by John Morris
“The fourth out of five nights, but this is what we do.”
“Thanks, I owe you. Oh, and I won’t tell him much about today, so don’t worry on that score.”
“Good. Go, but tell him enough to keep him interested, we may have need of him in due course.”
“Will do. I better dash, he’s coming back.” She blew a kiss, and the line went dead.
Dan cursed his luck, but supported her actions. He added a few more notes to his log, before heading down to join Percy for a pint, and dinner.
Some miles to the east, the Chief and Felicity entered a good restaurant, and settled down to order. Between service they spoke as friends and colleagues. “Are you happy here Felicity? It’s a bit remote.”
“Yes George, at least for now. It was not what I was expecting when I was promoted, but I guess I upset the wrong man.”
“Ah yes, a certain Chief Superintendent, I believe.”
“You know?”
“I did not, until just now. There have been rumours, and complaints about him, all regards female officers. Did he offer you a deal?”
“Yes. Promotion to a very good posting, but he wanted something I would never consider giving him in return.”
“A sexual service, I presume.” Felicity said nothing, so he continued. “You may be pleased to know he has now been promoted, and will spend his last years on the force at headquarters.”
Felicity beamed with delight. “So, he’s no longer on the promotion board, the one that stuck me here.”
“Correct. He has also been shifted sideways, away from daily operations. But there’s more. I remember you got on very well with our Superintendent, John Stonehouse.”
“Yes, the Super took me under his wing when I became sergeant, and helped me a lot, as you have done. Where’s this going George?”
“Let me top up your wine first ... Our Super has been chosen to take his place, on promotion, and I am to replace him.”
“Oh George, that is wonderful news. Here’s to Superintendent George Lovell.”
She raised her glass and they chinked in toasting. “When does this happen?”
“Oh, it’ll be a while yet, probably a month or two. You know how the system operates. I’ve already accepted the position, but that leaves me with a problem. Who do I replace myself with?”
Felicity stared at him, then smiled. “George, are you suggesting what I think you are?”
“Felicity, you are one of our brightest, and your talents are wasted out here in the sticks. I need the support of a Chief Inspector I trust, and who can do the job, step up as required. You would be my first choice.”
“Oh, but George, thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet, this is what I would like. I can recommend you, and my choice will carry a lot of weight, especially with our ex-Super on the promotion board. But, we have to wait for the right time, and due process. Why I wanted to speak to you tonight, was to discover if you would like the position.”
“Why yes of course. This promotion would be a dream come true, and a great stride forward in my career.” Her elation turned to looking downcast. “But I can’t, until we are done here.”
“The second reason I invited you to dinner, was to ask how your day went. Sharing will help me balance your adherence to duty, versus your quest for promotion.”
“You know I have both qualities, but I’m not the sort to give up midway through a job, just to have an extra pip on my collar. We still need to fully understand what we discovered today, extrapolate, and make checks in places our Constabulary has no right to be. If we are correct, this is more than nationwide. It is pan-European.”
“What, from a few airliners landing per day, I don’t see it.”
“No? Well then, try over two thousand migrants per day, plus militia, weapons and ammo. Every day, landing here. Do the maths.”
George whistled. “I make that three-quarters of a million each year.”
“Our observations of the old aerodrome, make the figure for last week, add up to just over two million illegal’s per annum. There are other previously unknown airfields, just like ours. How does ten million per year strike you, and all from the wrong parts of the Muslim world?”
“Hence MI6. Of course. What are they planning, taking over the Country? Impossible.”
“Oh, we are beginning to believe they intend to take over and Islamify all of Europe.”
“Preposterous!”
“I, we thought so, too. But our observations and enquiries lead us to a quite different conclusion. I am more concerned with where all these invaders are going, and today we got our first angle on what might be going down. It is far too early for me to share details with you, or anyone outside of the core team.”
“So today, you visited Asian community centres, mostly outside of our force’s jurisdiction.”
“Not in an official capacity, but yes. It went rather well overall. We now know where some of these migrants are ending up, and with a strong angle on how they are doing it. And that is the limit of what I can tell you. I expect full discretion. So do not breath a word to a soul, or we will all be dead. I mean that George. You included. I’m telling you this in case we are taken out. We will need somebody to pick up the pieces, and carry on.”
“Understood. I still can’t get my head around the numbers, we usually talk in thousands, but millions.” George shook his head.
Felicity countered, “George, do us both a favour, and see what is happening in Norwich. I don’t need you to go poking your nose in, but as quietly as you can, find out if there are any new housing projects. We’re interested in ones to cope with asylum seekers, or any that are projects run by Muslim organisations. In addition, check charities working with them too. “
“Okay, I’ll nose around, but I know of one already, which has caused a few protests. A new housing estate, the developer is … now let me think … Ah yes, Anglo Asian Holdings. Does this help?”
