Paragon

⊰❉⊱ 2 ⊰❉⊱

We exited the vehicle and activated our concealed body cams. A few drifted in and out of a corner shop and lingered by some chained bikes. Other than that the street was quiet and filled with the smell of greasy chicken shops and tarmac.

"Number ten?" Will asked calmly beside me as we scanned the apartment faces.

"That's the one." I murmured as I checked a chipped red door and made out a scratched out number. The voices two floors above also gave me an indication that we were in the right place.

I rapped my knuckles against the chipped paint loudly and waited. Will took a stance against the wall and stared any onlookers down. It took a few minutes before I heard quick steps down a set of stairs and the door was yanked inward.

A dark skinned man with a hood drawn low stared at me with wide eyes before checking our shoulders. Young. He nodded his head inwards indicating we should enter. But by law we needed to identify–

"Detective Tara Fletcher and William Blake–"

"I know who you is. Get in quick." He rushed as he tried in vein to readjust his low hanging trousers. It did no justice there...

I turned my head to Will who held my gaze and followed me in.

The young man then made to grope my jacket. I snapped a hand out a touch too quickly for a mortal before apologising when he flinched.

"We are just here to talk, nothing else. Myself and detective Blake will listen to you but we will not be handing over any police equipment." I stressed with a long look at him. "Any information of use you provide will clear your charges of drug possession from your record. Do we have an understanding Mr Lewis?"

He lowered his hands and nodded his head before leading us into a modest living room space with a holed sofa and dipping armchair. A quick assessment of shelves and carpet told me this was his mother's house. I decided to lean against the wall as he slumped into the abused armchair.

"Gotta keep it quiet ya know? Men round these sights will shank you for less than their dog."

I stared at him patiently waiting for the information we needed. He kicked his leg against the chair in nervous habit and his heart rate matched. Though the smell of narcotics almost matched the strength of his blood. Such a young soul.

"Maybe you could start by telling us where you last met with the G17 gang members." Will provided.

Mr Lewis sniffed and his leg stilled as he glanced up at Will. "Was down in the local kebab. Chicken box with the boys." I watched him intently waiting for the skip of his heart if he lied. "They came round 2am innit. We switched papers for the baggies we shifted that's all."

"How many of the G17 attended the Chicken box last night?" He pressed, noting down as he went.

"Like three?"

"Is that a question or a statement, Mr Lewis?" He continued, writing.

"Three." He confirmed, waving him off.

"How much money was exchanged for the drugs you sold prior?" I cut in, watching his brown eyes land on me and linger in the predictable places.

"Bout 5 large." He said watching my figure instead of my eyes.

"And these were passed in a briefcase or plastic container?" I pressed, ignoring it.

"Nah we just packed stacks in a bin bag." He answered, looking at his hoodie now.