Book 11: Tammy Interludes     "Ch-Changes" Part 2

 
Tuesday 3rd October 2017 (Cont)
 

Tammy had her second OJ then took herself to the loo. Once sat in the cubicle she pulled her phone out and checked social media for any local issues. The outer door opened and Tammy could hear at least one person come in.

"I still can't believe how much he looks like a girl, I thought everyone at Fort George was half blind?"

Two cubicle doors opened and closed. Tammy hurriedly switched her phone to record.

"I bet he's had something done, but I couldn't find any record of surgery and his NHS record has him as a female, including an internal last year!"

"That must be fake, but who does he work for?"

"Good point. Once we get him back to the Fort, or down to Andover, then we'll get a full medical done. There isn't one on file and that reeks of fraud. That'll answer a few questions."

"Yeah, plus a search of his home and office, once he's in custody we won't need warrants."

"Shame the girl didn't know anything."

"Yes, but we'll get her as a collaborator once the little prick is dealt with. One stone, two down!"

Judging by the flushing the pair were done and the conversation ended. Tammy waited until the outer door opened and closed before flushing the loo. She'd stopped the recording, but was in shock; this was no search for the truth.

She checked her face and attempted to form a smile before heading for the exit door that led back into the bar. As a precaution she took the side exit from the restaurant. The time was approaching two, but she needed to fix a small problem. She walked around to the hotel entrance and went back to the bar, passing the pair as they left.

"Can I settle my tab please?"

"Certainly, £17.49. Was everything okay, Miss Smart?"

"It was fine, thank you." Tammy tapped her debit card on the reader and waited for the receipt.

It was a short walk around to the offices of Smith, Smith and Smith.

"Hi Tammy, I mean Miss Smart!"

"Calm down John, I doubt Jeremiah will demote you for that?"

"When you're the lowest on the pecking order, I doubt it?"

Jeremiah Smith arrived in the reception area. "Mr Hibbert, I'm sure we can find a way. Miss Smart; we're ready for you."

Tammy took a deep breath and entered the room. Instead of the usual office this was set up as a standard interview room. Tammy's seat was next to her brief, facing the pair from Special Investigation Branch. Off to the side, a stenographer sat.

Introductions were made, Tammy learned that the lead investigator was Lieutenant LeBlanc.

"Ladies, before we begin, could I remind you that whilst my client holds a military rank, she is currently a civilian and her presence here is voluntary."

Having said his opening piece, Jeremiah sat back, as if to say 'your turn'.

"That does seem like an apt point at which to begin, Lieutenant Smart, do you have your ID card with you?"

Tammy reached into her bag and pulled it out. She kept one hand on the lanyard as the card was examined.

"Of course we're not forgery experts so we'll be retaining this pending a full examination."

Tammy had half expected this manoeuvre. "I want a receipt."

"That's not possible."

Tammy gave her a hard look. "Make it possible."

"Ladies, my client made a reasonable request and, given that it's a valuable document, I do believe that a receipt is appropriate. After all, there should be a chain of evidence, shouldn't there?"

The Lieutenant answered. "Of course, since we're off premises." She continued. "Where did you do your training, Lieutenant?"

"I was inducted at Wattisham earlier this year. I wasn't expecting to be issued with an ID or a uniform."

"Then why were you there?"

"I was invited to undertake training."

"Who by?"

"That would be Colonel MacTaggart."

"You aren't a part of a regiment?"

"No, I suppose I'm a free agent. How is this relevant to last weekend?"

Lieutenant LeBlanc scowled. "We're getting there."

Sergeant Harris took over. "Tell me about your assault on Colonel Cooper?"

"Correction; He attacked me and I defended myself, the righteous little turd."

"Insulting an officer is an offence, Lieutenant."

"So is assault. He's currently being prosecuted for abuse in Colchester right now, I believe my description is accurate."

"You were going to be charged for the offence and yet the slate was wiped, how?"

"Powers that be intervened."

"Who are your co-conspirators?"

Tammy laughed. "Seriously?"

Harris banged the table. "Names and ranks!"

"Mind your atttitidue there SERGEANT!" Tammy hissed.

