Book 12: Deja Flew     "Deja Flew"   Part 2

 
 
Note: This is a work of fiction but a number of real people, places, and institutions are mentioned in fictitious circumstances. In short it's a story!
 
 
Tuesday 19th December 2017(Cont)
 

The house was quiet when they arrived back from the bar, and none of the family were left downstairs. Unfortunately, with the effects of alcohol, the three girls weren't perhaps as quiet as the could be. Richard appeared whilst they were in the kitchen, drinking coffee and bitchin'.

"Come on ladies, please? I have an early cab to the airport."

There were mutterings of apologies and Suzie took her leave, noting that she also had to be awake in a little over seven hours. Richard waited until Suzie had gone.

"Tammy, didn't you have something for me?"

“Yeah, upstairs.”

They all left the kitchen and Richard followed his daughter and Maisie into their room, gently closing the door. Tammy went to her suitcase and carefully removed an envelope.

"Can you just confirm the ownership of this account and the current status?"

"Just that? You could have asked the Credit Suisse office in London?"

"And probably got nowhere. This is an unofficial query before I do anything hasty."

"Okay, Tammy. What are you guessing is in the account?"

"Wild guess, a quarter of a million sterling."

"Ah, I see."

"The owner of that account is dead, under questionable circumstances three decades ago. Should it be foul play, then other parties might still be interested in the deceased's finances. I need to know more."

"Hence the quiet approach outside the country?"

"Exactly. Plus, this isn't an official matter. It's personal. I can't ask for help through my usual channels but I may even have to turn over what comes up."

"Understood. I'll make some calls when we're in Lausanne, maybe a trip to Zurich to meet old friends?"

"Thanks Dad."

Maisie waited until he'd left the room and a second door had been heard to close.

"Was that out of the safe at home?"

"Yes."

"It sounds like you think he was murdered? How long ago?"

"Thirty years ago. Maybe there's nothing in the account and I'm wasting my time, it might have already been emptied. Even closed."

"Oh."

"Come on, let's get some sleep and nothing else; I have a feeling we'll be needed in the morning."

"Why do you say that?"

"Call it intuition, something doesn't feel right."

The pair changed, bathroomed and then bedded, intending a full night’s sleep.

 
Wednesday 20th December 2017
 

Tammy found it impossible to stay in bed at six fifty as there was plenty of noise from adjacent rooms. She pulled on a thin gown and wandered onto the landing to see what was going on. Her movement on the stairs attracted some attention, Suzie was heading up but stopped when she saw her sister.

"Ah, Tammy, you need to see this."

Tammy followed Suzie back into the kitchen, finding her holding a piece of toast but pointing at the morning TV news that was being shown.
 

 
"What's the background Suzie?"

"Outside the George last night, two girls collapsed as their bags and ID were being checked. I woke up to a ton of PMs asking if I was alright as I'd been seen."

"But you don't take drugs."

"Neither did they; that's apparently the theme. Girls, and it's almost all girls, are going down even though they're not drug users."

Suzie's phone pinged.

"Team briefing at nine."

"Is that a secure phone?"

"No, but we have a secure app for messaging."

"I'm wondering if I shouldn't be there?"

"You're on sabbatical?"

"No, I'm training Maisie."

"Do you have your Thames House pass?"

"Yes. Maisie doesn't have one yet, can you organise one?"

"Not until I get there. Leaving in twenty minutes."

Tammy dashed upstairs and grabbed her partner. "Wash, dress, now! We're going in."

Tammy had packed a dark grey knee length skirt suit and it seemed the most appropriate choice for the day. It was finished off with a simple white blouse and knee high boots, it was a look that meant business. She only had time for minimal make-up and transferred her lippy and compacts to her bag. The contents of her pockets from the previous evening were sat on a dressing table and joined the make-up in her bag. She again wore her Glock 26 in a holster under her skirt and attached the MadDog knife up her left sleeve. Tammy secured her hair with one of the barrettes from her case and deemed herself ready to go.

