My Caroline

by Roger Rapel

  Jim found Vicky then went to their office where they went into deep conversation about the case she had undertaken, Jim nodded at the comments she made. Inwardly Vicky was proud of her achievement without Jim at the helm as it proved to Langton she could do the job he had taken her on board for. Jim started to read her report he was engrossed in it even though he was speed reading he picked up on the issue of the Forsyth’s.

  ‘Forsyth had a brother, who mixed with the top end people at Gables End?’ ‘Yes Jim you wouldn’t believe the difference, one was smelly with rotten teeth the other smart with a good job and well educated.’

  Jim finished the report as he said ‘well done Vicky a great job.’ Vicky smiled at the praise she was receiving then Jim lightened it as he said ‘does Brian sleep on the left or right hand side?’ Vicky smiled as she knew he had guessed correctly about her fling with Brian, how he guessed she didn’t know, but enjoyed the banter. ‘Not that it’s any of your business, on the left hand side’ as she smiled at Jim. Jim nodded as he said ‘finish your report then I’ll take it to Langton, I know the chief wants to read it so make sure, well you know? Then tomorrow a slap up meal, as a thank you.’ Vicky smiled as she began checking the report for mistakes.

  Jim was just about to call Yvonne when she called his mobile. Jim walked out of the office so he could talk freely; he walked to an empty office and closed the door. ‘Okay Yvonne I can talk now.’ ‘Great job Jim we have uncovered more than we knew, not your concern what we discovered, just letting you know the outcome.’ ‘Will there be any announcements made by the press as to reshuffles?’ ‘Not sure Jim as another issue has surfaced which could be impacted if we make too many announcements.’ Jim could feel it, this was just like a mission impossible briefing, he was just waiting for the sentence, and if you wish to accept this….

  Yvonne then said ‘Jim you did such a great job, I have one more favour to ask?’ Jim said to himself, I knew it, I just knew it. ‘Which is what Yvonne, what is my mission this time?’

  ‘Jim I need to brief you, but not on the phone, and also I need to fully debrief you.’ Yvonne was talking out loud to herself, shall we say, let me see, just checking my diary, okay I can cancel that, ‘okay same place tomorrow afternoon; bring the reports with you, including yours.’ ‘That doesn’t give me much time, plus I…’ Yvonne interrupted him, ‘you have the rest of today and tomorrow morning.’

  Jim then went to see Sandy and said ‘can you spare the rest of the day for me Sandy?’ Sandy smiled and nodded as she replied ‘let me wrap this report up Jim, then you can give me some of your dict, say in half an hour or so.’ Jim nodded as he blew her a kiss then spoke with Vicky ‘sorry Vick tomorrows off, I will arrange another meal later in the week.’ Vicky nodded ‘no problems.’

  41

  Jim knocked on Langton’s door he was on the phone, but waved him in. Jim sat down just as the conversation was finishing. ‘Yes Jim?’ Jim cleared his throat ‘I have just come off the phone with Yvonne, we’re meeting tomorrow for a debriefing on the operation just completed, plus the overflow from their interviews and another operation potentially in the wings, are you aware of this?’ ‘Not a clue, only what I told you earlier, but I expect pillow talk will get it out in the open.’ Jim smiled as he shook his head at the comment made. ‘Okay I need to use Sandy for my report she said she was okay after completing one of your urgent reports?’ Jim cocked his head in a questioning manner. ‘Yes that’s fine Jim, but don’t keep her too long.’ ‘No I won’t, just as long as it takes to give her my dict……tation.’ Jim smiled at Langton as he smiled back ‘just bugger off Jim.’

  Jim sat next to Sandy as he looked under the table at her legs, ‘bugger off Jim.’ Then he began the report, there was so much he needed to get in, but he had to be guarded leaving out matters referring to Ricky Briggs being in Afghanistan and other issues that were not for public knowledge, include the meetings with Rhanjee; but he smiled as he thought about his bedtime romps with Carole-Anne. He momentarily cast his mind back to CA and their time together. Then he continued on with his dictation. Sandy looked at Jim as she shook her head. Then she said out of the blue ‘oh Jim I never knew the work you really did, it is so intriguing, but also dangerous as well.’

