Part One   "There's A Storm Coming"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 
 
Saturday 29th August 2015

For the second time in eight days Tammy was having her hair and make-up done, but this time is was for her parents' wedding, namely that of her father and her step-mother to be. The wedding wasn't until three so there was plenty of time but that had still meant they had to be up at seven.

It was all so very different to Heather and Sophie's wedding, which seemed to flow effortlessly - until interrupted by an oaf of a copper, now an ex copper. She blushed when she remembered what had happened later that day.

Tammy was the last into Sandy Smith's chair, a borrowed one, as she'd been helping Pru with the last minute organising. This time there were problems about problems about disasters, nothing was going right. Tammy had been tasked with doing battle on the phone, to various head offices or senior managers wherever they may be. As it was the weekend, that made life a little more difficult, but not impossible.

The caterers had enough cutlery and crockery for eighty guests, which they claimed was the contracted number. Even Tammy's untrained eye she could see the correction fluid alteration from the original number of 110 guests, but the supervisor was standing by what she'd been given when she was called over to Dunbankin' just before midday.

Tammy's phone conversation with the firm's owner solicited that they were double, no triple booked that day and had insufficient to go around, he'd tried to lie his way out of trouble first. His next ploy was just plainly xenophobic.

"I understand that many of the guests are Sassenachs, you really don't expect them to turn up do you?"

"As I'm English I think you should consider your position carefully."

A little background check had revealed that the financial state of the company was precarious.

"Now, Mr Burgess, a contract is a contract."

"That depends, Miss Smart."

"Does it indeed? I'd like to see you use that excuse in front of the Sheriff when we reach court."

"Court? It's only a minor problem."

"If you think that ruining my parents' wedding day is a minor problem then I suggest you are very much mistaken. What you are going to do is locate any missing items and get them up here by 2pm."

"I'm in Inverness, how would I do that?"

"I can give you the number of a reliable helicopter company. Your deadline is 2pm, my solicitor is a wedding guest by the way."

Tammy was aware that the company was barely solvent but she also knew shutting the firm down for breach of contract was a little heavy handed. The firm no doubt had bookings for other weddings and functions but was being mismanaged, if Tammy went for the jugular then lots of others would have their days ruined, there had to be a better way.

She updated Pru and asked her to do some digging on Monday, once everything had calmed down. The senior caterer was now outside the back door of Dunbankin'on her mobile, telling the manager he'd dropped her in it for the last time. She was now in tears, Tammy reached out to her.

"Has he done this before?"

"Yes."

"Do you work for him directly or are you paid like the table staff?"

"I worked for him, he's my step-dad."

"Can you cook?"

"Yes, but we're not doing the kitchen stuff on this job, there's a separate firm using Mrs McPhersons kitchens."

"Okay, so are you a qualified cook?"

"Three years at catering college and I have every certificate the lousy government says I should have, including advanced first aid."

"How would you like to work for me, as our cook and housekeeper?"

"I couldn't get here from Inverness."

"There's an apartment available."

"When does the job start?"

"As soon as you are cleared."

"Cleared?"

"We are a banking family and take security seriously, it's just a few background checks to make sure you're not going to rob us!"

"Where do I sign?"

"See Pru and she'll handle the paperwork. Now, where locally can you buy the extra?"

"Locally? My step-dad said he'd bring them."

"That was before you resigned?"

"Oh. There's a Cash & Carry on the way out of town, but I don't have any money."

"Pru can give you what you need, but she'll ask for blood!"

"Okay, I'm Zara by the way."

"Tammy, welcome aboard."

Thankfully Tammy had found time to visit the salon the previous day, which enabled Joanne to make an inspection of the new equipment, although Tammy was uncertain if a Brazilian was really wise. In the end it was her legs, arms and brows that received the attention.

"Next time, young lady, next time."

"Yes, Joanne."

"And no more jumping onto operating tables when you go on holiday!"

"I'l try to remember."

"Anyway, I would challenge anyone to say you weren't a double X."

"Thanks."

As the clock shuffled towards two o'clock on wedding day, Jo was applying Tammy's make-up.

"You're the last one, the other bridesmaids have already gone over."

She could hear a helicopter approaching, the fourth or fifth inbound flight of the day, starting at seven that morning. A chartered aircraft was operating as a shuttle between Glasgow and Wick for any of the guests travelling up, that offset the logistical problems of holding a wedding at almost the most northerly point on the UK mainland.

She giggled, she'd been in Redruth for the past month and that was only twenty or so miles from the extreme South West of the UK mainland, extremes indeed.

There was a knock on the door, Jo opened the door to Michael, "I've been asked to drive you across", one of the golf buggies was waiting for them for the ride over. They swung around to the front door of the house as there were two large marquees on the lawns behind the conservatory. Tammy could see that plenty of folk were already there but it would not be right for them to see her, yet. Another chopper came into land, right by the stables, she ran inside before her hairdo was destroyed.

Tammy was shepherded upstairs, the bridesmaids were to wait in the Rose Room until needed,
so that meant Tammy was joining the Small sisters, Angela and Suzie. This room had significance as it had been Tammy's room from November the previous year until the start of 2015.

Debbie, Tanya's sister, came in. She was checking that the journey from Dunbankin' hadn't upset Tammy's hair or make-up. Tammy hadn't but Angela had been spending so much time preening in front of the long mirror that she'd poked herself in the eye; that required a repair job and a telling off.

Suzie, meanwhile, was taking this in her stride. Over the past few days she'd spent a long time with her mother, as well as Angela, making up for the time they were separated. Suzie had refused to relocate to Thurso and had made it clear she wanted nothing to do with her father. Now he wasn't here there was no reason to keep away, apart from time, distance and money.

It was getting closer to three and a few voices could still be heard downstairs. For privacy, the room's curtains had been drawn so they couldn't see what was going on outside. Joan and Richard were in separate rooms further along the landing but all the girls could do was wait. Debbie had left to check on others.

"Come on, you two, you've done this before."

Tammy and Suzie had been bridesmaids at Heather and Sophie's wedding a week earlier but their duties had been limited.

"All weddings are different, Angela, I can barely remember my first one. Suzie?"

"I was asked by one of my friends from uni, we got so drunk the night before that I can't remember a thing either."

"That's not helping."

"Well, what were you told?"

"We follow Mum and Dad to the first marquee outside then sit while they go through the service. We're supposed to smile alot as well."

"See, you understand the job."

"There must be more to it?"

"There is always the emergency role." Suzie was starting to have fun.

"What emergency?"

"Well, if Mum backed out at the last minute then Dad could choose one of the bridesmaids instead. Not Tammy, obviously, so it would be me or you."

Angela took a second to process this and was about to say something regrettable when there was a knock on the door. Tammy opened it to Michael, who was acting as MC at the time.

"They're ready, please come with me."

Mum and Dad were waiting for the girls at the top of the stairs, it was now quiet as the hall below had been cleared. The entourage soon started. Joan looked stunning in her ivory dress whilst Richard was in a white suit, Tammy doubted if he would be drinking red wine later.

At the bottom of the stairs the group turned left and headed to the lounge and conservatory. The house staff were waiting here and applauded as the wedding party passed by. In the conservatory was a surprise, or two.

"Elsie, Helen, when did you get back?" Both Richard and Joan were unaware, Elsie and Helen were supposedly on a cruise ship near Hawaii or Honolulu.

"I could hardly let you use my house for a wedding and not be here as a guest myself? We arrived here at seven and spent most of the intervening time asleep; you never get used to jet lag. Now, get moving."

A female quartet, wearing long black dresses, played as the wedding party approached Rev. Franklin. Tammy tried to identify the tune, it certainly wasn't Vivaldi or Mozart. A smile adorned her face when she realised it was the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" being given the classical treatment and slowed down.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here this afternoon to join this man and this woman in matrimony."

Neither Richard nor Joan had wanted a religious service but the school's Anglican Chaplain had almost begged to be asked to perform the ritual. "It's not often a chaplain at a boys' school has the opportunity to conduct a marriage," he had said.

The compromise was for the bare-bones service, dressed with music and a reading. Tammy had the first reading, reprising a text by Ghandi she had delivered during school assembly a few months earlier. The text spoke of tolerance and had particular significance for some of those present.

From the dais, Tammy could see many of the congregation and spotted her former Headmaster beaming. She tried to concentrate on the words rather than be distracted and ruin the day.

A guitarist now came forward, wearing the same black frock as the quartet. Tammy didn't see who it was until she'd returned to her place.

Jeri was holding an acoustic guitar and started to play "This Time" by Richard Ashcroft:

Lookin' back on my life
You know that all I see
Are things I could've changed
I should have done
Where did the good times go?
Good times so hard to hold
This time, this time
This time I'm gonna find
 
Lookin' back on my life
You know that all I see
Are things I could've changed
I could have done
No time for sad lament
A wasted life is bitter spent
 
So rise into the light
In or out of time
Gonna rise straight through the light
In or out of time
 
Woke up one other day
The pain won't go away
I am growing
In peculiar ways
Into a light I pass
Another dream, another trance
This time, this time
This time I'm gonna rise into the light
In or out of time
 
Gonna find my way in life
In or out of sight
I'm still seeing things in black and white
Gonna rise straight into the light
In or out of sight
 
I'm gonna see the light
I'm gonna see the light
I'm gonna see the light
 
'Cause I know there is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
This time, this time
This time, this time
This time, this time
This time, this time
 

There were tears in many eyes, as well as applause for Jeri. She parked the guitar on a stand and curtseyed before taking a seat next to the quartet.

The Chaplain read from the bible and made the standard plea.

"If any person here can show cause why these two people should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Although there was the usual turning of heads, Tammy knew that any challenge was very unlikely. Due to the circumstances of several of the guests there was a Police presence on the main road and the game keepers were patrolling with shotguns slung over their arms. The dogs weren't out but were nearby; the estate was in lockdown. Anyone who was expecting Richard's ex, Tara Simpson, to make an appearance was to be disappointed as she'd made it as far as Manchester and was believed to still be there.

"We are all here today to witness the joining in wedded bliss of Richard and Joan. This joyous day celebrates the commitment and love with which Richard and Joan start their lives together. Through God, you are joined together in the most holy of bonds. Who gives this woman in holy matrimony to this man?"

Steven McIntosh had accepted this role and made his presence known.

"Do you, Richard take Joan to be your lawfully wedded wife and live together forever in the estate of holy matrimony? Do you love, comfort, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Do you, Joan take Richard to be your lawfully wedded husband and live together forever in the estate of holy matrimony? Do you love, comfort, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

The rings were exchanged, by agreement these were simple gold bands without any large stones. The gold, however, was pure 24 Karat. Both seemed to enjoy the official kiss.

There was the small matter of the register, so the quartet, plus Jeri, played a selection of Lennon and McCartney numbers acoustically while the paperwork and associated photos were dealt with.

Finally they moved into they gardens for more photos. Unlike Heather and Sophie's wedding her parents had employed a professional photographer. Tammy would have a chance of her own a little later when she could retrieve her camera from inside the house.

By five all three bridesmaids were getting tired of the photographer's constant directions, Tammy needed a wee so she started to walk away.

"Oi, you, bridesmaid, get your pretty rear back here."

Tammy kept going, had the surgeon done something to her bladder during her surgery? Behind her the photographer shouted an obscenity. By the time Tammy returned, refreshed, the obnoxious man had gone.

"Sorry Tammy, I've called a halt to the photos as I think he was taking the pee."

"Thanks Dad, I needed one but I'm now hungry as I didn't get any lunch so can we eat?"

"The caterers are sorting that at the moment. What's this about Zara?"

"Her step dad was responsible for a major problem. Zara resigned because it wasn't the first time she's been dropped in it, I asked her to sort it now and to apply for the housekeeper position as she's a trained cook."

"Pru said much the same, I'll interview the girl next week once the basic checks have been done. Let's mingle while the foods being prepared."

The three bridesmaids now had to welcome all the guests on behalf of their parents. By common consent, Joan, Angela and Suzie had taken the Smart name, severing that connection to the late George Small.

Tammy hadn't got far around the main marquee, where the bar was, before a gong sounded for the meal. Tammy's place was on the top table and as she headed in that direction she saw Lori. She waved, Tammy really wanted to talk to her but there was no time.

The quartet was playing as everyone took their seats, and were now playing a selection of classical numbers. Jeri had parked her guitar on a stand and parked her rear on a seat next to Heather; that was a surprise, Sophie was in the next seat.

The meal was lovely and the waiting staff were very good, there were plenty of compliments. While they'd been eating the main marquee had been transformed into a nightclub. Canned music was playing and the quartet took a break. A small stage had been setup and a few instruments were sat ready.

Tammy started circulating again and swerved enquiries about her summer holiday, eventualy she came across Helen.

"When did you leave the ship?"

"Thursday morning, in whatever timezone it was. The flights were awful."

"Where?"

"Honolulu into LAX, a direct flight from there to Heathrow arriving Friday afternoon. We got a late one into Glasgow and stayed near the airport before catching the first shuttle this morning. I was too tired to enjoy the helicopter flight."

"Are you finished with the cruise?"

"No, we're rejoining it in Singapore in a few days time."

"Both of you?"

"Yes. I understand you had some surgery?"

"Maybe, but I'm not going to discuss it here."

"Okay, swim tomorrow? Your place?"

"Sure."

Helen seemed to have changed, was this the 'Elsie effect' or was she simply growing up? Tanya intercepted Helen and the two girls disappeared into the throng. John wasn't far away but he had barely said a word to Tammy since she returned to Thurso on Tuesday. Tammy guessed that their relationship had changed but, but, why?

She needed another wee so headed for the house and decided to use the ensuite in the Rose Room. Suzie had seen where she was going so tagged along.

"Any proposals so far, Tammy?"

"No, thankfully. You?"

"One or two, but they were over 50 and their wives weren't impressed."

Tammy giggled and there seemed to be an echo. She pushed the door of the bedroom open and found Angela with Yusuf. Angela's dress was on the floor and Yusuf seemed to want to get undressed rather quickly. Suzie shrieked, Tammy started laughing. Yusuf grabbed his clothes and dashed into the bathroom.

Part Two   "Relationships"

 

 
Saturday 29th August (Continued)

Angela was crying. They led her to an adjacent room and locked the door. Suzie started the interrogation.

"Angela, was he forcing himself on you?"

"No."

"How did it start?"

"He kissed me, nobody's ever kissed me before."

"And?"

"I liked it, I wanted more."

"How much more?"

"Everything."

"Oh. Does he know?"

"Know?"

"That you're transgendered and pre-op?"

"I don't think so."

"So how long before that was discovered?"

Angela burst into tears, "it's alright for you two!"

"Angela, there isn't a competition."

"Isn't there? That's not how it looks from here."

"Angela, calm down. Your hormones got the better of you."

There was a knock on the door, Tammy opened it gently.

"Is there a problem?"

"Maybe, Michael, Yusuf is in the ensuite next door. Could you please check on him then arrange a taxi to take him home."

"Do I need to know any more?"

"Just one thing, find out what he's doing tomorrow."

"Okay."

Tammy closed the door. "Angela, Yusuf is going home and we'll deal with him tomorrow. I take it you like him?"

"Yes."

"How did that happen?"

"While you two were playing spies or sitting on beaches I was working at the hospital crèche. Yusuf is a volunteer in the hospital shop now so we started having a coffee together."

"Was he your partner today?"

"Yes, didn't you know?"

Tammy had been asked, of course, if she wanted a partner to accompany her but this was a month or more ago.

"Well, no, I hadn't realised."

"Hadn't realised that I might have grown up a little while you were away?"

"Angela, I've missed you loads and I'm so happy for you, but please be careful."

"Were you?"

"Ouch! Okay, so I ended up screwing my first boyfriend. I was sore for days afterwards." She looked at Suzie who blushed and nodded. "Angela, please don't use me as a role model, has mum had a talk with you about boys?"

Angela shook her head. "Suzie, did she talk to you?"

"Yes, I got it when I was fifteen, I needed it."

"Angela, I needed it too, even though I thought I understood boys. Things change when you have massive amounts of hormones in your body, logic goes flying out of the window."

"I suppose so, sis."

"Okay, get yourself dressed and I'll see if one of the experts can help repair your make-up."

Tammy left Suzie with Angela and just caught Yusuf going out of the main door, he would have to meet his taxi on the far side of the main gate. She found Debbie quickly and asked her to attend to the wayward girl upstairs.

"Tammy, where did the three of you go?"

"Sorry, mum, we needed a wee."

"Where's the other two?"

"Emergency repairs, Debbie's on the case."

"Okay, we're going to have the first dance soon."

Tammy now realised she hadn't used the loo so rushed back upstairs, choosing to use the Rose Room so she'd avoid Angela. In her rush she hadn't latched any of the doors and was a little surprised when John walked into the bathroom as she was sat on the loo. He stared, blushed and backed out.

Tammy giggled, what was up with John?

Finally, all three bridesmaids returned to the party, arriving with arms linked; Angela was the filing in this sandwich. The band were ready: Lori on keyboards, Jeri with a Strat and Mr Thompson on drums. Jeri and Lori were now in matching little black dresses, the Deputy Head was in his black DJ. The music started, the extra soppy "Love Is All Around", Jeri and Lori sharing vocal duties.

Mum and Dad took the first half a minute on the dance floor but the three girls were without partners temporarily.

Tammy was the first to be taken, Dr McIntosh was her escort. Angela was next, Michael stepped in while Suzie was asked by Tanya's brother David. It wasn't long before the floor was full of couples.

The Quartet had also changed into LBDs and took up position next to the band. They joined in as the second song started, Cher's "I found Someone."

Suzie seemed to want to hang onto David, Michael was keeping Angela company but Tammy was without a partner as the second song ended. The music kicked up a gear with "Shout" by Little Eva. Tammy's next partner didn't ask, he just took her hand.

"John?"

He said nothing as they bopped to the two minute tune, which segued into "Let It Be", John's arm snaking around her, pulling Tammy closer. As the song ended her released her slowly and kissed Tammy full on the lips before walking off the floor. Now she was really confused.

Tammy went to the bar and asked for a glass of Chablis, she took it into the quieter marquee which was now rearranged. The staff had managed everything without hassle, she caught the eye of Zara and smiled. Heather came over.

"How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good."

"No boyfriend?"

"It's too soon up here, Beccy was different. What are the two of you doing here?"

"Your father invited us a few weeks ago, but we couldn't say anything because Sophie's work schedule had been so awful. She's officially on leave and we hadn't anything booked so we flew up yesterday."

"It's lovely to see you again, of course, I was wondering if I could come down later in September?"

"Sophie will just be starting her new job so it's best if we didn't have any distractions."

"Sure."

"Daniel came by on Tuesday to see if you'd really gone."

"I could do with him tonight," Tammy admitted, "but it couldn't happen."

"Correct, don't let hormones rule or ruin your life."

In the other marquee the band struck up with "That's Alright Mama" but Tammy didn't recognise the singer. She rushed back, almost spilling her wine, to see the Deputy Head doing an Elvis impersonation from behind his drum kit. That morphed into "Hound Dog", Sophie dragged Tammy onto the dancefloor, she just had time to pass her glass to a passing waitress.

"I didn't know you could dance," shouted Tammy.

"Neither did I," replied the new Detective Inspector.

The Elvis theme continued with "Heartbreak Hotel."

Tammy wondered when the band had had a chance to rehearse, and what was going on with Lori? Or even how did she not know about Mike Thompson? Her respect for the teacher was going up, but hadn't he retired?

She needed another wee and met Joan as they went indoors, sharing one of the bathrooms.

"What went on with Angela?"

"Nothing, really."

"Tammy, the truth!"

Tammy recounted the story.

"That's what Suzie said, what's your plan?"

"Who said I had a plan?"

"I did, remember I and your Dad won't be around for a few days and I don't want my youngest daughter hurt."

"Helen suggested a pool day so I'll invite Yusuf back up here and we'll see where it goes. I can't blame him alone, it takes two to tango."

"True, but don't try to control it, Angela survived the summer without you."

"Okay, mum."

"Having said that, your escapade in Cornwall certainly affected her more than I'd expected, she looks up to you."

"I know, but what kind of role model am I?"

"A human one. Real people make mistakes, screw things up, nobody is perfect."

"Well, I know I'm not, but it's not me usually that starts everything."

"Yes, but you're always in there, somewhere. Try to calm down, anchor yourself. Maybe there will be someone for you, someone you can trust?"

"It may happen, Daniel was a summer fling."

"I was young once. At least you didn't get hurt, in any sense."

"Did you?"

"Yes, but this is not the time. Don't you dare repeat this conversation to your sisters."

"Sure, mum."

Outside the party was back in slow mode, one of her Dad's banking colleagues asked if he could partner Tammy. He was a little clumsy and kept looking as if he wanted to ask her something, she was saved by an older lady, probably his wife, accusing him of cradle snatching.

Tammy went from partner to partner and eventually, towards the end of the evening, ended up with Tanya's fiancée.

"What's up, John?"

"You've changed."

"I know, I'm now who I wanted to be."

"I thought I knew you, even at the end of term I knew you, but now I don't."

"Inside my head is still the same."

"I doubt that."

"Hmmm, what does Tanya say?"

"She says I'm to be careful in case you steal me away from her."

"So why are you dancing with me?"

"She suggested it."

"John, what is wrong with you?"

"I still can't get rid of the images in my mind of you and I sharing a dorm, it was only two years ago."

"Did you fancy me then?"

John fled.

Tammy gave up and headed for the bar, finding Suzie.

"Where's your dance partner?"

"He had a call from his girlfriend and went home. What's up with that lad?"

"He was my room mate for several years at St Andrews. His fiancée is David's sister."

"That explains why he was asking about you."

"Tanya would have schemed that, just as she had John dance with me."

"I've met her, is she always like this?"

"No, not always."

At nine a helicopter landed near the main gates and the married couple departed, initially they were staying in a hotel in Wick before heading away for a few days. No-one knew exactly where.

The party broke up shortly after. The bridesmaids had the offer of staying at Elsie's overnight but decided to go home.

 
Sunday 30th August
 

There were still no house staff at Dunbankin so the three girls had to sort themselves out. Any hope of borrowing Anna or one of the cooks from Elsie was forgotten straight away, she would need everyone.

Tammy threw on leggings and a smock, high fashion it wasn't but she was comfortable. Angela saw no sign of dressing for the day, and was mooching around in a onesie. Suzie had made an effort and was in a long skirt and jumper. Outside it was grey, there had been overnight rain and it was clear that the weather was affecting everyone's mood.

"How about we have a pool party?" Asked Tammy.

"Whatever," was Angela's answer. Suzie didn't mind but offered to make calls. Helen was the first to confirm, but complained it had been her idea. Tammy also asked Suzie to call Tanya, whilst Tammy got hold of Jeri and tracked down Lori. Tanya cried off and Jeri wasn't answering her phone.

Without a cook they tried to plan a menu from the contents of the fridge. Any suggestion of using the outdoor grill was answered by the crack of thunder and the sudden downpour that followed.

Angela was not interested in the discussions, she just stared out of the kitchen window at the darkening skies. The house phone rang, Suzie was nearest.

"We're invited to lunch over there, Elsie suggests we ask if anyone wants to join us, apparently there's a mountain of food to clear."

Angela seemed to brighten a bit and scurried off, phone in hand.

"Okay, we'll be over at half ten with swimming cozzies?" Suzie passed on the message and nodded an acknowledgement. That still left the problem of breakfast, but neither Suzie or Tammy had the energy to cook, they reached for the cereal boxes. Tammy sent Jeri a message with the meet-up arrangements.

***

"That was fun, thanks for the invite."

"Lori, the invite came from Elsie, I'm just glad you were here. The question is, why are you here?"

"Ryan."

"Your brother, is it that bad?"

"Yes, He wouldn't give me any peace and started bringing friends over to tell them I was a boy in drag."

"Didn't your mum intervene?"

"She tried but as she had to go to work she never saw the taunting first hand. It's just the three of us."

"Oh, your Dad left a few months ago, didn't he?"

