by John Morris
Dan received the keys, in exchange for a three hundred pound cash deposit. Percy hand wrote a basic agreement of terms, and issued receipts. They were signed, a copy given to each, the third kept by himself. Dan was assured all services to the house would be available by evening, including landline and internet.
They thanked Misses Nicholas, and walked back toward the inn. Dan was unusually quiet, until Percy probed, “What’s up Dan?”
“Tongues are going to be wagging, if they aren’t already. I … we need to keep a lid on this. Do they have a village council?”
“Of sorts. They meet in the pub lounge every month or so. What’s on your mind?”
“Well, rather than have the locals yapping to all and sundry, probably inventing things as well. I think we should speak to all the residents tonight, say seven-thirty. What do you think?”
“Inclusion, draw them all into the scheme. Sounds good, but we’ll need to plan it.”
“Yes, but not too much. I’ll presume the best place to hold it is the inn’s restaurant.”
“Yes, it’s the only place large enough. Eight o’clock might be better.”
“Let’s have a word with the landlord. He seems an agreeable fellow. I’ll need you to inform each household, including local farmers, and everyone who is regular to this village. I want them all there if possible.”
Agreement was reached, and the meeting scheduled for eight o’clock. It cost Dan fifty pounds, but it was well worth it. Their next call was on Slugger Bates, the local man of wildlife, a poacher to be precise.
Percy rapped the door, and when it opened, he said, “Slugger, we need to have a word with you, can we come in?”
His eyes darted around furtively. “Ain’t done nothing.”
“I never said you had. I heard you may have a hide for rent.”
“Ooh, maybe I has. It’ll cost you though. Better we talk outside.”
The man was awkward to deal with, but Percy persevered, and the poacher showed them a fine hide. It was a wooden structure of sectional design, which was screwed together. There was a door and a long slit of a window at eye level when seated. It was solid, and ideal.
Percy made the deal, with Dan’s nod of approval, and cash was exchanged. They left for the hill at once, and were joined by Slugger ten minutes later. By then, with the aid of daylight, they had determined the ideal location, and helped Slugger and his lads carry the sections uphill. Dan ensured Percy did no heavy lifting.
Once the main components were in place, Dan put a tenner in his palm, and shook Sluggers hand. “Come to the inn restaurant tonight, if you want to find out what’s going on.”
“You’ll be hunting people from here I dare say. I may be there. Maybe have some’ut more for thee then, depending upon what you’re about. Folks round here don’t take kindly to strangers.”
They left at once, and were running behind the day’s clock, but were well ahead of the overall schedule. Having the hide in place was a major bonus. As they approached Dan’s car, Percy said, “I should call in.”
Dan replied, “No, they will have received your secondment by now. The priority is to see the bridge, and visit that boatman you mentioned last night. I need to recover the body before anyone else does.”
“The bridge it is then. The boatman lies just off the other road west, best accessed via Lower Meddlington.”
The police car stopped on the bridge, and they both examined the videos. Agreement was reached, and the point located. Dan found some scraps of human remains, and bagged the exhibits for DNA match. He produced some wax marker chalk from a plastic wallet in his bag, and marked the downside of the bridge. “So I know how far to come up river. Where does this lead?”
“To the Ouse, and The Wash, eventually. It may look turgid, but there is an undercurrent that gets stronger. The body will be a lot farther north than you imagine.”
Dan took several pictures, and a short video, with commentary, before they headed back to the village. Percy left immediately, and Dan reversed his car. He was about to leave, when Cathy came running over.
“Dan, thank God I caught you. I meant to give you this.”
She handed over a plastic bag, with a small calibre casing inside. “We found this at the bridge. I picked it up with a tissue, longwise, so if there are prints, you should be able to get them.”
Dan peered at the contents, before breaking into a wide smile, and hitting the steering wheel in pleasure. “Thanks Cathy, even without prints, the casing can tell us a great deal. You are the star!”
