“And you?”, Gregory asked.
“I’m moving on.”, he told him, “Agent Smith has offered me a position and I’m going to take him up on it. My first project, to track down a certain Bob Dexter and reinstate his fortune to him. I know that you understand why he betrayed you, but what you may not know was that his sacrifice was total. The Haven took all his money and left him and the twins with nothing but their lives. They deserve better than that.”
“Congratulations. A well-deserved promotion. And good luck with Bob, I look forward to meeting him again. He did what he had to do and I only wish that I could say that I’d do the same in his situation. Don’t be too long about it. But, I’m still confused about the trucks. What happened there?”
“When they suspended me,”, Walker explained, “and I sent you the details I sent, I also got in touch with Dave. We met in a park and talked about options. I agreed to get access to The Haven, whereas, he decided to come along and give you guys a helping hand. When the trucks left the depot, they had to cut through a number of roads on the industrial estate before reaching the North Circular road. Dave staged a tipper truck accident on one of those roads. The drivers were ordinary Joes employed by Fellows Transport. But they travelled with an armed guard. As the trucks were forced to stop at the blockage, Dave’s team grabbed the guards and left them tied up at the side of the road. The drivers were asked to return to the warehouse. They were minimum-wage guys to the man and they weren’t going to argue. Dave’s team dispersed, while he escorted the vehicles back. That was why he managed to clock you and take out your guard. After that, he did his usual disappearing act.”
“So, just one last question then.”, Gregory asked, “About Nathan.”
“Go on, but on one condition. I have one more question for you which I need an answer on.”
“Okay, that’s a deal. So, Nathan’s bomb. Do you buy the idea of it being inside him all the time?”
“I do more than buy it.”, Walker replied, “I’ve seen the footage from the CCTV in the office. It’s exactly as you were told. Just after the trucks appear, you can just see Nathan pressing the cuffs against his inner thigh. After that, you can see that he’s struggling as he waits for the chemicals to mix. It must have been agony for him in those last moments. In my view, he’s the hero of the hour. He gave his life to save you and the country. There’ll be no medals though. He’ll go down in history as a serial killer and the guy who murdered the PM. Don’t believe that what you and I know will become public knowledge. It’s a shame, but I know that Nathan knew what he was doing. He wasn’t in it for any glory. That answer your question?”
“As much as anything will.”, Gregory sighed, “I’ll miss him though. And I guess, from your summary, that my release without charge comes with some sort of gagging clause attached?”
“They didn’t feel they had to be so explicit.”, Walker replied, “I’d consider that a mark of respect, if I were you. And I don’t think I need to labour the point. Justice will be done as best as it can be, but who would believe the truth? However, that does lead me onto my own last question. I’ll be glad to get this one over so we can clear the air between us.”
Philian Gregory looked at the policeman quizzically but said nothing.
“They would like to recruit you.”, Walker said, “And I’m supposed to do all I can to make you accept the offer.”
“I appreciate you being so candid.”, Gregory smiled as he replied, “Now that’s out the way, we can relax over a decent meal and a very expensive bottle or two of wine.”
“I’ll tell them tomorrow.”, Walker raised his glass in a toast, “A shame though, we could have worked well together.”
“You had a little time on a boat.”, Gregory matched the toast, “I’ve had a little more. I won’t have much money; the space won’t be any bigger and mod-cons will amount to no more than a fridge. But I love it on the water. You can take me back tomorrow. I think I’m due a bit of peace and quiet.”
The two men stayed up late into the night but were away early the next day. The journey to the boat took half the day. They parted and Philian Gregory boarded the vessel. A kingfisher landed on the tiller as he closed the door, and through the windows, he could see the hedgerows beginning to fill out with Summer glory. No, he was happy here. As happy as he’d ever be.
Philian Gregory Page 50
