by John Morris
Minutes passed as the software ran. Then came a hit, followed moments later by another. “What you got?”
“I got him banged to rites. He’s been identified at our local aerodrome, twice. Seems he took a holiday––in Raqqa. I’ll fill in the blanks if you leave me alone.”
“Brilliant. I’ll let Felicity know. She’ll need the info as soon as you have it. You found the answer, the twenty-fifth column. Well done!”
Chapter 50 ~ The Twenty-Fifth Column
Later that morning, Felicity strode into Wymondham police station, backed by a team of armed officers, and arrested the police chief and his number two. Thanks to Constable Parfitt, one Sergeant and two Constables were also taken away for questioning. She took charge, immediately recalling all constables not engaged in responding to reported crime. They assembled for briefing, where Felicity explained what was going down and laid out a new plan for the day.
Upstairs, the rooms of the Chief and Inspector were sealed off, to await thorough investigation by internal investigations department. Upon arrest, Inspector Benaris Khan said to Felicity, “I need to speak to the person in charge. This is not what you think.”
“Tell me, I am the person in charge. Chief Inspector Wigglesworth.”
“Ma’am, there must be some mistake. I have done nothing wrong. I only try to ease the situation, help those in distress.”
“No. You allowed innocent people to be evicted from their homes. Aunt Dotty for one. You are a disgrace to the uniform.”
Benaris continued to protest his innocence, until Felicity had him led away.
Meanwhile, Superintendent, George Lovell, had assigned a Chief Inspector to take over at Wymondham. They arrived together and Lovell’s first task would be to officially interview the secretaries, and then get to the bottom of what was going on. Felicity would officially act as cover for Lower Meddlington in the interim.
A short time later, the council chamber and building was quickly taken. Felicity lined up all the councillors, and presented each with a copy of the Bible and Quran. She asked them individually, to take the oath of allegiance to Queen Charmaine. “This is not an oath to your faith, it is an oath of loyalty to your country.”
All the Christian councillors, and four of the Muslim did so. The others were arrested, and held at Wymondham police station. Norwich nick was already bursting at the seams. Felicity said, “This council is formally disbanded, until such time new elections can be held. I ask those councillors remaining, to continue working to support the local community. You will continue to draw salary and expenses.
“I need to read aloud a Royal Decree, ‘From this moment onwards, the practice of Sharia Law is forbidden, upon pain of death. So is forced marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation. All of these crimes carry a sentence up to and including the death penalty.’
“So, an olive branch to true, British Muslims. This implies that moderate Islam will be tolerated, but after recent events, it would be most unwise for any to push the envelope. Deportation is the usual outcome. Or execution. Please spread these words to your communities.
“Percy, Stan, please examine council records. You know what you are looking for, connections to Ali Brothers.”
A councillor came forward. “Allow me to assist. I tried to stop it, but they told me to be quiet, or my family would be harmed.”
“Percy, we’ll need this councillor’s statement: Identify coercion.”
Later, Felicity met with George, and they prepared files and evidence before interviewing the three police chiefs, George said, “Top, middle, or bottom?”
Felicity replied, “Bottom. I could do with Karen back at her post, if possible. It may not happen of course.”
“We’ll approach them like this. Regards Inspector Wheeler…”
Felicity conducted the interview, George watching, appraising both, and occasionally speaking. Talk quickly moved to the matter at hand.
At first, Karen Wheeler was a bit indignant about being arrested, but she was sharp enough to realise she had to play along, and tell the truth. She admitting using the Superintendent’s clearance to obtain information. “That was years ago, when he was first posted to Wymondham. Benaris called me seeking advice. Muslims were taking over rural villages, and he wanted to stop them, but the Chief overruled, threatening him with disciplinary action if he proceeded.
“I only sent Benaris three emails, and that was a very long time ago. I have no idea how you found out. One contained a file concerning Chief Inspector Cartwright. I could not get that information any other way without serious suspicion.”
“So you stole it.”
“That’s a bit harsh. I was acting for the greater good.”
“Tell me what you know about the takeover of these villages.”
“Well, at first I did not believe Benaris, because it seemed impossible. But it wasn’t. The houses were in tithe to nobody, and a company bought them, installing Muslims as tenants. I knew it was wrong, it was lawful. What could I do?”
“Tell somebody.”
“But who?”
“I found out about it, and I acted upon it, you did not. Define your relationship with Benaris. Are you lovers?”
“What? No way.”
“Then what, exactly?”
“You won’t drop this, will you? It is nothing. We’re distant cousins.”
“He is Pakistani, and you are English. Try me again.”
“Okay. His family used to live in India, before it was partitioned into India, West, and East Pakistan. The latter is nowadays called Bangladesh. They lived west of Jammu, near the Jhelum River, in what is today Kashmir, Pakistan. The area is still disputed territory between the two countries. My grandfather came from Jammu, which although only a few miles distant from his sister’s home, was still in India. His sister ended up in Pakistan. She married Benaris’ grandfather.”