Maisie for some reason had packed a set of combats and was now dressed as if she was on camp. Her hair was in a regulation bun and her face was clean, very clean, with just a little powder.

"Sergeant Staines reporting for duty, Ma'am." She saluted.

"Excellent. Don't forget all your credentials."

Maisie was the first out of the room and gave Joan a fright as she came out of their room.

"Military?"

Richard laughed. "I guess you have a reason?"

"Tammy's told me there's a problem and she needs me ready immediately. I can get into combats in my sleep Mr Smart."

"What is the problem?"

"I don't yet know, just reporting as ordered."

Tammy appeared behind Maisie. "Morning Mum, Dad. Suzie's manager has called a team meeting, I'm going in and taking Maisie with me."

"Thames House?"

"Yes Dad. All we know at the moment is that teenagers who are not drug users are being hospitalised and some have died through apparent drug use. It looks like we saw two last night on the High St here."

"And that's an intelligence matter?"

"Right now it is."

"Is it safe for us to fly?"

"Right now I'd say yes. In fact Switzerland might be just about the best place today."

"Good, we need to get away."

Joan didn't look so sure. "You and Suzie are going into a meeting about drug deaths?"

"Probably a briefing rather than a meeting, but yes. I'll take Maisie with me."

"But you don't do that any more?"

"As of last month, yes I do." Downstairs the front door was open. "Taxi!"

"Mum, enjoy yourselves, we'll be fine."

"I'm not sure."

"Go!"

With Richard and Joan out of the way, Suzie, Tammy and Maisie made their way to Epping Tube for a ride into Central London. Tammy had her Oyster card, but Maisie didn't have one so Tammy showed her how to use her debit card as a travel card. It would create a record of her travels but was deemed an acceptable risk.

They changed lines at Liverpool St onto the Circle line for the connection to Westminster Underground, exiting with the mass by the Houses of Parliament and then onto Millbank.

Maisie was in awe but more so as they approached the Security Service building.

"Is that the place?"

"Yes, Maisie."

"It doesn't look anything like the one in the Bond films?"

"That's the building on the other side of the River Thames!"

The three went up the steps of Thames House and Suzie continued through the inner security gates, leaving Tammy and Maisie behind. Tammy took Maisie to the enquiry desk at the side in order to arrange a visitor pass, although they first asked for Tammy's pass.

"It expires in the new year, but you can use it until then."

"Oh, Okay. Maisie here was at Abigail Adams House for two weeks recently so should be in your database?"

"Ah, yes. No pass has been authorised."

"Can you check with John Smith in Personnel Security, and tell him that I'm here?"

"Just a moment."

It seemed to take an age, but she returned with a pass.

"Here you are, freshly minted, it's Yellow zone escorted. Wear it at all times in the building and take it off outside. You must be accompanied, even to the toilet."

"Okay, thanks."

They were about to move off when Tammy was called back.

"Have you forgotten something Miss Smart?"

Tammy reached behind under her skirt and retrieved her '26. Quickly she dropped the magazine and worked the slide to prove it was empty then set it all into the steel drawer. A clipboard was held out for her signature.

"Thank you."

Maisie giggled, "how could you forget that?"

"Easily, like when you start to wear a bra, at first it feels odd but soon you forget you have one on and it feels strange without one?"

"Oh, yes."

"Plus here, the sensors would go bananas if I had a weapon on me! Right, place your pass on the pad then walk forward; I'll see you on the other side."

They reconvened a few seconds later, Tammy checked, there was still almost half an hour before the briefing so she took Maisie to the restaurant for coffee and a bun. As they sat at a table, Tammy discreetly glanced around. Several faces garnered her attention. A couple of them noticed her as well and nodded in recognition. One in particular, Sir Thomas Addington, was passing by and gave her a very obvious look of recognition. A tap on her shoulder claimed her attention.

"Miss Smart?"

Tammy looked to the young man. "Yes."

"I was sent to inform you that you and your associate are to attend a briefing in ten minutes. Briefing Room Seven." He informed her.

