‘I suppose it’s inevitable. You’d want to enjoy the success, wouldn’t you?’
‘I suppose.’
I was surprised. Why would you do something if you didn’t want to succeed?
‘However much I enjoyed it, I was always homesick’ he said. ‘I like this area. I like walking out here. Just look at it.’
I looked. I liked living near the water, probably because it was in my blood, but all I could see was the industrial sight of the south bank of the Humber. It was remote, not picturesque. ‘You didn’t want to see the world?’
‘Not like Greg and Kane did. By the time of the last album, we were flying all over the world, and it messes you up’ he continued. ‘We played a lot of gigs in Japan and Greg just lost it with drink and drugs. Cocaine’s a terrible idea if you already think the world revolves around you.’ He paused for a moment before continuing. ‘Japan’s weird. When you’re in Europe, you can get by, you can read the odd word here and there, even if you can’t speak the language. In Japan nothing makes sense and then by the time we’d made it to Tokyo, we were just fried. The place makes London feel like a village. And then we had to come back to England where we’d already climbed the mountain. We were booked into the same venues we’d already played countless times. It felt like we were going backwards. The gigs were shit. I argued with Greg about which songs we were going to play and the whole vibe was wrong. It was the end of the band.’
‘Why agree to the reunion? Why not let it lie?’
‘Because I couldn’t say no. This was a chance to put the record straight. Maybe then I’d be able to move forward.’
I had nothing to add. I looked out towards the marshland. Birds were swooping past, searching for food. I picked one out and followed it on its journey.
‘We argued’ he said. ‘Nearly came to blows in the rehearsal room.’
I knew something was coming. ‘You and Greg?’
He nodded. ‘The plan was to play a secret warm-up gig at the Adelphi, but we couldn’t agree on which songs to play.’
‘What happened?’ I asked.
‘It got a bit heated and we squared up to each other. It was a bit silly, really.’
I knew where this was going. ‘Who saw you?’
‘Kane Major.’
‘Right.’
‘It was nothing.’
I continued to stare straight ahead, not liking what I was hearing. ‘Do you know how Greg spent his days? Who he dealt with, who he spoke to?’
‘Not really.’
I turned back towards him. ‘It’s important’ I said.
‘He told me he was working on his album.’
‘I didn’t think he went into the studio that much.’
‘He had some recording equipment in his flat. We were alike in so many ways, not that we’d admit it. He was as plagued with doubt and insecurity about his new songs as I am with mine. I don’t go out much. I stay at home with my guitar. It’s what I like. I think he was the same.’
Priestley took a dog lead out of his pocket. He flexed it before turning to me. ‘We weren’t getting on particularly well, but I didn’t kill him, Joe. I’ve got nothing to hide. I’m telling you all this because I think I can trust you to get to the truth.’ He started to walk towards his dog. ‘You’ve got to believe me on that.’
Sometimes you get an offer you can’t refuse. As I’d driven away from Paull and back towards Hull, my mobile rang. I must have been out of range whilst I was talking to Priestley. I called the number back. DI Robinson. He told me he wanted to meet me straight away. Over the phone wouldn’t do. He named a pub, just outside of the city centre. It was far enough away from the prying eyes of the station, but close enough for him to walk to. Twenty minutes later, I’d made it there. Only a handful of customers and a bored looking barmaid in the place.
‘You can buy your own drink, Mr Geraghty’ he said to me.
‘Fair enough.’ I ordered a diet coke. With my drink in hand, I walked over to Robinson. ‘I’m surprised you’ve got time for this’ I said. I put my glass down, found a stool and sat opposite him.
‘I haven’t got the time for this’ he said. ‘But you’ve been bothering my team, so I wanted to make things crystal clear for you.’
I picked up my drink. ‘Another friendly warning?’
‘If you won’t listen to Don, maybe you’ll listen to me.’
‘What have I done to deserve this?’
‘How about we start with your visit to Tasker’s flat?’ He smiled at me, knowing he’d scored a hit.
‘I had a key’ I said.
‘You impersonated a police officer.’
I shook my head. ‘That’s not how it happened.’
‘That’s not what the neighbour’s statement says. It’s a very serious offence, Mr Geraghty.’
I said nothing. She hadn’t complained at the time, but that was irrelevant. He had me, and he knew it.
