by Ted Tayler
“Welcome back, Phoenix,” said the driver, “successful trip?”
Phoenix nodded and climbed into the back of the car. He wasn’t in the mood for friendly banter. Things couldn’t have gone much better during his time in the North East on the outcome of the missions. But he still had to work out how much to disclose about what happened.
Rusty and the others wouldn’t ask for details. Athena had told him to do what was necessary, but then women often said things like that. The time would come when pointed questions would be asked.
He was no closer to a decision when the car turned into the grounds of the Manor.
The driver dropped him at the front door. Phoenix retrieved his bag and went inside. Rusty and Artemis walked down the stairs.
“Thank goodness you’re back safe,” said Artemis, “Athena has been so worried.”
“You got them then, Phoenix?” asked Rusty.
“Yes,” said Phoenix, surprised at the tone of the question.
“You had an early morning visitor, according to Giles. How did he learn the address of the safe house?”
“One thug, Alan Telfer, evaded capture on the night of the police raid. The fact he paid me a visit suggests I was lax in covering my tracks. He must have followed me home, and I didn’t spot him.”
Rusty wasn’t convinced. He taught Phoenix well when he arrived four years ago.
“Why did he come after you?” asked Artemis.
“Because I wasn’t in the pub when the cops arrived, he thought I must be the undercover cop. He never suspected Mick, the barman, who worked there for months. I was a newcomer, so it had to be me.”
“I’d better get going,” said Artemis, “I’m due in the ice-house.”
Rusty carried a sports bag over his shoulder. He brought it forward to show Phoenix.
“I’m off for a swim. A few of the trainees are coming over later. They’re up for another challenge. Will you join us?”
“No thanks,” said Phoenix, “I’ll find Athena, report in, and rest up before whatever tomorrow brings.”
“See you at nine in the morning then,” said Rusty. He and Artemis left the main building, arm in arm, and walked across the lawns.
Phoenix watched them go. Life was simple for those two. He headed for the apartment.
Time to face the music.
CHAPTER 13
Friday, 24th July 2014
When Phoenix was reunited with his family yesterday afternoon, much was left unsaid. Athena had been in the administration offices with Minos and Alastor when he dropped his gear in their apartment. He went to find her.
“Ah, you’re back,” she said, welcoming him with a warm embrace and a kiss on the cheek.
“Glad to see you made it back in one piece, Phoenix,” said Minos. “You took an awful risk going undercover without the usual support system.”
“It was a calculated risk, Minos,” shrugged Phoenix, “which paid off. The Dwyer gang will be out of business, thanks to the police. My role was only to eliminate one of their enforcers, Telfer. A nasty specimen who enjoyed beating up old ladies.”
Phoenix sensed Athena watched him. At this stage, least said, soonest mended.
Alastor gave Phoenix a brief update on progress regarding the billeting of the Irregulars.
“Slow, but steady,” Minos added. “We can expect little more I’m afraid. PTSD and mental health problems among our veterans are far greater than anyone imagined.”
“I’ll leave you two to it,” said Phoenix, “we’ll see you in the morning.”
When they reached the privacy of their apartment, Athena welcomed Phoenix back properly. As they stood, wrapped in one another’s arms, she asked the question Phoenix dreaded.
“Did anything I need to know happen between you and Annie Dwyer?”
Phoenix felt relieved at the phrasing of the question.
“No,” he replied, “things never got personal in any way, as it turned out.”
Athena continued to cling to him. Phoenix was happy he needn’t tell her an outright lie. Annie and Frankie had sex. He had only been there in body. The subject was now closed. He would move on. The Dwyer gang now consigned to history, just like the criminals on every other Olympus mission. They weren’t worth talking about in life, they figured even less in the Project’s dealings now.
The last morning meeting of the week proved to be an odd mixture. Giles Burke reported on the aftermath of the police raid, and the clean-up teams’ actions across Tyne and Wear. Giles and Artemis would do everything possible to hide Phoenix, and his alter ego Frankie, from Mick the undercover policeman and his superiors.
