Page 57 (1/2)

‘I’ll call the Devon Constabulary and ask them to keep an eye on him I’ll also warn Jim Travers at BA to keep an eye open, so he can let us knohen a booking comes up in Carter’s name Shouldn’t you be on your way?’

‘On my way, sir?’

‘You’reevidence We got a call after you swanned off on Friday afternoon to say that, to everyone’s surprise, Cyril Auilty, and the case would be heard thisif you don’t want to lose your first case before the judge even opens proceedings’

William quickly retrieved the Amhurst–Churchill file from his desk drawer, and put his jacket back on

‘Make sure he goes down for twenty years,’ said Lamont

‘At least,’ said Jackie, who appeared just as he was heading for the door

The long tube journey to Snaresbrook gave William a chance to reacquaint himself with the details of the case, but when he reached the last page of the file, he still couldn’t understand why Auilty

The train pulled into the station just after 945, and once William was out on the street he asked a news vendor the way to the Crown Court He followed thebefore he spotted an i up in front of hih the door just before ten o’clock Checking the court timetable, he saw that The Crown v Amhurst was scheduled for 1000 in court five He ran up another flight of steps to the first floor, where he found a youngaround, looking anxious

‘Are you Mr Hayes?’ asked William

‘I a you’re Detective Constable Warwick’ William nodded

‘The first thing I should tell you,’ said Hayes, ‘is that because Amhurst’s case has come up at such short notice, I could apply for a postponeet the trial set for a later date’

‘No, let’s get on with it,’ said Willia to stand on’

‘I agree, but your evidence h what I consider to be the salient points’

‘When do you think we’ll be called?’ asked William as they sat down on a bench outside court five

‘There are a couple of bail applications to be heard, and a request for a liquor licence to be dealt with before us, so we should be on around 1030’