  Jim smiled at her as he said, ‘yesh mish Moneypenny.’ Sandy laughed as she continued to type. The report took a couple of hours in-between natural breaks and stretches. Once completed he thanked Sandy then signed the report then took a copy to Langton.

  Langton nodded as he said ‘take care tomorrow; just remember that the chief is over the moon with your efforts.’ Jim smiled as he accepted another scotch from Langton.

  42

  The journey to the Marriot hotel was another blur as Jim’s head was full of what ifs and wherefores. What was his mission this time, in the states again or elsewhere? Nothing he thought of gave any impression of solving or giving any answers to his questions.

  He was also mindful of the potential tail on him so undertook some manoeuvres to try and catch sight of anyone following him. He also swept his car before and whilst on the move, but it was clear.

  Jim arrived at the Marriot hotel Five Ways Birmingham where he was given another radiant smile by Kirstin on reception ‘Mr Broadbent so nice to see you back again so soon.’ ‘Well thank you Kirstin, your radiant smile always makes my day.’ Kirstin handed him the registration document to sign then handed over his key. Jim decided to flirt a little with her as he said ‘your boyfriend is very lucky to have such a beautiful woman as you.’ ‘Well thank you kind sir, but I haven’t got a boyfriend.’

  Jim could have made more of it, but he had enough on his plate as he said ‘oh my, I wish I lived closer as I would be after you big time.’ Saved by the bell the reception phone rang as Jim walked to the lift. He turned then gave Kirstin a wave as she smiled back.

  Jim unpacked his overnight bag and sat as he re-read his report in readiness for his debrief with Yvonne. Although whilst reading his mind kept going back to CA causing a pang of sadness at not seeing her again. He finished the report then rested back on the bed as he closed his eyes drifting off on a dream. His mind had gone into the darkness between sleep and awake then he was gone. He had been asleep for what only seemed like minutes, but it had been an hour.

  He was awoken abruptly by his phone ringing, his eyes were only half opened as he tried to think of where he was. He rubbed his eyes to focus on the display at the same time he came to. He answered the call seeing it was Yvonne ‘sorry Jim running about an hour late, see you soon.’

  Jim was relieved at the call as it gave him time to wake up, shower and shave. He also called Jackie saying he had arrived and would let her know when he was leaving.

  Once he had prepared himself he went downstairs where he ordered a scotch for himself and a double vodka and tonic for Yvonne, he smiled at Kirstin who gave a wave smiling coyly from behind the reception desk.

  Jim could feel his anticipation growing, was he going to be told the truth about what he had been doing and what Ricky had really been doing in Afghanistan? Or perhaps he had never been there at all, it had been a big cover story; would he ever be told the truth?

  He kept one eye on the entrance and a casual glance at Kirstin whilst he was trying to piece together the issues he had undertaken in the states.

  It was then that he remembered the interviews that Vicky’s team had undertaken and where some of the abused children had been sent to after Forsyth and Meadows had finished with them, some of those top-end names must be known to Yvonne or at least be on her radar.

  Jim closed his eyes trying to make sense of it all. Then he heard the unmistakable voice of Yvonne at reception then saw her walk towards the lift, she saw Jim and smiled as he lifted her glass of Vodka. She held her hand up indicating five minutes then she caught the lift.

  Jim ordered another scotch as he looked at the measure in the glass remembering the Spanish measures he was given when in Malaga. He sipped the golden liquid as he clos
ed his eyes again.

  He heard the lift ping and saw Yvonne walking towards him; he stood up and shook her hand kissing her on both cheeks. Yvonne smiled as she sat down picking up her glass, she took a good sip, sighing as she said ‘that’s good Jim I needed that.’

  Jim smiled and said ‘my pleasure M.’ Yvonne smiled as she looked around the lounge which was empty then said ‘okay Jim I want to thank you once again for the work you did in the States it has culminated in many double agents being identified who have been taken down, also the Americans have also toppled a senator, so a good job all round.’

