My Caroline

by Roger Rapel

  Jim nodded then shook hands as Rhanjee said, ‘you better book a flight and get out of the country; Yvonne wanted me to tell you to be very careful Jim.’

  Jim watched Rhanjee leave the hotel then called Barney so he could X-ray the contents of the case. Jim went to his room to await Barney’s arrival. He packed his case whilst he waited then called Carole-Anne. ‘Hi CA, the time has come, I have been given the package I came to collect, so will have to fly out as soon as I can, most likely tomorrow, but I want to spend one more night with you?’ Jim could hear her crying as she put the phone down.

  Barney entered Jim’s room with a mobile X-ray device which he passed over the case and confirmed it was as Rhanjee had said. ‘Okay Jim I need to copy the contents as he took out some device as he passed it over the digital lock, then he rolled the numbers when completed he slid mechanism as the case opened.

  Barney then passed over a hand held device over the report which copied the content of the transcript electronically. Then he produced some device which he used to copy the audio tape onto a blank tape. ‘Okay Jim all set to go.’

  Jim looked at Barney as he said ‘this is like James Bond with all his gadgets.’ Barney smiled as he said ‘this stuff will be available on the open market soon, but for now it remains our secret.’

  Barney said ‘Okay Jim when’s your flight?’ ‘I have tried for one today, but no joy, so have booked one for the morning.’ ‘Okay, but be careful, don’t forget if there is a snatch let it go, no heroics okay?’ Jim nodded as he said ‘all computed and understood.’

  Carole-Anne arrived at the hotel then caught the lift as she checked her make-up in her compact mirror; she saw her reddened eyes in the reflection. No matter what she thought of, the tears continued to roll down her cheeks. She blew her nose for the umpteenth time on her crumpled wet tissue. When the floor indicator pinged at the floor she wanted, CA walked slowly to Jim’s room. The walk was to her like the walk to the gallows. It seemed to take forever on one hand, but sped by on the other. Should she knock or walk away. CA stood there for a moment with her hand raised into a clenched fist inches from the door, should she knock? She took a deep breath as she rapped the door with her knuckles. Her knees were shaking, her whole body cold with the fear and anticipation of the meeting she was about to have with her lover. The lover she wanted to make her own and live with forever, but inwardly knew it was ending, she knew it was going to be over.

  The reply seemed to take ages, it was as if the world had stopped for that moment, her heart beat raced, then she heard the latch slip as the door opened. Jim stood there with a towel around his waist. His face still showed the residue of shaving foam. CA launched herself at him. She had promised herself to be calm, go for a meal and perhaps a walk then a long kiss then go home. But the sight of Jim wearing next to nothing was enough to send her lustfully into his arms then to bed.

  This was going to be her last chance to make love to Jim, she knew this was it, afterwards it would be over; even if he came back she couldn’t put herself through this trauma again, not knowing if he would ever return. But that was then, this was now, she made sure she devoured him till she was exhausted by the exertion of her passion.

  CA looked at Jim feeling awkward; she was building up to say goodbye to him, she wanted it to be calm, but it came out in a rush. ‘Jim I can’t do this again, when you go home please don’t contact me again, even if you come back, please don’t call me. This situation kills me every time you go, not knowing if you if I will ever see you again. I love you, but I must move on with my life, I can’t just sit here waiting for your return.’ Jim nodded; on one hand he was relieved, but on the other so sad. Tears were forming in CA’s eyes again as she kissed him then she dressed and waved goodbye, her whole life was crumbling as the tears were running down her face. Jim wanted to grab her to make her stay the night, but stopped himself knowing it would only prolong each other’s agony, so let her go.

  Jim laid back then eventually went to sleep, but was awoken by reception who confirmed his flight for 10 am the following morning. He requested an early call for 6 am and cab for 7.

  The night seemed short as he slept for what seemed like an hour, then the early call came, he showered and shaved then walked down to reception and settled the bill. The receptionist handed Jim an envelope. He was starving so had waffles and Maple syrup. He opened the envelope, the message inside was from CA. ‘Goodbye Jim, you’re my true love and always will be.