“Accepted, I checked your background. Let's move forward to the day you arrived here. We were in Dan's office, and you went to the toilet several times. Why?”
“I told you at the time, I wasn't feeling well.”
“But you were fine. You used the convenience to make text messages or emails. Who to?”
“Damn you! I was letting Benaris know about how things were developing nationwide, nothing about the case at hand. I urged him to act against the Chief Inspector.”
“That agrees with the print out I have of them. We ran it through GCHQ. We had to be sure which side you were on. Regardless Karen, that is correct, and does you credit.
“So tell me, why were you arguing with Inspector Khan, off duty, in Wymondham, twice I believe?”
“You had me followed?”
“Heavens above, no. It was by accident. What was it about?”
“I wanted Benaris to go public, press charges against all, and he refused. He is very loyal, but sometimes to the wrong person. I started making a file, and was intending to make it known myself, but who to? I asked to speak to you privately on your last official visit, and you agreed, but got called away. This is what I wanted to discuss, share with you, and ask your advice about. I was not ready to reveal all. There was information missing, but I was close.”
“You could have called round. Or you should have been more persistent. Go on, where is the file?”
“In my office, I intended to show it to you.”
“I’ll see it later today. Thank you Karen. Excuse us one moment. Refreshments will be brought for you.”
Leaving the interview room, Felicity turned to George. “Well?”
George summarised, “She did the wrong thing for all the right reasons. I need her secret file checking. This should be a disciplinary offence, using the Chief Super’s authority, but I feel an official warning more suitable, then we won’t have staff shortages.”
“Yes George, I agree. But it was a long time ago, a misdemeanour at best. Perhaps an unofficial warning, depending upon what I discover when I take her back. We need people like her in the force.”
“Under consideration. Let’s discuss the other two over lunch, and how this information relates to the way we will interview them.“
“I’d rather get this one sorted. I’ll take her back now, and review the evidence. I’ll report, send copies, and we decide her fate later. At least she will be either manning the station, or in lockup.”
“I’d prefer you waited. Give me a reason.”
“Because I need to know what is in that file. It may alter the way we process the Inspector, the Chief as well. I have new information concerning Khan, with more to follow shortly.”
“Hmmm. You’re good. Okay, but I need you back here by two.”
On her way to Lower Meddlington, Felicity received a call from Alison. “I have it all, and Benaris has been a very naughty boy…”
“Well done, Alison. Ask Martin to drop the file at my office, as I’m on a tight schedule. I’ll need it in both physical and digital form. I’ll be there soon, so he better be quick. This is a major breakthrough. Forward anything else you discover to my mobile. Ciao.”
A short time later, Felicity entered her old office, and Karen showed her the relevant file. It was a good piece of work. She also discovered some information had been gleaned from Stan’s evidence, answering that long-standing puzzle. Aunt Dotty and others were noted.
Felicity sent copies to her Superintendent, and later spoke to him in confidence. “Okay Felicity. Give her an unofficial warning, and let’s get back to work. This is a minor irritation, but gets one of our own back on the job. That is a bonus when we are so stretched. Two o’clock?”
“I’m leaving in minutes, sir. Ciao.”
“Karen, I have to give you an unofficial caution, I’m sorry. This relates to using the Super’s computer without authority. It should have been an official caution, but I argued your case. You should have told me before now. We are on the same side you and I. Now let’s get on with our jobs.”
“Thanks Chief. I was so worried. What about Benaris?”
“That is for me to discover in a few minutes time. Ciao.”
Felicity received the new file from Martin, and obtained warrants on the way back. She applied them at once to Khan and the Chief’s bank accounts, and came away with bank statements going back four years. These backed up Alison’s research, but were proof of evidence.
Later, she and George swapped notes. The information Karen had gathered was astonishing, for one so new in her position. They also had an interim report from Internal Investigations, mostly confirming what they already knew. George said, “Let’s have a word with Inspector Khan, and see how your information compares to what he tells us.”
The interview was long. Felicity fired the first question. “How long has your affair with Inspector Karen Wheeler been going on? We know it’s been many years. I remind you, you are under caution.”
“What? We are very good friends. This has nothing to do with her.”
“Yes it does. You see, she volunteered for Lower Meddlington because you were close by. You have been seen out together many times since. We also know she gave you highly confidential, and restricted information. You have been using her.”
“Absolutely not. What makes you think so?”
“Her admission of guilt. She sold you out, Khan. Admit it.”
“Yes, but it was in a good cause.”
“If so, then please explain the payments I have highlighted? I have here a copy of your bank account records.”
“They were private sales. There’s nothing unusual about them.”
“Oh yes there is. You see, these were transfers made to your account, from Ali Brothers Solicitors. This proves you were taking bribes so as not to follow through with reporting the takeover of people’s houses. Is that not the truth?”
George took over at that point. “Inspector, here’s the thing. You were in dereliction of your duty, for not reporting known crimes.
