A Perfect Likeness

by Roger Gumbrell

  ‘You can go home now with WPC Chalmers and she will stay with you for the rest of the day. There will be a constable on duty outside the house at all times and you will be taken to the police station tomorrow morning for further questioning.’

  *

  Fraser inhaled deeply, closed his eyes and savoured the freshness of the newly cut grass outside the hospital. The chances are it would be the last cut, he thought, as work on the new maternity wing was due to begin in a few weeks time. He had a passion for grass, as a glance at the rear lawn of his terrace house would prove. Neither Wembley nor Lords, even on a good day, could match the standard of his turf. He reached down and stroked the grass. A reasonable quality, but poorly cut, he considered.

  Fraser remembered why he had gone outside and phoned Deckman. ‘Guv, just checking that you are not getting over friendly with Rexton in my absence,’ he said and continued without waiting for a response. ‘I’ve got a bit of an update for you. Miss Page and Rawston have tried to gain access to the Grimes’s house. These guys don’t believe in taking chances do they? Even murdering dead men to make sure they don’t talk. I’ve heard it all now. This is going to make great headlines.’

  ‘I imagine they will be kicking themselves when they find out he was already dead,’ said Deckman. ‘One thing is for sure, Grimes was part of the group we’re after and that group is top league and very dangerous. But this set back for them is not going to help us one little bit, they will be much more careful from now on. They may even consider taking a rest for a while to let things quieten down, although that will bring on the pains for their ‘customers’ who will have to go elsewhere for their supply. Those who make the decisions have some hard thinking to do.’

  ‘There are two big things in our favour, Guv. Firstly, with a bit of luck the gang will believe the press reports that the police are looking towards London for the killers not realising we are already waiting to pounce.’ Fraser hesitated.

  ‘And the second?’ said Deckman, regretting the need to ask and expecting the worst.

  ‘That your mate Rexton is desk bound and unable to get involved.’

  Chapter 20

  ‘ How is Tom reacting to all this?’ Edward Page asked his daughter.

  ‘No problems and no questions, but I’m sure he’s given it plenty of thought. Don’t you think it is time we told him a little more about the organisation he works for and ourselves. He’s worked his heart out without complaint and I would feel a lot more comfortable with him hearing the truth, or at least a little more of the truth.’

  ‘I agree and now seems a good time as the devil himself is about to arrive.’

  ‘Sorry I’m late, folks, but I’ve been trying to get Red Star sorted out. The part is being sent by courier and will be here by mid-afternoon’ said Rawston. ‘See your men did their work, Edward. Papers are full of it. Impressive stuff. Feel sorry for poor old Alan. A good guy but was a goner anyway. We all know the score, could easily have been any one of us. Right, now what’s all this about me being the devil?’

  ‘Tom, Sylvia and I have been talking about you this morning and we both feel you deserve to know more about the people you are working for.’

  ‘I reckon I’ve got a pretty good idea, but I would appreciate knowing if I’m thinking in the right direction.’

  ‘Our organisation is huge with an operations network spread throughout the world. We are controlled from … ’

  ‘Moscow?’ interrupted Rawston.

  Edward Page smiled. ‘Yes, Tom, from Moscow. You have been working for the Russian mafia. I trust it is not a problem for you?’

  ‘Christ, no. Why should I have a problem? My country let me down well and proper when I needed help most. I was the best bloody soldier they had, that’s why I was decorated and then the bastards got shot of me. Any way I can get back at Britain makes me happy. Enough of the past. Look, I guess I’ve known for quite a while who I’ve been working for and knew you’d tell me some time. When you felt I’d proved myself, I suppose. What I would have expected though is a Russian boss, not English.’

  ‘We are Russian, Tom. My real name is Yaroslav Andrekov and Sylvia was born Natasha Ramirova. And, of course, she is not my daughter.’

  ‘Bloody hell,’ said Rawston clasping both hands to his forehead. ‘I’m stunned, would never have guessed. You both speak perfect English, much better than me. It’s incredible.’

