STATUS DRIFT: A gripping undercover detective crime thriller, page 12
No one suspects me of being police, just a criminal who’s rained on their parade. My thoughts are quieted as the cue Razor is holding twirls like a majorette’s baton and the handle smashes into the side of Trigger’s temple. Trigger drops to his knees as Razor rains blows down on his body.
‘You. Don’t. Do. Gear. On. My. Watch. Or. Drink. My. Fucking. Scotch. You. Piece. Of. Fucking. Pond life!’
No love lost. Each word is emphasised by the cue impacting with Trigger’s body as he cowers in defence. Trigger’s next move is his worst. He reaches for the pistol in the back of his trousers. His head dips towards the floor as his hand scrabbles for the gun. Razor pulls a 9mm from underneath the pool table and places it at Trigger’s head. Trigger takes his hand away from the gun in his trousers and his shoulders move in rhythm with his weeping. I hope to whatever God there may be that Razor doesn’t execute him here. I don’t believe he will. He knows the clean-up operation will be enormous and the risk of detection too great. Razor maintains the pressure of the muzzle while he gains control of his breathing. The prominent vein at the side of his head slowly pulsates as his control returns. The cigar steadily drops ash over Trigger’s blood-spattered shirt.
‘No one tries to pull a shooter on me in my premises, especially not someone I thought I could trust. If you’re gonna kill me, you fucking look me in the eyes before you send the bullet. Get up and get the fuck out of my sight. Leave the piece with me. You. Sky! You have till midnight to sort this mess out and finish the job. The Turk knows what’s mine and he’ll pay up. Take Kat. Don’t come back unless you have the money. You’ll get Trigger’s share for your troubles plus a bonus if the job’s clean. Now all of you fuck off out of here.’
Speech over. Summing up done. The defence win. I step over Trigger on the way out. I don’t like doing it as the man is in pain after a severe beating but I’m in role. Like a dog, I’ve been elevated in the pack and must respond as such. It’s my job. But it’s the harsher side. My work here is just beginning. I have a Turk to visit who will settle his payday loan.
18
‘Let’s start,’ Winter says.
The members present stop talking and look towards Winter who is sitting at the head of the office meeting room table.
‘I’ve called you here so we can update each other and allocate any tasks we see fit as a result. I will state what limited information we have so far and then hear from DI John Cooper from Professional Standards and DI Ken Aldridge from our intelligence unit. I’ll hand over to DI Hudson who will explain what we’ve ascertained so far.’ Winter nods at Hudson to continue.
‘This operation is in its early stages but has been productive. DS Batford has gained access to Razor’s club. As far as we are aware, Batford is still in contact with him and his associates. Alex Kennedy, our CHIS, has corroborated this. I’ve taken a call from Alex prior to this meeting and they’ve stated Batford had left the club this morning and returned later where it was reported a knife fight had taken place involving DS Batford. Also a chase where Batford was stopped by police and let go. Alex wasn’t in a position to say much more and sounded muffled. They reported they may be away for a day or two but weren’t certain.’ Hudson looks at Winter who picks up where he left off.
‘I’ve tried contacting Batford. He answered but said he would call back later as he couldn’t speak. He sounded calm, coherent, and gave me no immediate cause for concern. He’s his own department’s responsibility but I am joint-managing the threat too.’
DI Aldridge uses this opportunity to add his bit. ‘We’ve run our daily check on Batford’s bike index number. He was stopped in Essex Road, N1, by an area car unit. It’s been marked up on the Computer Aided Dispatch system as a satisfactory stop, and words of advice given. Nothing more to say about that,’ he says, turning to Cooper.
DI Cooper leans forward, forearms at rest upon the table. ‘We won’t be speaking with the officers involved in the stop. We will covertly obtain any bodycam footage and dashboard camera feed. We know who the officers are and will speak with them in the future should we need to. There’s nothing to suggest that will be required, at this stage. Other lines of enquiry re Detective Superintendent Hall and DS Batford are negative at this time. We are leaving any outside surveillance with DCI Winter until we feel we need to engage in joint covert work.’
