“I’m afraid DCI Douglas Chapel of the Metropolitan Police told me the same thing. He also said it’s possible the kidnappers never intended to release Alice because she might be able to identify them.”
“It sounds to me as though DCI Chapel knows a thing or two about the K&R game.”
“He seems to.”
“Did you tell him the name of your negotiator?”
“I’m afraid I had no other choice. Needless to say, he’d like a word with you.”
“Unfortunately I have no plans to travel to London at this time.”
“Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Allon, but you’re expected at New Scotland Yard at eleven o’clock tomorrow morning.”
Gabriel turned to face Edward Knight. “Shall I bring along my solicitor?”
“You’re not a suspect, if that’s what you’re suggesting. DCI Chapel would simply like your assistance in clearing up one or two details.”
“Such as?”
“I should probably let him explain,” said Knight. “I wouldn’t want anything to get lost in translation.”
24
New Scotland Yard
When Gabriel last visited the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, they were located in a glass-and-steel high-rise at 10 Broadway. They had since moved to the historic Curtis Green Building on the Victoria Embankment, which, like its predecessor, had been designated New Scotland Yard. DCI Douglas Chapel, in a dark suit and a restrained necktie, waited in the lobby. Gabriel reckoned he was about fifty-five, perhaps a year or two older. Once upon a time he would have been put out to pasture, but the Met had done away with mandatory retirement, provided officers maintained basic fitness standards. DCI Chapel looked as though he began each morning with a six-mile run and monitored his heart rate throughout the day.
Gabriel strolled through a magnetometer without setting off the alarm and followed Chapel into a waiting lift. It bore them to the fourth floor, where they proceeded to an interview room. There were video cameras overhead, an audio recording device, and a window of one-way glass. Stacked on the table were several thick files.
“The sum total of your exploits on British soil,” explained DCI Chapel.
“Not even close.”
Chapel switched on the recorder, then recited the date, the time, and the name of the subject he was about to interview.
“Shouldn’t you caution me before we begin?” asked Gabriel.
“It’s not warranted under these circumstances.”
“Perhaps we should clear them up before we proceed. The circumstances, that is.”
“I’m going to ask you a few questions,” said Chapel, “and you’re going to answer them. Because I haven’t cautioned you, nothing you say can be used against you at trial. Therefore you should feel free to tell me everything you know about Alice Winter’s abduction and your unsuccessful attempt to secure her release.”
“I’m not going to tell you anything until you switch off that recorder.”
Chapel pressed the stop button, then said, “The fundraiser at Edward Knight’s estate in Devon.”
Gabriel sighed. “I never would have been there if it wasn’t for Julian Isherwood.”
They went through it once, then, because DCI Chapel was taking nothing for granted, they went through it a second time. Gabriel’s account was for the most part accurate, though somewhat incomplete. Chapel filled in at least one of the missing pieces.
“Mr. Knight mentioned a Danish cyber specialist.”
“I asked her to determine the authenticity of the proof-of-life photos,” replied Gabriel while smothering a yawn.
“Mr. Knight also said that she attempted to hack into CyproBank with a mind to rerouting the ransom payment.”
“That’s correct.”