  Jim felt a pang in his heart as he picked up his case then he went to the waiting taxi, he was whisked off to the airport. He arrived in plenty of time as he stood in the queue for the booking-in process and case drop. He put his case down with the briefcase on top then reached for his booking confirmation and passport from his inside pocket, as he did so he heard a loud commotion in one of the other queues he looked to where the noise came from, he saw two men arguing and pushing each other with others trying to calm the situation, then he went to pick up his case as the line had moved forward, but the brief case had gone, the one from Rhanjee had gone; he never heard or saw a thing. He asked the person behind him if he had seen anybody take his small case, but the shake of heads indicated they hadn’t.

  Jim had to make it look good he was only a couple of people away from being booked-in. He then made the report about his briefcase being stolen as he booked-in his main suitcase. The airport security attended and whisked him off to their CCTV room and quickly searched for the time of the snatch.

  The time sequence was run through, it was then they saw a man dressed in a cleaner’s uniform pushing a trolley and sweeping as he went, he wasn’t noticed by anyone as he picked up Jim’s briefcase placing it in the rubbish bin he was pushing; he looked like he was part of the cleaning crew.

  Jim looked at the video sequence again and saw his attention and others being drawn in the other direction when someone started shouting something. He watched on the CCTV section when everyone’s attention including his was drawn momentarily towards the commotion.

  That had to be part of the distraction, so the case could be lifted without anyone noticing. Jim left his details with security then he went airside where he sat drinking coffee; it was then he remembered he hadn’t bought Jackie a gift, so he chose a gold necklace from the duty free jewellers.

  Jim didn’t know what to expect at the other end, he had called Langton, but he never offered a lift as he had done previously. Jim contacted Yvonne ‘the package has been taken by distraction and removed whilst my attention was elsewhere I never even saw it go.’ ‘That’s fine Jim well done. You will be contacted soon regarding another package.’ ‘What! I’m at the airport, what package?’ ‘You will be contacted soon, when you are, you need to go to an address, I will text you the details, once there you will meet someone.’ ‘Who will I meet, this is getting ridiculous Yvonne?’ ‘Just go with it Jim, it’s nearly finished.’ With that Yvonne ended the call. A few minutes later a text message arrived from Yvonne with the address; but who was he meeting, what was she talking about?’

  Jim looked up at the notification board, which highlighted his flight was boarding. Jim made his way with the others to the gate where he boarded and took his seat in business class. He buckled his seat belt and sat back thinking of his trip and all the cloak and dagger that had been undertaken, but why? What was he doing? Nothing made any sense whatsoever.

  Then he thought of CA and how she had been so tearful when she left, ending their relationship. This gave him a pang of sadness as he remembered the good times he’d had with her. But he knew it was going nowhere, he couldn’t expect her to wait for him as he never knew if there was going to be a next time. Then he quickly texted Jackie saying he was on the way home, but had no idea of arrival time as he had a meeting as soon as he landed. Then he turned his phone off, he wanted desperately to text CA, but decided against it as he knew it would be too hurtful.

  Jim was just about to settle down for a snooze when one of the cabin crew came to his
seat and said ‘Mr Broadbent?’ Jim nodded and smiled at the stewardess; she handed him a note saying ‘this is for you sir.’ Jim thanked her as he opened the envelope then read the note. ‘On arrival call this number then wait in the arrivals hall, you will receive a call giving you instructions.’ That was it, nothing else. Jim closed his eyes as he thought Yvonne can fuck off, this is the last time I do this.

  The flight was long and uncomfortable even in business class as he tried to sleep, but thoughts just kept flashing in and out of his head, Afghans, CIA, MI5 and Ricky Briggs. Poor Ricky, he had been double crossed and killed somewhere in Afghanistan whilst on some undercover mission. Some money grabbing arsehole had blown his cover and had him killed. Jim reminisced of his time with Ricky when he’d met him in Spain. Then his thoughts went to Sonja the receptionist at the hotel in Spain as he smiled to himself remembering how he had been used by her; she had been insatiable.

  Jim was brought back by the cabin crew serving coffee. Jim sat up and prepared his table in readiness. This was the way to travel as he selected wine from the list to accompany his meal to be served later.

  The food was good and tasty when it was served; the wine was kind to the palate as well. The coffee was freshly made with a nice aroma.

