Framed by Lynda La Plante Page A

criminals. The deal's on record, so he's protected."
"No mention of the murder," Larry said, running his hands through his hair. "Doesn't that come into this?"
"A few flash bastards made promises," Shrapnel said, as if he hadn't heard. "When they couldn't keep them the grasses started screeching, withdrew statements, et cetera, et cetera. Now we have to go through this farce, we've got to have him segregated, keep him sweet. . . ."
"What's he after? I mean, he absconded, he's going to have to do time, isn't he?"
"Let's find out," Shrapnel said, pulling open the door.
It took Sydney Jefferson an hour to reach the stage where he could draw together the points of his client's case and submit them to the magistrate in something resembling a summary. The fatigue in the courtroom had become almost tangible. Von Joel sat in the dock looking tired and drawn. McKinnes drooped in the front bench with his elbows on his knees; Shrapnel and Larry Jackson were behind him, Shrapnel alternately yawning and sighing.
"The information my client has produced is, and I quote, 'of great importance.' " Jefferson paused to let the small drama of the point register. "At the same time it would, if it were to be discovered, place my client at great personal risk. He has been totally cooperative, agreeing to return to England from Spain voluntarily."
"Mr. Jefferson," the magistrate said, "your client absconded from custody five years ago. He was at that time acting as an informer and had spent sixteen months in police custody. His continued presence was of great importance, and subsequent to his escape from custody, charges against eight of the men now named yet again by your client were dismissed."
"That is correct, ma'am." Jefferson glanced at Von Joel, who was now leaning forward in the dock, listening intently. "I assure you my client has every intention of becoming a Crown prosecution witness again, and as his information shows, he will be a worthwhile witness. I ask for this to be taken into consideration at the trial of my client, as his principal motivation for divulging this information is to receive a reduced sentence. May I suggest—"
"I suggest," the magistrate cut in, "that your client should have considered this when, at great cost to the government, he absconded from police custody." She sat back in her high-backed chair and looked toward the dock. "Would the defendant please rise."
Von Joel got up smartly, standing with his arms as straight as he could manage, his face devoid of expression. The magistrate stared at him for a second before she spoke.
"You have stated that you are prepared to give evidence against former colleagues in crime and to assist the police with their inquiries. Have you come to this decision of your own free will, without compulsion?"
"Yes, ma'am," Von Joel said, "I have."
McKinnes was sitting up now, watching the magistrate's mouth as if it might leak a preview of what she would say next. Behind him Shrapnel and Larry stared, too, scarcely breathing.
"I am fully aware," the magistrate continued, "that your principal motivation for giving evidence against your erstwhile colleagues will be the hope of a reduction in the sentence you are liable to receive."
Von Joel nodded, the tip of his tongue flicking between his lips.
"However, I am not, at this stage, prepared to indicate any reduction of sentence."
Von Joel's face stiffened and he took a fractional, involuntary step back in the dock.
"Nevertheless," the magistrate went on, "your continued assistance will be recorded and I agree to you being held in conditions of secrecy. This will enable you to continue assisting inquiries, until it is determined what action and charges will be brought against you. Take him down."

7

Back at St. John's Row station that evening Larry was given a bundle of heavy files and told that he was being assigned to duty as an interrogating officer. Carrying the files and his overnight bag, he was led by DCI McKinnes deep into the