by Angie Smith
“Is he now under protection?”
Foster nodded. “Faulkner-Brown’s trying to speak to the Chief Constable, who’s playing elusive, that is, until he’s spoken to the Intelligence Service.”
Woods turned to Hooper. “Any news?”
“Plant’s in Wakefield at the hotel with Faulkner-Brown. His two chums dropped him off and appear to be heading back to the farmhouse. But, as you know, Pauline’s already left and there are only a couple of guards patrolling the grounds.”
Woods nodded. “I over-emphasised Guilford-Johnston’s concern about being under threat from the Security Services. I’m assuming Faulkner-Brown will try to make contact with him, and as Dudley’s in the cells I suspect he’ll despatch Plant. Therefore it’s critical that your guys don’t lose sight of him.” He turned to Foster. “If we can manipulate the situation where Plant and Guilford-Johnston are in close proximity to one another, that might prompt Williams into action and we can be ready.”
“Fingers crossed everything goes to plan then,” Foster said.
Woods turned around and noticed Barnes speaking on the phone at the far side of the room. “Is everything alright, Maria?” he called over.
She finished the call. “Faulkner-Brown’s agents tried to get to Gerrard this morning. They were heading for the beach when their dinghy suddenly deflated; they had to swim back to the cat.” She started laughing, but Woods was frowning.
“Who told you that?”
“Sarah; she agreed to keep me up to date. She’s got my unregistered number. She also said Gerrard’s been informed that Faulkner-Brown’s on very thin ice. Apparently, there’s talk he’ll be made a scapegoat.”
Woods was still frowning. “Who told him that? You couldn’t know that level of detail unless someone on the inside informed you, and I can’t imagine Gerrard having an informant inside the SIS. Is he back in touch with Williams? Bloody hell…” The penny dropped. “Williams must have an informant, that’s why he’s one step ahead.”
Barnes nodded. “Maybe he and Gerrard are closer to what’s going on than us.”
Plant knocked on the hotel room door and heard Faulkner-Brown’s weary voice utter, “Come in.”
He entered and was shocked by what he saw. “What’s happened to you?” he said, scowling. Faulkner-Brown was unshaven and unwashed, his clothes were scruffy and he was looking haggard and grey.
“The knives are out. I’m struggling to get anyone to speak to me, let alone return my calls. The Home Secretary has flatly refused to get involved, saying via an aide she has every confidence in the Chief Constable and all the investigating officers. Guilford-Johnston has disowned us, and, to cap it all, HQ has made veiled threats that heads will roll if the situation is not brought back under control by the end of tomorrow. I can’t reach Dudley and the team I had watching Barnes has been recalled to other duties. Basically, unless we get Williams quickly, we’re fucked.”
Plant was astounded. “How has it got so bad? We’re the ones usually pulling the strings, not dancing on the end of them. Have we got any idea where Williams might be?”
Faulkner-Brown shook his head. “Nope.”
“Who was he close to when he was working for us?”
“They’ve all been checked out; I thought of that months ago.”
“How did he discover it was Guilford-Johnston who authorised the mission? Surely there’s a clue there. Who was party to that information?”
Faulkner-Brown pondered. “That’s a good point. Officially only three people were in the loop: Guilford-Johnston, the PM and me. But it’s who the other two disseminated the information to that’s the problem.”
“The weakest link must be Guilford-Johnston, and I find it rather strange that he’s now saying he’s more concerned about the threat from us than from Williams.”
Faulkner-Brown starred at Plant. “Guilford-Johnston,” he said. “That’s it; he’s the one who’s been in contact with Williams. He must have convinced him it was me who authorised the killings. That’s why he’s resigned and everyone’s closing ranks, and that’s why I’m being sacrificed. The last time I spoke to him he said he’d bring the lot of us down. He wasn’t joking, was he?”
“You stay here and coordinate things. I’ll go and see Guilford-Johnston; then we’ll know how contact was made and we can start looking for Williams. But I’ll need Dudley’s help to create a distraction and draw the protection officers away. Can you get hold of him and organise for him to meet me?”
