Revenge

by Bill Ward

  Miller telephoned Simpson and explained that Connor had been captured after a gunfight and wanted to do a deal. Connor knew of a high level IRA contact in the security services and was willing to trade the name and a description for a lighter sentence. Simpson was shocked he hadn’t heard of Connor’s arrest but Miller explained the general news blackout and specific intention not to let the security service know, so the IRA contact wasn’t forewarned.

  “He’ll be in hospital for a few more days but he’s fundamentally okay,” Miller explained. “The doctors say we have to let him rest, so we are going to give him twenty four hours before we get into a serious negotiation with him.”

  Simpson asked the obvious question. ”Who is the contact?”

  “Don’t have a clue,” Miller replied. “But I believe Connor does probably have something worth trading.”

  “So why are you telling me?” Simpson asked.

  “I just want you to pass on our call to Jones.”

  “You think it’s him?” Simpson shot back quickly.

  “I don’t know. But Connor says he is very senior and they are blackmailing him.”

  “It could be any number of people then. Even me!”

  Miller ignored Simpson’s flippant remark. “Will you do it?”

  “Where are you keeping him?”

  Miller took that as a positive response. “He’s in the Chelsea hospital. We’ve got him in a private room. He won’t be fit enough to move for a couple of days but there’s nothing much wrong with his brain or speech.”

  “Jones isn’t going to take kindly to this. If he isn’t the contact and I have to say it doesn’t sound very bloody likely that he is, then he’ll go ape shit at you trying to keep this from him. And even if it is him, I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes.”

  “Will you just tell him, please? Leave me to worry about the consequences.”

  “OK. On your head be it.”

  Simpson hadn’t bothered with any farewell pleasantries. Miller suddenly found himself holding a phone with nobody on the other end. He replaced the receiver confident that Simpson would play his part in the deception.

  As the one call finished his phone rang again. He listened intently before thanking the caller for the update. So Murphy didn’t have a girlfriend but he had a younger sister Samantha, who had flown into Heathrow the day after the capture of her brother. She fitted the age of the girl in Ashdown’s betting shop and the park. That could explain a great deal. She would want Ashdown dead and Connor as well if he had been responsible for the rocket attack. Now they had a name they were making progress. They would find Samantha Murphy.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Tom and Melanie had gone back to the Imperial directly from Richmond Park. The first thing Tom had then done was to call the new hospital to ask after his brother. The news was positive. His brother had been moved to the London hospital without problem. There would be a long recuperation and some possible long term damage but for the first time the new Doctor had confirmed he was recovering well.

  Allied to the safe return from the park it was cause for a celebration and they ordered room service and a bottle of champagne. It would be a slightly muted celebration given recent events. The real celebration would have to wait for Colin’s return home. Before that though, Colin was going to have another memorable visit to his bedside as Melanie was adamant she wanted to visit again, as soon as the doctors allowed. He had previously been very sleepy and drugged so Tom did wonder if he would just think of it subsequently as a dream. Tom was looking forward to seeing Colin in conversation with Melanie. His face was going to be a picture and the moment priceless.

  Melanie had made a call to organize the protection they had discussed with Miller and two bodyguards were going to be with them from tomorrow morning. Tom thought it could be quite intrusive having two people follow them around everywhere but felt they had little choice. They wouldn’t be armed though, so he hoped they weren’t just recruiting two professional shields that would put themselves in the line of fire. Neither he nor Melanie wanted to be responsible for anyone else getting shot because of them.

  Tom knew he had fallen in love with Melanie and was fairly sure she also had strong feelings for him. However, he was still unsure whether they could have a future together. There just seemed so many practical hurdles to overcome. Not forgetting also that they had come together when both in danger and the circumstances had almost certainly had a significant short term impact on their feelings. Was what they were feeling simply the result of the shared danger they had survived? How would their relationship stand up to real life? She would be away for months on end on film sets. What was he going to do? Follow her around like a lapdog. He didn’t think it would be the recipe for a great relationship.

  If he sold his betting shop and house it would just about pay off the outstanding loans and so he would be left with virtually nothing. He had a few pounds in the bank now but that wouldn’t last very long. Not a great way to start a relationship with Melanie. And then there was another really big challenge he would face. Melanie was famous for her romantic roles in movies. Would the thought of her doing love scenes with other actors drive him wild with jealousy? Of course it would!

  He sure was great at coming up with a long list of obstacles. He wasn’t so good at finding answers. That was going to have to change if he was serious about the future. He couldn’t expect Melanie to solve everything. As he turned once again to kiss her and explore her body he temporarily put all thoughts of the future to the back of his mind. For now the present was going to receive all his focus.

  Miller was sure if it was Jones he would have to act fast. If it was someone else then he had to hope that, as they were supposed to be in a senior position, they would somehow find out from Jones. Connor could reveal the informant’s identity at any time.

  Miller couldn’t leave Connor unprotected in his room. That would be too suspicious. There were two men maintaining guard on the door of the private room. One was Taylor who Miller trusted completely to stay alert to any sign of danger. Taylor knew what Jones looked like and was aware how potentially dangerous he could be. If Jones arrived, Taylor would let him in the room but would be ready to join Miller at a second’s notice. Taylor was armed with a traditional pistol but the reliable Sergeant with him had a Tazer. Miller thought the Tazer may be more useful than a real weapon as he was keen to take Jones alive.