"Could I ask you to calm down, Sgt Harris, I do not appreciate you intimidating my client."

Tammy smiled. "You tried to look me up, join the dots, and you can't? Sorry, but I'm way above your pay grade."

"That's ridiculous."

"Really? I'm told that you were asking customers in the hotel bar about me. Obviously, Jeremiah, that's hearsay but I happen to know his camera system is extensive and of high quality. We could request the footage?"

The pair from SIB looked at each other.

"Oh, by the way, to answer one vexatious claim; I am female and my GP can confirm that. If you need to speak to her than I may give permission, however I have no doubt you'll deny that claim?" Tammy reached into her bag and retrieved her phone. "My apologies, Jeremiah, but this is relevant." She played the recording.

"Ah, ladies, given the evidence I would support my client's belief that your investigation is frivilous and that you never had any intention to investigate the weekend's events, with perhaps the intention to destroy my client's reputation?"

Harris stood and withdrew a set of cuffs, brandishing them. Jeremiah quickly stood, whilst Tammy stayed sat, her hands under the table.

"Ladies, I strongly suggest that you leave here, without my clients. I sincerely hope that your actions here today are not indicative of the whole of SIB and I strongly suggest you leave before things deteriorate. My assistant has sealed copies of Miss Smart and Miss Staines' statements but I will DX witnessed copies to your HQ later today."

Tammy watched as the pair of investigators left the room.

"Miss Smart, shall we relocate to my office?"

Tammy was offered a cup of coffee as she sank into an armchair, having found Maisie in the room.

"Oh Tammy, I heard the thump and I thought something was going down?"

"Have you been here all along?"

"No, John suggested I went and got my hair done, the ladies would never look for me there. He's really nice!"

"And he's married, which I suppose is my fault!"

"Anyway, I was asked if I needed waxing, so I did. I never got the chance at Fort George and needed some tidying up for the next time we go swimming."

Jeremiah had been looking over something but his head sprang up. "Miss Staines, I'm not sure we want to hear such things?"

Tammy giggled, which set Maisie off.

"Err, umm, Jeremiah, where does that leave us?"

"With a bigger problem than we first thought?"

"Yeah, I mean, where did their information come from, about me?"

"Indeed, I will write to their HQ and ask for any information or queries concerning you, perhaps you can try other verifiable sources for the same? Could you please send me that recording as soon as possible?"

"Give me a moment." Tammy unlocked her phone and found the sound recording, shared it to email and a few seconds later Jeremiah's PC gently announced the arrival of a message.

"That's modern technology at work!"

"Indeed, Miss Smart, but the law has had centuries to establish how we deal with the courts and official bodies, so please excuse me whilst I compose a letter. Please resist circulating that file to anyone else."

Tammy took Maisie out of the office and into the street, there was no sign of the Red Cap ladies so, finally, the girls relaxed. Tammy suggested they walked back to the office before any conversation commenced. When they passed her distinctive car, however, she could hear a beeping from the dash. Tammy first looked around the car but couldn't see anything then told Maise to step back as she unlocked it.

"Why?"

"Shhh!"

She acknowledged the warning and an alarm system alert was obvious on the entertainment display, this had been a feature update that had arrived earlier in the summer. There had been three camera activations so Tammy viewed the highlighted videos on the small screen.

"Damn!"

She walked to the rear of the car and felt under the bumper, finding a small bump that didn't seem to belong there. Against her better judgement she managed to slide a fingernail under it and it dropped into her hand.

"Naughty, the cheeky bitches!"

"What is it, Tammy?"

"My guess is it's a tracker."

"But why?"

"Probably so they could pick us up when we're out of town, away from solicitors and safety." Tammy looked around and spotted an open-backed Caithness Council vehicle that was unattended, she slapped the device under a rear tyre flap.

"There, they can enjoy following that back to the Council depot in Inverness."

"Why not report it?"

"And let Harris and Le Blanc know that my car has an excellent security system?"

"Oh, I see what you mean."

"Okay, indoors!"

She locked the car up, the video evidence could be downloaded remotely now. Back in the office, Maisie had questions.

"It doesn't seem right, what's going on, you should be upset and stressed but you're calm?"

