From Yumthang to London to Lavenham

Joseph felt both ecstatic and relieved to finally be able to walk along Yumthang Valley, it was the first time in years he had been somewhere wholly remote and at last he felt a sense of peace. The tall ancient trees, of which he did not know the name, stood magnificently just off the river’s edge. There were alder trees there too and multitudes and varieties of flowers. He opened his favourite drink, a fresh carton of coconut water, which he bought at a stall after departing Lachung Village. As the water cooled his internal self, the beautiful green landscape surrounding the mountain relaxed his eyes and mind. The mountain ridge itself, Joseph thought, was beyond description in its beauty. Still, in his mind, he was tempted to make an attempt at describing it. ‘Majestic,’ was the word that came to mind, Joseph wrote it down in his journal for later usage, he had always been thrilled by language and the search for the right word to capture his feelings towards things. ‘The lush green hills were enchanting, snowfall adorned its misty peak.’ Too romantic he thought, crossing a line through his page. No sooner had he taken another sip than his phone ringtone went off, he seized it to stop the incessant beeping.

‘What is it Yasmin?’ Joseph was desperately hoping that the call would be regarding a minor administrative oversight. He was certainly not in the mood for a case, due to attaining ‘Delhi-belly’ and his highly caffeinated and sugar powered immune system taking its time in recovery, this was the first time he had attempted a hike in his India trip.

‘Death in Great Smith Street. Eleonora Esposito, ’ Yasmin, Joseph’s partner detective at the Metropolitan Police Department, said in an urgent tone. ‘Something’s off about it. When can you be back?’ She continued without pause.

‘On my way,’ he replied. He hurried back to the village with a furrowed brow. Murder in Westminster? He filled in what was implied by Yasmin, knowing she couldn’t voice her full thoughts in the MPD Headquarters Office. This is going to have big consequences. Homes in Westminster came with wealth and power, there would certainly be a lot of interest in the case, not to mention, the desirable property itself. Westminster property was palatial and posh, not far in location from the Buckingham Palace itself. He turned on international roaming and searched ‘Elenora Esposito’. ‘Esposito Real Estate Company’ came up on the first search. Joseph felt his own face contract, his voice low and tense, as he asked for his keys and paid the minimum to collect his belongings and leave his small lodging. Anyone who would do such a thing in the heart of London is gutsy indeed. No, gritty. Actually, rather quite gruesome. Joseph shook his head to himself. He penned a few more thoughts in his journal. Been a detective five minutes and they’ve given me a Westminster murder. Well, since they’ve done that, they can hardly blame me if I write down the details for a novel that may or may not come to fruition one day. Joseph reprimanded his trivial thoughts and made several follow up searches. Esposito Real Estate. Ok, so if these properties average at 500k pounds, even if she was up to her neck in debt, there has to be millions at stake here. Well, that’s incentive to business partners. Joseph frowned after a follow up search stated ‘Esposito Real Estate sole owner and founder: Elenore Esposito.’

‘Joseph, Joseph,’ called a familiar, Pakistani voice. ‘Will you be joining me for a walk this evening?’ Joseph’s heart sunk as he turned to his old friend. Although he had recently made detective, Joseph’s first love lay in the social sciences, literature and artistic fields. In King’s College he had befriended a gifted musician in both Indian Classical Music and Jazz, in fact, Joseph still owned one of Ali’s many trumpets in his London apartment, given in appreciation by Ali for countless lifts provided to the car-less Ali who had gained a following and many performance opportunities all over the country. Joseph had been so impressed by Ali, as a musician, a mind, a friend and a human being, that he took over as a booking manager when Ali had run into bad business, charging nothing of his friend. It was Ali who had inspired the trip itself, after inviting Joseph to travel India and Pakistan with him.

‘I’m sorry Ali,’ Joseph said regretfully. ‘I’ve been called back to London.’

‘Not to worry my friend,’ Ali said cheerfully. ‘Then it is meant to be that I am to join you there once more, perhaps we can play in Bristol.’

‘I would love to my friend, as soon as I have the chance, I promise,’ Joseph couldn’t handle saying goodbye to his friend on the trip they had planned for years. Ali had fostered a deep love and respect in Joseph for Indian and Pakistani culture, music and spirituality.

‘I’ll see you soon Ali. I’ll call,’ Joseph gave his friend a short embrace and made his way to the bus stop. By the time his bus had arrived he had distracted himself from their lost trip with thoughts of incredible Pakistani cuisine that Ali’s mother had cooked. We eat like kings. Joseph brought himself out of reminiscing though reminding himself to appreciate the beautiful mountains all around him. He took a few photos and made peace with the fact he was already leaving India, having only just arrived.

Joseph was exhausted and excited when he arrived at Gatwick Airport. Although he was born a Londoner, he had travelled abroad so extensively that his home at times felt foreign to him. The city and his old friends all possessed such elements of magic that it was necessary he kept his nostalgia in check, in order to stay focused. The indeterminate quality that allows satisfaction… no contentment… no, enjoyment! Yes, that’s it. Or perhaps it is really contentment. I’ll revise later… The indeterminate quality that allows contentment wherever one is placed is the essential quality of a satisfied soul. Or… an essential quality. Don’t want to say that there is only one quality. Joseph underscored the words he had written in his notebook, a reminder to come back to them later for editing. He felt inspired to be back at the city that had flooded him with countless dreams and experiences of philosophy, poetry, writing, music and the company of those far wiser and cleverer than himself.

Although Joseph had once made headlines, and been subsequently promoted, for disarming a knife wielding assailant at a residential home, he had only acted out of protective instinct for the women who was in distress. Anyone with my position could have done the same, he was just a lad and barely two feet from me. Joseph felt the publicity was to blame for his promotion, he knew in his heart that, although he was capable of ‘acts of courage’ as written in the paper, he was not the cerebral type that seemed to make the best detectives. Definitely not keen for a confrontation with some gruesome fellow who I’ve got to prove has done it ‘without a doubt’. The proof will be written on his smug, ghastly face. Awareness of his own thoughts showed his own emotional nature to himself. Feeling in over his head, Joseph called Yasmine, a longstanding MPD detective with a flair for both intuition and analysis that led her to solve many cases.

