took a step forward. ‘You’re not leaving until you tell me what’s going on.’
It was an order, and she knew he could overpower her if he wanted to, although she would make sure that he wouldn’t come out of it unscathed.
‘Well, chill then, will you? I’m not talking to you standing over me like this,’ Ruby retorted, asserting her position.
‘Give me your phone.’ Lenny snapped his fingers.
‘Why?’
‘Because I asked nicely. Now hand it over.’
Ruby passed it over and watched him scroll through her texts and calls. ‘This is ridiculous. If you’re not interested in helping, then I’ll have my phone back and be on my way.’
‘Sit down,’ Lenny ordered, returning her phone. He called for Fingers, and the door opened.
Ruby swallowed, her throat feeling incredibly dry. For the hundredth time she wondered what she was doing there.
Fingers poked his bristled head through the door: ‘Yes, boss?’
‘Get us some coffees, will you?’ Lenny said, taking a seat in the wide leather armchair.
‘Tea for me, please,’ Ruby said, heat rising to her face.
The man nodded before closing the door.
Ruby took a seat, feeling slightly foolish, but relieved to be back on an even keel. When Fingers returned, she was reassured to see it was actually a pot of tea and not a code word for something more underhand. She poured herself a cup, trying to keep her hand steady.
‘You’ve got some balls coming here,’ Lenny said, staring at her from over his cup. The tone of his voice, the coldness of his eyes… it was like watching his father all over again.
‘I’ve kept my side of the bargain,’ Ruby said, although it was not strictly true. She had kept away from his brother, Nathan, but had been to the flat. ‘But now I need your help.’
Lenny’s smirk grew wider. ‘You’re not the first copper to come here asking for favours. But you know what it means, don’t you?’
Ruby slowly nodded. It was why she had put it off for so long. It meant she would be indebted to him in return, and as a police officer that was a very bad situation to be in. ‘Are you going to help me or not?’
‘Sure I’ll help, what do you want?’
‘I want you to find my daughter. I want you to find Lucy.’