Thinking quickly, weighing trust versus opportunity, and needfulness, he added the scrapings of skull and brain matter, and put them with Cathy’s offering, in a small, sealed bag. “Cathy, I’m going to be away for most of today. Can you keep this for now, and put it in the refrigerator. I’ll arrange for someone to collect it.”
“Yes, I think so.”
“Thank you, I need to make a call, don’t leave yet.”
Dan walked out of earshot, and when his secure call ended, he quickly closed the distance between them. “Cathy, later this afternoon, someone called Timothy will knock on your door. The password is ‘fluttering biodegradables’. Got that?
“Keep the chain on the door, and call me. I will verify who he is, and then you give him the packages. Do you understand?”
“Yes. You really do all this cloak and dagger stuff? Great!”
Dan was about to tell her about the meeting that night, but thought better of it. The evidence was more important, he needed to get that back to those that could decipher the clues.
Twenty minutes later, he pulled up outside Lower Meddlington police station, and was immediately escorted to the Inspector’s office. As Dan approached, he saw Percy standing to attention outside the office door. Before he could greet the man, the door opened, and a woman in uniform of rank said, “Good morning. I am Inspector Felicity Wigglesworth, Chief Police Officer of this station. Gentlemen, please come in. So, what’s this all about? Agent Glover?”
Dan proffered his ID. Percy added, “I verified it personally.”
“Thank you, that’s on file. You did not answer my question.”
Dan sat down and replied, “There’s little of worth, at this stage. Other than one of our best agents was in Syria on Friday, and was assassinated near here, on Monday. I need to fill in the blanks. Ma’am.”
“I understand. You will share with us?”
“We may come to rely on you and this police station for support.”
“Why Percy?”
“Because he filed the information that drew us here. He’s old-school. He knows the locals, and has good knowledge of my main points of interest. Please place old Huntley Spar aerodrome, and the industrial trading estate, out of bounds to all officers, until I inform you otherwise. Major incidents excepted of course. Percy will deal with anything minor. This is critical to the success or failure of my mission. We must ensure they continue to operate freely, Ma’am.”
“And your mission is?”
“Combating international terrorism. Something odd is happening at that airfield, and I need the time and resources to get to the bottom, to understand the all of it. Otherwise, life continues as normal, until we discover just what is going on. I’ll be in regular touch. Here’s my personal phone number, but don’t give it out, Ma’am.”
“Touché. I’ll need you to sign these release forms. Here, and here. Percy, are you all right with this?”
“Never better, Ma’am.”
“All right then, dismissed Constable. Agent Glover keep me posted.” At that moment she pressed a button on her mobile. Dan’s phone rang. She continued, “That’s my number. Speak to you soon.”
The men hurried away. Percy said, “She’s a fine policewoman, but too good for being stuck here. She upset the wrong person, or so I hear tell. She’s all modern policing, and people around here don’t get that.”
“Time warp. I’ll follow you in my car, and we’ll visit the boatman. I must find the body toda
y. You recruit the retired cops, and set up our new base of operations. I’ll be back for the meeting.”
Chapter 4 ~ Gone Fishing
Peter ‘Corky’ Mortimer owned a cottage down by the river, near the road, but off the beaten track. “Peter,” Percy enthused, “Good to see you. How’s life treating you?” Percy tried to get a look as Peter flicked the corner of a tarpaulin over a pile of something dark. “I’d like to introduce you to a good friend of mine, Dan Glover.”
The men shook hands. “Dan Glover, MI6.” Peter scrutinized the ID.
Percy continued introductions. “Dan’s looking for something in the river, and needs to hire you, and your boat for the day. Is that okay?”
A deal was struck, and Percy left them to get on with it. He had a lot of work to do, and reasoned that if they did not find the body, Dan would not be back in time for the start of the meeting. He headed home, as keeping his wife happy was his first concern. He would then visit the two ex policemen in turn. He called the first of them. “Charlie, you in today? … Good, mind if I drop by?”
