by Roger Rapel
During the journey Sands continued to be tight lipped even though polite conversation was offered he refused to say a word. They finally arrived at Central where Sands was booked-in and placed into a cell. Jim then contacted Langton confirming the safe delivery of Sands to custody. Langton then requested Jim to attend HQ for debriefing. Jim was looking forward to seeing Jackie, he tried to find her, but she was tied up in conferences, so he got a lift to meet Langton.
Jim poked his head around Sandy’s door as he waved and dropped in another bottle of perfume. Sandy said ‘you got something for me?’ Jim smiled ‘you bet I have, so get ready and make sure your fingers are well and truly oiled.’ Sandy laughed as she sprayed the perfume on her wrist and rubbed them together and smelled the scent; ‘oh Jim that’s nice thank you so much.’ Jim waved as he left the office.’
Langton was in his office as Jim arrived he beckoned him in. Jim closed the door as the scotch was poured. Langton raised his glass ‘to you Jim that was a cracking job, has Sands said anything?’ ‘Not a word and I mean not a word.’ ‘Okay Jim for your ears only, Sands will be interviewed by another team then the spooks are taking him as things are happening at their end.’ Jim cocked his head to one side then said ‘what about the kids where did they go after the abuse?’ ‘All in good time Jim, this will be a slow process as things are going on in the background which may or may not hit the surface; the spooks are on the verge of blowing wide open a terrorist organisation operating out of the Middle East with cells in Spain, France and the UK.’ ‘Where is Sands in this?’ ‘Smack bang in the middle, he has a couple of contacts who the spooks want to interview, then and only then will any action be taken.’ Jim knew he was never going to be told anything only the periphery issues, so he raised his glass drinking the dregs, then went to find Vicky.
Jim found Vicky under a massive load of paper, ‘that looks heavy Vick?’ ‘Oh Jim thank god you’re back this has gone ballistic.’ ‘Okay I’ll be in tomorrow morning to give you a hand.’
Jim then tried to call Jackie, but she was still wrapped up in conferences so scrounged a lift home from one of the staff drivers. Jim collected his suitcase which he had left at reception then relaxed as he was driven home.
Once back in Jackie’s apartment Jim put his case in the bedroom and flopped on the bed kicked his shoes off then fell asleep. He slept deeply as the nights of being abused by Sonja had taken its toll on him; also being responsible for Sands had dragged him down especially after the last time he had been in Spain to collect a prisoner who ended up being assassinated under his nose without anyone knowing until they had landed, he had been subtly poisoned by a lethal injection.
That incident had weighed heavy on his mind until the hand-over at the custody office; then he was drained as the adrenalin stopped being produced which caused a massive come down.
The swirling blackness of sleep took over as he plunged into a deep sleep; he never heard Jacky come in and never felt her climb in bed beside him. It wasn’t until a couple of hours later that he awoke not knowing where he was, he just stopped himself saying Sonja’s name as he realised he was home and it was Jackie’s arm draped over him.
Jackie stirred at the same time; she looked groggy as well from her pressures of work. Jim smiled at her as he said ‘hi babes, sorry I was whacked out from the trip and looking after Sands.’ ‘Jackie smiled as she said ‘no problem babes I was whacked out too, my work load is just going up and up.’ They chatted for a moment then got up for a bite to eat. After a snack they returned to bed where they both crashed and slept till the morning.
Jackie showered then said ‘get ready for tonight Broadbent as I need a good spanking.’ Jim smiled as he got into the shower.
49
Jim never saw Sands again he was dealt with by another team then whisked off by the Spooks.
It was some weeks later that the press reports went ballistic with reports of a major terrorist network having been literally blown wide open by a joint operation of special units in Spain, France and the UK; there had been liaison between governments which concluded with a cooperative strike in each country. There had been resistance at each location resulting in all the terrorists being killed.
Jim smiled to himself as he thought of Ricky; where had he been when the raids had taken place and what had he undertaken in order to facilitate them.