Henry Case was quiet and reserved. Athena understood her security chief wrestled with his conscience. The Mullen twins now lay buried in the pet cemetery. There were no new guests on Level Three to occupy Henry’s time. His thoughts were full of the killings he carried out in the past and the woman he loved. Henry had received a new letter from Sarah Gough this week. Henry’s heart filled with joy when she wrote of their passionate weekend, and how much she longed to be with him again. In a little over three weeks, she came to Larcombe Manor for the christening.
Rusty and Artemis discussed Phoenix and the undercover mission late last night when she ended her shift in the ice-house. Rusty was convinced there was more to the story than Phoenix admitted. Artemis had reservations too but gave Phoenix the benefit of the doubt. In the meeting, they sat opposite one another and followed matters closely, searching for hints that would confirm their opinions. Neither was any the wiser as the meeting ended.
“Before we go our separate ways,” said Athena, “I have dates for your diary. On the first Monday in August, Minos will chair this meeting. Phoenix and I are entertaining Ambrosia. We will update her on progress with the Irregulars. On the eighteenth, Hugh Fraser will join us as our Logistics chief. He will attend our morning meetings whenever Phoenix is absent. I need not remind you of the following Monday as you are invited to Hope’s christening in the Manor’s church.”
“We are entering what used to be termed the silly season,” muttered Phoenix, “when in high summer the press printed frivolous news stories because nothing seemed to happen. Let’s hope the Grid’s members take a break for the rest of the summer, or the mountain we have left to climb will have grown higher.”
The Olympus senior team left the room. While the weekend and then the following week unfolded, they remembered Phoenix’s words.
He was right, everything hung, suspended in time, waiting for an event that kick-started the mayhem. They weren’t the only people holding their breath, wondering what came next.
Friday, 31st July 2014
At ten o’clock sharp, Colleen O’Riordan entered the lion’s den. That was how Hugo Hanigan liked to imagine the situation as he watched her exit the lift.
“Colleen, welcome,” he said, “it’s been too long.”
Colleen ignored his hands, spread wide hoping for a show of affection. There would be no hugs today.
“So, you believe it’s time we played catch-up, Hugo,” said Colleen, one hundred per cent focused on business.
“How’s Sean, Maeve, and those lovely children?” he asked. Hugo moved over to the coffee machine and poured cups for them both.
“Will you have coffee with me? You take it white, without sugar if I recall.”
Colleen didn’t wait for the invitation to sit. She made herself comfortable in one of the leather chairs near the picture window.
“I thought we had got past the need for small talk, Hugo,” she said, “but if you insist. Sean’s fine in the villa near La Romana. The dust has settled on the fallout from Tommy’s prison break, and his murder. My brother and his family will return home soon. Sean can get back doing what he does best. I need him to assume responsibility for areas acquired in the recent past. As for my coffee, just show the milk the cup. I prefer it hot, and strong.”
Hugo paused before bringing over the coffees. Acquisitions? He had heard rumours a
bout the Mighty Quinn’s parish, but nobody told him Colleen had already acted. He must be off the pace, and he didn’t like it.
“You appear to have done well since you replaced Seamus McConnell as leader of your late husband’s people,” said Hugo, who remained standing. He looked out of the window, and across the city.
“McConnell was never in charge,” sneered Colleen.
“Ah,” thought Hugo, “I was right. Walsh only appointed him as a ploy to deceive me. He’s never let go of the reins, even though he’s thousands of miles away.”
They drank their coffee in silence.
“I hope these acquisitions are being made for the right reasons, Colleen,” said Hugo. “The Grid should be the sole focus of every gang leader in our network. Together we are stronger. We can’t sanction the actions of a loose cannon, seeking to disrupt the benefits we collectively enjoy, to satisfy their personal ambitions.”