As they prepared to embark Corky said, “So where’re we headed young man? Not fishing I presume.”
“Fishing, maybe. I’m looking for a body I know to be somewhere along this river, where I don’t know.”
Dan produced a large scale Ordinance Survey map, and pointed at a bridge upstream. “The man, whose body I must locate, was executed here around five in the morning, on Monday. That’s where we go, then follow the current for as long as it takes.”
“A body eh. That’ll be a long ways north by now. But I guess it could have got snagged on something. We should go north.”
“We go south to the bridge. Begin from the beginning. Let’s be thorough, but quick about it.”
Dan knew Corky was correct, but he needed to cover all unknowns. They lost thirty minutes, but to Dan it was valid. Corky returned to base and refuelled. While he was occupied, Dan invited the Inspector to attend the evening meeting. They headed north, and kept going.
The sun was high in the sky when Corky said, “The thing is, if this body is travelling downstream, main current, it will be much farther north. I think we can get there before nightfall. Want to give it a shot?”
“Yes. By this time the stomach will be distended, the corpse face-up. It shouldn’t be hard to spot, but zigzag the wider parts of the river.”
Dan kept studious watch, using a pair of sophisticated binoculars. It was later that afternoon when Corky said, “We should be getting in the right area now. The body will be around here somewhere.”
Dan’s mobile phone rang, and he spoke to Cathy and the operative. He cleared Tim with Cathy and added, “Can you stall him a little, offer him a cup of tea or something … Thanks.”
Some minutes later Dan saw something large floating to one side. The boat broadsided a dead body, as if in hold. “That your man, Dan?”
Dan spoke to the dead body bobbing in front of them. “Oh Simon Walters, how strange to find you here.”
He glanced at Corky, before adding, “He was a dear friend. Here, put on these sterile gloves, and help me get him into this body bag. Maybe that patch of grassy shore over there would work best.”
They worked as a team. It was not easy until the body was on the shore and they were able to roll it into the body bag. “Mission accomplished, thank you Corky. I’ll leave you a large tip, but your lips remain sealed. Understand?”
Dan called Cathy. “Yes he’s still here, I’ll put him on.”
“Tim, I need you to stay until I get there. I found what remains of Simon … Sure, help Percy out if you need something to do. I’ll be as quick as I can. Bye.”
“Corky, let’s get back, and don’t spare the horsepower.”
“We have a speed limit, to preserve the river bank.”
Dan smiled and looked at him intently. “I need to be back before dusk. My day is far from done.”
“Aah. A very large tip it be then. Hang on.”
They sped back, docking earlier than Dan expected. Corky helped Dan get the body into the boot of his car and shook Corky’s hand. “Thanks. Your pay and your tip. Remember this is top secret, so don’t breathe a word about me, or our little adventure today. Lips sealed, or you may end up like Simon. I’m running late for another appointment, so must dash. But thank you.”
Dan returned to his car, and floored the throttle. The sun was setting, a glance as his watch told him it was gone seven o’clock. He arrived in the village just before eight, and found a small gathering at their new base of operations. The grass of their car park had been mown, and several cars were parked on it.
Tim came out of the back door to greet him. “Hi Dan, you found him then.”
“Yes, he was a long way downstream. Open your boot and well get this transferred.”
Once in Tim’s SUV, he said, “You sure it’s Simon?”
“Yes, certain.” Dan unzipped the bag near the head, and Tim said, “That’s Simon all right, confirmed.”
Dan zipped the bag up and added, “Apart from manhandling the body on to the river bank, and into this, I’ve touched nothing. So should you. Leave it for our forensics guys and preferred mortician.”
“Got yah. Cathy gave me the other stuff, so I’ll head home. This place is miles from anywhere. I’ll be back in a couple of days with more fuel for the generator, and whatever else you may need.”
As the car receded, Percy came to join him. “Good timing Dan, you found the body I gather.”
“Yes, it was a long way north. A good result though. How’s your day been?”
