by John Morris
“Understood. Same here actually, so that suits me too. Until Tuesday evening then.”
Chapter 24 ~ Pieces of The Puzzle
Dan worked late on Monday, using a drone to check out the country villages around Wymondham. Of the few children on the streets, he noted all were girls. Several villages appeared to have a social centre, other large villages having one under construction.
He noticed the first signs of greater activity just before five p.m., when older girls left the community centres. From previous observations, he presumed they were being given afternoon classes in becoming good Muslim women.
Pausing only to get an idea of numbers, he flew high to cover as many villages as possible. Those with community centres showed similar results.
Some minutes later, four times the number of boys exited from the other end of the same buildings. Many crammed into minibuses, and were delivered to outlying villages. Others either played, or walked home. Dan wondered if he was witnessing segregated, academic schooling for boys only.
He parked a drone, well hidden, at each village with a community centre, holding one back for the morning. His thoughts fluid, he made a call. “How’s life Percy?”
“Good, especially with a Sunday off, and an easy day today. I told the wife about the house, and as I suspected, she made a miraculous recovery. Her and that sister of hers are all a mather about it. I have one small job to do, and then I’ll be on my way over to you, to escape the wagging of female tongues. Hope you’re around.”
“Excellent. I’m still working, but finishing up, and I could use your company. Bye.”
Percy arrived before Alison had finished her bath, and as Dan was preparing the log and report for the next morning. They greeted each other as would old friends, and sat to talk in the operations room. Dan accepted congratulations on his promotion. Talk turned to Felicity for a while, before Dan asked how the new house was coming along.
“We’ve been working on it, but a lot needs doing. I’ve arranged for the tiles to be replaced, and we are getting services up and running. I think the Aga will have to go.”
“There’s an agent in Norwich, and they are converting ours to gas this week, you want the same?”
“Sounds good, I’ll mention it to the misses. Ooh, and I got the lads round on Saturday and Sunday. They made great inroads into the grass. We can now walk on most of the garden, but we’ll need a strimmer and hedge cutters before we’re done. They cut paths so we can reach each tree in the orchard. Many are overripe with fruit, but good for home made wine. I also had them cut basic paths in your garden.”
“Thanks Percy, I was going to suggest we share the cost. Felicity mentioned asking the small, local farmers to mow the field for hay, what do you think?”
“Well we’ve had a disagreement there, because the deeds say it belongs to us, and the misses is adamant it does not.”
“That field is yours, Percy. The landholding goes all the way back to the river. We’re thinking of setting a small quay for fishing and mooring a boat.”
“I’m a keen angler, so a small shed down there for me. Yes, ideal.”
Just then the door opened, and a figure clad in bathrobe and towel turban entered. “Hi Percy, I won’t be a minute.”
She was fifteen, but this allowed Percy and Dan to talk trivia and make joint plans concerning the houses: structural reports and valuations, electricians, locksmiths, and plumbers. Dan finished by saying, “The structural engineer will be here tomorrow morning, here’s the key to our place. See if you can get some copies cut.”
They dined at the inn, taking beers and talking first. Once the rush of catch-up exchange was complete. Dan said, “Percy, I will presume this country community policing holds valid for all areas covered by Norwich Constabulary?”
“Why yes. Normally there is only one, but ours is a large rural area, so there are two of us. Why do you ask?”
“Well, the first answer is, that we are thinking of taking what you and Dick accomplished, to all villages north and east.”
“That is a lot of people, months of work, and would be much appreciated by all. The second reason?”
“There would have been the same in Wymondham.”
“Of course. I met him a few times, as our routes crossed occasionally. Stan Parfitt is a year or two younger than me, but a good copper.”
“I need to speak to him, any ideas?”
Percy’s brows creased. “Unofficially. I could go and wait for him outside the back entrance of their nick.”
“Do that, appreciated. Get a contact number, as we will need to know what he knows.”
“When for?”
“Tomorrow would be good, but only if he is amenable. If he’s offish, or doesn’t want to know you, then don’t make a big thing of it. You’re good at getting police to talk, so work your magic.”
Chat changed through other subjects. Percy became aware that he would be required often, and he was delighted. They did not linger that evening. Dan departed first, shortly followed to their respective beds by Percy and Alison.
They rose early on Tuesday, and Percy met Alison in the kitchen before seven a.m. She said, “We could breakfast at the inn.”
Just then the backdoor opened and Stella strode in. “Oh no you will not, but you could have warned me about the early start––lucky I saw the kitchen light on. Breakfast for four it is then.”
They looked at one another before clarification came. “I’ve not eaten either, so will cook my own breakfast, after I have cooked yours. Where’s Dan, having a lie in?”
Alison replied, “I think he may already be upstairs monitoring, I’ll check.”
Moments later she returned.“Yes, Dan’s up there, and will be busy for the next half hour at least. I’ll take him up a coffee when it’s ready.”
Stella quipped, “I wish I were busy. Apart from cooking you breakfast, a spot of light cleaning, and preparing lunch, I have nothing to do all day.”
