Seventh (The Seventh Wave Trilogy Book 1)

by Lewis Hastings

  He beamed a huge smile before continuing, “Tigers indeed. Christ, that was funny. I’m John Daniel. I doubt you’ll recall but we spoke on air last night. At the time…” He glanced down at his Seiko, “I was the CAD inspector. It was my last shift in there and thanks to you lot, one I’ll never forget. I passed my promotion board a few weeks ago so I’m moving on, back into an ill-fitting suit to be a DCI but wanted to drop in and say hello en route home to bed. Ignore the critics, you did a damned good job, in exceptional and trying circumstances, all of you.”

  “Thank you, sir. Appreciated. And sorry about the dreaded paperwork.”

  Daniel took a moment before finishing his carefully considered sentence.

  “And I’m sorry you lost the girl, Jack.”

  Cade found himself drawn to Daniel. He had a personality that made him appealing to both men and women, and above all he appeared to put his people first.

  “Thanks for making the effort to drop in, sir. With respect…you look as shagged out as we do. I know I appreciate your visit, and I’m sure these two southern shandy drinkers do too! So, where’s the new office? What’s the new role? What wearisome group of misfits have they sent you to manage?”

  Daniel laughed openly as he extended the farewell handshake with Cade by placing his other hand on top. He released the grip and turned and was walking out of the briefing room towards the lift when he stopped and pointed along the hallway.

  “Not far as it happens, Jack. Just down there. Second door on the left, it’ll always be open to you and your team of wearisome misfits.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  John Augustus Daniel, Detective Chief Inspector, Metropolitan Police smiled the smile of a confident man, after more years than he cared to remember he was now at the helm of a passionate and capable team once more, and he instinctively knew that no matter what kaleidoscope of chaos lay ahead of them he could rely on, fall back on and above all trust them implicitly.

  They were a group of people who out of respect would have previously referred to him as the boss or sir, but after today it was more probable that they would simply, and respectfully, call him the governor.

  “How can I be so sure? Easiest question I’ve had to deal with in recent weeks, Jack. As of a few hours ago I have the hugely unenviable task of taking this team, moulding it into one – e pluribus unum and all that – and that means being your new boss.”

  He took a second to gauge the favourable response in the room.

  “Indeed. I suggest we all sleep on it. See you in the morning – bright but not too early. You get the coffee; I’ll bring the cake. We have work to do, Jack.”

  “We do, sir. Out of many, one – and all that.” He smiled; it was a welcoming smile.

  “Then I take it that means you will consider transferring and staying down here in the city that never apparently sleeps?”

  Cade took a moment to formulate a compelling reason why he shouldn’t, looked at Roberts and lastly O’Shea then said, “It looks that way sir, yes.”

  Six words, simple easy to say and life changing. He’d been through hell over the last few weeks, lost at least one good friend – possibly more – lost a wife, thank heaven for small mercies, caused no end of chaos and disorder and somehow convinced a police force with whom he had no physical or spiritual connection to offer him a role, a salary, somewhere to live and above all to take control of and guide a new team.

  He’d also broken open a tomb, what it contained and how it would impact upon his life, and those he was now empowered with protecting he had not the slightest idea. Already considered a subject matter expert on Eastern Europe and in particular its criminal entities, the truth was he knew only what he had experienced, no more. But the topic and its peoples intrigued him greatly and if this was to be the start of a dynamic, risk-laden period of his life, then fine, so be it. He was a willing student.

  Nikolina Petrov had chosen to trust him, with the two most precious things in her short life. Her daughter’s future and her own safety. He’d failed in the latter, and it would hurt for a very long time. He’d meet the daughter one day, somewhere of that he was certain, and if luck played her part, he’d end up face to face with the bastard that self-appointedly called himself her father and also conceitedly, the Jackdaw. Regardless of the risk that this posed, he was actually looking forward to it. This was not Hollywood; of that he was painfully aware and in the world of films and actor’s reality was often overlooked. He’d hurt this bastard if it broke every bone and strand and sinew in his own body.

  Petrov intrigued Cade in the short time he had grown to know her. Her bravery was without question. Her quest would remain just that. Her goals unattained, washed away with her down the river, dilute and faded. She had one more untold thing to tell him. He owed her many things. If all he was able to achieve was the completion of her goal, then he could rest and sleep the sleep of kings. If not, he knew he was destined to carry the cross, and it was heavy, roughly hewn and cumbersome. They always were.