“Busy. I sent the others out the front door. Misses Nicholas is guiding them. It’ll let us chat on the way. I told the wife I was seconded on a special operation, but little else. She is not expecting me home for a few days.
“My ex-colleagues were keen to help out, and will start tonight. We’ve each taken a bedroom in the house. Oh, here’s a full set of keys for you. I presumed you would remain at the inn.
“Tim set up a lovely small generator, which is very quiet, so the hide is ready for use. He also fitted a telescope with digital camera. He says it’s the bee’s knees. Later, he also helped carry things from next door. Misses Nicholas is a widow, and has taken a mother hen role. Her cooking is excellent. She’ll be the one to spread hopefully good gossip about us.”
“Sounds like home from home. Well-done Percy. I invited your leader to attend. I think she’ll appreciate the inclusion, but she is not to present anything. I haven’t had time to prepare any notes, but I know what I’ll say, and we keep this as short as possible. They know you, so please make the introductions. Anything else? We’re almost there.”
The meeting began a little late, as people ordered drinks, and children ran around within a buzz of excitement. The landlord had called in extra staff, and orders were soon filled.
Percy began, “Ladies and Gentlemen. Boys and Girls. We will not keep you long, but I know you will be wondering about this stranger in our midst, and what he and his colleagues are about.
“Rather than have idle tongues wagging, and jumping to the wrong conclusions, we decided to include you all in what is happening.
“Most of you will recognise my former colleagues, Charlie Sidebotham and Ben Hinckley. They have kindly agreed to help our team for the next few days. To the rear of the room, please stand Ma’am, is Inspector Wigglesworth, head of the local constabulary, and my boss. She is also here to learn what we are about. Thank you, Ma’am. Last, but by no means least, is Dan Glover of MI6. Dan if you please.”
“Thank you Percy, all of you for attending. MI6 do work in England, on international cases. Today, I recovered the body of a dear friend, and one of our undercover agents. On Friday he was in Syria. A few hours ago, I found his body in a nearby river. He had been executed. I am here to discover how he came to be in this country, and murdered on Monday, early morning.
“All we know for certain, at this stage, is that he was on a coach that left the old
aerodrome on the other side of the hill. I strongly suggest nobody goes there, or shows the slightest interest in the place, or you may also end up dead. Do I make myself clear?”
Voices murmured, shock plainly visible on many faces. Dan continued, “You will obviously talk amongst yourselves, as some are doing now. Please listen up!
“I do not want one word of this leaking from anyone in this village. Consider yourselves to be resistance fighters, like in the last war. Keep us, and yourselves, safe. If word gets out to the wrong people, then they will come here and kill all of you: every last man, woman, and child!”
Dan took his seat. The restaurant was silent. Percy waited a few moments before concluding. “What Dan told you is the truth. Say nothing to outsiders, and we will all be safe. Remember, loose lips sink ships. We will stay in case anyone wants to speak to us in person. Thank you for coming, this meeting is now concluded.”
Percy sat down and grinned at Dan. “That was brief, but incisive. They won’t be saying much of anything to strangers.”
The jovial atmosphere of earlier had evaporated, and some people departed hurriedly for their homes. Others sat in groups, talking in low voices. Inspector Wigglesworth thanked them for inclusion, before mixing with those remaining.
Dan noticed the poacher had stayed in his seat, and went over for a word. “What is it Slugger. You got something for me?”
“My place, tomorrow morning around ten.” He rose and left.
Dan’s clique went through to the lounge. Felicity was with them, and ordered a Pernod with lemonade and ice. She talked and laughed with the team, and chatted with Dan. He replied in kind, and without realising it, they somehow became separated from the others.
Dan suggested a table, as he was famished and needed to eat. Felicity joined him, and ordered cucumber sandwiches. She remarked on one dish. “Oh, you have fresh salmon, I simply must come back some time to try this.”
Dan said, “Let me know when you plan to come, and I could join you. I would hate for such a lovely lady to dine alone.”