“According to his phone signal he’s in the police HQ; but he’s rejecting all my calls.”
“Woods must have him locked up. Can you get him out?”
“I’ll try, but my influence appears to have evaporated.”
“What about the two who brought me here from Hawes?”
“I’ll ring them.”
Faulkner-Brown spent five frustrating minutes on the phone. “They’ve been recalled to HQ. I’d told them to get back to the farmhouse and follow Pauline, but I’ve been overruled.”
“Forget it,” Plant said. “I’ll work on my own. I’ll keep you informed.” He went over to the door. “Get yourself cleaned up and looking presentable, you may need to make an appearance.”
Sunday 10th June.
The Phenom 300 jet landed at the small airstrip on Gecko Island just after 9.00 a.m. local time. Both Sarah and Scott were waiting to greet their mother. The jet taxied up to where they were standing and after a couple of minutes the engines were shut down and the cabin door opened slowly. Pauline appeared and carefully stepped out, holding onto the handrail as she made her way down the few small steps onto terra-firma. She looked across at her son and daughter, who she could sense were holding back. She beamed. “Come here, you two, and give me a hug.” The pair hurried to their mother and embraced her. “How’s your father this morning?” she asked.
“Come and see; he’s waiting in the sun room,” Sarah replied.
Pauline was shown towards the house. The two pilots, who had secured the aircraft, carried her luggage and followed on behind. “This is a beautiful place; I can see why he chose it,” she said, knowing it was small talk, but essential if she was to keep her nerves in check. They were greeted by the maid who’d brought them warm flannels and fruit juice. Pauline freshened up and sipped the drink. “That’s nice,” she said.
As they neared what she assumed to be the sun room she could feel her heart racing; Sarah’s hand took hold of hers and she squeezed it. Before they reached the door she paused momentarily to gather her composure. She then let go of Sarah’s hand and walked briskly into the room.
“Hello Pauline,” Gerrard said quietly. “It’s good to see you.”
She rushed up to him, bent down and hugged and kissed him.
“I’m sorry,” he said, “for not telling you sooner.”
Tears ran down her face, but she didn’t care. “It doesn’t matter, you silly man. I’m here now and I’m not leaving your side.”
“I’ll explain everything. I never wanted to hurt you. You know that, don’t you? When the treatment failed, I didn’t want to have you going through the pain of losing me for a second time. I’d intended slipping away quietly.”
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I know.”
Pauline glanced up and spotted Scott hugging Sarah. He was wiping the tears away from his cheeks. “It’s good to be a family again,” he said to his sister.
“It sure is,” replied Sarah.
Chapter 21
Sunday 10th June.
Woods arrived at work at 7.00 a.m. Both he and Barnes were now officially no longer on sick leave. Foster had vacated the office in the Incident Room, which was again available to Woods, who had been called earlier by Hooper with an update on Plant’s movements. Hooper, who was in North Yorkshire coordinating the surveillance, was concerned Plant’s intention was to make a move on Guilford-Johnston, and Woods agreed to be at HQ overseeing events as and when they happened. Barnes, Foster and Mc
Lean were already in the Incident Room discussing options when he walked in.
Foster appeared anxious, and came straight across. “Faulkner-Brown’s on his way; he’s finally spoken to the Chief, who’s agreed he can see Dudley. He’s pushing to have him de-arrested, but the Chief’s stood firm and so far there’s no pressure from the higher echelons.”
“Good,” said Woods. “For once things are working in our favour.”
McLean chipped in. “Aye, Plant’s been watching Guilford-Johnston’s house all night. As you probably know there are two officers inside with him and his wife, and two outside guarding the front and rear. Hooper’s guys are keeping their distance; they’re ready to go in if Plant makes a move.”
“Does he know he’s being monitored?” Woods asked, suspecting the answer to be in the affirmative.
Foster shook his head and his expression was dismissive, but Barnes spoke. “Whatever you think about him, he’s not stupid. He’ll have an idea he’s being watched, and if he’s planning a move, it’ll need a distraction.”