Felicity was bursting with excitement inside, but kept her emotions in check. She shrugged, appearing almost disinterested. “Check them out, it may lead somewhere. We found similar today, with links to charities, local and county councils, and ‘Asian’ communities. That’s my lot, not another word. So tell me George, how’s your son doing…”
Both enjoyed the meal, and at her request, George dropped her back at the station. “Are you sure you don’t want me to take you home?”
“No George, this is fine. I need to update my personal notes, before tomorrow’s work begins to obfuscate my memory. Thanks for a lovely evening. Oh, and not a word to a soul.”
“Accepted and actioned Ma’am. Talking of which, I would still like to put your name forward as my replacement. These things take months, but your name has to be entered at the beginning.”
“Yes, please do so. I’d love to be back in the city again, and get my career back on track. Thank you George. Ciao.”
She made a brief check with the desk sergeant, before going out the back way, and getting into her car. Her intention had been to go home, relax, and write up her notes. Her mind was awash with discoveries of national importance, and deeply personal significance. She decided to blot it all out, and indulge herself.
Entering the inn, she noticed Dan and Percy in conversation at the bar. Brian noticed her arrival, but she put her finger to her lips. She eased herself unnoticed to the other end of the bar, and whispered to Brian. With his nod, she said loudly, “Brian, one of your long Pernods if you please, shaken and stirred. I feel a bit playful tonight.”
Dan’s eyes had immediately snapped in her direction, and he began to rise. Brian gestured, and both Percy and Gwen motioned him to remain seated. He continued to gaze at her regardless.
The drink was delivered, and she winked at Brian, unseen by others. “Are there any gentlemen in the hostelry this eve?”
“Why no ma’am. Their ilk would’ne be of use in these parts. There be the usual roughnecks and serfs, a couple of comedians, a Shire Reeve,
and a likeable rogue.”
“The rogue it is then, please introduce me to him.”
The mood in the bar had changed. People were no longer talking, but chuckling, all waiting expectantly to witness how this scene would play out.
As Brian guided her towards Dan, she said, “Ahha! I’ve met this rascal before, a most enjoyable companion, if fleeting. Thank you Brian, I’ll take it from here.”
A charade of Queen and Knight ensued, before Felicity said, “Enough Dan, I need to swallow some of this drink. It’s been a day and a half.”
Percy rose to leave them alone, but Felicity said, “Stay Percy, let’s take that quiet table over there, we’ve much to talk about.”
They talked around work, drank, chattered, and released tension. They enjoyed the moment, but soon the long day took its toll, and they all departed for bed.
The next morning, as they got ready to face the new day, Felicity debriefed, and Dan was all-attentive. “I’m not happy you told him quite so much, but then again, you didn’t tell him everything.”
“Dan, he won’t say a word. Anyway, what would happen if a drunk driver took us out, even yesterday? We need others in the know, so that if something happens to us, they realise why, and can pick up.”
“Point taken. So, did we learn anything?”
“Yes we did. You remember the name Anglo Asian Holdings? Well guess what, they are building a housing estate in Norwich. I didn’t tell him I knew the name, but asked him to check it out discreetly. He will also look for associated charities, and council involvement. He can give us names, independent of MI6, plus local involvement.”
“You beauty! Certain things from yesterday begin to take on deeper significance. I’ll go to London this morning, get hands on with the flow of information. I already have somebody running significant checks.”
“Good, I’ll do what I can here, but I need to spend time on my own notes before facing the day ahead.”
“Your office will be full of distractions, so either go home, or use ours.”
“I’ll breakfast with Percy, see your office, but work in my own. I can isolate it when necessary. You’ll be back in time for dinner? I would like to show you our best restaurant in these parts.”
“Yes, delighted. We have a date, seven-thirty for eight.”
They breakfasted at the house. Felicity left for work, and Dan surveyed the office from a working point of view.
When Percy returned, Dan watched him make the daily copy of footage from their camera, and fill in the associated log. Percy then successfully updated his expenses sheet.
“Percy, we are expecting Ben around ten o’clock. After he settles in, I will go to London. Call me when he arrives, as I still have a few things to add to my daily report. Oh, and find out where we can get a filing cabinet, one of those grey metal ones with four drawers and key. This needs to become a real office.”
Back in his room, Dan sent his report, adding a short list of requirements, and a long list of people and companies that needed checking out. He finished with his customary video report, containing his personal appraisal. The Director came online. “Dan, from what I’ve just read, your operation is growing exponentially, can’t you cap it?”
“Doubtful Ma’am. I was planning to drop by this morning and talk to you about it in person.”
“Cannot do. Something else has happened. A suicide bomber on the Underground, with secondary explosions designed to cause more panic and mayhem. It is bad. It was ISIL again. There are foreign elements involved, so we have been called upon.
“I need to keep you away from all this, cocooned. As you point out, we need to exterminate the cause, not be distracted by the effect. For the same reason, I am going to send Alison to you for a few days. She can operate a secure remote office via satellite. She should be with you for late lunch. Anything else?”
“Have we anyone near any of the other four airstrips?”
