Islamic State: England
Page 47
Dan dived, creating a little more space between him and the missile, which realigned to target him again. Nearing the ground he said aloud, “Got you now, you bastard.”
Dan pulled up the nose sharply, and engaged landing thrusters. He went west, the missile east. He heard an explosion as he levelled off. “Wow! You broke missile lock. That’s some airplane, Dan.”
“I’ve done it before. It is not nice. Let’s get Queen’s Flight to safety.”
The interceptors shadowed Queen’s Flight. They broke away to land at Huntley Spa Aerodrome, which had since become RAF property. Dan was the last to land, in his field. The Queen Regent rushed up to shake his hand, before giving him a hug. “Thank you for saving my life.”
She pulled away. Dan said, “My pleasure, Your Majesty. But I only saved you from a parachute jump. There’s a leak within your trusted, and we will be working on it soonest. Come, let’s enjoy the festivities.”
A few short pleasantries were exchanged, before the Captain of the guard force hurried up and spoke rapidly. “Your Highness, one more threat, a modern fighter bomber, and it’s closing fast. We must get you and Queen Charmaine to a place of safety.
Dan yelled, “The air raid shelter. Hurry.”
Queen Charmaine said, “I know where it is, follow me.” She ran off, all others left in her wake. The Bentley in the driveway drove off to provide a target.
Dan ran for the Harrier, as troops rushed to take up defensive positions. Looking back he shouted, “I need a large heat source in the back garden. Use your initiative.”
The enemy aircraft closed, but did not fire. It was an older French plane, and needed manual missile lock. Dan reached the Harrier and fired the engines, turning the craft as soon as he had power, dismissing most pre-flight checks due to the emergency situation.
He set off to intercept, but the bogey veered off, not to avoid his threat, but to target the Bentley. Dan fired as soon as he had lock, but that was after the enemy had released two missiles.
Dan had used heat-seeking missiles, and with a frontal attack, they readjusted to target the plane’s engines. Moments later the rear of the aircraft was blown asunder, but the body in flight, plummeted into the orchard next door, the empty house. The enemy missiles adjusted to target the downed jet, the strongest heat source of the moment, and hitting target, removed all traces of the fighter.
Defenders dived for cover, as shrapnel was jettisoned all around. Then all went quiet. The hush brought survivors out from their hiding places, slow with wonder. Somebody shouted, “The air raid shelter.”
Forces rushed to the underground retreat, and word was quickly passed, all inside were Okay. Dan landed, and saw a massive hole in his hedge and rear lawn, the pool destroyed, and windows to the rear of the house were broken. He was unruffled, he had stopped a direct hit.
Within moments, defenders, congratulated him. “Enough. I did what any of you would have done in my place. The Queen is alright?”
“Yes, they are untouched. We should cancel today.”
“What? And give in to terrorism. No way.” At that moment the scrambled interceptors from the local aerodrome flew overhead, and see-sawed their wings in celebration.
Dan added, “Keep them on the tarmac, ready for immediate take-off. Monitor the skies. Let’s get on with the ceremony.”
Dan was running late, and quickly finished dressing. His shoes would require work. Upstairs Felicity was not impressed, “Why did the house shake? What’s keeping him, he should have been ready ages ago.”
Alison entered at that moment. “I guess you heard nothing, what with the triple glazing. He’s back now, safe and sound, and he’s almost ready to leave. Oh, Queens Flight were under attack, and he took the Harrier to defeat the threat. If not for him, they would be dead now. And he destroyed another jet targeting this house.”
Felicity stared at her. “What Harrier? The Queen is here? This house. Oh My God!” Alison sat down and told her what Dan had just done. Felicity went quiet and nodded her head.
The call came for Dan to leave. They boarded a farm trailer set with decorations, like a rustic float. The tractor was driven by farmer Giles, and progressed slowly towards the church. Crowds lined the streets, especially at the top end near the church, wanting to see the fine and dandy arrive. All would need to be inside before the bride arrived.
