Hidden

by Roger A Price

  ‘And you’ll need no introduction to my second guest,’ Darlington said, as the bathroom’s occupant walked into the main office and headed towards them.

  It was Detective Sergeant Susan Grady.

  Chapter Fifty-Six

  ‘I thought you were on your way to the cells at Skelmersdale!’ Vinnie said, as all five of them sat at the chief’s conference table.

  ‘So did I,’ Sue Grady answered.

  ‘My intervention,’ Darlington said. ‘We had to move fast.’

  ‘Jim Day will be pleased, when he turns up there later today,’ Vinnie said. He could feel both the chief’s and Harry’s eyes on him.

  ‘Let’s get one thing out of the way; I’m not bent or corrupt in any way, and I’ve not cut some sort of deal to avoid prosecution, which is probably what you are wondering right now,’ Sue said.

  Vinnie was, and he could see Harry give an involuntary nod, too.

  ‘Sue really is an authorised undercover officer — working for us,’ Cath Simms said.

  Then Vinnie remembered the ‘Caribbean’ remark.

  ‘Perversely, it was Babik’s idea that I “out” myself as a UC, in order to get back in with you two after the unfortunate death of Jody Watson,’ Sue said, aiming her words at Vinnie and Harry, who were sitting opposite her. ‘I was relieved that you started to doubt me, as we have no idea who else Babik might have listening on the inside.’

  ‘So, if I understand you correctly, you were a UC pretending to be a bent cop-cum-criminal, and Babik, accepting that you were a bent cop, suggested that you pretend to be a UC and out yourself to us to get back in with us?’ Harry asked.

  ‘Sounds sort of complicated when you put it like that; but yes, it was a double bluff. The fact that it was Babik’s idea was just brilliant,’ Sue said.

  Vinnie was impressed and could see how it would further establish her credibility in Babik’s eyes.

  ‘Which is why the director general of the NCA told me that Grady was not one of theirs; it kept the subterfuge going. Though, he has apologised for that. Christ, if he can’t trust me, a chief constable…’ Darlington let his words trail off.

  ‘A bad policy decision, if I may say so, sir,’ Cath said, adding, ‘one with which I disagreed with at the time.’

  Darlington waved her comment away with his hand.

  ‘As much as we all want Babik—’ Sue started.

  ‘For murder, let’s not forget,’ Harry interjected.

  ‘Absolutely,’ Sue said, and then continued. ‘Boldo was, and is, the main target. This man is an enigma, known all across Europe, but never seen. He wields great power in the people trafficking world, yet law enforcement have never got anywhere near him. No one even knows what he looks like, let alone if Boldo is his real name.’

  ‘A very cautious and well-protected target, who knows all about police covert investigative techniques,’ Cath added.

  ‘And he’s here in Preston, of all places,’ Vinnie said.

  ‘Exactly,’ Sue said.

  Vinnie started to see the way things were. But then he thought about Jody Watson, the madam-cum-witness from the initial raided premises. ‘You ensured Watson would be taken into custody by me and Mr Delany,’ Vinnie said, remembering to use Harry’s surname in this company, ‘and thus ensured her death.’

  Darlington was now staring at Sue, his expression far from friendly. Sue then explained that she had to stop Watson, who had actually fallen over herself to offer up Babik when Sue first grabbed hold of her in the office as the raid took place. Sue said that if Babik had been arrested, either at the raid, or later as a result of information given by Watson, then the trail and any chance to get their hands on Boldo would have been gone forever. But she swore she had no idea that Babik would kill Watson, and that she truly wished she could have stopped it. ‘I just thought he would veer away from the mill premises and at worst spring Watson to keep her quiet. They were best mates, or it certainly seemed like that to me. I knew he was probably en route, so had to think fast.’

  Vinnie could sympathise a little, in that Grady would have been under enormous pressure to act, but it was high risk. ‘What about Mr Delany’s wellbeing and mine? You put us in the firing line,’ Vinnie said.

  ‘I know Babik, I know he’s not daft enough to attack a cop, it would bring too much attention,’ Sue said.

  ‘You thought he wouldn’t hurt Watson, but you got that wrong,’ Harry countered.