"Yes, anyway Mum believed me when I told her what Ryan was doing, but he still made my life a misery."

"What was his objective?"

"He wanted me to pay him to keep quiet."

"Blackmail."

"Yes, I couldn't stand it anymore. I called the school and Jeri answered, I guessed she got my job."

"Yes, it worked out for her."

"I'm glad, anyway I asked for permission to come up now and to redo the whole of last year."

"What did your Mum say?"

"She was at work and Ryan was out when I called a cab to the station, I called her from the hotel in Glasgow where I stopped over. She was threatening to call the Police and report me as missing, but I pointed out I was eighteen years old. The compensation was paid directly to me because of my age."

"So does she now accept that you can't live there?"

"Yes, when she calmed down. I'd left some recordings of my brother and his cohorts for her to watch, that got her attention. I can't see what she'll do with Ryan, but at least he's not my problem now."

Lori wasn't getting stressed by Tammy's questioning so Tammy pressed on.

"When did you get back?"

"A week ago, but I asked Jeri and Janet not to tell anyone. I needed to settle in and I wanted last night to be a surprise for you."

"You achieved that! What about your health?"

"So long as I don't overdo myself I'm fine but I won't ever be running the marathon again."

"I didn't know you did it before?"

"No great loss then?"

"That was awful, Lori, what about check-ups?"

"I've spoken to Dr Sutherland and she's sorting out a referral, it'll probably be with the same team who operated on me at the Raigmore."

"So back to Inverness every few weeks for appointments?"

"Monthly probably. What did you think of the band?"

"Amazing, how long have you been playing together?"

"Since last year but that was our first gig. I didn't think it was going to happen as we didn't have a drummer."

"What about Mr Thompson?"

"Mike was originally our drummer but he was going to retire so we've have been pretty well stuffed. It seems that no-one suitable could be appointed so Dr McIntosh asked him to stay for another year while they re-advertise the post. He hadn't found anywhere else to live so that suited Mike."

"He looked happy enough, I never knew he could sing"

"Neither did he, not to that standard, until there were a few tracks that Jeri and I couldn't do. Elvis songs didn't sound right from us girls."

"What do you call yourselves?"

"The Transformers."

Tammy giggled, "was that a school keyboard you were using?"

"No I ordered one for myself so I can rehearse in my room, I'm next to Jeri if you want to visit."

"I can't just walk into the school any more."

"I forgot, Tammy."

"How did you get over here?"

"I drove."

"You have a car, and a licence?"

"I got my licence a year ago but I couldn't use it, of course I had to get the name changed as well. I've just bought myself a little van with power steering that's a cinch to drive."

The pair had hidden in the study for their chat but Helen eventually found them.

"Don't you two want any lunch?"

Part Three   "Birthday Girl"

 

 
Tuesday 1st September
 

"Before we start, Miss Smart, are you pregnant or do you believe you could be pregnant?"

"Absolutely not, Doctor."

"Okay, Nurse, please help Miss Smart into the chair."

Tammy was in a hospital gown in the gynaecology unit at the Dunbar Hospital in Thurso. With her were Dr McDonald and a nurse. She wasn't comfortable but equally didn't want either of her sisters present.

The nurse helped Tammy into position and put her feet against the stirrups.

"Is this your first time in the chair, dear?"

"Yes, last time I was on a bed."

"It does get easier, how old are you?"

"Nineteen, today."

"Oh, happy birthday."

Tammy was anything but happy and she definitely wasn't comfortable; the Doctor was pulling on gloves whilst the nurse prepared a tray of tools.

"Are you sexually active?"

"Ummm."

"Anything you say in here is in confidence."

"Okay."

"So, are you sexually active?"

"Yes."

He used his hands to take a look at her neo-vagina, but wasn't going deep. She looked at the nurse for reassurance and received a nod in response.

"When was your last period?"

Tammy wasn't prepared for the question, hadn't either the Doctor or the nurse seen that she was transgendered? Had someone in London changed this medical record, as well as that of her alias? Which was the worst outcome here? She played safe, or at least took the least worse option.

"Two weeks ago."

"Your GP made the referral, do you know why you're here?"

"I had some, err, minor surgery five weeks ago, so this is supposed to be a post-operative check up, there's another problem too."

"Your records made reference to surgery but there seems to be some data missing, where was the surgery done?"

"Ummm, Glasgow Royal Infirmary on the twenty-fourth of July." Her surgery had actually been in Plymouth but hadn't she been told to say Glasgow? It was becoming difficult to remember what the official version of her life was.

"I'll ask for the report, was it private or NHS?"

"Private."

"That would explain why the records are inaccurate." He reached for a grotesque metallic device but Tammy lost sight of it almost straight away.

"Owww."

"Sorry it's cold, I guess you weren't expecting that?" It wasn't said with any sympathy in mind, he spent a minute or so looking, Tammy was quite uncomfortable and squirmed despite repeated requests to keep still. He finally stopped and put the device down.

"Well, I can't do any more unless you can keep still. this isn't your first internal exam?"

"I've not had many."

"Well, apart from some minor scar tissue I can't see any particular issue resulting from surgery, not that it's clear what surgery was done. "

"I suppose you could call it cosmetic." It was anything but cosmetic, not that Tammy was prepared to say.

"So, probably elective designer work? Never mind, what was the other problem?"

"I have to wear a liner all the time because of a discharge, I don't know what it is."

"All the time?"

"Yes."

"I have the lab results, it seems several samples have been taken. In short, young lady, the secretions are perfectly normal but perhaps a little more active than most girls your age."

"Oh, so I'm stuck with it?"

"Bad choice of words, Miss Smart."

"Sorry, there's nothing you can do?"

"No, and it would be silly to make any changes that could affect your ability to enjoy intercourse or deliver a baby."

"I suppose so." Who did she need to talk to?

"If there's nothing else?"

"No, Doctor."

"Nurse, could you assist?"

Tammy was cleaned and then eased down, she dashed behind the screen and hurriedly dressed. The Doctor had finished writing his notes. Tammy decided that her appointment had been a waste of time, for both of them.

"Do I need to see you again?"

"Not unless anything changes, please talk to your GP first."

"Yes Doctor, thank you."

Tammy was relieved to get out of there, she went in search of the hospital shop, and Yusuf. She was fairly certain he and Angela had spent time together the previous day as her sister hadn't made it over to Elsie's; on their return they'd found Angela dressed and happy.

"Oh, hi Tammy."

"Hi Yusuf, can I have a word?" He looked around, there was no-one in the area.

"About Saturday?"

"Yes, it's just that I don't want my sister hurt, but she allowed her hormones to get the better of her and I suspect you were swept up as well?"

"Ummm."

"Okay, just take care of her." It wasn't intended as a threat, not quite.

"Sure."

"Now, are you going to be at the auditions?"

"When?"

"Saturday."

"I think so."

"Great, I'll see you there."

She walked around to the crèche however the door was locked. Tammy could see Angela through the glass panel, interacting with the children, but decided not to interrupt so turned and left.

She slid into her car and docked her phone.

"Yes, Tammy?"

"Are you in the office?"

"For the next hour, yes."

"Thanks Hilary, I'll be there shortly."

Next stop was the bakery, there was one person ahead of Tammy and Debbie Smith was serving. Finally she reached the counter and first ordered a tuna roll.

"I understand it's your birthday?"

"Yes."

"Well happy birthday, what else can I get you?"

"Some advice?"

"Oh."

"What game is your sister playing at?"

"Tanya's scared of you."

"What? I'm hardly a threat to her?"

"I beg to differ."

"Well, I'm flattered, but what's she up to?"

"She's testing you."

"By seeing if John is interested in me?"

"Yes."

"That's just weird."

"Not really, he doesn't see you the same way as he used to and that's confused him. Tanya's playing on that confusion."

"So she's badly insecure?"

"Yes."

"That doesn't sound too good for their relationship?"

"Well, she's definitely the one in trousers."

"John won't take that for too long."

"Maybe not, but the pair need each-other, I understand you had something to do with that?"

"Oh no, the school made that rule, the cottage is not available to Tanya alone. David was probing Suzie for info, more of the same?"

"Yes, what are you going to do, Tammy?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"No, nothing, yet."

Other customers came in so Tammy left, walking around to the office of Caithness Maritime.

"Coffee, Tammy?"

"Please, I brought cakes."

"Happy birthday."

"Thanks Hilary, I need to use the secure phone."

"Okay."

"The one in your office."

"Fine, I'll be out here, guarding the kettle."

"Thanks."

Tammy shut the door and looked for the correct speed dial."

"Hi Hilary."

"Hi Jenny, it's not Hilary, it's Tammy."

"Oh, happy birthday, what can I do for you?"

"It's about my medical records."

"Which set?"

"My real name, someone's fixed them to say I'm a natural female, it was a bit awkward during a gyno exam this morning. If he'd have looked any deeper, literally, he'd have seen I wasn't born this way. I think I pissed him off by jiggling around too much."

"Oh, I wish I'd known, we'd have arranged for a doctor who was cleared."

"In the Highlands? Someone's been tinkering and it could get me into trouble, what happens when I'm called for a smear? Or when a blood test reveals I have XY chromosomes not XX?"

"I see."

"I don't mind the Beccy identity saying that I'm as nature intended, but I think my own records should be accurate?"

"Sure, I'll investigate."

"Thanks Jenny."

"Who else have you raised this with?"

"No-one."

"Good, keep it that way."

"Sure."

Tammy signed off and went in search of her caffeine and cake.

"Are you free tomorrow?"

"I think so, but if I have a few glasses of wine tonight I won't be driving in the morning."

"I see, how about Thursday?"

"That'll be fine, what's up?"

"I'd like you to take the ferry to Stromness for the day."

"Oh, why?"

"To get the lay of the land, it's useful knowing where you're going if you had to do an oppo there."

"Okay, which ferry?"

"The Northlink 0845 service from Scrabster, returning on the 1645. It's the off peak timetable now so there's only two sailings a day each way unfortunately."

"Won't there be a problem at Scrabster?"

"The harbour master has retired for personal reasons and there's been a culling of his family in the port. Take Suzie with you, she's around for a few more days?"

"Yes."

"I'll book the pair of you and your car for those sailings. Have a day out and enjoy yourselves, okay?"

"Yes, boss."

"While you're here, I have the results of the background checks on Zara Fergusson, she's clean but her step-father isn't."

"There's no love lost, it would seem."

"I suspected the same. Her step-father is under investigation for fraud."

"Figures, I spoke to him."

"I read your report, it was sensible submitting one."

"I just had a feeling about him."

"Well, it looks like the High Court will be winding up his business in the next few weeks. Zara only started working for him in July so she's not going to be tarnished."

"You wouldn't clear her if there was a risk?"

"Of course not. When's her interview?"

"Thursday, oh, I'll be in Orkney."

"Isn't your dad interviewing her?"

"Yes, but I expected to be there."

"Perhaps it's better if you're not?"

"I suppose so. Have you been briefed about Martin Gore?"

"Yes, I'd like to speak with you next week about him, once I've made some more checks."

"Okay."

Tammy was more concerned than she was prepared to show, Martin Gore worked at the University that Tammy was due to attend. He was suspected of money laundering and was Bulgarian in origin. Beyond that his circumstances became very complicated.

She finished her coffee, her slice of toffee and walnut cake had already gone. She was about to leave when the secure phone rang, Hilary answered it but called Tammy back.

"Hi Tammy, Jenny, it seems there's been a mistake."

"I gathered that, is it being fixed?"

"There's a new problem."

"And?"

"Someone had been running checks on you and your NHS record is now locked by the NHS Fraud Investigation Team, nothing can be done until their investigation is over."

"Great, what does that mean?"

"Potentially, any of the medical practitioners who have dealt with you recently will be interviewed and any local records will be checked against the national database."

"What can I do?"

"Do nothing, we'll handle it. I need Suzie back though, she's best suited to look after our end of things."

"You'd best call her, she's at home and Pru's in the office."

"Understood. Try to avoid any medical interactions for a while."

"Difficult if you've just had major surgery. I'm seeing my GP next week, she's bound to say something."

"Okay, proceed as normal, does she know your true status?"

"Yes, but she'll soon notice if the records say something different."

Jenny agreed then finished the call. Tammy's mobile rang, it was Elsie's daughter, Cathy Stewart.

"Hi Cathy."

"Hi, sorry I wasn't at the wedding but it's been difficult."

"Oh."

"Look, where are you? Your PA said you were at an appointment."

"I'm near Sarah's shop."

"Can I see you in the Castletown Hotel?"

"Give me five."

"Thanks, you're a dear."

Tammy made her way out of the building, it was approaching lunchtime but she'd made no arrangements. Her parents were due back later but she wasn't relying on it. She found Cathy in a corner, Tammy instantly knew something was wrong.

"What is it?"

"I've left David."

"You were only married last November."

"Yes, but things changed." Cathy was on the point of bursting into tears, Tammy changed seats so she was sat next to her friend and took Cathy's hand.

"If there's anything I can do?"

"I need to speak to mum."

"She's on a flight to Singapore."

"Damn."

"Why didn't you ring the house?"

"I heard there was a problem with the staff, I didn't want any of them to give me the run around."

"The staff problem was at our's not your mum's. Do you have anywhere to stay?"

"I can stay at mum's but I can't get there, David has my car and he doesn't know I've gone, not yet. I got the train this far." There was a large suitcase against the wall that Tammy hadn't spotted previously."

"My car's around the corner so I'll take you."

"Thanks Tammy, I really didn't know who to trust."

"Why?"

"It's Yvonne, she's got at David and she's got at all my so-called friends."

"How do you know she didn't get to me?"

"Because I have it on good authority that she hates you."

"Thanks Cathy, that was the correct answer!"

They laughed, possibly the first time that day Elsie's daughter had laughed.

"What's your plan?"

"To find somewhere to sleep and then to speak to a solicitor."

"Do you have a solicitor in mind?"

"No, but I guess you have a suggestion?"

"I do, but let's get out of here first."

The hotel manager, Frances, had been loitering but knew not to interfere. When the girls rose to leave, however, he called one of the staff and asked that they took Cathy Stewart's case to Tammy's car.

Once in her car, Tammy hit speed-dial.

"Thomas, this is Tammy."

"Yes, Miss Smart."

"I have Miss Cathy with me and she needs a room for tonight and possibly the rest of the week."

"Very good, when can we expect you?"

"Fifteen minutes."

Tammy killed the call.

"I wouldn't have spoken to Thomas like that!"

"Sorry Cath, but it's a 'needs must' situation. Now, who's next?" She called up another number.

"Miss Smart, how can I help you?"

"One of my dear friends, and Mrs McPherson's daughter, needs legal advice concerning divorce."

"I see, we don't normally do matrimonial cases but I can recommend Miss Kelly Masters."

"Ah, she handled Mrs Small's case."

"Indeed."

"Thank you Jeremiah."

"My pleasure."

As soon as Thomas found that Cathy hadn't had any lunch, nor breakfast it seemed, the cook was instructed to provide a meal. Tammy, naturally, was asked to stay. Thomas obtained the solicitor's number and left it in the study for Cathy.

"I haven't seen you for months, I've been so busy and then David decided you were a bad influence."

"Me? I've only just left school."

"That's what I told him but he seems to think you're involved in some funny business!"

"If you add up the attempts on my life, kidnap attempts, threats and general nastiness then yes, I suppose I have been in some funny business."

"Oh, that bad?"

"Yes, you remember my mother?"

Tammy briefly explained all the trouble her mother, Tara, had caused.

"The bitch, I never realised."

"I think she's finally realised that she brought trouble to me."

"A bit late in the day. What have you been up to today?"

"I had a gyno exam this morning."

"Gyno? But ..."

"I've been fixed and the dopey quack didn't notice."

"Whoa, you've had the surgery?"

"In the summer, nearly six weeks ago."

"How did you manage that?"

"Friends in the right places and a very nice shrink."

"Any boyfriend on the scene?"

"Not here but I did have a summer fling."

"Tell me more!"

"No, sorry."

"Okay Tammy, I have some phone calls to make, what's the plan for later?"

"It's my birthday, what do you suggest?"

Part Four   "Trouble At Sea"

 

 
Thursday 3rd September
 

Somehow, and she really wasn't certain how, Tammy had persuaded Angela to accompany her on the day trip to Orkney.

"Did we have to leave that early, Tammy?"

"There's only one sailing in the morning, so it's not as if there's alot of choice."

"Tell me again, why are we here?"

"In all the years you've been in Thurso, how many times have you been to Orkney?"

"Once."

"That was the school trip four years ago?"

"Yes. I hated it."

Tammy hated it as well but it was Tom who'd been seasick, not Tammy. "It's a lovely day, a chance for a look around."

"Weren't you asked to do any, like, special work?"

Tammy laughed, "I might take some photos for the news agency, but I'm not here to work."

"Oh."

It was only a ninety minute crossing but they were running out of discussion topics. Tammy's phone bleeped, it was a message from Hilary.
 

Someone's trying to break into your car, I have video.

 
"Come on, I have to find a member of the crew."

"Why?"

"Just grab your coat and bag." Tammy was already up and moving. She found a steward who really wasn't concerned but pointed towards an officer who was walking away. Tammy caught up quickly.

"Excuse me, I've been told someone's trying to break into my car."

"Really?"

"Yes, it has excellent security features and my office just sent me a text to warn me." Tammy showed him the last message.

"Well, we're still twenty minutes out so no-one should be on the car decks." He was holding a radio so issued an instruction to the crew.

"What car is it?"

"Mini Cooper, racing green. It has a fifteen plate."

"That should be easy to find, do you have a description of the person?"

"Not yet." Her phone pinged again and an image loaded, she didn't recognise the girl but the officer seemed to.

"Right stay here." He spoke into his radio again then descended a staircase. Meanwhile the shore was getting closer. Her phone rang.

"I can see some activity near the car." Even though Tammy knew about the new security features, it still seemed a little creepy.

"Ok Hilary, one of the officers is organising a search; apparently the woman's known?"

"I've identified her as Laura McDonald."

"Let me guess, related to Hamish?"

"Yes, one of his daughters, she used to work for the ferry company."

"That explains why they identified her from the image you sent me, but what's her motive?"

"I don't know. I have the police meeting you in Stromness to take her into custody for criminal damage. It'll delay your sightseeing a little."

"It adds a little drama to the day and I suppose it shows Angela how my days turn pear-shaped occasionally."

Hilary laughed, but Angela wasn't impressed with Tammy's almost flippant attitude, folding her arms and shakin her head. Tammy ended the call.

"I wish I hadn't agreed to come with you."

"You hardly ever get out of Thurso and our parents thought it was a good idea."

"Did you book this deliberately, for today, knowing it was my day off?"

"No, I just didn't want to do it the morning after my birthday. When you learn to drive you'll understand."

"I don't understand how you rolled in near midnight on Tuesday, where were you?"

"We did a bit of a pub crawl and I ended up with Cathy at the Clan McPherson HQ. You decided you were too tired to join us, so don't complain."

"Was I complaining?"

"It sounded like that."

"Anyway, you were lucky mum and dad didn't get back until yesterday lunchtime, when you'd sobered up."

"Mum would probably have joined us!"

A few of the passengers, regular travellers, had left their seats in the forward lounge and were heading for the stairwell to the car deck. One of the stewards had taken up a guard position and was preventing access. There had been no announcement and the steward didn't have a great deal of information - a few of the passengers were becoming impatient. Looking out of a window, the quayside was approaching fast.

Things didn't improve when the officer returned and asked Tammy to go with him, she pulled Angela who was becoming more disinterested as the minutes passed.

"Now Miss, can you see any damage?"

There was damage but the officer was plainly leaving the matter to Tammy. She photographed scuff marks around the driver's door and the boot, the woman had clearly attempted to gain access. Last time it had been the passenger side door, damaged by a randy ram.

"Okay, you can see what I can see? Some very obvious damage here. My photos have been sent to my office so they can contact the police, my insurers and those of the ferry company. What are you doing with Miss McDonald?"

"How do you know her?"

"Someone in my office recognised her. She'd been sacked, hadn't she?"

"You seem to know a fair bit already, it's a civil matter really."

"So you want me to sweep it under the carpet for you? I bet she hasn't a ticket so that means she's on board illegally. Next, she's on the cardeck whilst the vessel is at sea, also an offence, and finally there's criminal damage and attempted theft from a motor vehicle. Were any other vehicles damaged?"

"Not that we can see."

There was a jolt as the ship made contact with the quay, the engine kicked into reverse to slow the vessel as it came onto the berth in a well rehearsed procedure.

"So I've been targeted. It's good that the police are waiting for us, and her."

"It think it's too early to suggest you've been singled out."

"No? We'll have to see what the police say? I don't suppose you was the one who let her on board?"

He seemed to have trouble answering that question but hadn't seen the captain who was now on the cardeck, albeit a few cars away.

"That's a question I'd like answered too, now that I've had a chance to look at the video from Scrabster. You're suspended until this is resolved."

By now there were a fair few shouts from the top of the stairwells as angry passengers were being kept away and kept in the dark. The captain finally spoke into his radio and allowed the passengers down, just as the bow door started to lift. Tammy got into the car and suggested Angela did likewise before the other passengers came past.

It was a few minutes later when they finally moved, Tammy was talking to Hilary as the car came off the ramp and onto the concrete quayside, a police car was off the the left so she pulled alongside, out of the traffic. Laura McDonald was already in the back of the police car, scowling.

"Ah, Miss Smart?"

"That's me." Tammy left the phone line open so Hilary could hear, although she suspected the car was full of microphones anyway.

"I understand you'd like to make a complaint?"

"Most certainly, has she said anything?"

"Not as yet, Miss."

"Well, her father attacked me in Scrabster in July and was cautioned. There may be some ill-feeling?"

"I see, so are you suggesting this wasn't random?"

"That's how it looks to me. We have video of her attempting to gain entry after walking past quite a few other vehicles. My office will make the video available." Tammy's phone pinged as a message arrived. She opened the message and a video started to play on the dashboard screen. Laura could clearly be seen heading directly for the Mini and had ducked down to avoid the cardeck cameras.

The officer decided he'd seen enough and went back to the police car to arrest the woman for attempted theft, pointing out she was on video.

"I never saw no bleedin' cameras," she screamed at the officer. He came back and asked Tammy to step out so he could check her driving licence and then take a statement. Tammy noted how polite he was, he was also rather good looking.

Angela was getting bored and was muttering under her breath.

"I didn't catch that, Angela."

She hadn't realised that the phone line was still open.

"Who, what?"

"It's Hilary, I think it's all under control." She ended the call.

It was another ten minutes before Tammy was done, and Miss McDonald was being stitched up nicely. A second police car had arrived on scene as the officer was now to be questioned at Stromness Police Station for his part in the proceedings. Fortunately there were a few hours before the ship was due to sail, and the girls intended to be on it.

It was now gone eleven so Tammy decided a tour of the area was needed first. First stop, however was in Stromness itself. She'd tried to explain the day's plans to Angela while on the ferry but Angela hadn't listened then and really wasn't listening now.

"Take me back to the port, I'll head home."

"You'l have a bit of a wait."

"Don't care."

"The next ferry is at four forty-five and we're booked on it."

"Well, I don't want to play I spy today."

"Neither do I." She pulled up and removed the key from the ignition.

"Where's this?"

"Stromness Museum, there's a Hudson Bay exhibition here as well as Viking and neolithic exhibits."

"Oh."

"Coming?"

"Yeah."

They made it to the Ferry Inn for lunch at one thirty and Angela was starting to enjoy herself. The collections at Stromness Museum had been referenced many times during her history lessons over the previous five years but now she had been able to see them close up.

The fish and chips were fantastic, the girls agreed, and the orange juice was freshly squeezed, although they knew that oranges were unlikely to grow this close to the Arctic Circle.

From there Tammy drove into Kirkwall but went past the airport first, something Hilary had requested. She took a slow drive past the port and parked in the town. This was more exposes than Stromness and there was a definite chill in the air, Tammy wondered how a Southerner would feel before remembering that she was a Londoner originally and not a Scot. She was at home in Scotland, could she ever move South permanently?