Jim thought his job was dangerous, but when he thought of Ricky and many others like him he gave a shudder thinking of the danger they were in when undertaking such missions. He then thought of the constant lies they had to live when deep in undercover roles operating on their wits, not being able to wind-down in case they let slip something which would blow their cover, they were living a lie every day.
Jim received a call from Yvonne a few weeks after the raids and when the dust had settled; ‘Jim meet me in Langton’s office in the morning 7am sharp.’ That was it no niceties just an abrupt summoning, he nearly stood to attention and clicked his heels together again. He smiled as he thought of her in her role ordering her staff in that abrupt way. She must have had a nickname like Margaret Thatcher had, the iron lady; although Yvonne’s nickname was probably less flattering than Maggie’s. Jim laughed to himself as he rattled off a few names including iron knickers.
Jim arrived just before 6.45 as he made coffee for himself and Langton. Jim took in the cups and said ‘any idea what this about guv?’ ‘Only what has been in the press I presume she will debrief us about what has happened.’ ‘You mean more lies’ Jim laughed then Langton’s phone rang, Jim knew it would be reception calling confirming Yvonne’s arrival, so he made his way downstairs. ‘Good morning ma’am,’ Yvonne smiled as they shook hands and walked towards the lift, once the doors had slid shut Jim pecked her on the cheek and patted her bum. ‘Nice perfume, very nice.’ Yvonne smiled as the lift doors slid open at the top floor.
Langton greeted Yvonne as Jim made the coffee. Once settled Yvonne opened her briefcase removing a manila folder as she said ‘a very nice operation and we had with our European counterparts foiling a major terrorist cell which was destined to strike various European cities including some in the UK.’ Langton nodded then said ‘can we now talk about the children we suspect have been sold on to others who featured in your operation we backed off from acting on the evidence we had at your request?’ ‘I was just coming to that; after we interviewed Sands he offered up information on a sex trade cell closely linked to the terrorist cells. As part of that operation we swept up those as well, but as you heard in the press fierce resistance was put up and all the suspects were unfortunately shot and killed.’ Yvonne tugged at her skirt pulling the hem to her knees. Jim looked at her and smiled then said ‘you mean executed?’ ‘Oh no Jim, shot putting up resistance with lethal weapons, so the anti-terrorist teams had no other course of action, but to return fire, which resulted in their deaths.’ Yvonne smiled as she removed another file, these are pictures from my surveillance teams, they followed a suspect who took them to the terror cell in the UK; unfortunately our opposite numbers abroad haven’t released theirs yet and probably never will.’
Jim sipped his coffee looking at the poker face of Yvonne then her knees as he smiled then said ‘I presume there are now no suspects to interview?’ ‘No Jim, I’m sorry to say all the suspects are dead.’ ‘Are there any documents or photographs we can view to try and identify any children in them?’ ‘There are a few, but not many as it is suspected they knew we were closing in, so just before they were hit most were destroyed by fire we think.’ Yvonne then delved further into her brief case and removed yet another file which contained photocopies of charred hardly recognisable photos, ‘sorry Jim that’s all we found you’re welcome to them for what they are worth.’ Jim knew she was lying as she tugged the hem of her skirt again.
Jim then said ‘what about Ricky Briggs is he safe?’ ‘Yes Jim he is, but he’s not your concern.’ That cut Jim short; he was expecting some other reply other than an undercurrent of don’t ask.
Langton came back at Yvonne ‘I’m sorry Yvonne, but what is the purpose of this morning’s briefing as most of what you told us is common knowledge from the press reports and what isn’t could have been posted or emailed?’ Yvonne nodded then said ‘the reason for this morning is to thank Jim for bringing back Sands, he was most helpful once his future was explained, which gave us the icing on the cake to proceed. Also to hand over those pics and to ensure you that we are still working behind the scenes; my agents might produce some evidence which you may be able to use, so please wait until I give you the nod, then we will have another briefing where I will provide you with the information to enable you to proceed, but I can’t emphasize enough not to go rattling any cages yet, as there are still some really important people to mop up who believe they are safe at the moment, but stir them up and they will go into hiding and we’ll lose upper hand.’
