STATUS DRIFT: A gripping undercover detective crime thriller, page 13
‘He’s getting busy, that’s for sure. He’s losing his temper with everyone at the club,’ Kennedy says. ‘The club’s split in two. The basement is used for top-end clients who pay a weekly retainer and can do whatever they like there. Coke, heroin, whatever your fancy. Only rule is you don’t bring your own drugs as Razor supplies them. He has people posing as dealers in the club and if he were raided, he would be nowhere near it. Thing is, the kind of people who go there value discretion and it’s run like a dream for a few years now. The top bar is used as a front of house for those who don’t want the frenzy of downstairs.’
Winter pushes a photo of Mike Hall across to Kennedy. ‘The picture I’m showing you, have you seen him at the club?’
Kennedy studies the surveillance image of Hall stood next to his car. ‘No. That’s the same guy you showed me a picture of before. No, he hasn’t been in. Not when I’ve been there anyway,’ Kennedy says, pushing the picture back to Winter.
Hudson takes the image. ‘Where are the drugs coming from?’
Kennedy shrugs. ‘Razor has a couple of lines running. One is with a Turk who supplies the heroin. He owes Razor and there’s been feelers put out to get what he’s owed. Nothing’s come of it yet though. He’s got another line for cocaine but I haven’t heard much about that. I know he’s taken on a big supply, though, as it just keeps coming. It could be that it’s running out now, but like I said, I don’t know.’
‘What about firearms? Does he have access to these?’ Hudson says.
Kennedy smiles. ‘Oh yeah! He’s got access to guns. I don’t know how many, but he has one around him in case he needs it.’
Winter looks up from the notes she’s making. ‘When will he be acting on what he has planned?’ she says.
Kennedy’s forehead wrinkles. ‘You’re kidding me, right?’
‘No we’re not.’ Winter sets her pen down.
‘He’s on it now. He has been ever since the other guy you showed me in the picture turned up,’ Kennedy replies.
Winter leans back in her chair. ‘Okay. Keep in touch daily from here on in. Let me know when you’re with Razor or any of the others,’ she says.
Kennedy nods. ‘Of course. Just make sure you’ve got my back. I’m relying on you.’
‘Your safety is my main priority above this operation. Here’s a hundred pounds to cover your expenses. Sign here.’
Winter hands Kennedy the money and passes Hudson the signed receipt. Pocketing the cash, Kennedy leaves the room.
Winter turns to Hudson. ‘So we now know Razor has access to guns, where he supplies the drugs from, and there’s a Turkish connection and another unknown for cocaine. We also know Mike hasn’t been seen at the club.’
The phone rings and Winter answers. ‘Winter.’
‘It’s Mike. Can you speak?’
‘Yes, what’s happening?’
‘Batford’s had a meeting with me. Job’s looking live. Razor has sent one of his men to get a firearm from a guy called Polish. We’re getting our teams to research. Initial intel is suggesting the Kingsmead Estate. Get a team in that area and get ready to place a camera in an observation point once we’ve identified it. Address has a large metal external door. Your guys may see it before our methods kick in. I’ll update you once I’ve heard back from Batford. He will be out of contact most of the time as the team are tight on him and there’s a no phones policy in the club.’
Winter pauses briefly before replying. ‘Very well. Thanks for the update, I’ll get some people on it now. It’s going to limit me with staff for covering Batford whilst he’s out so I will leave that with you to manage.’
‘Understandable but we have to prioritise the firearms. Leave Batford’s outside cover to me.’
‘Keep me updated with anything else Batford finds out.’
‘Of course.’
Winters hangs up then makes another call. It’s answered on the third ring by DI Cooper.
