Cartwright did not seem overly surprised by Colin’s revelation.
“I suppose that supports the NCA findings. I’ll pass your information over to them,” he said.
“It might be worse than that, sir,” Colin continued. “Petrov was active in the London area at about the same time that me and Mitchelson were part of the Met’s Drug Squad. One of our undercover operations was blown, I had a gun pulled on me, and my partner was badly beaten...”
“I remember reading about that in your records when you transferred up here,” said the Chief Constable.
“We were suspected of blowing our own cover, somehow, but we knew that we hadn’t. We suspected a leak on the unit, but it was never found. I have reason to believe that Mitchelson may have been that leak. It makes more sense now.”
“It certainly does, Inspector. I’ll get onto the Met for their input.”
“I’ve already given them a heads-up, sir. They’re expecting your call.”
“Good.”
“It’ll need a whole lot more investigating, sir,” Colin added, “but, if their relationship started back then, and Petrov arrived here in Manchester years later, still in contact with the Superintendent, it begs the question, how many other crimes have they committed, or hushed up between them?”
“Phew!” Cartwright exclaimed. “It could be hundreds, thousands. This might just be the tip of the iceberg.”
Both men sat silently, contemplating the enormity of the investigation ahead. It was turning into a veritable Pandora’s Box.
...
As their meeting came to a conclusion, Colin returned to his office, to the mundane day-to-day duties required of his position.
He phoned Matt, and his dad, and told them both about what he had discovered in his discussion with the Chief (despite promising that the information would go no further). Both had been shocked. As to what fate awaited Superintendent Mitchelson, nobody knew, nor did they particularly care. As to their own fates, both Colin and Matt knew that they had overstepped the mark by leaking confidential intelligence, but at least they now had proof that they were not responsible for the death of Petrov. It was some small consolation that would help ease their consciences over the coming years.
Chapter 43
One month later...
As a direct result of Petrov’s killing, things started to change. Wheels began turning, and gradually, closure came to those left behind.
.
The NCA operation to infiltrate the Liverpool drugs gang was terminated. The undercover officer was discretely, and safely, pulled from his role; his position having become untenable due to the dangers involved now that his associates had become paranoid that they were being watched. As a result of his evidence, the gang was dispersed, many of its members being arrested and receiving lengthy prison sentences. Needless to say, the resulting gap in the drugs economy of Liverpool was rapidly filled by another gang within weeks.
The NCA investigation of Superintendent Mitchelson was handed over to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Mitchelson proceeded to cooperate with the investigation, claiming that he did what he did due to being blackmailed. What he failed to acknowledge was that it was initially his own greed that had led to their being anything to blackmail him over. His conduct, and eventual prosecution, was still ongoing, and every criminal case that he had any dealings with was being thoroughly scrutinised.
DI Peterson was brought to task over his slip of the tongue during his interview with Charlie York. A complaint was lodged by the solicitor, Archie Truman, but as it was subsequently established that this leak of information was NOT a contributing factor in the death of Petrov, it was decided to keep all disciplinary matters in-house. It was not in the public interest to prosecute him, and so he received an official reprimand amounting to a slap on the wrist. His assault on Petrov during interview was dismissed. The complainant was dead and it was widely accepted that provocation was responsible for his actions. Nobody was too disappointed in the two lenient outcomes.
Matt Carmine was never prosecuted for his part in releasing confidential information into the public domain. In fact, he was never mentioned during any subsequent investigations, Colin fulfilling his promise to keep him out of it.
The bodies of Sergei Petrov, both Karpov brothers, and Mark Reilly (the gunman) were eventually released from the mortuary, but as next of kin details were few and far between, all were buried in unmarked council graves. There were no mourners.
Malachi Maclean’s body was buried in the family plot. It was a religious ceremony attended by his bereaved mother, who despite his wayward existence, still loved him and missed him dearly.
Colin’s father passed away within three weeks, succumbing to the ravages of cancer. Although devastated by his death, Colin was pleased that they had spoken and that they had resolved their issues, gaining acceptance and pride from his dad. His last few weeks had been ones of happiness, making up for lost time.
...
It was yet another dreich day, ideally suited to PC Griffiths’ funeral, with heavy drizzle enveloping the sombre graveyard.