Langton was thinking as he sipped his cooling coffee then replied ‘thanks Yvonne that sounds good, but please keep me or Jim informed of the progress as we need updating.’ Yvonne finished her coffee then placed the folders back in her case then she said ‘thank you gents I will be in touch.’ Jim then showed her out after she shook Langton’s hand. Albeit the carpet was well worn with the meetings she’d had, she knew the way blindfolded. Once in the lift Jim laughed as he said ‘Oscar winning speech Yvonne as he patted her bum.’ Yvonne smiled ‘you liked it?’ ‘Yep another cover up for the Special Forces, they leave no martyrs to be imprisoned.’ ‘Ooh Jim so cynical.’ ‘But true.’ Before she could answer the doors opened.
Jim took her visitors pass then walked her to the door as she said ‘I’ll arrange another meeting soon at the same venue’ she smiled as her driver arrived to pick her up. They shook hands as the driver took her briefcase and opened the rear door for her as she slid in then was whisked off.
Jim looked at Langton who smiled and said ‘what a load of bollocks that was.’ Jim nodded she is covering something up, something we are very close too, but she won’t say, well not yet anyway.’ Langton jumped in with a smile, ‘you better get some pillow talk in Jim.’ Jim shook his head and laughed ‘you just won’t leave it alone will you?’ Langton poured a scotch each as they raised and chinked glasses, both took a big sip knocking it back all in one. Jim coughed as it travelled, south burning as it went.
Vicky arrived early to get papers together. Jim gave her some of his time. Then he sat trying to remind himself of the case and what had really happened, he had a thought, but more than a thought; ‘why had Forsyth coughed so easily to Caroline’s murder?’ He walked out of the office walking down the stairs all the time thinking, he began shaking his head. He walked around the grounds muttering away to him-self as he did so trying to piece it all together. Nothing was making sense; it was so confusing; then as if he was struck by a bolt of lightning the light came on. That’s it, it has to be as he thought to himself; yes I’ve got it, what a devious load of bastards.
Jim called Yvonne ‘I need to meet you quick and I mean quick; this is ultra-important.’ ‘What is it Jim I’m very busy.’ ‘Not busy enough to meet me tomorrow same time same place.’
‘No sorry Jim not tomorrow I’m with the PM tomorrow, but the day after I can jiggle some things around, I will confirm in the morning.’
Jim smiled as he thought, ‘I have you on the back foot for a change.’ He then sat down and drew a link chart with Craig Romney at the head then Grant Forsyth, with another link of Caroline, then a dotted link to Francesca. He smiled to himself as he said this will stir things up.
50
Yvonne confirmed the meeting at the same place and time. Jim arrived at the Marriot where he saw the lovely Kirstin on reception; ‘Mr Broadbent welcome; how lovely to see you, thank you for choosing our hotel again.’ ‘I can assure you the pleasure is all mine for such a lovely smile.’ Kirstin beamed a smile as she handed the registration document to sign, then handed over the electronic key. Jim smiled as he kissed the back of her hand; Kirstin blushed as she smiled back.
Jim unpacked his few things then rested back awaiting a call from Yvonne. He didn’t have to wait long. He received a text; room 338 in ten minutes this better be good. Jim thought oops she sounds pissed off.
Jim shaved then splashed on his favourite high end aftershave. Then he stood outside of 338 feeling like the condemned man, he just hoped he had got it right.
Jim knocked the door; it was opened by a sour looking Yvonne who abruptly invited him in, he saw a chair had already been positioned in the centre of the room; he thought to himself, this is going to be the hot seat.
