Generations of Love

by Wendy Pulford

  ‘When Potter and chums realised these papers covered the extent of the investigations about their activities, it’s no wonder they went quiet. When it appeared that no follow-up was happening, they still, for the most part, kept it pretty well buttoned down. Potter’s retirement must also have curtailed matters a good deal. They can have no idea that we still have Hartman’s evidence intact, and I think now we must try to strike as fast as possible.’

  Watson looked around the room. ‘For your information, gentlemen, over the years, in attempting to engineer certain political changes, Potter has been utilising or selling information gleaned from his various sources in Whitehall, with particular relevance to government contracts. As Alex Hartman discovered, in the wrong hands, such information could be used to the detriment of the country as a whole.

  ‘What contacts Potter didn’t already have to assist him, Franklin and his associates provided through misuse of their professions. Suitable vulnerable candidates were blackmailed, or outright monetary payments were offered to individuals to perform certain tasks. At the moment Potter is involved on a committee discussing restructuring of security at air and sea ports, and some of that information, as you can guess, might be useful to others. Our information suggests that someone has been in touch with persons – shall we say – over the water, and I think you can guess the reason why.

  ‘All parties are being monitored at the moment, but it seems possible that information will be offered either to them, if they’re interested, or I’m sure another… outlet will be found. We have everything covered and we’re ready to jump on Potter.

  ‘As with all these things, hard evidence is necessary, but that takes a lot of manpower and effort. It would be nice if someone was to talk, but that would be very lucky.’

  Watson looked over at Peter, his gaze sharp and intent. ‘I was interested in your comments about your last discussion with Franklin. You made an observation that you thought he was drinking more.’

  Peter shrugged his shoulders. ‘I formed that impression. I could be wrong, of course.’

  ‘I just wonder if Franklin might be anxious at the prospect of being involved with that organisation again. I’m still surprised that, when we nabbed O’Dowd, there were no reprisals. I can’t imagine that they didn’t do a bit of backtracking and work it out for themselves.’ He kept his gaze fixed on Peter. ‘Are you seeing him again, by any chance?’

  Peter cleared his throat. ‘Well, he did contact me today, asking if I can see him tomorrow night. He wants a meeting of the trustees of my fund and a general talk about finance.’

  ‘Hmm.’ Watson rubbed his chin. ‘I’m thinking of suggesting something, but I’ll let you know.’

  Peter was a little alarmed. He looked over at Dougie, who just raised one eyebrow and smiled.

  *

  ‘What do you suppose he was getting at, Dougie?’

  Peter put their beers down on the table. The two of them had decided to have a drink before they parted.

  Dougie looked around the bar to check who was in earshot.

  ‘I’m wondering if they’re going to suggest you have a go at “F” to see what you can find out.’

  Peter’s eyes widened. ‘He’ll never say anything.’

  ‘You said yourself, with this drinking thing, maybe he is a worried man. If he’s pushed a little bit, he might say too much. They might want you to do the pushing. If you made him think that you were beginning to guess what he might have been up to, and were intrigued enough to play their game with them, he might be flattered and say more than he should.’

  ‘Strewth, Dougie, isn’t this getting a bit much? I’m not sure he believes what I’m saying to him now, let alone trying him with anything else. Anyway, it would be my word against his.’

  ‘We could have you wired up, so we can record what he’s saying. I’ve got a hunch it’s what Watson is thinking of. When they pick up their catch, I’ve an idea that they would like to confront him with certain facts to see if he’s prepared to say what he knows. It’s been done before: drop into the interview a few pieces of knowledge that must have come from others in the know, and you have your suspect wondering who else you’ve caught and how much they’ve said. Makes them nervous.’

  Peter shook his head, polishing off his beer. ‘Well, I’m hoping that you’re wrong on this, Dougie. In any case, for the moment I’m not going to think about it. I’m off to see Christa now, and will try to forget all about it for a while. Try to be normal.’

  Dougie watched the young man leave the bar. I’m not sure we’ll ever be that again, he thought. Too much had happened to too many people.

  *

  ‘Do you think he’ll come, Luigi?’ Christa was excited.

  ‘I think he will, my dear. It was obvious that Michael was quite shocked at the news, but there was an instant decision that he ought to help Peter. I could tell he felt the family connection. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear when he’s coming. How is Peter?’

  ‘I think he’s coping. He doesn’t say much. I haven’t seen him for several days now. I don’t want to chase him if he’s busy. I do so wish everything could be sorted out now. I still worry about what Franklin might get up to.’

  The door bell rang.

  ‘Oh, this might be Peter now. If it is, do you want a word with him, Luigi?’

  She went to the door and waved Peter inside. ‘Luigi’s on the phone, Peter.’

  She handed the phone to him as they settled down on the settee. She snuggled into his side. It was always so good to see him. He looked tired, she thought, and in a reflex action she reached up and placed her mouth on his. Surprised grey eyes smiled down at her, and she felt that familiar warmth curling inside.

