Page 21 - double revenge 3.

‘I don’t think there is anybody by that name living there. There was a man, American he was, but I
haven’t seen him for a while now.’

‘Did he have any friends call on him?’

‘Who?’

‘The American downstairs.’

‘Oh. I wouldn’t know dearie. I keep myself to myself mostly.’

‘How long was he living here?’

‘Oh. I don’t know luvvy, I lose track of time these days. He arrived about a month or so ago but I
haven’t seen him for weeks. Has he won the money?’

‘No, it was a female. Did you ever see a woman with him?’

‘No. The only person I ever saw was a cleaner. He came in a white van and was here ages. The flat
must have been in a dreadful state. I suppose they are going to let it again.’

‘OK. You have been a great help. One last thing, how did you know he was American?’

‘Who the cleaner?’

‘No, the man who lived downstairs.’

‘Oh him. I heard him talking on his mobile phone when he first arrived, he came out onto the
street; you can’t get a very good signal in a basement flat. The cleaner was foreign as well. I heard
him on his mobile but I couldn’t tell you what was said, it sounded gibberish to me.’

‘Can you remember how long ago it was when the cleaner was here?’

‘Of course I can, it was Saturday. Last Saturday about midday.’

I thanked her and made my way down the steps not sure where I should head for next. I had
enough of a problem looking for Arnold Warner without having to find his fiancé as well.

I remembered Gabriela telling me Arnold didn’t drive so I walked down to Portobello Road and
soon found a taxi office “Riaz Cabs”.

A young Pakistani was behind the desk operating what looked like a CB radio. He looked up. ‘You
want a cab?’

‘No, but I would like some information.’

‘What information?’

‘An American lived round the corner. Did you take him anywhere in the last couple of weeks?’