‘So what’s the situation?’ Joseph asked.

‘We have access to the Great Smith house,’ Yasmin replied. ‘I just got here. How far off are you?’

‘Twenty minutes, I’ll see you soon.’

‘See you.’

Joseph couldn’t help but envy the people on the London underground on this occasion. Usually, he felt his place in society was, although stressful at times, quite free in terms of hours and ability to travel. Today he felt the pressure, he saw it in his shaking leg and the sweat beads forming on his forehead. Some people did look stressed of course, he thought surely others’ jobs would also be on the line, that everyone had pressures, still he felt that he could not fail in this endeavour. I’ll never live down a Westminster case if we don’t catch this guy, this has to work.

When he arrived, Joseph surveyed the house. Pretty indistinct for such a price tag. The house matched the others on the street, three stories, brick, with white and gold patterns. In any ordinary neighbourhood, the house would stand out as a museum would, hear it was dwarfed by the taller and grander, classical style houses.

‘Morning Joey,’ the police officer standing at the doorway said. The man had a burly build and an honest, expressive face. He spoke cheerfully, yet one could tell he bore the burden and weariness of his job and had seen many unfortunate things.

‘Morning Teddy.’

‘So he’s back in Britain.’

‘Wouldn’t miss this for anything,’ Joseph said wryly.

‘So you were there for what… two minutes? And they call you back? Terrible.’

‘Saw some beautiful sights and old friends,’ Joseph said in a reassuring tone. Teddy was a responsible, good man, yet was easily discouraged, in particular, by instances of unfairness and especially by such instances caused by bureaucracies, institutions and departments.

‘I’ll go someday,’ Teddy said sincerely. ‘Find inner peace, be content, see something other than Britain. Maybe I’ll end up all at peace like you.’ Joseph laughed in response to his friend’s praise.

‘Still working on it just like you Teddy.’

‘We’re not in the best profession for it,’ Teddy said, grimacing as he looked up at the cloud filled sky, it had begun raining.

‘Typical English weather right?’ Joseph couldn’t help laughing and finding everything amusing around Teddy. He was another rare misfit in the MPD. Another who had spent years reading, writing and learning only to end up with debt and few career prospects. A South London native, Teddy had seen his share of rough occurrences, both within his home and outside of it, which instilled in him two strong codes which he lived by: firstly, the desire to bring justice wherever it was in his power to do so and secondly, to treat people as he would like to be treated.

‘Lads’ trip to Japan for New Years,’ Teddy said.

‘You’re on. Alright better get on with it.’

‘Good luck.’

The inside of the building was bright and cream coloured. Joseph walked down the hallway slowly trying his best to take everything in. Paintings, decorated vases, flowers, black and white family photographs and antique portraits. Definitely and elderly lady’s house. He came across a black and white photo of a young Elenore Esposito. She had short curly hair, full cheeks, a lively, yet fiery expression. She looks tough. Joseph examined a nearby wedding photograph. Her husband looked at least twenty years her senior. He looked remote, cool, mature and dignified. Dozens of family photographs covered the walls and decorative tables. Joseph entered the lounge area and saw Yasmin examining a family photograph. Yellow tape that read ‘caution’ outlay a large square of the room. There was some broken glass and forensics were examining various parts of the room. A London Mets baseball lay next to the window, it appeared to have been thrown through. Who even plays baseball in London? Joseph watched the forensics, busy at work, for a minute or so. He had never seen them at a crime scene before. I guess this is high stakes. He counted six others in the room aside from himself and Yasmin. White gowns, goggles, blue shoes and all.

‘Joey,’ Yasmin said, without turning around she waved him over.

‘Look at this.’ Yasmin was intently focused. She was at least a head shorter than Joseph, yet she was athletic, accurate and proven as a reputable detective. Joseph had seen her train and knew she was faster and more precise with her firearm than the vast majority of MPD officers. Joseph carefully made his way to the photograph. He glanced at it, then glanced back at Yasmin, who was busy studiously looking over every detail. At least they paired me to a genius. Eight successful cases, no blunders and nowhere near retirement.

‘What do you think of these two?’ Yasmin asked, pointing to two men sitting next to an aged Elenore Esposito at a large dining table filled with family. The first man looked about fifty, the second was younger by some years, they had shared similar features to Elenore Esposito.

‘Well, they look Italian,’ Joseph said humorously.

‘Her sons,’ Yasmin said. ‘Look at their wives on the left-hand side.’

One lady was Korean, she wore a black clothing and was covered in rings, necklaces, earrings that were extravagant in appearance. The other lady was Italian and wore a sharp pink and black coat.’

‘They look like they mean business,’ Yasmin said.

‘So, time to round them up?’ Joseph asked.

‘Let’s talk to the chief first. Do you need a ride?’

‘Yeah. My car is still at the station, I came straight here.’

‘Lets go.’

Yasmin and Joseph entered Sternley Police Station only to be surprised by the booming of a loud, obnoxious voice. The distinctively male voice could be heard from the chief’s office. No one talks to the chief that way. Who is this guy? Yasmin made eye contact with Joseph, eyebrow arched, then tilted her head towards the chief’s door.

‘Westminster falls under the district of the LPS, you can’t do this. This is my case!’ the voice was abrupt and unpleasant.

‘Assignments have been handled and I do not answer to inspectors. Out of my office now!’ The chief spoke with authority. Joseph noticed another foreign cop listening in a few metres from Yasmin and himself. She looked young but her uniform rank informed Joseph she was an inspector.

‘Must be his partner,’ Yasmin said quietly.

