My Christmas On You... A Nine Days of Christmas Inspector Gloria Mystery DAY SIX

Day Six: Sammy Wiseman

 Sammy Wiseman was the fattest man Gloria had ever met. His huge bulk overflowed the large mahogany chair and even the loose-fitting African gown he was wearing seemed to be straining at the seams. Despite the office air conditioning he was sweating profusely, mopping his face with a small towel and swallowing gulp after gulp of water.

 ‘Yes, I did get a contract Inspector and yes, the committee cancelled the contract a few days ago and yes, I am extremely vexed with them. It is corruption at its worst, spoiling what used to be one of Liberia’s proudest cultural moments.’ He paused. ‘But I don’t know anything about costumes being stolen, if that’s what you are asking me.’ He leaned back and even the hard wood chair creaked ominously.

 Gloria wondered about asking him about the missing jewellery but decided against. ‘I heard you had a lot invested in getting that contract and its cancellation might leave you in a very vulnerable, even dangerous position?’

 Wiseman’s eyes narrowed. ‘Are you here in an official capacity Inspector?’ His eyes took in her t-shirt and jeans.

 ‘I’m sure I can make it official if I suspect there might be danger to children.’

 Wiseman shook his head. ‘No need for that. I will answer your questions.’

 ‘Okay, so answer it then. I heard you now owe some dangerous people quite a lot of money, and without that contract you’re not going to be able to pay them?’

 ‘Ah, now you are making the story too big, way too big. Its not like that at all. I am a major businessman in this country, three new hotels just this year alone, including this four star one we’re sitting in. This was a loss but not a disaster.’

 ‘No?’

 A loud crash interrupted their discussion and Wiseman looked towards the office door, pure fear on his face.

 ‘Something we should go investigate?’ Gloria was already standing.

 ‘No, leave it, my security people will see to it.’

 Gloria shook her head. ‘Nah, I don’t think so.’ She was through the office door and down the corridor that led to The Grand’s front lobby and then into the glitzy lounge where chaos was ensuing. A group of men were behind the marble and gilt bar removing bottle after bottle of expensive drinks into bags, and smashing the rest on the floor and into the large mirrors most of which were already in pieces. There was no sign of any staff, and if there had been any security they had also disappeared.

Wiseman reluctantly appeared in the door behind her and Gloria indicated the mess. ‘You want me to call for some back up?’ Wiseman shook his head firmly.

 ‘Leave it Inspector, that will only make things worse. They will only come back with more people and do more damage.’

 At the sight of Sammy Wiseman one of the gang wandered over. ‘We are just delivering a message sir. All the money, paid in full, in cash at the President’s Ball. Otherwise, it’s not bottles we’ll be filling these bags with. Message received?’

 Wiseman, whose huge frame was shaking with fear, managed to nod before sinking to the floor. The messenger shrugged and then whistled loudly as if calling a pack of dogs and the rest of the gang followed him out, dragging their bags behind them.

 Gloria sank down next to Wiseman. ‘That was quite a loss Sammy? You able that?’

 He snorted as he called for two of his people to help him to his feet. ‘That wasn’t a loss, that was just the message. You heard him right? Those parade people have finished me. And don’t offer me protection, there’s nothing you or any other police can do. These people are bigger than any force.’

 Gloria just shrugged, she had not been about to offer any protection. ‘The President’s Ball eh?Everyone seems to be talking about it. Why don’t you just pay them?’

 Wiseman laughed. ‘There is no money. Everything has been sunk into these properties and the businesses. They would have been fine waiting but as soon as they heard I had lost the contract they demanded I pay them back everything, with interest. It’s impossible.’

Gloria looked at him. ‘You must really hate the parade committee?’

 Wiseman snarled. ‘Hate is not even near what I feel for them. Their corruption has cost me everything. But they will learn a lesson themselves, you’ll see it Inspector, or you’ll hear about it. That I absolutely promise you.’

Sean BradleyComment