  The flight was finally over as the seatbelt warning light was illuminated. Jim stretched his arms and looked out of the window to see all the street lights and car headlights as they approached for landing.

  The engine note changed as the landing gear was lowered making a rumbling noise as it locked into place. The descent always made his ears uncomfortable with the difference in the air pressure. He managed a yawn which cleared the passage allowing the air to escape from behind his eardrums so he could finally hear clearly once more.

  The bump and the rumble of the tyres as they met the runway signified the landing, then the reverse thrust of the engines roared, the plane shuddered as the breaks were applied, then it was all over as the plane came to a slow taxiing speed eventually arriving at the terminal where the gangway was fixed then the doors were opened. The cabin crew were smiling thanking the passengers for flying with them as they exited.

  The queue of people slowly meandered to the passport control then to the baggage carousel. As he was waiting for his case he called the number he had been given, it went straight to answerphone, so he left a message.

  Jim retrieved his case then made his way through then green customs lane into the arrivals hall where he stood awaiting the call. Then he sat down in a café where he ordered a coffee and continued to wait. He was just about to leave to find a coach when his phone rang. Jim answered; a voice said ‘a car will be waiting for you at Avis car rental, catch their courtesy coach from downstairs then pick-up your car, it’s all paid for. Once in the car go to the location that was texted to you where the package will be waiting; once collected call Yvonne for further instructions.’ That was it the call ended he had no time to ask any questions; it was if the caller was reading from a card.

  Jim had his doubts about the authenticity of the call; he was reluctant to start the process off without confirmation from Yvonne. He called her where he shared his concerns, but she abruptly directed him to comply with her request; it was all part of her plan.

  The car hire process was simple as he showed his driving licence and passport, he was then handed the keys. Once in the driver’s seat he punched the address into the satnav then drove to the directions given.

  Jim knew the motorway routes so turned the radio up as he sang along to the songs he knew trying to stay awake. Once he reached the turn off junction he turned the radio down then followed the woman giving directions. He arrived at a good looking semi-detached house in a nice area. He double checked the address with the text message.

  Jim walked up to the door and rang the bell, he heard an inner door close, then saw the figure of someone through the crinkled glass. The door opened as a middle aged woman answered. Jim introduced himself then said ‘I believe you have a package for me?’ ‘Oh yes please come in’ the woman led the way to the kitchen where she offered him a cup of coffee. Jim accepted as he sat at the table. He glanced around at the décor as the woman placed the coffee mug in front of him.

  The woman said ‘the package is upstairs I will get it for you.’ The woman left as he heard her walk up the stairs listening to the creaks as she walked across the floors boards. He heard what he thought was another set of footsteps. Who was he meeting? Then he heard two sets of footsteps coming down the stairs one set seemed heavier than the other.

  The anticipation in Jim’s heart was now pounding as the adrenalin kicked-in. The footsteps went quiet as Jim realised they had reached the bottom of the stairs. There were only a few strides between the kitchen door and the staircase. He saw the door handle drop as the door opened. Jim had a ringing sensation in his ears as the anticipation was boiling over; who was he meeting and what for?

  The woman came in first as she said ‘here’s your package.’ Jim half stood up as a male figure began to enter; for an instant as Jim uncurled from his chair, he lost sight of the door, by the time he stood fully up the figure was in the kitchen. The adrenalin was coursing through his veins as he turned his head to meet the eyes of the male that had entered the kitchen; he heard a voice through the white noise in his ears ‘Jim.’

  That voice, but with the ringing in his ears and only the one word spoke he wasn’t sure. It was then that his eyes focussed on the figure, he was heavily bearded with a rugged looking face, he winced at the sight, the man’s head which was heavily bandaged; he had long straggly hair over his shoulders; one of his arms was in a sling. ‘Sorry Jim you don’t recognise me?’ Jim racked his brains as to who this figure in front of him. He recognised the voice, but who was he? Then the man said ‘it’s me Jim it’s Ricky, Ricky Briggs.’

  It was then that the penny dropped ‘Ricky! Ricky, but you’re dead or so they said?’ ‘Very nearly Jim, it was close, but not quite.’ The woman made more coffee then she left them to talk.