  ‘Hi… I’m fine, Luigi, a bit busy that’s all. Things are moving along, and it’s taking up a fair amount of my time… Yes, I’m hoping it may be. We’ve got an outside agency involved now which is a help… I’ll do that, Luigi… Goodnight.’

  Christa sat up and looked at him. ‘Do you mean that this might all be over soon?’

  His grey eyes sobered, and she sensed the worry returning in him.

  ‘I don’t know, Christa. I have a feeling that it’s going to get worse.’

  ‘Worse! Oh Peter, how? They can’t ask you to do more than you’re doing! I worry so for you. You’re not a policeman; let them do their own work. Can’t Dougie take over?’

  She found herself pulled back into his arms and he kissed her hair.

  ‘It’s not as simple as that, but there’s no need for you to worry. Not that I’m complaining, mind you!’

  She heard the smile back in his voice. All she wanted was to be here with this man she was certain now she loved with all her heart. She felt herself being picked up and heard his soft words, ‘Let’s forego the music for once, shall we?’ She wasn’t going to argue with that.

  *

  In the chill darkness of the street outside a further entry was logged.

  *

  ‘For God’s sake, Dougie, is all this necessary?’

  Peter was standing in an empty office, fretting, as a technician wired him up with a microphone.

  ‘It’s simple, Peter. With this set-up we can listen in to everything that’s being said where you are, and we can record it. There will be a van parked nearby, listening in. I’ll be there too. It’s safer to do it this way because I want some instant back-up for you. With that little so-and-so Duncan Hamilton there, if something did go wrong I don’t want him going berserk at you with no one around.

  ‘Now, all you need to do is make Franklin aware that you have an idea of what’s been going on with their financial capers, and say you want in. Get him to open up about it. Tell you as much as he can. Also, get Potter mentioned by name, if possible. Just see how it goes. The more information we can obtain, the better.’

  The technician had fini
shed and was speaking through the microphone to his colleagues in the van outside, making sure the circuit worked. He gave the thumbs-up to Dougie, and departed.

  ‘What if he doesn’t believe me and won’t talk?’

  ‘Well, there’s nothing we can do about that. We’ll have to haul him in with the others and do it the hard way. This is worth trying, though.’

  Peter wasn’t so sure. It was one thing to lie through his teeth in the first place, but to be trussed up like an electrical chicken whilst doing it was another! However, it seemed there was nothing for it but to try. His thoughts turned to his father. If he’d been in this situation he was positive he would have done the same. He owed it to all those whose lives, each in their individual ways, had been touched by Franklin’s scheming. His grey eyes became determined, and his attractive face hardened.

  ‘OK. It’s eight-thirty now. Let’s get this thing rolling, Dougie, before I change my mind.’

  *

  One of these days he would enjoy a glass of whisky, Peter thought to himself – but not at the moment. He was sitting here with these three men, pretending, and hoping that, shrewd as they must be, no one would notice. He reminded himself again of his instructions. Dougie had warned him that he should take a relaxed approach to anything that might be brought up about his parents. Maybe letting on that he knew investigations were taking place, but to appear unconcerned about it. Peter took another sip of whisky and, for what seemed the millionth time in the last hour, cautioned himself that this play-acting was for real.

  He looked around the room. He had not met Villiers for years. He could remember not taking to him then, and this impression was confirmed within the first few minutes of meeting him again tonight.

  Duncan Hamilton was new to him. Dougie’s vivid description of the treatment his mother had received at this man’s hands made it almost impossible to maintain a civil attitude towards him; but he had to try.

  ‘As I said, I thought it was time we all met together, and with Duncan in town I thought now was a good opportunity. Come next year, I’m sure we’ll be seeing much more of each other as we sort out this young man’s affairs.’

  Tonight, Lionel Franklin was all good-natured bonhomie – and whisky, thought Peter. It was definite: the man was drinking more.

  ‘Yes, it was a nice thought, Lionel. I’m now realising that it’s easier doing business with someone you know on a social basis.’ Lie number one!

  ‘I understand you work in the City now.’ Villiers waved his whisky glass at him, not sounding in the least interested.

  ‘Yes, I’m enjoying it.’ Peter gave him an embarrassed conspiratorial wink. ‘And I’m beginning to see definite possibilities of advancing my personal financial situation, even more so next year. I know where deals can be made, and I think it could be quite lucrative, if you see what I mean.’

  Villiers narrowed his eyes as he regarded him. ‘Oh, I know what you mean alright, Peter. Perhaps my contacts and yours should get together – for the mutual good of all. Eh?’

  Peter considered this a good cue, and launched into his prepared story. ‘Yes indeed. Talking of that, Lionel, I wanted to have a word with you about the discussion we had the other night. An opportunity has come my way and I’d like to run with it. I had intended speaking with you sooner or later, but seeing you tonight has given me a chance to mention it.’

  He studied Franklin for a moment. He looked genial and open, but by now Peter had learned to be wary of him.