"Thank you." Tammy replied.

Maisie asked quietly. "That was fast. Do you know where that is?"

Tammy thought about it. "We have to go up a floor or two, I think. We need to get a wiggle on."

"Okay." Maisie answered.

Quickly they finished their small breakfast then visited the loo on the way to the elevators. In the end, they had to ride up three floors, Tammy hadn't been to the building for a while.

By the time they arrived, people were already beginning to line the walls. Tammy and Maisie only received glances as they found a location to occupy in the middle of the room. Maisie wasn't the only person in some kind of military uniform, although the man in desert camouflage didn't look as if that was his usual dress. Suddenly the low chattering ceased and a group of ten people entered the room to take a position at the front. Sir Thomas was last in the line, the familiar face of John Smith was just ahead. Tammy didn't recognise anyone else in the room, but one lady did look directly at her.

"Who is that? On lead." Maisie whispered, pointing at the sharp suited guy towards the back.

Tammy whispered back. "I don't know his name, but I think he's with the Circus. Best we stay quiet."

Maisie had to think quick to catch that ‘Circus’ was old slang for MI6, the Secret Intelligence service.

Sir Thomas Addington opened the briefing noting that there were representatives of multiple agencies present. "I'm sure most you will have guessed that there is already Parliamentary oversight of this operation and that the Government is being briefed regularly. Get it right everyone and we come out of this looking good."

He paused, making sure they knew the implications of a balls-up. "There will be full notes available on conclusion of this briefing and these will be uploaded to the usual portals. I would remind you that this briefing is overall Secret but some intelligence should be considered as Top Secret. As such I must remind you that no recordings, audio, data or paper, should be made.

"Let me introduce your briefers:

1) St. John Barclay 2nd of SIS (MI6)
2) Sir Alan McClaggen 2nd of the Security Service (MI5)
3) Detective Inspector Emily Keane MetPol Counter-Terror
4) Christine Armaud UK Rep Europol

"We also have representatives from Interpol and our American cousins in attendance." He pointed them out, Tammy now had a designation, albeit not a name, for the desert camouflage clad CIA officer. "For those who have not yet been read into Operation Bangor yet, this is now a European investigation with the potential to become a global issue. How we proceed here, today, will have ramifications far beyond these walls."

Sir Thomas paused again, ensuring that the more junior persons present understood the urgency.

Tammy hadn't given too much attention to the group walking in, beyond the faces that she knew, but now paid regard to the two ladies in the briefing group. Tammy recognised Emily Keane's name but it had been while since their last conversation and they'd only previously met at Heather and Sophie's wedding two years previously.

"Let me first hand over to St. John Barclay."

"Yesterday afternoon, initially at multiple sites across South East England, we received reports of young persons, predominately females, collapsing with indeterminate symptoms that mimicked drug overdose. Plainly that would not normally be within the remit of SIS to investigate. However, victims have also now been reported in Brussels, Lille, Paris and Amsterdam with isolated reports from other European locations."

He paused, the mass media that morning had not, so far, included the European victims but that wouldn't last.

"We have since received intelligence that individuals in Brussels are aiming to disrupt the UK and we are currently working on a premise that this group is responsible for the UK victims. Collectively we believe that True Freedom are the aggressors. This is an ongoing investigation on multiple fronts. DI Keane?"

"Thank you St. John, indeed this is progressing on multiple fronts. My teams are taking the lead in identifying the supply and distribution of the substance as well as the movements of the individuals as they are identified. So far we have been able to interview about thirty of the victims. The substance has affected the victims to different extents and this is, according to medical personnel, unrelated to the victims' physical strengths. One major factor is that this is predominately a female orientated syndrome and the vast majority of the victims are between eighteen and twenty five. It is therefore believed to be a targeted attack. Parts of the media have claimed this is a result of students debauchery, but that is inflammatory and not backed by intelligence or interview. I repeat; this is a targeted attack on young adult females."