One of the places she wanted to visit was Kirkwall Fashions, Sarah dealt with the store weekly but this was all done by parcels. Angela had resumed her sulk, Tammy wondered if the shopping gene had been missed from her sister's reincarnation?

What was obvious about the shop was the sheer quantity of woollen items, from hats and scarves to jackets and coats, cardigans, shawls, skirts and dresses. Plainly this was a major industry in the Orkneys, driven by the need to keep warm in the bitterest of environments.

Tammy introduced herself to the manager and said she'd worked with Sarah.

"Oh, Sarah mentioned a girl called Tammy."

"Guilty as charged, I just wonder why we don't see this much wool in Sarah's Boutique."

"We deal direct with the wool producers on Orkney and Shetland, I'll give you the contact details for them so maybe she can deal direct herself?"

"Thanks."

Tammy went back to browsing and found a heavy grey skirt that looked like it would survive a Scottish winter intact. She added a scarf, hat and gloves as these had been forgotten that morning.

"As you work in the trade I'll give you ten percent discount."

"Thank you."

Angela finally decided she liked a longline tartan cardigan but this was added to the existing pile without comment.

"Thanks Angela, I wasn't on planning paying for your shopping. When am I getting my birthday present, by the way?" The pair were walking out of the shop.

"When it arrives."

"When did you order it?"

"Err, on Monday."

"Express delivery?"

"I forgot."

"Well?"

"Since your birthday has always occurred before school starts we've never been within a few hundred miles of each-other. Why not celebrate the other day?"

"Other day?"

"The day Tom became Tammy for good?"

"In November last year?"

"Yes."

"I suppose it's another excuse for a party?"

"Yeah, and this birthday pressie might have arrived by then."

"Indeed Angela."

By half past three they'd walked the length of Kirkwall so Tammy decided to drive back to Stromness for the return crossing. She wasn't really surprised to see a police van in the queue, guessing that it was a prisoner transfer.

Angela seemed to have dozed off when there was a tap on the window, Tammy opened her window to identify the person, it was one of the ferry staff.

"The Captain would like to see you when you board and I have a pair of complementary crossing vouchers for you."

"Thank you."

Tammy knew the poor girl wouldn't be able to deal with any questions as it would, by now, be in the hands of the insurers. That didn't stop the company trying to recover some good faith from the mess, not that she was likely to head for the Orkneys again.

They started loading just after four but it was gone quarter past the hour when they locked the car and went up into the passenger area. Tammy went to the information office to get directions.

"You can't see the Captain."

"I was told he wanted to see me, please call the bridge."

"Really? Get lost."

"You're a fine example of Customer Service at its best, never mind we'll find our own way."

The stairwell marked 'Crew Only' was the obvious route and they reached the door at the back of the bridge easily. Tammy wondered if there was a security issue as she opened the unlocked door. Ahead the window was obscured by the giant bow door in its upright position.

"Are you lost Miss?"

"No, I was told by shore staff that the Captain wanted to see us when we boarded, it was about this morning's incident on the car deck."

"Oh yes, come in and close the door, can the pair of you stand at the back and keep out of the way as it'll get busy in here shortly. As soon as we're out of the harbour the Captain will have time for you."

"That's fine, thank you. What's the Captain's name?"

"Captain John Franklin, he's one of the company's longest serving officers."

"Franklin?"

A new voice was heard, "yes Miss Smart, that's my name."

Tammy whipped her head around, it hadn't been obvious on the car deck that morning but there was a distinctive resemblance, "do you have a son called Ben?"

"No, I have a son named Benjamin."

"Married to Sandy?"

"The same. He's mentioned you once or twice, young lady, and I was not expecting someone as pretty as yourself after all those harrowing stories."

"I will have him demoted to constable if he breaks any confidences, Captain."

He laughed, "he was right about you though, you do have a dry sense of humour and an analytical mind."

"I don't like being taken for a ride and having my day out ruined."

A squawk from one of the radios caught his attention and he started to give instructions.

"It seems all the booked vehicles are loaded and the terminal is clear, so we're sailing a bit earlier than scheduled."

More commands were issued and the bow door started to close, revealing a view of the port. Lines were cast off and the ferry shuddered as the engine dragged it off the berth. Once clear of the pier it pirouetted before heading for Scrabster.

The Captain gave them a tour of his bridge, ably assisted by the Mate, Shaun, who was the one doing the driving.

"How many does it take to run the bridge?"

"Just one, Shaun here can do it all by himself but I'm legally responsible for her so I like to be aware of what's happening."

"Her?"

"Ships are females, don't know why but that's one of the laws of the sea. I wouldn't argue with her any more than I'd argue with my missus!"

"What's happening to that officer who you suspended this morning?"

"He'll likely be sacked for gross misconduct, the stupid ass."

"Was he connected to Laura McDonald?"

"He was her boyfriend."

"I see."

"I'm not keen on fraternising between the officers and the rest of the crew, it can only lead to disaster."

"Out of interest, how did you meet your wife?"

"She was a stewardess."

Part Five   "Actors"

 
 
Friday 4th September
 

"So you can do my car on Monday? Not before?"

"Sorry Miss, Monday's the best I can do. You're fortunate that we had a can of the touch up spray for you car from the last time you had an accident."

"This wasn't an accident, it was criminal damage."

"Nine o'clock Monday."

"Okay, thanks."

Tammy put the phone down, she needed her car over the weekend and wasn't looking forward to the questions that would come once her friends saw the damage. The previous evening her insurance company had agreed it was primarily a matter for the ship's insurers, however this was a moot point as the damage had been caused by a former employee.

"But she was allowed on board by a serving officer who did nothing to prevent this."

"I'm sorry, Miss Smart, that's their argument and not our position. Once we know whether there will be criminal charges, and what form those charges will take, we will be able to finalise the claim."

"In the meantime my lovely car remains damaged."

"We'd have to get it assessed by the nearest main dealer."

"That's probably Aberdeen, four hours from here. Forget it, I'll have my local garage handle it again."

"Again?"

"It'll be on your screen, a randy ram took exception to the passenger door three months ago."

"I see. Do you wish to discontinue the claim?"

"No, but do you have any objections if I have a cosmetic cover up in the meantime?"

"That's fine, but we'll expect detailed photographs."

"Thank you."

Tammy drove around to collect Cathy, who had an appointment with Kelly Masters, her solicitor.

"It's strange being back in the house, Michael's with his boyfriend and mum's out of the country. That means I'm rattling around in there with no-one to talk to. How about a sleepover this weekend?"

"It's tempting, who did you have in mind?"

"Julie for one."

"That could get awkward."

"She's been my friend since school, and you said she wasn't at fault."

"No, it was her sister, Leanne, but Julie felt some guilt and walked because of it."

"So why is it awkward? Your dad gave her good references so she could get another job easily."

"We didn't have anything in common when she worked for us so I have no idea what to talk to her about."

"I guess so, but we're girls so that kind of problem doesn't last for long."

"Okay, can I ask a friend too?"

"Sure."

Tammy parked in the large carpark near the quay as it was more convenient for the solicitor's office. Despite assurances that this would simply be a meeting to start the divorce process, Cathy asked Tammy to stay with her for reassurance; apparently the counter claim had been received from her soon-to-be-ex husband's solicitor. First, Cathy sorted out a name change and reverted to her maiden name, then the main business started.

"Miss Smart, anything you hear in here is subject to client confidentiality and not for dissemination outside this room, do I make myself clear?"

"Plainly."

"Good, sorry about that but it means I can chuck so-called supporters out of the room when they start to interfere."

"Oh, that's understandable."

"I understand Mrs Small has remarried?"

"She's now my mum."

"Congratulations."

"Thanks, but we're here about Cathy!"

"Of course."

An hour later, Cathy had been through the mill, David's solicitor was claiming infidelity and had sent a list of those who had apparently enjoyed carnal relationships with Cathy. Kelly Masters went through the list one at a time, it was insufficient for Cathy to deny all the allegations en bloc.

"The last one is Tom Smart."

"You're joking?"

"No Miss Smart, oh."

"Oh, indeed. Did you know I was a bridesmaid at Cathy's wedding?"

"Did you ever...?"

"NO!" The pair responded in unison.

"I see, I'm sorry if this is difficult but we need to address each point, regardless of how ..."

"... vexatious it is?"

"Yes, Miss Smart."

"Well, Miss Masters, I can see the hand of Yvonne Stewart up David's back; she's making a mockery of the legal process."

"It's his statement, no-one else's."

"And it has her handiwork all over it."

"Can you prove that?"

"Not right now, but he can't prove a single one of those allegations, can he?"

"He doesn't need to."

"That's ridiculous. If the allegation against me isn't withdrawn I will engage my own solicitor."

"Unfortunately you shouldn't even be aware of this and you've heard it due to privileged access."

"Damn."

"Right, if Ms McPherson and I can continue?"

"Of course."

The discussions continued for another hour, by which time Tammy and Cathy were mentally exhausted. A counter-counter claim would go back to David's solicitor demanding evidence of any extramarital affair, as well as the return of Cathy's car.

Neither were in the mood for socialising so they returned to Elsie's house for lunch. Richard had suggested to Tammy that she keep out of the way as the new member of staff, Zara, was starting that morning after a successful interview. The girls settled in the conservatory.

"What's your plan for the weekend, Tammy?"

"We're holding auditions at the theatre tomorrow morning so that could take hours. Fancy a part in Guys and Dolls?"

"Not for me, I have enough trouble organising the nativity play at school."

"How are you going to manage getting there on Monday, and weren't you supposed to be back today?"

"The Head gave me a few days, I'm handling the reception class this year and they don't start until next Wednesday. I hope I'll have my car back by then."

"Yeah, how long did Kelly say before it would be returned?"

"She didn't, David could play difficult."

"So you report it stolen?"

"I don't want to stir things, it'll be bad enough later without any muck raking at this stage."

Tammy sighed, "I just hope I never end up in a divorce."

"Look, I never imagined it either, but do you remember Lady Di saying 'There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.'?"

"Before my time, sorry."

"Well, that's how it started to feel when Yvonne was moved up this way."

"I thought she was in prison down south, on remand?"

"She was moved in July to HMP Cornton Vale in Stirling and that was close enough for David to start visiting her instead of the odd phone call."

"Oh, so what do you think happened?"

"He would go there on a Friday night and get back on Sunday morning, but I have no idea what they said. He used to have an open mind and he used to ask how you were doing, but recently he changed his view on most things."

"That's sad."

"Yeah, I really didn't know if it was David or Yvonne speaking at first, but by the end it was almost all Yvonne. That's why I had to get out."

"I don't blame you there, I guess that many women would stand by their husbands regardless?

"That may have been the case twenty years ago but I really don't think many women, or men, would accept domestic abuse whether it's physical or emotional?"

Tammy sat and considered this, having been closeted inside that school all news was third-hand through court reports or scandal sheets. Where this subject was concerned, the only wife, or former wife, Tammy had ever sat with had been Joan.

"So you were left with no option?"

"No, he was trying to mould me into the kind of woman his sister would accept. I wouldn't accept that from him, or anyone."

Thomas brought a tray of sandwiches but closed the door to the sitting room as he left.

"So, Cathy, what was David like before all this happened? I mean the first time I met him was at your wedding and then only a few times since."

"He was sweet, thoughtful, loving and respectful. That's why I fell in love with him, he knew when I needed a hug, when to stop what he was doing, when to do little things for me."

"I'm no good at this, I've never had a relationship like that."

"You're just nineteen and only now are you exploring the world. Now, what did you do in the summer?"

Tammy left out plenty of detail, but her days with Daniel, especially one particular day, were pulled apart."

"So, Miss Smart, you described Daniel as sweet and considerate, despite not having any yardstick with which to compare him."

"Oh."

"It's in your genes, you see, it's something that all girls know. When you meet the right boy, you'll know. Until then, feel free to experiment and play, it's all part of the learning experience."

"What about sex?"

"Sex can be fun, but it can never be the sole reason for a relationship. If the other elements aren't there then neither should there be any sex on offer."

"Good, as I don't want to throw myself around."

"You would get a reputation in no time, believe me!"

"Thing is, there are some here who knew me when I was Tom, so I don't think I can have a boyfriend."

"Who knew you, Tammy? Last year's Upper Sixth have gone, flown from the roost. I bet there's many lower sixth who only ever met Tammy, you only did eight weeks of last year as Tommy?"

"Something like that."

"Kids' memories fade fast. I'd bet they don't venture into town much so they wouldn't be a problem anyway. You didn't spend any time in town when you were Tom, either?"

"No, most of that time was as Tammy, even before I changed."

"You didn't change, dear, you're the same person, just an upgraded version!"

"Yeah, but I didn't cost six million dollars!"

The girls decided a swim was a good idea but Tammy didn't have a cossie.

"Never mind, I don't think it'll be a problem even though I didn't pack one either!"

 
Saturday 5th September
 

"Welcome everyone, I'm pleased so many had turned up this morning. My name is Tammy Smart and I'll be directing this show. With me are Hilary Bull who is a trustee of the theatre and Sandy Franklin who is the musical director and is sat at the piano.

Tammy paused.

"How many of you are familiar with the play?"

A few hands went up. Tammy took the opportunity to scan the room for a few familiar faces, finding Lori, Jeri and Josie. There was no sign of Angela, Yusuf, Tanya, John or many of the cast of Macbeth.

"Okay, I hope everyone realises that this is a musical and that every part has at least one song, although some are choruses not solos. The lead actors will all have solo parts to sing so we need to concentrate on that for now."

Tammy went first for the girls who might make a reasonable Sister Sarah Brown or Miss Adelaide. A queue formed by the piano as Sandy ran through some sample lyrics. Hilary made a note of names and whether they had made the short-list.

This was repeated for the lead male roles, by which time John and Tanya had arrived. Tammy knew John could sing so sent him straight to Sandy.

"Why are you so late, Tanya?"

"I had my driving test."

"And?"

"I passed!"

"Third time lucky then!"

"Hey, how do you know .....?"

"Never mind, are you still on for tonight?"

"Maybe."

"Come over for dinner at six, the McPhersons place."

"Okay."

"So, do you want to try for one of the lead roles?"

"No, I just came along with John."

Whilst Sandy, and Hilary, were sorting out the actors' voices, Tammy went to speak to Jeri and Lori.

"We haven't decided if we'll put a band on the stage for the nightclub scenes."

"You should."

"I know, but Sandy and I haven't had a chance to discuss it."

"Okay, we've discovered that Josie is a drummer."

"Oh?"

"She came to the school as she might board and saw the keyboard in my room, and the guitars in Jeri's room. So, we got talking."

"That's excellent," Tammy looked around, "where did she go?"

"The loo, girl issues."

"She wasn't planning on practising in the dorm was she?"

"No! I wasn't!"

Tammy spun around, she'd last seen Josie during Macbeth but the girl was a little taller and certainly had gained an inch or two elsewhere.

"I though you lived in the town, why would you board?"

"My father's got a contract in Aberdeen and mum's going with him."

"Oh, sorry to hear that."

"It's not a problem for me, I get to look after dad's drum kit and they keep my irksome little brother out of my hair."

"Well, in that case, I think we have a band. I suspect the school music library will have a full script and all the music, or at least can get them."

Tammy headed over to the piano and passed on that news, although according to the script, the band was all male. The minor actors were being processed as well as nominating understudies for the main roles. Tanya, against her better judgement, agreed to understudy the girl playing Sister Sarah.

By half past twelve all those who remained had roles, or understudy parts, assigned to them. Lori had taken over from Sandy at the piano and was playing a few show tunes, just for the hell of it. Hilary had obtained full contact details for everyone, Tammy wondered if there was an ulterior motive.

"Not at all, Tammy, I'll email a link to you and Sandy, then you'll be able to access a spreadsheet that will include how often they turn up for rehearsals as well as telephone numbers and email addresses."

"Did get signatures as well?"

"Of course."

"Are any under sixteen?"

"None, there are six under eighteen so I gave them parental consent forms."

"I'd forgotten about the forms."

"I hadn't, so no problem."

As had been the tradition, many of the group met for lunch in the Castletown Hotel's lounge. For a few it was a new experience, especially when they didn't even have five pounds on them.

Tammy decided to take command. "As it's the first time many of us have got together, I'll pay for a round of drinks, non-alcoholic only." A couple of the boys made excuses and left, Frances came over and took the orders for the remaining girls and boys.

The lead female actors were Katie, a writer and graphic artist who wanted to try something different, plus Samantha who was doing a teacher training degree at the University.

Between them, Tammy, Sandy, John, Tanya and Lori tried to describe how the past productions had gone and what the new girls could expect. Sam had read about the incident the previous December.

"I was pulled off stage by that horrible man."

"Who was he?"

"A school teacher who hated girls it seemed." Tanya was stretching things a little.

"What happened to him?"

"He passed away before he could be prosecuted."

"Oh, why did he do it?"

"We'll never know."

The group split soon after, Tammy hadn't managed to talk to the boys so would try to do that next week at the first rehearsal. Lori was driving Jeri to a car dealership where, hopefully, she could buy her first car. John was taking Tanya home and perhaps might join the others for the sleepover.

Tammy had almost reached her car when she received a call from Cathy.

"Kelly just called, my car's been found burnt out in Wick."

Part Six   "Complicated"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Saturday 5th September (continued)
 

"What are the police saying?"

"They wanted to know where I've been, I reported it stolen yesterday afternoon."

"Wouldn't David return it?"

"He claimed I'd been using it all week and he hadn't seen it."

"That's ridiculous, he's lying."

"I know, but Kelly wouldn't let me say that."

"Okay, where are you?"

"In the High St."

"I'm in the car park behind Traill St, can you get to me?"

"On my way."

Tammy drove over to Wick, the car was easy to spot on Wick Quay owing to the fire service and police presence. What struck Tammy was how little damage there was, she'd been expecting a smouldering wreck. The answer was easy.

"There's a tug in the harbour."

"So, Tammy?"

"It will be equipped with water pumps, I bet the crew spotted the flames and drenched it."

A police officer had overheard, he walked over, "that's correct Miss Smart."

"Hello Sgt St James, this is Cathy McPherson, the car's owner."

"Could you tell me where you were an hour ago?"

"I already told an officer the same information."

"I'm afraid it hasn't been passed onto me."

"Well, I was shopping in Thurso."

"Where exactly?"

"Sarah's Boutique."

"Do you have witnesses?"

"Well, yes."

Tammy intervened, "Officer, the shop has six cameras so Cathy's location can be verified."

"That's useful, now do you have any idea who might do this?"

"My sister in law, except she's supposed to be in prison, and my ex husband."

"Divorced?"

"In progress."

"What's your sister in law's name, Ms McPherson?"

"Yvonne Stewart."

"Ah."

"Sorry?"

"I recall the name, can you wait here a moment?"

Stuart St James walked a short distance away to use his radio, but a cordon prevented the girls from getting close to Cathy's car. Despite the limited damage, it was clearly a write-off, both took photos. Tammy's phone rang soon after.

"What's going on?"

"We're in Wick, Hilary, that's Cathy McPherson's car."

"Cathy McPherson?"

"Cathy Stewart, Elsie McPherson's daughter."

"Related to Yvonne Stewart?"

"Yes, Hilary."

"Did you know she'd been bailed?"

"NO!"

"Hey, no need to shout." Cathy was now looking at Tammy's face and didn't spot the police officer returning. Tammy asked Hilary to hold on.

"Sgt, she's been bailed."

"So I have been told, she was released on Wednesday."

"Reporting restrictions?"

"Three times a week at Inverness police station, not that I should be telling you this. She cannot go anywhere near you, Miss Smart, apparently."

"I'd love to know why I wasn't contacted before she was bailed."

"You need to speak to your solicitor."

"On a Saturday afternoon? Yeah." Tammy scanned the area, spotting cameras on pylons, the phone line was still active.

"Hilary, can you access the CCTV in Wick Harbour?"

"Already on it, I'll transfer the relevant footage to your phone in a moment - purely for you to show the officer as it won't qualify as evidence."

"Thanks. I'd also like to know what her bail restrictions are." Tammy cut the call, her phone pinged a minute later.

"Sgt, you should watch this."

The video showed Cathy's car pulling up and a second car stopping a short distance behind. A female got out of Cathy's car and could be seen putting her head back in the car before throwing a lit lighter in through the open driver's door. The car erupted a second later, by which time the woman had almostreached the second car.

The driver of the second car now briefly put her head out. "That's Yvonne!" The car pulled away as soon as the passenger was on board. Thirty seconds later the tug crew react and the car is drenched with sea water.

"Thank you Miss Smart, can you tell me how you obtained that?"

"The company I work for has privileged access to port networks. You'll have to make your own request for that footage I'm afraid."

"Well, it's very rare that we get that type of video, how certain are you that was Yvonne Stewart?"

"Very. I think I know who the other woman was, as well."

"Who?"

"Fiona, she's a friend of Yvonne, I'm afraid I don't recall her surname."

"We'll need a statement."

"Okay, but you'll have to show me the video as officially I don't have access to it."

"Okay, Miss Smart, I recall your life is not straight forward."

"Sorry, but is that enough for you to proceed? I would suggest that this is a terrorist not a criminal matter give that Yvonne was remanded on terrorism charges."

"In which case she shouldn't have been bailed."

"Exactly."

Cathy was stood watching this exchange, unaware of Yvonne's past deeds.

"Terrorist?"

"Yes, Cathy, she provided support for an Albanian gang who tried to kidnap me. The same gang was behind the Air Traffic Control bombing last Christmas."

"Oh, you're frightening me."

"To be honest, Cathy, I'd be frightened for David now. If his usefulness has ended, he could be the next victim."

"Good riddance."

"What if he's being used? I know you wouldn't go back, but it might not all be his fault."

"Really?"

"Look, Cathy, keep an open mind until you have evidence, don't jump to conclusions."

"That doesn't sound like the Tammy I knew?"

"Maybe not, but I've matured a fair bit."

"So what do we do now?"

"Call your insurance company and let them know there's an ongoing Police investigation, then update your solicitor."

"Is that it?"

"The Police will want our statements."

"Your's? I thought that video couldn't be used?"

"That's right, but I'll obtain the CCTV from Sarah's shop and pass that over, establishing your whereabouts at the time of the incident."

"Okay, it's half past one, do we need to stay here?"

"No, let's get back. Are you still okay for tonight?"

"Oh yes, I really don't want to be alone right now."

"I know how you feel Cathy."

They made sure Stuart St James had Cathy's contact details, although Tammy suggested that Kelly Masters should be present at any interview given that this was now at least a criminal matter and at worst a terrorist one. They also obtained the police incident reference, essential for any insurance claim.

Tammy drove them to Dunbankin' so Cathy could use the internet to lodge the claim, whilst Tammy packed an overnight bag. She updated her father, Joan was out shopping.

"Where is she?"

"Tescos at Wick."

"Call mum, and get her back here. Yvonne was last seen in Wick."

Fortunately Joan had just left the store and was on her way back, Angela was in the car and plainly wasn't comfortable judging by the comments when she was asked to keep her eyes open. Richard had the line open for the whole journey back, he didn't want to risk anything given what they now knew.

It took twenty five minutes but Joan arrived without incident, Angela was not happy.

"She's already interfered enough, why again?"

"It's Cathy's case, not our's. Just be careful."

"I'm not going anywhere until she's in custody again."

Tammy shrugged but headed for the kitchen with Cathy in tow. "Have you had lunch?"

"No, it's nearly three as well."

"Damn, I'll just have a banana then."

"I have a packet of Hob Nobs in my bag, chocolate ones."

"Good!"

Tammy's phone pinged, Tanya was claiming an upset tummy so wouldn't be joining them that evening. Tammy immediately phoned Jeri.

"What are you doing for your birthday?"

"Tanya said she was going out so Lori and I were just going to enjoy a bottle of Chardonney in my room."

"Tanya's unwell so is staying at home, was it her weekend in?"

"Yes, but I agreed to swap."

"So un-agree then drag your and Lori's rear ends over to the McPherson house. Bring swimsuits, onesies , clean knickers and PJs."

