by John Morris
“Not again! Damn thing.” The driver hollered, “George, it’s that damn brake light again.” Another joined him, possibly the older brother. Dan fixed a bug behind the cab, as they proceeded to check the problem. He left the yard unnoticed; both men fiddling with the rear light cluster.
Chapter 9 ~ Tactical Surveillance
Dan relieved Percy a little after three thirty, having already written up his log, and requested more vehicle transponders. He was pleased the whole picture was now coming together, without the need for twenty-four hour cover at the hide.
Tim called him just before five o’clock. “Hi Dan, I’ll be with you tomorrow afternoon with the camera you requested, and transponders. Anything else you need?”
Time dragged a little, as he watched and waited. Little of note was happening, although vehicles came and went, this was now known. He filled in the logs, and checked them thoroughly, before being left with nothing to do. It was not time wasted. It allowed him to double check, plan, and think.
He heard someone approaching just after six o’clock. Dusk was settling. The door opened, and Felicity entered, the last person he had expected to see. He rose to greet her, hoping for a kiss, as his spirits lightened immediately. She dodged his advance playfully, and said, “I thought it time I checked up on British Intelligence, saw for myself what you are up to. Tell me what’s going on.”
Dan explained to her, as if she were a trainee, and she adapted quickly. Later he told her about his day, and his thoughts on taking the operation forwards. “Of course, I cannot define a plan until your father receives and actions my high-level request.”
“Apparently, and completely unofficially, he has already actioned it, to be deleted if the request is denied. He seems to think it won’t be. You know, he always wanted to make Group Captain, like his father before him. Being sent to Trimingham seemed to put a cap on that, but this new operation is at Group Captain level, so his dream may yet come true after all. I just hope they don’t send somebody else in above him.”
“I’ll see what I can do. He seems to be a gentleman.”
“Hmmm. He can be a bit of a tyrant at times, but I suppose he has his reasons.”
“Yes, the job can change a man, or woman. You okay last night?”
“Yes ... No. It was awful. A car came out of a side road, smack into the middle of a car travelling fast, which skewed into another car at speed, travelling in the opposite direction. None will live. The car in the side road was driven by a foreigner, and seemed to pull out into the wrong side of the road.”
“Mind if I have a look at the case file. This could be related to illegal immigrants, or the aerodrome. Have forensics check for terrorist links. It’s a long shot, but may throw something up.”
“Not worth it. He was Hispanic, American.”
“Okay, forget it. You worked late?”
“Yes, very late. Thanks for your text. It came in just before recovery vehicles arrived. I spent this morning doing the paperwork, and chasing reports from others. I’ll keep you informed of developments.”
They talked through her experience, until her mood seemed to lighten. “Oh! Dan, I may have a lead for you. Chief Inspector Lovell, on duty as cover, had to come out from Norwich, because of the number of deaths involved. He was my station boss when I was Sergeant there, and we always got on extremely well together, professionally that is.
“While we were marking time, waiting for others to turn up, I mentioned about the Asian community centres, and it seems Norwich now has three. There was only one in my day, a few years ago. The thing is, I know the liaison officers personally, worked with them, so maybe we should begin on my home turf, as it were.”
“Definitely, agreed. Insider knowledge. Knowing how the system operates does it for me.”
“I had to tell him a little about what we are up to. He was most supportive, and offered to do a station visit on Tuesday. That, effectively, gives me one day off. He will need to see you there, before we leave, so be there for nine a.m., and don’t be late.”
“Tuesday it is. Norwich and then the others, or can we fill in some blanks on Monday?”
“Possibly? No, doubtful given the travelling time. My time would be better spent clearing up the current mess. There are other crimes on our books you know.”
“No problem. I also have a lot on my plate, and it would suit me, if my surveillance request is approved on time, to spend Monday afternoon with your father.”
They heard two voices approaching, and returned to the duty of the moment, watching for nothing. Felicity said, “This seems pointless.”
