***
Derek Farson and Paul Cobb had carried out their task and briefed John on the underground situation. Derek said ‘we managed to travel the distance between the two locations but ventilation was bad and travelling through the tunnels in the pitch black wasn’t easy.’
Paul continued ‘We have rigged up an air pump so there’s enough air for the duration of the operation, but I don’t think we have time to sort out lighting. Oh, and, by the way, there is some flooding in the last leg as we go under the Thames between London Bridge and Monument.’
‘That’s a great job, boys. What about timing, how long does it take?’ John asked.
Derek responded, ‘when we realised how bad the air situation was we decided that the pump was the priority so we fixed that first. We then started from Monument station and we reckon it’s just about two miles and because of travelling under torchlight and wading through the flooded sector it took us about one and half hours.’
Paul added, ‘with a group of thirty people or so it may take a bit longer.’
John was pleased. ‘You’ve done a fantastic job guys, thanks. We will meet up again the day after tomorrow.’
Two days later, Mal hid the van that he had acquired a few hours earlier. John and his team including Marie and her support group piled into the dark coloured transit and sped off towards Bermondsey Tube Station. The group offloaded at the rear of the station where Derek and Paul had manufactured a discreet entrance into the underground. The group tentatively edged their way down into the station tunnel. Paul had managed to rig up a temporary light for the briefing.
‘I am glad to say,’ John started, ‘that the tunnels between here and our destination at Monument are reasonably clear. There is no lighting so the journey will be slow and laborious and there is some flooding after we get to London Bridge. But thanks to Derek and Paul, we have an air supply. So, after we have cleared the target and returned here with our package all of the journey will be underground. I am certain that the streets above ground will be extremely dangerous. You and your group Terry should move out now. Everyone please now gear up and let’s stay that way until I give the ok.
Watches were synchronised and Terry’s team moved out. ‘Give us 20 minutes to get ourselves into position and dispose of the van, John. We will see you at 2200 hours.’
‘Good luck guys.’ John warmly shook the hands of each of them.
John Judge Page 9