Percy chewed over a mouthful of food before saying, “Why don’t you get the old shop going again Stella? People are always moaning that they have to travel miles to get a bag of sugar, or salt for cooking. Some want a beer or Scotch in the evenings to watch TV, but there’s nowhere local. Think about it. There’s a Cash and Carry trade supplier on this side of Norwich, and I bet you’d make money.”
Stella was silent for a long time. “I’ll think about it.”
Alison went upstairs to begin her day, and moments later Dan rushed down, walking Percy to his car. “I just confirmed, only the boys are attending unregistered schools based in those few villages that have community centres. There are no girls. I know the girls attend, entering by a different entrance, in the afternoons, and possibly, late mornings. I assume they are being taught how to become wives and mothers.”
“It gets me that our feminist groups have zero interest in their plight, they only want to man-bash the likes of you or me. When confronted by the real misogynism happening in this country, today, they act blasé.”
“I’ll continue to monitor, but this appears to be the way of half a dozen villages. Other villages are building community centres, and, some are erecting temporary housing, living space that does not require planning permission. See what all you can get from Stan today.”
“It’s so sad our great country has come to this. I’ll do my best.”
Percy arrived near the rear of the Wymondham police station, well before Stan would be on duty. He waited patiently, and recognised the driver of one car, flashing his lights, and waving his arms. The car pulled alongside, as windows wound down. “Percy? What are you doing here?”
“I need a word in private regards village life, Stan.”
“We can’t speak here. You’ve noticed as well, Muslims taking over.”
“Yes, it’s becoming a major concern, what can you tell me?”
“Ten minutes, and follow me. There’s a lay-by east of here. Pull up close to the back of my car, and get something from the trai
ler. Otherwise we don’t know one another.”
Percy did as instructed, and bought a bacon sandwich with hot, sweet tea. Stan stood behind him in the queue, but they made no contact. Percy sat in his car, and Stan raised the boot of his car, in front, before hopping in the passenger side. “What’s this all about Percy?”
“The Islamification of the English countryside.”
Percy was about to say more, but Stan was immediately away on a rant. “I told ‘em you know, saw it coming I did, but nobody listened to an old hand like me. I raised a report over one incident, harassment of a family, but they were driven out before my report was dealt with, so it was filed as ‘No Longer Valid’.
“The Muslims took over villages, and I’d visit, but they complained about me. It was my job. I was given a warning, but I did nothing wrong. However, they must have made a deal, because after that I was partially tolerated as a passing presence in those villages. Nowadays I drive around, fulfil my beat, but in some parts, there are few English villages left. I discovered a bit about how the Muslim villages operate, but it takes a lot of time. Trust is slow in coming, even from the women, who they treat as slaves. It disgusts me, Percy.”
“Agreed. Did you ever try to take things higher?”
“Ooh yes, and I was almost sacked for me trouble. Old Dorothy Ford was one of two determined to stay in her home. She had been born there. She complained to me about Muslims threatening her to leave, and I raised concerns in my reports. I was told to leave it alone. How could I?
“Some days later I got a call from her grandchild, she must have given him my number. He said, ‘Grandma’s in hospital, they beat her up and broke her hip. She’s sixty-six for Christ’s sake. They hit her many times’.
“I asked how he knew, and he said, ‘I left my phone on record, and got the video. They’re animals. They threatened to gang raped her as well’.
“I saw her in hospital, and she was in a bad way, worse since she recovered, lost everything she did. I see her begging on the high street sometimes, and always leave a tenner and some food. It’s not right.”
“You reported this of course.”
“Yes I did. I took days to put the full file together, including the mobile phone as registered evidence. That was aggravated assault. I made copies, and delivered them through the duty sergeant, Inspector, who is Muslim, and the Chief Inspector.
“I was told to drop the action, and I refused. I was threatened with immediate disciplinary action if I pursued the matter in any way. Percy, I’m over thirty-eight years in. In less than two years I reach forty years, mandatory retirement, and receive a golden handshake, plus full pension for life. I cannot afford to give that up.”
“I understand. You did the correct thing, your bosses did not. Did you make other copies?”
“Yes. I still want to bring this prosecution to court, and have Aunt Dotty, as everybody called her, given her home back.”
“Does this evidence include the video?”
“Of course. You know of a means to do this?”
“I surely do. You got any more evidence against these Muslims?”
“Yes, half an attic full, but nobody wants to know.”
“We do. You and I are on the same side.”
“Thank God! I’m prepared to make a full statement, now. I want this heinous wrong righted.”
“Full court spec, videotaped interview under caution?”
“You bet, but you better get the evidence out of my home first, and to somewhere safe. It details years of subversion and harassment by these Islamatics––lunatics of Islamic persuasion.”
Percy opened the car door, stood aside and phoned. “Dan, jackpot. Stan will tell us everything, and under caution. If Ma’am approves, we will meet the police van at Stan’s home in twenty minutes. I need a full interview under caution for later this morning, exposing our own in Wymondham as being complicit. I’ll call Ma’am now.”