‘I’ve just had a meeting with Alex Kennedy, our CHIS. They’ve identified Batford being at the club but not Hall. Hall has just phoned and spoke of a possible gun supplier he’s trying to get my team to flop onto, leaving Batford uncovered whilst deployed. It stinks. Get your team out and I’ll do the same. The cover must be loose. Batford is skilled and has blown my team out before. If he sees any of us, the job’s sunk. Once I get a positive address for the gun premises, I will cover it with an observation point. If I get intelligence a gun is in there, I will have to react. We’re time-limited now. All work must concentrate on Hall and Batford. Where they are, Razor will be. Where they are, the job will be.’
DI Cooper pauses before replying. ‘Agreed. I will arrange a briefing immediately. I suggest you do the same. We know Batford is back in Watford, he’s triggered a remote camera. He arrived on foot. I will arrange the briefing at your base so your surveillance staff can be present. We’re getting closer to nailing this team, Klara. I suggest we use your operations room to cover the deployments from here.’
‘Agreed. See you and your team in an hour.’
Hudson grabs some free biscuits, a handful of boiled sweets, and they leave.
Sensitive log entry 16
21st September, 1300 hours
I have met with colleagues in the Met involved in intelligence and Professional Standards. I am satisfied that Detective Superintendent Mike Hall is corrupt.
Detective Superintendent Hall is making attempts to distract my team away from the lead inquiry by revealing a tenuous intelligence report concerning a firearms address occupied by a male referred to as “Polish”.
I have responded to this, as it doesn’t take the effort he implied to identify a fortified address on a named estate.
I will be keeping full surveillance on both Hall and Batford despite my claim otherwise.
Alex Kennedy (CHIS) is gainfully employed and they have provided actionable intelligence. My concern is to ensure I have enough evidence to successfully prosecute all offenders within the remit of this operation.
The Crown Prosecution lawyer agrees that any intelligence must be assessed individually and be acted upon according to the needs of the investigation. Any intelligence that is deemed life-threatening MUST be reacted to accordingly.
So far no intelligence has come to light that requires immediate action.
I will continue with my team conducting outside surveillance. Met resources will not be required outside, at this time.
It is my opinion that the drugs from Big G that allegedly went missing in the last operation are being sold to Razor by Batford and Hall. Why Hall should want Batford in the syndicate is the issue bothering me.
Batford is a thorn in my side, but he is no fool. It hasn’t escaped my attention that Hall is apparently absent from the club.
I will update the log as and when new intelligence is gained or a reaction to it is required.
Entry complete.
Klara Winter DCI
National Crime Agency
Senior Investigating Officer
Op Kestrel
21
I duck under the warm, soothing water, and place my heel on the edge of the bath rim near the tap. My stump is enflamed but not as bad as it had been prior to investing in state-of-the-art prostheses. They say crime doesn’t pay but it pays me well.
Having money enables me to adapt regularly as science evolves. I’m embracing the Terminator option which provides me with greater movement and comfort for longer. The advances have meant my limited nerve endings can communicate with the prostheses, which has its advantages in terms of stability and natural movement.
As I lean back, I lay submerged and allow my mind to wander. I have a theory that your shit should be let out. That’s why I’m such a car crash when it comes to interpersonal behaviour and ethical boundaries pertaining to matters of law and relationships.
An old DCI once asked me where I saw myself in three years’ time. This was on the first day attached to the borough Robbery Squad. Truth was, I had no idea where I would be. I hadn’t even thought of why I was there in his office. I was in my mid-twenties and had had enough of uniform. I lied and said I saw myself as a career detective. Where? I didn’t know. He could see I was lying. He set me straight.
‘I’ll be the judge of whether you make the grade or not. If you’re still here on this borough in three years, then we both know the answer.’
I was rotated around the various squads, Burglary, CID, Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences. Then came the Crime Squad, and that sealed it.
I applied for specialist central proactive roles and jollied with the Flying Squad, Projects Team and Firearms. The idea was a plain-clothes tactical response to back up those central units tackling armed criminality. The day I got shot changed me for life. It wasn’t just the loss of a foot but the loss of identity that went with it. I was no longer fit for what I loved, despite the reassurances from the hierarchy that it would all be okay.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct investigated. The robber’s death was a clean shoot. A lawful use of force. No police charges would be sought. I rehabilitated quickly and responded well to the prostheses. It was suggested by the same DCI that I should apply for the National Undercover Officer Course as my condition could be accommodated and used as an asset.
