Learning English

INTERVIEW ROOM

Arthur
Jamie Phelps… Between you and me, he’s a bit of a rascal that one, but I’m sure I mustn’t judge.

Callie
In what way, Mr Montgomery?

Arthur
Oh, call me Arthur, please.

Callie
Arthur, in what way did you mean that Jamie Phelps is a rascal?

Arthur
Oh you know… the usual sort of thing. We’ve had some good nights at the Groucho club that’s all… Although, I’m sure he’s settled down now. He’s a good man.

Nikesh
How long have you been Mr Phelps’s client, Mr… Arthur?

Arthur
A long time. Ten years? You see, I had a restaurant in town - that was when he was part of KPL and he looked after our accounts. Then he lured me away when he struck out on his own. Rascal!

Callie
Mr Montgomery, when did you last speak to Jamie?

Arthur
We spoke this morning. Which I believe is why I’m here?

Nikesh
And what did you talk about if you don’t mind my asking?

Arthur
Oh he was after my paperwork. And quite right too. I can be a bit slapdash when it comes to keeping records and whatnot. It’s all a bit tedious, isn’t it?

Callie
Is it?

Arthur
It is. Especially when you are as busy as I am. I’ve got a new book out – Winter Warmers, I’ll leave you a copy.

Nikesh
Cheers. My wife’ll…

Callie
…Nikesh, we can’t accept that. Thanks anyway.

Nikesh
I’ll just leave it in my drawer for later. Cheers Arthu… Mr Montgomery.

Arthur
No problem. I can tell who’s in charge here. I did actually email Phelps’s secretary this afternoon. Just so we’re dotting all the i’s.

Callie
Really, what about?

Arthur
Make an appointment. Can’t put the blasted accounts off forever.

Callie
Is it usual for your accountant to call you from his mobile? Out-with office hours? 

Arthur
Well, like I said. We’ve always got on well. And I can be difficult to get hold of.

Callie
But not today.

Arthur
No.If there’s nothing else, I’ve got to go.

Callie
Thanks for your time.

Nikesh
Pleasure meeting you, Mr Montgomery. Let me show you out.

OFFICE

Nikesh
What?

Callie
I don’t get it. He’s a total tool.

Nikesh
No, it’s all part of his thing, you know… you should watch his show. It’s part of his vibe.

Callie
All I’ll say is that, if a woman behaved how he does, there is no way she would have a TV show and a book deal. I think we should take a look at our timeline. Take me through what we’ve got.

Nikesh
Right, so, he was hacked last night and he only saw the ransomware email this morning. Probably before he left the family home at 24 Carnwell Avenue. He leaves the house at 08:00, drives towards work at 56 Harbour Road. He’s supposed to drop Pip off at nursery but doesn’t. On his way to work, at 8:25 he speaks to Juliet Arnott, his PA, asks her what’s going on. Then, calls his brother, Paul Stevenson, at 8:35, asks for a loan. Paul says no. He then gets to the office on Harbour Road at around 8:45. Goes inside, gets something – some files from his desk. We’re not sure which client they pertain to. He then gets back in the car, calls one of his clients, Arthur Montgomery, asks him to send in his paperwork. He then heads out of town past Beltonfield Park, Pip still in the car. And a couple of hours later, leaves Pip in a carpark and sends a text to his wife asking for forgiveness.

Callie
It doesn’t make any sense. Why was he chasing paperwork when he was being blackmailed?

Nikesh
Well, Arthur Montgomery is a pretty big account, right. He was trying to raise funds, perhaps he was going to bill him.

Callie
Could be. It seems… weird. How long did he have to raise the money?

Nikesh
72 hours, according to Mrs Arnott. I suppose they recognise that people need time to get hold of that kind of cash.

Callie
Why send that text? There’s nothing previous to suggest he was suicidal. And if he’s not suicidal, why ask for forgiveness from his wife?

Nikesh
Because he chucked away all of their savings.

Callie
Yeah, but, why text that? Is he running away? What’s he doing? And why didn’t he just drop Pip off at nursery? We’re missing something. I need you to…

Yes... Sounds like him... What’s the location?... Secure the scene we’ll be half an hour. Best get your wellies, we’ve got a body on the beach.

END