"Experience, Maisie, taught me that if you get wound up then you start to make mistakes. Harris and Le Blanc seem to be so intent on getting at me, us, they have started to make serious errors and that helps us. I hate bullies and that's what that pair are, but what I want to know is who is behind it, and what are they trying to protect?"

"What's the worst that could happen?"

"You disappear without trace."

"They'd kill me?"

"Yes, if it served their needs."

"Bloody hell, Tammy, how can you say that?"

"Maisie, you're in the army so I guess you're qualified with the SA80?"

"Yes."

"I wouldn't use the SA80 for basket weaving, it really only has one purpose?"

"Well, yes."

"And if you were sent to Helmand you'd use it to kill the enemy?"

"But that's different?"

"Really, is it? They're a threat, bang bang. You're a threat .... I'm a threat. Who is the enemy?"

"Oh!"

"Look, Maisie, keep your eyes open, listen to what's going on around you and pay attention. That way you can survive. When we can we'll take out the threat against us, it's a two way street."

"What, kill them?"

"Not necessarily, embarrassment works nicely and tends to make others think twice."

"But you've killed?"

"I'm not sure this is a good topic?"

"But?"

"Yes, I already told you about my time with the psychiatrists and psycologists, those were simple 'them or me' situations. I chose me."

"So there were other times?"

"I was in the wrong place at the right time, a bunch of terrorists decided to take out a coffee shop in the West End of London."

"I saw that, that was you?"

"I was there, yes, but none of the customers were seriously hurt and the terrorists were incapacitated by the time the police arrived."

"So, Tammy, who do you work for?"

"I wish there was an easy answer to that question, Maisie. I think the best answer is that I work for myself and I help out certain agencies from time to time. It's a simplification, but at least it's true."

"So last weekend you were with the army, who else?"

"Stop there! I'm not sorry, Maisie; that information is dangerous to know. One of my friends has a big mouth and nearly dropped me in it a few times, endangering both of us."

"Er, Tammy, if I went back would they drop it, forget all of this?"

"Unlikely, you'd probably end up in the Glasshouse on trumped up charges like desertion. Plus they would use you to get to me."

"Really?"

"Yes, unfortunately. That's the world I live in - work out what the worst result could be and try to mitigate it. Take yesterday, if I had driven into the port then I can guarantee I wouldn't have got any photos. The cliff position might be further away but there was no interference and the task was completed successfully."

"I see. My Dad is really suspicious of you, but he says he sees things in binary; good or bad, yes or no, friend or foe, that sort of thing. I know I can trust you."

"That's nice to know."

"I think I'll tell them that I'll resign."

"Oh, is that wise?"

"I think so."

"No Maisie, wait. My guess is that they'll make you an offer to go quietly. If you chuck your towel in now all they can say is that you're a quitter. Don't play their game."

"Should I? I mean this is new to me."

"You're a free woman, free to choose your own life. We all make mistakes but we can learn from those and become stronger. Do this how you want to, and make your choice but then keep to that decision, regardless the outcome. I might not agree with your decision but it is yours to make."

"Will you protect me?"

"Look after your own well-being and you won't need my protection."

"But you carry a gun and I don't."

"In case you haven't noticed, I haven't carried a weapon since Sunday evening. There are other ways to protect ourselves, in this country we ask questions first."

Maisie didn't answer so Tammy got on with some work, work that Joey would have dealt with. She wanted to find out what was going on at Cooper's hearing but didn't want to be accused of interfering.

Her phone rang.

"Yes, Colonel?"

"Are you free to talk?"

"There's just Corporal Staines here, Sir."

"Ah, this affects her. I've had a report that the two RMP officers have been recalled."

"That was quick."

"Indeed, what did you do?"

"They overstepped common decency and came here fully intent on dragging us back to Fort George in irons, Sir, by foul means, and I caught them out. What I'd like to know is who briefed them, they seemed to know about my past and have been digging in the NHS database?"

"Do you have evidence?"

"Yes, a recording."

"Can you send it to me?"

"I'd rather not, Sir. My solicitor is handling it and made a direct request for me to sit on it. He's making enquiries with the SIB HQ, although that probably won't get anywhere."