  Sue fell silent.

  ‘And what if he’d missed, and hit us?’ Vinnie added.

  Sue remained quiet.

  ‘Not to mention Bonehead, or whatever his name was,’ said Vinnie.

  ‘I thought he would just slap him,’ Sue said, weakly.

  ‘Didn’t know Babik that well after all, did you?’ Harry added.

  The room fell quiet for a few seconds, until Darlington spoke, ‘OK, we are not here to try Grady, suffice to say that her actions will be pored over by others in the fullness of time. But if her comments here are true, then we are all on the same side; until we hear different.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Sue said.

  ‘I can reassure you, sir, that everything has already been scrutinised and is risk-assessed on an ongoing basis,’ Cath said.

  ‘OK, park that for the moment; we have a here and now to deal with,’ Darlington said, and the rest of the group all nodded.

  Sue then explained that she had arranged the hotel — the same hotel that Vinnie and Christine were currently staying in — for Boldo to stop in, and she was just awaiting confirmation before calling in the arrest teams to nab Boldo… then, things became complicated.

  ‘Because of the two women at your house?’ Harry asked.

  Sue said she’d had no prior notice of this and that Babik had first tried to bullshit her they were to be freed. But when she collected them, he eventually admitted that they were to be killed.

  ‘Why didn’t you bring them straight to us?’ Harry asked.

  ‘I was going to, but I still didn’t know where Babik had moved Boldo to. I asked, but he wouldn’t tell me.’

  ‘Can’t be too many hotels to check in Preston,’ Harry said.

  ‘But what if he’s moved him elsewhere?’

  She had a fair point, Vinnie thought. Blackpool was less than 20 miles away, with hundreds of hotels. Sue then explained that Babik had agreed to introduce her to Boldo later that day, so she was going to keep the women safe until afterwards, so she could then call it in.

  ‘Where are your arrest teams?’ Darlington asked.

  ‘Very close and fully armed,’ Cath said.

  Darlington fell back into his chair and sighed. Vinnie could only image what he would be saying to the DG of the NCA later on, for holding that little gem back.

  ‘We aim to put Sue back in and hope to God that Babik hasn’t learnt of Sue’s arrest. As soon as we have Boldo located, we can move,’ Cath said.

  Vinnie, Harry and Darlington all nodded, it was a sound plan.

  ‘However, we have further complications,’ Sue said, and by the way Cath turned to stare at her, these were problems she’d yet to hear of.

  Sue then explained how Babik was looking for a hitman to dispose of the two women, and she’d jumped in, saying she might know of someone. That way, she could keep control of the situation. Vinnie was impressed with her quick thinking. It sounded like a classic contract killing-type scenario.

  ‘But who the hell are we going to get at such short notice?’ Cath said. She appeared to be addressing her comments to herself.

  ‘And if there are replacements en route to Preston, we need to secure their safety before we act against Boldo,’ Harry added.

  Vinnie glanced at the chief, who was nodding.

  ‘Oh and there’s another duty of care issue,’ Sue said.

  All four of them were now staring at Sue. Vinnie couldn’t image what else could have arisen.

  ‘The reason Babik wanted to meet me away from the mill to hand over the women, was that
one of the street walkers on Fletcher Road told him that someone had been sniffing around and asking questions of them.’

  Harry, Darlington and Cath all turned to face Vinnie now, who said, ‘Sorry, not me. I had a scout around looking for Sue, but didn’t talk to any of the working women.’

  ‘It wasn’t a cop, I can tell you that,’ Sue said, and then added as heads turned back to face her, ‘Babik said it was a female who identified herself as a reporter, but I’ve no idea of her name.’

  Vinnie groaned inside, as he and Harry looked at each other. Sue carried on. ‘But whoever she is, she’s in danger if Babik gets hold of her. With Boldo in town, he’ll do anything to protect the mill, and I mean anything.’

  Chapter Fifty-Seven

  Fletcher Road was quiet and it was only when he drove down it for a second time that two of the local girls appeared. The second was the one he was searching for. He pulled over and dropped the passenger window. She walked over, swaying her hips, but only recognised him as she leant in. He told her to jump in, and she did.