She paused and picked up a glass of water for a sip. There was a low level of babble in the room as the impact of her last statement sunk in.

"The interviews have picked up on a common trait, almost all of the victims passed through one of the major public transport hubs in London on Monday evening of this week. We have used ticket information to view CCTV at specific times and locations in order to track the victims through the terminals. That research has identified a possible cause."

A projection was turned on and a still from a station appeared, Tammy realised it was London Bridge.

"The single common factor is a pop-up concession stand that was placed between the platforms and the underground station entrance, facing the platforms, at four mainline stations. The fifth location at St. Pancras where it was located just ahead of the international check-in."

She took another sip.

"The placement of each of these concession stands appears to be a well thought attempt to deliberately obscure the stands and the personnel; each of them was placed in a location that was partially or fully obscured from CCTV. We have confirmed with Network Rail, who manage all of the railway sites, that the stands were all booked by Sharon Gainsborough under the trading name of Teen Plus Spirit. The address given for this company is a letter drop and the mobile number for Ms Gainsborough is disconnected. Separately we have identified several of the hired concession personnel and are bringing these in for interview.

She picked up her glass but put it straight down before turning towards the MI5 senior representative.

"It transpired that Ms Gainsborough is not only known to several of the agencies present, but she has been implicated in several investigations by those agencies. A little more shared information would have been useful! We have been able to ascertain that Ms Gainsborough was on the concession stand at St Pancras and boarded a Eurostar to Lille at nine PM. Thanks to our French colleagues, the Police de L'aire et des Frontières, we have confirmed that she then boarded a Thalys service into Brussels, having changed her clothes. We are currently seeking CCTV from our Belgian police colleagues to identify where she went from there."

She now picked her glass up again to take two sips, nodding at Mme Arnaud as she did.

"The substance has not yet been identified and it must be assumed that the number of victims will increase in the short term. With the agreement of Sir Alan McClaggen I would like to put a nationwide appeal out to recall any samples of Teen Plus Spirit."

Emily Keane sat down and Sir Alan stood.

"Clearly I would like to thank DI Keane and her team for their sterling work so far. We are providing support where we can and can only apologise for not sharing what we knew about Ms Gainsborough previously, unfortunately we had assumed that the Met knew. That is an error we could not afford to make. Indeed the nationwide appeal should go out, although I have reservations about alerting Ms Gainsborough and her cohorts, but the public need outweighs our need under these circumstances."

Tammy could see DI Emily Keane using her phone to send a message, in contrary to the opening security remarks.

"We will co-ordinate with the regional police forces to interview everyone who worked on these stands, although I'm sure British Transport Police would like a slice of that action." There was a low level giggle around the room.

"It is also our opinion that True Freedom are behind this attack, and make no mistake - it is an attack. Based on their previous modus operandi, we can also assume that there will be other apparent unrelated attacks against the UK and its allies. The threat is very real. We will double our efforts to locate known True Freedom activists in the UK and I believe SIS are helping locate those in Europe?"

The question was rhetorical.

"Clearly time is against us, given the impending holidays, and that is also something that True Freedom will have considered. I would ask all agencies to consider bolstering their usual duty cover over the season, currently we believe we'll require additional provision well into the New Year and colleagues should allow for this. Unfortunately this will not be good news but this investigation could impact their own sons and daughter, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, so the quicker we resolve this investigation the sooner we can assure the public that it's safe out there."

Christine Armaud now addressed the room.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, if you have any intelligence that may help the European agencies, please pass it to me so we can co-ordinate the flow. I will similarly disseminate anything that comes from Schengen agencies. I would, however, ask that no UK agency starts a proactive investigation in Europe. The local forces are very capable and do not wish to clear up other countries' messes."

Sir Thomas concluded the meeting.

"Multi-agency working groups are being setup and you will be contacted by the group leader. Please wait here until you have been allocated to a group."

The briefers started to move, although the first to reach Tammy was John Smith, the personnel security manager of MI5.