“It’s taken you a long time to work out we’re expanding, Hugo,” said Colleen, rising from her seat and joining him by the window. “Perhaps, you haven’t got your finger on the pulse any longer? I’ve improved every operation within Tommy’s old patch, for which the Grid coffers should be grateful. I see no borders between us and our neighbours. Quinn was an anachronism. Sean will keep that area under control as soon as he gets home. Other areas will follow. I mean to control the whole of the capital, Hugo. One leader at the head of the major player within the nationwide network. It makes far more sense than a dozen yes men from different nationalities. You should welcome it, but perhaps it’s because I’m a woman you can’t congratulate me on my progress?”
Hugo was tongue-tied. He never expected this. Colleen and Sean intended to take the rug out from under him. His power-base would be in the hands of two Dublin children that ridiculed him on the seven streets where they played. He must act decisively, and with the utmost speed.
“What do you see when you gaze out of this window, Hugo?” asked Colleen.
“I look down on the City, and the Glencairn Bank. I’m in one of the great capitals of the world and know as far as my eye can see, the Grid controls every criminal activity that takes place. It was me who made that happen; me, Ardal James Hanlon, the boy from Dublin who became Hugo Hanigan, world-class entrepreneur.”
“Do you know what I see, Hugo, from my eagle’s nest over there,” said Colleen, pointing up towards the new tower block where she now lived, “my future.”
Hugo shivered. The woman was delusional, quite mad. He had been right; he needed to act.
Colleen made for the lift.
“Must dash, Hugo,” she said, “you need to be at the Bank. I too have important business that demands my attention.”
The lift doors closed. Hugo picked up the phone.
“McConnell,” he said, “get over here. I know, I know, you didn’t think you’d ever hear from me again. I have a job for you. Oh, before you leave home, check your passport is valid,”
Hugo had made up his mind. Sean Walsh was a danger. He didn’t have all the answers, but Colleen had shown her hand. Sean was returning to a position of power, and his sister regularly mentioned ‘we’ when talking about their future. He had been right to suspect Sean of being involved since the start.
Seamus McConnell left the penthouse an hour later, with his orders. His loyalty to Sean Walsh bought by ten thousand pounds in cash and the promise of a further handsome sum of money for his given task on completion.
Monday, 4th August 2014
It was the morning of the second meeting of Athena, Phoenix, and Ambrosia.
Piya Adani drove onto the Larcombe Manor estate at eight forty-five. Her hay fever was better if not finished for another summer. Piya was eager to meet up with Athena and Phoenix once more. Time was of the essence. Ambrosia wanted the sweet smell of success to follow her to the next Olympus meeting. Her ambition knew no bounds. Anything that pressed her claims for a more senior role in the organisation should be exploited to the full.
Athena met Ambrosia by the front door.
“Good morning,” she said, “and welcome back. Please come with me to our apartment. We’ll not be disturbed there.”
“Phoenix is there already?” asked Ambrosia.
“He’s playing with Hope before Maria Elena takes her away from us for the morning. I’m sure you wouldn’t appreciate a little one crawling around your feet.”
Ambrosia wasn’t sure how to take that remark. She had never married, but nobody measured up to her father. He had been a dominant figure in her life, and every prospective husband introduced to her paled by comparison. It was too late now; she was forty years old, and although a child of her own would be wonderful, time was running out.
Ambrosia heard Hope’s laughter as they reached the door. There was a lump in her throat as Athena paused with her hand on the door handle.
“Isn’t that a beautiful sound?”
Ambrosia could only nod and attempt a smile. She couldn’t trust herself to speak.
“Come on, Phoenix,” said Athena as she entered the room, “time to start work.”
Hope looked up from the floor. Mummy and that Indian lady had arrived. Daddy would be off-limits today again. She missed him while he went away the other week. As her eyes flicked from one grown-up to another, in walked her nanny.
“Hello,” she said, “I’m ready to take Hope for a walk. Would you enjoy a swim later, Hope?”
Hope clapped her hands. This morning might not be so bad after all.