‘This guy is only an inspector, he should be losing his job for this,’ Joseph replied.

‘They are London Police Service, chief can’t touch them. Also, from his unforgettably whiney voice, I’d wager that he is none other than Aiden.’

‘Who’s that again?’

‘Problematic son of the LPS commissioner.’

The man stormed out of the office shaking his head. He had short red hair, was lanky and beared with a face that seemed more wrinkled than it should be for his age. His partner followed him towards the exit of the station.

‘Good riddance,’ Teddy said.

‘What was that!?’ Aiden turned on his heel and approached Teddy confrontationally. He stopped right in front of the unbothered Teddy.

‘Make a move rich boy, I’m sure your daddy will be proud,’ Teddy said nonchalantly.

‘Hostility towards fellow officers is not what the commissioner is looking for. The Advisory Board will hear about this in their review.’

‘Do your worst. Paperwork is all your family is good for,’ Teddy said, his eyes and tone gaining some intensity.

‘Slander! Slander of the commissioner is not tolerated in this department. Enjoy early retirement,’ Aiden spat out and again spun and stomped out of the station bumptiously, his partner, brow furrowed and shaking her head, followed him out. Their incredulous complaints could be heard even as the doors closed behind them.

‘Don’t worry Teddy, he can’t get you fired,’ Yasmin said. ‘We were all witnesses. The chief won’t let it happen.’

‘Could care less if I do leave,’ Teddy remarked, trying to remain nonchalant.

‘We got your back Teddy,’ Joseph said.

‘You guys are good guys,’ Teddy said, sincerity in his voice. ‘If it comes to that, I’ll miss you both.’

‘Yasmin, Joseph,’ the chief called from the door of her office.

‘See you soon Teddy, talk to internal affairs if he tries anything,’ Yasmin said while walking into the chief’s office. ‘Joey lets go.’

‘You better go Joey,’ Teddy said.

‘We’ll have a blast no matter what,’ Joseph said. ‘Lunches. We’ll co-write a book. Record an album!’

‘All of those things for sure,’ Teddy said. ‘In Japan.’

‘Joseph!’ the chief did not sound happy. Joseph nodded and Teddy and headed into the office.

‘I don’t have time for waiting Joseph! May I remind you that you have very newly been appointed to detective and not at solely my discretion,’ the chief said.

‘Yes chief,’ Joseph replied promptly.

‘And it doesn’t have to stay that way,’ the chief continued.

‘What was going on with Aiden?’ Yasmin asked.

‘Ever since the MPD commissioner retired,’ the chief hesitated. ‘There’s been trouble.’

‘LPS?’ Yasmin asked.

‘Yep. They want to merge.’

‘Takeover you mean. Aiden’s father is power hungry. There has to be at least a dozen breaches in that move!’ Yasmin said, her voiced raised.

‘Quieter please detective Yasmin,’ the chief said calmly, yet firmly. ‘The whole station just heard that insolent brat talking however he pleases in my office. We need to keep things under control. Especially with the Elenora Esposito case. I don’t want more media attention than absolutely necessary.’

‘Low profile,’ Yasmin said. ‘You can count on us chief.’ The chief nodded in response.

‘Joseph,’ the chief said, diverting her gaze from Yasmin.

‘Yes Chief?’ Joseph asked.

‘Don’t get any bright ideas from Teddy. The MPD’s replacement commissioner is a push over. If the merger goes ahead, your friend will be out of a job. My hands are tied.’

‘When will it be decided?’ Yasmin interjected, with a rare expression of concern.

‘We’ll know tonight,’ the chief said.

‘Right,’ Joseph said under his breath. He stared out of the window. London. I thought there was some sense of order here. This is ridiculous.

The chief looked at Yasmin then back at Joseph. She looked as if she were about to speak when Yasmin cut in.

‘Thanks for the update chief. We will await more information tomorrow. I’ll be up from six just in case.’

‘Thank you, detective,’ the chief said, still looking at Joseph who was not making eye contact.

Yasmin exited the room and Joseph followed her.

‘Merger? I thought I signed up to join a stable establishment!?’ Joseph’s hands moved around irately then he caught himself. Can’t be acting like that Aiden guy. Need to think clearly.

‘Joey, the chief is tough but fair,’ Yasmin said, her tone was understanding. ‘Things will work out, no matter what happens with this merger.’

‘People like that guy and whoever his dad is shouldn’t be able to seize control. Good people like Teddy shouldn’t be at risk of losing their job, he has three kids did you know that? He lost his parents and sister in a car crash. Some guy speeding, I don’t know if the guy was drunk or what…’ Joseph trailed off, turning his face from Yasmin. He sat on a bench and put his hands on both sides of his head.

‘You are a good cop Joey,’ Yasmin repeated. ‘But nothing like any cop I’ve ever met,’ Joseph laughed a little, still looking concerned for Teddy.

‘Picked the wrong profession, didn’t I?’

‘Maybe. Maybe not.’ Yasmin said. ‘Get some rest Joey. You’re still jet lagged.’

‘Thanks Yasmin. See you tomorrow.’ Yasmin went back into the station. Joseph took out a small notebook from his pocket and drew the Sternley Police Station entrance. He thought it looked too dark and threw the paper in the bin nearby. He put his earphones and played a song Ali had recommended he listen to. It was a Qawwali by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Joseph found the song deeply moving, it had an indescribable joyful quality he had not found in any of his own playlists. He had searched the song on YouTube and was watching the video intently. These people look so happy, all gathered together. Why is it nothing like that here? Why is my life nothing like this? Joseph hit the translation option on his phone screen. ‘Without you. My heart’s desire. There’s no point in living.’ Joseph did not understand it. ‘Every nerve and vein sings your name. My Eyes wait for your to come.’ The crowd in the video erupted. Joseph felt emotion stir within him, tears came to his eyes. What am I doing?