Dan and Percy got out to cheers, and waved to the crowd in front of the church, a nervous time for grooms. Percy patted his pocket. “I have the ring safe. We should go inside.”
People waited before entering the church, wondering who was on the guest list. The first unknown faces were from Norwich, the car carrying the Superintendent and his chief, plus their wives. Other officers were in the car behind. Felicities friends also arrived in convoy.
The Director, Harry, and two young children entered next, but Sir Jack had stayed at the pavement, and opened the rear doors of a Bentley. People gasped as The Queen and Queen Regent got out, and made their way inside.
The bridal carriage was next, an old Rolls Royce with the top down. Felicity waved to the crowds, but was delayed, when a sudden rush of people tried to get inside the church. Minutes later, she was the last to enter, her father guiding her down the aisle in full military uniform.
The service itself was not overly long, and the time came to exchange vows. Felicity pulled her veil back, and Dan stared at her, whispering, “You look so beautiful, I only have eyes for you.”
After traditional vows were made, rings were exchanged, and they kissed passionately, if briefly. They went aside to sign the register, and appeared outside for a few traditional photographs. Felicity closed her eyes, and threw her posy to a group of single girls. It bounced around from hand to grasp, until being caught by Alison, who gawped at it, and tried to give it away.
Confetti was thrown, before people scrambled to cars and sped away to the village. Brian was out front to greet them, and ushered more than one hundred guests into the restaurant. He had reopened the large conservatory, which could seat eighty people. The adjoining doors were pulled back, so it was a part of the restaurant proper. The guests took ages to settle.
Once order descended, the happy couple came on stage to complete the stacked glasses, champagne trick made famous by George Best. They drank together through interlaced arms, and looked at each other with love. Once finished, they waltzed like professionals in the backstage, as the three tier wedding cake was brought forward. They cut the first slice together, and Dan called for a glass of Champagne. He held the glass high and said, “To my wife.”
He drained the measure, and presumed to speak. Felicity called for a glass, and repeated likewise, “To my husband.”
Moments later, Dan said, “I have no family, other than you all here today. I was born an orphan, and raised by MI6. I call on my dear friend, and Best Man, Percy Blodwell to say a few words.”
Percy made a short and entertaining speech, before Tom followed with his speech. Neither of them tarried, and returned to the top table, where Hors D'Oeuvres of either avocado prawn, pâté, or feta salad were offered. The second course was fresh, poached salmon, followed by roast beef and all the trimmings. The last course was a selection from the sweet trolley, and cheese and biscuits. People could also elect to sample other dishes at the side of the hall, which featured Ayesha’s curries, as well as food for vegetarians and vegans. Wine was in constant supply, the cheese and biscuits accompanied by tawny port.
The night before, Dan had urged Brian to set a small stand for Ayesha to sell her curries. He had fashioned an attractive display next to the bar. An aid came to Queen Regent Kathy. She approached Dan and said, “We must go, but via different means than I arrived. Excuse us please. Sir Jack, you wanted a lift?” She stopped to speak to Ayesha, and placed a regular order for delivery.
This led people to Ayesha’s stall, where she appeared overly busy. Dan and Felicity saw Royalty away safely. Sir Jack said, “Call me when you get back.”
A
lison said, “I need to return to work and determine the terrorist strike on Queens Flight. It must have come from overseas.”
“Yes, via uncontrolled airspace no doubt. We need to close that loophole, do your best before I return. Liaise with Tom and Bude, and keep me informed.”
Dan’s Director left with Harry moments later. “Sorry Dan, we’d love to stay, but busy times I’m afraid. Enjoy your honeymoon.”
Felicity said, “Yes Dan, where are we going for our honeymoon, and when?”
“I think now is a good time to leave.” Percy nearby concurred, and they departed in the wedding limousine, to the cheers of the crowd and the throwing of more confetti. The driver had the sense to put the hood up.