“You’re right,” Woods said as he rubbed his chin. “We need to stay focused.”
Foster’s phone buzzed and he immediately answered. After a few seconds he put his hand over the mouthpiece and looked at Woods. “Faulkner-Brown’s downstairs; he’s asked to speak to you and I.”
“Right, let’s see what he has to say.”
Foster spoke on the phone, saying they’d be down shortly. He asked that Faulkner-Brown be shown into one of the interview rooms.
Woods winked at Barnes. “Is it alright if Maria comes with us?”
Foster hesitated.
“Put it this way, either she joins us, or you deal with Faulkner-Brown on your own.” Woods was pushing his luck, but his manner was bold, and he wanted Barnes there to unsettle Faulkner-Brown.
“It’s okay with me,” Foster said, heading to the door.
The three detectives made their way down to the ground floor room where Faulkner-Brown was waiting. As they approached, Woods turned to Barnes. “Don’t wind him up too much; for the first time we have the upper hand, let’s not lose it.”
She twitched her nose, a sign he recognised as her acquiescence. Foster opened the door and they went in.
Faulkner-Brown, who was dressed smartly, clean-shaven and sitting bolt upright, smiled as they entered. “Ah, Miss Barnes, how nice to meet you.” He stood and offered his right hand.
Barnes wavered, but as he went to sit down Woods nudged her, and she shook his hand. “Your colleagues are no longer following me around,” she said, sitting. “Does this mean your interest in me is over?”
He settled back in the chair. “I have an interest in many things, Miss Barnes, which occasionally upset people. However, at this moment you’re not my main priority. The fact that Hilton Dudley’s locked up in here and as yet hasn’t been allowed to make a phone call, is.”
Foster leaned forward. “As far as I’m aware he hasn’t asked to make a call.”
Faulkner-Brown huffed. “You’ll be aware the Chief Constable’s agreed I can see him.”
“Yes, I assumed that’s why you are here. What I don’t understand is why you want to speak to us.”
“I’d like him released into my custody. I’ll take responsibility and return him to your charge within 72 hours.”
“That won’t be possible,” Foster stated.
“Then I’ll have to make it possible.” He took out his phone. “I’ll ring HQ; they’ll make the necessary arrangements.”
“Be my guest,” replied Woods, anticipating he was bluffing.
Faulkner-Brown’s features tightened, “It’s much easier if we work together, combine our efforts.”
Foster looked at him and sighed. “Dudley is in the cells charged with the attempted murder of a police officer. It’s our understanding that your remit is not to assist in Williams’ capture, but to silence him. Even you must realise that we’ll never be party to that.”
Faulkner-Brown stood. “I’ve heard enough. I’ll have a word with Dudley now, and I’ll need his mobiles back.” As he spoke he glanced at Barnes. “There are confidential numbers on them, and I’d rather they didn’t get into the wrong hands. I’ll let HQ sort out his release. Your lack of cooperation will be noted and no doubt your Chief Constable will have some explaining to do.”
“Que sera, sera,” Barnes said.
“I’ll have the mobiles sent down to you,” Woods agreed.
Faulkner-Brown scowled. “Is Crean alive?” he asked, almost as though it was an afterthought.
Woods nodded. “But I suspect you already knew that.”
“Hand on heart, we thought he was dead; otherwise we’d have been. . .”
“Swimming from a deflating dinghy?” Barnes interrupted.
He smirked and ignored her. He continued to speak to Woods. “Did you get your information from Crean?”
“Yes.”
“Are you still in contact with him?”
“Of course not,” Woods snapped, as if the question was unthinkable. “He’d be arrested if I could sort out his extradition. We’ve already taken the pathologist into custody and seized the money Crean paid him.”
“Is Crean in contact with Williams?”
“He claims not to be. Says he hasn’t seen him for months.”
Faulkner-Brown appeared unsettled by the answer.
“I understand Williams once worked for you,” Woods intentionally probed.
