‘If we arrange to have a police car parked up on the driveway of Thornton House and at the entrances to Sibden Hall – this will deter the brothers from pursuing action at those properties,’ Dylan said.
‘I get it, that will give the impression to any outsider that the police are in attendance,’ said Andy.
‘Exactly, and hopefully force their hand towards Filby Hall?’ said Jon.
‘Of course that could be the intended destination anyway, but best to be prepared,’ said Dylan. ‘I want plain clothes officers to make contact with the occupants of Filby Hall and get them out of there to a place of safety for at least the next forty-eight hours and confirm back to us when that’s been done. I want Sibden Hall closed to the public and that includes the car parks.’
Time was passing Dylan was aware, and it wasn't long before he got word that the two Devlin brothers were in the Jaguar and leaving the car park of the hotel.
The constant feed from the surveillance team revealed that they were once again at the Maltings, and whilst one of them remained in the vehicle, the other had gone into number eleven. What Dylan or the team didn’t expect was that he would return to the vehicle with an elderly man.
‘What the fuck’s going on?’ said Terry Hawk when he walked in and was given the update that the three were at The Rising Sun Public House.
‘I’m told they’re celebrating a birthday,’ said Jon looking bemused.
‘The old man, he must be related?’ said Dylan. ‘Vicky, you and Andy go and visit number eleven. Can you get to the rear garden without going through the house do you think?’
‘I could at number nine and I think they are all built pretty much to the same design,’ she said.
‘Examine that staddlestone and see if there are any markings on the underside which could possibly be the same as the ones that remain at Merton Manor.’
Vicky and Andy were en route when Dylan got the word that the Devlins had left the pub with the elderly man. His heart missed a beat. ‘Tell Vicky and Andy to abort the enquiry, we can’t risk them being seen at the property at this time, it’s too risky,’ said Dylan
Dylan felt his breathing return to normal. Surveillance following the vehicle gave a running commentary that the car had driven past Filby Hall, slowing down approximately fifty yards from its entrance and stopping for a full five minutes. The men didn’t get out but seemed happy to survey from where they sat. Then they dropped the old man off at home and returned to the hotel.
Planning, for the SIO had to be meticulous, including building into the arrest plans which police stations the men would be taken to when they were arrested and detained. Also which addresses would be searched afterwards, and by whom. Officers were briefed.
The firearms team had covert officers in the grounds of Filby Hall and in the hallway of the house, and Dylan had confirmation that the occupants had left for a place of safety. If the Devlins turned up as expected, the plan was to allow them to vacate the car, then they would be challenged and officers would immediately immobilise the vehicle. Dylan’s priority was to neutralise the threat and protect lives, which also included the Devlin brothers.
Dylan’s information from Vicky told him that over a year ago DC Rupert Charles had attended Filby Hall, according to his diary, in his role as crime prevention officer. There was nothing on record to say he had been to Thornton House but he had been to Sibden Hall numerous times to advise. The North Yorkshire team, DI Terry Hawk, assured Dylan they would pursue him as a priority, after the Devlin’s arrest.
When he arrived home Jen knew by Dylan’s demeanour that something was afoot. She could always tell by how alert he appeared. At times like these he didn’t eat much. At the start of their relationship she would think he was ailing but no. Just another side-effect of the job and the after effects of the regular adrenaline rushes. He wasn’t ready to sit down and put his feet up. He didn’t want to nod off in the chair and, as the evening meal was put in front of him, he refused a glass of wine. She looked at him questioningly. Late as it was when he arrived home, Dylan wasn’t ready to put his head to the pillow just yet either. Jen lay in bed at his side. She lowered the lighting and cuddled up to him as he lay propped up, watching the TV with no sound. A classic sign to Jen that he was shutting out the world but she wouldn’t allow him to shut her out too.
‘Tell me about it?’ she said softly.
‘You don’t need to know.’
‘I do need to know if something is worrying you.’ She paused for a moment and waited. He remained silent. She could see the set determination on his face. His breathing was shallow.
‘I worry more when you don’t tell me,’ she whispered. ‘I don’t know what danger you’re in?’
Dylan turned his head to face her. ‘I don’t take risks, not now, not now I have you and Maisy. But, when I know where people are who I know are capable of murder and we’re on the cusp of feeling their collar, everything feels like it’s on the edge... I’m anxious. We don’t want any casualties.’
‘That’s good isn’t it? You’re anxious in a good way then?’ Jen’s voice sounded relieved.
‘I always wanted to be the man in charge. The person who made the ultimate decisions. That way I guess I know I’m in control of my own destiny. After the firearms incident I was involved in all those years ago, when someone else took the choice out of my hands to shoot to kill...’ Dylan took a deep breath. ‘Well, I never wanted to be in that position again. But, with that great responsibility comes the destiny of others too, and I can now understand the angst my commander faced that day. The rank, my role, comes with its own pressure. We think... we know our targets are planning another job, and we’re on their trail. I’ve got the whole circus on instant response alert. The threat to life is severe. And it’s on our patch.’