"Are you leading my group Mr Smith?"

"No Miss Smart, I am not. Several weeks ago I gave you some strong advice but you have acted contrary to that advice although I believe congratulations are in order? I will update your file accordingly but you are less than stellar when it comes to following advice?"

"That's the way it fell, Sir. Thank you for sorting Maisie's pass out?"

"And bumping her clearance, otherwise you wouldn't be here today, Miss Staines. Both of you; I need a relationship report by the second of Jan, independent and no conferring. By the way, you can ignore the requirement to be escorted, but please try not to go wandering on your own in this building."

"Oh, of course Sir."

"Miss Smart, I have also been told that the IT team here will install something called an app on your phone, it's a recent requirement for all Thames House personnel."

"I see, Sir."

John signalled the DI to approach.

"Miss Smart, let me introduce DI Emily Keane of the Counter-Intelligence team at New Scotland Yard."

"Kevin's lot?"

"Indeed Miss Smart, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Likewise, this is my fiancée Maisie."

"Okay Tammy, I'm taking the lead on a team to find Penny Lavoska."

"Who else is on this team?"

"Heather and Sophie plus your sister."

"That sounds like it's a financial investigation?"

"Yes, although finance wasn't one of my strengths before I worked with Heather on a case."

Tammy thought for a moment. "Fourani?"

"Correct."

"Let us continue this back at my office."

They walked down to the European Desk and collected Suzie who had received a video feed of the briefing. She wasn't convinced of her need to go with the others.

"I can do more here?"

"No Miss Smart, you can act as a liaison to this unit but we believe you can work with Tammy to form unique modes of investigation."

"I see."

"Sign out a secure mobile, you'll need it."

As they walked back to the main entrance Maisie held Tammy back.

"What the hell am I doing here? This isn't my scene, I don't know who these people are or how it works!"

"Unfortunately it's my scene and you're now stuck with me, unless you'd like to spend the day with Angela?"

Tammy stopped to collect her weapon and had to resist rolling her eyes. She had forgotten to check in the knife up her sleeve. They followed Emily and Suzie down to a waiting police minibus. Tammy's phone pinged and she could see a request for installation of an App. Tammy authorized it and the process started.

"Problem?" Emily asked.

Tammy shook her head. "Request to install the App. I authorized it."

"It shouldn't need to ask. It installs automatically." Emily looked at her curiously.

Tammy shook her head. "I have encryption on my phone and nothing is automatic, that was standard operating procedure at Room 40. There are malicious Apps that are disguised and will install themselves without notice."

Tammy wasn't lying. She just wasn't telling the whole truth. Her phone had been issued during her trip to the Bahamas and in most resembled the latest phone on the market. The irony was that the MI5 secure messaging app would not be able to access the secure section of her phone.

New Scotland Yard was, strictly speaking, walking distance away but the current circumstances meant that was a risk not worth taking. Their vehicle executed a number of left turns and pulled into a subterranean carpark after passing through a security gate.

"Follow me."

Oddly they went one floor further down and stopped outside a secure door.

"Tammy, are you armed?"

"Yes, Glock 26 and a MadDog knife."

"Do you have access to any more weapons?"

"There's a Glock 19 back at the family house in Epping."

"Okay, spare ammunition?"

"A box back at the house. Oh, and a spare clip in my bag."

"That wasn't checked in back at Thames House? You clearly didn't set off the alarms?"

"No, it's inside a container. Oops."

"Shit! Tammy, how stupid is that? If you can do that then who else? Where did you get it?"

"Relatives."

"You will have to declare that."

"Great, declare it or I'll get strip searched just to check in my library books?"

"Hmmmm, I'll have to take advice. Maisie, are you armed?"

"No, why?"

"I don't believe in leaving safety to luck. I guess you're trained with the SA80?"

"Yes."

"Have you used a pistol on a range?"

"Once or twice, a long time ago."

"That's close enough." Emily swiped her pass and they entered, Tammy immediately recognised the armoury.