  ‘Got me dosh, darling?’ she started.

  ‘I have,’ said Babik, fished his wallet out of his pocket and took out 10 £50 notes, which barely altered the thickness of the wad. He saw her eyes widen on seeing this.

  ‘I’d do a lot of things to help you empty that wallet,’ she said.

  ‘Let’s stick to business, my business.’

  She then told him of the reporter’s approach and he made her recount the words used. ‘She actually asked about “The Mill”?’ he said.

  ‘Yeah, she knew there was a posh gaff round here, but not where. None of us girls know where, or even if it’s true. But judging by some of the motors that don’t stop, I reckon it is. Don’t suppose you have any vacancies?’

  ‘Sorry love, we don’t, but I’ll bear you in mind,’ Babik lied.

  The woman then finished her tale and asked if there was any chance of a bonus. Babik could feel his temper starting to rise at the woman’s cheek, but swallowed it. He asked what she had in mind.

  ‘Well hun, I was on me phone when she pulled up so got a photo of her and of her motor as she pulled away.’

  Babik couldn’t believe his luck. He paid the woman an extra £100 and noted the vehicle’s details; he’d get Sue onto that, when he saw her later. As for the woman driving, the shot wasn’t clear. It had been taken through the windscreen, so there was a lot of ambient light reflected from the glass. But there was enough detail to make out the main features. Babik was sure he’d recognise her again — for a while, at least. He mused what to do as he drove back to the hotel, and knew he couldn’t take any chances. If the mill was compromised, then his deal with Boldo would go down the drain. He’d have to find this reporter quickly and get rid of her as quietly as possible. But there had been something familiar about her picture. Something recent, but not like someone he’d met. More vague. Perhaps he’d seen her photo in one of the local newspapers? He’d start researching online, after he’d had some sleep. Maybe she just looked similar to someone he’d seen, he couldn’t be sure. She was a looker though. Maybe that was all it was.

  Ten minutes later he parked in the hotel car park and was surprised that the spaces were nearly all taken. He checked his watch and it was after one. Hopefully, Boldo wouldn’t still be in the bar waiting for him; he was looking forward to a nightcap on his own before retiring. He considered giving Sue a call to make sure the two women had settled OK, but decided against it. She’d have rung him if there’d been any problems.

  *

  ‘I know she’s safe, I checked when I arrived back at the hotel,’ Vinnie said.

  ‘You see her?’ Harry asked.

  ‘I was hoping to, but she’d left a note for me at the reception saying she’d see me at breakfast.’

  ‘That’s a relief,’ Harry said.

  ‘Can we trust her?’ Cath asked.

  ‘Totally.’ Darlington answered for Harry, adding, ‘We’ve used her before to assist, no problems. There will be a story at the end of it, but only when we say.’

  Vinnie knew he’d have to warn Christine, but keeping her at a safe distance might be trickier than Darlington or Harry knew. He’d have to think about that.

  ‘What about the replacement women?’ Cath asked, as she finished a call on her mobile.

  ‘I’ll have to try and elicit the information from Babik when I see him later,’ Sue said.

  ‘Given that we can’t strike until we know they are safe, you’ll have to stick to Babik and Boldo like the proverbial,’ Darlington said.

  Vinnie thought he could see a glimmer of frustration on Sue’s face; she’d know that.

  ‘But what about the contract killer?’ Harry asked.

  Pointing at her phone, Cath said, special ops don’t have anyone available, but they reckon if we check the national register in the morning there should be one who’s done this type of work before available somewhere in the country.’

  ‘If they are indeed available?’ Harry said.

  Cath nodded.

  ‘And not a million miles away,’ Harry continued.

  Cath nodded again.

  ‘Bearing in mind they will be arriving cold with no prior knowledge of the job.’

  Cath nodded once more.

  ‘And if I don’t have someone available when I next speak to Babik in a few hours, it may be too late. He may just use someone else,’ Sue added.

  ‘Exactly,’ Harry said. Almost triumphantly, Vinnie thought. Then he realised why.