Dan replied, “It is for most of the time, until something happens, then it is worthwhile. I hope that by tomorrow evening, I can start scaling this down, but I could do with Percy for another week. We’ll move operations back to the shop-come house I rented.”
The door opened, and the pair came in. Ben said, “Dan, Ma’am, we came up a few minutes early, thinking you may have plans for this evening.”
“Thank you both, but no plans as yet. We were discussing the larger operation, but good timing all the same. I’ll relieve you likewise in the morning.” A short debrief followed, as Felicity listened to what they were about.
Dan and Felicity wandered back to the inn, sharing small thoughts and smaller secrets. It was fun between them. Felicity headed directly for the bedroom, but Dan stole a quick shower first, setting the bath to run for her.
Back in the bar, Dan asked for a rare drink. “Brian, a large, and I mean long-glass, of Pernod with a decent Lemonade, not that stuff out of the dispenser. Make it twice as large as previous.”
“Ooh. I got some Whites set aside, that do fer yer?”
“Ideal. One third Pernod, two-thirds lemonade, but on the rocks.”
“A slice of lime atop. Would that be shaken or stirred, sir?”
“Stirred. We don’t want it to go bang, too much lemonade involved. Brian, do you, or anyone, have any of those scented candles to put around a bathtub?”
“Bath salts, bubble bath, yes. I’ll ask the girls. The same for you Dan?”
“Yes, my usual, a pint of your excellent Old Crudgy real ale, but pour it when I come back down.”
As Brian stirred the concoction, Gwen hurried up to him. “Dan, I got these, and they’re a bit old, but should set the scene.”
“Thanks Gwen, what do I owe you?”
“They’re free, but replace them before you leave.”
A minute later, Dan knocked and entered his bathroom. Felicity was luxuriating in the tub, with her nose just above the waterline. He lit the candles, and set the bath salts nearby. He pulled the plug, and half draining the bath to her protests, topped up with fresh hot water. She chose to add bubble bath, and he turned out the main light.
Coming to her side he whispered, “Sit up, I need to massage your neck.”
Afterwards, he eased her back down to a lying position, and with a peck on the lips, left her to enjoy the moment, knowing he had smoothed taught muscles with his ministrations.
In time she came down, they drank, ate, and drank a little more. Later, they went to bed, and were asleep minutes later, their libidos stilled by the stresses of the day.
They woke early, and were late out of bed.
Dan had set the alarm for six, knowing what might occur that morning. He arrived early for start of shift, and relieved Ben and Charlie. He remembered looking back at the girl from the door, the woman who was becoming a central feature of his thoughts, but dismissed her saying aloud, “It could never work out. Damn it!”
His internal conflict was replaced moments later, with the sounds of a jet coming in to land. It was new to their schedule, and Dan was immediately attentive. It was a cargo plane. One hundred militia disembarked, before the forklift trucks went in en mass. Dan recorded it as a military operation in the log.
The plane waited near number three hangar, until the red artic arrived. Dan recognized the driver as the younger brother from the transpo
rt yard.
Felicity came to him just before ten. “Bacon butties and a flask of coffee. You shouldn’t skip breakfast. I’ll be gone until tomorrow, so drop by the station late Monday morning, I may have more for you.”
She pecked him on the lips, and departed. Dan followed her with his eyes, until she was out of sight. Her countenance was replaced by Cathy’s, hurrying up the hill.
“Sorry Dan. We were all set to leave, and then Kevin started vomiting, shaking, it was scary. We had to wait for the doctor to come out. Neville is as bad. Something that Lizzie got them to try.”
“Drugs. Stupid boy.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I know. He’ll be fine. Give him water, simple sugars, and a little vegetable soup. By tonight, he’ll be normal again. I’ll do today’s shift, but may need a short break later. Go, look after your boy.”
“Thanks Dan, I wanted to be here for you, but I did not expect this. I’m glad his father’s on the rig otherwise he would kill Kevin. I must get back. Thanks.”