  Jim was looking bemused as he said ‘Ricky what the fuck is going on?’ ‘Look Jim I can’t tell you everything; I can reveal that I was sent to Afghanistan to work undercover and report back on imminent attacks on coalition forces by the Taliban. This was going well until I suspected that I had been rumbled. It was then that I went on the run and lost all communication with my contact, which is why they presumed I was dead.’ ‘How did you get away and how did you get here?’ ‘That is a long story, but I made my way over the border to Pakistan and eventually to a hospital where I got treatment for my injuries. I had fallen banging my head. I had suffered concussion and a fractured wrist. Some friendly tribesmen had done the best they could to try and save me.’

  ‘Does Yvonne know you’re alive?’ ‘Yes, when I was in hospital I got word to her, but the whole thing has been under wraps; she has set a trap and is going to spring it with your help.’

  ‘Fucking hell Ricky, it’s good to see you, but my head’s going round in circles with all this James Bond stuff.’ ‘Okay Jim, call Yvonne now and she will give you your final instructions.’ Jim called Yvonne ‘yes I’m here with Ricky now. You want me to drive him where? You are joking aren’t you?’ Jim then put the phone on loud speaker ‘right Jim take Ricky to Hereford, he will know what to do when he gets there; he will be safe there till this is over. You understand Ricky this is for your safety?’ ‘Yes ma’am I do.’ ‘Okay two of my staff will be there to de-brief you. Do you still have the package Ricky?’ ‘Yes ma’am I have.’ ‘Okay you are expected later today, so get on the road.’ That was it the phone went dead.

  Jim looked at Ricky tilting his head as if to say what the fuck is this all about? Ricky shook his head and said ‘don’t ask.’ Jim just smiled as he said ‘I know; it’s not for my ears.’ Then he got up, Ricky joined him as they walked out of the house towards his hire car.

  38

  The drive to Hereford was reasonably trouble free. This was all the confirmati
on that Jim needed, he had always suspected that Ricky was ex-special forces, as no one would be allowed into Hereford barracks without having served with the Regiment. ‘Look Ricky I know your ex-SAS which is why you can hide in Hereford. Anyone who wasn’t in the know would be asking all kinds of questions, but this seems second nature to you, am I right?’ Ricky nodded as he adjusted the back of his seat and lay back, and smiled, ‘look Jim, this is not common knowledge, but yes I was a long time ago. I was recruited by the spooks after a successful operation, the offer was too good to turn down, but please do not let anyone else know I told you so. I trust you, which is why I confirmed it.’ Jim nodded as he smiled to himself knowing he had been right.

  The next part of the procedure was alien to Jim as they reached the barrack gates. The soldier on duty at the gate ushered them to the gatehouse; their identities were checked then invited to sign the visitor’s book.

  Jim was expecting to shake hands and say goodbye to Ricky, but they were directed where to park and given passes to wear. Jim looked at Ricky in a questioning manner. ‘Just go with it Jim all will be revealed shortly.’ ‘You seem very much at home here Ricky.’ ‘It was home to me, the Regiment was my life for many years.’

  Jim parked in the appointed bay then walked with Ricky to an admin block where they were met by a senior officer who shook both their hands. There was no conversation with Ricky about his previous life, but the nods and smiles said it all. The senior officer said ‘Okay some intelligence guys from ‘Box’ are here to debrief you, so follow me.’ They were shown into an office where two suited MI5 agents were sat, both looking like they shared the same jar of hair-gel, as their hair was drawn tight across their heads.

  The greeting was cordial as the MI5 agents shook hands and smiled. Then they introduced themselves. The one in a grey suit opened a folder; it had the same stencilled writing on the front in red ‘Top Secret.’ Once the file was opened a report was read by the grey suited agent, ‘this is the suspect that broke your cover in Afghanistan Ricky.’ Then a picture was laid on the table. The picture meant nothing to Jim, but there was instant recognition by Ricky. He looked at the grey suited agent and said ‘is this real?’ ‘I’m afraid so Ricky, he has been double crossing us for some time and now with your help we can take him down. Do you have the package you obtained from Afghanistan?’ Ricky opened his holdall and produced a cassette tape.