Dan carried Felicity across the threshold, witnessed by her parents who were close behind. Dan said, “Let’s pack, we leave in ten minutes. Oh, and pack your swimsuits, sunglasses, and wellies, plus some trekking boots.”
Felicity whirled on him as asked, “Dan, where on earth are we going? This is madness.”
“No, I’m told it is a wonderful experience, and only two hours away.”
“We are flying?”
Dan went first to start the jet and warm the inside. Tom helped his daughter with the rest of their luggage, and they flew off headed north. Two hours later, Dan landed at their destination, an exclusive country estate. “You have to be invited to come here. We owe Sir Jack.”
Dan taxied towards the impressive main house, and was met by a car. The passenger got out. Dan said, “Sir Danforth and Lady Glover of Meddlington.”
“Ah yes, My Lord. The newlywed couple. The honeymoon suite is reserved for you. Please park on the apron over there, and we’ll take you to the main residence.”
They debarked amidst one dozen other planes and helicopters, the car drove them to the main entrance. They stepped inside, where their cases were taken by a porter. They had entered into the warmth of a bygone age, but with all the latest modern fittings and trimmings.
Heathcote Manor Retreat and Spa was a sprawling, grade two listed building that offered every imaginable leisure pursuit, including grouse shooting in season. They tried trekking, and rode sure-footed ponies in the Yorkshire Moors surrounding. They also tried archery, before Felicity decided she was spending the duration in the swimming pool and spa complex, having her body massaged and pampered. Their break was unworldly, and great therapy. They were loath to leave.
The End
Table of Contents
Main Characters
Chapter 1 ~ Plane Spotting
Chapter 2 ~ Missing Person
Chapter 3 ~ Keeping the Lid on Things
Chapter 4 ~ Gone Fishing
Chapter 5 ~ Watching and Waiting
Chapter 6 ~ Low Flying
Chapter 7 ~ Project Caliphate
Chapter 8 ~ Tracking and Tracing
Chapter 9 ~ Tactical Surveillance
Chapter 10 ~ Confronting Misogynism
Chapter 11 ~ New Directions
Chapter 12 ~ Deeper Understandings
Chapter 13 ~ Centres of the Community
Chapter 14 ~ Dinner Date
Chapter 15 ~ Building the Team
Chapter 16 ~ Getting Set
Chapter 17 ~ Lost Property
Chapter 18 ~ Land Registry
Chapter 19 ~ Peterborough
Chapter 20 ~ Rights of Ownership
Chapter 21 ~ Consolidation
Chapter 22 ~ New Beginnings
Chapter 23 ~ Widening the Net
Chapter 24 ~ Pieces of The Puzzle
Chapter 25 ~ Digging Deeper
Chapter 26 ~ Leaders of Men
Chapter 27 ~ Eyes On
Chapter 28 ~ Silence For Votes
Chapter 29 ~ Suicide Bombers
Chapter 30 ~ A Home of Their Own
Chapter 31 ~ Inter-Agency Sharing
Chapter 32 ~ Squaring The Circle
Chapter 33 ~ Tangible Threat
Chapter 34 ~ Ayesha’s Escape
Chapter 35 ~ Pulling Strings
Chapter 36 ~ Growing Concerns
Chapter 37 ~ Harwich Ferry
Chapter 38 ~ Calm Before the Storm
Chapter 39 ~ Best Laid Plans
Chapter 40 ~ Rapid Response Force
Chapter 41 ~ Triple Whammy
Chapter 42 ~ Flying in the Face of Destiny
Chapter 43 ~ Undercover
Chapter 44 ~ Prelude to War
Chapter 45 ~ War Commences
Chapter 46 ~ Fighting Back
Chapter 47 ~ Proposal
Chapter 48 ~ Inside Information
Chapter 49 ~ The Battle for England
Chapter 50 ~ The Twenty-Fifth Column
Chapter 51 ~ Hard Choices
Chapter 52 ~ Great Britain
Chapter 53 ~ Last Strike