That DCI is now a detective superintendent. That superintendent is Mike Hall. The same Mike who took me wherever he went in the Met. The same Mike I’m beginning to doubt.
The corruption started years before, when we were both out on active jobs. Money seized didn’t all arrive in property and drugs went missing. We had the contacts, through work, to move gear on. It seemed so easy. Mike knew you had to be amongst it to benefit. That’s where the undercover role came in. He would look at the jobs being proposed and, no matter what the remit, fit me in.
I passed vetting to the highest level without issue. I had no debt, I rented the same place I had for years and never defaulted on payment. I had little in the way of a social life due to the long working hours, so outgoings were slim or paid for on expenses. Relationships were brief to non-existent for the same reasons. I never wanted to be the one rushing off a job because of kids or outside pressures. I lived and breathed the work.
I surface, and the water drains from my face. The realisation dawns that I may be the prey amongst this pack and need to watch the pecking order closely. I have no intention of becoming the next meal. Someone on the inside is feeding the assailant. He’s clearly not going to stop hunting me until he’s had his hunger sated.
I pull the plug and watch the water drain away. It’s safer for me to exit an empty bath. I get out and hear my phone. It’s the Razor phone. I wait a short period then answer. I sit on the edge of my only lounge chair, water slowly evaporating off my skin.
‘Yes?’
There’s a brief pause then the caller identifies herself.
‘Where in the fuck are you? Why did you piss off when we were supposed to be heading out together?’ She’s not happy. I wouldn’t be if I’d been treated that way.
‘Kat, I’m sorry, I had to run. I got a call from an old client.’
‘You have one client now and he’s wanting a result tonight unless it slipped your fucked-up mind. He was asking why I was still here and I told him you’d gone to change and would be back. Get your arse over here and let’s go.’
She’s very persuasive. I tell her I’ll see her in two hours then I terminate the call.
She’s waiting outside the club like a courier with a no-show. She knew I’d turn up on time. She looks at her watch. Her eyes widen in a way that says “what the fuck” rather than “come over here”.
‘I’m here aren’t I? No need to be uncivil, we could have a long night together,’ I say.
She sits side-on to her bike. I step closer. I know how cautious bikers can be around their rides so keep a respectable distance from the frame.
‘How was the main man when you left him?’ I need to know.
‘By left him, you mean when he was happy he didn’t need my protection for the day?’
‘Exactly what I meant.’
‘He’s good. He filled me in on what he wants and he doesn’t want any blood spilling tonight. He just wants his demands heard then we’re out. Where’s your bike?’
It had felt strange getting the train carrying a crash helmet but I was glad to be out of the leathers as the underground was stifling. Jeans, plain black tee and leather jacket will work just fine for this job.
‘Let’s say it’s attracted enough attention for one day so we’re both on yours. You’ll have the bars, I’m on pillion.’
She rolls her leg over the seat and leans down and grabs her lid. A few basic rules are needed before I go anywhere and she needs to be clear around those.
‘Before we go, you are there to back me up and me you. I will deal with the Turk. You will be my shadow whilst I do what needs to be done. I’ve had one outing today with a lone ranger and that’s been enough. If you can’t handle the arrangement, just say; I’ll go and you can tell Razor I fucked you off en route. Your call.’
She looks up and stares at the sky whilst breathing deeply. I know the technique, it’s a basic human one before we explode or remain calm. ‘Okay, hotshot, we do it your way. Razor wants it done at the home address. He wants a strong message despite the lack of firepower this time. We’re not alone though and that’s tough shit.’
She nods in the direction of a saloon with blacked-out rear windows that’s just drawn up. As she does, Snowy and the butler from Razor’s pied-à-terre appear and get in. I have no choice now the job’s on.