  So how would Jones plan to get to Connor? It would be an official visit Miller decided. He would brazenly enter the room and probably plan to use an injection or look to interfere with the drip. Least that was how Miller would do it. So Miller planned to stay in the room and await a visit. The very arrival of Jones would confirm his guilt as far as Miller was concerned.

  The medical staff had helped provide a realistic dummy that was bandaged and connected to a couple of monitors. The lighting in the room was turned down very low, which was to be expected as it was night time and at a glance, certainly from the door, it would appear Connor was in the hospital bed and still alive but sleeping.

  Miller was sat in a chair at the back of the room where he wouldn’t be seen at first by anyone entering the room. He wasn’t armed but as he hadn’t carried a weapon for years was happy to rely on support from the officers outside.

  Taylor had rightly questioned whether they should simply refuse admission to everyone but Miller had said no to that suggestion. Taylor shared Miller’s view that the very arrival of Jones would be sufficient evidence of his guilt. Not evidence to put in front of a court but enough for them to be certain. Miller was hoping for more though. He needed Jones to show his hand. Now it was a case of waiting patiently and hoping that Jones would make an appearance. It was at times like this he missed smoking. Not that he would have been able to smoke in a hospital even if he hadn’t given up twenty years ago. In his youth, cigarettes had helped him get through many a stakeout or long wait for news.

  Eduardo had no regret for his actions. Not eve
n for using her one last time. In fact that had been a necessary part of trying to make it look like a random sex attack, although ultimately they would discover who she was and no doubt put everything together. But that would take time. The Chief had wanted it this way. It could not lead back to him. Eduardo had decided in the house, when he saw Sam kill Connor, that she was out of control and too dangerous. He knew then he couldn’t trust her and their relationship had to end. And in his line of business there really was only one way of ending a relationship.

  When he called Belfast to report Connor’s demise, he also mentioned Sam had been in contact. The fact she had his number wasn’t questioned. They had worked together in the past enough times. He’d admitted he was a bit surprised to hear from her and she had asked to meet, saying she needed his help. In life he always looked to maximize the results from every opportunity. Though Sam had become a personal problem, he had thought there might be some value to be earned from what he had to do. He found he wasn’t alone in finding Sam to be trouble. He was economical with the truth but had agreed he would meet her and remove her, earning the promise of a very significant payback. He’d shown some reluctance at first suggestion he should kill her and that had led to an increased offer. It seemed there was a strong desire to never see her return to Belfast. The Chief was insistent her death could not appear to be part of the current troubles in Brighton and London. There must be no suggestion her death was linked to the organization or him personally.

  Eduardo had decided he would waste no time in contriving a fancy way of making her disappear. Speed would be his ally. He would finish her, then head straight to Heathrow. He had remembered the country park, where he had previously met a couple of contacts and decided it would suit his plans perfectly. He had told Sam to pack her bag as they would be moving hotel to one in the Heathrow area. He had used the excuse he didn’t like to spend too long in one place and anyway the new hotel was well positioned for when they flew to Paris.

  She had complied happily and he had paid their bill with cash. If he was ever traced to the hotel, then the front desk would have a copy of his passport but he would be well gone by then. He went by many names and though he couldn’t use this one again, it was of little consequence. He had no shortage of passports. In the busy hotel he had kept a low profile since registering. He had wiped the room of fingerprints, even though he had never been arrested in any country and there was no record on file of his prints. They would have his DNA but again no match. It was all a little messy but he was content it was low risk.

  For a while he had been very infatuated with Sam but now he would head back home and remember her fondly, until inevitably another girl would come along. He would ensure the next girl was simply a good cook and good in bed. A girl like from back home not one of these Western Europeans he didn’t really understand. A woman back home knew her place. She didn’t dictate to her man. She didn’t cause him trouble. She was there to attend to his needs. Sam had been too independent. It had been like the most exciting roller coaster ride at the fairground but it was so scary, it would be a long time before he took the ride again.

  Miller heard sounds outside the door and knew he was about to greet a visitor. His body tensed in the expectation and hope that it would be Jones about to walk through the door. He was disappointed when the rather more rotund shape of Simpson entered the room. He watched Simpson stare at who he assumed was Connor in the bed. Miller said nothing for a second. Simpson took a couple of paces towards the bed.

  “Didn’t expect to see you,” Miller interrupted Simpson’s approach to the bed.

  Simpson whipped around, obviously shocked to hear Miller’s voice. “God you surprised me,” he stated, trying to regain his composure and wiping his brow with his hand. “Didn’t see you there,” he continued, forcing a smile.

  “Sorry, didn’t mean to make you jump like that. Rather hoped I would be seeing Jones, not you.” Miller didn’t hide the disappointment in his voice.

  “Thought I’d check out if anything had happened. Had any other visitors?”

