Burning Bright

Chapter 3

I called in at The Ambassador Hotel and explained the situation to them. They had his credit card details so were happy to release his clothes to me, as long as I could collect them myself. The last time I’d had to clear a room was tragically due to a death. A young man had drowned and his parents had flown out to collect his belongings and arrange for his body to be repatriated. That had been tough, but they’d been grateful that they didn’t have to clear his room themselves.

But this was different and Eoin was very much alive and, fortunately, travelled lightly. It didn’t take me long and I double-checked I’d got everything, spotted a phone charger I’d missed on the first sweep, and added that to his bag. I returned the key at reception and took the bag with me.

Of course, at home that evening, I immediately googled Eoin’s name. He was quite dashing as Sir Gwaine, and seemed to be shirtless in an unusually high proportion of his photos, although as his biography described his modelling as well as his acting career, I supposed it wasn’t unreasonable.

I took his bag into work with me the next day and after I’d cleared the morning’s work and had the handover from the Colonel, I took the Land Rover over to the Grant Road police station. Manish was just leaving, so we had a quick catch up before I went in.

‘Interesting case,’ he said. ‘Thanks for that Kate.’

‘Couldn’t think of anyone who could handle it better.’

‘Or anyone else who’d be fool enough to touch it, you mean.’

‘Well, that might have been a consideration. So . . . ?’

He shrugged. ‘How well do you know Mr Ahmed?’

‘Only by reputation. You think he’ll push for an attempted murder charge?’

‘I can’t be sure, but . . . probably.’

‘Would it help if I spoke to him?’

‘I don’t know, Kate. I suppose it couldn’t do any harm. Looks like they’re going to charge Eoin tomorrow. We’ll ask for bail, of course, but . . .’

‘How is he?’ I asked, nodding inside.

‘A bit shocked, I think. But grateful you got him his book, at least.’

‘You’ll be there tomorrow?’

‘Of course! You coming along?’

‘If it’s in the afternoon . . . Where will it be? Vimla?’

‘Yes. I’ll let you know the time. Right, better be off and do some work on this,’ and he patted his briefcase.

‘Thanks Manish.’

‘Kate! Manish has been to see me!’

‘Yes, I’ve just seen him. Your bag’s with Abdul. You can ask for whatever you want from it. Except sharp objects. Or things you can strangle yourself with.’ Yeah, Kate, that’ll cheer him up.

‘Thanks Kate. Just some clean clothes would be great.’

‘How’s your knee?’

‘Getting better, thanks. I think the enforced rest is helping.’

I didn’t think I’d ever met anyone quite so positive, given his situation. I went through who I’d spoken to. He flinched when I talked about his mother, wanting reassurance that she was OK and not worrying too much about him.

‘Once you’ve been charged, they’ll move you from here.’

‘Yes, Manish said.’

‘It . . . it could be a bit difficult for you.’