“Go Cathy, I’m winding this operation down. Soon there will be little point in being here. Look after your family. I’ll catch you later. Now be gone.”
Tim arrived after four, and they set up a movement sensitive camera on the roof of the hide. “You’ll need to run the generator for two hours each day, and not more than two days without running it. But once the electric fires and cooker are not needed, the solar power pack I’ve fitted will be more than enough. It’s already running the camera and transmitter.”
“Okay Tim, I got that. I’d prefer to situate the receiver up in my hotel bedroom, as I distrust the house environment, too many people I don’t know. But, neither do I want people in my bedroom, so the dining room it will have to be.”
Dan looked down at his phone, knowing he had to make the call. “Hello Cathy, how’s the invalid?”
“Sleeping. His natural colour has returned, he is breathing normally at last, and he seems much better. Chris is out playing with the other kids. But you have a reason for calling. You need me?”
“Sorry Cathy, but could you relieve me for ten minutes, maybe twenty? I need to be somewhere else for a short time.”
“Yes, okay. I’m not doing anything much right now, but I don’t want to be away long, just in case.”
“Of course, I’ll be as quick as I can.”
Once Cathy arrived, the pair made their way to the house, and began to set up. Misses Nicholas poked her nose in a couple of times, using the pretext of making them drinks. They accepted, but Dan ushered her back to the kitchen.
Dan knew the system, but Tim showed him some new features, and they were done. “Tim, security is my worry, have you a spare lock in your SUV?”
“Yeah, I’ve got a padlock with three keys, want me to install it?”
“Yes please, on the outside so nobody can get in without authority. I better relieve Cathy.”
“Okay Dan. I still need to tidy up the main installation, and permanently fix a better transceiver. The pub food any good?”
“Yes, very good.”
“Okay, I’ll stay and eat here. It means I should miss any weekend traffic hold ups. I caught a couple on the way up.”
Dan ran up the hill, and relieved Cathy. She was a little twitchy, obviously concerned for her son. Dan sent her quickly on her way, adding, “I think this is the last time we will be needing you, but no guarantees. Unexpected things can happen.”
“Tell me about it. I never expected to see Kevin in that state, and will ensure I never do again.”
When Ben and Charlie appeared, Dan stayed to tell them about the new camera, and that this night would likely be their last night shift. “The camera is on the roof here, and running, so tonight is to double check we are not missing anything.”
Ben asked with a slightly furrowed brow, “Will you still need us after that?”
“Yes, I think so. Percy is the local, rural community relations officer, and we have some things to check out. I would like to maintain a daytime presence at the house we use, and have set aside the dining room as our new office. We’ll train you both over the next couple of days, once you’ve adjusted to day shift.”
Ben’s worry seemed to have eased. “So, an office job. I always fancied one of those. I’ll take tomorrow off and report back on Tuesday?”
“No. Wednesday, say mid morning. I’ll be busy on Tuesday, and regardless, it takes more than twenty-four hours to change your body clock around. I presume you can both use computers.”
Ben nodded his head, but Charlie said, “I have tried to use them, but my eyes suffer, and sitting for so long has started my sciatica up again. I get a sympathetic twinge in the hip, hence my hobbling.”
“Charlie, why on earth didn’t you say something, we could have changed the job to suit you better.”
“Because I didn’t want to let you down. It’s been a thrill for me, and if you need me for a day or two, I’m available. But if it’s all the same to you, I’d like to make this my last shift.”
“Charlie, go now, we will be fine, won’t we Ben.”
Ben nodded and began to speak, but Charlie cut in. “It’s not nice admitting to yourself that you are getting too old. Excuse me, I need some fresh air.”
After the door closed behind Charlie, Ben said, “Damn, I should have read the signs, picked up on his casual comments, but I judged him by my own body and age. I am several years younger, and fitter, also.”