Once Dylan started telling Jen the history of the evil pair, the developments and what they anticipated, it was as if the flood gates had been opened in his mind. Eventually, while he dropped in and out of sleep, it was Jen’s turn to lay wide awake watching the shadows on the ceiling long into the night. Firearms, would the mention of that word haunt her forevermore after she had found his file on that dreaded day and learned what he had experienced in his past? Maybe he hadn’t been the one to kill the criminal in the act of committing the crime, but then again maybe he had. No one would ever know - and it was his job that fateful day, along with his colleagues, to protect with the use of firearms, the lives of innocent people.
To Jen’s surprise Dylan suddenly spoke to her, as if he hadn’t been asleep - although she knew he had. ‘Jen, I won’t be near any firearms, not this time - well not if I have anything to do with it. Remember, I lead from the back now, in what the hierarchy love to call the theatre of operations - a lovely windowless, artificially lit room full of computers. Sweaty, highly charged officers all with the same adrenaline rush are my only threat in there - so don’t worry.’
When sleep looked like it was a consideration, she kissed him softly on the cheek, turned over and nestled in his strong arms that turned to envelope her. ‘Jack Dylan,’ she said softly ‘I do love you.’
He smiled to himself and held her until the alarm at five thirty separated them.
Dylan was sure if something was going to happen, it would be today.
Chapter Twenty Seven
Detective Inspector Terry Hawk managed to get some good quality sleep on his watch overnight, so much so, that he wasn’t ready to head straight off to his hotel. It was apparent when Dylan got to the station that everyone had the same feeling of imminent action - today was going to be the day. The Devlin brothers were due to book out of their hotel room. Would they end up coming face to face with the officers on operation Artichoke? It was highly probable. Hopefully their next room would be the police cells.
The police were prepared and their firepower collectively was far greater in number than the criminals. However, it didn’t always follow that things went to plan. Everything had been done that c
ould be done to prevent harm to the public. Members of the firearms team, volunteers in the role, were highly trained and tested regularly. Confrontation was something they consistently trained for. Firing their weapons was the last resort in life-threatening situations, but there were never any guarantees. Each and every one of them had a part to play. The camaraderie was palpable in the briefing - the tension and adrenalin was almost tangible. Some officers had years of experience under their belt, for others, it was their first operation, each hung on the firearms tactical advisor and detective inspector’s words.
The officers deployed were in situ, ready and waiting for the confrontation should it arise. In the command room, the wait for any movement seemed like an eternity. Dylan’s mind took him back to the day he took the oath to be a police officer. He had stood in the Court room, in full uniform, stiff collar, shiny shoes, helmet in hand - the helmets, when new, left a red ring around the forehead, as it had that day. His trousers, back then, had razor sharp creases. His shoes bulled-up so that he could see his face in them; bible in hand in front of the magistrate, ‘I Jack Dylan do solemnly and sincerely declare, that I will well and truly serve the Queen, in the office of constable, with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding fundamental human rights and according equal respect to all people; and that I will, to the best of my power, cause the peace to be kept and preserved and prevent all offences against people and property; and that while I continue to hold the said office I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge the duties thereof faithfully according to the law.’ He had known the words verbatim although on that occasion, nerve-racking as it was, he had read them from a cue card.
Side by side, Dylan and Terry stood in the command room adjacent to the incident room waiting for the events to unfold with trepidation. Terry had hit the nail on the head when he said, ‘We might all be police officers Dylan but above all we are human beings. Can you feel the adrenalin starting to build?’
‘Not quite like the old days Terry. We would have been out there waiting for instructions, with others, ready to strike. Rather than back here in the safety of these four walls.’
‘Somebody’s got to do it Dylan and I bet the teams are glad it’s me and you in here and not some university graduate who may understand the theory, but never had the sweat run down their back in a life threatening situation. Mind you, if I’m honest, knowing what I do now I’d rather be here. I don’t miss the hours in the back of a police van waiting for the command to strike do you?’ Terry gave a nervous laugh. Dylan knew the pressure was on.
‘What did they use to call the mobile command unit, Enterprise, wasn’t it? It was no bloody starship though was it?’
A voice came over the radio that silenced them.
‘An unmanned police patrol car is positioned in the driveway at Thornton House, as requested sir,’ said Jon.
‘Have we managed to get any units freed up for high visibility at Sibden Hall Jon,’ Dylan asked.
‘I’m being told we don’t have a free police vehicle at our disposable to cover both the Sibden Hall entrances.’
Dylan knew the helicopter had been up in the skies over Keighley that morning, assisting a search for a vulnerable missing person. The mounted branch had also been called out to assist. They were able to cover the ground at pace and had been successful in locating the missing man in a semi-conscious state behind a drystone wall.
‘Jon, looking at the log, I see there were two mounted officers in attendance, a PC Dodswoth and PC Lawrenson. Do we know if they are en route back to HQ? If so, they shouldn’t be far from Sibden Hall and could do us a great favour. We desperately need some visual presence at the Hall, and quick. Get control to give them an urgent call will you, that way I can keep this channel free?’
‘Will do sir.’
‘Another marked car might’ve looked a bit suspicious anyway,’ said Terry.