  Jim nodded as he took a sip of his scotch then said ‘I don’t suppose I will get to know the full story?’ He cocked his head to one side in a questioning manner. ‘Probably not Jim, but you know as much as I can tell you.’ ‘What about Briggs, am I to know the full story about what he was doing?’ ‘Not the full story no, but he was sent to Afghanistan to root out the connection the mole in my organisation was passing information to, and it worked.’ ‘You mean he was sent, you knowing he could possibly be exposed and potentially killed?’ ‘Not quite as clinical as that Jim, but something along those lines.’ ‘Wow that is some job knowing that he was in the firing line with no back-up.’ ‘He knows the risks Jim, but that is all I can say about his role, I have already told you more than you should know.’

  Jim took another sip of his scotch then said ‘okay I’ll leave Ricky for now, but when Vicky interviewed those who had attended the sex party many of them offered up names of some well-heeled people who are probably on your radar somewhere, they probably know where the kids were sent to after being abused.’ Jim handed over the printed document with names and addresses on.

  Yvonne scanned the names as she nodded. Jim could see her mind was whirring over with cogs turning. Then she said ‘who knows of these names Jim?’ ‘Quite a few officers especially those involved in the interviews.’ ‘As you say, some of these names have featured in my investigations. I can’t say in what way, but it has similar overtones to the job you did with Ricky in Malaga.’ ‘You mean arms for white women and kids?’ ‘Yes something along those lines.’

  Jim then said ‘the officers involved in the investigation will be wondering what is happening to these people; is there a party line I can give which will sound plausible especially if you don’t want us to act on it straight away?’ ‘Give me a couple of days to do some more digging then I will give you the party line. Do you have the reports for me?’ ‘Yes in my room.’ ‘Okay we’ll adjourn to my room then I want the full de-brief on the information you shared with Rhanjee. Room 339 see you in ten minutes.’ With that she finished her vodka in one hit then went to the lift.

  Jim sat thinking I should be standing to attention and clicking my heels together giving a salute saying yes ma’am. He smiled as he finished his scotch, then he went to his room retrieving the reports then went to Yvonne’s room where he knocked the door, which was on the latch. He opened it and closed the door behind him as Yvonne came out of the shower in a dressing gown. She opened her case and produced a half bottle of vodka and scotch passing them to Jim ‘two good measures please Jim’ as she produced a tonic bottle as well. Jim nodded and smiled as he thought about clicking his heels again, but thought better of it.

  He passed a half tumbler full to Yvonne as she took a good drink then sat on the bed as Jim handed over the reports. She opened the A4 envelope and speed read through the paragraphs. ‘Nice report Jim. Now tell me the full story about Rhanjee, everything I want to know it all?’

  Jim then went over the whole operation as Yvonne sat making notes and interjecting to clarify certain aspects. The whole debrief took over an hour.

  Jim was starving, but Yvonne had other ideas, she finished making her notes, after taking a good drink of her Vodka stood up as she seductively took hold of Jim’s hand and pulled him up to his feet, they kissed and embraced which ended in another all-night session.

  Jim awoke in the morning to find he was alone again. Yvonne had left a note saying she would be in touch; that was it just a kiss on the bottom of the note.

  Jim got up and went to his own room with a towel around his waist where he showered and shaved then rang Jackie to let her know he would be leaving soon.

  Jim was exhausted he was still suffering distantly from jet lag; coupled with the night of Yvonne’s sexual athletics. He was ravenous so made the most of the buffet style breakfast bar in the restaurant where he topped up his empty stomach with a full-English.

  His stomach full he picked up his case and went to reception where he was greeted by the smile of Kirstin. ‘I hope your stay with us was satisfactory Mr Broadbent?’ ‘As always Kirstin, but even if it wasn’t your smile would make up for it.’ Kirstin smiled as Jim thought that was cheesy. Kirstin checked the computer ‘only the bar bill to add.’ Jim nodded as he handed over his credit card then pressed the keys adding his pin number. He received the bill and card as he smiled and shook Kirstin’s hand again with a gentle squeeze. Kirstin smiled as she moved onto the next customer.