Aldridge nods in appreciation of Cooper’s understanding of the situation and continues. ‘As to the threat to life against Batford, I can confirm it is still live but remains at the same low-risk threat level. As you know, we’ve got Razor’s phones hooked up. He’s in contact with Detective Superintendent Hall. We believe from the conversation that this is a long-standing arrangement. Hall has informed Razor that Batford sounds like the man he needs and that he’s dispensable. For the record, Hall sounded drunk. He hasn’t alluded to him being a police officer but this connection, and using Batford, could be indicative of more sinister things. Razor would have no other reason to speak with Hall. This call was made when Batford met Razor for the first time at the club.’
‘You’re suggesting that Hall and Razor have known each other for some time, and that Hall has instigated this operation to feed Batford into his inner circle for their own benefit?’ Winter says.
‘I cannot assume anything from a few conversations. All I can tell you is that Hall and Razor are known to each other. I would suggest they have been for some time prior to this operation. We conducted some historical checks but nothing came up on our systems. It would be likely they met off the books. Furthermore they are due to meet at “the usual place” in two days’ time at 7 p.m. Reasons for the meeting are unknown, as is the venue. That will be for you or DI Cooper to ascertain via conventional methods.’
‘How do you know Razor is talking with the superintendent? It could be someone else with the same first name? All the superintendent’s phones have revealed nothing. That’s what was said earlier in this meeting,’ Winter says.
‘Not all the superintendent’s phones were disclosed to police. Human resources records showed old personal numbers. He no longer lives at the address shown either. We went through his expenses receipts and there was one with a different number recorded to all the rest.
It would appear he’s been careless or greedy in his petty cash claims. Either way we benefit. The number is unregistered and not police issue. He’s using it to contact Razor and that’s the only number appearing in his call data. If we are lucky, he’ll keep this number for the duration. If he drops it, we’re screwed. We can’t ask Batford, he’ll smell a rat.’
Winter nods. ‘Agreed. As operational lead we will let things run as they are. Any other news from your side?’ She looks at Aldridge.
‘Razor has been in contact with a man he refers to as “Polish”. We can’t work off this as it brings back too many hits. Whoever this man is, he clearly had a package that Razor wanted. That package may be what Batford and another were going to collect. That would confirm what Alex Kennedy, your CHIS, was saying about Batford being sent out.’
‘Very good. Keep monitoring this angle and feed back anything you find. As for us, we will continue working with Batford, and Hall, as we are. I am fully aware that the methodology they’re using is skewed. If I kick up a fuss now, it could ruin all this work. I also have to consider the threat. If I can nail Big G for attempted murder, then that’s all good too. I just hope it isn’t more than an attempt and the full offence. I have my Armed Operations Unit and armed Metropolitan Police Surveillance and tactical team support. I know from recent experience Batford and guns go together. I’m on the end of the phone and ready to react to whatever presents itself, gentlemen. Let’s make this joined-up approach work.’ Winter stands. A sign the meeting is over.
19
Outside, the rain pounds my face. Within seconds I’m wetter than an otter. I start up the bike and head for a link-up with Mike. I have to lose Kat. I don’t want any baggage on this job, whatever Razor may have in mind. There’s a decent-size wad of cash to be collected and I’ll have a big enough holdall and transport for my share. I’d picked a WhatsApp up from Mike when I surfaced. I have plenty of time to collect some alternative transport for this evening’s foray. I’ve exposed the bike to local police, I need to change it. Razor will see it as good skills and hopefully bolster my reputation.
I call Little Chris in transport. He has a car lined up and can swap the controls over onto another bike whilst I’m out tonight. As for Winter, I’ve promised to call her back and will do once I’m away from here. As I check the rearview mirror and ride away I see Kat, standing, arms in the air. All dressed up with no place to go. That’s a problem I will deal with later. I’ve no time for it now. I’ve taken enough shit for the time being and need some respite from the criminal underworld.