"And a bottle of vino?"

"Yes, but get moving now as the gates are going to be locked soon."

"Yes Boss!"

Tammy turned to Cathy, "sorry but if Tanya's going to be a bitch there's a much more deserving cause - it's Jeri's eighteenth today."

"That's good thinking, an eighteenth to distract us from the real world troubles. I'll see if Julie can get up here straight away."

"Okay, shall we go?"

Tammy left her Mini in the paddock and took a golf buggy over. The first task was to organise some security and warn the staff that two girls would be over, although Tammy had no idea which car would be used.

Cathy meanwhile had spoken to Julie who suggested another friend, Di. That brought the number to six, meaning that some bedroom sharing would be needed. Some expediency was also requested.

Given the events of the previous ten or so months, the staff were well used to security woes and had often had to improvise before deciding on a set routine. Several trees had come down during recent storms and the trunks were sat by one of the gates. Once everyone had arrived the other gate would be closed and the trunks dragged across using a Landrover.

All of the invited girls arrived in the next half an hour, somewhat earlier than normal but that meant the gates could be secured. Julie had collected Di and was parked next to Lori's van around the back of the house.

They settled in the conservatory. As expected, it was a little tense between Tammy and Julie, but that didn't last long. Cathy decided they should each say a little about themselves.

"I'm Cathy and I'll be single again soon!"

"I'm Tammy and I'm dangerous to be around!"

"I'm Julie and I start work at the Golf Club on Monday!" She was congratulated as she had been appointed as bar manager.

"I'm Diane and I was at school with those two," she pointed at Cathy and Julie, "are we safe here?"

"I'm Lori and I'm at St Andrews."

"Weren't you in the local paper?"

"Yes, Di, I was injured at school so I'm resitting my last year."

"Why were you attacked?"

Jeri answered that one, "we think he was after me. I'm Jeri and I'm working at the school as well as doing my last year."

"Were you in the theatre this morning?"

"The three of us were, Di, I didn't see you there?"

"I didn't go in, Tammy, I didn't think I'd be any use."

"If you didn't audition, we'll never know."

Jeri excused herself, borrowed the keys from Lori and went out to the van. She returned a minute later with her acoustic guitar.

"I thought it may come in useful."

"I'm sorry," said Di, "I need to warm up first and alcohol helps."

It wasn't yet five when the first bottle of wine was opened. Jeri entertained with a couple of songs before they were called for dinner.

Outside there was a loud noise, it sounded like a metallic crunch - perhaps a car versus the estate gates? Di started to look worried although Tammy knew that the gamekeepers would be outside. One shot was heard, Tammy suspected it was a salt cartridge and suggested that maybe a buck was being persuaded back away from the house?

Thomas spoke quietly to Cathy was dessert was brought in.

"It seems someone didn't take the 'closed' sign too seriously and tried to ram the gates. Mother is going to be terribly upset. Anyway, the car was abandoned and the police have been summonsed."

Tammy's phone vibrated, she saw it was a call from Hilary, she left the dining room to take the call.

"Hi, someone just tried to break in here."

"Okay Tammy, to answer an earlier question, Yvonne was bailed due to an error. There was another Yvonne Stewart in the same prison who was due to be bailed but something went wrong."

"Was she supposed to be wearing a bracelet?"

"Yes, but there's been no signal from it since yesterday."

"Bugger, so no way to trace her?"

"No. David has been found though."

"This doesn't sound."

"No, he's dead."

"Can I tell Cathy?"

"Wait until the Police call."

"Out of interest, where was he?"

"In the boot of her car."

Tammy was so glad they'd left the scene before the boot was opened.

"Why haven't the police already told us?"

"The boot wasn't opened until it got to the pound then it was sealed until the CSI team arrived from Inverness. Then they had to identify him."

"How did you find out?"

"Special Branch submitted a report to Emily's unit in London, it was forward to me."

"Okay, thanks, what happens now, Hilary?"

"Unfortunately, when the police do contact her, they are going to need evidence of Cathy's movements over the past twenty four hours, just to rule her out."

"She came into Sarah's shop, can you burn that video to DVD for the police?"

"Sure, I'll do it in the morning."

Tammy closed the call and walked back into the dining room. Hilary may have said Tammy had to keep quiet but her face was full of anguish. Cathy saw it immediately.

"Tammy, what is it?"

"David."

"He isn't?"

"He is, sorry Cath."

Tammy gave her a hug, regardless of the past week, David had still been her husband.

Di asked "How did you find out?" Julie replied that Tammy was "a bloody spook."

"Well, is the news genuine?" Di wasn't sure.

"Yes, it's genuine, I think I should go." Julie stood.

Tammy detached herself from Cathy, "Julie, you can't leave. There's a terrorist running around out there and you've now had a few glasses of wine. Sit down!"

Julie landed heavily then burped loudly, dissipating tension in the room. Cathy unfortunately was not smiling as DS Franklin was being introduced by Thomas.

"Detective Sergeant Franklin, Miss McPherson."

Tammy looked around, "Hi Ben."

Ben Franklin acknowledged her but kept his attention on Cathy, "could we use the study?"

"No, if you have anything to say then let's do it here, with my friends. I'm sorry, Detective but I don't know you."

"I understand, I'm afraid I have some bad news. Are you aware that we found your husband's body earlier today?"

"Tammy told me a few minutes ago."

"When did you last see him?"

"Tuesday morning, at home in Inverness."

"Can you tell me what you've done since then, I'll make notes and then we'll put a statement together."

"Fine, but could Tammy get hold of my solicitor? I won't sign anything without her given that this is now a murder enquiry. So much for the sleepover, girls."

"It's Jeri's eighteenth too!"

That warranted a chorus of "Happy Birthday" with even Ben joining in.

"Oh, Tammy, Sandy reckons you'll make a great director."

"Thanks Ben, but shouldn't you be a police officer right now and not a theatre critic?"

Cathy looked up, "why is my life becoming so complicated?" She burst into tears.

Part Seven   "Armed & Dangerous"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Saturday 5th September 2015 (continued)
 

It gradually became clear what had happened at the main gates to the McPherson estate. A stolen car was travelling at speed towards Thurso, pursued by a police vehicle. When it tried to turn into the access to the estate, the stolen car had lost control and broadsided the gates.

As it stood, until that car was removed the access was blocked. Given that the driver of the stolen car was a male aged under twenty, the hunt for Yvonne Stewart was still alive.

DS Ben Franklin had arrived immediately after the male had tried to run away so had helped in his capture before making his way via Dunbankin' to interview Cathy. The access between the two properties wasn't public knowledge but Ben was familiar with it.

Away from Thurso the hunt for Yvonne was apparently receiving every resource needed; she was currently the most wanted person in the British Isles. It was assumed she was armed and dangerous, given previous access to weapons, so every firearms qualified police officer in North East Scotland was heading for Inverness.

The car Yvonne had been driving, when she was seen in Wick, had been found dumped just outside Inverness and was now being examined, but there was no guarantee that she had gone to Inverness in it.

Tammy had realised that her nemesis could be anywhere, and she wasn't the only one. A police helicopter landed at the front of the house and a passenger made his way to the door as the chopper lifted.

"Hello Tammy."

"Hi Kevin, I'm surprised to see you up here." She turned to the girls.

"Everyone, this is Detective Inspector Kevin Edmunds from the Counter Terrorist Unit in London. I'm really not sure why he's here."

"I'm here to make sure nothing's been missed and to ensure Yvonne Stewart returns to custody, in England. I also have a present for Tammy that couldn't go in the mail, could you join me in the study?"

Tammy followed Kevin and closed the door behind her.

"We're concerned for your safety, Tammy."

"I wasn't the target this time."

"Perhaps not, but if Yvonne knows you're advising Cathy then you'll become a target."

"So give me protection."

"We can't spare the resources, but we have exceptionally agreed to issue you with this." He opened his briefcase and removed two boxes.

"A gun?"

"Yes."

"I don't want it."

"You're qualified."

"That's irrelevant, Kevin, I was told I was given the training so I could assist with logistics, not go running around the Highlands tooled-up."

"No-one's suggesting you go running anywhere, but you should be able to protect yourself and your friends if she came here." He took a sheet out of his case. "Sign here."

Tammy signed, reluctantly, feeling pressured to do so. The weapon was a Glock-26, the same model she'd qualified with, although the weapons in the safe at Caithness Marine were the larger Glock-17. There were two empty magazines so she filled both from a box of 9mm ammunition before inserting one. She dropped it into her bag.

"I'm still not happy."

"I know and I hope you never need to use it, the paperwork is horrendous!"

"When can I return it?"

"When this is over, if you wish. It's from the New Scotland Yard firearms unit so you'll have to return it there."

"I think I'll leave it in the safe at the office with the others. Is Hilary armed?"

"Yes."

"I guess no-one can know?"

"No, plainly. Where is your licence?"

"They're both in the office safe."

"Both? Oh, right."

"This was issued to me and not Beccy?"

"Yes. You'll need to carry your licence, you should get it as soon as possible."

"Not tonight?"

"In the morning, unless there's an incident. I have one other thing for you." He pulled a velum envelope from his case, she carefully removed the sheet within.

"What is this?"

"It's a 'Get Out Of Jail Free' letter, it confers just enough powers that you won't be prosecuted for discharging the weapon but it does not give you the right to kill."

"Oh." She read it carefully. "Whose idea was this?"

"Emily arranged it."

"Does Heather have one?"

"Yes, but I didn't tell you. Put that in your bag and keep it safe, there's a duplicate in London just in case."

"It's a good job I don't have any of my small bags with me."

"So it would seem, are you staying here tonight?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I'll brief the estate workers, we want her alive."

"Understood."

"I hope so."

Tammy decided a wee and a freshen up were needed before she rejoined the girls, they were now in the sitting room and Jeri had her guitar out. Ben had gone so she assumed Cathy's statement had been finished.

Jeri started to strum the intro that Tammy couldn't identify and was a little surprised to hear Di launch into the Diana Ross song 'Baby It's Me'. Di's singing voice was deep and very soulful, something Tammy hadn't expected.

Jeri was having fun and had obviously agreed a set list with Di when she switched to a Strat that had been brought inside along with a small amplifier. She started to play 'The House Of The Rising Sun'. Tammy was a little concerned that Jeri had been outside.

"One of the estate workers went with me, he had a shotgun with him."

"Okay, please don't go outside without anyone as we really don't know where Yvonne is."

Julie sneered, "listen to her, she's definitely a spook. How did she know that guy from London?"

"I met Kevin for the first time just after last Christmas and again at George Small's Fatal Accident Inquiry. Since last year I have met several dozen police officers, that kind of thing happens when people are out to kidnap or murder you."

"So what was your private conversation with him?"

"Private."

"And?"

"No, Julie, it was private. I'll only pass it on if it's relevant but right now it isn't."

"So now you decide what we can or can't know?"

"No, I was told some things in confidence, I don't break confidences."

Di told Julie to shut up or they would call a cab for her, using language that was a little too Anglo-Saxon for Tammy's ears.

"I'll drive."

"No you won't, you can collect it tomorrow when you've sobered up."

Cathy went to find Thomas, deciding that Julie was ruining the evening. The groundsmen would have to allow the cab in so that meant opening at least one of the gates. Tammy had thought Kevin had left but was startled when he came into the sitting room, then gestured for Tammy to follow him back to the study.

"What's going on?"

"Julie's being a bitch, we're sending her home."

"She was your housekeeper?"

"Yes, she left when her sister was arrested."

"It seems Leanne has been in contact with Yvonne, Leanne's been arrested in Inverness this evening."

"What was she doing?"

"Providing information, it means we have the phone number Yvonne's using."

"Where is she?"

"The phone's off, it was last used in Dunbeath about an hour ago."

"That's half an hour out of Thurso and Wick, she could have gone either way."

"True Tammy, but what do you think she might do?"

"Well, she hates me and blames me for George's death as well as losing the job at St Andrews school. I'd hazard a guess that I'm her target."

"Fair assumption, but I'd suggest all the McPhersons are at risk."

"Michael!"

"The son? Where does he live?"

"He's living with his boyfriend, Mark. I don't have the address, but Cathy would, as well as Thomas. Given that Yvonne is a class one bigot, she wouldn't approve of Michael's lifestyle."

Kevin went in search of the butler then called Caithness Special Branch with the information. Tammy got the impression they weren't happy having a senior London copper in the Highlands.

"We'll have Michael and his boyfriend brought here, is that going to cause a problem?"

"Not at all, Michael still has a room here."

"Good, who else?"

"Elsie is somewhere in South East Asia, my parents are next door, oh, I don't know where my mother is."

"Tara?"

"Yes, she goes by Tara Simpson these days."

"She's in London, I checked."

"Fine, the only other person would be Angela and she's next door."

"Can you check?"

Tammy called Dunbankin' as Kevin nipped out of the room and spoke to Joan, Angela was in town with Yusuf apparently.

"What are they doing?"

"They were going out for a meal. What's going on?"

Tammy explained the situation, while she tried to call Angela on her mobile, but the phone was off.

"Which restaurant did they go to?"

"The new one in the middle of town."

"What's it called?"

"No idea."

Kevin was back in the study and was not happy; Yvonne could target any of them, her behaviour was quite worrisome, a definite understatement.

"Find a number for that restaurant, where is it?"

"On Princes St."

Tammy decided that finding an unnamed business was not as easy as it could be. When she did finally establish it was Bistro 2, she'd missed them by just a few minutes.

"Damn."

"Where do they drink?"

"Angela rarely drinks and I'm not sure if Yusuf drinks at all, they could just go for a walk."

"That doesn't help at all."

"Sorry, Kevin, but we're short of information."

"Okay, if you were to have an after dinner walk in the middle of Thurso, where might you go?"

"The harbour."

"Okay, where's your car?"

"In the paddock, at home."

"You and I should go and find them."

"I don't like that idea, that makes me vulnerable, why don't you go for them>?"

"Angela probably won't recognise me and Yusuf is a complete unknown."

Tammy's phone rang, it was Angela.

"Where are you?"

"In the Castletown, I've seen Yvonne."

"Where?"

"By Sarah's shop."

"Stay put, was she on her own?"

"No, I thought I saw Leanne there."

Kevin was now making his own call.

"Where are you Tammy?"

"At Elsie's, I have Kevin Edmunds here, we'll try to get some transport for you."

"I'm frightened."

"What's Yusuf doing?"

"He's gone, I'm on my own now." Angela sounded quite tearful.

"What happened?"

"His family found about about me and threatened to disown him so we had our meal and then he dumped me."

Tammy could hear sirens, the sound was coming from the phone so Yvonne was now being sought in town. Unfortunately, she knew the town well and Leanne knew the families well; it was a dangerous combination indeed.

Angela was vulnerable, physically and emotionally.

"Please come and get me Tammy."

I'll see if one of the staff can collect you."

"No, you, please sis."

"What if Dad comes down?"

"Okay."

Tammy picked up the house phone and asked for Angela to be collected, explaining the issues. Richard wasn't keen leaving Joan on her own, but having Angela loose was the greater problem.

"Okay Angela, Dad's on his way and will be with you in ten minutes or so."

Kevin now confirmed that the local police had Mark and Michael. Things were getting sorted. Tammy went back to the girls, Julie was now missing.

"Sorry, things have been a bit mad. Angela's been dumped by her boyfriend."

The collective agreed that was a bad thing, although Di was unaware of Angela's special status. Tammy was going to mention Leanne's involvement but thought better of it and kept that to herself. They talked for ten minutes until the boys arrived from town. Michael and Mark were invited to join them but decided to go up to Michael's room instead.

It was another twenty five minutes before Angela confirmed she was at home. The police, meanwhile, had lost their quarry. Once the boys had arrived the gates were again secured so Tammy started to relax.

Tammy had left her present for Jeri in her room at Dunbankin' so told the girls she'd be busy for a few minutes, although she hadn't said where she was going. Kevin travelled over to the house with her so he could use the secure fax. Tammy left the gate open between the McPherson estate and the paddock for expediency, promising to Kevin that she really would only be two minutes. The main gate at the front of Dunbankin' was secured and the security system was active so Tammy felt it was an acceptable risk.

Kevin was going to be some time so Tammy rode back on her own. She was a little concerned when the girls weren't in the sitting room, in fact the house was too quiet. She left the present on a chair then went looking.

She heard footsteps so stepped into the butler's room, through the closed door she could hear Leanne saying that Tammy was nowhere to be found and she was going to check the outside.

Once the coast was clear she eased out of the small room but activated the emergency alarm on her phone, which would notify the Security Service in London that she was in danger, the second time she'd done so.

Almost immediately she found Michael and Mark, plainly they hadn't been captured, she followed them to the scullery, worryingly she could see in the moonlight that two of the shotguns were missing from the rack.

"How did you avoid being caught? I guess that's what's happened?"

"We heard shouting so we hid in my wardrobe, what about you?"

"I had to go home. Leanne's here, she's gone outside. I'm guessing Yvonne's also here."

"I thought I heard her."

"We need to get Leanne out of the game, can the pair of you handle that?"

"Sure."

They suddenly heard footsteps and the outside door opened, Mark got behind the former maid and clamped his hand over her mouth, dragging her back out of the still open door. Michael grabbed a sheet to fashion a gag before following Mark outside.

Nothing else was moving, where was Kevin? Back in the main hallway Tammy was on her own, she eased the door to the games room open and started down the stairs. She could hear Yvonne asking why Leanne was taking her time and it sounded like Tammy was about to be discovered. She backed out and hid just before a woman appeared in the hallway, this was Fiona. Tammy stayed where she was whilst Fiona spent a minute or so looking for Leanne. The door to the stairs remained open and Yvonne could be heard demanding her hostages to say where Tammy was.

As Fiona returned to the doorway down to the games room, Tammy crept out of her hiding place and gave the woman a shove at the back of her knees; She went tumbling, making a racket as she did.

That got Yvonne's attention, unfortunately Fiona was in too much pain to say whether she'd tripped, the suggestion was that she'd broken a leg in the fall and was demanding an ambulance.

"An ambulance? Don't be a stupid cow!"

Tammy crept down the stairs, she could see Thomas, sat and bound, and he could see her. Fiona's attention was not on the hostages, but she had a shotgun slung over an arm. Tammy removed her firearm from her bag, dropping the bag behind her.

Thomas saw the weapon and nodded, his gag preventing anything else. Yvonne must have seen movement behind her and swung around, leaving Fiona - who whined louder.

Yvonne must have seen where Thomas' eyes were focussed so turned to look directly at Tammy, raising the shotgun. Tammy aimed her own weapon.

The noise was sudden and deafening, Yvonne went down heavily.

Tammy's pistol was removed from her hand by someone behind her, she found Kevin and several uniformed officers. He was also holding his own weapon and gestured for Tammy to withdraw. Orders were issued for the local police to call for an ambulance.

Tammy was shaking.

"You did good, but you shouldn't have gone down there."

"It was just her and me, Kevin. I didn't shoot her, did I?"

"No, I suspect you would have hesitated so I took the shot."

"I was out of my depth."

"Perhaps, but we'll see when you write up your report."

"Tonight?"

"Make notes but we'll deal with the paperwork tomorrow. There's more than enough to hold all three, even if two of them will be secured in hospital for a few days."

"Will Yvonne live?"

"Yes, I hit her shoulder, the intention was to incapacitate her."

"Shame."

"I hope that was an attempt at humour."

"Perhaps, Kevin, perhaps. Did you get an alarm?"

"Hilary was notified, she called me. The boys called for help once they had Leanne trussed up but the main gate is still blocked."

"How did Yvonne get in?"

"To be determined."

The hostages were being released and were allowed to return to the sitting room, plainly shaken by the experience. Tammy's bag was returned to her and Kevin dropped the weapon into her bag before it was seen.

Of the staff, only Thomas was present, it appeared that the estate staff were in the lodge near the main gates and were unaware of the incident. Thomas went to organise tea for everyone.

"That bloody woman!"

"She can't get out of this, Cathy."

"Given her history, I won't take anything for granted. Who shot her?"

"DI Edmunds."

"Okay, where were you whilst all this was going on?"

"Dealing with things."

Lori and Jeri were the next ones up, both badly shaken.

"Well, that's a birthday to remember."

"My present is over there." Tammy pointed.

"It doesn't seem so important now."

"Open it in the morning then."

"Maybe."

Di was the last of the hostages, she said she'd been trying to chat up one of the officers.

It wasn't long before the tea arrived, there was a bottle of brandy on the tray. Ever the professional, Thomas had resumed his duties as if nothing untoward had happened.

Sirens approached and an ambulance pulled up, although the two injured women were removed by helicopter directly to the Raigmore in Inverness.

Tammy's phone, which was on silent, showed several missed calls. She called the London number first.

"Hello, this is Tamara Smart, it's all under control now."

"When will your report be ready?"

"Tomorrow."

"I'll close the incident unless there's anything else?"

"No, nothing else, thank you."

Next was her father.

"We're fine Dad."

"The Police won't let me come over. Did you know Kevin was armed?"

"Yes, and it was probably best you didn't make yourself a victim."

"Says the nineteen year old!"

"Anyway, the only injuries were Yvonne and Fiona, one gunshot wound and one broken leg."

"When are you coming back here?"

"In the morning, it's still a sleepover if the girls are up for it?"

"It's a good job Joan can't hear that!"

"Yeah, good night Dad."

Part Eight   "Debrief"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 
 
Sunday 6th September 2015
 

The debrief had been intended to start at nine when a team of plain clothed officers arrived although there was a delay whilst Kelly Masters and Jeremiah Smith made themselves comfortable and offered their services to the staff, residents and guests in the McPherson house.

The intention was to ensure there was a snafu-proofed case against Yvonne Stewart and her co-conspirators, although past experience had demonstrated that it was unwise to underestimate her, or the incompetence of the authorities.

Tammy was impatient as it had been made clear that she would be interviewed last. The reason for this, Kevin had conceded, was that many of her activities the previous evening were out of sight, meaning that everyone was being asked about her, her history and her current activities. The team who were conducting the interviews had no prior knowledge of the Smarts, Smalls or McPhersons.

That became pertinent when the local Special Branch Inspector allocated a young Detective Constable to interview her.

"How would you describe your relationship with Yvonne Stewart?"

"Mutual hatred, I suppose."

"Why would that be?"

"She blamed me for encouraging Angela Small to come out as transgendered."

"Why would she be concerned with that?"

"She was in love with Angela's father, George Small, who subsequently took his own life in police custody. I was blamed for that as well during the fatal accident inquiry."

"That hardly seems like a reason for her alleged threats last night."

"Okay, do you recall the air traffic control centre bombings last Christmas?"

"Yes, although I can't see the relevance."

"My mother was caught up in the terrorist's plot although she had no inkling what was being planned. When she went into hiding the gang found me, the intention was to use me to flush out my mother. Yvonne helped the gang, she was arrested and charged with terrorist offences because of that and shouldn't have been bailed on Wednesday."

"So take me through yesterday's events."

Tammy had thought long and hard about declaring her possession of a firearm but realised it would create more problems. Thomas had provided the solution to that problem when he'd caught her earlier that morning.

"Miss Smart, are you aware that we have a safe here for any valuables you may have?"

"Is it needed often, Thomas?"

"No, but I suspect you need it this morning, Miss. It's in my office and will be unlocked for a few minutes."

"Thank you Thomas, there isn't a problem, is there?"

"No Miss."

"You seemed to take last night very calmly?"

"I was in the Special Forces, Miss."

"Ah, I'll be back down in a minute."

"Very good, Miss."

The Detective Constable was going through the final moments of the incident.

"Why did you not wait for the police?"

"I didn't know they were coming, not for certain, and I couldn't risk making a phone call in case that led to my capture."

"So how did Fiona Gardner fall?"

"I'm not really certain, I guess she heard me and twisted on the stairs, losing her balance."

"She says you pushed her."

"That doesn't surprise me, she'll blame anyone bar herself. Did anyone see it happen?"

"No."

"Then it's not a problem, is it?"

"We're only seeking the truth here, Miss Smart, nothing more."

"Well, you have it."