‘It’s a good job I’ve got bigger fish to fry or I’d be more inclined to make an issue of it. I’m sure you wouldn’t work again if people knew what you really got up to. But like I say, this is a friendly warning. You’re barking up the wrong tree with this one and you’ve done enough damage already. For your own sake, leave it to the professionals. You can’t help any further. I’m sure Mr and Mrs Tasker will understand. Walk away, stop asking questions, and don’t let people take you for a fool.’
I asked him who was taking me for a fool.
He shook his head. ‘All you need to be aware of is that this investigation isn’t as straightforward as you think. You’re getting involved with the wrong team.’ He stood up and drained his glass. ‘Leave it alone, Mr Geraghty. This is a murder inquiry.’
I stood up and followed him out of the pub, towards the car park. ‘I don’t need you watching over me’ I shouted to his back. ‘You can call your team off.’
He stopped and turned around. ‘I’m trying to help you here. Walk away or watch your back.’
‘Why are your men following me?’
‘You think I’ve got the manpower to waste following you around?’ He laughed before turning away and continuing his walk to his car. ‘Be lucky, Mr Geraghty.’
I returned to the office and considered what I’d learnt. If DI Robinson’s men hadn’t been following me around, who was? More importantly, who did they work for? Sarah walked in. I realised I should have updated her on my movements. She went straight over to her desk, sat down and switched her laptop on. Not a word.
‘Alright?’ I said.
‘I saw the reports on the television.’
I told her I hadn’t stopped all morning. ‘I’ve had Major’s solicitor visit me and then Priestley wanted to talk to me.’
She went back to her laptop. ‘Fine.’
I could tell it wasn’t fine. ‘It’s not an excuse. I’m sorry. I should have called. Where’s your dad?’
‘He got us some extra work today delivering warrants.’
There was nothing more tedious than delivering court papers, but it was a large part of our business. I’m sure it was his way of reminding me of the fact.
‘What did Major’s solicitor want?’ she said.
‘Just to tell me nothing’s changed. He still wants me on the case to make sure the police are doing their job properly.’
‘So why has Major run?’ she asked me.
I shrugged. ‘Urgent business to attend to.’ I didn’t believe it any more for saying it aloud.
Sarah grunted, said nothing. We both knew it put a major question mark against him. ‘So why did Priestley call?’ she asked.
‘He’s had the police on his back.’ I told her I thought Priestley had been honest with me. He hadn’t hidden the fact he had issues with Tasker over the reunion. On the other hand, he potentially fitted with my theory of an accidental death following an argument. He could have easily struck out, just the one punch with unexpected consequences. I decided not to tell Sarah about Robinson’s warning. I knew how she’d react. I’d speak to Whittle about the men following me. If he was having me followed, I wanted to know why. The doorbell buzzed. I looked into the camera and let Julia up. She walked in, said hello to Sarah and sat down opposite me. I smiled. ‘Alright?’
‘The paper got a call this morning’ Julia said. ‘Someone wants to talk to us about Siobhan. He’s seen the story on the news.’
I leaned forward. ‘Why Siobhan?’
‘Don’t know. That was the message I got.’
‘When?’
‘As soon as possible.’
I stood up and grabbed my coat. ‘No time like the present.’
Julia followed me towards the door. I stopped and turned to Sarah. ‘Coming?’
She looked at me and Julia, and shook her head. ‘I’ve got things to do here.’