"I see. I could make it an order?"

"In which case I would still refuse, Sir. I'm sure there's some Human Rights legislation that would cover me?"

"Hmmmm. No wonder some of your previous management had issues with you, Miss Smart?"

"I think that's stretching things a little to call them managers, Sir. Anyway, will SIB appoint new investigators?"

"That seems likely. Captain Fielding has been placed on administrative leave. He leaves Fort George tomorrow morning."

"Bugger! He knows where I live, thank you VERY much!"

"Where is Corporal Staines staying?"

"My parents' place. Damn it!"

"Keep me informed, Lieutenant."

Tammy put her phone down. "TARFU! We need a plan, Maisie."

"What's TARFU? You swore at the Colonel!"

"TARFU; things are really fucked up. Captain Fielding is going on administrative leave. My guess is he will come here, however stupid that will be."

"Why isn't he locked up?"

"My guess, Maisie, is that he's been protected and is somehow the victim. Clearly his commanding officer has no backbone."

"So what now?"

"I'll work on it. Let's go home."

It wasn't quite five o'clock and Tammy needed to clear her head, a swim would help but first she needed to make a call or two before the evening was out. Maisie was in her own room changing so Tammy closed her door and called the first number.

"Smart Air."

"Jim, it's Tammy. Is Katie available tomorrow?"

"Yes, next booking is Thursday. We need to collect your parents, are you available to fly?"

"No, I'm at university. Tell me, on Sunday, why did she fly to Newquay?"

"A private booking, some government fellow who didn't want to fly commercial."

"Wasn't Sir Thomas Addington, was it?"

"Sorry, Tammy, but he didn't want anyone to know."

"That's okay. Anyway, I'd like Katie available for eight in the morning please, fully fuelled."

"Where will you be going?"

"Down South."

"Okay, we'll see you in the morning."

Tammy joined Maisie in the pool for a pre-dinner swim, having told Zara to take the day off. Richard and Joan had been at a governance conference in Glasgow so had met Maisie at dinner on Sunday evening but wouldn't be back for a few days, having continued onto York for a short break. Angela was in Aberdeen doing clinical studies and Suzie wasn't planning to head up North any-time soon.

The air temperature wasn't above 10C but inside the poolhouse it was a pleasant 24C. After half an hour Maisie pulled herself out of the water and stepped under the shower head. Outside it was dusk but the pool lights were low.

"There's no-one else here, Tammy?"

"No."

Maisie peeled herself out of her swimsuit and rinsed under the shower. "Your turn."

Tammy shrugged and stripped off then went under the water, Maisie having moved out of the way. It wasn't long before Maisie was shivering so she went for the space that Tammy was inhabiting, wrapping herself round.

"Err, Maisie?"

Maisie looked for a moment then kissed Tammy.

"Hmmmm."

"Tammy?"

"Yes?"

"Hold me!"

"Come on, let's get indoors."

"In a minute."

"Now, please!"

Maisie kissed her again then released Tammy. The pair wrapped large towels around themselves and picked up their sodden swimsuits before running back to the house. Tammy made it very clear she wanted privacy when she got dressed and locked herself into her room against Maisie's wishes.

Tammy didn't have time for a relationship, not now, and was certain that Maisie's affections were misplaced. She picked up her phone and selected secure mode before making a call.

"Yes, Tammy?"

"I need a favour."

"The Corporal?"

"Why does it not surprise me that you know? I guess Sir Thomas briefed you on Sunday?"

"Come on Tammy, that's confidential."

"Yes auntie Heather. I need to get Maisie to a place of safety, do you have a spare room for a week or so?"

"That could be awkward?"

"Is she read into what you do?"

"No, we'll have to clear her."

"That makes it sound as if you want her working with you?"

"It does, doesn't it."

"Be careful, very careful."

"So, can I?"

"I'll clear it with Sophie, but yes, under the circumstances. How will you get here?"

"I'll fly Katie into Newquay tomorrow morning."

"Katie?"

"G-KTFL - Katie Flight, that's the name of the company that operates the EPIC."

"Ah, not Smart Air?"

"No, on paper it has no connection to me. That was decided after my incident."

"I saw the report. I take it that you don't need a bed?"

