***
The section returned to base via the underground route they took to get to the target and all were unscathed. There was an air of excitement as each discussed the events of the operation which John was about to quash.
‘Quiet! Do not think for one minute that what happened tonight was good. It wasn’t. We were not only compromised and could have got in a serious exchange with, without a doubt, loss of life, but we have now also compromised our target. When the Stapo analyse what we were doing in that area, it will not be long before they realise that there is a connection between Mr Harper and us. So now, we have to extract him before the Stapo get to him. I want no celebration; we earned no bragging rights tonight and all we can be pleased about is that no one was killed. In short, we were careless. So, remember we will not always be so lucky. Now get some rest and think about how we are going to extract Mr Harper.’ The group could see the anger in John’s face.
John, Terry and Alan moved to a quiet area of the tunnel. ‘What do you guys think? How big a risk would it be to get him before the Stapo put two and two together?’ John asked.
Terry responded ‘it’s going to be risky simply because we have to act quickly and I guess we cannot leave it beyond tomorrow night.’
As Alan was about to speak, two men from his section approached the trio. ‘Sorry to interrupt Sir but Brendon and I have an idea about picking up Mr Harper that we would like to talk to you about.’
‘What’s your name son? John asked.
‘Kenny, Sir. I joined you...’
‘Yes I know when you joined us,’ John said suddenly remembering, ‘it was Southwark Park Conpen. I remember it well. You had a chance to leave, but you decided to stay with us. I’m glad that you did son. Ok Kenny, let’s hear what you two have in mind.’
‘Well Sir, neither Brendon nor I are known to the Stapo so we can go above ground with little chance of the Staps picking us up especially during the day. We think that if we go early tomorrow morning before the Police have had a chance to respond to what happened tonight. Then we have a good chance of getting him quietly into the network at Notting Hill Gate.’ Kenny stopped and waited, looking nervously into the faces of his Commanders. There was an uncomfortable silence while John mulled over the proposal.
‘Kenny, Brendon, I believe that may just work, well done. But I need to consider what sort of risk I would be asking you to take, especially if the Stapo has already sussed the situation out and are waiting for us to return. Come back and see us in one hour and we will let you know.’ John was certainly impressed with the two young men’s initiative. ‘What do you think guys is it feasible?’
Alan was first to speak ‘I believe it could work and I don’t think the Stapo will have reacted so quickly. If we wait until tomorrow night, there’s every likelihood that they will be ready for us.’
Terry was quick to agree with Alan, ‘I wonder if there is any way we could provide them with some cover. How about we get Mal Adams involved? If Mal can provide a van, we could have an armed section that would shadow them when they are near the target. First sign of trouble we lift them out.’
‘It’s a good idea Terry, but I don’t want to risk an open confrontation in broad daylight. I believe we have to let them have their heads on this one. It’s a risk I know but I think if they go early then there’s every chance of success. I’m sure we’ll be able to provide some background cover, though. Let’s get them into the planning office and go through the detail.’
A large street plan of London was spread out on the table as the two volunteers entered. John said ‘I’m going to let you run with your idea boys. There will be no short cuts and you are to follow my instructions to the letter. Is that understood?’
Kenny and Brendon both answered in unison, ‘yes Sir.’
‘You will both travel just like every other commuter in the morning. I want you to look the part, so, suits, shirts and ties and carry a newspaper. The public transport will take you to the top of Ladbroke Grove. That is where you will get off. When you reach Kensington Park Gardens make sure, there is no Stapo activity. If there is then abort the operation and return via Notting Hill Gate underground. Only one of you is to enter the apartment, that will be Kenny. Brendon, you must find an adjacent park bench and observe. You will be wired so that there will be emergency communication. A section of men will be positioned at Notting Hill Gate, above ground but out of sight inside the entrance. A similar-sized section will also be based at Holland Park Underground. Both sections will only show themselves if the operation is compromised. It is essential that when we have Mr Harper under our control he is to be moved smoothly and swiftly to Notting Hill Gate. Getting his agreement to come with you as a matter of urgency may need him to be convinced. Kenny, you are to remind him of what happened tonight and that we fear he may now be a target. I noted a small ornament on his mantelpiece last night and I doubt that anyone would know of it unless they had been there. Do not give him my name but just that your commander knows that he has a small porcelain ornament of a tiger on his mantelpiece. That should convince him that you are there on my behalf. Is this clear so far?’
Both men confirmed their understanding.
John continued. ‘Our target may wish to bring changes of clothes with him and possibly items of personal value. You must not allow him to leave that apartment with anything that would indicate he might be going away. Assure him that we will provide him with all that he needs and that over time we will recover his personal items. Members of our team will discreetly watch his apartment. Go now and prepare yourselves for tomorrow and good luck.’
John turned to Terry and Alan. ‘Get the backup crews ready and into position. Alan, take your section to Holland Park. Terry, have Paul Cobb lead the section at Notting Hill Gate. You and I have to get to the other ex-Cabinet members where we can and go through the same process. I am certain that Garside, with a lot of help from Mason’s MI5, will eventually figure out what it is we are trying to do. I am told that Carrington is living in Buckinghamshire and we have the address of the Oxfordshire farm that Harcourt has.’ The two leaders spent the next few hours planning their approach.
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