‘Hampton-Dent?’
‘Yes.’
‘They don’t want to be embarrassed, is that it?’
‘You got it.’
‘Christ, Del. Sorry, sir.’
Del wafted his hand around. ‘Call me what you like behind closed doors, Kelly. I know you have impeccable standards when it’s important. Between us, this rank means very little if we can’t communicate.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘I read in your brief report that you sent me that it’s rumoured that Jamie Robbins was a drug addict, and his suicide is a potential embarrassment for our partners at Polar Rock Global. You know they were in Downing Street last month. The PM is about to sign a deal on climate change, apparently.’
‘Our partners, sir? Since when are we politicians on the side of any government?’
‘Kelly, I shouldn’t need to remind you about optics. It’s not political; it’s common sense. Damage limitation.’
She’d heard that phrase before from Sandy.
‘And that has what to do with my investigation? By the way, for the record I don’t believe he was a drug addict. That’s a fallacy designed to throw me off a serious investigation, and now you’ve just confirmed it. And he didn’t kill himself.’
He stared at her.
‘Del, when did you grow scared of corporate suits? Are you telling me to back off because I might just find out the truth?’
He smiled. ‘Oh, Kelly Porter. I remember you in London, Major Investigation Team EAST. Your ambition hasn’t dimmed at all has it?’
‘I would call it passion for the truth.’
‘I know you would.’
‘Is this where you tell me that as we climb the ranks, our burdens become heavier and the little people at the bottom don’t understand the pressure from above. The load we carry is directly related to the responsibilities we take on. Have you become an establishment pawn, Del?’
The room suddenly felt very silent.
Kelly felt anger burning in her chest. If she was going to be promoted this year, she’d just fucked her chances.
‘Think carefully about your next move, Kelly,’ he said.
She got up and turned to the door, then back to him. ‘This is above my pay grade. You’ll have to remove me from the case if you want a cover-up.’
‘Be careful, Porter.’
‘Porter? Jesus, Del, when did you sell your soul?’
‘That’s enough.’
He got up again and paced back to the window and she stood waiting, folding her arms. She’d gone too far but so had he. But then he was paid more and could sack her on the spot. He must do a lot of staring out of that window, she thought.
‘Am I dismissed, sir?’ she asked finally.
He turned to face her. ‘Can you just be a little less noisy? Can you dig around without digging around?’
‘I can try,’ she said. ‘I’ll keep you in the loop so you can warn the dogs off when they come for me.’
‘I’m serious, Kelly. This is bigger than both of us.’