  ‘What did you want to talk about, Peter?’

  ‘As you told me, I know that you, Villiers here and Hamilton’s father were involved in certain financial deals together. I have the feeling that my mother’s trust money has been part of it. For some time my solicitor has had a hard time obtaining anything concrete about the fund details. I would imagine that this is because you couldn’t afford to have too close a scrutiny. Am I on the right track?’

  Franklin moved in his chair, and he heard Villiers give a false-sounding cough.

  ‘You could be correct, but I think you’ll find a tidy profit has been made for you.’

  ‘What sort of investments have been made, Lionel?’

  ‘Ah, well, “investments” might not be the correct description, Peter.’ Franklin’s smile was thin. ‘Money can be made to do what you want it to do, in many ways.’ He paused for a moment.

  ‘It seems there might be some point in… joining forces, shall we say. I’ve been wondering for some while whether you might be persuaded to join our little enterprise. Over the years I’ve done all I can to help you on the right path. I must admit, it is gratifying to see that you appear to have taken on board some of the ideas I have tried to teach you.’

  Peter decided he must press now.

  ‘I’m curious as to whether your “investments” might be of the same kind as my recent offer. You see, Lionel, I have the chance of obtaining some intellectual information about a company that could be very useful to its competitors. The rewards are quite staggering. Villiers has just mentioned his contacts. With my increase in funding, I might be interested in meeting some of them.’

  Franklin leant forward. ‘For your information Peter, through our professional contacts, Villiers, Gregory Hamilton, his banking associates and myself have, like you, also obtained various pieces of marketable material through which we were able to manipulate certain circumstances to our personal benefit. Hamilton was able to, ah… encourage various bank employees to assist us. Villiers used his legal prowess, availing himself of an expert or two who were not averse to – shall we say – creating various documents on occasion.’

  Peter ploughed on. ‘You mentioned marketable material just now. What sort of material, and where did it come from?’

  ‘As you yourself have just illustrated, there are always people, in business, and even in government circles, who are prepared to trade what they know. The trick is to sell it on to the highest bidder, or make financial gains in other ways.’

  With his throat almost closing up, Peter knew it was now time for him to move the conversation to the point where he could voice his most important question.

  CHAPTER 28

  ‘Are you saying that you knew someone who dealt in classified material? I must say, Lionel, I’m quite impressed by all I’ve heard so far. I had no idea this was going on. I should have spoken to you sooner!’

  He could see the flattery was working. Franklin appeared eager and keen.

  ‘Well, thank you, Peter. I must admit we’ve done pretty well over the years. You realise, of course, we have had to be careful about these things. Doesn’t do to be careless with the talk.’

  ‘Of course not, Lionel. I quite understand. What sort of contacts do you have? Civil Service, that sort of thing?’

  ‘One very good source, over quite a number of years until his retirement. He was, in fact, the lynchpin of the whole enterprise.’

  Peter took a breath and pressed again. ‘You were speaking to me a while ago about old college friends. You mentioned to me then about one friend in particular who was in the Civil Service. Now, what was his name…?’

  Peter saw Franklin looking at him, long and hard. Would he bite? Out of the corner of his eye he saw Villiers shaking his head. Franklin appeared to ignore him.

  ‘Now, now Peter. Remember, never reveal your sources. But you are on the right lines.’

  So, he had not achieved a name, but Peter felt the quiet excitement growing in him. What was happening in the van outside, he could only imagine.

  ‘Was the basic motive financial gain, or something more ideological than that?’

  ‘Ideology might have been the reason at first, maybe. It does no harm to keep politicians on their toes. They’re just the mouthpieces, after all. It’s the civil servants, the backbone of Whitehall, and the judiciary who keep things turning around. A little prod here, a little poke the
re, might create a climate for political change, but in reality this is difficult to achieve. Financial reward is more certain. If certain circumstances can be engineered in some way to manipulate a situation, and this is known in advance, financial actions can be taken of a profitable nature, if you understand me; the Stock Market and the like. We have availed ourselves of many occasions which have proved very lucrative over the years.’

  ‘Interesting. You must have covered your tracks from the authorities pretty well.’

  ‘It’s become a little more difficult with new legislation, but we manage. We did have a scare some time ago but we… took care of that.’

  Peter knew what he meant, and had to exert all his control to keep his expression bland. He returned his gaze to his whisky glass, but did not miss the look between the two older men.

  ‘Well, all this sounds very interesting, Lionel.’

  Franklin smiled at him, ‘I always took you for an intelligent young man. Thought you’d soon pick up the clever way of doing things. We must talk about the possibilities of your offer in detail some other time. Your new avenues of contact could be very useful.’ With abruptness he changed the subject. ‘How’s the love life? Is that Canadian girl still on the scene?’

  Peter drained the rest of his whisky. He had read in a book somewhere that if you are being interrogated you should keep as close to the truth in your answers as possible.

  ‘Oh, she’s about still. I find she can be quite… entertaining. Until I latch on to someone else.’