"I have to be in a lecture theatre on Thursday, regardless of what's going on."

"Understood."

"I also have to be back here for tomorrow night, so it'll be a quick turn around."

"I see. Perhaps next time?"

"Indeed."

Tammy finally climbed under the shower and reached for the shampoo.

Half an hour later, still with damp hair, she walked into the kitchen in a onesie. Maisie was stood over the stove.

"I knocked on your door, so I guessed you were still in the shower?"

"Yes, what are you doing?"

"I thought I'd cook, I don't get to do it very often. How does omelette sound?"

"I don't think it's on my diet sheet."

"Seriously?"

"Okay, just this once. Cheat-day comes early."

"You look like you could do with a couple of kilos!"

"And destroy my good work? I've just lost a bunch of kilos and dropped a size, I fully intend to keep it that way."

It wasn't long before a plate was put in front of Tammy. Whilst there was a side salad, the thick omelette was also accompanied by new potatoes in butter. Tammy sighed, there would have to be a penance for this.

In the end Tammy left a couple of the potatoes, but had to agree that the Spanish omelette was tasty.

"Maisie, do you remember that I said earlier we needed a plan?"

"Yes?"

"We're going flying tomorrow and it's an early start."

"Where?"

"Cornwall."

"Whoa, that's, like, as far as you can get from here?"

"Yes. That's the point."

"What's there?"

"Some friends, they've offered to look after you for a little while."

"You're staying there as well?"

"No, I have to come back."

"But I thought you would protect me!" Maisie was starting to cry.

"And I can't protect you up here, not against a random attack. These friends are like family to me, they won't let anything happen to you and you might learn a few tricks. Then, when things settle down, you can come back. Maybe, by then, we'll have a clear idea what's happening with the army investigation."

"I want to stay here, with you!"

"Maisie, they know you're here and Fielding knows this house, he's been here. My parents are away for another day and I need to carry on with my normal life as if nothing had happened. I promise you can come back here, that's if you want to and it's the right decision. Maybe I'll come down to Cornwall for a few days as well?"

"You will, please?"

She rushed around the table, launched herself at Tammy and there was nothing that Tammy could do.

 
Wednesday 4th October 2017
 

They reached the airfield before eight and Katie was outside the hanger looking freshly washed, sparkling in the early sunlight. The drive over had been Eastwards into the sun as it rose, causing Tammy a few issues with glare. Thankfully her route to Cornwall was South Westerly.

She installed Maisie in the plane, to start the coffee and got on with the preflight checks, it was ten past the hour by the time she radioed the tower for clearance. She'd also contacted Newquay Airport and requested fuel be available, thankfully there was a charge card for Katie Flight that meant there would, should, be no trace of Tammy, or Maisie, having travelled.

She checked in with Prestwick and Douglas, Isle of Man before they crossed West Wales, hugging the coast until flying over Fishguard and across the Bristol Channel. Unfortunately the cloud base was at ten thousand feet and Tammy was well above it at twenty thousand for this trip, so they saw very little of the land and sea beneath them until she descended, crossing the Atlantic into Cornwall. Tammy overflew the airport, losing height, then banked and turned back, dropping onto the runway for a text book landing. She had reminded the tower she needed fuel so was cleared to taxi to Weston Aviation. A light drizzle was coming down. Another plane was on the fuel stand so she stopped short.

Tammy completed her log then stepped out of her seat, stretching in the available space before opening the cabin door. It had taken four hours and the Epic's cruising speed had efficiently brought them the length of the UK. If pushed, she could knock nearly an hour off that, but the fuel economy would reduce to a point where an accountant would cringe.

She'd spotted a marked police car on the fringe of the airside area and wasn't surprised when Sophie pulled up next to the plane.

"I called the tower and checked your ETA, they let me know you needed to refuel."

"I'm sure I could get back on one tank, but best not take a chance. Oh, Sophie, let me introduce Maisie. Maisie this is Sophie Grieve, an Inspector with Devon and Cornwall Constabulary."

"Err, Police?"

"Don't worry, she's Heather's partner and the pair are very good at getting out of trouble, whereas they would claim I'm the opposite. You'll be safe, providing Daniel isn't in the area."