  ‘I know where this is going,’ Vinnie said.

  Then Harry explained to the group that Vinnie some years ago had been a fully-trained level one undercover officer. He was ideal.

  ‘What do you think, Sue?’ Cath asked.

  ‘How much press exposure have you had recently?’ was Sue’s first question.

  ‘None, Harry does all the press conferences,’ Vinnie answered.

  ‘And you’re not a Lancashire officer?’

  ‘GMP — we’ve only recently moved into a satellite office here in Preston, since all the homicide units in the region came together,’ Vinnie answered.

  ‘Well, it’s still risky, but I’m game if you are,’ Sue said.

  ‘You’ll need a gun as part of your legend, which will reduce the deployment risks,’ Harry commented. Vinnie could see Darlington nodding, so knew it was a done deal. ‘OK, I’m in,’ he said.

  ‘Excellent,’ Harry said, adding; ‘now we just need a plan.’

  Chapter Fifty-Eight

  After breakfast, Boldo said that he wanted to go back to the mill as the new girls would be arriving later.

  ‘That’s quick, how come?’ Babik asked.

  ‘I have a network, one where women are identified but not moved, or taken, until needed. It reduces the risks. Whether they are idiots who think they are awaiting passage to a better life or just some local that my network has identified as suitable, it matters not,’ he replied.

  ‘But how have you managed to move them so quickly?’

  ‘You ask a lot of questions, my friend. It is as well that I know you.’

  ‘Sorry, I’m just super impressed,’ Babik said.

  Boldo smiled at him and then pulled his shirt sleeves up as he leaned back into his chair and carried on. Grandstanding, Babik thought.

  ‘I had two at Calais so had them moved through the Channel Tunnel straight away, they are en route. What about the others?’

  Babik glanced at Boldo’s tattoo as he told him about Sue, and although Boldo initially looked annoyed, he eased his countenance when Babik explained how she had warned him in the nick of time when the other premises had been raided.

  ‘How did she know?’ Boldo asked, as he pulled his sleeves back down.

  ‘She has connections inside the police,’ Babik said.

  ‘In that case, I would definitely like to meet her,’ Boldo said. Babik wasn’t entirely sure why he suddenly seemed even keener. He was just glad, as it eased things. Then h
e said, ‘And she has a suitable person in mind to remove the used women.’

  ‘Excellent,’ Boldo said, as he rose to his feet. It was obviously time to go.

  Babik knew that Boldo was a secretive man and probably didn’t like to give too much away about his background. Though, if that was the case, Babik wondered why he hadn’t had that old tattoo removed. Maybe he couldn’t, without causing some massive cultural insult. Babik was going to ask, but decided to let it drop as he followed Boldo out of the hotel restaurant. He would ring Sue as soon as he was on his own and hope that she was good on her promises ensuring an easy exchange of the women.

  He led the way out of the hotel, towards the car park, just as a black hackney cab pulled up. A lone female in her thirties alighted. Attractive, brunette and wearing a business suit with a very short skirt. She could be a high-flying exec, but Babik reckoned not. The six-inch stilettos gave it away. She was clearly high class and somebody would be handing over a large amount of cash to her shortly, he was sure of that. She wouldn’t look out of place in the mill, either.

  He was about to make that comment to Boldo, but could see he wasn’t paying the woman any attention. Then he remembered seeing the other woman outside the Premier Inn; déjà vu.

  Then it struck him. He now realised why the photo of the reporter was familiar.

  ‘The car’s this way. I’ll drop you at the mill; it’ll be making jeans today, so we’ll use the fire escape to access upstairs. Gill will look after you.’

  ‘Where are you going?’ Boldo asked.

  ‘Just got an errand to run,’ he said, as they reached the car.

  As soon as Boldo was in, Babik texted Sue quickly. Ring u in a bit, hope you got your man sorted, may have another job for him, CB x.

  *

  ‘Game on,’ Sue said, as she put her phone back down on the table in Darlington’s office. She’d heard it go off whilst freshening up in the chief’s private bathroom. None of them had got much sleep in the Chesterfield chairs; the backs were too damn low. But at least they had thrashed out a plan.