Free Beyond Innocence by Barrie Turner Page B

Jim West was well aware that both girls dabbled with drugs especially crack cocaine. In fact, it was also true that Bridget did a bit of dealing on the side. He made his way to the desk where the duty constable told him that both ladies were being held in interview rooms 1 and 2. He decided he would tackle Bridget first and he entered interview room no. 2 with an air of complete surprise and innocence. He asked Bridget to explain the trouble she was in and how he could be expected to help. She responded by saying the drug had been planted on her during the search by the constable and that she should be released immediately without charge. At first he listened with some degree of sympathy then he tore into her saying that next door, Theresa was already confessing to supplying the drug and that it would be far better for her if she calmed down and cooperated otherwise, she, as well as Theresa, would end up inside for at least six months.
    He went on to say that if she could recall the first time she saw Angela Clarkson wearing that expensive watch he would endeavour to ensure she wouldn’t face the prospect of a prison term and that he would do his utmost to get the charges dropped. Gradually the penny dropped and Bridget agreed to cooperate. He took her through the procedure to be followed and arranged to meet her the next day at a place of her own choosing where all the bits and pieces would be ironed out including dates and times. Before leaving, he told her to say nothing when she was released to Theresa and he was now going to interview her after which, they would both be allowed to leave without charge. He made his way to interview room no. 1 where the wrath of Theresa soon descended upon him. Bravely, and compassionately, he told her that he was going to smooth things out for the two of them and that she had better calm down before he reconsidered his decision. As he prepared to leave, he told her in no uncertain manner that, as far as he was concerned, this was to be treated as an interest free loan and that, one day, he would probably call in his marker. In the meantime, both she and Bridget were free to go and the least said about the matter the better. Both girls departed very quietly and went straight back on the game. Jim West went home quite pleased with his day’s work and well satisfied that very shortly his man would be well and truly stitched up.
    The following day around noon as arranged, Jim West was seated at a table in the far corner of the bar. From here, he could readily observe all the people who entered The Pierhead pub and restaurant. He’d arrived early in order to secure this table and, although it was situated out of the way, it offered a little bit more privacy. Later, as the place filled up with visitors, and lunch-time diners, it became very busy and sometimes it was impossible to obtain a seat. After a quarter of an hour it was apparent that the place was going to be as busy as usual but to Jim West, that meant in a crowded bar such as this, there was less chance of being seen and recognised. Then he saw her coming in alone. When he saw her, he muttered softly to himself, “thank god she hasn’t come in her working clothes”. Somehow, he always thought the girls working Rodney Street or any other street for that matter, always stood out like sore thumbs with their somewhat way out or over the top sense of fashion. Once Bridget had taken her seat, he made his way through the crowd to the bar where he ordered two very large gin and tonics with ice and lemon. Returning to his seat, he almost had to battle his way through the crowd but eventually he made it with the drinks intact.
    After another quick greeting Jim mixed their drinks and got straight down to the business that had brought them here. “Now Bridget this is what I want you to do for me. As you know we are holding a man in connection with the death of your good friend Angela Clarkson. She was a good friend now wasn’t she?”