Colin stood on a low grassy hillock overlooking the ceremony. He was wrapped up against the cold and wet conditions, but still there was a chill running down his spine. Surrounding the freshly dug grave stood the mourners, their heads bowed, each dressed in black, their umbrellas failing to stop the dampness from penetrating their souls. Many were crying, the sound of sobbing drifting through the air to his vantage point. Centre stage was Donna Griffiths. She appeared distraught, in stark contrast to her previous lack of emotion when questioned about her husband’s initial disappearance. She seemed to relish the attention, everyone fussing around her, ensuring that she was coping with the stresses of the day.
Beneath his overcoat, Colin wore his best dress uniform out of respect for his fallen comrade (not that anyone else could see it). Next to him stood Jessica Thompson. She also wore her best tunic and police hat. The grieving wife, Donna, had spitefully insisted that it was inappropriate for Jess to attend the funeral, but Colin had insisted that she had a right to be there, and chose to accompany her, observing from a distance.
Time seemed to have been suspended as they waited, but eventually the coffin was brought slowly towards the grave. Carried on the shoulders of Griff’s fellow shift members, it was draped in the Union Flag, his peaked cap taking pride of place on its lid. As all dressings were removed from the coffin, the Chief Constable stepped forward, handing them to Donna as he stood to attention and dipped his brow. To unheard words from the priest, Nick Griffiths was laid to rest...
Deep in contemplation, Colin looked at Jess, to his left. As she sobbed, he thought to himself, I did right by her, persuading her to attend the funeral despite Donna’s objections, and bringing her closure.
As he looked to his right, amid the slabs of grey granite, he saw two human outlines. One was the soldier, shot dead in Afghanistan; the other PC Griffiths dressed in police uniform. Both were silently gazing at the distant horizon, lost in thought. Were they Colin’s memories of those that he owed a debt of allegiance to? Or were they the ghosts of those that he had failed to save, returning to haunt and watch over him? Some might have been afraid of such ethereal apparitions, but to Colin, they were a source of reassurance. They represented those that he could not help, but for whom he had fought for justice. He had found closure for them, and for their families. They would always be with him, haunting his memories, but providing comfort as they guided him forward.
They would NEVER BE FORGOTTEN...
The End.
About the Author
Andrew Heasman was born in London, and has always had the travel-bug. Having joined the Royal Navy at the age of 20, he travelled the world, rising through the ranks to become a Petty Officer aboard the aircraft carrier, HMS Invincible.
His next career path saw him become a police officer in rural Lincolnshire. Patrolling the towns and countryside of the county, he faced diffic
ult and dangerous situations alongside many lighter moments.
Finally, he gave it all up to become a SCUBA diving instructor, following the sun as he worked his way around the globe.
Currently living in Staffordshire with his wife and two daughters, he put his experiences down in writing and “The Memoir Series” was born.
Having now got a taste for literature, and having far too much spare time on his hands, he has delved into the world of fiction novel writing. Where this venture will take him, only time will tell...
Follow his adventures, and read his books – visit https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/author
Contact the Author
Contact Andrew Heasman at the following email address:
[email protected]
Follow Andrew Heasman at FACEBOOK.
Follow Andrew Heasman at TWITTER.
Follow Andrew Heasman on GOODREADS.
For updates on future books, release dates, and Andrew Heasman’s Blog, sign-up for his Mailing List at the following website:-
https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/author
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It is greatly appreciated by the author, and the best way to thank him for writing the book.
Also by the Author...
Book 1 of “The Memoir Series” is “Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures.” It tells the first chapter in the life of the author, recounting his time serving as a member of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy.
AS A CHILD, THE AUTHOR dreamt of action, adventure, and foreign travel. At the age of 20, he took the first tentative steps towards achieving those goals; he joined Her Majesty’s Royal Navy as an Artificer Apprentice.
Beyond the Waves follows his progress from a naive recruit at HMS Raleigh, to a Petty Officer Weapons Engineer in charge of his own section aboard the aircraft carrier, HMS Invincible.
Join him as he travels the world from the frozen Arctic Circle, to the blistering heat of the Sahara; from the tranquil Caribbean Islands, to the mysteries of Oriental Japan.