‘Right Jim, make it good and make it quick, I have important calls to make.’ Jim coughed as he cleared his throat. ‘Okay this is my theory Yvonne.’ ‘I’m not here to listen to your theories.’ ‘Just hear me out! When we were investing the murder of Caroline Romney we were convinced that her husband was the murderer, he had the motive and opportunity, but then along came Forsyth who offered up very quickly his involvement in her murder, we all asked why, we had nothing on him so why. It’s been bugging me for so long, why had he just admitted to it. We were told about the child sex ring that allegedly Caroline had discovered, but that’s all it was information with no evidence so we had no alternative but to charge him.’ ‘If that’s all you have come to talk to me about then I’m well and truly pissed off, as I already knew that.’ Jim smiled as he said ‘Forsyth was indeed a member of the child sex ring, but he was one of yours and you had told him to get involved with the sex parties to get close to the influential persons who attended and get information from them, that’s the truth, is not Yvonne? ’
Jim took a sip of water then said just before Yvonne could speak ‘just hold on a minute, when Ricky Briggs got involved things started to make sense. When I came back home from the states to your briefing and told not to go sniffing about, but let sleeping dogs lie until you informed us when we can wake them. That was like a red rag to me, you sent my thoughts racing then I twigged it, it was all too easy.’ ‘What was?’ ‘I’m just coming to it.’
After more water Jim stood up and paced around as he thought better on the move. ‘Romney worked in a mainframe computer company that built systems for financial sector companies. That placed him a position to install certain software programs that could with the right interrogation retrieve information from those systems, especially if those systems were supplied into financial organisations with suspected links to terrorism. You would have immediate access into their financial affairs including when and where monies were being received and sent; that is why he worked so many late hours on his own, he was installing the software unseen for the spooks am I right?’ ‘Interesting theory Jim; keep going.’
Jim continued to pace the room, then he said ‘but there was a fly in the ointment, Caroline, she was dragging Craig Romney down with her sexual affairs; his work was suffering, so she had to be dealt with. Also she had found out about GCHQ, so you sent one of your agents Forsyth to befriend her, kill her; then make him admit to her murder, the reason for that was two-fold. Firstly to get Craig back to work after his grieving as you needed him to continue building systems that GCHQ could infiltrate unknown and unseen by the financial recipients. Secondly and this is the one that just hit me, you wanted Forsyth in prison when Sands was arrested so he could be placed in the same prison and cell as Forsyth, to enable him to glean all that Sands knew; over a period of time you would have names and places of the terrorists he was involved with. When he had gleaned it all and after the Special Forces had struck, an appeal would be lodged by Forsyth. After the appeal Forsyth would be released on some technicality. He would then carry on elsewhere with a new life. That’s my theory Yvonne I’m right aren’t I?’
Yvonne tugged at her skirt hem as Jim sat down ‘a very interesting theory Jim, not true, but very interesting.’ ‘Okay then let me interview Romney then Forsyth to test my theory.’ Jim wanted to double bluff her. Yvonne smiled as she gave a political answer ‘as
per our meeting Jim, things are going on in the background that cannot be discussed and that’s all I can say, but your theory would place Craig in a difficult position if it became public knowledge, not that its true, but others might think it was true. I would therefore be obliged if you kept that to yourself remembering you signed the Official Secrets Act.’ That was enough for Jim, he knew he was right, he also knew nothing would come of it, so he would have to shelve it and stay quiet. But to end the conversation, he said ‘if the theory is not true and just a theory it can’t be secret can it? You cannot impose conditions on people’s thoughts; that’s really big brother stuff stopping people thinking. The OSA cannot be used against people thinking can it?’ Jim smiled as cocked his head to one side waiting for the political response.
Yvonne smiled as she looked at Jim nodding, then said ‘of course not Jim, that would be ones step too far, but what you have to understand, is you know many things that the rest of world does not, so in that regard, what you said, may or may not be true, but because you were taken into the inner sanctum so to speak, you were given certain information regarding the security of our shores, so to allow any of your theory becoming public knowledge could have an adverse effect on the security services ability to monitor terrorist activities. So Jim, yes the OSA does apply to your theories.’ Jim nodded then ‘finished up by smiling ‘so I was right then?’ ‘No comment.’
Yvonne smiled at Jim then said ‘I wish you worked for me Jim you have the right credentials. Now let’s have a drink.’ She looked at Jim then she gave him a big kiss then she produces a bottle of vodka and scotch; two good measures were poured then after a good gulp they ended in another session. Jim was again subjected to her sexual athletics.
Jim awoke in the morning to an empty bed with a note on the table, ‘I will be in touch.’ That was it nothing else.