  In a short time, he thought he had learned who to trust – ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer still, Jack’. Someone had said that to him recently – and equally he had learned who not to depend on.

  This was a whole new way of life, a new city, a new job, new team, and new colleagues. A new place to live, to police, to take pride in. It had already adopted him; this smoky, intriguing and never-ending skyscape that he stared out and onto. Once he had mourned his old life he could begin to live again and that life was rapidly departing, slipping through his fingers – the past.

  Three questions remained paramount in his mind, and he needed to answer them before he could sleep:

  Where would he find Alex Stefanescu?

  What was the information his reluctant partner was so willing to trade – and how would he now find it?

  Who could he trust?

  Whilst he stood, distracted and gazing out over the City of London, John Daniel had quietly stepped away.

  In direct contradiction of his long-term promise Daniel had walked into his newly acquired office and kicked the door shut behind him, closed the blinds, selected the comfier of the two office chairs and leaned back into the soft black leather, his feet up on the desk.

  He closed his eyes and reflected upon what he had become, where he had got to and importantly, where he and his new team would head in the coming days and weeks. He wondered how he would make up to his long-suffering wife Lynne, missing their wedding anniversary for the first time – ever.

  A single refracted shaft of morning sunlight fought to break through the cream-coloured, dog-eared vertical blinds, creating a chromatic haze on his flickering eyelashes. He let out an extended and satisfying sigh and then muttered the words once more, before drifting into a deep and desperately needed sleep.

  “You and I Jack, we have work to do…”

  Acknowledgments

  There are countless people I could thank – and hopefully some might even be classed as my satisfied readers – after all no author willingly spends years of their life writing something that they hope no one will enjoy.

  Embarking on this journey a few years ago, I knew the story I needed to tell – a story that to a great extent is almost entirely true. I can vividly recall the moment this trilogy germinated as an idea almost nine years ago, on a cold Wednesday at an international border in the southern hemisphere. A sobbing red head with lustrous curly hair and startling green eyes looked at me and said, “Where shall I begin, sir?” I recommended the beginning – it seemed a mighty fine place to start.

  As she told her tale, a large part of me was of course the ever-professional police officer; gathering evidence, thinking about the next phase of a highly likely follow-up operation and offering a mixture of empathy and compassion. The other half of my eager mind was forming the story – The Seventh Wave – a tale of love, lust, pure unadulterated evil, of greed and hardworking, dedicated, underpaid and at times unappreciated police o
fficers, trying to make a difference, wherever they may work.

  But as is always the way with these end pieces, there are a limited few who have gone that little bit further to help me. In some cases, a lot further.

  My wife Amanda, who has to listen to my endless and ever-brilliant ideas, nodding wisely and praying for salvation. My wonderfully supportive children who seem to have grown alarmingly quickly since I first came up with this idea and my parents, for having me and for supporting the idea that a humble police officer could also one day become a writer. To my English teacher Ken who insulted almost every piece of work I ever submitted – thank you for giving me the ambition to at least prove you wrong.

  To Russell, for his logo ideas, which will feature throughout the series.

  To my dear friend Claire – for her tireless proof-reading and suggestions – some of which I even used. Claire offered a woman’s perspective on some of the scenes, assuring me that these would make them more appealing to her fellow female.

  To the lovely Ashley and Michael of New Zealand’s top country band Cooper’s Run for the use of the Summertime lyrics.

  Finally, to the men and women of the police force, in New Zealand and Hong Kong and Great Britain – the world is a safer place because of you. As clichéd as it may sound, I am proud to have served with you.

  Acknowledgments to new edition

  It would be a travesty if I did not mention two wonderful people, once strangers and yet now friends, confidantes and mentors, occasionally humble students, sounding boards, passionate, eager, energetic and so supportive, they are Rebecca Collins and Adrian Hobart, the directors of Hobeck Books.

  I feel we discovered each other when I was about to call time on my hopes and aspirations to finally be recognised as a genuine author and Hobeck were seeking new talent.

  The planetary alignment was completed with a shooting star that lit up a velvet sky. I am so thrilled to be working with them and the other members of the Hobeck team. Thank you. x

  Lewis

  About the Author

  Lewis Hastings is a pseudonym. He was born in 1963 (a by-product of the long, harsh winter of 1962) in Kent, the Garden of England.

