***
Terry Bayliss ran all of the way from Chancery Lane through the tunnels to Goodge Street where John was examining his command map. ‘John, we have a development’ he said breathlessly. ‘We’re getting reports in from all over the place that the Army have withdrawn. There are no troops on the ground, none at the Conpens, they have disappeared from view.’
‘Today is the day of the executions Terry and maybe it’s gone ahead despite my letter and they’re still returning to barracks.’
‘I don’t think so. I’ve been in touch with Manchester and they have a similar situation. Leeds, Birmingham are the same. There appears to have been a mass withdrawal. There’s not a single squaddie on the streets anywhere.’
‘Ok,’ John mused stroking his chin ‘this may be a good time to put our final plan into action.’
‘Do you think we’ll have enough time, they could come back out at any time?’
‘That’s true, but we have a better chance now than we’ve ever had. Let’s get all of our commanders and team leaders together. Call them in from whatever operation they are on. We’ll meet here at 5 pm. In the meantime get some feelers out to find out what’s going on.’
The streets were safer for the moment, which meant it was less of a risk for John to meet up with Graham. A meeting was arranged rapidly and John was happy to see Graham again.
Graham confirmed the Army withdrawal. ‘Yes John, the troops were pulled away from any duties that supported the Police this afternoon. As a result, the Deputy Commissioner is being very cautious and is keeping a low profile. He’s not been summoned by Garside yet so we think he’s not aware of what is going on. From what I can gather the executions did not take place at midday as planned but what else happened we don’t know.’
John told him about the letter he sent to Carsforth, which may have explained why the men had not been shot, but he couldn’t understand why there had been such a rapid withdrawal. Something else went on there today and he had a warm feeling about whatever it was.
John returned to his command centre and prepared for his meeting. In the meantime, Garside was starting to get wind of what was happening or more to the point not happening on the streets. His cabinet was quickly gathered together.
‘Deputy Police Commissioner, can you please enlighten me on what is going on in the streets of our capital city?’ Garside asked ‘and where is General Carsforth?’
‘I’m afraid I can’t answer either of those questions First Minister. I don’t know why the Army have removed themselves from their posts and I have been unable to contact General Carsforth. I do know that the military are back at their bases, which are in lock down mode so my Officers have been unable to gain access. I believe the same has happened in all of the major conurbations where troops are based.’
Garside had fear etched all over his colour drained face. ‘I don’t care how it’s done I want to bloody well know what the hell is happening and I want Carsforth in my office right now. Deputy Commissioner if you value your position you will get me answers before the day is out. If you do not then, I’ll see to it that you will be removed from your current lofty position with ignominy.’
The Policeman stood up, his face reddened with suppressed anger, ‘will that be all Sir? If so I shall return to my duties,’ he turned and walked out.
Garside shouted and spluttered ‘where the hell is Mason if he were here he’d get me answers.’ His Cabinet lackeys just grunted and nodded their heads.
Garside dismissed his colleagues with specific instructions to find answers by fair means or foul. He then retreated to his private office and poured himself a large whiskey.
John Judge Page 53