‘You alright brother?’ Teddy had come out of the station. ‘Looking like an actor in a cop’s costume,’ both men burst into laughter. ‘Or a poet with that hairstyle and that little book you’ve always got. You know, we are meant to be solving crimes right? Not drawing pictures and writing in our diaries.’

‘You always cheer me up buddy,’ Joseph said, smiling jubilantly. ‘How are you doing? That was messed up in there.’

‘Yeah, I’m alright,’ Teddy said. ‘You want to hit a bar?’ Joseph took a split second to think before replying to his friend. He recalled their conversation before Joseph had gone to India. Nine months sober he’d said.

‘Yeah lets roll,’ Joseph said. Teddy smiled and they walked back through the station to the parking lot at the back.

‘My car?’ Teddy asked.

‘Yeah,’ Joseph said. He looked for a moment at his old vehicle. His heart beat faster for a few seconds. At least they’ve fixed up the shattered glass and bullet holes. They got in Teddy’s car and pulled out of the Sternley Police Station parking lot.

‘How are the kids?’ Joseph asked.

‘They’re good,’ Teddy said. ‘They’re too young to remember their grandparents or uncle. I never want them to drive a car, I’ll tell you that much…’ Teddy paused. ‘But they’re good. Which is the most important thing. Ness has been incredible.’

‘That’s good to hear man,’ Joseph said.

‘Never letting them drive. Never,’ Teddy said gravely. They drove in silence for a quarter of an hour. They arrived at The Red Lion and went to the side booth they had frequented years ago. Teddy’s eyes opened wide and looked at Joseph when he heard ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,’ playing.

‘Exactly what I needed!’ Teddy said loudly. He sang along to the track as he began ordering beers.

‘Not for me,’ Joseph said.

‘Clean turkey Joey?’ Teddy applauded playfully. ‘No, Joey the philosopher. Philosopher poet. Not reading rum bo?’

‘Not recently. Have a look,’ Joseph took out his phone, tapped and showed Teddy the screen. His friend squinted briefly.

‘Collected poetical works of Rumi,’ Sounds great. ‘He’s sufi right?’

‘Cultural Teddy,’ Joseph said playfully.

‘What can I say,’ Teddy nodded and chuckled. ‘You’ve been looking east Joey, are you going to disappear like your old college buddies and come back bearded, or published or as a yoga instructor?’ Joey laughed.

‘I don’t know. I’m definitely not flexible so that’s out.’ Teddy nodded and made a mock attempt to stretch his arm.

‘I’d probably die if I attempted to… ’ Teddy suddenly picked up his phone and looked at the screen. ‘Should have put it on silent. Or turned it off,’ he said frustratedly.

‘HR?’ Joseph asked. Teddy nodded grimly and stepped out of the pub. The Red Lion’s sound system was now playing hard rock. Joseph put his earphones back in and looked at his screen. These guys are from another world. The melody just grabs your soul. He exhaled and relaxed, closing his eyes. Joseph imagined Yumthang Valley and the beauty of its coloured flowers. He remembered Ali at Lachung Village. Ali’s father, Bhaskar, had been the first one to tell Joseph he picked the wrong career. ‘You should follow your heart Joseph’ Bhaskar would always say. ‘Don’t pick a job just for money and if you do, pick one you can enjoy, minimum of minimum you should be able to bear it,’ Bhaskar had said to Joseph at the graduation dinner. Probably the wisest man I’ve ever met. Joseph’s parents were victims of a home invasion gone wrong. Joseph had taken to reading and writing, whilst living with his grandmother. He became an academically gifted student, who longed to make a positive difference wherever he could, joining many councils and participating in social justice and environmental protests. During his time at King’s College, Ali had become like a brother to Joseph and Bhaskar a father figure. Bhaskar had instilled in Joseph a desire to seek the truth of things and to listen to his inner self, rather than just going off emotion of the moment. Should have listened to him more. Joseph opened his eyes. Rock and roll singers were playing on The Red Lion’s television above the bar. It was surreal to see them while listening to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

‘So how about that Japan trip? Or business?’ Teddy was back, he looked shaken.

‘What’s happened?’ Joseph pulled his earphones out.

‘I’m jobless.’

‘What!?’ Joseph stood up.

‘Aiden,’ Teddy said with a dark look in his eyes. He downed his beer and started walking out.

‘Teddy!’ Joseph called out. Some faces turned in the bar. Teddy was big, yet fast. Just as Joseph began to hurry the car drove off. Joseph began walking back to the station. ‘Sorry Joey. We’ll catch up another time I promise,’ the message read. By the time he made it back to the station Joseph was completely exhausted. What a first day break. One hundred percent wrong career. He picked up his old car, forced himself not to think about when he was last shot at and drove to his apartment. He walked up four sets of stairs and collapsed onto the couch. Home sweet home. Joseph’s place was small, but cosy. Yet it gave him no comfort. Joseph examined Ali’s trumpet, hanging beside his window. Ali’s probably in a forest or by a lake right now. Joseph connected his phone to the television and watched a drone video of the Yumthang valley. He relaxed with his leg up on the arm of the couch. Ok, comfy bed in two minutes. Joseph’s ringtone echoed loudly. He opened one eye slowly then closed it again as sunlight beamed into his eye. His back and neck ached a little. Not the best position to sleep in. He looked at his phone and saw it was Yasmin calling.

‘Yes…’ Joseph said in a slow, deep morning voice.

‘The Esposito family are in Lavenham,’ Yasmin said. ‘Lets go.’

‘Alright,’ Joseph said tiredly. ‘Did the merger happen?’ Yasmin didn’t speak.

‘Yasmin. What happened to Teddy?’

‘They pinned a hostility breach on him,’ Yasmin said, in a rare tone of softness.

‘Can he fight it?’ Joseph asked.

‘I… Don’t know Joey. Aidan’s dad is a powerful guy. They’ve got Teddy down for verbal abuse, aggressive confrontation and defamatory remarks.’