  By virtue of his father’s role as a prison officer, he became somewhat nomadic, moving from county to county during his formative years.

  As quickly as he made friends, they became a distant memory.

  His school life was a heady cocktail of fun, misery and abject failure explaining why he decided not to pursue a university career. Thrust into the world of full-time employment at seventeen and having taken the basic entry exam, fate saw to it that the chance of a career in the Royal Marines was forsaken for the love of a good woman.

  Regretting the decision not to wear the Green Beret, he forged out a highly unsuccessful and miserable career in sales; a way to pay the bills and provide a home for his growing family.

  In 1988 a cathartic event changed his approach to life and he spent two frustrating years trying to forge a new career as a police officer. By doing this he would in fact continue a family tradition stemming back to the early 1800s.

  His career commenced with the Nottinghamshire Constabulary at a time of enormous change. He was soon posted to some of the most beautiful and equally dangerous locations in the county where he learned the noble art of policing including community, intelligence and vice work (the latter, whilst challenging, at least offered a secondary income).

  In 2003, wearing a different uniform, he found himself in New Zealand, soon realising that the age-old maxim about familiar excrement and days of the week still rang true.

  This is his second book. When initially launched his first book, a warts-and-all autobiography, Actually, The World Is Enough sold one copy. He has since surged onto the world stage to critical acclaim, given at least twenty more away, and may break into double figures any day.

  Seventh is the first novel in the Jack Cade trilogy: The Seventh Wave.

  The sequels Seven Degrees and Seven of Swords followed in 2017 and 2019.

  He is married with two children, a lake-loving Labrador, and lives in a house.

  Hobeck Books – the home of great stories

  We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this book by the brilliant Lewis Hastings. To find out more about Lewis and his work please visit his website: https://lewishastings.wixsite.com/is-the-author.

  We’re proud to have Lewis as part of our growing family of authors at Hobeck Books. If you would like to find out more about our publishing programme and also receive news about special offers including free ebooks and other giveaways, please sign up to our mailing list at www.hobeck.net.

  You’ll also find details of our other superb authors and their books, and if you would like to get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

  Finally, if you enjoyed this book, please also leave a review on the site you bought it from and spread the word. Reviews are hugely important to writers and they help other readers also.

  Also by Lewis Hastings

  The Angel of Whitehall

  Twelve women hunted by a deadly enemy

  A young African woman’s body is found slumped in a London side street. Her stomach slashed open, a single diamond hiding within.

  A shameful secret that must remain hidden

  Former British police officer, Jack Cade, is the only man who can help unravel the mystery. Piecing together the fragments of information that an old man’s fragile memory reveals, Cade unearths a people trafficking conspiracy with links to the heart of the British Establishment.

  They want his source silenced. Cade is the only person who can protect him. But who can Cade trust?

  Reader reviews

  Seventh

  ‘Emotions run high reading this thriller and I feel totally spent now.’

  ‘Expect adrenaline surges, plenty of testosterone, comradory, deceit, empathy and extreme hate in this intense journey that is full of tension, suspense, action, drama and intrigue.’

  ‘Clearly written from the heart.’

  ‘I literally could not put it down.’

  ‘Every page is a delight to read and the story takes you through an amazing journey.’

  ‘A real page turner, I couldn't put it down.’

  ‘This book is a must read.’

  Seven Degrees

  ‘A fast paced crime thriller with enough twists to keep readers guessing.’

  ‘…gripping…’

  ‘If book 1 of this trilogy blew me away, then this one blew me harder.’

  ‘…edge of your seat stuff…’

  ‘Fantastic.’

  Seven of Swords

  ‘Twists and turns in every chapter.’

  ‘Had me gripped from the start…truly magnificent writing.’

  ‘I didn’t want it to end!’

  ‘WOW what a read!’

  ‘I implore you to pick up this trilogy.’

  ‘Read it, this will not be a disappointment to you.’

  The Angel of Whitehall

  ‘I would recommend this book unequivocally with no reservations, my one issue is that it will ensnare you and leaving it will not be an option until the last page. This is a story destined to be remembered as crossing a threshold of this specific genre. It is that good.’