"Miss Smart, are you certain?"

Jeremiah Smith intervened, "Detective, Miss Smart has given you her answer, it is not up to you to apportion blame."

The Detective didn't acknowledge Jeremiah and continued, "now, when it was clear Miss Gardner was injured did you call an ambulance?"

"No, I couldn't see her and had no idea if she was faking it. The only person I could see from my position was Thomas, the butler."

"Did he see you?"

"Yes."

"What happened?"

"Yvonne came into view and pointed a shotgun at me, I heard a shot and she went down, that's when I found out there were police officers behind me."

"It's been claimed you were holding the weapon?"

"By who?"

"Miss Stewart."

"She's plainly wrong, DI Edmunds shot her."

"She was quite adamant."

"Did anyone else see me with a gun?"

"No, but .."

"Then she's wrong."

"Moving on, why did you put yourself at risk?"

"Because I care for my friends, they were in that situation because of me."

"It was still rather stupid?"

Jeremiah wasn't happy, "my client has given you the reason and this can be verified by testimony from the fatal accident inquiry, as well as information held by the Metropolitan Police. If you persist then I will advise my client to withdraw."

"Now, Miss Smart, I was unable to do much in the way of background research into you, why would that be?"

"I'm sorry Detective but you're not cleared for that."

"That is an unacceptable answer."

"But correct and as much as I can say. I believe this interview is over, please write up the statement and pass it to Mr Smith for checking, I'm going for a coffee."

Tammy walked, as did her solicitor, leaving the DC alone in the study.

"Now Miss Smart, Tammy, can I have a moment with you in the gardens before you have that coffee?"

"Sure, Jeremiah."

They walked through the conservatory doors onto the patio beyond then turned towards the woodlands. A recovery vehicle was removing a car and the noise masked their conversation.

"In order to advise you I need to know a few things and I need you to be completely honest. What is your relationship with DI Edmunds?"

"Purely business like, naturally."

"Of course, but why was he here?"

"He came here to brief me, and to issue me with some equipment."

"Why would you be briefed?"

"Because of Yvonne and the risk to me and my family."

"He's a counter terrorist officer?"

"Yes."

"So why would he even know you?"

"I've dealt with him before."

"In what capacity?"

"As a victim of crime."

"Have you been involved with that branch of the police for any other reason?"

"I do know several officers in the unit."

"Have you done work for the police?"

"Not as such."

"Another government department?"

Tammy nodded.

"How much training have you had?"

"A few months worth but it's ongoing. I'm sorry but I can't say any more and I shouldn't have said that much."

"Could some of this liaison be attributed to your school work?"

"Yes, many of the contacts came about because of school."

"Would those contacts be available to others at the school?"

"Yes, but as a school ambassador and a prefect I probably had more access."

"Then, considering the problems started by your mother and your school work it's hardly surprising that you have had some dealings with specialist police units?"

"I guess so."

"Then I think can deflect most adverse questioning, Tammy?"

"And quote the Official Secrets Act at the rest?"

"Quite."

"Now, Jeremiah, has anyone said about that car?" It was now trundling towards the main gate on the back of the recovery truck.

"One of the estate workers said it had come through the top gate that comes into the back of the woods, they were repairing the gate this morning."

"Leanne would have known about that access."

"That's likely. Her sister was arrested this morning according to one of the officers."

"She was being quite nasty last night. What was she arrested for?"

"Driving whilst under the influence. Apparently she recovered her car just after six but was still over the limit."

"We did warn her."

"I'm sure you did, anyway it gives the police a reason to search her home for any connection to this incident."

"Does it? Let's go find a coffee."

Di, Jeri and Lori were heading home although Di had a transportation problem. That was solved when Jonathon offered to run her into town, he needed some supplies from Wick to fix the ceiling of the games room.

What Tammy hadn't known was that Yvonne had discharged one barrel over the snooker table, away from the hostages, but hadn't realised they were loaded with salt cartridges rather than shot. The fluorescent lamps had shattered and there were no spares. Come Monday morning someone would have to call the nearest snooker table outlet, the baize had been torn as a result of the salt blast and flying glass.

It was gone one when the last of the local police officers left the house, some hour after the remaining guests and Michael had gone. Tammy and Cathy were sat in the conservatory, sharing a plate of sandwiches.

"She can't get out of this, can she Tammy?"

"Under normal circumstances, no. I'm just hoping there are no complications."

"Like what?"

"I can't say, sorry, but you could get into trouble."

"So you are a spook?"

"No, but I have had rather a lot to do with some shady government departments."

"That explains how you know some people and some things that us mere mortals would only ever see in James Bond movies?"

"Oh, come on, I've never met anyone called 'Q'!"

"But you can obtain CCTV coverage without worrying about the legalities?"

"It's just a matter of asking the right person."

There was a cough from the doorway as DI Kevin Edmunds returned from Dunbankin'. There was an irony that he'd spent more time there than Tammy had over the past twenty four hours, including staying there overnight.

"Tammy, I've been through the statements and it all appears to be in order. I've faxed a set to Jenny."

"Thanks, I still have my report to write but I can't do it here."

"Why not go down to the office?"

"I guess you want to go down there yourself, Kevin?"

"Well, now you mention it!"

"Come on, you're almost transparent! I need to take something down there, to put in the safe."

"That would be an idea."

Cathy laughed, "oh, was it your gun?"

Tammy went scarlet, Kevin wasn't happy.

"Miss McPherson, what do you know?"

"I needed my marriage certificate from the safe for Kelly, we all leave documents here as it's safer. There was a pistol in there."

"Did you say anything to the officers, or anyone else?"

"No, only Thomas and myself have access, Michael hasn't asked for the combination, so I knew Thomas must have been involved. That was good enough for me."

"Well to answer your question, it is Tammy's, but we're going to dispose of it securely."

Tammy left the room to find the butler while Cathy was giving an assurance she wouldn't tell a soul what she'd seen, or heard.

***

Tammy let Kevin into the office, finding Hilary there, with Ben Franklin.

"It's a bit busy for a Sunday? I came here for some peace and quiet to write my report!"

"I was promised some surveillance video, Tammy."

"Okay Ben."

"One last thing though, Tammy, it seems someone's tampered with your official records."

"Like what?"

"It now says you were female from birth."

"Have you queried this elsewhere?"

"No."

Of course Hilary and Kevin were very interested in the conversation, although Kevin hadn't been briefed on this aspect. Hilary picked her words carefully.

"DS Franklin, as you will be aware, anything you learn in this office, unless stated otherwise, is privileged and cannot be repeated elsewhere?"

"Yes."

"It came to our attention a few days ago that Tammy's records were being accessed and partially amended, this includes her National Insurance, National Health and National Intelligence data."

Tammy was aware of the investigation into her NHS data but not the rest.

Hilary continued, "Tammy's records have been locked in their current state and we're examining whether to restore them to their original state."

"I won't even ask how to change the baseline data, what would be the reason?"

"Unclear at this time, but as it stands, officially, Tammy was born female. That is at odds with paper records, school data and personal recollections, in short it's a mess."

"That could create some horrendous issues when the cases come to court."

"Only if they're allowed to come up, we could brief the judge on national security grounds?" Kevin was looking for a way around the problem.

"That would be a Sheriff in Scotland, and they don't always pay heed to advice from London."

"Bugger."

"Yes, Tammy what's your current medical condition?"

"Healthy, Ben."

"That's not what I meant."

"A gynaecologist last week asked me about my periods and talked about childbirth, after examining me."

"And that's been added to your hospital records?"

"Yes."

"What a mess, sorry everyone but you'll have to fix this yourself." Ben stood and let himself out, Tammy took the opportunity to open the safe to deposit her weapon, an empty plastic container was labelled up for her, although the spare ammunition went into a separate steel container.

"I'm glad that's out of the way."

"I'm sorry, Tammy, but it's not as simple as that."

"Why? Hilary?"

"Judging by Kevin's report, you hesitated."

"I wanted to give her a chance to back down."

"She was never going to do that, you should have taken the shot."

"No!"

Tammy started to cry, Hilary and Kevin waited for her to recover.

"Now, Tammy, you are not being blamed. If anything, it's confirmed that your training is inadequate."

"I won't argue."

"Good, we've booked you onto a ten day course that starts on Wednesday."

"Where?"

"Hythe, in Kent."

"That's a few hundred miles away!"

"Yes, it's an urban warfare training centre. There's another centre in Scotland but it's best that you attend the Kent one using your alias."

"Is that the one where the army used to train for Northern Ireland?"

"Yes, but plenty of agencies use it, not just from this country either."

"How do I get there?"

"Take the train tomorrow afternoon, you'll get a ride from Folkestone when you eventually get there!"

"Train?"

"Yes, you can't fly with a weapon. Kevin will go with you."

"I'll best make sure my Kindle is charged. Anything else?"

"Yes, write that report!"

"Okay, okay, just answer me this before I start it? Apparently Leanne was arrested in Inverness yesterday evening but Angela told me she saw her in town around seven and she turned up at the house around eight."

"There was a miscommunication. She was questioned concerning concerning contact with Yvonne but she didn't have the phone with her and claimed it had been lost several days earlier."

"Where was she?"

"Inverness Railway Station, just about to board a train to Thurso. There were insufficient grounds to hold her so she was allowed to go. There was a woman with her, but the connection to Yvonne wasn't made"

"Fiona?"

"Yes, did you know Fiona went to school with Julie?"

 
Monday 7th September 2015
 

"I'm sorry, Sandy, can you handle the rehearsal on Saturday, possibly the one after that?"

"What's up, Tammy?"

"I've been asked, err told, to go on a course. Can you work on the solos?"

"Yes, but I can't do more than one song at a time!"

"Lori will bring her keyboard and Jeri will have a guitar, so would that help?"

"Do they know the music?"

"Yes. There's another girl coming on Saturday, Diane, she has a fantastic soulful voice and I think she would work well in the nightclub scenes, especially if we insert a new song."

"Okay, leave it with me, I guess we wouldn't get much acting done anyway?"

"Thanks, Sandy."

***

"I've had an enquiry about the empty shop."

"Thanks Pru, who from?"

"Smith, Smith and Smith Solicitors."

"Oh, that's interesting."

"Their office manager, Julian, wants to visit this afternoon. Are you free or would you like me to do it?"

"I need to go into town anyway, can you ask them to meet me at three?"

"Will do. If you need to, could you leave the keys with Sarah?"

"Sure. Could you scrub my appointment with Dr Adi?"

"Will do."

Tammy went back up to her room, they still had no maid so she packed her own bags, uncertain what she'd be doing. She could only tell everyone that it was a last minute break before her course started at the end of the month.

She opted for leggings, jeans and sweatshirts, although one frock and a few other separates went in the bag. She'd charged up her Beccy phone but was travelling as light as possible.

Tammy drove down to the Caithness Marine office at two thirty and lodged her bag there before walking into town to do some last minute shopping. Finally, at three, she arrived at the shop.

"Ah, you must be Miss Smart?"

"Julian?"

"Yes, my uncle speaks highly of you."

"Who would that be?"

"One of the partners, Jeremiah Smith."

"Oh yes, we've worked together a few times. Now let me show you what we have."

Tammy let Julian walk around for fifteen minutes, measuring the space and making notes.

"I'd like an electrician to check the place."

"Arrange it with Pru."

"Will do, assuming that's okay I think we'll take it."

"I see, what's the plan?"

"To open a base in Thurso, covering Wick as well. We'll move some of the Inverness staff over."

"Would that include Mr Hibbert?"

"Possibly."

"That would please his wife."

"The one who calls him six times a day?"

"That sounds like Tanya."

They parted, it was virtually a done deal.

Back at the office Tammy loaded her normal documents into the safe and removed Beccy Adams documents. She took her Glock and a spare magazine but, on advice, didn't carry any more ammunition. This went into a make up bag she'd purchased half an hour earlier. She really wanted Kevin to carry it but he'd said she'd signed for it, therefore it was her responsibility. She kicked herself for signing in the first place.

Hilary drove the pair to the railway station having promised to take Tammy's Mini to the garage for a little respray.

As the train pulled out on the first leg of the long journey South, Tammy wondered what she'd agreed to at such short notice.

Part Nine   "Expectations"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Saturday 19th September 2015
 

Beccy opened a new text message on her phone and stopped, unsure what to write.

She was bored stiff, she'd been forced to ride the train back to Thurso but this time didn't have Kevin there to talk to. Not that he'd been brilliant company on the way South, after all what do a fifty-something man and a nineteen year old girl have in common? Of course they couldn't talk about their professional connections, so apart from having him physically there, that she might as well have been on her own.

Her right shoulder was sore, and her bra strap was rubbing the dressing pad. Beccy had participated in a live fire exercise on the last full day of the course and had nearly taken a shot in the neck. Her shoulder had been grazed but at the time adrenalin had kept her going, this had been the final exercise after all.

It had been dressed on site and thankfully hadn't required a visit to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. She'd worried about failing the course but the soldiers training with her told her that she'd met the 'one' with her name on it. She hadn't known when she'd arrived in Hythe for the course they were soldiers, all had arrived in civvies and there was something weird about their accents.

They'd loved her soft Scottish voice and gradually they told her where they were from, a true smorgasbord of nationalities! Two Kiwis, three Canadians, 2 from Belize, 3 from Trinidad & Tobago, a single Aussie and two Namibians. All were from Commonwealth nations, with a little more digging she discovered that their training was geared towards the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Beccy had been inserted into this group as one of the party had dropped out with an injury.

One of them, Kyle, was with the New Zealand Special Boat Service and knew the injured party.

"Yeah, he thought he could handle the surf at Newquay, but he got into a tussle with this kid who whipped his ass."

"Really, did he get badly injured?"

"They choppered him to Plymouth with a dislocated shoulder, but he went back a few days later to see the kid."

"Did you get the kid's name? I was in Newquay a few weeks ago."

"Daniel, apparently, from Redruth."

"He was my boyfriend!"

"Small world .... wait until I tell Bruce!"

"That's not his real name is it, I mean, he might be Australian but ....."

"Seriously, and he gets ribbed for it!"

That set the tone for the week, good humour and she had established a connection to them. They were staying in barracks on site which were rather basic but really no worse than the school dorms for the eleven year olds.

What was odd was that she was the only female on the course, the instructors were reticent to talk about other courses but did admit that the Commonwealth groups were usually a mix. That meant Beccy received plenty of attention, although they were surprised she was only nineteen.

"So, what's a pretty little thing like you doing on a course like this?"

"I hesitated in a live situation on Saturday night."

"Okay that explains why training is needed but not why you were there in the first place."

"Sorry, that's a need-to-know."

"Sure, we've all got those."

She gave the Kiwi a kiss on the cheek, "thanks for understanding."

"Anytime, Beccy, anytime!"

Much of the week had been in the classroom or on a range, although there was no instruction on the legalities of a loaded weapon on the streets of the UK and she'd had a small problem on arrival. This was exacerbated by Kevin's disappearing act when Beccy had walked the very short distance between Kings Cross and St Pancras stations in London. Kevin had dived down to the Victoria Line and had no intentions of continuing into Kent, his destination was new Scotland Yard.

"Ah, welcome Miss Adams, do you have any valuables you'd like to place in the main safe during your stay?"

"Probably not, but can you direct me to the armoury?"

"You'll get your armoury visit tomorrow."

She removed the make-up bag and withdrew the Glock, releasing the clip before putting it on the table.

"I'd like to put this in the armoury while I'm on site, if you don't mind?"

That caused a flurry of activity which she found amusing, until a female NCO took her off for a strip search.

"My apologies, Miss Adams, your licence is valid."

"That's what I said before my dignity was removed. That weapon was issued to me by the Met Police Firearms Unit."

"We checked."

"You could have checked before the rubber gloves came out?"

"Sorry, Miss, but we don't take chances, this site has been targeted before."

"Then I hope you never have to visit the Highlands as I can ensure you that we don't take chances either. Now, I wish to lodge a formal complaint - get me the commanding officer!"

She hadn't seen the NCO, or the other officer again during her stay, but hadn't received anything close to an apology either - the military doesn't make mistakes, does it?

Apart from that incident, and the time spent being patched up on Thursday, she'd enjoyed her time there and had a clutch of range certificates that she couldn't show anyone.

The guys on the course had been good fun and had declared her to be an honorary man, so she went along with it. Of course they all had stories to tell but most of her stories had happened to Tammy and not Beccy, it wouldn't take long to link the two identities together.

Beccy's excuse was that she was still in training and wasn't strictly operational, without stating where she would be operational. That generated some intrigue but the guys, all special forces, knew better than to prod.

Talking of prodding, one or two had decided to make advances but that was not going to happen. By the Saturday she'd declared she was on the rag so that kept them at bay for four or five days. She suspected there would be a going away party on the last night, Thursday, and she would be the present. Suffering an injury during that afternoon was a good enough reason for an early night, by herself.

There was a course debrief on the Friday morning then she made for the armoury to retrieve her Glock. The armourer hadn't met her during the week, and queried why a nineteen year old girl was carrying a weapon.

"Because people keep trying to kill me, why do you think I was on a course here?"

After a call to the commander's office she was on her way, then had to go back for the spare clip and barely made the bus to the station.

She now had a better idea what to say in her message.
 

Hi Daniel, I heard you met an Aussie called Bruce?
 
Hi babe, it was fun but he drank me under the table when he came back from hospital. How did you know?
 
Just met his mate, who said they'd been an accident at Newquay. I worked out he was talking about you
 
When are you coming back? We should get together again.
 
Dunno, I want to visit my aunt again but I start Uni next week.
 
I miss you x x x
 
I miss you too <}

Her phone battery died, joining the demise of her Kindle and her MP3 player with still an hour to run, her usual phone was lodged in the office safe.

As the train finally pulled into Thurso it was Saturday lunchtime, she took a cab to the office then realised her pass was in the safe and no-one was in. By then, her cab had also pulled away. Tammy grabbed her bags and walked around to the Castletown Hotel for a coffee whilst she arranged transport.

"Tammy!"

Of course, the gang were in the lounge bar, fresh from rehearsals.

"Hi everyone. I've just done the sleeper from London and I'm knackered."

"Why didn't you fly?" Several asked the same question.

"Someone else arranged it, I need a coffee and a ride home - pleeeaaassseee!"

"Why are you wearing that?"

Tammy hadn't intended to see anyone. She'd put holes in all her leggings during the exercises and hadn't wanted to travel in a skirt so she'd been issued with a set of fatigues, complete with a beret. It had meant she hadn't been bothered on the train journey.

"Oh, outward bound course."

Tammy made a dash for the loo, taking the time to put a little slap on.

"I think you've lost weight. Oh, I need to thank you."

"Why?"

"John's being moved to the new Thurso office and you had something to do with it."

"Not really, but it's okay."

"Julian said you'd been really helpful."

"Apparently, Tanya, you've been calling six times a day."

"It wasn't as bad as that, most days anyway. If only they'd have let John keep his mobile on?"

"Never mind, would someone please take me home?"

"Where's your car?"

"No idea, it was going in for repairs last time I saw it."

"Which was?"

"Nearly two weeks ago."

"Oh, you haven't heard, have you?"

"No, I've been off the grid, what haven't I heard?"

"You need to sit down for this."

"I am sat down, I'm tired and I need a shower."

"No argument there."

"So, what haven't I heard?"

"Nothing happened."

"Eh? Tanya?"

"No-one was killed, kidnapped or attacked while you were out of town."

"So?"

"Tammy, Science will prove that you are the Thurso problem."

"Come on, I really don't have the energy."

"Okay, I'm pregnant."

"Wow! Really?"

"Yeah, it was kind of a surprise."

"But, you were on the pill."

"I missed a week or two just before we moved into the cottage, I didn't think it would matter."

"Obviously it did. So how long? When's it due?"

"Twelve weeks gone, so due date is around the first of April."

"Look Tanya, am I being set up? First of April?"

"No, honest and I want you to be the Godmother, ask your mum as I had to notify her."

"Oh, she's your line manager. What did your mum say?"

"That she's still too young to have grandchildren! Come on, I'll run you home."

***

Tammy wasn't recognised at the door, after she had to ring the bell.

"Hello, can I help you?"

"I'm Tamara Smart and who are you?"

"Sorry Miss, I'm Lily."

"Hello Lily, unfortunately my keys are somewhere else. Are my parents here?"

"No, Miss, they went shopping. Can I help?"

"My bag needs to go up to my room but I need to use the office first, please don't unpack anything."

"I understand."

Tammy's first port of call was actually the kitchen so she could grab a banana and a glass of water.

She locked herself into the office and removed the make-up bag containing the Glock from her shoulder bag, then placed it in the safe. This was not an ideal solution but the best she could manage under the circumstances. Beccy's firearms certificate and her range certificates also went in there. She took the encryption key from the safe and plugged it into the phone.

"Hilary, where were you?"

"You're home, good. I was at lunch when you came by."

"I wanted to ditch the weapon and collect my real life from the safe."

"Is it locked away?"

"Yes, and I'm knackered."

"Okay, I'll see you at midday tomorrow."

"Sure."

Tammy made her way to her room and went straight for the shower, taking as long as she needed.

There was a knock on her door as Tammy was drying her hair, dressed in a onesie.

"Hi Dad."

"Hi honey, how did it go?"

"Fun, mostly, but I got an injury." She slid the onesie off her right shoulder.

"That looks sore."

"Try wearing a bra strap over it. I need a fresh dressing."

"The first aid kit's in the kitchen, how did you do it?"

"A bullet grazed me."

"A bullet?"

"It was an exercise and I was sloppy."

"What kind of exercise uses real ammunition?"

"The sort done on an army range. Oh, please don't go into the safe."

"Why?"

"I've put something in there that shouldn't be there."

"Such as?"

"A gun."

"Did you borrow, steal it?"

"No, Dad, it was issued to me when Kevin was here two weeks ago. I've had it that long, but tomorrow I'll take it down to Caithness Marine and lose it in their safe."

"I can't say I'm happy."

"Look, it's only overnight and Pru's not here before Monday?"

"Okay but not a word to your mum?"

"Of course not, I'm not stupid. If you don't mind, I need a few hours kip."

***

She woke at five, her electronic devices were all on charge and her case had been emptied. Tammy brushed her hair into submission then padded out of the door in fluffy slippers, before changing her mind and going back.

She'd left her dilators in her case, so where were they now? She'd missed the last two appointments with them and really needed to do something. She also decided she needed a wee so walked into the bathroom.

A large vase-like glass container was on the vanity and a bottle of Milton was next to it. Her dilators were in a semi cloudy solution in the vase, a note next to it said they'd been put in to sterilise at two and not to use before six. The handwriting was Joan's.

Tammy finally made it downstairs a few minutes later, by now she was really hungry. She put her head in the kitchen.

"Hi Zara."

"Hi Miss Smart."

"It's Tammy, right?"

"Okay, Tammy, have you lost weight?"

"How can you see?"

"Your face."

"Oh, hang on."

Tammy dived back to her bathroom and weighed herself, she was down by four kilos, nine pounds, from a few weeks earlier.

"Yeah, I've lost four kilos."

"Good job I was asked to come today, got to make sure you eat properly. What have you been eating?"

"Army food."

"You're not in the army?"

"Long story. Anyway, how are you finding it here?"

"Good fun, solid work. It's a lovely apartment."

"What happened with your Dad?"

"He went under, the bank pulled the loans, shame really but he couldn't manage it."

"What about the customers?"

"It's in the hands of the receivers, they're running it now. I'm just glad you gave me this opportunity."

"You were in the right place at the right time, Zara. Now, where's the first aid kit?"

Zara was a qualified first aider but Tammy couldn't say how she'd obtained the injury, she taped a double thick pad over the injury site.

"That will be okay until tomorrow morning."

"Thanks Zara."

"TAMMY!" Joan's voice reverberated.

Part Ten   "Back to Normal"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Saturday 19th September 2015 (Continued)
 

"Oh, damn, what's she found?"

Tammy left the kitchen, and a bemused Zara. She found Joan at the top of the stairs, Tammy slowly made her way up towards her mum.

