‘If you don’t mind, Chief Inspector, we’ll record this, and air it later,’ said a BBC news assistant. ‘Given the subject matter, our lawyers are a little nervous you might say something slanderous. We need to be able to edit, if necessary.’
‘That’s fine by me,’ Magee replied as a make-up artist brushed up his cheeks.
‘We’re ready,’ a voice called through the dressing room door.
Magee was led to a small studio where he sat against a backdrop of a view over Brighton. He smiled as the well known face of Peter Johnson appeared on a video link-up screen in front of him.
‘I understand you wish to make a statement about the recent spate of murders in Brighton, Chief Inspector. My assistant informs me that you know what the motive is now, that there are five more murders planned and that you actually know who the five intended victims are?’
‘That is correct, Mr Johnson.’
‘And you’re prepared to put this on record?’
‘Indeed. As I explained earlier, I was taken off the case in rather unfortunate circumstances. Nevertheless, I know that the current investigations are moving in the wrong direction. I need to get back in control to rectify that problem.’
‘I see,’ Peter Johnson said. ‘Well, if we’re ready, let’s get going,’
‘On three,’ a woman said, holding up her hand in front of Magee.
‘I am joined this morning by Detective Chief Inspector Jack Magee, of the East Sussex Constabulary, who has come here today with important news relating to four recent horrific murders,’ Peter Johnson said by way of introduction and looked expectantly in Magee’s direction.
Magee smiled warmly at the camera. He was going to enjoy this. ‘As you will have heard, the police apprehended a suspect at the scene of the murder of Mr Ronald Nelson in Brighton yesterday morning. Contrary to the belief of the man leading that investigation, I can tell you . . .’
‘You are referring to Inspector Jackson?’
‘Yes, indeed, Inspector Jackson. He believes he has the murderer in custody. I am here to tell you that is not the case. The murderer is still very much at large. However, I must emphasize that this situation need not worry the general public. The murderer is only concerned with five specific men. It is strictly a private matter between them.’
‘Do these remaining five men know of the risk?’
‘Certainly.’
‘Do you know their identities?’
‘Yes I do, but I do not think it would be appropriate for me to reveal their names. I shall be talking to them personally, soon, in an unofficial capacity, of course, since I’ve been suspended from duty.’
‘How do you know their names?’
‘They are linked to a tragic incident that occurred many years ago, in another country. I found a photograph of all the men concerned. It is that link that the killer has latched onto.’
‘So they are revenge murders?’
‘Yes indeed.’
‘Do you know what they did to deserve to die?’
‘I don’t believe anyone deserves to die, Mr Johnson. It is my duty, and intention, to stop these barbaric acts from continuing.’
‘But you’re not currently on active duty.’
‘Then think of me merely as a concerned citizen. There is no law stopping me talking to these men. No law to prevent me trying to stop their deaths.’
‘Do you know who the murderer is?’
‘Let’s just say I have a gut feeling for who it is.’
‘Do you have a feud with Inspector Jackson?’
Magee was careful in his reply. ‘No. Not at all. In fact, I have nothing but praise for the man who’s temporarily taken over from me. He’s a good police officer. It’s just that, in this particular case, he’s got it wrong. The facts will bear out the truth of what I’m saying in due course. I’m just one step ahead of him, that’s all.’
‘Nevertheless, you’re pretty much condemning Inspector Jackson.’
‘He’s proceeded too quickly on this latest case. He’s overlooked some very obvious evidence.’
‘Such as?’
‘Well, let’s just say he’ll find that out when he reads the forensics report; there’ll be no doubt that the murderer got away. The young man Inspector Jackson apprehended at yesterday’s crime scene was set up, in a very crude way I must add. In fact, the crudeness was deliberate. The murderer’s intention was for Inspector Jackson to fall flat on his face.’
‘And why on earth would he want that?’
‘So Inspector Jackson would be made to look like a . . .’ Magee paused to reflect on his choice of words. ‘To make him act hastily.’
‘Why so?’
‘Because he’d then be taken off the case.’
‘Is that to the killer’s advantage?’
‘Yes, of course.’
‘I’m not sure I follow that, Chief Inspector.’
‘Because I’ll be back.’
‘You’ll be back? Are you convinced of that?’
‘Certainly.’
‘But why is that to the killer’s advantage?’
‘I’d rather not comment on that at the moment. Let’s just say it’s often the way in these cases.’
‘So you are putting your reputation on the line?’
‘Indeed. For the sake of justice, I am prepared to make an issue of this, simply because the British public has a right to know the truth.’
‘The truth in this case being that Inspector Jackson has bungled badly?’
‘Those are your words, Mr Johnson, not mine.’
‘Thank you for your time, Chief Inspector. We all look forward in anticipation to the next episode of this sorry saga.’