“Don’t blame yourself Ben, we all missed it.”
“So, what about the new job?”
Dan chuckled. “You need the work?”
“A little extra is most welcome, we are not rich people. We used to live in police housing, but had to buy a new place when I retired and, well, we still have a mortgage to pay off. What about pay and hours?”
“Same pay, eight to five, say, with an hour for lunch. Five-day week. How’s that sound?”
“Admirable.”
Chapter 10 ~ Confronting Misogynism
Pakistani accents speaking English
“Sister, you must stop confronting father. He is the head of this household, and he is displeased with you.”
“Damn you! You have zero idea what my life, my worth will be, if this arranged marriage goes through.”
“Sister, it is our father’s wish, and that of the Imam. It will see us grow greatly as a family.”
“And my life, my future prospects are the price. I do not accept that.”
“No, you will learn to be happy, and to be a good wife.”
“Without a clitoris? Having my lower lips sown up so tightly together, I cannot piss properly. How about I cut off your balls, and see what remains of your manhood.”
“But that is different, men…”
“No brother, it is exactly the same, sexes reversed. You are so majnoun. Allah gave me my body, and I intend to keep it the way of his design.”
“But sister, listen, or I will have to tell father about this. You must agree, a woman’s place is to serve her husband, and Allah…”
The row continued, until their mother entered and spoke sharply to the pair of them. “Waheed, what is this commotion all about?”
“Sister is still refusing to marry, mother.”
“Ayesha, is this true? I thought we had discussed the matter, and you had agreed.”
“To the arranged marriage yes, but not the mutilation of my body, the one Allah gave me.”
“We never should have allowed you to go to that western school, it has poisoned your mind. Waheed, leave us, I will sort this out once and for all.”
The door closed as Waheed left, and the mother began her rant, a cane in hand punctuating each point. “The rules of our family are such, ... ‘Thwack’ ... That your father’s word must be obeyed at all times ... ‘Smack’ ... Do you want me to take you to him? ... ‘Kapow’ ... Perhaps a good beating is what you deserve. ... ‘Wallop’ ...You disgrace us ... ‘Thump’ ... We will ensure you honour your famil
y obligations.
“The wedding is set for your eighteenth birthday, less than three weeks away, and your womanhood will need to be prepared for the special deflowering ceremony. It is a exceptional evening for every woman, the first night of marriage.”
The row continued until her father was called. Ayesha was stripped to her underwear, held down by her mother and brother, other children assisting, and given fifty lashed of her father’s thick leather belt. Her screams were cut off when a rag was forced into her mouth. Her tears fell freely.
Between each lash, using the full force of his arm, the father berated his daughter, threatening many fates worse than death, until she finally agreed. She had expected the lashing to stop, but her father continued, and spoke sutras, as if he were enjoying the pleasure of beating his daughter.
When it was done, she meekly agreed to do whatever her father bade, and fell to the floor in supplication.
Her father looked on with disdain. “Tomorrow you will… No, I am busy. On Tuesday morning you will be freed from the curses of womanhood. You should be grateful to Allah for his blessing. It will be a full surgery, the best. Go to your room and pray for Allah to guide you.”
Up in her bedroom, she was on her knees chanting words of worship to Allah, when her mother came in. Ayesha knew she would come, and showed what her mother expected to see. Her mind was alive with other thoughts, ones hidden in the darkest recesses of her being.
Her mother started to bathe her wounded back and buttocks, while speaking continuously. “I warned you, but you paid no heed. I received several of his beatings, until I learned how to be a good wife to him. That was long ago. Let me advise you on how to be a good wife and mother…”
Her mother droned on and on, describing to the western educated and thinking Ayesha, what amounted to modern slavery. Initially her thoughts were cut off, and she screamed, as the antiseptic scoured her wounds. Later she felt numb, and could concentrate a little better. The wounds were not dressed, and she was told to sleep on her front, allowing the air to cause scabs of healing.