"Your bathroom is in a mess, I can't expect Lily to clean that up after you."

"Sorry, but I had a twenty four hour journey here and I barely slept. I'm going back to bed."

"I tried to call you during the week but you didn't call back once, that's not your normal phone either." She pointed at Beccy's phone that was now fully charged.

"It's complicated mum, I couldn't swap my stuff over."

"Swap? With who?"

"Look, it's complicated and it will be sorted out tomorrow."

"Were you really on a course?"

"Yes, I have certificates and bruises."

"Hmmm, there's a text message on that phone from a Daniel asking if you got home ok, is he the same boy who you fell into bed with?"

Tammy blushed.

"What gives you the right to check my phone?"

"So it is your phone?"

"Yes!"

"Don't bring that attitude here, young lady, I had enough of Tanya dictating all her maternity rights."

"So it's true?"

"Yes, she's a silly girl, it puts me in a pickle from the beginning of March."

"Can't Jeri or Lori fill in?"

"They'll be in the heavy revision phase before their A Levels, I can't ask Jeri to do any more. It will have to be John who's on call-out and if he refuses then we'll have to revise the cottage arrangements."

"How has it worked so far?"

"Not bad, Jeri hasn't had a single problem that she couldn't resolve and Tanya's called me at two in the morning a few times, including this morning."

"Okay, I'll clean my bathroom before tonight and I'll get my phone back tomorrow."

"Where is it?"

"In a safe."

"Why?"

"It's complicated, mum."

"That's the only answer you're giving me, I'm frightened you're involved in something dangerous."

"I can take care of myself."

"That's not what I said, Tammy."

"I know and I can't talk about it."

"Not to me?"

"Not to anyone, sorry."

"Well, I have a right to know."

"Mum, the law says otherwise. I know you care, but it's safer for you that you don't know everything. I don't tell Dad either."

"He seems to know more than you're telling me."

"He has guessed a few things, but that's all. By tomorrow afternoon I'll have everything sorted out and I can get on with the rest of my normal life."

"So what you did for the past week isn't normal?"

"Yes. Not normal for civilians nor for nineteen year old girls, as the guys kept reminding me. But I survived it and it's made me a better person. If you want an idea of what I did, think of it as an outward bound course."

"Like with the army?"

"Yes."

"You said guys, any women?"

"No, except a horrible female NCO."

"Did any of them ....?"

"No, Mum, I made it clear I was not available and they didn't bother me. In fact I said I was on the rag!"

"Oh, Dr Sutherland called, she wants to see you on Monday at nine. I said you would be there."

"Thanks."

"Look, Tammy, she sounded worried but she wouldn't tell me what it was about. You're not hiding an illness are you?"

"No, I'm fitter at the moment than I have been for months. I've lost weight as well."

"That isn't always a good indicator."

"I know, but we went for a training run every morning before breakfast; the Kent coast is beautiful and the Romney Marsh is just surreal in the morning mist. The first couple of days were hard but it got easier."

"You weren't supposed to do anything vigorous for months after your surgery."

Tammy shrugged. "Well, I survived."

"Okay, but clean your bathroom."

"Yes, Mum."

 
Sunday 20th September
 

"Why didn't you let me know what time you were going to be back yesterday?"

"I don't trust the trains once I get past Edinburgh and my phone died before I knew we were only half an hour late."

"Okay, perhaps you should carry an emergency charger pack?"

"I'll order one when I get home."

"Now, I haven't had any feedback from the trainers."

"You can read it in my report, I wrote it last night when I couldn't sleep."

"I wasn't going to ask for one."

"Since I had a run-in with some of the staff and suffered an injury I guessed one might be pertinent. There was also a connection to my summer experiences that needed to be logged."

"Fair enough, I know you need to get into the safe but I've changed the safe combination so I'll have to open it for you."

Tammy deposited all of the equipment and documents she wouldn't, or shouldn't, need in Thurso and then collected everything that she did need in Thurso.

"What's your diary for the week, Tammy?"

"Doctors, enrolment, course induction and I've had an email asking me to do a talk at the school."

"Any days that you're free?"

"Wednesday, I think. Why?"

"I'd like to go over the Martin Gore case with you."

"Okay, mid morning?"

"Sure."

Tammy switched her phone on, pleased that it still had nearly a full charge. Missed call messages came in so she cancelled all of them, as well as the many social media notifications.

Tammy's next port of call was the cheap clothing store, HP Bazaar. She needed to replace all the leggings that had been ripped during the course, plus it made sense to buy some new smalls at the same time. Sarah's shop didn't stock knickers, bras or leggings so Tammy didn't feel any guilt.

Not many of the shops were open on this Sunday and it didn't look as if Sarah was one of them. Tammy decided she should go visit someone.

"Hi Tammy, where have you been?"

"I was sent on a course after what happened here, I got back yesterday. How's it been?"

"I was offered counselling through Victim Support but I told them I didn't want it. It's been bad enough dealing with everything through Kelly."

"What's happening now?"

"The Sheriff won't release David's body yet."

"Why the delay"

"None of them have admitted murdering him and the police were afraid they'll lose evidence as David wanted to be cremated."

"Who's organising the funeral?"

"I am, I was still his wife. You were right, David was being led along and wouldn't have done this by himself so I will do what I can to make up for my misgivings."

"It will send Yvonne a signal."

"I know, but she won't be allowed to attend regardless how much she moans."

"Where is she?"

"In prison, in Scotland. The others are with her."

"Good, what are you doing with the house?"

"I can't do anything until the inquest, and that's not until the end of October apparently."

"I guess I'll get called."

"Probably, I told Kelly to put anything through your solicitor when I found out you had skipped town. Where did you go?"

"Kent, on the coast overlooking France. Not that sunbathing was an option."

"You've lost weight, Tammy."

"Half a stone if you believe my scales."

"Did they starve you?"

"No, the food wasn't too bad but the days were long and there was plenty of exercise."

"Sounds like an army camp."

"It was, Cathy."

"I was joking!"

"I wasn't."

"Oh, you were sent to an army camp because of what happened here on Saturday?"

"Pretty much so," Tammy decided to change the subject, "when are you going back to work?"

"Tomorrow, I have a hire vehicle while the insurance company sorts out who's liable for my car. My headteacher didn't want me back for another week or two but I can't sit here much longer. It's a good job Elsie's not here, that I really couldn't cope with."

"Have you spoken to her?"

"Yes, although Thomas had already sent a full report. He seems to know more than I about what was going on, and I was there."

"He may be a better observer?"

"True. Do you fancy a swim?"

"I don't have a cossie with me."

"It won't bother me and I can't be asked to go upstairs to get one! Lunch will be in about forty five minutes and, by the way, your folks are invited for dinner tonight."

"When was that decided?"

"As soon as you called to say you were coming up here. Now, do you remember the way to the pool?"

"Of course I do, oh."

As the pair approached the stairwell down to the basement Tammy remembered the events of two weeks earlier. They both hesitated.

"Have you been down here, Cathy?"

"No, not since the police were here."

"Take my hand, we'll go down together."

They looked at the snooker table which now had a new baize, the damage to the lights and the ceiling had also been repaired. They passed through to the pool and stripped before diving in.

"I've looked forward to this, Tammy, but I could hardly ask the staff?"

"I would have come round yesterday if I'd have known."

"You could barely keep your eyes open by all accounts. How's the new maid?"

"I've spoken to her once!"

"She's Anna's baby sister."

"Oh, I thought she looked familiar."

They swam for a bit.

"What's that on your shoulder?"

Tammy had reduced the dressing to a large sticking plaster that morning but it was peeling off in the water, she removed it and put it on the poolside.

"I was hit."

"What with?"

"Never mind, it was during the final exercise on Thursday afternoon."

They swam a little more then showered and dressed, using Cathy's room.

"So, this course, were there any fit men?"

"They were all fit, really fit."

"And?"

"No I didn't!"

"So they weren't interested?"

Tammy blushed, "Well, I didn't want complications. I'm sure I could have had a different one every night, but I was too tired every day to do anything."

"Just lay down and think of England!"

Lunch was called so they made their way down, taking seats in the conservatory. Tammy stared out of a window, towards the woods.

"Was that an Osprey?"

"I don't know, Tammy, I didn't think they came this far North?"

A search of Google found some local bird sighting reports. "A pair of Ospreys were seen in April so it's possible.

Tammy continued, "it's a shame I don't have my camera with me, and a phone isn't good enough for that distance."

"Thanks for being here, Tammy."

Tammy held out her hand and waited for Cathy to take it. "Anytime Cathy, I'm just sorry I wasn't around for two weeks."

Cathy gripped Tammy's hand tight. "You're here now, that's the main thing."

 
Monday 21st September
 

Tammy arrived early for her appointment with Dr Adi, and was spotted in the waiting room by the nurse. A few minutes later she had a plaster on her left arm marking where the canula had been.

"Good morning Tammy."

"Hi Doctor."

"Now, something strange happened a week ago, two NHS Fraud investigators arrived and were interviewing me about you. Then a police officer arrived and told them to clear off and warned me not to say anything."

"Except you're talking to me about it."

"Yes, I think you deserve to hear it, but what are you involved in?"

"Nothing."

"Well, well those visits happened after someone had rewritten your medical history. It's back to normal now but you didn't have your surgery in Glasgow, did you?"

"No, but I can't say where."

"It could affect your post-operative care if your records are not correct."

"I know, but it wasn't my idea to muck around with them."

"It shouldn't even be possible, Tammy."

"Don't ask me how it was done, I'm a victim here."

Dr Adelaide Sutherland wasn't convinced.

"So, I've seen a strange report from the Gynaecologist."

"It was an odd appointment, he was convinced I was all girl."

"That's what the records said, but he should have noticed?"

"I squirmed a bit, it was uncomfortable."

"Of course it was uncomfortable, the examination was designed by a man!"

Tammy laughed.

"Too true!"

"Your mum said you were on a course."

"Yeah, outward bound with the army."

"You were barely ten weeks down from major surgery and you did that?"

"Yes, me and a load of special forces guys."

"That would have been an interesting way for you to lose your virginity."

Tammy smiled, "except I turned them all down and I'd already lost it."

Dr Adi shook her head, "I don't think I want to know how long after your GRS you tested the equipment? Now, get those tights off and hop up there so I can make sure you've not done any damage."

"Yes, Doctor."

The verdict was good, Tammy was fine.

"Is it safe to be waxed?"

"Yes, but be careful."

"I will." Tammy pulled her knickers up but left her tights off.

"Is there anything else?"

"Yes, this." Tammy slipped her top off and peeled the plaster off her shoulder.

"How did you do that?"

"Someone shot at me."

"Deliberately?"

"Yes, it was a live fire exercise."

"Tammy, are you insane?"

"Probably."

Dr Adi took a look but there wasn't much to see. "It's fully scabbed now, there's no sign of infection but you'll have a scar there for a while."

"My bra strap rubs there."

"Go to the chemist and get some better dressing pads, household plasters really aren't going to protect it enough. When did you do it?"

"On Thursday afternoon."

"Well, give it a few more days then stop covering it. Leave the bra strap down if it bothers you or wear a strapless?"

"Okay."

"Tammy, I don't know what you're involved in but it's obviously serious and dangerous."

"It might be, but I can't talk about it."

"Well, please be careful. That includes safe sex.

"There's no chance of me getting pregnant."

"With you, Tammy, I wouldn't even rule that one out!"

Part Eleven   "Vital Statistics"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Monday 21st September (Continued)
 

Tammy left the Doctor's surgery and drove to the UHI campus. The University of the Highlands and Islands is a multi-site operation covering a huge geographical area although it also specialised in distance learning.

Tammy headed for the administration building and followed the signs for Registration. The letter from UHI had been simple, she should go along one day this wek with proof of identity, proof of Scottish residence and her exam result slips.

"Good morning Miss Smart, I see you completed the online registration?"

"Yes, but there was a query about my results?"

"Firstly, you stated you are resident in Thurso but you took English A levels?"

"I was initially leaving Thurso and planning to live in London, possibly taking a gap year. It made sense to do A levels if I was going to be in England."

"I see, what changed?"

"My father moved up here and we bought a house next to the McPherson estate. We've lived there since the new year."

"I see, now you went to St Andrews, but it's only now taking girls?"

"I was the first, it's because of my experience that the female boarding house has been built and the sixth form has gone co-educational. Is there a problem?"

"Not at all, we're just concerned that some English are trying to get places at UHI because we don't change fees for Scottish residents."

"I can assure you I'm resident, in fact I've anchored myself to the Highlands; I'm working part-time for Caithness Marine and I own property in town."

"Well, thank you Miss Smart. Do you have any disabilities?"

"None that I'm aware of."

"It's a mandatory question, because we have to supply stats on everything! By the way, being English wouldn't qualify as disabled however much the local politicians might suggest! Good, here's your welcome pack and student card, please sign for it. There's a charge if you lose the card and you wouldn't be able to access any on-site facilities until a replacement is issued."

"I understand, anything else?"

"No, that's all, welcome to UHI."

Tammy's next stop was the Students' Union office where she signed up. This entitled her to attend social events plus discounts on a multitude of products, shops and services, most of which were not available in Thurso. The main thinking behind joining the SU was, other than it being normal for students, was that Tammy would be seen as normal amongst her fellow students. She'd created a new email address just for her SU membership as she had a feeling the spam count would be fairly high.

"Hi Tammy."

"Tanya! I didn't know you were going to be here today?"

"Joan suggested it, Mondays seem to quieten down around lunchtime after a mad start."

"Okay, sorry I wasn't good company on Saturday. I'd been travelling since the previous lunchtime and my phone had died. Thanks for taking me home too."

"You surprised us with that uniform."

"Yeah, I don't know if I'll ever wear it again."

"I don't know if anything will fit me soon."

"Come on Tanya, it's not like you're showing?"

"No, but my boobs have gone up a size already."

"Maybe John put your bras in the washing machine on too high a temperature?"

"Oh no, he knows how to wash them."

Tammy decided to change the subject, a little. "What do John's parents think about the baby?"

"His mum's gone downhill, she's having trouble recognising John on the phone and I have to explain who I am every time. His father was rather surprised and questioned John, I suspect he would have asked me if I wanted to keep it, if he dared." Tanya's eyes welled up, Tammy reached out and gave her a hug.

"You do want the baby?"

"Yes, absolutely, it came out of the blue but I'm ready."

"Then you'll handle any doubters just fine. One word of advice?"

"What?"

"Don't ram maternity law down people's throats. You're not the first student to be pregnant, all you need to do is inform them. Also, what about the night-time cover at the school?"

"I will be able to do that virtually right up to the birth, it's not far to walk."

"Okay, I'll remind you of that when you complain of swollen ankles and needing to be within ten feet of a loo all the time."

"Hey, are you the expert now?"

"No, but I did some research."

"At least you won't go through it, oh, sorry Tammy, I didn't mean it like that!"

Tammy didn't answer, but her eyes were also wet.

"Come on, Tanya, lets get a coffee?"

"No, I need to get back. You're up at the school on Thursday, aren't you?"

"Yes, but I don't know what it's about. Has John been asked to be there?"

"There won't be any ambassador duties for a while, I think you're meeting some of the lower sixth."

"I'll see you there?"

"Can you be there for breakfast? There may be some early meetings."

"Sure."

They went their separate ways. Tammy needed to top her cash up and fancied doing a little shopping, but first lunch. On her way to the hotel she put her head into the salon, it was almost deserted.

"Hi Tammy, I guess you heard the news?"

"Yes, in fact I've just seen Tanya. She's asked me to be Godmother."

"I did wonder who she would ask, but you were my first choice."

"Thanks. Could you fit me in this afternoon?"

"Sure, there's an opening at two. Did you want to see Joanne too?"

"Please."

"I'll put you with her first then, at half past one, then I'll do you at two."

"Thanks."

It was just midday when Tammy reached the hotel, almost walking through the entrance at the same time as Sandy Franklin. They quickly decided to take a table between them, both ordered an omelette with side salad.

"I could have done with your help for the last two rehearsals."

"I'm sorry, but I was sent on a course with virtually no warning. I arrived in town on Saturday."

"I saw you, but you looked awful."

"I felt awful."

"What was it with the camouflage outfit?"

"After I'd ruined three pair of leggings they issued me with the fatigues, almost a full uniform."

"It wasn't the Girl Guides then?"

"No, the Army."

"What on earth were you doing there?"

"Training, very intensive training. I can't talk about specifics though."

"I understand you were at the McPherson house when everyone was taken hostage?"

"Yes, I was at home when it started and found out what was happening when I got back there. The day before we'd found out that Cathy's husband was dead, murdered, so it was already a difficult time before Saturday evening."

"Lori and Jeri seem to think you were involved in setting them free?"

"I summonsed the Police, so I suppose I did help."

"Anyway, the band have been rehearsing at the school, they're really good."

"That's excellent, what about the soloists?"

"They're harder as they've never had formal coaching. Next week I need to work with the soloists on their own, can you coach the choruses?"

"I'll try, I hadn't realised how much hard work is involved!"

"I think Iain had, which is one reason why he stood down!"

"What would be the other?"

"The major enquiry he's been running, plus he thinks he has one more chance at promotion."

"So he cuts back on extra-mural activities?"

"Exactly. He really did enjoy it, did you know that he was responsible for the youth theatre starting?"

"No, I just assumed it had been running all along."

"When you joined last autumn, that was only the second year and we were struggling to keep enough people to put on the more ambitious plays, or musicals."

"I thought there were enough?"

"Yes, but no room for understudies, what if one of the actors had fallen ill on the opening night, or if Tanya had been unable to carry on after she was attacked?"

"We had no-one spare, the shows wouldn't have happened?"

"Quite, but it was the success of West Side Story and then the excellent production of Macbeth that has made the theatre attractive. We've filled the house regularly, attracted good press, new grant money has enabled the building works to be done and we have enough people in the company to consider understudies."

"I'm just glad to be a part of it."

"No dear, Tammy, you're much more than that."

Frances brought their lunches over, interrupting the conversation. Tammy was feeling quite overwhelmed so was happy to concentrate on the food for a while.

Sandy had to go back to the library by one so Tammy sat on her own but became uncomfortable with the number of males asking if the empty seat was free. She sought sanctuary in the ladies, although it was really a necessity, before walking back into the lounge a few minutes later. One of the males was now sat at the table and smiled as Tammy approached. She ignored him and headed straight for the exit.

"You're early."

"I can come back, Joanne?"

"No, I've finished my lunch so let's get going."

Tammy stripped down, and paused before dropping her knickers. "The works please Joanne, I've got clearance."

"Fine with me, get up there! I'd only just turned the wax pot back on when you arrived so it'll be a minute before I can start."

"Okay."

"I heard you looked like a squaddie when you turned up on Saturday."

"I trashed some of my clothes so they gave me a couple of sets of khaki. I think the Defence budget can cope, but their fashion sense is near zero!"

"It might be useful next time there's a fancy dress?"

"That's an idea, Ouch!"

"Several months growth there, it gets easier from now."

"I hate you!"

"You and everyone else, Tammy!"

"Grrr."

"So, how was Daniel?"

"How do you know?"

"I think your mum was in the chair talking to Sandy whilst Debbie was close by."

"Damn."

"So, how was Daniel?"

"You do realise I have no comparison, no yardstick."

"Yes."

"It was just different, strange sensations and it burned as I hadn't used any lube."

"Who do you have your eye on?"

"No-one, and I really don't know if I want a relationship here."

"Because of your history?"

"Yes."

"I hate to say it, young lady, but very few folk think of you as anything other than who you are now. I'd challenge them to drop their drawers to prove they're female if they ever try that on you!"

"It's an idea."

"What's still astounding is how quick you got yourself sorted out, like over a year quicker than anyone's best guess."

"I just went along with the medical opinion, I was amazed when I was offered the surgery, so I think I was very lucky."

"Right place, right time?"

"Yes."

"Right, can you roll onto your tummy please."

Joanne finished Tammy and had to wake her in the end, she'd dozed off.

"I best get out there." Tammy pointed at the door into the salon.

"At least try putting some knickers on."

Tammy left the salon at three and headed to the bank where she used the lobby cash machine. Then she wandered across to Sarah's Boutique although she found herself making coffee for the pair.

"I was hoping I would see you."

"Okay, Sarah, but all you had to do was call."

"I knew you've only just got back and you've been busy so I didn't want to call."

"I'm here now, what is it?"

"Could you look after the shop tomorrow?"

"Sure, do you need to pop out?"

"I have an appointment in Inverness and I could be there all day."

"Oh, at the Raigmore?"

Sarah nodded. "Yes, and I might need to go in for surgery sometime in the future."

"Just ask."

"You've got your university course, and your other work."

"But I owe so much to you, of course I'll help."

"Thanks. There's a spare set of shop keys next to the kettle, take them."

"I already have a set!"

"Not for everything, your set only covers the external doors and not the new alarm or the small safe."

"Okay, what's the problem?"

"I've been getting severe cramping and heavy bleeding. It's difficult for me to take time off to see the doctors so it's got quite urgent."

"What's the plan?"

"Probably a hysterectomy, but that could put me out of action for a month or two."

"That's pretty drastic?"

"Tammy, I'm forty three and I don't intend to have any more children, Emily is now twenty one. The menopause is due to hit but it could be another five or even ten years and I can't put up with the pain much longer. Plus the last scan showed growths they called fibroids."

"Okay, just let me know when you need time off."

"Thanks Tammy. I know Lori can help but she'll be at school all during the week."

"It's alright, Sarah, I can cope. I've looked after the shop before."

"But that was for half a day. I hope you don't think this is selfish but I don't want to close as it takes ages to build up the business but days to destroy it."

"No Sarah, you did so much for me that I just want to give some back."

Unfortunately a customer arrived, Sarah excused herself to make a phone call so Tammy was left in the store.

The customer was about the same height as Tammy, dressed in trousers and a hoodie but looked androgynous. Tammy couldn't be certain if they were male or female, but they were plainly frightened. They were carrying a sports branded backpack.

"Can I help you?"

The customer turned to head out of the store.

Tammy continued, "I won't bite, I was frightened the first time I came in here as well! There's no other customers, would you like to browse, try anything on or just talk?"

The customer stopped, looked outside seemingly for any inbound customers, then turned back. Tammy had made her way from behind the counter and was now stood in the centre of the store.

"I'm Tammy, what's your name?"

"Ellie."

"Hello Ellie, now what are you looking for?"

"Hmmm, nothing, I best be going."

The accent was 'Estuary English' so could be from almost anywhere in the South-East of England, but Tammy still wasn't sure if the customer was a boy or a girl. They were however in a women's fashion store, so Tammy took a guess.

"Do you know your sizes?"

"No, not really."

"Let me get my measure, can you go over to the changing room and remove your top, I'll be over in a second."

"I'm not sure."

"Once we know your sizes we can look at what might suit you, you don't need to buy anything."

"Okay."

"How old are you?"

"Sixteen."

"Fine, it's just I can't measure you if you're under sixteen."

"Oh."

"So you really are sixteen?"

"Yesterday."

"Right, Ellie, I'll be over in a minute."

Tammy first went to the storeroom to find Sarah, a wrong word right now could easily send the girl out of the store. With Sarah duly advised Tammy grabbed a measure from under the counter.

Under the hoodie was a short sleeved school shirt. She was wearing a white t-shirt and two breasts were obvious, as was the lack of a bra.

"Now Ellie, could you take off your shirt so I can measure your bust. It's best if you remove your t-shirt as well but I won't ask you to do that and I think we can manage."

Ellie did as asked, leaving the t-shirt. The trousers were standard boys' school, but seemed to have an elastic waistband.

"Hmm, thirty two inches under and thirty four over. That's a B cup. Waist is twenty six inches. Can you loosen your trousers?" Ellie wasn't convinced but did as asked. "And your hips are thirty four. So, thirty four B, twenty six, thirty four."

Tammy stepped out so Ellie could redress, she went to the counter and made a note of the numbers. Ellie was a size eight, or a small size ten. Most of Sarah's stock started at size ten, but she didn't carry many of the smaller sizes.