  “Sadly no. Would have thought you’d seen enough of hospitals for a while.” Simpson’s left arm was supported in a sling. The result of the bullet he’d received in Richmond Park, which rather unfortunately for him had missed the bullet proof vest.

  Simpson gently rubbed his arm. “True but my curiosity got the better of me. Has our bird been singing?”

  Miller hesitated for just a second. He was about to share the truth with Simpson when he observed him once again wipe sweat from his brow. Some instinct made him keep up the pretence. “Not yet unfortunately. He spends all his time sleeping.” Miller wondered if he was imagining a slight look of relief on Simpson’s face.

  “Listen, do you need a break?” Simpson offered. “Take a pee or get a coffee or something?”

  Miller climbed out the comfortable armchair. “Good idea. Could do with both actually. I’ll only be five minutes.”

  “No problem. I’ll mind the fort in here while you’re gone.”

  “Thanks.” Miller was grateful for the chance to stretch his legs. He turned back as he reached the door to see Simpson settling into his recently vacated chair.

  As Miller emerged from the room, Taylor and the Sergeant both looked up expectantly. “Be back in five. Bob, why don’t you just keep Simpson company till I return. Sergeant, if by any chance Jones does arrive, simply don’t let him in the room till I get back.” In truth Miller now thought it very unlikely he would see Jones. As Taylor got up from his chair Miller added, “No need to mention about Connor. Not even to Simpson.” Taylor shot him a quizzical look but said nothing.

  Miller moved a few yards down the corridor where there was no chance of being overheard, took out his mobile phone and found the number he needed. It was getting late but he pressed the call button anyway. It took a few seconds before a grumpy voice answered at the other end, “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

  Miller had been gone a good ten minutes before he returned to the room. Taylor and Simpson were engaged in a conversation about football.

  “Sorry I was so long,” he apologized. “Tony, do you mind looking after the fort a bit longer, only I need to borrow Bob. It will only take five minutes”

  “No problem,” Simpson confirmed.

  Taylor followed Miller out the room. Miller ensured he pulled the door properly closed behind Taylor. “Bob, in one minute we are going back inside and I’m not sure what we will find but be aware I now believe that Simpson is the man we want, not Jones. Keep your weapon close to hand.” Turning to the Sergeant he added, “Stay alert.”

  “Simpson? You sure boss?” Taylor seemed disbelieving.

  “Afraid so, Bob. And remember he’s dangerous. Let’s go.”

  Taylor instinctively put his hand inside his jacket to feel his weapon. He was still holding it as he followed Miller back in the room. He carried a Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol which was both his weapon of choice and standard issue.

  Miller threw the door open to find Simpson standing by the bedside. He was holding the bag hanging above the bed that fed a tube into the dummy’s hand. Simpson wheeled around in shock. He was no longer wearing his sling. If Miller had had any remaining doubts they were removed by the look on Simpson’s face. Taylor saw the same look and without hesitation drew his pistol from its shoulder holster.

  Simpson realised he had been discovered and moved with a speed that defied his size. He grasped Taylor’s extended arm holding the pistol, at the wrist, turned into him with a well-practiced judo move and threw him to the ground in one quick movement.

  Miller tried to wrap his arms around Simpson’s wide back to hold him but found himself on the receiving end of an elbow that connected with his nose and caused him to lose his grip. Simpson followed up by lashing out with his leg and sweeping Miller’s legs away causing him to fall to the floor. From his prone position, Miller saw Simpson pick up Taylor’s fallen gun from the floor just as the door was thrown open.
The bulky Sergeant appeared in the doorway holding his Taser weapon at the ready, trying to assess the scene and without hesitation, Simpson shot him with Taylor’s pistol. The sound was deafening in the confined space. As the Sergeant crashed to the ground Simpson was already rushing from the room.

  Tom and Melanie had spent an amazing twenty minutes with Colin. He was still very weak but able to communicate, though he spoke softly and slowly. It was the first time that Liz hadn’t been at Colin’s bedside. The nurse informed them she had gone home for a proper night’s sleep and a change of clothes. Tom had been impressed by the devotion she had shown. There was no doubting she loved Colin. The thought made Tom happy for his brother. He hoped that one day Melanie might feel the same about him. The nurse also warned them that Liz had told Colin about the death of John and how he had saved Colin’s life. He had remembered the night’s events and asked Liz about John, so she had answered truthfully. The nurse said she was pleased to see them arrive as it might lift his spirits.

  Tom was sure that meeting Melanie had improved both his spirits and his recovery. She had held his hand on arrival and Tom was worried the heart monitor would set off some alarm. He smiled as he watched them chat. Yet again Melanie seemed completely at home speaking to Colin, despite he was obviously in awe of her.

  She kept the conversation brief and promised to return again soon. She added, she expected to be seeing a lot more of him in the future as she was planning to see a lot more of his brother. Colin had glanced at Tom with a look of surprise at that comment and he had just smiled in response. Tom hardly said a word as he was sure Colin much preferred speaking with Melanie. He now believed there would be lots of future opportunities for them to speak as Colin was undoubtedly getting better. Whether Melanie would truly be around in the future was still very debatable so let Colin spend time chatting with her.