  Jim sat in his car as he checked his phone then started the car and began to make his way then thought let me check. He stopped the car retrieved his scanner from the boot, when he pressed the button it went straight into the red. Then he thought was it the car or his bag. He had been in Yvonne’s room all night; someone could have bugged his bag, or was it the car. He needed to ensure which it was. He parked his car and went back into the hotel toilet. He was carrying his bag and once in the confines of the toilet he pressed the scanner but it stayed green; Jim gave a big sigh of relief.

  Jim picked up his phone and texted Yvonne ‘car has gone into the red so be careful.’ ‘Thanks drive to this location someone will meet you there, don’t try to lose whoever is tracking you.’

  Jim got back into his car and set the satnav to the new location and pressed go. He followed the directions; he was travelling north but had no idea where to, then his phone rang. He saw from the display it was Yvonne so pulled over. ‘Okay Jim set this new co-ordnance into your satnav.’

  Jim punched the new destination as he was directed back down south; after about 20 miles he was directed into a petrol station, there was a block of garages behind. He was beckoned into the garage block where a team of mechanics were waiting. Jim watched as they went over the car with meter’s then recovered not one but 3 trackers. One of the mechanics placed them onto another similar car then they drove off via a back alley which wasn’t identified on any map? Jim was instructed to wait for an hour and not move or make any calls and to turn his phone off just in case.

  Jim gave a questioning look to the mechanics they just shrugged their shoulders and left Jim on his own. Jim sat listening to the car radio for an hour then opened the garage doors and sheepishly set his satnav for home.

  There were a myriad of thoughts racing through his head now, none of which made any sense. Had Yvonne been sussed out? Had he been sussed out? But as hard as he tried to piece things together nothing made any sense whatsoever.

  He arrived at HQ’s then switched on his phone and found a dozen missed calls also a couple of messages. One of the messages was from Yvonne. ‘Call me Jim, as soon as you receive this, call me urgently.’ Jim called her ‘are you on your own Jim?’ ‘Yes fire away.’ ‘Right we are now monitoring a surveillance team and now know who they are, I need to meet you tomorrow urgently as things will now move on very fast?’ ‘Where and what time do you want to meet.’ ‘I want to meet you at one of our satellite offices near Heathrow, I will text you the co-ordnance be there at 6am see you then.’ ‘What 6 am on my own?’ ‘Yes Jim, 6 am on your own.’

  43

  Jim briefed Langton on the meeting with Yvonne including the devices attached to his car; also the meeting at Heathrow in the morning. Langton smiled, Jim knew that Langton was aware of something, but he wasn’t going to say what.

  Langton then threw in a one liner, ‘how was the pillow talk?’ Jim smiled as he shook his head say
ing ‘you just won’t leave it will you?’ Langton poured a scotch as he toasted another successful job. Jim yawned and said ‘before you say it jet lag, that’s all just jet lag.’ Langton smiled as he raised his glass saying ‘cheers.’

  Jim looked in on Vicky who was snowed under a pile of paperwork, ‘oh Jim glad to see you back I need a hand with this.’ Jim smiled ‘not till later tomorrow, as I’m knackered and have an early start in the morning.’ Jim waved as he walked out leaving a bemused looking Vicky.

  Jim called Jackie, ‘hi babes I’m on the way home still suffering from jet lag; can you get a curry on the way home? Okay see you later I’m going straight to bed for a couple of hours.’

  Jim arrived home and dumped his case, but just in case he scanned the apartment, it was clean. Then he flopped on the bed and quickly undressed, falling asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

  Jackie arrived home eager to see Jim, but he was dead to the world, so she placed the curry in the oven to keep warm then undressed and cuddled his warm body next to hers. This felt good, so good. She lay cuddling him for an hour then softly blew on his face as she began to tickle him. Jim began to come to the surface as he stretched and yawned. ‘Come on sleepy head dinners ready.’ Jim smiled as he tried to focus on Jackie’s face. ‘Oh babes I needed that I was knackered.’ ‘Come on then into the shower and wake up whilst I dish up.’

  Jim stood in the shower as the water began to bring him back to life as he turned off the hot tap and stood in the cold water as he gave a loud ‘fuck me that’s cold.’ Then he got out and put on his towelling dressing gown making his way to the kitchen. His dinner was already on the table with the wine poured.