Sarah was dealing with Anne McIntosh, the Headmaster's wife. "Oh, hello Tammy."

"Good afternoon, er, Anne."

"You haven't seen any of the boys in town have you? One of them, Leonard Sturgeon, has gone missing and he's only been at the school for a few weeks."

Part Twelve   "Motherly Concern"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Monday 21st September (Continued)
 

"Tammy, I think you know what you should do?"

Sarah was right, of course. Tammy returned to the changing room.

"Ellie, are you ready to come out?"

There was no answer, Tammy repeated the question. She could now hear a quiet sob so pulled the curtain back and stepped into the booth, Ellie was curled up on the floor, the hoody was next to her.

"Ellie, no-one here is to try you. Come with me and we'll find out how we can help you."

Tammy picked up the sports bag, there was a St Andrews tag attached that said 'L E Sturgeon', confirming her suspicions.

She bent down again, Ellie wasn't moving and her breathing was shallow.

"Sarah, call an ambulance!"

"What's up?"

"She's unconscious."

Sarah grabbed her phone to make the 999 call, going to the door at the same time in order to turn the sign over.

"Anne, it is Leonard but there's something very wrong, can you give me a hand to get her out of the changing room?"

Ellie was put into the recovery position, then Tammy checked the bag. Inside was a St Andrews blazer, mobile phone and a wallet. The phone was locked so she put it back, with Anne watching she counted £200 in the wallet, before putting that back in the bag. One of the school rules was that the boys shouldn't have more than £50 in cash unless they had special permission, but they could lodge cash in the office in case it was needed later. Tammy put one of her business cards in the wallet.

"She was probably going somewhere, what do you know, Anne?"

"I was told he was a boy who had a morning appointment at the dentists, he was due back at lunchtime."

"Well, she has breasts and a 34-26-34 figure so not much of a boy there."

"I should call the school."

Sarah had finished on the phone and had now dropped the blinds, although within two minutes there was a rap on the door, she allowed two paramedics in.

They set to work, clamping an oxygen mask on her, then pulling up the shirt and t-shirt to check her chest and exposing the breasts. Anne was on the phone but gasped as she saw what Tammy had described. An injection was administered, Tammy heard the words 'diabetic coma'.

"We'll take, err, her to the Raigmore, a chopper will be landing in two minutes, is anyone coming?"

Tammy looked at the others then offered.

"Do you know the patient?"

"Not before today but I've just left that school and my mum's the welfare officer."

"Okay."

Tammy grabbed the bag and hoodie, catching the spare store keys that Sarah had thrown towards her.

A stretcher came through the doors and Ellie was loaded, she moaned slightly into the oxygen mask and tried to move. Tammy told her to keep calm.

The ride to the helicopter was uneventful,the pad being used was the one located at Thurso's hospital, The Dunbar. A few minutes later they were in the air.

"Have you flown before?"

"I'm part owner of RS helicopters." Tammy shouted in response.

"Most passengers have to be told how to put the harness on!"

"Not this one!"

The doctor on board was plainly becoming concerned for Ellie, it didn't help that they had no medical history. Tammy sent an urgent text to Joan but there was no mobile coverage in that area. She made certain the phone was on silent.

"What can you tell me?"

"Not alot Doctor, he told me he was sixteen yesterday and his name was Ellie. He only has a twenty six inch waist and has a female figure. Legal name is Leonard Sturgeon and a student at St Andrews. My initial though was he was transgendered but right now I'm not convinced that's accurate."

"We're not ruling anything out, Miss."

"As soon as I get some information from the school I'll pass it on."

"Thank you."

A text message arrived as they approached Inverness."

Leonard Evan Sturgeon 20 Sept 1999 (16 years old) in year 11.
Joined school at start of term, transfer from Essex. Was due to see me after lunch. Not settled well. Medical history says no issues. Call me when you can.

Tammy passed this on just before the chopper landed, even though it told her very little. She went with Ellie into Resus where the helicopter team passed on their information to the A&E team.

"Are you a relative?"

"No, my mother is the patient's school welfare officer and I've just left that school. The headteacher knows I'm here." She hadn't spoken to Dr McIntosh but was sure Anne would have told him. "I can get authority for anything that needs doing."

"Okay, what do you know?" Nurses were taking samples and cutting away clothing, at the speed they were working they were plainly concerned.

Tammy repeated her conversation with Ellie and identified herself as transgendered to the doctor.

"Doctor, what's wrong?"

"He, she is in shock. It's no longer hypoglycemia that we're concerned about. We'll get a CT scan done, can you see if you can find anything else out?"

Tammy went to a coffee machine then called Joan's office.

"Mum, Ellie's going for a CT scan."

"Ellie? Oh."

"Yes, from her initials. Why did Ellie transfer?"

"Officially his father was going overseas but unofficially he was acting too much like a girl. I just got that from the boy's mother."

"So they pack their little darling off to a school in the Highlands, out of sight and out of mind."

"Yes, if the Head had known this then he wouldn't have accepted the transfer. I was going to ask you to see him tomorrow morning."

"Was that why I was asked to be there early?"

"Yes. Are you okay there?"

"For now, but my car's in the middle of Thurso."

"How was your doctor's appointment?"

"Fine, I'll live."

"Tanya said she saw you."

"Yeah. It's been a busy day!"

Tammy made another call.

"Hilary, can you get a medical record for me?"

"Short answer, Tammy, is no."

"Well there's something not right here, this kid is parachuted into the school by a parent who wants rid of them,"

"Tammy, that happens more times that you would think, consider yourself?"

"That's different."

"Is it really? Unless there's an intelligence angle then I can't touch it, sorry."

"Okay, thanks."

Tammy was called back into Resus.

"We're going to open Leonard up, he's going straight to surgery."

"What is it?"

"I don't want to speculate."

Tammy went back to the waiting area. The coffee she'd bought before the first phone conversation was now cold. She put coins in to order another.

A doctor came past then stopped. "Miss Smart?"

"Yes?"

"I'm Dr Wright, we met when you had a little surgery here."

"Oh, when they tried to put me on the male surgical ward?"

"That's right, has it happened again?"

"Unlikely, not even a gynaecologist could tell the difference!"

The Doctor laughed, "good, why are you here?"

"One of the boys at my old school was brought in, I'm acting on behalf of the school."

"Is that the boy Leonard?"

"Yes, although I prefer to say Ellie."

"Ah, I've been asked to assist, so I'm on my way to theatre now."

"I won't delay you, bye."

Tammy had her tablet in her bag so sat down to read, but she found it difficult to concentrate. Looking at the clock on the screen, it was now gone five and fast approaching six. She checked her phone, there were no new messages.

"Miss Smart?"

"Yes?"

"Could you come with me?"

She was taken to a small conference room, a surgeon, Dr Wright and a nurse were present."

"What's up with Ellie?"

"We've discovered that Mr Sturgeon is female and had started menstruation. We've had to open the vaginal canal, the urethra will need rerouting."

"I see, that would explain for the secondary characteristics I saw this afternoon."

"Such as?"

"Breasts, thirty four B to be exact."

"We'll need to contact his family."

"His father sent him up here as Ellie was acting too much like a girl so I would talk Ellie before involving the father. My own mother is loco in parentis for the child, she's the school's welfare officer."

Tammy put her phone on the table and dialled Joan's mobile. The surgeon sought, and obtained, permission to finish the job they had started. Joan added, before she ended the call, that she would try to get hold of Ellie's mother.

"When Ellie's recovered sufficiently we'll bring in counselling before we go back into the theatre, it could be a few days."

"What did you find, Doctor?"

"Evidence this was her second, or third, menstruation. She would have died if she hadn't been found."

"She found me, I just did what was necessary."

"Excuse me, Miss Smart, but you don't seem fazed by this?"

"No, I had GRS a few months ago and had rather hoped the surgeon would find a womb in me."

Dr Wright laughed, "I performed the orchidectomy on Miss Smart in February."

"So, where is Ellie now?"

"In Recovery, we'll find a bed for her shortly, but she's not leaving Recovery until she's concious. I suggest you go home."

"I wish, my car's in Thurso." Her phone rang.

"Yes, Dad?"

"I'm in the carpark."

"Thanks, you have my car?"

"Not quite."

Tammy thanked the medics and found her way out to the carpark, a helicopter was on the grass behind the usual helipad, adjacent to the main carpark. It was attracting some attention but Tammy pushed through the crowd and jumped into the chopper before the local security officers decided what to do with it. Tammy hadn't finished fixing her harness before they lifted.

"Interesting day, Tammy?"

"You could say that, Sarah's asked me to look after the shop tomorrow, she'll be in the hospital for tests."

"Did you do something with your hair?"

"Yes, Sandy tidied it up for me."

"Looks good."

"Thanks Dad!"

They were dropped behind the barn at Dunbankin', Tammy noted that her car was in the usual spot.

"Hungry?"

"Are you kidding? Lunch is but a distant memory."

Of course Joan wanted Tammy first, the study phone was on speaker.

"Mrs Sturgeon, my daughter had just returned from te hospital."

"How is my son?"

"Mrs Sturgeon, I'm Tammy and I went to the hospital. Your son Leonard is actually your daughter Ellie."

"Arthur would never accept that, that's why Leonard was sent away."

"Madam, your son in having his second or third period right now meaning that your son was menstruating at least once during the summer holidays."

"That can't be right?"

"Believe me it's right. I measured Ellie earlier today, she has a 34-26-34 figure and is a B cup. Her waist is so narrow she has elasticated trousers."

"I still can't accept it, I hope they're not planing to operate?"

"They already did, otherwise you would be planning a funeral right now."

"What do I tell Arthur?"

"Mrs Sturgeon, I'd tell him that he has a healthy daughter named Ellie, there is no other option."

The woman was sobbing, "what will he say?"

Joan suggested Tammy went in search of food, waving her daughter out of the room, clearly Mrs Sturgeon had issues.

Tammy showered immediately after eating, taking care to use a shower cap on her freshly coiffured hair. She was sound asleep by eight.

Part Thirteen   "The Highland Raver"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Tuesday 22nd September
 

Tammy had a slow start in the shop, explaining on one hand where she'd been all summer and, on the other, being careful as to why Sarah was absent. Of course her mind was at the very same hospital in Inverness where Sarah was spending much of the day.

During a lull around eleven, she tried to find out how Ellie was but the hospital refused to tell her anything.

"But I was with Ellie yesterday?"

"I'm sorry, we cannot release any information about this patient."

Tammy considered asking the school for Ellie's mobile number but reckoned on the same answer from Janet Adams if the school was going to protect their student. Another customer interrupted her thoughts, asking if there were any summer frocks in stock?

"I'm sorry, all we have is on the rails, our new stock is autumn and winter, there was a frost last night."

"Oh, but I'm off to Ibiza for two weeks of peaceful relaxation, you should really have something for me."

"I'm sure we did madam, but the group bound for Menorca bought it all last week."

"And you didn't restock?"

"The fashion trade doesn't work like that madam, but I'm certain you could find something online."

"I'm flying tomorow, and I don't do that online thing."

"Well, I'm sorry I couldn't help."

"You've been no help at all, where's the manager?"

"Not here, which means I'm in charge. Perhaps you might find what you're looking for in HP Bazaar?"

The woman stormed out, Tammy estimated her age in the mid fifties and wondered if Ibiza was ideal, Ibiza in September was still a party island that went to bed around five in the morning. If she'd looked online she'd have discovered this.

The next few hours passed with just a few customers breaking up the otherwise empty store. Between one and four she'd only taken a hundred pounds, Tammy wondered how Sarah kept her sanity when business was this bad?

At quarter past four she decided enough was enough so turned the sign around and pulled the blinds down. Her phone started to ring but then stopped, Tammy checked the number but it wasn't known to her. She set about checking the till, and sorting out the float for the following morning. Her phone rang again.

"Hi Sarah, how did it go?"

"I've just got out, I saw your mum with one of the executives a few hours ago when I was stood by a coffee machine."

"I guessed she might be there today."

"There were some press at the entrance, they were being kept out but one managed to get up to female surgical apparently."

"I called the hospital earlier and they wouldn't tell me a thing."

"Okay, I've found my car, I'll bring you up to date when I see you."

"Right, Sarah, tomorrow probably."

Tammy ended the call but her phone started ringing again, it was the same unknown number as before.

"Hello?"

"Is that Tamara?"

"Yes, although I'm usually called Tammy."

"It's Ellie."

Tammy was speechless for a moment.

"Ellie? Thank you for calling me, I've been so worried."

"Did I see you yesterday?"

"In the clothes store, you collapsed so we called an ambulance."

"I'd missed lunch, I'm diabetic, and I forgot to bring my emergency kit."

"Were you running away?"

"Yes, I never wanted to be in Thurso."

"You don't have to run, you could just ask for help?"

"How would you know?"

"I started at that school as a boy and finished as a girl."

"Oh."

"So, Ellie, what's the latest?"

"I'm a girl, and always have been a girl apparently. And it's my time of the month, I knew there had to be a downside."

"Look, did you want this?"

"Yes, yes, yes, but it was a dream, right?"

"Didn't you tell your mum about your breasts and your feelings?"

"She wouldn't listen, Dad told her to keep out of my way. I was very emotional during the summer and he thought I was catching it from mum, or from the girls at my old school."

"That's a load of tosh."

"I know."

"Didn't you get seen by a doctor?"

"What for? Granddad gave me a few booster shots, he had delivered me."

"Was he a Doctor?"

"He'd retired as the village doctor ten years before I was born but did one day a week to help out, didn't believe in me going to the surgery and filling the spot of a more needy patient."

"How was he eyesight?"

"Awful."

"That might explain a few things?"

"Not really, I suppose it looked almost normal down there."

"What's happening next?"

"I go into surgery tomorrow to tidy things up and remove some useless flesh, assuming my period ends by then."

"Did you see my mum?"

"Mrs Smart?"

"That's her."

"Yeah, it seems Dad has kicked up a fuss and wants me playing first team rugby again, he was threatening to sue any doctor within a mile of me."

"So?"

"I'm over sixteen, just, and was able to consent to my own treatment once I was concious. He can moan all he likes, I was asked if I'd like to put an injunction in his way and I said I would, but I couldn't pay for it."

"That usually isn't a problem?"

"No, but it did mean having to be examined by a shrink to make sure I really did know what I'm doing!"

"I spoke to your mum last night."

"Mrs Smart said so, I want to speak t her, but it's difficult."

"How much does your dad control her?"

"He controls everything. He retired as a Colonel from the Army fifteen years ago and still thinks he's there. His father, Granddad, was an army doctor for thirty years, rising to Major just before retirement so Dad did what he was told to do."

"Cascade bullying?"

"I suppose so."

"I'l be at the school on Thursday to meet the lower sixth, you do realise there are no girls below the sixth form?"

"I heard you were the first in the sixth form?"

"Yes, so maybe you can be the first in Year 11? Have you seen the female dorms?"

"No, are they all singles?"

"Yes, with en-suite."

"I might stay after all. My phone's running low on charge so I'll turn it off until I can get a charger."

"I'll send one over, what type?"

"Micro USB."

"Okay Ellie, bye for now."

"Thanks Tammy."

Tammy put her phone away, this was a dream come true for Ellie, apart from her parents that is.

She finished sorting out the safe, there was no reason to go to the bank for just a lousy hundred quid. She checked the storeroom was locked, set the alarm and stepped out into the empty street.

A few minutes later she was safely inside her car and on her way home.

 
Wednesday 23rd September
 

Tammy decided against mentioning the call to Joan, in case Ellie had been told not to call anyone? Then again, had Anne or Sarah seen Tammy put her business card in Ellie's wallet on Monday afternoon?

Her appointment this morning was with Hilary at Caithness Marine, a mug of coffee awaited Tammy when she walked into the general office. Hilary was on the phone so waved in the direction of the mug and a plate of biscuits.

"Sorry about that Tammy, I'm trying to set up a project but I've been told you're not available."

"Pardon?"

"What I mean was that you're not available for any more work than has already been allocated to you. If I want the project done, I'll have to find someone else."

"What is the project?"

"Sorry, need to know, and better that you don't."

Tammy shrugged, she had an oatmeal biccie in her mouth that wasn't going to melt quickly.

"Now, about your identity crisis? I've been told everything should be back to normal."

Tammy washed the biscuit down with a slug of coffee. "I hadn't noticed anything, what was the cause?"

"Someone misunderstanding instructions in the personnel unit at the Security Service,"

"I didn't realise they could rewrite my entire history?"

"They can't, but someone decided they could play with fire, that caused a problem in Glasgow that was picked up by the NHS Fraud lot, it became a mess."

"But all sorted?"

"Yes. Beccy is a different matter."

"Why?"

"Someone was careless and there was a reference to Beccy in your medical records, so that identity is burnt."

"Great, so I can't see Daniel again?"

"No."

"What about Heather, I'm known as Beccy to everyone outside the cottage?"

"You can't go back to the cottage, there's too much risk."

"Oh."

"That doesn't mean you can't talk to Heather, but purely at a professional level."

"I see. What's my new fake identity going to be?"

"No idea, but I'm destroying everything, do you have anything of Beccy's at home?"

"A phone, I used it in Cornwall but it's really just a spare phone and a spare SIM card."

"Change the number and lose any social media accounts in Beccy's name."

"Okay, but I was looking forward to going to Cornwall later in the year?"

"Sorry, now, can we talk about Martin Gore?"

Tammy listened as Hilary explained the background to her, which was odd as Tammy and Suzie had done most of the research during their stay in Redruth over the summer.

The upshot was that Martin didn't have much of a history, not a verifiable one, so was almost an enigma. The two birth certificates, one for a girl and one for a boy, were also confusing. His birth certificate showed he was registered as 'Petra Martina Gore', not a male name at all. Parents were Natalia Petrovska Sukovich and Martin Byron Gore, place of birth was now given as Koprivshtitsa in Bulgaria.

"So what about his father?"

"Deceased, Tammy, died twenty years ago in Bulgaria, the British Embassy in Sofia was notified."

"Mother?"

"Unknown."

"This doesn't help."

"Welcome to the world of half truths and unsubstantiated facts."

"How do we resolve this?"

"You meet him."

"Pardon?"

"You'll be a student there next week, arrange to meet him."

Tammy wasn't impressed!

"Oh, hello, I'm looking for a Bulgarian mafia money launderer? Is his office near here?"

"Calm down, we'll work on an appropriate approach."

"Like hell we will, why don't you go to the university?"

"I'd need an excuse, and clearance from London, whereas you are already there."

"What about my clearance?"

"Done a month ago, you're good to go."

"Great, I've been stitched up better than a haggis."

Tammy's phone rang, she was going to ignore it but it was Ellie. She answered the call, grabbed her bag and went for the door - before Hilary could object,

"Hi Tammy, no surgery today as I'm still on, thanks for the charger, by the way."

"I didn't send one, sorry."

"Well your mum brought it, so I guessed?"

"She probably had a spare one in the office, I've hardly seen her. What else is going on, I heard there were some press yesterday?"

"It seems Dad tipped off a local paper about a boy in the female surgical ward."

"I hope you're being looked after?"

"Oh yes, the nurses are lovely and Dr Wright is easy to talk to. I'm going to need some clothes, by the way?"

"Can you see visitors?"

"Not until after my surgery, we think Dad's on his way up here so only Mrs Smart is allowed in. Once I've had the surgery I should be able to get out of here."

"It's still major surgery, I wasn't supposed to do much for a few months."

"If I'm not allowed out after a week, I'll scream!"

"Nice try, but it won't work."

"I'll feel better. Can you fix me up for a couple of changes and some nighties? I'll square with you, although Mrs Smart has my money."

"Okay, skin out?"

"Yes."

"Bear in mind you might not like the style I get."

"So long as it says girl."

"Fine. What size feet are you?"

"Six."

"I'm in town now, I'll do some shopping and send it over."

"Can you see me on Friday?"

"Probably, assuming my mother lets me."

"Oh, I spoke with mum earlier, while Dad's heading North, she's gone to her sisters and will move out completely before he gets back."

"Good, maybe she'll accept you as her daughter now?"

"It wasn't easy, apparently you said she almost had to arrange my funeral?"

"It was that serious, Ellie."

"They've told me another hour and I would have had septicaemia for sure. I was in shock as it was, not helped by missing lunch."

Tammy ended the call as a nurse needed Ellie's attention. First stop was HP Bazaar for some knickers, simple bras, vests, t-shirts and more. She grabbed a bikini as well, it didn't matter whether Ellie could swim or not.

The shoe shop was next, Tammy kept it to flats, Ellie could buy heels for herself later.

Next stop was a case to put all this in, finally she arrived at Sarah's.

"What's the verdict?"

"They want me in a month's time, on the twenty third of October."

"That's quick."

"I can't delay it, the fibroids might be cancerous after all."

Tammy added the date to her phone's calendar. "That's a Friday, are you going in the night before?"

"Probably, I'll receive a letter in a few days."

"Okay, the following week is half term so I'm around."

"I'm hoping Emily can be here?"

"Is it your daughter's final year at Dundee?"

"Yes, so I don't want to drag her away from her studies."

The shop door opened and the woman from the previous day was stood there.

"Are you the manager?" She pointed at Sarah.

"I'm the owner."

"Well, your assistant yesterday was incredibly rude and refused to sell me a summer dress."

"One I can't believe that she would be rude to anyone, and, in any case, I know we sold the last one a week ago and I was pleased that I even sold one in September."

Tammy couldn't help, "I thought you were flying out today?"

"I went to the library as I wanted to check the hotel out, but they do everything online. Anyway this nice man helped me but he seemed to know a little and asked if I was into the rave scene, whatever that is! Apparently there's a large nightclub under the hotel I was going to stay at so I called to cancel, they refused to refund me a penny."

Tammy started smirking, but went to put the kettle on to mask this. Sarah was now being told about the wonders of the internet, whilst steering the woman towards the new woollen ranges, more suitable for a Highlands Autumn than a Mediterranean party island.

Part Fourteen   "School Girls"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Thursday 24th September
 

Tammy had almost dressed as a sixth former, but she was no longer bound by the school's conservative dress code. After a rethink she'd opted for the navy frock and jacket combination, black tights and three inch heels.

"Welcome back Miss Smart."

"Thank you Headmaster, what's planned for me this morning?"

"Nothing onerous, that much I can assure you. Let's get some breakfast?"

Tammy's heels clicked along the polished wood hallway as they walked towards the refectory.

"Will you join me on the top table?"

"Sir, if you don't mind, I'll sit with the sixth formers?"

"I take it you won't want to be introduced?"

"Can we keep it low key, Headmaster, that way it might be easier for the students to talk to me."

"Of course. If you don't mind, I'd like both you and Mr Hibbert to address an assembly later in the year."

"Nearer Christmas?"

"Indeed."

They'd reached the hall, Tammy split from the Head and found the sixth form tables, exactly where they had been in June. A few heads turned as Tammy took a seat, there were now a dozen or so females present - most of whom Tammy didn't recognise.

"What are you doing here today, Tammy?"

"I'm not really sure, Josie, but I was asked to be here for breakfast."

"Are you going to be at the rehearsal on Saturday?"

"Yes, back to normal hopefully."

"Where did you go?"

"On a residential course, it's connected to my work."

"Aren't you at Uni?"

"I start the course on Monday but I'm working part time as well. Most of the course is done at home, so it fits together quite well. Have you decided what you'll do?"

"It's over eighteen months before I take my Highers!"

"I hate to say it, but you do need to start thinking. What subjects are you taking?"

"Maths, English Lit, Physics and Music."

"An interesting set."

"The English is a one year course so I'll only have three in the Upper Sixth."

Tammy noted that most of the girls were conservatively dressed, but one near her had obviously run foul of the jewellery code judging by the mark on the side of her nose where a stud had previously been.

Another girl, looking to be around thirteen years old, came into the refectory wearing a checked pinafore under the usual school blazer but went to sit with the year 11 students. This much she had not expected. Josie saw Tammy looking.

"That's Daisy, she's not really a student here but her brother is. Their parents were killed a week ago so the Head allowed Daisy to be with her brother. Normally she's at similar school for girls but it was felt best if they were together. Apparently there was no way Daisy's school would accept Finlay O'Shaughnessy unless he wore a skirt."

