UG3 Diminishing Returns   Chapter 06     Tammy Smart

 

Despite leaving home just after half five in the morning they hadn't reached London Paddington until almost eleven. The Circle Line would have taken them to striking distance of their destination but it seemed easier, considering their baggage, to take a cab off the rank.

“Where to ladies?”

“Millbank.” The driver pulled away as soon as they were settled.

“Where on Millbank do you need?”

“Thames House.”

“Ah.” The usual banter ended there.

Their route took them first around the edge of Hyde Park and then alongside Green Park. Despite having lived in London for almost all of her life, this area was still an unknown quantity for Heather, usually seen only on TV. Sophie, on the other hand knew the streets, and the parks, well. This area was popular for embassies, whilst Buckingham Palace was one of the many recognisable landmarks, and a huge security problem in waiting.

Their journey was one of constant stop/start as their taxi moved through the many junctions, one set of lights at a time. This did give Heather plenty of time to stare at their surroundings, whilst Sophie closed her eyes.

Just under twenty minutes after setting off, they pulled up outside the main entrance of the MI5 building. Sophie paid the fare and they headed up the stairs, cases in hand.

Of course that attracted attention but one of the security team recognised Heather.

“Good morning Miss Young, do you have your pass with you?”

“Hello, yes, somewhere.” She rummaged in her bag whilst Sophie already had her lanyard around her neck. “Here it is. I think we need to book our cases in?”

“Indeed, can I assist?”

It took a few minutes but finally they were through the security cordon and inside the building properly. First stop was the Finance Investigations Team office to check in

Whilst Heather was an integral, albeit remote, member of the team, Sophie wasn’t. The Detective Sergeant was treated with a degree of suspicion despite having contributed valuable intelligence to the unit. She took a seat out of the way and out of sight of the team’s computer monitors.

After ten minutes Heather found her. “Our meeting’s at one thirty so we have time for lunch.”

That meant a trek down a level, or two, where they joined a short queue that was shuffling forward at an acceptable rate. Heather picked up a ready made salad, a pot of tea and a dessert whilst Sophie was headed for the hot servery. They reconvened a few minutes later and Heather glanced at Sophie’s choice, although given it was Friday there really was no surprise at the battered item on her plate.

A few familiar faces greeted them as they passed by but the chatter level was low, reminiscent of a school refectory. One of the traits of any intelligence agency is that you might not ever know whether a colleague was cleared to know about your own work, and vice-versa. Home life discussions were also frowned upon, as were political or social matters. It didn’t leave much to talk about, except the weather and major sporting events.

By the time everyone was assembled in the meeting room it was nearing two pm. Jenny Osborne, the head of the Financial Investigations unit, was chairing the multi-agency meeting although more senior offers were present. Heather knew just about everyone in the room.

“Welcome everyone and thank you for attending. We’re here to discuss the drug importations under operation Caspian Trader, so I’m especially grateful to the member of the Customs and Excise National Intel unit who have joined us, as well as officers from SO15 and SIS.”

A round of introductions was done and Heather realised this was no longer a small enquiry, her involvement was minor in many respects. As the discussions progressed, however, she recognised that their progress had stalled, the other players were grasping for concrete facts where none existed.

“Earlier today, an address in East London was searched, the only person on the premises was a deceased young man, identity unknown, and it seems he’d only been dead for twenty four hours. Otherwise the place was empty and had been cleaned.”

Heather had identified that premises but hadn’t been told about the raid, she guessed there was now no point in going after the Swindon address.

A couple of hours in Jenny called a break and Heather was grateful, very grateful. She’d used this room before so knew exactly where the closest loos were located. She picked up two cups of water on the way back, one for immediate rehydration and the other to keep her mouth moist if she was called upon.

“Welcome back. Now an importation has recently been identified into Devon that hadn’t shown up previously. That information came from a financial investigation by one of my team. Heather?”

“Yes, as you know we have established that the imports are being brought into minor harbours by small boats, so we were finding it difficult to isolate who paid for it. I have taken a different approach and I now have identified possibly two persons of interest and a number of bank accounts. Full details will be supplied where we have verified the data.

