Chapter 68

Jason Ritchie and Ron drink beer on Ron’s balcony while Jason explains the old photograph that frightened him. Jason says the photo was hand-delivered through his letter box on the Tuesday morning, and although he had never seen that specific image before, he immediately recognized the setting and the people in it.

Jason shows Ron the photograph. It depicts Jason, Tony Curran, and Bobby Tanner sitting in the Black Bridge, a pub where they used to drink. The table in front of them is covered with thousands of pounds in cash, which Jason says almost certainly came from drugs, because that was where he kept his money in those days.

Ron asks directly whether Jason killed Tony Curran. Jason denies it and says he would admit it to Ron if he had done it, because there would have been a good reason. Jason also admits the police already have the photo and other incriminating material about him.

Jason tells Ron he believes Bobby Tanner or someone called Johnny may be responsible. Jason reasons that leaving the photo by Tony’s body could have been a red herring for the police, but sending the same image to Jason suggests the killer may have wanted Jason to know who had done it.

Ron asks why Jason has not spoken to the police, and Jason admits he wanted to find Bobby or Johnny himself. Since that has failed, Jason has come to Ron for help, and Ron decides to call Elizabeth.