"Tammy, have you used an SA80 as well?"

"Yes, I'm qualified."

"We have a sniper rifle here that you should take."

"Calibre?"

The armourer took over. "Miss Smart?"

"Yes."

"Your license please?"

Tammy pulled her firearms license out of her bag and handed it over so it could be inspected.

"Hmm, it's due to expire in ten days."

"Oh, I hadn't noticed."

"I'll issue you a new one, valid two years."

"Thanks."

He went off with her paperwork.

"Tammy, how can you be so casual?" Suzie was stood behind the others but was clearly wondering what she'd allowed herself to become involved in.

"Because, sis, this is what I do."

The armourer returned with Tammy's new license.

"I've re-issued your license until the end of 2019 and included the last few days of this year. I'll dispose of the expiring one."

"Thank you."

"Now, to answer your earlier question, it's seven point six-two. What is your usual weapon?"

"Glock 26 and the 19. I wouldn't mind a Barrett. The MRAD or the M107 chambered for four-sixteen if possible?"

The Armourer's eyes had widened at her request then shook his head. "Those are not available to us, and don't ask the Americans for help obtaining them! You'll have to use the AT308, just a moment."

He returned with a small bag and two boxes of ammunition.

"The rifle breaks down for transportation. It is single shot and takes a 10-round detachable magazine. I'm issuing two magazines." He instructed Tammy with putting it together then breaking it apart as well as loading and unloading.

"Sergeant Staines?"

"Sir?"

"Do you have a firearms license?"

"No Sir."

"Could I have your NATO pass and your driving license?"

Maisie handed them over.

"DI Keane, are you authorizing?"

"I am."

He went away.

"I hope you're not going to give me a bloody gun!"

"No Miss Smart, Suzie, it's very clear that you are not responsible."

"What? You don't trust me?"

"Frankly you have been shown to have a poor sense of judgement in the past and that worries me. However, I'm told you are well respected on your team."

"Thanks, but where the hell did you get the idea that I can't be trusted?"

"John Smith. I understand that it's only due to the efforts of Tammy that you regained your clearance, it is, however, under regular review."

"Oh, damn."

"Indeed. Have you said enough?"

Suzie went quiet and Emily turned to face the counter as the armourer returned.

"Here you are Miss Staines, I have made this out without regard for your military rank. You are now authorized to carry personal firearms and ammunition in the UK. This does not expressly authorise you to injure or take a life; do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good, now I have been asked to provide you with a Glock 26 and a hundred rounds."

"Okay."

He came back with two boxes, two empty clips and a holster. He took the brand new weapon out and showed Maisie how to fill the clip.

"Come with me."

He led her to a box set into the wall. "Point the pistol in there and squeeze the trigger."

She did as asked then repeated the exercise.

"Fine."

She put the safety on.

"Excellent." He proceeded to give Maisie a lecture on weapon care and safety.

Finally they were done, they returned to the lift and went up four floors then took a long walk along a corridor followed by a flight of stairs up one level. Emily opened a door.

"The command centre for our part of this operation, settle in."

"Sophie!"

"Good morning Tammy, Suzie, Maisie. Have you set the date yet, Maisie?"

"No, Tammy wants to wait."

"It's quite unlike Tammy to wait for anything?"

Emily had walked over to what Tammy assumed was her desk and dropped her jacket before making a quick call, she now returned to the group.

"Good, you all know each-other. Firstly, everyone, please do not use your personal mobiles in this building. Suzie, I'd like you to go down to Redruth and work with Heather."

"So I don't get to run around with these maniacs?"

"Correct, that makes me feel safer plus you can achieve more there."

"I'll need to pack?"

"I realise that, I have requested a vehicle to drive you home and then to Heathrow. I believe your flight is at six so you have plenty of time. Heather will brief you on arrival."

"What about Christmas?"

"For the duration of this operation, Christmas is cancelled."

"Oh."

"Do you think the families of the victims will be celebrating? No; so until we have detained the perpetrators, our own lives are on hold."