“One link to an existing investigation has recently arisen, it would appear that premises are being used in the UK for distribution that are formerly part of the Fourani portfolio. Hamiz Fourani was murdered in July last year and it is not currently known who is running the business.”

That generated cross examination of Heather who had to declare herself as the expert on the Fourani data.

The meeting broke up at five thirty amidst several grumbles, the first being the time and the second being that much of Heather’s new intel had not been verified. She’d left out any mention of Bernice Hollande as she didn’t want to send anyone off in the wrong direction.

A car collected the girls, and their luggage, for a ride to Abigail Adams House. They entered via the underground carpark and a member of staff directed Heather to the same room she had used before, expect this time it was to be shared.

“Shower first. What time is dinner, Sophie?”

“Seven, you have under an hour to get ready.”

They just made it into the dining room at seven, Kevin was waiting.

“Happy birthday Heather.”

“Thank you.”

“No, where have you been? I’ve been waiting an hour for you?”

“Do you honestly think I would come to dinner in the outfit I’ve been wearing since before dawn?”

Kevin gave up and they sat to eat.

Sophie suggested they relocated into the study for the briefing, but Kevin declined.

“I’m now tired, we’ll talk in the morning.”

A cake had been produced at the end of the meal, only Sophie had taken a slice and Heather was starting to fall asleep at the table. Sophie helped her into the lift and then into bed.

-o-

The girls had a swim before breakfast in the basement pool, and returned to their room for a quick shower and just enough clothing to be decent in the dining room.

"Where were you? I called your room but there was no answer?"

"And good morning to you too, Kevin. We went for a swim."

"Oh."

"You should have joined us?"

"I didn't pack any trunks."

"I'm sure the staff could have found a swimsuit or bikini for you?"

That killed the conversation but Kevin Edmunds made it clear he still wanted a private chat with Heather and Sophie that morning.

The briefing was quick, Kevin gave them background on the Smarts.

"That Tammy is quick, she'll second guess you."

"I guess she had you nailed quickly?"

"Yes, unfortunately. The main thing is be gentle, she's new to this and, frankly, she's only just become a girl."

"I doubt it was that quick, Kevin?"

"She transitioned in November, so it was only a few months ago. I did a diversity course a week ago, so I'm trying not to get the pronouns wrong."

"What about George Small?"

"He took his own life whilst in a police cell, after attempting to attack Miss Smart. He had been taunting her for a few days and had assaulted his wife, prompting divorce proceedings. Mr Small had been a history teacher at Miss Smart's school but had been suspended and seemed to blame Miss Smart for his issues."

Sophie was puzzled. "It doesn’t sound like there’s a counter-terrorism angle to this?"

"Not as such, but Emily and Jenny thought it was best I introduce you to her as I’m known."

"I see, so it's just a few days on expenses for you?"

"No, I'll also keep my eyes and ears open for any useful intelligence. Given the time of year it’s hardly a pleasure ride or a sight-seeing trip."

They were out of the house by ten and drove to Heathrow terminal 5 for their 1320 flight to Scotland.

"There are no direct flights on a Saturday this time of the year so we'll fly to Inverness and pick up a hire car."

They had deposited their weapons with the armourer at Abigail Adams House and Sophie wasn't comfortable, but it meant they weren't marked out during check-in.

They landed at three in the afternoon but the light was already fading and a stiff breeze that hit them as the walked from the plane into the terminal. Their car wasn't anything special, but had room for three sets of luggage. Kevin drove and Sophie sat up front, leaving Heather in the back, next to her suitcase.

They were booked into the Mackay Hotel in Wick, a short walk from the Court, for the next two nights. They were clocked when they checked in.

"Ahh, you must be here for the inquiry on Monday?"

Sophie thought it best to be honest. "Yes, it's a sad time?"

"It is indeed, do enjoy your stay."

This was the first time the girls had been to Scotland so they hadn't understood the nature of the cold, it was quite different to the cold air of wintry London and very different to wintry Cornwall. One thing was certain, Heather needed a better hat, scarf and gloves. She asked the barman in the hotel which shops were best.

"On Sunday, tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"They're all closed."

"Oh."

"Tesco is open, but you won't find any of the Shetland wool there."

