“Understood,” said Leopold. “Which means that if Cooper doesn’t work here, I assume he’s MI5?”

“Of course, I can’t confirm that,” said Swanson, avoiding eye contact. “But I can assure you that he’s been thoroughly vetted and will provide invaluable support during this investigation. He also has contacts within Whitehall that could prove invaluable.”

“Fine,” said Leopold. “Has this person of interest been detained?”

“No. Cooper can’t approach him in case his cover is blown, and we need to keep him incognito. We actually have no legal grounds to bring him in for questioning, which is why we need some help. Off the books, you understand.”

“Naturally,” said Leopold, leaning back in his chair. “What’s this man’s name?”

“Kandinski. George Kandinski.”

“And I assume you are under the impression he is responsible for a homicide on British soil?”

“Precisely. We got the red flag that he had touched down, just a few days before we find a body with injuries closely matching the MO of the Portland killer. A week later, we find another one, and a body was found early this morning that we think is linked. If he’s the one responsible, we need to bring him in before he does any more damage.”

“Do you have anything tying him to the crimes?” said Leopold.

“Well, that’s the problem,” said Swanson. “There isn’t any evidence linking him to any crime within British borders, nor any international warrant for his arrest. We can bring him in for questioning, but we can only hold him for twenty-four hours before we have to let him go. Even sooner if he gets hold of a good solicitor. We need some solid evidence linking him to the killings.”

“And you want me to find it?”

“Exactly.”

“I’ll need to know more about the case,” said Leopold. “Assuming both deaths were homicide, I’ll need to examine the bodies.”

“They are most definitely homicides,” said Swanson. “You can take a look at the bodies. I’ll take you down to the mortuary right now, it’s not far.”

“Excellent. Lead the way.”

Swanson stood up and made for the door before pausing. “Have you had lunch yet?”

“No. That’s the second time I’ve been asked that question,” said Leopold. “If you insist, we can grab a bite to eat on the way.”

“No, it’s not that,” said Swanson, opening the door. “Its just that I would strongly recommend having an empty stomach for this one.”

END OF SAMPLE

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