‘Very well.’ I put on my lid, as does she.
She flicks the dark-tinted visor down and nods to say that she’s ready to leave. I hang on to the sides of the frame. To cling to her would appear needy and I’m anything but that. The temptation’s great but resistance must be the priority. I move my left leg onto the rear footrest and grip as well as I can with the right.
My left thigh will do a job but how well depends on her riding. I have the feeling she’ll be slicker than an oil spill. I’d made the call to the Turk I let go of, and the meet is set up. I just hope he comes alone. I’ll know if he doesn’t. I’ll be watching him. He can’t set off until 1840 hours. He’ll be coming out before I can get in, which suits me. I don’t like being in confined spaces to conduct business.
Mike ensured the intelligence on the café from earlier was done, fast time, and an image sent to my secure laptop at the safe house resulted in a positive identification of the Turk. Everything else fell into place after that, including his current home address. He lives with family. He’s the last sibling left at home, no pets. I’ll know if Kat takes me anywhere different. The calm of the street reverberates with the firing up of the engine and with one last look over her left shoulder I tighten my grip and we head off.
22
A phone rings on the melamine office desk of DCI Klara Winter. She takes off her glasses, rubs her eyes, and then places them back on as she picks up.
‘Winter.’
‘It’s Cooper from Professional Standards.’
‘Hi, John. What do you have for me?’
‘Hall and Razor met earlier today. We need to go fully operational now. The loose arrangement following our briefing just won’t work. My gut’s telling me they are close to their goal.’
‘I can’t go on gut, John. I need something definitive before I commit outside surveillance. These targets are not stupid and very surveillance aware. I’m going from experience here. On the last job, Batford caused a bomb scare on a train to expose a team. If Batford’s close then they will be too. He’ll be on high alert and could be wrapped around the other two. I can’t get hold of him as his phone is off, and Hall’s being helpful, which causes me concern.’
‘I hear everything you’re saying but I have to justify not reacting to the information I’m getting in. Phone taps aren’t easy to get and the authority continued. I have my own aims here and a proactive team ready to respond. I’m sorry, Klara, but you have your resources and I have mine. I’ve held back, but now I’m ready to deploy my teams, if I get further intelligence about these two meeting. We’re missing a trick here and the opportunities may cease if either drop their line.’
‘If you deploy without me knowing, John, there will be hell to pay. I may not be in the police but I know the protocol all too well having spent a significant time doing your job. It may not have been on a Professional Standards team but it was still targeting National Intelligence Model, level 3, criminals. I thought Batford and Hall would be the tough ones to work with so don’t let me down here.’
‘I’ve said my piece. I have the backing of my command. You do your job and I’ll do mine. We will work together but you have to be flexible. The commissioner is committed to this operation and has a clean record on winning high-profile corruption cases. She won’t take kindly to further joint work if we lose this one.’
‘Is that a threat? The National Crime Agency has operational lead here and you will be mindful of this. I expect continued support. We’ll meet face-to-face tomorrow and discuss further. Any fast-time operational decisions, you call me and we talk them through. My vetting level puts yours to shame so you can discuss anything with me. Speak later.’
‘As you wish.’
The call ends.
23
Kat’s bike effortlessly glides in and out of traffic, leaving the shadow car well behind. We’re heading in the right direction, according to my information. At this pace we’ll make it in time for my pre-meet sit-and-wait point. The two hours had bought me enough time to check the location and find a suitable place to wait before I step into the unknown.
The target’s house is detached in a nice part of Highgate. Victorian with an electric gated front entrance. The driveway is large enough to accommodate three vehicles. A swimming pool sits serenely in the back garden complementing the neighbours’. I couldn’t see any cameras and can only think they’re covertly situated for the residents’ piece of mind. Cold-callers, of the leaflet dropping kind, aren’t this family’s concern. Cold-callers like me, are.