  Sylvia Page moved close to Rawston and kissed him directly on his lips. He coloured.

  ‘I, er… I thought we were a secret,’ he stammered.

  Although it hurt him to do so, Page smiled again. Whenever he saw two people, so obviously in love, his thoughts returned immediately to his precious Olga. It still hurt, but at least, he thought, time was close to settling the score.

  ‘Don’t worry, Tom, Edward has known for some time and is happy for us as long as we continue to be careful. The business and its security come first, always. Thing is, Tom Rawston, now you know the truth, does it change the way you feel about me?’

  ‘No, not at all,’ he said cupping her head between his giant hands. ‘Nothing would change that. To be honest, I rather like the name, Natasha.’

  ‘Never to be used, Tom,’ warned Edward Page.

  ‘I understand, Edward. Don’t worry on that score, but all the same it’s a nice name.’

  ‘We’re not worried, otherwise we would not have told you. You proved yourself long ago. We trust you like you were one of our Russian colleagues. Just be careful, the pair of you. More so than you’ve ever been. The police will be after the ‘killers’ of Alan but they suspect they come from London. Let us hope they continue to think that way. We’ve just lost a good man, a lot of money and a great deal of cocaine. That should be enough to prove the need for the tightest security by all of us. In view of Alan’s death we may be halting all deliveries for a while, but I’ll confirm later after I’ve spoken with London.’

  ‘Don’t reckon there’s a problem, Edward,’ said Rawston. ‘As you said, all the reports indicate a London gang. The killers were caught on the hospital CCTV getting into the car which they’d nicked in London and the car was found abandoned outside Woking station.’

  ‘I agree with you, but we must wait for our chiefs to give the go-ahead. We have the replacement for Alan ready to go for the next trip. He was Alan’s number two. He met him during army service. Got discharged for drug abuse and spent a long time undergoing rehab. He’s clean now. Has been for eleven years. He reckons it was Alan who saved him during his bad days and says he will always owe him. He’s been with us ever since Alan started. His wife is an ex-user and they have no kids or family down here. They came down from Newcastle after being kicked out of the family circle because of the drug scandal. They know the risks but are prepared to take them. Tom, come over to the house this evening and I should be able to give you more information. Sylvia, I need to speak with you before you see your ladies.’

  Sylvia Page waited for Rawston to leave before speaking. She had noticed that Edward Page seemed more preoccupied than usual and his reaction to the tragedy had not been as she expected. ‘What is the problem, Edward, I can see there is more on your mind than Alan’s death?’

  ‘Two days ago I was informed of who was driving the car that killed my wife.’

  ‘Who was it? Must have been someone pretty important to have had a car in those days.’

  ‘Then he was at the start of his career, now he is a senior member of the ruling party.’

  ‘What are you going to do?’

  ‘Moscow have said they will deal with him on my behalf, but I have to do it myself. For so many years this has been a daily promise I make to Olga. To avenge her death. I must go home, Sylvia, and confront this man. He ruined my life, now I will finish his. It doesn’t matter if I am killed in the process, I shall be at peace with myself and be with my beloved Olga once again.’

  ‘Edward, please don’t talk like that. Why not let
Moscow deal with it?’

  ‘No, Sylvia, I will keep my promise to Olga. I will also be asking for a return to Moscow. I have had enough of England. My job is done and it’s time for younger blood to take over. It will take a while, maybe up to a year before I go.’

  ‘I have been dreading hearing this. I don’t think I could work with another person. You have been my assumed father for so long I have grown to believe that you really are. And Tom, he will be devastated.’

  ‘Sylvia, I’ve had enough and I need to be near Olga. I’ll make sure you get the right person to take over from me and there is no need to tell Tom anything at this stage. There is a major boat show in Moscow for the next ten days, at the Crocus Exhibition Centre. What better reason is there for me to go. I want you to book me a flight for the day after tomorrow. Earliest departure and only two nights there.’

