IC - 22 - Chez Zero - Kris and Jocelyn

[Mephistophilis]

'I just conducted another interview with Regina. It went well, up until Burke tried to interrogate her about where the guns were being kept. Bit of a jackass, that one. Regardless, I spoke at length with Ms Goldfarb about the danger I believe the Balfour's pose tot heir daughter, and she seemed receptive. She said she'd do everything she can to keep her away from them; she can't make any promises, but hopefully the delay will be long enough to ensure they can't get her back before Tuesday.'

[Mr. Handy]

"Best to make sure it's not before Wednesday," says Jocelyn, "considering what's planned for Tuesday night. I found a mobile belonging to Johnny hidden in the toilet tank, with the SIM card stored separately. Seems he likes that as a hiding place. We've run the numbers we found on it, and the names. In addition to John and Sarah Balfour, and Zac, who we know better by another name, he has numbers for unidentified people named David, Phil, and Winston. But there are some the police were able to identify. There's his girlfriend from the church, Rachel Johnson, who has an address in Wycombe and no record. We plan to head there next. There's also James Williams in Wycombe. All he's got is a caution for speeding. But there's also Steve Brown in London, who has convictions for drug possession and dealing about ten years ago. One of his former criminal associates, no doubt. There's also a Louise Hayman in London, no record."

[Philulhu]

“Can Simon ask Regina about those names to see if any ring a bell?” asked Kris.

[Mephistophilis]

'I'd say we're not exactly dealing with criminal masterminds, but I no longer feel entirely comfortable making that assumption. Johnny is unlikely to be one, however. Chances are he's doing precisely what Balfour's told him to. Good work on tracking down all these leads; do you want me to join you at Ms. Johnson's home, or would you like me to pursue another of our suspects?' says Simon.

[Mr. Handy]

"I think we should stick together," says Jocelyn. "We can't be sure where we might find Johnny. Let's meet at Rachel's house. Can you ask Regina if any of the names are familiar to her? I'm sure she knows about her parents and Zac, but let's see if she knows about the others."

[Mephistophilis]

Simon hesitates. 'That makes sense, I'll be there as soon as I can. As for Regina, I'm not sure it's worth it to ask her any further questions-- I don't want to press too hard and anger Ms Goldfarb. She's in our corner presently and suspects something is amiss with the Balfour's, but I don't believe she particularly wants me to put Regina through another round of questions, and I would hate to jeopardize the relationship I've builded with her. If you really think it's necessary though, I'll give it a try.'

[Mr. Handy]

"I'll leave it to your judgment," says Jocelyn. "You know the situation better than I do."

[Philulhu]

“I guess that’s a ‘no’, then,” said Kris, disappointed.

He pulled the car keys from his pocket and looked around. ”Let’s get this place locked up and be on our way,” he said.

[Mr. Handy]

"All right," says Jocelyn, offering him the phone. "You can talk to him if you like, if you think it's a good idea for him to ask Regina."

[Mephistophilis]

'I think it's better not to push it then.' Simon responds.

'She knew who Mr. Zero was, but only as "Johnny" and that he was a friend of her father's. I'm guessing that if the other names were recognized she would have little to add beyond that they go to her church, which already strikes me as a safe assumption.'

'If there's nothing else, I'll head over to meet with you as soon as I can.'

[Philulhu]

”Ok, let’s not push her any further,” replied Kris. He relayed Rachel’s address to Simon.

“We’ll meet you there,” he said. “See if you can’t leave that idiot, Burke, behind…”

[Mr. Handy]

"Right, let's go," says Jocelyn. "Thank you for your help, Joyce."

[Mephistophilis]

The old woman stands at the door and watches them leave. The AFOs return their weapons to the ARV safe and get into the vehicle. Kris and Jocelyn climb into the patrol car with a uniformed officer who asks 'You want the AFOs to come with?'

[Philulhu]

”It’s probably for the best,” replied Kris. ”Right now, it seems like our best chance of finding Johnny Zero and we know he has access to firearms.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Agreed," says Jocelyn. "Given that, we should move quickly so we arrive before Simon does, just in case."

[Philulhu]

Kris nodded, turning the key to start the engine, letting the car warm up as he punched the address into his sat nav. Waving to the AFOs to follow him, he released the handbrake and set off in the direction of Rachel’s house.

[Mephistophilis]

Moving here.