Mike’s drinking, his penchant for the white, and association with Razor are making me nervous. I have no idea what Mike thinks is so special about this opportunity; how we could gain from it, especially after such a good hit on Big G. It reminds me that my accountant should be in touch soon.
I’ve taken a risk with the money; a big risk. It’s distributed across different self-storage places. We’re not talking a few thousand pounds, we’re talking a million. Mike doesn’t know where I have it and as far as he’s concerned, I’ve invested it in multiple properties. You’d think I should be overjoyed at having such a vast sum of money but the fact is it’s a burden.
I don’t need any more, yet I feel compelled to play along. Maybe it’s the extra buzz on top of doing the undercover work or I’m just so fucked from life I use it as my drug of choice.
In the better days, life was easier in this role. There were more willing foot soldiers to spread the work around and the odd social back at a covert flat. Now there’s no wish for it. The people are burnt out, deflated, and don’t want the role anymore. Times have changed. I can’t say I blame them when the taste for this kind of work is diminishing.
The role sounds great and glorious on paper but in reality it’s a mare’s nest – a shitstorm with little reward. Unless you’re like me, then the rewards come with the level of risk. Why do this when you can do a straight eight and be home for tea? I still do it because I don’t fit the mould anywhere else. I’m a pain in the arse to work with, as Razor will be slowly realising.
How much he needs me will soon become apparent. He will either bin me to Big G or cut me in on the real work. I’m certain Trigger is off the team sheet. He’ll be grounded or dealt with in a more permanent way. I should feel for the man, but I don’t. He’s just one more walking disaster the world can do without. I’m conscious that I’m thinking of myself in the same equation.
I weave through the traffic over Lambeth Bridge, head straight over the roundabout and then first right. As I approach the garages I get waved through the barrier and back into the soft, warm belly of my police family. Little Chris has done well and left me the keys to an Audi Sport. I leave the bike and deliver the keys in a drop box outside his office. I know he’ll have it ready for me once I return the car tomorrow.
I sink into the black leather sports seat, adjust the steering wheel height, and select the auto sports mode on the gearbox. I turn on the engine via the push-button key and opera blasts out at full volume in my ear. I kill the music system and laugh as I select reverse and manoeuvre out. It’s the small things that keep us going.
I head out towards Blackfriars Bridge. I feel a fool still wearing leathers but I’ll have time to change once I’m back at the flat and collected some items for this evening’s work. Not the standard wallet and keys anyone else would take but binoculars and a clean phone. The top half of the leathers are rolled down. My black T-shirt is all that can be seen by other drivers.
It’s wet from the ride but needs must when Sheriff Fatman drives. I find a meter near the Tate Modern and head for the restaurant and my debrief with the said sheriff. As I approach the entrance, I can see Mike in a window seat talking on the mobile. He’s animated and by the low head position probably swearing quietly to whomever he’s talking to. He sees me, nods, and terminates the call. I go inside and sit opposite him with a good view out at the entrance.
I had a clean run in. I’m as happy as I can be that my route was clear of unwanted attention.
‘So how are tricks?’ Mike’s casual comment matches his clothes. It’s unusual not seeing him in a suit.
‘As good as can be expected after a trip to an armourer and a fight with a knife-wielding fuckwit. You?’ I get a menu and scan the lunch page.
‘Been at the factory doing some paperwork and smoothing things over with the commander. I’ve got to update Winter after this so we need an agreed course of action as to what you have and haven’t found.’ He checks his watch.
‘There’s no hurry, is there? I thought we were good for a couple of hours?’
‘Something’s come up but I’ve got time for lunch. Always time for lunch.’ He’s shifty. He’s never been good at hiding it completely with those he’s worked closely with.
‘I don’t know what the main job is yet, do you?’