  *

  Sylvia Page entered a house between Gloucester Road and North Road unaware that she had been followed since leaving the Star Boats’ office. The house was another owned by Blue Tree Properties. Her full movements logged and her meetings with four women ‘working’ in two sea-front hotels, photographed. As the investigation progressed Sylvia Page had become an easier target for the surveillance teams as her routine never changed and her attention to security had been forgotten, despite the warnings. Her unexpected deviation to the travel agent was a welcome change for her observer.

  *

  Edward Page left the office and walked across the road to the telephone booth next to the taxi rank. He was normally alert and his surveillance officers were on guard for his sudden changes of direction and apparent indecision as to where he was going. Today, he too, appeared less concerned about the possibility of being followed. He checked his watch and waited until the pre-arranged time before making his call to a London phone box. Even he did not know where it was located. ‘Pity I didn’t get you to wait another day before you sent the team to terminate Grimes,’ said Page to his senior colleague in London. ‘It would have avoided the press headlines. I am considering suspending the cocaine operations for a few weeks, until it quietens down. I don’t want to, but it may be sensible. What do you think?’

  ‘Don’t worry, Edward. It was a useful exercise for the two operatives. I thought they did very well and everything went as planned. It’s drawn attention away from Draycliffe which is what we wanted. In my opinion you should continue as normal, I’m sure you will not have any problems. Instruct your people to be even more vigilant than they already are, but I’m sure you’ve done that anyway. Have you decided what to do about Moscow?’

  ‘I have to do it myself. Sylvia is booking a flight for tomorrow.’

  ‘I thought you might and I understand, but be careful, Edward. I’ll get things arranged once you give me the flight details.’

  Page was followed to a local bar where he had a toasted sandwich accompanied by a gin and tonic. It had quickly been established Edward Page did not like company and seldom looked as though he enjoyed life. He returned to the office long enough to collect his briefcase and headed straight home.

  *

  Rawston was always working. Long hours were spent aboard Blue Star on scuba diving trips or taking a fishing group in search of the best biting area. The lawful side of Star Boats activities. When not at sea he was either preparing for the next trip or spending luxury time with Sylvia Page on board Red Star. Most evenings he visited the Page’s home, but later returned to his own apartment.

  *

  Fraser knocked once and entered Deckman’s office without waiting for an invitation. He knew he would get away with it, no one else could. Especially Rexton.

  ‘Guv, thought you might enjoy a cup of Bob’s special.’

  ‘What is it, Colin?’

  Fraser looked into the cup. ‘Not exactly sure, but it’s brown and warmish and smells like it could be …’

  ‘One day you are going to surprise me by coming out with a serious answer.’

  ‘Sorry, Guv, could be bad news or could be interesting. Take your pick. Our Miss Page went into a travel agent this morning, a different one this time, and booked her father on a direct flight to Moscow the day after tomorrow. He has a return ticket for two days later, but there’s no saying he’ll decide to come back, especially if he’s getting a bit nervous or suspicious. What do you reckon, Guv, stop him going or hope he doesn’t waste his return fare? Could always use passport irregularities because I’m damn sure he’s not really Edward Page.’

  Deckman was not known for over reacting, but almost broke with tradition. The pencil he was rolling between the fingers of both hands snapped in two. The smaller length, he threw into the bin with such force it bounced out. Fraser returned it to the bin without comment. The longer piece, with the sharpened end, was slammed away in the side drawer.

  Deckman rose and looked out of hi s window. It was raining, the people below were dressed for winter and bright coloured umbrellas were the order of the day. Deckman made a quick decision.

  ‘Let him go, Colin. We must just hope he decides to come home.’

  ‘The travel agent did say there was an international boat show in Moscow and that was his motivation for the trip. Sounds reasonable bearing in mind his business. Miss Page paid cash for the ticket and used a false address, like before, saying they were between homes.’

  ‘Make sure he gets on the plane and, more to the point, I want to know as soon as the return flight takes off that he is on board. Liaise with airline security. Whilst he is away make sure we keep a sharp eye on Sylvia Page and Rawston, just in case they too have got any similar thoughts of leaving us.’