‘I was worried the activity overhead might spook the Devlins but the flight path was not within our proximity fortunately,’ said Dylan.
‘Too true, that could’ve knackered everything.’
The radio cackled. ‘Sarah and Marie are diverting to Sibden to do the high visibility for us. They are presently on the A58 and their ETA is five minutes.’
‘That should give the Devlin’s a shock to see police on horseback at Sibden Hall should they choose to go there,’ Dylan chuckled.
‘John and Duncan have arrived with the dogs and are in situ at Filby Hall sir,’ said Jon over the airways.
Dylan was taking the lead as agreed, since it was in his force area, and both he and Terry sat in silence, listening intently, senses alerted to any radio message. Officers were disciplined and there would be no unnecessary chat over the airways.
The next message came over the radio: ‘Mounted police parading in Sibden Hall.’
But the second message was what they were waiting to hear. ‘Targets one and two out of the hotel in possession of a suit carrier and small black bag.’
The commentary continued. ‘Targets one and two are in the Jaguar. Suit carrier placed in the boot. Small black bag inside the vehicle. We have an off, off. Targets on the move.’
‘Armed, Jack, do you think?’ said Terry his brow furrowed.
Dylan nodded once. ‘One of those times Terry when we do make assumptions, and we’re more than ready for them. I won’t put our officers in danger. If they are not armed, which is highly unlikely, it will make the challenge so much easier. I’m putting the designated evidence securing team for the Quarry Hotel on standby, now ready to move in.’
The radio crackled only with commentary from the surveillance team on the dedicated channel - that no one other than the officers on the operation could hear. Officers on the teams could talk to each other - but only if necessary.
The black Jaguar was heading in the direction of Thornton House; a matter of minutes away. The main road was the one that the Devlin brothers had travelled the day before. Traffic was sparse.
‘Target vehicle slowing down at the entrance of Thornton House, it appears that they have eyeballed the police car and have pulled away. Dylan took a deep breath; he could see relief on Terry’s face.
The radio playing loud music in the Devlin’s car was suddenly turned off and at last the officers could hear the brothers converse - although they said very little.
To ensure those present in the command room didn’t miss anything, the room remained silent. The surveillance team leader was also able to listen in and gain early indications of what the brother’s intentions were.
At times like these Dylan realised how difficult it must be for a visually impaired person, reliant on what others could see and relay to a third party. In the past the command room would have been full of smoke from cigarettes. Officers chain smoking to help them cope with the tension. Dylan had to rely on the clarity of the information he was hearing because, from it, he would have to make instant decisions. The images he had in his mind’s eye were being created by others as he sat staring at four stark, grey walls.
‘We have a left, left into the entrance of Sibden Hall, vehicle stationary, hold your positions, be aware target vehicle reversing back out onto the carriageway.
It was obvious from the occupants of the car’s conversation that they had immediately seen the police horses.
‘Fucking hell they’ve sent the cavalry after us!’ Dylan heard them say loud and clear.
He turned to Terry and they shared a brief smile - one of relief.
Clifton was a large piebald full shire police horse who was positioned in the centre of the driveway after traversing the park, experienced police officer Sarah Dodsworth on his back. PC Marie Lawrenson, her colleague, was riding Dylan’s favourite chestnut, Fimber. Marie’s ‘little ginger friend.’ Police horses and dogs were great ambassadors for the force as well as doing a great job saving lives and helping to prevent crime. The force didn’t have any better profiles.
‘Thank god the Devlins
reversed out of there, Sarah and Marie had no armed support,’ said Dylan.
‘So only one place left on our list Jack.’
‘If we have read everything correct our diversions should push them towards Filby Hall where we are ready and waiting.’
The commentary was now continuous. ‘All officers at Filby Hall be aware target vehicle is now heading in your direction.’
‘Vehicle right, right from carriageway into the driveway at Filby Hall. Jaguar accelerating down the driveway, passenger may be holding a hand gun. Jordy, Silver commander you should have eyeball, the commentary is yours.’
‘All units, target vehicle skidding to a halt outside the front door. Both driver and passenger out, out. From visual both armed with handguns and walking swiftly towards the front door,’ said Jordy, the firearms tactical commander, who spoke quickly to keep up with the Devlin brothers’ movements.
Dylan’s heart was in his mouth.
‘Strike! Strike!’ came the call.
Dylan held his breath as armed units sped down the driveway. Armed officers housed within the building showed themselves. Shouts could be heard as armed units pulled up behind the two men and took up their positions using their vehicles as protection.
‘Armed police! Armed police! Put your weapons down now! Armed police, weapons down now!’ The challenge was loud and clear. The Devlins were surrounded on all sides. ‘Put your weapons down now!’
The next thing that Dylan heard was gunshots. Bile rose in his throat, his heart raced. Terry looked at his colleague without speaking. There were a few seconds delay before he heard.
‘Bronze Commander shots fired, one suspect down not moving, one down moving very slightly. Officers moving in. Threat neutralised. One suspect confirmed dead. Ambulance required urgently to the scene, please.’
When The Killing Starts: A DI Jack Dylan novel Page 30