Free Scorpio's Lot by Ray Smithies Page B

than
what most people realise. They’re not going to take a chance on allowing some
two-bit hooch dealer blowing their entire cover.’
     
    ‘If the potential risk is there
to jeopardise the organisation, then why would they take a chance with
marijuana in the first place?’
     
    ‘You just don’t get it! It’s like
a lot of things in life. There’s a natural progression. Brigit’s been dealing
in marijuana, which, given time, may well lead to cocaine and heroin and
consequently bigger returns for her employer. This organisation couldn’t care
less whose lives they ruin because their only interest is in accumulating
wealth.’
     
    ‘Tom, I’m very concerned for
Brigit’s safety.’
     
    ‘I’m coming to that, Em. We must
assume the syndicate is of the opinion that Jake told Brigit of this guarded
secret. Given she already has some inside knowledge of their organisation, this
implication must be extremely damaging to them for it’s already resulted in two
deaths. That being the case, her life is in danger and measures must be taken
to prevent any further blood.’
     
    ‘But Tom, that’s police work, not
yours!’ protested Emily.
     
    ‘Yes, but the police have only
offered periodic checks on the house and unfortunately that still leaves her in
a vulnerable position. I plan to visit Brigit this evening and to persuade her,
with Helen’s consent, that she would be safer laying low in one of our caravan
sites for a few days until we figure out something more suitable.’
     
    ‘What... here?’
     
    ‘I can’t think of anywhere else
for the moment, and besides, we both need to be on our guard from now on. We
don’t know who can be trusted.’
     
    ‘All the more reason to go to the
police,’ Emily insisted.
     
    ‘Again I must point out that
Forbes and co can only offer limited protection. We’re dealing with my niece
here and I for one won’t take that risk at the moment.’
     
    Our conversation was interrupted
by a sound from the office counter bell. A short man in his mid-thirties, of
fair complexion and sporting a ginger goatee greeted me with an outstretched
arm holding a business card.
     
    ‘Tom Harrison, I presume?’
     
    ‘Yes it is, can I help you?’
     
    ‘My name’s Ashley Collins. I’m a
reporter for the Pedley Advertiser assigned to the Reynolds case. Could
I please have a moment of your time?’
     
    I’d anticipated this visit, but I
still wondered how I could contribute to their grossly exaggerated articles.
These people were no more than male versions of Ruth Evans, sticking their
noses into other people’s business and generally making a nuisance of
themselves. Still, I had to tread carefully and be pleasant. There had already
been enough bad publicity without contributing further.
     
    ‘Certainly, but I’m not sure if I
can assist you.’
     
    ‘I’ll try and keep this brief. My
objective is to provide the public with an honest and accurate account of this
case. The police have not been overly cooperative, except to say the local drug
syndicate has been accused and every effort will be made to flush out the
villains.’
     
    ‘Yes, I’m already aware of this.’
     
    ‘My source advises me that you
knew Jake Reynolds well, and his partner Brigit O’Neill. I would appreciate
some background on these people, if you don’t mind.’
     
    I gave him a brief overview while
he scribbled down some notes. Careful not to divulge too much information, I
spoke only of the positive aspects and did not mention Brigit’s drug
involvement. Nor did I let on that she was my niece.
     
    ‘Mr Harrison, I see this case
developing into one long investigation now that the drug underworld appears to
be involved. They won’t be easy to infiltrate, I’m told. Therefore you’ll
understand when I say my readers are to be provided with factual information
from the start. Credibility is an important aspect of journalism and this will
need to be maintained as we progress through the