“No let me do it. I need a word with her. One minute.” Dan called Felicity, and was suitably impressed by her instant response. He called Percy back. “Ma’am has the balls for this. Van on its way.
“Call her now, fill in the blanks and confirm destination. I’ll meet you at the police station. Superb job, Percy. You better tell Stan to go home, and then hurry back here, the Surveyor will arrive in thirty minutes.”
Events of the day took on a life of their own, as Stan’s testimony proved to be a damning indictment of Wymondham police area. An office and police officer were set aside to work through the evidence Stan had collected over years. There were boxes of documents, myriad files to search through. The full work would take weeks to unravel.
Felicity was all for cancelling her evening dinner date, but Dan took her to one side, and explained the longer-term importance of her gaining the right friends, influencing the right people.
“You must do this before Wymondham start trying to pull the same tricks. Get in, as deeply as you can, first. Don’t forget, my Director will know, and she could mention something to the Chief Constable.”
“Dan I…”
“Should start getting ready. You want me along?”
“No, not this time Dan, but thanks for supporting me, being there. I need to work on him in my own way. The Super can’t make it, so a small sharing tonight.”
“About your own promotion, sooner would be better than later, except personally between us. You need to nominate your successor, they will like that, if you make the right choice.”
“I’ve been thinking about that, but all the candidates are young, have degrees in ‘policeology’, and know zero about real life, never mind country life.”
“Given the job now, with us, and where this is going, who would be your ideal choice to continue our work.”
“I know of good coppers Dan, ones that would do a well here. But this place is out in the sticks. Most young Sergeants, Inspectors even looking for a change, want to get on, climb the promotion ladder, make a name for themselves. This is not where to do that.
“It would suit a time-served Inspector, one with a few years to go and seeking the quiet life until retirement. The only way it can be sold as an opportunity to a young Sergeant on promotion, is as a stepping stone, and I do not have that authority.”
“Maybe, but you have friends that do. Is the post being advertised?”
“Yes, it has already been listed in the weekly force magazine. It’s a small publication, mainly online, and only available to serving police officers. I’ll have to wait and see who bites.”
“Congratulations, that means you got your promotion.”
“It is an unofficial indication only. I could be moved sideways.”
“Then make a good impression tonight.” Dan leant forward with his teeth bared, and pretended to take a chunk out of Felicity’s arm.
Her facial slap, in process of delivery, became a hand behind his head, which was being drawn down for a kiss. Their lips met. There came a wrap at the door.
“Wait.”
Chapter 25 ~ Digging Deeper
Dan was asleep, when the female voice that haunted his dreams, spoke softly to him. “Dan, I’m cold, warm me up.”
Slightly surfacing, he recognised her perfume, knew her hands upon his skin, and turned over to welcome a cold thing into his embrace. She turned and they spooned together.
Early the next morning, Dan again monitored the children going to school, and checked footage from the day before. The girls attended for two hours both morning and afternoon, while the boys did a long day.
Dan called Stan, “Good morning, thanks for everything you told us, it is already in process. As I suggested yesterday, could you make a point of visiting the community centres of the Muslim villages and find out what you can? I think the boys are being schooled there, but the girls take vocational courses to become good Muslim women.”
“I had already come to the same conclusion, but will try digging a bit deeper than I usually do.”
“Thank y
ou, but don’t be too obvious. Let them get used to you dropping by more often, and ask seemingly harmless questions. If they get suspicious, drop the subject, or change it.”
“Wilco. Dan, I was thinking the bosses would be pleased to be rid of me, and well, I wondered if I should apply to transfer to Lower Meddlington. That is, if there are any vacancies.”
“That would be a good idea, then you can go through your own evidence. I’ll have a word and get back to you. Bye for now.”
Dan’s next appointment was at GCHQ. After breakfast he informed Alison, “We leave in five-minutes for Norwich airport.”
The flight took a couple of hours, but once through GCHQ security, they were escorted by a young man named Colin Talbot, and taken to the office of Doug Simmons.
“Ah, Dan Glover I presume, and this must be Alison, a pleasure to meet you in person. Please take a seat. Your Director outlined why you are here, but please tell me in your own words.”
Doug proved to be shrewd and focused. Colin remained in the room, listening intently, but not participating. Dan explained the problem, referencing the flood of Islamic peoples into England and Europe. Alison assisted with further details, printouts, and a list of people they needed monitoring. The tracking of aircraft via RAF Trimingham was also detailed.
When they had presented their case, Doug said, “Hmmm. Some of these names seem familiar. Excuse me one moment while I check, it saves time in the long run.”
He worked his keyboard, and stopped several times to view the screen in detail, although they could not see what had caught his interest. Doug looked up and said, “We have previously received requests for information concerning Anglo-Asian Holdings, and Ali Brothers, Solicitors. V. J. Ali is already being monitored for another agency.”
Dan enquired, “MI5?”
Doug smiled, “No, Inland Revenue. We have also received a request for information from HM Land Registry.”
“That will be Peterborough office, we have a joint operation underway. Is there anything you can tell us?”