The Impossible Fortune
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 33
Overview
Ibrahim visits Connie under the pretense of yoga and gently questions her about Davey Noakes and the Compound. Connie confirms that Davey is a powerful former drug dealer who could certainly be involved in murder, and she ultimately admits she uses the Compound herself.
Most importantly, Connie agrees to help Ibrahim get inside the Compound, giving the investigators their clearest route yet toward the vault and the Bitcoin mystery.
Summary
Connie Johnson tries to relax in her yoga annexe after a stressful week, reflecting that returning from prison has forced her to reassert control over parts of her drug empire. Tia and Ibrahim join her, but Ibrahim quickly admits that meditation does not suit him. After the session, Connie offers whisky, and Tia leaves to continue preparing for Tuesday’s job, confirming that the robbery plans are still moving forward.
Once Tia is gone, Ibrahim reveals that he has really come to ask Connie a favor. He asks whether she knows Davey Noakes, and Connie immediately recognizes him as a major, respected former drug kingpin who later moved into cyber-related work. Connie explains that Davey Noakes is not a minor dealer but a pioneering figure in the trade, and that he is still influential and wealthy.
Ibrahim then connects Davey Noakes to Holly Lewis and Nick Silver, explaining that Holly and Nick met Davey shortly before Holly was murdered, apparently because they had a security problem. Connie says that such work fits Davey Noakes, because he can either create security problems or solve them depending on whom he serves. When Ibrahim asks directly whether Davey Noakes is capable of murder, Connie answers without hesitation that he is.
Ibrahim next asks whether Connie herself is a client of the Compound and whether she could get inside it. Connie initially resists, warning that the Compound is dangerous and not something she wants to discuss. However, she recognizes that Ibrahim will keep pressing for answers, and eventually offers a bargain: if Ibrahim sits through an episode of Below Deck with her, she will help him get into the Compound. Ibrahim accepts, meaning the investigation has gained a concrete path toward entering the vault facility.
Who Appears
- Connie JohnsonDrug boss who confirms Davey Noakes’s reputation and agrees to help Ibrahim access the Compound.
- Ibrahim ArifQuestions Connie about Davey Noakes and the Compound to advance the investigation.
- TiaContinues preparing for Tuesday’s robbery before leaving Connie and Ibrahim to talk.
- Davey NoakesDiscussed as a legendary former drug dealer turned cyber operator, and a possible murderer.
- Holly LewisMentioned as having met Davey Noakes with Nick shortly before her murder.
- Nick SilverMentioned as one of the Compound operators who met Davey about a security issue.