Suspicious by nature, Malenkov phoned his inside man at Scotland Yard and asked what he knew about D.I. Marsh. Later that day, the insider phoned back to say Marsh was on holiday, he and his family were unreachable. No one saw them go and had no idea when they would be back. Distant family new nothing either. Apparently he was a loose cannon and not happy on the force, but he was not alone on that score. The man was a good detective, but lazy and he cut corners to achieve his ends.
In Malenkov’s mind, it all fitted, except the Marsh he knew was very smart and not lazy. Perhaps, like some of his men, when motivated they could be exceptional.