Share his adventures as he encounters typhoons in the South China Seas, conducts Pirate Patrols, and has a close call with an IRA terrorist. Experience the excitement as he chases drug smuggling ships, gets attacked by fruit bats, and patrols the Persian Gulf.
This is a story of fun and excitement, and of voyages to foreign shores. Often humorous, it is the true story of Royal Navy life in the 80’s and 90’s. It is the story of my Navy Years...
Available NOW from Amazon Worldwide in Paperback and Kindle E-Book formats.
BOOK 2 OF “The Memoir Series” is “Single-Crewed: My Life as a Police Officer.” It tells the second chapter in the life of the author, recounting his time serving as a police officer in the Lincolnshire Police Force.
HAVING TRAVELLED THE world in the Royal Navy, the author was unable to settle into the slower pace of life as a civilian. He yearned for action and excitement. He missed the camaraderie of his former life. His search led him to the Lincolnshire Police Force...
Full of energy and enthusiasm, he became a Police Constable, patrolling the rural flatlands, towns and villages of the county. “Single-Crewed” follows his progress from a raw-recruit with an idealistic image of a police officer’s role, to a streetwise experienced officer, and tutor.
Share his adventures as he faces violence and aggression on the streets, becomes a member of the Riot Team, and works closely with colleagues in the Dog Section. Experience the thrill of high-speed pursuits, the excitement of foot-chases, and the fear of encounters with armed and dangerous suspects.
Forget the stereotypical image of the “British Bobby,” this is the true story of life as a Police Officer in 90’s Britain. Charting the high-points and the low-points of his career, it depicts life as a member of the thin-blue-line.
Available NOW from Amazon Worldwide in Paperback and Kindle E-Book formats.
BOOK 3 OF “The Memoir Series” is “Gone Diving: My Adventures Above and Below the Waves.” It tells the third chapter in the author’s life, recounting his experiences travelling the world as a freelance diving instructor, and of the many adventures had along the way.
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED what life as a SCUBA Diving Instructor is really like?
Is it as glamorous a lifestyle as they say? Do they live-the-dream?
Follow the author as he evolves from a novice diver, to become the owner of his own dive business. Travel the world, country to country, as he “chases-the-sun” - from the islands of Fiji and Australia in the east, to Central America and the Caribbean in the west.
Share his adventures above and below the ocean's surface:-
Experience the thrill of Shark encounters, the beauty of colourful Nudibranches, and the serenity of majestic Manta Rays. Embark upon marine conservation projects in the Seychelles and Belize, studying corals and exotic creatures.
Discover long forgotten Maya Temples hidden beneath dense rainforest, and climb an erupting volcano. Marvel at Uluru, live on a remote desert island, and survive a burning ship as it slips beneath the waves.
Experience the best, and the worst, of being a diving instructor...
These and many more adventures await you in, "Gone Diving: My Adventures Above and Below the Waves."
“Gone Diving” is the third book in "The Memoir Series."
Available NOW from Amazon Worldwide in Paperback and Kindle E-Book formats.
Coming Soon...
The next chapter in the author’s literary exploits is to enter the world of FICTION writing. Leaning heavily on the experiences gained throughout his various careers, he intends to venture into the dark underworld of crime writing. Expect excitement, danger, and adventure...
Travel those uncharted paths with him. Read his books and share his adventures.
Be sure you receive updates on all forthcoming books – Sign-up to his “Mailing List” at his website: https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/author
Follow him on FACEBOOK and TWITTER and GOODREADS.
About the Author
Andrew Heasman was born in London, but has always had the travel-bug. Having joined the Royal Navy at the age of 20, he travelled the world, rising through the ranks to become a Petty Officer aboard the aircraft carrier, HMS Invincible. His next career path saw him become a police officer in rural Lincolnshire, and finally, he gave it all up to become a SCUBA diving instructor, following the sun as he worked his way around the globe. Currently living in Staffordshire, he has decided to put his experiences down in writing.
Follow his adventures, and read his books – visit https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/author
Read more at Andrew Heasman’s site.
About the Publisher
Seahawk Publishing UK is a small, independent publishing company based in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK.
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