‘These people…’

‘There’s more Joey...’ Yasmin continued.

‘What is it?’

‘Aidan’s on the case with us.’

‘You’re kidding!’ Joseph paused for a few seconds. ‘Are they on their way already?’

‘Yes,’ Yasmin said. ‘We should go now.’

‘Alright, I’ll be at the station in fifteen.’

‘See you there.’ Joseph drove to the station and texted Yasmin. He entered ‘Lavenham’ in GPS and began driving when Yasmin entered the car. They drove mostly in silence. At one point Joseph tried to call Teddy but he only got to the voicemail. I should say something to him but what? He’s lost his job for nothing.

‘He’ll be alright Joey,’ Yasmin said, seeing Joseph look visibly stressed. ‘He’s been a cop for a long time, he’ll find other work.’

‘It’s still nonsense,’ Joseph said sharply. ‘That shouldn’t have happened.’

‘I know Joey,’ Yasmin said, still calm. ‘But we need to focus now.’ They arrived at Lavenham hungry. Joseph bought two wraps after they parked from a cafe.

‘This place looks like it’s from Harry Potter,’ Joseph remarked.

‘It’s because it is. It’s where Harry’s parents are from,’ Yasmin said. The town was filled with crooked, Tudor style houses. Looks properly medieval. Joseph took a photo of the town. Proper inspiration for a story or a poem for sure. They had passed plenty of pleasant countryside, bridges, rivers and a forest on the drive. Not a bad place to live.

‘We’re not far off. The Esposito holiday house is only a couple blocks off High St,’ Yasmin said, tapping on her phone.

‘Alright,’ Joseph said. They walked for ten minutes before they found the address. The house was large, white and coloured in vertical grey stripes.

‘They’re already rich, what would they have to gain by committing murder?’ Joseph asked, puzzled. Yasmin pointed to cars at the front of the property. Two vintage Porsches were parked by the entrance.

‘They could have spent all their money,’ Yasmin said. ‘They could be in debt. They might want to invest. Or they could be nuts.’

‘What do they do for work?’ Joseph asked.

‘They don’t work,’ Yasmin said bluntly. Elenore Esposito owns a lot of personal and commercial property, I would imagine they live off the profit.

‘Do we have info on any of this stuff?’

‘No. We don’t have access to their bank records or assets at the moment.’ To both Joseph and Yasmin’s surprised the door swung open rapidly. This guy. Aiden marched out of the house with his partner following behind.

‘Already spoke with them. They knew nothing, also, they’ve gone out for golf and won’t be back till late. Ok… Great working with you. Oh yeah, we’ve been here for hours, good to see the MPD is as efficient as ever,’ Aiden said smugly. ‘Too bad what happened to your buddy, hope he finds work. He can always ask me for a recommendation letter.’

‘No one asks you for anything you punk,’ Joseph said instinctively. Yasmin’s eyes shifted to him, suggesting caution. Aiden stepped closed to Joseph.

‘Are you keen to ungraciously leave the MPD as well? Can’t say I blame you,’ Aiden snorted.

‘Must be such a shame to live in your father’s shadow,’ Joseph said. Aiden’s eyes widened and his posture straightened.

‘Watch your mouth detective. When I take your inefficient chief’s…’ as Aiden stepped closer, he was interrupted by Joseph’s outstretched hand pushing into his chest. ’You insubordinate little…’Aiden stopped talking when Yasmin pulled out her phone and showed it to him, revealing the voice recording app. He turned down the street, again, his partner followed silently. Joseph exhaled as the two walked away. What a piece of work.

‘Found Stefano Esposito on the Esposito Real Estate website,’ Yasmin said, looking at her phone. ‘Do you want to do the honours or shall I?’

‘You,’ Joseph said. ‘I don’t think my voice will be as inviting as yours.’

‘You’re right,’ Yasmin said, smiling faintly. ‘Hello, detective Vasquez speaking,’ Yasmin began, holding her phone to her ear. ‘I am a detective working with the Metropolitan Police Department, we would like to speak with you about your mother’s recent passing.’ Joseph couldn’t hear the response clearly as the phone was not in speaker. This guy sounds angry.

‘Mr Esposito, may I remind you that refusal to share your whereabouts or take part in questioning may result in an obstruction of justice charge, warrants and further investigation,’ Yasmin said firmly, yet politely. A less abrasive response followed from Yasmin’s phone. Joseph stifled a laugh. Very nice.

‘Thank you for disclosing your location Mr Esposito, we will see you and your family shortly, goodbye,’ Yasmin hung up.

‘Professional,’ Joseph remarked humorously.

‘Well it is my profession Joey. Try not to confront Aiden otherwise it won’t be yours much longer,’ Yasmin said. A mix of sassiness, collegial concern and sombre warning in one, plus intensity, no wonder she is number one around here.

‘Yes ma’am, detective ma’am,’ Joseph said, mimicking a military salute.

‘We need to take this seriously Joey,’ Yasmin replied, all playfulness gone. ‘I know Aiden is offensive and ridiculous, but if there is a murderer in Lavenham we need to be alert. A-game only ok Joey?’

‘Ok,’ Joseph said, looking the slightest bit fatigued.

‘I just need to know you have my back, you know I have yours,’ Yasmin said.

‘I’m here. No more goofing around,’ Joseph said, nodding. They walked back to their car and Joseph got into the driver’s seat.

‘Did the chief say anything about how involved Aiden will be in this?’ Joseph asked as he started the car.

‘He has the right to be as involved as us, unfortunately,’ Yasmin replied. Joseph looked out the window for a few minutes. Nice hills. This would be a great place to not be investigating a murder.

‘Daydreaming?’ Yasmin inquired.

‘I might take some time off after this case,’ Joseph said.

‘I’m sorry they called you in all the way from India,’ Yasmin replied consolingly.

‘It’s cool.’

‘It means the chief sees something in you.’