"Daniel?"

"You don't need to know. One other thing, don't mention my name to anyone outside of Heather and Sophie's house. The ladies will have rules, please follow them as your safety depends on them."

"You're not making this sound attractive."

"Okay, let's put this another way; it's October but you can still wear t-shirts and shorts most days. It doesn't rain very often and, now the tourists have mostly gone home, you'll find the locals easy to get on with. Redruth is a pleasant town and everything's in walking distance apart from the beach."

"I thought you said Newquay?"

"That's just the airport. Come on, let's get your bag and not keep Sophie waiting, she's on duty."

Maisie picked up her bag and climbed down from the plane, placing the bag in the rear of the car. "I'll miss you, Tammy!"

"And I'll miss you."

That earned Tammy a kiss, or two. She waited until Sophie had, eventually, got the girl into the car, before continuing to the fuel stand.

----

"Good evening boys and girls. In case you've forgotten my name is Tammy Smart."

The group gave her grunts, mumbles and sighs.

"I'm glad we've decided on the roles, but it leaves us with a missing witch." She turned to Jeri who was at the back of the room.

"Can you play the third witch for me, Jeri?"

"Sure, Tammy."

"Okay, let's do a run through from the book. You'll find it easier if you stand when your speaking."

More groans.

Jeri had moved up and was now stood beside Julie and Damian.

"When shall we three meet again ...."

Tammy looked at her cast, sixteen and seventeen year olds, thinking that she'd been here before. In this case one of the girls was missing and a boy called Harry was taking the Lady Macbeth role. He had somehow borrowed a long tartan skirt and was hamming it. Tammy didn't want to interrupt the flow so signalled to Harry to subdue his performance a little. A few of the cast had minor roles but were covering multiple characters. Tammy took Lady McDuff for herself and hoped the missing girl would be back.

All in all it was a pretty normal rehearsal, with everyone reading the script as if they'd never seen it before.

It was just before ten when they finished, having skipped a few optional scenes.

"You look tired, Tammy?"

"It's been a long day, Jeri."

"Yeah, I spent all of Saturday in Wick and was knackered when I got back."

"I know what you mean, I drove there this morning and didn't get back until an hour ago."

----

Tammy double-checked her time and location on her phone. The previous afternoon a text message had come in on the secure screen. GPS coordinates and a time, Tammy worked out that she was due to receive a delivery and now she was stood at the edge of a field off of a small road several miles to the North East of the house. The time on her phone was 2258 but she could see no vehicles anywhere. By 2300 she was wondering if something was going to happen.

A minute later she heard a slight buzzing sound, like a small engine approaching. As the sound approached, she realized it was above her and looked up. The noise passed directly overhead and a pair of soft green lights suddenly appeared in the air moving fast then slowed and began to drift to the ground.

"Was that; a drone of some kind?" Tammy walked forward, watching the lights descend.

Tammy walked faster as they touched down. On arrival she saw two cases attached to small parachutes and marked with chemical light-sticks. The first case felt almost half her weight. The second was a bit heavier. Definitely better to do one at the time. Tammy carried one case back to her car then retrieved the other. The parachutes and cord she simply gathered up to dispose of discreetly. She opened one case then the other, using the glowing light-sticks to examine the contents.

On top, inside one case was a large envelope containing a pair of inventory sheets, thin manuals and dvd cases on top of individual cases. The DVDs were listed as instruction videos.

"This is a Load-out? More like a Load-up!" Tammy commented reading the sheets. "Personal kit, three home kits, site video cameras, motion activated cameras, underwater camera kit, microphones, trackers, frequency scanners, power supplies, transmitters and even drones? Another lockpick set, that makes two for me. Safe and vault kit? God Lord, this is definitely the works! Too bad that boat came in the other day. If it comes in again, I'll do better."

Tammy pulled the manuals and discs, closed the cases, loaded them into the car and drove back to Thurso. She dropped the cases off at her storage lockup behind the print shop. The parachutes and cords she crammed into a bag, tossed it into a random commercial bin and went back home. She had a lot to read and watch and was just grateful that Maisie wasn't around to see this clandestine activity.