On Sunday Heather would have sat in front of the hotel bar's fire all day, but Sophie dragged her out for a walk, they traipsed around the streets of Wick looking into the shop windows that were closed until Monday. They identified the courthouse easily, it was only a few hundred metres from the hotel, and on their return they ascertained that a group from Thurso were booked for lunch at the hotel the following lunchtime.

"What name is that under?"

"McPherson."

"I guess that's a common name around here?"

"I suggest you don't call the Lady McPherson common."

Kevin was trying desperately not to laugh as Heather extricated herself from her faux-pas.

"How was I to know?"

"The lady McPherson is Elsie McPherson and Miss Tammy Smart has lived with her since November. That was in my report, I suggest you acquaint yourself with it!"

Lunch was the next problem but they’d not found any restaurants open on their walk, although a few were due to open for the evening. They ate in the hotel, having decided it was the least worst option.

Back upstairs Heather took out her laptop and started to research the area, using only publicly available data. Although she was using the hotel wifi she protected her location by using a VPN connection, so that even the hotel’s internet provider wouldn't know which sites she'd visited.

Heather also looked into the McPherson clan and discovered that Elsie McPherson was very well known locally. She also saw that Tammy Smart had been on the stage in a production of Westside Story just before Christmas and that George Small had attacked on the opening night, injuring one of the co-stars. That moment of madness had apparently destroyed any good name the man had and Heather wondered if that would be identified as the cause of his death?

She hadn't been to an inquest before, so didn't really know what to expect; Heather spent the next hour going through the the Scottish Courts website looking for information whilst Kevin and Sophie drove over to Thurso to conduct surveillance, although Heather couldn't see the point.

"If we're looking to recruit this girl, why are you going to spy on her?"

"In case we've missed anything, or maybe she's a target and we don't know it yet?"

"Oh."

"She won't know we've been there and they weren't told we'd be up here."

-o-

The trio arrived at the Sheriff's Court fifteen minutes before the allotted time but kept out of the way of the Smart and McPherson contingent. Once in the court they took seats in the public gallery to observe the proceedings.

At lunchtime the hearing adjourned and a large number of those present headed across the river to the Mackay hotel. Kevin was doing his best to maintain a low profile but was spotted by several of those present, although he talked to none. Heather didn't like the idea of speaking to Tammy Smart in the company of others so waited for her to make her way to the loo. Heather stood by the vanity and waited for the girl.

"Hello Miss Smart, Kevin apologises but he's working and doesn't want to be identified."

"Right, more cloak and dagger stuff is it?" Tammy wasn't entirely certain she was safe.

"I couldn't possible say!" Heather laughed, "I happen to know you're planning to do a Business Studies degree but if you fancy some forensic accountancy experience during the summer, give me a call or drop me an email, here's my card." She handed the girl a business card then exited.

They had arranged with the hotel to keep their rooms until Tuesday so gathered in Kevin's room five minutes later.

"What's your impression, Heather?"

"She accused me of cloaks and daggers, Kevin."

"I had the same treatment, I did warn you that she's a clever one."

"Well, I'd like to speak to her further before we head back, but not in the ladies loo again."

Sophie suggested they used a public venue and invited Richard Smart, her father, to the meeting. "As they know you, Kevin, we'll do this ourselves. I'd like to avoid any more preconceived ideas."

Sophie and Kevin made their way back to the court, leaving Heather who returned to her room. She clearly wasn't fully recovered from her recent illness as she fell asleep whilst attempting to read a book.

Heather woke when Sophie returned.

"I guess it was boring?"

"Quite the contrary, Heather, there was a claim that Miss Smart was to blame for the death, a new will was produced and one of the witnesses, Yvonne Stewart, was arrested. Kevin's gone to Inverness with the prisoner as there's a terrorism angle."

"Woah, at an inquest?"

"Yes, the procurator fiscal has reserved judgement so it would be weeks or longer before that's finalised."

"Was there anything that could affect what we've been asked to do?"

"No."

"Fine, we'll proceed. Let's give the Smarts enough time to get back to Thurso before I call them. There’s enough time for a shower."

Heather was drying her hair when her mobile rang.

"Hello?"

"Is that Heather Young?" The voice was male.