‘That something might not be a detective,’ Joseph said. ‘Might be just someone to send off on wild goose chases for an affordable price.’

‘You brighten up the station Joey. It wouldn’t be the same without you. We need compassionate people. People who actually care and aren’t numb to what we deal with day in, day out.’

‘You’re a real Detective Yaz,’ Joseph said sincerely. ‘Teddy is proven in the field. I haven’t done anything yet. What happened with the guy, I just disarmed him. I was just the closest, he didn’t know what he was doing… He was just a kid. I didn’t deserve all the attention…the promotion.’

‘No Joey. The department doesn’t deserve cops like you and Teddy.’ Joseph shook his head in response to Yasmin. They pulled up at the Lavenham Golf Club after driving for just a few minutes and got out of the car. They entered the large, expensive looking, white building. Yasmin showed her badge at the welcome desk.

‘MPD,’ Yasmin said. ‘We are here to speak to Mr Esposito.’

‘Ok sure. Which Mr Esposito would that be?’ The receptionist asked. ‘There are two club members with that surname.’

‘Are they on the course together?’ Yasmin asked.

‘They’re on their last hole. They will have to exit via the lobby, so if you could kindly wait there for them to finish,’ the receptionist said quickly before addressing the guests standing behind Yasmin.

‘Welcome back Mr Gera,’ the receptionist said in an enthusiastic voice. Yasmin arched her brows and looked at Joseph.

‘Ok… So, I suppose we wait then,’ Joseph said.

‘I suppose. We can’t barge out there on the course, this is a notable place,’ Yasmin replied. They waited in the lobby for about twenty minutes. Joseph was half dozing off when loud, unmistakably Italian voices echoed through the lobby.’

‘Rascal, rascal,’ came the first voice. Joseph recognised the face from the photograph. It was the younger Esposito brother, he had jet black hair, a relaxed expression and a large belly.

‘One day Luca, one day,’ the other brother said. He shared the same facial features as his sibling, except he had a grave, intense facial expression, with a brow that appeared permanently furrowed. Joseph slowly sat up in alertness. This guy just straight up looks dangerous and untrustworthy. The younger brother’s wife giggled as she spoke in enthusiastic Italian. She had wide, blue eyes and fair hair. Her hands moved fluently as she spoke. Joseph also recognised the older Esposito brother’s wife from the photograph at Elenora Esposito’s house. She had, as far as Joseph could tell, typical Korean features and makeup. She was elaborately dressed in modern black and white noir style and covered in as much jewellery as when Joseph had first seen her in the photograph, except none of the pieces seemed the same as the ones she wore in the portrait.

‘Detective Vasquez here of the MPD, I need to speak with you all separately regarding the recent death of Mrs Elenore Esposito,’ Yasmin said, approaching the group confidently.

‘Ciao bella! Stefano here, happy to be of service,’ the younger brother said enthusiastically, yet his tone suggested sarcasm. Joseph sighed. These guys are going to be of no use.

‘Well you go out to play a little golf and you end up being questioned by the police, how about that!’ The blonde woman standing next to Stefano spoke with the same exuberance, yet Joseph detected no sarcasm in her.

‘Now hold on one second!’ The Korean woman blurted out, in Joseph’s surprise, speaking in a London accent. ‘I’ve worked in law, Mrs Vasquez, what rights do you have to question us? What is your jurisdiction?’

‘Mrs Jimin Esposito, The Metropolitan Police Department now works in partnership with the London Police Department, I can assure you that I am both within jurisdiction and of rank to conduct questioning,’ Yasmin said smoothly.

‘I like her,’ the blond woman said. ‘Where are you from sweetheart?’ Joseph stifled a laugh at the ridiculousness of the inappropriate question. Yasmin showed no acknowledgement of what the woman had said.

‘Well, if anyone would like my opinion…’ the older Esposito brother began pretentiously. ‘We might as well give these fine officers…’ As he spoke the older brother made eyes to his younger sibling that unsubtly suggested he was mocking the officers. ‘…everything they want, so we can get to lunch.’

‘Right this way please,’ Yasmin lead the Esposito family back to the lobby. ‘We need a room,’ Yasmin said to the receptionist.

‘Sure, no problem. We have a function hall that you can use at the door on your left, just down the hall,’ the receptionist said while pointing. The rest of the day went by in a blur for Joseph. Yasmin asked numerous questions about the Esposito family’s relationship with Elenore Esposito, their whereabouts and their subsequent actions after hearing the news about her death. After a few phone calls were made, the brothers’ alibis checked out, they had been out at a bar and gambling hall at the time of her death. As for the brothers’ wives, they claimed they had spent the evening together, drinking wine and trying out an assortment of cheeses. Jimin Esposito showed iPhone photos to evidence their alibi, pointing at the ‘date taken’ information.

‘Well they could have forged those dates,’ Joseph said whilst yawning, just as Jimin Esposito’s footsteps could be heard fading away after leaving the function hall.

‘Do either of those women look very skilled at information technology to you Joey?’ Yasmin asked, also showing signs of weariness.

‘No, but you don’t have to be to…,’ Joseph paused, seeing Yasmin tapping on her phone and realising he didn’t believe for a second that either of the women had committed a crime before, yet alone murder.

‘The only crime was the amount of tacky jewellery they had on,’ Yasmin said without looking up from her phone.

‘So… necklace for you for office Kris Kringle?’ Joey asked humorously.

‘You can’t pick your Kris Kringle,’ Yasmin replied, looking at Joseph suspiciously.

‘Hmm…’ Joseph trailed off mischievously.

‘Not following protocol as usual I see,’ Yasmin said. ‘Still, that was a fantastic katana you got me. I still remember the shock on everyone’s face.’

‘Is it still hanging above your mantlepiece?’ Joseph inquired with genuine curiosity. Yasmin didn’t respond. Her eyes darted back and forth attentively as she read a message on her screen.

‘The chief wants to reassign us to a new case.’

