Chapter 3

 

‘I thought you’d be happy,’ said Harry. He drove at a sedate pace through the unhurried streets. ‘Having a proper crime to investigate.’

‘When have I ever said we don’t investigate proper crimes?’ she asked.

‘Every day.’

‘Are you confusing that with the times I’ve said you’re not a real detective?’

‘I might be,’ said Harry. ‘I understand it, though. If we get anywhere close to solving this thing, you can be sure the bastards will swoop in and claim it for their stats. They’ll probably watch closely, just in case they can get a last-minute boost.’

‘That’s not it,’ said Cassie. ‘As long as the murderer is locked up, it doesn’t matter who gets credit.’

He gave her a sceptical stare.

‘Okay, maybe I would like the credit. Work my way back to Homicide.’

‘I know you meant to say back up to Homicide.’

‘I’d never say that.’ Even if she thought it. ‘We all do necessary jobs. Some just more professionally than others.’

‘Do you think I should dress more like your dick ex-partner?’ Harry glanced appraisingly at his shabby suit, that even a thrift store may be embarrassed to display.

‘What’s the longest you’ve ever kept a suit clean?’

‘It helps me blend in,’ he said, making no effort to convince anyone.

‘Where, exactly?’ Cassie asked in a dubious tone.

‘Everywhere. I’m welcome equally, wherever I go.’

Mayweather Labs was on the edge of an industrial park - the more customer-facing type, with nice-looking buildings rather than blocky industrial monoliths. A couple of neighbouring companies seemed to have folded, and the area exhibited little activity at night. There were only a few cars around, probably security.

The front of the building offered no more information about what they did than their website had.

Harry pulled up in front of the place. It had stopped raining. They got out and approached the entrance. It had a large, glass-fronted lobby, with a reception desk lit up inside. No security guards in sight.

Harry banged on the door and glanced about for signs of a response. No one came within a minute.

‘Walk the perimeter?’ asked Cassie, ‘For something to do.’

Harry didn’t appear eager.

‘A known criminal had their address,’ she said. ‘We should at least cover ourselves.’

He shrugged in reluctant agreement and led the way around the building.

It had few entrances, all of which appeared secure. Until they reached one around back, near a loading area. The only camera covering the patch hung limply, showing no sign of functionality, and the door stood ajar.

Cassie called it in to dispatch. There had been no report of a burglary, so if there was an alarm on the place it either hadn’t been tripped or the security company was lax. They might get support, if there was anyone in the area, but shouldn’t rely on it.

Harry drew his Glock 19 and glared accusingly at the building for forcing him to take action. He glanced at her. Cassie drew her Glock and nodded, with a similar lack of enthusiasm. She was sure they should do more before going in - due diligence and stuff. But that was her second-guessing herself. Fortunately, she had Harry to compensate for her overthinking.

‘Police,’ he called through the door. ‘Anyone not wanting to be shot should let us know you’re there.’ Not the traditionally approved warning, but it got the message across.

He waited a few seconds for a response that never came, then went in. She followed a short way behind, gun ready.

The short corridor inside was dark, with a light a few metres ahead. They followed the light and emerged into some kind of a lab space - workbenches had an array of mechanisms on display. Cleaner than she would have expected. The boss must be a stickler. The right of the room was in shadow, but visibly empty. They headed left, to the lights in the adjoining room.

This space was more like an office, with desks and personal clutter. Little room for anyone to hide, and quickly cleared.

They cleared a couple more rooms, then proceeded along a longer corridor towards the reception area, finding no hint of activity.

The reception desk was clear. The monitor showed camera views, presumably from within the building. It also showed a flashing red light, the text reading ‘AV’.

Possibly an alarm. Nothing here to indicate where it referred to.

They continued searching the ground floor, then proceeded up the stairs. Checked a few more rooms before an aroma drifted to greet them that reminded Cassie of one they’d recently left. An exchanged glance with Harry confirmed he’d also noted it.

They slowed as they approached an open doorway. Harry took up position alongside it. Cassie edged along the opposite wall, peeking into the room.

Still no sounds other than their movement.

The bodies lay near an open metal door. They took up positions on opposite sides of the door to the outer room as she called it in, in a hushed but firm tone. Bodies would definitely get them some back-up.

The call done, they advanced cautiously, single-file to minimise their forensic intrusion.

They confirmed the adjoining room was empty, then checked for pulses. Nothing.

The secure adjoining room contained empty display cases. Presumably a robbery, and whoever had done it was likely gone.

‘Two have been shot,’ said Harry. ‘One, I don’t know. Possible heart attack? Doubt they’ve been dead more than an hour.’

She glanced back at the way they’d come in. ‘We should secure the lobby. Check their camera coverage.’

He nodded, and they retraced their steps.

They were alone until backup arrived, then settled in for more waiting around.