"It is, I guess that's Richard Smart and Tammy gave you my business card?"

"Yes, now, how do you know us?"

"I'm afraid I can't say too much, especially not over the phone. Can you and Tammy meet us the Castletown Hotel this evening for dinner? Six thirty?"

"Who'll be there?"

"Just myself and my partner."

They only had an hour to reach their dinner location and that included a simple drive from Wick into Thurso. Sophie was still in the shower although she wouldn't take long to get ready, she rarely wore much face paint and usually went out with a clean, barely moisturised, face. Heather meanwhile pulled out a dress and started to make herself up.

They arrived at the hotel and found the bar quiet, opting for a table at the back of the restaurant which they took immediately, preferring not to be seen in the bar.

It was relatively easy to identify their dinner guests when they arrived, the girls rose to greet them.

"Good evening, I'm Heather and this is my partner Sophie."

"As you will already know, I'm Richard and this of course is my daughter Tammy."

Richard and Tammy sat, the duty manager than supplied a menu to them, waiting to take drink and food orders. After a minute or two they were free to talk.

"I'm sure you have many questions, Richard, and we'll do our best to answer them but please don't think I'm being awkward or evasive if I can't give you a straight answer."

"Okay, are you both accountants?"

"I am but Sophie is a serving police officer on secondment to another agency and working with me."

"Are you a genuine accountant?"

"Oh yes, I qualified ten or so years ago and used to do my trade from a small office in North London."

"Under what business name?"

"Sorry, but that's not one I can answer, but do not infer anything!"

The barman was approaching with drinks so again they paused.

"Now, how come you know about us, and what brings you to Thurso?"

"Ah, the easy questions? I was involved in a major investigation that had links up here and to your ex wife."

"The kidnap attempt?"

"Yes, but no-one else up here knows the connection and we'd like to keep is that way. Anyway, there was a development and Kevin felt he needed to come back here so he suggested we spent a few days in the town."

"It's a long way from Redruth."

"It is Tammy, but we live close to Newquay airport, with links to London, so the three of us flew into Wick and were picked up from there." Heather muddied their travel arrangements, just in case.

"Right, Heather, why are you telling us this?"

"Richard, I would like to offer Tammy work experience in an area of work that varies between very boring, very challenging and very rewarding. It's about finding clues in numbers to prove or disprove a theory."

"When and where?" Tammy showing interest.

"In Redruth and Central London mainly, how about July?"

"I finish school in June so that's fine, what's the weather like in Cornwall in the summer?"

"I don't know, we've not been there that long."

"Dad, remember you said I might be needed for Mum's trial? When was that?"

"August, you'll be back here by then, won't you?"

"I reckon so."

"Tammy, Richard, there's no set times here, it's whatever suits, but unless Tammy spends a few weeks with us you won't get a flavour of the rewards."

"Okay, but can we have something in writing?"

"Sure we'll ask Jenny to sort that out. She'll send you the security clearance forms too."

"Now I know it's genuine, if you start talking about clearance!"

"A sad but necessary evil, Richard, we arranged for your own clearance to be renewed before we came up here." Sophie spoke.

"My own?"

"You handled the investments on behalf of some government agencies about five years ago."

"I did, it was an overseas investment quango with millions to play with, is it still around?"

"It's been closed down as it served its' purpose but you had to be cleared for that. If you weren't cleared then we wouldn't be having this conversation."

"I guess so. Doesn't Tammy get clearance automatically because of me?"

"Not exactly, but close enough."

"Richard, we'll arrange for a special phone to be delivered to your new house, do you have a safe?"

"Not yet."

"You'll need one and it has to be fitted with an anti-tamper alarm."

"I'll order one tonight, the alarm company can connect it when the system goes live on Friday."

"Could you ask them about alarming your study separately?

"It was already a consideration."

"Good, the phone should be with you by Friday."

Other diners were now sat uncomfortably close to the four of them so discussion turned to tourist sight. It wasn't long after that when their meals were brought to the table.

It was nine that evening before Sophie drove Heather back to the Mackay Hotel. Sophie had received a text from DI Edmunds that he wouldn't have time to return to the hotel, could they collect him in Inverness the following morning?