‘Of course not, that’s why you’re deployed to find out.’ He sips water, ice, and no lemon.
‘You must have some idea, Mike. You wouldn’t be going to so much trouble engineering my deployment on an NCA job. Let’s cut to the chase. I’m in and need to know where I’m being led, you owe me that much.’
Mike looks out the window and rubs his chin. He’s wearing a pair of Tom Ford frames. He takes these off his face and rubs his eyes before putting them back on. The attached cord hangs down his back. It either acts as a reminder he’s wearing them, or the noose he feels getting tighter.
‘Truth is there’s not been much contact from Razor since you joined. My money’s on the fact the bit of work he’s got planned is looking good and ready to go live. When I last spoke with him he was banging on about a Turkish network who import coke and heroin. Razor’s done business with them before. Razor wants to take control of the whole route into the country. The operation is small but turns over good money, and most goes through his club with some being taken up country to Inverness. That’s all I know from conversations we’ve had in the past. I’ve had other proactive units take out most of the competition from information he’s given. No one knows where the information’s come from as I’ve used your Crimestoppers ruse and told them. That’s why you’re in, because it’ll be big and good for us.’ He takes a look around and leans in.
‘We can have Razor taken out by our lot then control the line ourselves. It’ll be a piece of piss. We’ve got the ability to flag the people we deal with on the systems and see if they’re being looked at. We classify the information reports under National Security and make it go away. There will always be people talking but we know how to hunt them down and take care of them. No one is any the wiser and the job gets put to bed early.’ He moves back as the waiter approaches and we order.
I’m not entirely convinced of his logic but it’s beginning to make more sense as to Mike’s interest.
‘So where does the commander really sit with this? She’s changed her tune since the last job. What about Winter? She’s going nowhere and we seem pretty keen to play with her mob at the moment and not our own. They must know there’s no intelligence of any armed robbery?’
‘Where there’s drugs of volume, there’s guns, and you just said you went to an armourer. Guns have to come from somewhere. Any that get taken out in joint work with the National Crime Agency and us always looks good for the top brass. You know the state the country’s in. No one’s got a pot to piss in anymore. Terrorism is a top priority. We get most of the work where guns are concerned whether it’s got an armed robber attached to it or not. What’s the fella’s name you saw?’
‘He’s got a street name of Polish but he said his first name’s Adok. Lives on the Kingsmead Estate. Large metal door, camera above. He had the gun in the house. I could see a bunch of keys on the kitchen table as I walked past so my bet is he’s got an off-site storage facility somewhere. The pistol’s a Makarov. He claims he got it from a trip to Poland but he clearly knows Russians from what he was saying. Razor had it in his club when I left this morning. I don’t know about now.’
The waiter brings our food and leaves. Other diners are engrossed in their own meals and no one is sat at tables in front or behind us.
‘Good work. Leave the Polish address with me and I’ll feed that back to the commander and Winter. They need to know there’s a gun address. Could be useful in keeping them occupied with that and away from Razor for a bit. Let me know if you see the gun again. Carry on staying on his good side and don’t go nutting any more of his players.’
I smile and he grins. It’s the most I’m going to get out of him and part of me knows he’s holding back.
I can’t do this completely alone without someone I can try and work with who’s close to Razor. That person is the one I deserted in the street earlier outside the club. I’ll have to make it up to her once I’ve taken care of tonight’s work. As for Winter, Mike will cover that call. We finish and Mike waits whilst I leave and head back to Watford for a bath and a change of clothes. This could be a long evening.
20
Winter pours water from a glass jug while Hudson and Kennedy settle in. The small conference room in a boutique hotel, provides greater comforts than her own office, and suits the covert nature of the meeting.
Winter sits and addresses Kennedy. ‘I thought we’d find out what you’ve seen and heard since we last spoke. We understand Razor may be getting busy and beginning to set in place what he has planned. What’s your take on this?’