  ‘And if they have, Guv?’

  ‘Then I think we may just persuade them not to go.’

  ‘Any point in contacting the police in Moscow to keep an eye on him?’

  ‘I think we’ll give that one a miss, Colin, you never know who is in who’s pocket over there.’ Deckman lifted the coffee to his lips and twisted his face in disgust. ‘I think I’ll give this a miss as well. Ask Bob to give it a clean will you. Or, better still, get a new one. I’m sure the kitty can run to it.’

  ‘Ah, glad you reminded me, Guv. That just happens to be another thing I need to talk to you about. Bob tells me you haven’t paid for four months.’ He closed the door behind him.

  Two minutes later Deckman entered the outer office. ‘I am meeting Jackie Salter and Trish Lister and I will be going straight home from there. Anything you feel I should know about, you’ve got the number.’ He waved his mobile before putting it in his coat pocket. ‘By the way, Bob, I think I must be several weeks adrift with tea money contributions.’ He placed a ten pound note on his desk. ‘Keep any change, but I’d like a new mug and make sure you remind me if I get behind. Okay?’

  ‘Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.’

  Fraser winked at Kensit and grinned his approval.

  ‘And you can take that smile off your face, Sergeant,’ said Deckman without turning his head. ‘See you in the morning.’

  *

  Deckman had arranged to meet the two ladies at a little café not far from his office and overlooking the beach. He sat in the corner where he could get the best view along the whole length of the promenade. It was dark, but the ornate lamp-posts with three clusters of two lights on each created an almost spectacular picture. The café was well known for its cream cakes and Deckman remembered Jackie’s appreciation of things sweet.

  ‘Hello, Inspector,’ said Jackie Salter, interrupting Deckman’s thoughts as he gazed along the promenade. He had failed to notice the approaching reflections in the window.

  ‘Sorry we are a bit late, it’s my fault,’ said Trish. ‘Rawston was a bit talkative today. Didn’t say anything of interest though. Only about the mechanical problems with Red Star.’

  ‘Don’t worry, I’ve only been here a minute or two myself. Have been admiring the view, it never fails to relax me. Right, ladies, as we have not spoken for a couple of day
s I thought it would be right to give you an update on where we are at this moment as I believe the investigation is coming to an end.’

  Jackie’s eyes lit up at the arrival of coffee and buns. ‘I shouldn’t, but I suppose we can forget the diet for another day. Cor, you sure know how to win a girl over, Inspector. Hope you have good news for us?’ she asked.

  ‘We are gathering new evidence on a daily basis and it means a good few years in prison for many people. I am sure, with what we have, Michael will be released, but you know what I want and we have not yet got it.’

  Jackie’s face showed her disappointment. She had expected more. ‘Oh dear, I thought you were going to give us good news.’

  ‘Jackie, it is good news,’ said Trish. ‘It’s all coming together nicely. Just be patient.’

  ‘I know. Sorry, Inspector, I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful.’

  ‘Don’t worry. What I will say is that when Star Boats collect their next delivery of drugs that is then we shall make arrests. Trish, as soon as you hear anything please let me know. The more notice we have the better.’

  ‘I checked the log-book and calendar today. I would say it should be in four or five days time.’

  ‘I won’t speak with you again until after the arrests,’ said Deckman, ‘except to receive your call to confirm the delivery, Trish. So please be patient and don’t talk about it to anybody. And that includes Michael. I will contact Dr Ingles and ask him to speak with Michael to reassure him.’

  Deckman got up to leave and Jackie grabbed hold of his hands. ‘Inspector, I can’t thank you enough for what you are doing for Michael. I do appreciate it.’

  ‘Thank you, Jackie, I know you do, but it’s down to Trish for making it impossible for us not to take notice. She is the one who deserves the thanks. Listen, both of you, let’s drop the Inspector bit when we’re alone. Terry is fine.’