‘What?’ Joseph got out of his chair. ‘We are just getting started.’

‘Apparently due to the merger there are dozens of new cases that need detectives…’ Yasmin scrunched her mouth up in thought. ‘MPD was already stretched thin and now we are being reassigned…’

‘Conspiracy,’ Joseph teased.

‘Get a coffee or something Joey, I’d appreciate it if you could be a little more productive than staring and yawning at our suspects.’

‘That’s my prime interrogation technique. Good cop, sleepy cop,’ Joseph said, Yasmin did not seem amused. ‘Ok, I’ll grab us some coffees. What are you going to do?’

‘Look over photos and videos I took at the Esposito, Great Smith street house. Maybe call the chief and get to the bottom of what’s happening at the station.’

‘Definitely skipping that one,’ Joseph said. ‘I’ll be back soon.’

‘Alright,’ Yasmin said. ‘We’ll head back to Sternley soon though, so don’t take too long.’

‘No worries,’ Joseph waved and headed out of the Lavenham Golf Club. He reached the town centre after walking for just over ten minutes. He saw a black crossed, large grey building across the street that intrigued him. A large olden day styled title, stating ‘The Greyhound’, hung over its entrance. This place is wonderful. The interior was fashioned like every other country British pub Joseph had visited, still he found the atmosphere warm and enjoyable. Most of the people in the pub were students, many had ‘University of Lavenham’ on their hoodies and jackets. Joseph found it ironic that such a venue was playing UK Garage music so loudly. A few of the students appeared to be mock moshing by the fireplace. It looked a little rowdy but not in a threatening way. Joseph glanced over at the bartenders. They looked like they were students, or at least student age themselves. No security here either. One of the students appeared to have stumbled and landed on the other’s foot off a jump landing. The student who had been accidentally stomped on curse and looked irate. The irritated student pushed the other back quite hard and he hit the side of the pub wall, catching the attention of most of the people at the bar.

‘Alright, that’s enough thank you. Stop right there,’ an irritating, familiar voice said loudly. Joseph recognised the voice was Aiden’s. Oh great, like I haven’t seen this guy enough for a lifetime.

‘Can I see some ID please?’ Aiden asked the student who had been pushed into the wall.

‘Why do I need to show ID?’ the student responded. Joseph became quickly alert, realising Aiden still had his holster at his side, despite being off-duty. In one fluid motion Aiden took out his pistol and aimed it at the student. The students who had been moshing were suddenly standing still in shock, those at the bar looked on uneasily. The student in front of Aiden stood stiff, then frantically began searching his pockets.

‘I don’t have my ID on me.’

‘LISTEN!’ Aiden yelled at the student. ‘I need to see ID,’ he repeated without lowering his pistol. Joseph ran in off instinct, catching Aiden’s cheekbone with butt of his own pistol. Aiden’s weapon dropped and he fell to the floor with a thud, laying there motionless. Joseph quickly grabbed Aiden’s pistol and turned around to the crowd showing his badge.

‘MPD, everyone please stay relaxed. I’m taking this man into custody,’ the surrounding students looked shocked yet also relieved.

‘Yo, that was cold,’ one student said, approaching Joseph. ‘I should’ve gotten that on my phone.’

‘No photos or video, any such activity will result in the confiscation of your property,’ Joseph said hastily and half-heartedly while putting handcuffs on Aiden and dragging him out of The Greyhound. Joseph only felt uneasy when he heaved Aiden through the entrance and realised he was suddenly standing in the middle of High Street holding an unconscious man. Thank goodness he’s not wearing his uniform. Joseph examined the attire of the unconscious Aiden. He wore mostly Nike sporting gear. Well, he doesn’t look not suspicious. So I shouldn’t face too many questions… For the moment. After nodding awkwardly at an elderly lady walking by who stared at Aiden, Joseph quickly typed ‘Y’ into his phone’s phonebook and called Yasmin.

‘Yasmin!’ Joseph realised his own nervous laughter sounded absurd as he spoke. ‘I knocked out Aiden, he pulled a gun on some college kid at The Greyhound for no reason. He was off duty. I need a pickup…I’m at the entrance and there’s plenty of passers-by.’

‘You what!?’ Yasmin sounded very angry and Joseph’s heartbeat accelerated. She paused for a moment, Joseph could hear her thinking. ‘On my way,’ she said and hung up. Joseph picked up Aiden and walked into The Greyhound’s beer garden facing a side street where few people would be staring or asking questions. He sighed with relief when he dumped Aiden on a bench. Something colourful caught Joseph’s eye from Aiden’s ensemble. He was wearing bright blue London Mets socks. Joseph’s mind flashed back to the London Mets baseball he had seen at the Great Smith Street house. No Way. Yasmin arrived shortly and got out of the car.

’What did you do Joey!? Yasmin chided.

‘Look at his socks,’ Joseph said calmly.

‘What?’

‘London Mets socks,’ Joseph said. ‘Remind you of anything?’ Yasmin paused for few moments, her face revealed deep concentration.

‘The baseball at the crime scene. By the broken glass,’ Yasmin said, stringing along several of her words.

‘Let’s call Teddy,’ Joseph said.

‘He’s not really with the MPD at the moment Joey, that could bring some legal issues about.’

‘More legal issues than we’ll have for knocking out a cop?’ Joseph asked rhetorically. Yasmin’s expression turned slightly worried, though she hid it well. ‘Look, don’t worry about that, there were at least thirty people in The Greyhound when he pulled his pistol out, he was off-duty as well.’

‘Why Teddy?’ Yasmin asked. Just then a couple walked by the beer garden, they looked somewhat shocked to see the unconscious Aiden in handcuffs.

‘Alright, in the car he goes,’ Joseph said, hoisting Aiden towards the police car, opening the door and putting him in the back seat.