As the door closed on Maria Elena and their daughter, Athena broke the news to Ambrosia that the report from Minos and Alastor was less favourable than they hoped.
“There is a far higher percentage of damaged goods than we expected,” said Phoenix.
“We might get a thousand good agents from the homeless community,” explained Athena. “If there’s one good thing to come out of this, Minos has identified sufficient places to house them.”
The news was a crushing blow to Ambrosia. Hopes of a vast number of new agents on the ground had slipped through her fingers like grains of sand.
“I sense your disappointment, Ambrosia,” said Phoenix, “and we share it, believe me. It was a great idea, and it still is. If we get a thousand good men, then that will be terrific news to those agents in the field stretched thin now in certain areas.”
“In a fortnight we will have a new logistics chief to assist Phoenix,” continued Athena. “He comes to us highly recommended, and with Phoenix’s full support. He will allocate these agents to areas where they can have the greatest impact. Hugh Fraser will be our Holmes to the Irregulars.”
Ambrosia was happier now. Progress was being made. Not as much as she hoped for, but she had a name on which to focus. She must learn everything she could of this Hugh Fraser. If he’s championed by Phoenix, then he must be a special type of man. He would be based at Larcombe, and she was a welcome guest. Hugh Fraser would find Ambrosia a frequent visitor. Her vision of the Irregulars was only a few weeks away, and with Hugh Fraser’s cooperation, she could propel herself up the Olympus ladder.
“Shall we visit Minos and Alastor? You can inspect the details of the veterans cleared by Henry Case, and the medical team, as being fit for duty. They can also show you the accommodation sites they have gathered where they could live. They are still matching people to regions, but this will remain fluid until Hugh Fraser arrives. He will decide who goes where once he has sight of the bigger picture. He and Phoenix will make the final decision.”
“I can’t wait to read what Minos and Alastor have achieved so far,” said Ambrosia. “I’m impressed at the volume of work you’ve done in such a short space of time.”
“It’s what we do,” shrugged Phoenix, “we can’t be idle. Evil doesn’t sit on its hands for a second. We must do more, to a higher standard, every day with less. That’s the Olympus mantra for departments like those Minos and Alastor operate. Those men are two of our greatest assets.”
Athena smiled to herself
as she led Ambrosia and Phoenix to the administration offices. If only Ambrosia heard what Phoenix called these two at times. In the early days, she believed he thought little of their abilities. Now, she knew how proud he was to work alongside them.
Over the next few hours, the Two Amigos took Ambrosia through the Irregulars’ files. They broke for lunch and then completed the task by mid-afternoon. Ambrosia was confident her thousand agents would be an asset.
“I can’t wait for Zeus to learn of the progress you have made,” she said, “may I return in a few weeks’ time?”
“Of course,” said Athena, “we will be happy to see you.”
Ambrosia said her goodbyes, and drove towards the M4, and then onto the M5, and north to Leeds. As every mile disappeared under the tyres of her car she ticked off the hours in her head until she would meet this Hugh Fraser. She needed to form a strong alliance with this man. A bond Athena and Phoenix were not a party to and could not break. Together, they could make the Irregulars her vital asset, her instrument of change. They could be her express-way to the summit of Olympus.
*****
On the other side of the Atlantic, Sean Walsh spent another day in the rain with his family.
Since their arrival in the Dominican Republic at the end of June, the sole communication he received from Colleen had been to confirm a quarter of a million pounds had transferred into a bank account in his name in the Cayman Islands.
It was more than enough to keep them going for ages if they were sensible. They had the upkeep of the villa to consider, but the building was theirs for as long as they needed it, and the cost of living a third cheaper than back home.
Sean knew he could find a job if money got tight. But in the seven weeks since they flew out from London it had always been his plan to wait until the dust settled on his brother-in-law’s death and get the all-clear to return.
Relations had been strained between the four of them when they first arrived. His wife, Maeve soon forgave him for the slap he gave her when the stress of the prison break-out got too much. He had reduced his drinking too.