You know the recording of the second album isn’t going well. You’re losing your grip, but you can’t admit it, least of all to yourself. Kane is still hammering the drink and drugs. All he has to do is turn up at meetings and sign contracts. Priestley is sober and in control. He’s doing more in the studio. Your domain. You hate the fact he has a life in Hull, a million miles away from all of this. He’s the one bringing songs in to record. You don’t like it, but you go along with it. You’re too busy trying to convince yourself that you’re having a good time. You know you’re jealous of him. You know he’s slowly taking over the band. You know you’re giving him no choice. You try to hold things together. You switch off from the world and head to a remote cottage, away from all the distractions, and write. You’ve still got it. You’re still a better songwriter than Priestley. The proof is in the songs. You know it. He knows it. The second album is finished. The schedule is relentless. UK tour. European tour. American tour. Time becomes meaningless to you. Travel, interviews, gig, party. That’s your life. You think it’s what you want.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The pub
we were parked up outside of was run down, many of the windows boarded up. It looked like it wasn’t open for business. The city of Hull has several large council estates, but this one had the worst reputation. It was the opposite end of the scale to the area where I’d met Tasker’s parents. I could see the side entrance door was open. The only sign of life. The cold drizzle in the air fitted the scene perfectly. It was an unwelcoming place. I followed Julia to the side door. The place was dark. The stale smell of last night’s beer turned my stomach. Adjusting to the gloom, I could see a group of men sat in the corner, smoking and drinking. At the bar, a woman went about her cleaning duties. Julia led me across the room. Two of the men stood up and blocked our path. Julia said we were here to see a man called Trevor Bilton. They were both huge. Matching leather jackets. Playing at being gangsters, but I still wouldn’t fancy my chances against them.
‘Who the fuck’s this, Julia?’ the man sat behind them said.
‘He’s with me’ she said.
‘Doesn’t answer my question.’
‘Joe Geraghty’ I said, stepping forwards.
‘Still doesn’t answer my question, pal. Who the fuck are you?’
‘He works with me’ Julia said. ‘I wasn’t coming here by myself.’
The two men at the front laughed. ‘What’s he going to do?’
‘Why would I need to do anything?’ I asked, smiling politely.
The third man stood up and dismissed the other two. He waited for them to be out of earshot before turning to Julia. ‘You’re looking good, babe.’
‘I wish I could say the same’ she replied.
‘Very good. Always had a way with words.’ He paused. ‘Have you come to repay the money you still owe me?’
‘Hardly.’
He turned to me. ‘Sense of humour, too.’ He pointed to the stools his men had vacated. ‘Sit the fuck down.’
I looked across to Julia, puzzled. She wouldn’t meet my eye.
‘I know you, pal’ he said to me.
‘I don’t think so.’
‘We played rugby against each other. Years ago. Junior stuff. Remember?’
I shook my head.
‘No reason you would, I suppose. I remember you because you were the star larker for your lot.’
I was no wiser. I didn’t remember him.
‘And now you’re working for Julia. Hardly living the dream, is it?’ He laughed and then winked at me.
If we’d played junior rugby against each other, it meant he was the same age as me. If I looked as bad as he did, I’d be worried. His skin was scarred from teenage acne and his teeth clearly hadn’t seen a dentist for a number of years. I tried to remember him, but drew a blank. ‘The rugby didn’t work out’ I said.
‘Busted leg, wasn’t it?’
I nodded.
‘Never worked out for me, either’ he said. ‘No one would take a chance on me, so I played amateur stuff for a while. Soon got bored of it, though. Couldn’t be arsed, know what I mean? I found other things to do with my time.’
I said nothing. I wasn’t comfortable with the situation. His two men were guarding the door. We were effectively his prisoners.
‘How have you been, Julia?’ he asked.
‘Busy’ she said.
‘Always knew you’d go far. You were always too good for this place.’
‘Nice of you to say so.’
He turned to me. ‘I like to keep an eye on my friends. She’s doing well for herself. I’m pleased.’
‘I am sat here’ Julia said. ‘Talk to me.’
‘I was just explaining it to Joe’ he said, before turning to me. ‘She always was a bit lively. Know what I mean?’
I didn’t like his tone, but I was going to have to listen. ‘What do you want?’ I said.
Bilton leaned back. ‘What do I want?’ He grinned at me. ‘I’m here to help you. You should show a little more gratitude.’
Julia took over. ‘You said you know Greg Tasker’s girlfriend?’
‘You said you’d bring me some money.’
‘I said you’d get paid if you had a story.’
‘Always were keen to get the story, weren’t you?’
‘What have you got for us?’ she said.
‘I remain anonymous?’
Julia nodded.
‘I’ve seen her in here’ he said.
I took the bait and asked the question. ‘Why would she need to come here?’
I found us a cafe close to the pub. It was in a supermarket, but it was the nearest place to go. ‘What was all that about?’ I said. ‘You know Bilton?’
‘It was a long time ago.’
We sat well away from the other customers so nobody was listening to our conversation. I needed to get some answers. I’d made the connection. ‘He was the boyfriend you told me about?’