‘This is the messiest case I’ve ever been a part of,’ Yasmin said in disbelief, though Joseph wondered if he heard the smallest trace of humour in her voice. ‘I don’t hate it,’ she continued a few seconds later, ‘kind of glad you gave him what was coming to him after what happened to Teddy.’ Joseph nodded, he searched for Teddy’s number in his phone and called.

‘How’s it going Joey?’ Teddy answered after a couple of rings, his usual cheerfulness had not dissipated by any degree, despite his pending removal from the MPD.

‘Good Teddy,’ Joseph said distractedly, pulling a seatbelt over Aiden and typing in Sternley Police Station into his GPS. ‘I need you to track Aiden’s whereabouts over the last few days.’

‘Aiden who? The same brat who’s cost me my job?’ Teddy asked, surprised, yet a little hopeful.

‘Same one,’ Joseph said.

‘Just a minute,’ Teddy said.

‘Well he didn’t need to be asked twice,’ Joseph chuckled, then stopped as he saw Yasmin’s expression was now entirely serious.

‘Drive Joey,’ she said. ‘Do you have a plan for if he wakes up?’

‘Um…Knock him out again?’

‘That would be assault,’ Yasmin said. ‘Drive fast. I don’t want to deal with him mouthing off.’

‘Got it,’ Joseph said, turning on the police lights and speeding down the side streets of Lavenham until he reached the M11. He began driving as fast as he could.

‘Without crashing preferably,’ Yasmin said. They made it back to London in forty minutes, Aiden had moved a little, yet was still unconscious. Joseph’s phone started ringing, he selected ‘Bluetooth’ on the car interface so he could answer the call. It was Teddy.

‘I’ve got Aiden at the Esposito house, three days ago at Eleven O’clock,’ Teddy said. ‘You’ve cracked this Joey,’ he said happily.

‘Thanks Teddy,’ Joseph said. ‘Need to go now, I’ll call you when this is done about a trip…’ Joseph thought for a second. ‘After we get you your job back,’ he said emphatically.

‘Legend!’ Teddy said.

‘What’s the motive though?’ Yasmin said, as much to herself as to Joseph.

‘No clue,’ Teddy replied in a matter of fact fashion, concentrating on whizzing through side streets with the least traffic. They pulled up to Sternley Police Station and heaved Aiden into the station. A few officers looked taken aback, but no one intervened.

‘Hold him,’ Yasmin said to an officer, as they took Aiden to a cell on the ground floor. ‘Chief’s office,’ she said to Joseph, walking quickly through the station. Yasmin knocked once and opened the door. Her momentum halted when she saw the chief scribbling quickly over a pile of paperwork, her desk messily covered with documents of all kinds.

‘Chief, you ok?’ Yasmin asked.

‘Yes,’ the chief replied.

‘We knocked out Aiden after he pulled a gun on a student at Lavenham. His socks matched the same baseball team as the baseball we found at the Esposito Great Smith street house. Teddy tracked his phone and found that he was there three days ago,’ Joseph said, his words tumbling out.

‘You knocked out an officer!?’ The chief stood up from her desk and looked intensely at Joseph. She then appeared deeply in thought for a brief period.

‘We don’t have motive yet,’ Yasmin interjected, giving Joseph a cautioning look for his brash outburst.

‘I do,’ the chief said. Yasmin and Joseph exchanged a surprised glance.

‘Unfortunately for the MPD and LPS’ publicity, Aiden’s father was a big investor in Esposito Real Estate. He did it, with what he thought were, untraceable accounts.’

‘I thought you were trying to put this case away chief?’ Yasmin asked.

‘The rushed merger was too suspicious. I’ve always known the LPS commissioner was corrupt, a little digging revealed that he had very strong incentive to prematurely remove Elenore Esposito from her position, before one of her son’s took management over,’ she said.

‘Joseph, I think you should return to your vacation now,’ the chief said. Joseph’s features became tense in response. He then exhaled. Well, not the worst way to let something blow over. The following days felt oddly uneventful to Joseph. Aiden was to be charged on counts of assault, murder and numerous other technical breaches of conduct. Teddy was chastised for hacking by the chief privately yet promoted to inspector rank within the MPD. Before commencing his new position, he had insisted on a short sabbatical at Joseph’s request. The two found themselves approaching Lachung Village after a week’s worth of paperwork, mandatory press releases and flight layovers.

‘Welcome back Joseph,’ a familiar face with a warm voice said as Joseph entered the inn. ‘I see you have brought a friend.’

‘This is inspector Teddy Cheney,’ Joseph said, gesturing to Teddy who laboured in a large suitcase up the steps. ‘Newly appointed too.’

‘Congratulations Theodore,’ Ali said sincerely. ‘You must have worked hard with Joseph on the case.’

‘You can call me Teddy,’ Teddy said laughing, thought as cheerful as ever, Joseph thought he sounded truly at ease. ‘Didn’t do much, Joey here put in all the work.’

The following weeks were filled with travel, visitation of mountains, shrines and musical events where Joseph heard countless incredible Qawwalis. After plenty of adventure and meeting many members of Ali’s family, including a reunion with Bhaskar, Teddy returned to the merged MPD office to begin work as an inspector. He sent an email to Joseph informing that Aiden’s father had been fired and charged and that the chief had taken on the position of MPD commissioner. As her first act as commissioner, an additional branch of internal affairs was created, one that specifically surveyed big financial transactions and assets of MPD and LPS officers. The role of chief of Sternley Police Station had been allocated to Yasmin. Joseph smiled to himself, proud of his partner. After hearing the news, he took a stroll down the Yumthang Valley. The flowers were as vibrant and multicoloured as ever. Joseph stopped walking, sat and just stared for some time. Astounding. He took out a notebook he had bought at a stall nearby. He drew a few sketches, of himself, Teddy, Ali, Bhaskar, Yasmin. He drew a mountain, then chuckled at his inability to capture its beauty. Story time. ‘From Yumthang to London to Lavenham’ he wrote.