“That’s classified information… but yes, he did.”
“We’ve been told he double-crossed you and worked for the Russians,” Barnes added.
Faulkner-Brown chuckled. “You don’t know the half of it. The Russians thought he was a double-agent working for them; in actual fact he always worked for me. The misinformation he provided here was only part of what he gave me; bluff, counter-bluff, and double-counter-bluff.”
Barnes shook her head. “You’re attempting to save face.”
“I’ve no need to save face, as you put it, Miss Barnes. Williams worked for me. Period.”
“So why were his family murdered?” she retorted.
“I’m going,” Faulkner-Brown mumbled as he rose. “Don’t think for one second that this is the last you’ll hear from me.” He went out of the room closing the door with force.
Woods looked at Foster. “What do you think?” he prompted.
“He’s running out of options. Dudley’s never going to be released into his custody; he was trying it on.”
“The question remains, are the CPS going to prosecute?” Barnes asked.
“My guess is they’ll say it’s not in the public interest.”
“That’s as may be,” Woods affirmed, “but the longer he’s out of action the more pressure is placed on Faulkner-Brown and Plant.”
Around 9.00 a.m. Woods became aware of a commotion occurring within the building. He could hear shouting and running footsteps hurtling down the staircase. He decided to investigate, but before he could get out of the office his phone rang; it was the duty sergeant from the front desk, who sounded agitated. “Dudley’s escaped,” he said.
“What?” barked Woods.
“We’re not sure how it happened. The custody sergeant and two of the PCs were overpowered. They were locked in the cells. All their security fobs have been taken, and Dudley’s disappeared. We’re checking the CCTV.”
Woods was incredulous. “When did this happen?”
“Within the last twenty minutes.”
“Get officers out searching the area,” he ordered. “He can’t be far away.” He slammed the phone down. Despite his instructions to search the area, he had a feeling Dudley would be long gone. His advantage diminished, he needed a quick response. He hurried out into the Incident Room. Barnes and McLean had just received the news.
“Faulkner-Brown must have given him something to assist with the escape,” Barnes said, clearly annoyed.
“Pete, get to the hotel and interview him,” Woods said
frantically. “Check Dudley’s not there with him.”
“He won’t be there,” Barnes said. “He’ll be heading to Guilford-Johnston’s.”
“I’ll ring Hooper,” Woods said, exasperated. “Can you go downstairs and check the CCTV; find out what happened.”
Barnes jumped up and sprinted to the door.
Faulkner-Brown was driving north with Dudley sitting beside him in the passenger seat. He’d rendezvoused with him on the outskirts of the city, at a semi-derelict hospital building, about a mile from the police HQ. When he’d spoken to Dudley earlier, he’d been informed about the previous morning’s meeting in the Incident Room and the link between the cloned vehicles and a dark blue Audi A6. Since then he’d been piecing together the most likely scenario.
“Guilford-Johnston has a dark blue Audi A6. I assume it was Williams using a clone of it, knowing the police would eventually put two and two together and go asking questions. That’s how Woods knew it was him who authorised Plant’s assignment. Williams is deliberately trying to draw their attention to Guilford-Johnston. That’s another reason why I’m convinced he’s done a deal with Williams. I’m the one he’s after.”
“In order to find Williams we need to interrogate Guilford-Johnston. Is Plant on site?”
Faulkner-Brown nodded. “Ring him; arrange to meet up. There’s a large out-of-town shopping mall we can use not far from Harrogate. We’ll agree a distraction.”
Dudley did as requested.
Woods was speaking with McLean when Barnes returned. “I’ve checked the CCTV, and spoken to the custody sergeant,” she said. “It appears Dudley feigned sickness. Faulkner-Brown probably slipped him a pill unnoticed by the supervising officer. The custody sergeant and one of the PCs went into the cell to assist, as it appeared he was choking, but he overpowered them and locked them in. He then attacked the second PC and left him unconscious behind the desk. He’d taken their security fobs and was able to walk straight out, unchallenged. He was last recorded heading towards the hospital.”