“These relate to the harassment and eviction of long-standing tenants, whose villages were taken over by Muslims. That affected the electorate in such a way, that when all Muslim councillors crossed the floor, Islam had control. You are an imbecile for not taking this further.
“But what is most damning, is that you accepted bribes in order to support your religion over those British people who were displaced.”
“No. Never, I tried to support them.”
“Then why is your signature on this eviction notice? Felicity, the file that you just received.”
Felicity handed over Alison’s file “Thank you Chief. Now what have we got here. Ah yes. You joined a militant Islamic group when you were at a Muslim school, and were groomed to become a double agent.”
“Impossible. My charitable deeds speak for themselves. I am totally against extremism.”
“Really, then why do I have this picture of you, taken a few months ago, in Raqqa? You beheaded a German family. They were Christians working voluntarily for a relief agency. The boy was eight years old.”
The Inspector paled, but Felicity struck. “Care to watch the whole video? It is very revealing––you donning black robes, executing the parents and child for no good reason, and celebrating afterwards.”
“No! That cannot be me.”
“Oh, but it is, Khan. You see, there is no unbroken footage. You are guilty of murdering a child. You took a vacation in Raqqa via a local, private aerodrome, and we now have footage of you leaving, and returning. You are vermin, a snake in the grass.”
“Okay. I admit it. But they were Christians. Don’t you understand?”
“No, I do not. They were helping Muslim people displaced by ISIL.”
The interview concluded shortly afterwards, but others would follow. Afterwards, George said, “Brilliant work Felicity. He is banged to rites. I think he was the controller of the Chief Inspector.”
“Yes, it could be, and this is all because of Mohammad, Hussein, and Ali. And money. Religion plays no part in their lives, does it, except as lip service. They use it as a smokescreen to cover their atrocities.”
“I could say similar about Christianity today, but prefer not to.”
“You just did.”
“No, I retracted the remark.”
“Yes, but after you said it. Let’s deal with the all of this today. Come-on George, this won’t take a moment, with what we have. I’ll assemble the files, and meet you at interview.”
“No. The canteen. I need a coffee, and we both need something to eat. This will be a long one, mark my words.”
Chief Inspector Walter Harper-Cartwright refused to admit any guilt, or reply to self-incriminating questions. It was the shortest interview of the day, and the outcome remained in doubt until the very end. Felicity hit him with printouts of all his fiscal manoeuvrings. She presented him hard copy evidence, detailing his Panama and Cayman Island holdings. She finished by laying before him, papers detailing the money trail. Everything came directly, or indirectly, from Mohammad.
Cornered, he tried to broker a deal, and got short shrift. He was led away to the cells, to contemplate his selling out of his county of birth, for personal, financial gain. Like most people in power, he considered himself above the law. It proved he was not.
It was late and they were tired, but took coffee in the canteen. The mood was upbeat, having nailed two of the three. “George, why don’t we finish the all of this tonight? It’ll only take an hour, and I need these men either disciplined, or back on the job.”
“Erm. I guess you’re right. I had hoped to be home hours ago, but getting the all of this dealt with now appeals to me. One of them lost evidence, on purpose I believe. The other two made the initial reports, which Khan and the Chief did not proceed with. There’s a little matter of not taking things higher, but what do ordinary people do?”
“Accept the status quo. They keep their heads down, and keep their jobs. There’s nothing here, unless we find something. You ready?”
“Yes. Let's get to it.”
The upsh
ot was, the Sergeant and one Constable received an unofficial caution. The other Constable got an official caution, for mislaying evidence.
The day had been most productive, but it was almost ten o’clock before the pair left for their respective homes.
Chapter 51 ~ Hard Choices
Dan and Felicity spent much of the weekend at home, Dan working in the library, and Felicity using her new office in the attic. The decorators were making swift progress. The main rooms were ready for living in, if in need of finishing touches.
Felicity took a break late Sunday afternoon, and attended Norwich police station, where Waheed was waiting in an interview room. She spoke briefly with the young man under caution, and opened the door to let Ayesha in. Felicity departed, the official tape still recording.
“Sister you are still alive, and looking so well, I cannot believe it.”
“I would be dead if our cousin had not missed with his one shot at me. Stop, I am fine. You are not. You will soon go on trial, with our supposed father, and most likely will be executed or deported.”
“But I had to do what father said. I had no choice.”
“Yes you did, you could have run away like I did.”
“You know I could not. They would have found me and killed me.”
“Waheed, I know you are a good boy. You did what you did because our father made you. I have been told that if you testify against them, you may be pardoned, but you must decide now.”
“No, I cannot. How can you suggest such a thing?”
“Because it is the right thing to do. How did you like living under thrall of Daesh?”
“It was hell. They are psychopathic animals. They are not Muslims.”
“And neither are you if you continue to act like this.”
“It is so hard.”
“Your diary, in your office, why did you keep that?”
“How do you know about that?”
“We’ve known about it for weeks, and it is now evidence for the prosecution. Why did you write it?”