“No. And I don’t want to involve MI5. You better do it yourself, Alison will bring the cameras and satellite links, plus the other things you requested, but you’ll need to fit them yourself. I’ll add a drill and toolbox. Dan, thank you and stay strong for all our sakes. I have to go.”
Chapter 15 ~ Building the Team
Wednesday became a busy day for Dan, with distractions all around, filled with minutia. He felt frustrated at not making progress, but knew the building blocks for the team to function coherently had to be put in place.
Ben settled into his new role and Alison arrived earlier than expected. Dan knew her quite well, but they had never worked closely together. She was offered a room in the house, but insisted on a room at the inn. “I like to keep work and off time separate.”
At times Dan felt like the local handyman, fitting an automatic door closer to their office, and an automatic lock, similar to a Yale in operation but far more secure, to the door.
A van from Lower Meddlington police arrived with several filing cabinets, extra desks and chairs, cupboards, plus a whiteboard and corkboard. Dan was soon drilling more holes in the wall. Percy explained, “These have been in storage for ages, and Ma’am said we could use them, as long as you sign for them.”
Dan signed, and was asked by Misses Nicholas, “What do you want for lunch?”
“Mix and match buffet, a bit like the hamper you prepared for us yesterday, but more diverse. Add a pork pie and some baguettes.”
“What?”
“Crispy French bread in long stick form, fresh. Percy, please drive her, and get sausage rolls, porkpie from the local butcher. Here’s money to cover. Add it to your expenses on the in side.”
They started to get ready to leave, Misses Nicholas moaning, “The fridge is not big enough, and we need a freezer.”
Dan spoke over her words. “There are freezers and display fridges in the shop storeroom, plug them in and see if they work. I need to check on Alison at the inn, please excuse me.”
Minutes later, Dan knocked on Alison’s door. “Go away!”
“Alison, it’s Dan.”
The door was unlocked. “Sorry Dan, I thought it was the cleaners again, they’re most disruptive.”
“You’re not happy here?”
“Yes I am actually, but the information I deal with is highly sensitive, and not for the eyes of housemaids. Even if I lock the door, they have master keys, and can come and go as they please. I need somewhere much more secure, and to be left alone.”
“Understood, this will be resolved, quickly. Are you set up?”
“No, I took a shower to freshen up, followed by a power nap. I work long and unusual hours, so don’t worry about timekeeping. Is this a briefing?”
“It may as well be. Are you solely focused on this team?”
“Virtually, just one legacy job being finished this week.”
“Good, this is my priority…”
Dan briefly ran through what he needed checking, adding in the information follow ups gleaned the day before. “Wow, I’m going to be busy for days. Dan, this is great. But, what is the greater project? I need to understand the whole, if you want me to function properly.”
“Mmm. You’re top down, like me. Okay. One: At least ten thousand Muslims are illegally entering the UK every day. Two: They are coming from the wrong parts of the Middle East, the Muslim world. Three: We need to understand why they are coming here. Capisce?
“In order to unravel this, my first priority is to define, via satellite, where to place cameras to monitor the four other airfields. I will need to go there and fit them myself. I have a shortlist of possible sites, but do not have the highly detailed satellite view you have live access to.”
“You want to do this in one day.”
“Preferred.”
“Okay, leave it with me, how soon?”
“Tomorrow.”
Alison’s brow wrinkled. She replied, “Yes, I can do this.”
“Good, let me show you exactly what I have, and then you can hone my parameters.”
“Thanks, Percy. We’re on our way.”
Alison looked up. “On our way, where to?”
“Buffet lunch. Pack up, log off, and come. I need you to meet the team. Well, most of them.”
“Just as soon as I have secured everything, help me lock the whole lot down from those interfering maids.”
The buffet was a great success, everyone finding food to their liking. Dan walked into the corridor, and made a courtesy call to Trimingham. He did not want to upset the applecart. He was also watching Alison as she began to interact with the team. When Ben said something that interested her, her manner changed immediately.
Dan finished his call, as Ben, Percy, and Alison went upstairs. Intrigued, he followed and overheard Percy say, “This back bedroom was Charlie’s, but I doubt he’ll ever use it again.”
Dan made his presence known. “This suit you better?”
Alison replied, “Yes Dan, you set this up, didn’t you. Thank you. It’s a bit small, but I can make do.”
Dan said, “Ben, you’re now on five days per week, and I doubt you will ever need to sleep over again. Let’s check out your room, it’s a fair bit larger.”
They did, and Alison said, “This is much better. Perfect. I’ll need the transceiver satellite dish installed on the back wall, and a secure lock on the door. Add in a desk, and two secure storage cabinets, and it will be my home from home.”
Alison repacked. Dan fixed the satellite dish and fitted a secure lock, as Misses Nicholas helped prepare the room. Within one hour, Alison was relocated, and set up. Dan came to her as the others left, and said, “You wanted to see a bigger picture? I can show you one, if we leave right now.”
RAF Trimingham welcomed Alison with reserve, until she suggested simple enhancements to improve their surveillance, and reduce real-time monitoring by staff. She got into serious talk about the latest computer software with their most senior technician, a sergeant.