The Phantom Ritual (DCI Morgan Chester: Case One)

Chapter Eleven

The frontage of the brothel was far from Cole's initial expectation. It was the perfect facade. The white-bricked townhouse had a freshly painted green door and tall Victorian style windows. It looked like any ordinary house on the street on the outside, but the curtains drawn across the windows hid its dark, dirty secret. Cole had stepped foot in many brothels in London since he started at the SCU, but this was the most sophisticated.

He walked up the stone pathway and rang the doorbell.

"Go away." An abrupt Welsh accent called from the other side of the closed door. Cole rolled his eyes.

"Anton Declan, I need to speak with you," Cole demanded.

"We are closed." The voice responded more agitated.

"You can either let me in, or I can come back with a warrant and squad of officers and force entry. The choice is yours, my friend."

The locks on the door clicked, and it flew open.

A lanky male with auburn hair and a face decorated with freckles appeared. His grey eyes carefully scanned Cole. His shoulders stiffened, and he raised his eyebrows.

"Are you deaf? I said we're fucking closed."

"A young girl was murdered last night, and we believe she came from your shop," Cole told him, and Anton hissed.

"And who exactly are you?" his tone grew bitter.

"I am Detective Inspector Cole Dawson from the Serious Crime Unit. My team and I are investigating Yolanda Aya's murder."

"If you do not have a warrant, then get the fuck off my property." He grunted as he went to close the door.

Cole stuck his foot in before the door could close.

"Do you not want to watch whoever did this? Bring justice to Yolanda and stop him from hunting other girls? I am sure this inconvenience will cause a small leak in your cash flow?" he questioned sternly.

"How do I know that you're not some pesky reporter looking for a juicy story?"

Cole rolled his eyes and flashed his badge at Anton. His eyes scanned over and opened the door for Cole to cross the threshold.

He noticed the living room to his left as he ventured inside the hallway. A plus grey corner sofa was placed against the wall and faced a wall-mounted television—the latest Xbox console hidden inside a small cabinet underneath. Two girls lounged on the sofa watching a daytime chat show on ITV, each with a plate of toast.

"Kitchen," Anton instructed.

Cole nodded and followed him further down the hallway. He noticed there were no pictures or decorations. He assumed they had only recently moved in.

As they entered the kitchen through the frosted glass door, Cole whistled to appreciate the modern style countertops and walnut wood dining table. He took a seat at the table.

"Is this necessary?" Cole pointed towards the two men that stood behind him. He noticed that they were the pimps watchers.

Anton smirked and took a seat opposite Cole.

"I am an essential businessman, detective. They go wherever I go, especially with any unexpected company around. Make your questions quick."

"Straight to the point; I like your style, Anton," Cole smirked. "What was Yolanda doing in The Stables Market this morning when your turf is here?"

"She was part of the night shift, and sometimes the girls operate the surrounding areas as we have clients there. I have a fleet of watchers who keep an eye on them."