"I see, how long is this going to continue?"

"No idea, but it means all the female dorms are taken."

The shutters went up so Tammy joined the sixth formers already collecting their breakfasts. Most recognised Tammy, but few of those present had talked to her before. Some of course had no idea who she was, and that included most of the female sixth formers who had only been at the school for a few weeks.

The Head decided he would announce Tammy's presence.

"With us today is Miss Tamara Smart, a School Ambassador who recently completed her studies here," He indicated Tammy should stand, "I would also like to announce that Leonard Sturgeon of Year Eleven is undergoing surgery today and won't be returning to the school before next week. It is thanks to the quick actions of Miss Smart that Mr Sturgeon is still alive."

He sat, those sixth formers who hadn't recognised Tammy now knew who she was. The girl with the missing piercing leant over.

"So you're that bitch?"

"Pardon?"

Deputy Head Mike Thompson was stood behind the girl. "Good morning Miss Smart, nice to see you again."

"Thank you Sir."

"Now, Miss Thakes, I think you should withdraw that remark."

"Why?"

"So you could avoid having privileges withdrawn again, perhaps? See me at four o'clock." He walked away, nodding to Tammy as he did.

"Well, look what trouble you got me into now!"

"I suggest you take a look in a mirror before you say that?"

"BITCH!" Tammy moved before the hand reached her face. The hall went quiet as Mr Thompson, the Head and Lori moved in. The Head checked that Tammy hadn't been touched and asked her to repeat what was said before addressing the girl.

"Go to your room, I'm contacting your parents."

"Good luck, the buggers sent me up here so they didn't have to deal with me!"

Joan was now present and joined Lori in escorting the girl, Annabella, away.

"That's the second incident this week, Tammy."

"What's up with her?"

"Her father's an old boy apparently, but she's gone wild."

"Okay, Josie, I hope I wasn't going to be asked to talk to her?"

"Who are you seeing?"

"I have no idea."

Tammy went first to Joan's office but she hadn't returned so the sixth form common room was the next sensible stop.

"You can't come in." A boy was stood in the way.

"Why not?"

"You're not a sixth former."

"I see, but doesn't the same rule say that a guest can be allowed in?"

"Well, you're not my guest."

"But she is mine." Jeri had arrived. "Sorry Tammy, I got held up, Lori will be along in a minute."

They collected coffees and sat whilst the argumentative boy went off to lick his wounds. "Jeri, I thought I knew this place but it feels really different."

"That's what Lori said."

"What's the score with this Daisy?"

"She's here until Christmas, we had six hours notice to get the last room ready for her."

"How do you know about her?"

"Your mum briefed me and Lori, she's a prefect and Head Girl."

"I'm seeing Ellie tomorrow but she's under the knife today. So there's no spare rooms?"

"No."

"What happened to Daisy's parents?"

"They were killed in Sofia in a robbery that went wrong."

"Sofia, in Bulgaria?"

"Yes, they were working with the athletics anti-doping agency so no-one really believes it was a robbery."

"Do the kids have any other family?"

"No, not that Joan can locate."

"Damn, I so wanted to give Ellie some good news tomorrow."

One of the female sixth formers came in and sneered at Tammy. "Now, that's no way to treat a guest." Jeri was looking straight at the girl.

"Whatever."

Tammy made an excuse and walked down to the ladies loo, formerly staff only. Two other girls came in while she was on the throne.

"Shame AB didn't get that stuck up bitch."

"Yeah, what's she here for?"

"No-one knows, do you know which car is her's?"

"Nah, I'll find out."

"Thanks, I'd love to key it."

Tammy was getting angry so was out of the cubicle just in time to see the outer door swing closed. She washed her hands and checked her face before heading to Joan's room.

"Where have you been?"

"Discovering that admitting girls here was a big mistake."

"Says she who insisted on it."

"Sorry, I'll withdraw that immediately."

"Was this just about Miss Thakes?"

"No, there's at least one who wants to scratch my car. Where did we find these girls?"

"They all came with impeccable references."

"Really? Or maybe their last schools were just happy to get rid of them?"

"For a few it's their first taste of boarding school so they are rebelling a little."

"By going for personal insults and criminal damage?"

"Calm down, Tammy. What's the real issue?"

"No spare rooms."

"The female dorm is full, yes."

"What about Ellie?"

"What about Ellie? Leonard didn't want to stay here."

"But Ellie does."

"It's way too early to say that, this is not a wholly co-educational school."

"It wasn't at all when I switched teams."

"True, but you didn't need special facilities. In case you hadn't noticed, sixth formers don't do PE but Year Elevens do, there's no female changing or showering and it's a national curriculum requirement."

"What about Daisy?"

"I can't discuss individual cases, but she's a special case."

"And I guess Ellie isn't?"

"Look, Tammy, before today you didn't know most of the sixth form girls and had no idea there was a thirteen year old girl in school. You're no longer a student here."

"Then why am I here?"

"I was hoping you could talk to the lower sixth girls."

"That doesn't sound like it'll be an outstanding success?"

"So I gathered, there is one other you could see."

"Okay, who?"

"Tanya."

"Oh, not a pupil?"

"No. She's got morning sickness and hasn't made it into the office yet this week, why not go over to the cottage?"

"So I've wasted my time here so far this morning."

"I wouldn't say that."

Tammy's phone vibrated, there was a text from Hilary.

Get to your car if you can, hostiles!

Tammy had parked around the back so went there as two girls ran back in, being pursued by one of the caretakers.

"I think they were intent on damaging your vehicle, Miss Smart."

"I'd best check it."

"They didn't get close enough, they were spooked, apparently the car spoke to them. They would, however, have left a nasty scratch on the driver's side."

"Thank you, could you identify them?"

"Of course, we have a board in the office with all the girls photos, never needed it for the boys as they are here for years."

Tammy wasn't certain if this was entirely honourable?

"My wife came up with the idea as we were having trouble identifying them."

"Your wife works in the kitchens?"

"Yes, Miss, she has a board in there too."

He went off, no doubt to report this indiscretion to someone. Tammy approached her car but it was fine.

"Answer your phone." Said the car, Tammy had left her phone on silent but it was in her bag and she hadn't noticed.

"Hello Hilary, I'm told you spooked the two girls."

"I had to do something. Do you know who they are?"

"No, the caretaker will."

"One of them is Martina Gore."

"Eh?"

"She's Martin's distant cousin, born in 1999 in Inverness."

"Not Bulgaria?"

"No."

"Now, we've got a brother and sister here Finlay and Daisy O'Shaughnessy, apparently their parents were killed in Sofia, can you look into that?"

"No problem."

Tammy drove the short distance to the cottage and found Tanya with her feet up watching daytime telly.

"You don't watch that rubbish?"

"If distracts me."

"You're avoiding work."

"Dealing with those girls? They're awful."

"Not all of them."

"True, but even Josie can have her moments."

"Oh come on Tanya, you are a real drama queen at times!"

"And you clear off out of town with virtually no notice and can't say where you've been? Not like that's suspicious or anything?"

"It was work related."

"Spy school then?"

"No, army camp, I told you."

"Did you? I've been a bit distracted."

"Has John moved offices yet?"

"He starts there on Monday, he'll have time to bring me breakfast in bed before he leaves in the morning."

"Tanya, that's just awful."

"He's responsible for this!" She pointed at her belly.

"Didn't I read somewhere that it takes two?"

"Yeah, but it wasn't my fault."

"That you forgot to take the pill for a few weeks?"

"Yeah."

"Are you seriously trying to load all that guilt onto your husband-to-be?"

She started to cry, "I don't know, I don't know. I don't know if I want to have this baby now."

"That's silly talk, have you spoken to Dr Adi?"

"No, I just go to the ante-natal at the hospital."

"Please, go to see Dr Adi. Would you like me to make the appointment?"

"John can do it."

"The surgery is closed when he gets home, don't be lazy, you might even get an appointment today."

"I don't know, Tammy, I don't know."

Tammy took her phone out and called the surgery, there had been a cancellation, Tanya could have it if she was there in fifteen minutes.

Tammy loaded her friend into the Mini and set off. Tanya was allowed to go straight into the Doctor's room and Tammy went to leave.

"Stay, please."

Dr Adi wanted to know what was going on so Tammy explained.

"I see, how were you yesterday, Tanya?"

"I don't remember."

"Did you go to work?"

"No."

"Did you do any housework?"

"I don't think so."

"Did you cook?"

"No."

"What did you do?"

"I watched Jeremy Kyle."

"All day?"

"Dunno."

The GP took blood pressure, pulse, weight, height and then extracted some bloods,

"I'll get you an appointment with Dr Kaufman at the hospital."

"Can't you give me any happy pills?"

"No, anything I give you might adversely affect the pregnancy. I'd like to see you next Wednesday, and every Wednesday for the next few weeks."

"Only if Tammy can come with me?"

"That's up to Tammy and it is your pregnancy not hers."

"But she can't ...!"

"She can't be here in place of you, so make sure you are. Remember that pregnancy is a privilege not a right. Some privileges have conditions attached, this one's no different. You aren't doing your own health, nor that of your unborn, any good by moping around indoors. I suggest you go to work while you still have a job."

"Hey!"

"How long have you been there?"

"Just under three months."

"So you could be sacked for simply not turning up, time to check your contract?"

"But I'm pregnant, they can't do that?"

"You should check your contract, employers have rights too and you might still be on your probabtionary period."

"They can't!"

"It's worth checking, Tanya, just to be safe?"

Tanya was ready to leave, but needed the loo. Dr Adi asked Tammy to stay behind.

"Tanya's protected by law but she needs to get off her rear end."

"Even if she's still on probation?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I was really concerned by how down she was."

"It's not uncommon, where's her husband?"

"Working in Inverness, but his job transfers to Thurso next week. She'll be a nightmare once he's in town though, probably asking him to come home urgently in order to find the remote control!"

"I suspect the same, the poor girl's not ready."

"She tried to tell me it was his fault earlier that she forgot to take the pill!"

"That's nothing, a woman has sued her holiday company for providing a double bed for her and her fiancé instead of the requested twin beds, it's the company's fault she's pregnant, apparently."

"So, what do I do with Tanya?"

"She's not your responsibility, legally she's an adult capable of making her own decisions."

"Even if everyone gets blamed for her choices?"

"Yes."

"Who is Dr Kaufman?"

"The new general purpose shrink."

"Gender cases?"

"No, that will be someone else."

Suddenly Tanya screamed.

Part Fifteen   "Coincidences"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Thursday 24th September (Continued)
 

Tammy rushed out of the consulting room, closely followed by Dr Adi. Tanya was a sight, stood in the doorway to the toilet with her leggings down past her knees. She was pointing back towards the loo.

"There, can't you see it?"

"See what?"

"That spider!"

Tammy laughed, but Tanya wasn't impressed. "Hey, it's not funny!"

"Tanya, it's a crane fly and they're harmless. As for those knickers, though, there ought to be a health warning!"

Tanya went a shade of scarlet and pulled her leggings up.

"I still need a wee, can you get rid of it?"

"No, don't be a wuss!"

"Come in there with me and check."

"I thought you were a big girl, no I am not going in there with you."

Dr Adi called the next patient into her room and shut the door, trying to stifle a giggle. The others in the waiting room were not impressed. Finally Tanya's bladder took control of the situation and she dashed in, slamming the door, Tammy just hoped Tanya hadn't wet herself.

***

"Where are we going?"

"Work, Tanya, your place of employment."

"But ..."

"But what?"

"But I'm not dressed for work, I don't think leggings are allowed."

"They're not part of the boys' uniform."

"You know what I mean. I need to change."

Tammy had pulled into the staff parking but relented and drove across to the cottage.

"Thanks, I won't be a minute."

"Just put a skirt over the leggings."

Tanya disappeared upstairs so Tammy took a look in the kitchen. Judging by the empty takeaway containers John had stopped at a Chinese restaurant in town on his way home the previous evening.

Tanya arrived back in the lounge having changed into a maxi dress.

"Tanya! I'm amazed."

"My bump was showing, you can hardly see it in this."

"Bump? That's probably down to your eating habits."

"Are you saying I'm fat?"

"No, but I seriously doubt if you're showing yet."

"So I am fat?"

"Do you practice healthy eating?"

"There wasn't much sauce on the ribs last night."

"Oh Tanya, what about home cooked food?"

"At weekends, John cooks something."

"Why?"

"He's better at it than me."

"Yet you're doing a seven or eight hour day here, including a meal break - if you go in that is! John on the other hand has a two hour drive each way so what time does he get back?"

"Eight at night, sometimes later."

"And I bet he's out of here early?"

"Half six, after he's prepared my breakfast."

"Tanya, there is something seriously wrong here. What if he went on a residential course?"

"He has one booked for early October, I've told him he can't go."

"Then he'll lose his job, whose fault will that be?"

"I hate you, Tammy, you're so nasty to me!"

"The truth can hurt, you are running him into the ground whilst sitting on your rear end all day. You're not eating healthily, exercising or attending ante-natal groups. What does your mum think?"

"She doesn't know."

"Your sister?"

"Debbie hasn't said anything."

"Now, it's nearly half ten, go back up there, clean your face and don't bother with any more mascara."

"Why not?"

"I guess you don't have any waterproof?"

"No."

"Well, in any case, fluttering your eyes at the Head or any other males is kind of pointless right now."

"But not for you, double standards!"

"I'm not in a relationship and I'm not pregnant."

"Yeah"

"Come on."

It was another fifteen minutes before Tanya reported to Joan for work, but nothing was said about her tardiness or the missing days. Tammy, however, wasn't excused.

"The Head has decided to bring all of the lower sixth girls together and give the worst ones a last chance. He would like you and me there at eleven."

"But I'm not here any more, this isn't my show."

"Nevertheless, you know the rules as you helped write many of the female-specific ones."

"That's not true, the boys couldn't wear three inch heels or excessive make-up either."

"Well, we'd never needed those rules before you started here so you're best place to explain that the girls have to comply or leave."

"That's the Head's role, I can't impose anything."

"You can back him up, let's go to his office and get the game plan out of the way."

The meeting, which now included Deputy Head Mike Thompson, Lori and the caretaker Tammy had seen earlier, took fifteen minutes so all the female lower sixth were waiting for a few minutes. The noise from the room had already attracted the angst of several masters and prefects who were struggling to control the girls.

"Silence!"

Silence did indeed happen, momentarily. Then one of the girls popped some bubblegum that was in her mouth, the Head ignored it.

"Now, a small minority in this room are intent on disrupting the school, this cannot go on. We've already today had an attempted assault and a case of criminal damage was narrowly averted. In both cases Miss Smart was the target. I have no idea why anyone would feel the need to target Miss Smart as she is an upstanding member of the community and already a successful businesswoman. She is also a school ambassador who will represent the school at events across the UK. If any of you still think that physical harm is justified then you have no place in this school and arrangements will be made for you to leave immediately."

The room was still but one girl sniggered, Annabella.

"So you think it's funny, Miss Thakes?"

"I didn't want to be in this poxy school anyway."

"Then you won't be an issue any more, I spoke to your father half an hour ago and he is intent on removing you unless you could convince me that you could conform. A train ticket will be available at Thurso station within the hour."

Joan went over to the girl and suggested they went to the girl's dorm room to pack. She was actually booked on the sleeper at half four that afternoon which arrived in London Euston just before eight in the morning. That meant she had time to have lunch, although a small room off the main refectory would be used by her, and some minders.

The Head continued, "I have spoken to several of your parents in the last few days and I must say that they are very disappointed. We have video evidence of bullying and of girls smoking near the rear carpark. Each girl will be interviewed and given the choice to sign a contract. We have offered the same contracts to boys for several years but seldom needed them. If you break the contract then you are out of here, if you refuse to sign it then a different route would be taken. Not all of you will be needing contracts, just the ones we've identified so far."

He passed the floor to Tammy. "Good morning, I'm Tammy Smart and I was the first girl in St Andrews. Most of the rules resulted from my testing of the boundaries, but we struck a happy medium that is fair and mirrors other schools. There is a minimum kilt length for the boys and a minimum skirt length for the girls, I know from experience that some of the teaching staff will insist that Mrs Small deals with you. Make up and jewellery are other issues that I have noticed in just a couple of hours today. This is a happy school, one that I was proud to be at. The school has a good reputation worldwide and I know the Head will do everything to maintain it, as will I in my Ambassadorial role."

"Thank you Miss Smart, Mr Westmorland?"

The caretaker used a remote to activate the classroom projector, the images showed girls around the grounds smoking, taunting the boys and damaging sports equipment.

"Following a security alert earlier in the year, all of the exterior grounds are covered by CCTV, as are communal areas inside the school. If you do anything wrong then it will be recorded."

"Thank you Mr Westmorland. So, you have all been warned and some will be invited to speak to senior staff over the next few days about your future here. You are dismissed."

The girls shuffled out of the room, most were clearly surprised at the Head's attitude. Lori decided to follow in order to pick up any questions or single out troublemakers.

"Thank you Miss Smart. When you see Miss Sturgeon I believe you can offer a place, subject to the governors of course; there's a meeting on Monday."

"I believe it'll be Wednesday or Thursday before Ellie will be discharged. She's told me quite a bit of the family history and has my mobile number if she needs support outside of the school."

"Good, thank you again." He turned and walked towards his study, plainly pleased with the outcome.

Tammy returned to her car, it was nearing lunchtime and she didn't want to be in the school any longer than necessary. She parked in town and walked first to the bakery for a roll, then it was up the stairs at Caithness Marine.

"Hi Tammy, I have some information for you."

"I was hoping for that, Hilary, and a coffee."

"Help yourself to the coffee, some of us are here to work."

"Unlike a lady I was with this morning."

"Was that Tanya?"

"I forgot my car was bugged."

"That's such a harsh word."

"But true, you were listening in."

"Whenever you have a passenger I need to be certain you are not being coerced, kidnapped or otherwise doing something unwilling, it's all about protection not eavesdropping."

"Okay, okay."

"I hope she gets the support she plainly needs."

"So do I. Anyway, Martina Gore?"

"Yes, her parents are John and Anita Gore from Birmingham."

"So no connection to Martin Gore, it was a bit too much of a coincidence?"

"There is one but it's so far removed that the probability of a link between the two is near zero. However there is another connection."

"Like?"

"John and Anita Gore were in Sofia at the same time that the parents of Daisy and Finlay O'Shaughnessy were murdered, staying in the same hotel."

"Damn, and the daughter of the Gores is in the same school as the O'Shaughnessy children."

"Again that may be a coincidence."

"Evidence, Hilary?"

"Working on it but children do not leave enough information to track their movements nor their involvement in crime."

"Martina is sixteen?"

"Yes, she'll be seventeen just before Christmas."

"What was her last school?"

"Edgbaston High School for Girls."

"Doesn't that school offer a sixth form?"

"Hang on."

Tammy finally made it to the kettle to make her drink and munched her roll while Hilary worked.

"Okay, the school does indeed have a sixth form and a very successful one."

"So why did she move?"

"Well, a couple of weeks into the new term Daisy was pulled from year nine and moved to be with her brother."

"But Martina was already here."

"Quite, Tammy, but Daisy had also been at Edgbaston High School for Girls."

"Oh."

"So, coincidence or not?"

"Not."

"So now the hard work starts. and you can begin by writing a report."

Part Sixteen   "Learning Curves"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Friday 25th September
 

"Hi Ellie, how are you feeling today?"

"Sore, Tammy, but the anaesthetic seems to be working."

"How did the surgery go?"

"Fine, at least that's what they said. I can't look yet but is seems there were no complications or unexpected surprises."

"What does that mean?"

"I could be out of here just after the weekend."

"That's great."

"Is it? Your mum said the female boarding house was full and that girls couldn't be at St Andrews except in the sixth form." Ellie's eyes welled up. "I mean, it's not as if I had anywhere else to go."

"We're working on it, the governors are meeting on Monday to discuss the situation."

"I hope so, a ruddy social worker came by on Wednesday afternoon and said they'd handle it."

"That's not good news, but do you have a solicitor?"

"No, I said I couldn't afford one."

"And the school hasn't offered?"

"No."

"Okay, I'll talk to my solicitor and see if he'll handle the paperwork for you."

"Paperwork?"

"New birth certificate, new passport, new national insurance record, new everything. Then we can arrange an injunction against your father on the grounds of mental cruelty and denial of medical treatment."

"Hey, are you sure?"

"Yes, if you want it."

"What about paying, there's no way Dad will pay for it and mum has no money, hell, he'll probably cancel my school fees."

"Is it likely your mother will divorce him?"

"Yes."

"Then we go for the jugular and make you a party to the divorce, I bet the school fees are paid for the year so we have until next July to sort it out."

"I can't do all of that, I wouldn't know how."

"Your solicitor will do it, or will arrange for someone to do it and your father will get the bill."

Ellie was crying now, "thank you, Tammy, thank you."

"Let me make that call, their office is in town."

Tammy spoke to Jeremiah Smith of Smith, Smith & Smith, who passed her onto his brother George Smith.

"I'm afraid Miss Smart that Jeremiah is tied up with the pending court cases involving yourself, your mother and various other parties so can't handle this as well. I have recently specialised into matrimonial and child cases so am willing to do this. Can you give me the details?"

Tammy did as asked then passed the phone to Ellie who confirmed her personal details and various names, addresses and phone numbers.

"He said he'll send someone over with the contract but the initial work is pro bono."

"That's good news, they're an excellent firm. Now, do you need anything?"

"Something to read please, my kindle is on charge."

"Magazine?"

"You'd best see if there are any teen girl mags? There's alot I need to learn."

"Sure. I'll be back shortly Ellie."

Tammy made her way past the nurse's station but was stopped.

"Excuse me, who are you?"

"Tammy Smart, Ambassador for St Andrews School, Ellie's school." Tammy handed over one of her personal business cards.

"We've been told to check all visitors after Wednesday's incident."

"No-one was here when I came past and my mum, the school's welfare officer, told me which bay she was in."

"I see."

"I'm going down to the shop to get some magazines for her and we're expecting a solicitor."

"Right, would you be able to identify the solicitor?"

"Probably, I've used the firm myself a few times."

She was heading to the lift when Dr Wright appeared.

"Hello Doctor."

"Hi Miss Smart, were you able to see Miss Sturgeon?"

"Yes, but I couldn't even get an update on Tuesday."

"We were asked not to give any information over the phone to anyone who couldn't be verified and to screen all visitors. Unfortunately we also had a serious breach on Wednesday. You name was on a list of those who'd called so I verified you, so you shouldn't have a problem again."

"Thanks, just to let you know, we're arranging for Ellie to have a solicitor to sort out the legal issues."

"We?"

"Me and the school."

"Is Ellie aware of this?"

"Yes, she's spoken to her solicitor this morning and we're expecting a solicitor or a clerk with a contract sometime today."

"Which firm?"

"Smith, Smith & Smith, they're in Inverness."

"I'm aware of the firm, I'll let the Charge Nurse know."

"Thanks."

She made her way to the shop without any further issue and browsing the racks when John Hibbert walked past.

"Tammy?"

"Hello John, they sent you?"

"I was just heading out of the door when Mr Smith called me, it's a simple two page contract for Ellie to sign, witnessed by yourself if possible."

"Of course, I just need a magazine or two on make-up, relationships, clothes and everything girly."

"You're the expert."

"Not really, wait a minute and I'll walk up with you."

Tammy took another minute to decide on her purchases then joined John for the ride back up to the fourth floor. As Ellie had only just transferred to the school, she'd never met John but was surprised to find she had both St Andrews Ambassadors.

"So you're a solicitor now?"

"Trainee solicitor, Ellie, which means I'm a glorified clerk. I've years of training before I can call myself a solicitor."

"Okay, when do I hear anything?"

"It'll be after the weekend, possibly mid-week. We'll need to contact your mother, her solicitor, your school in Essex and anyone else relevant. But first we'll need to do a statutory declaration. I have that paperwork here but I'll need a qualified person."

"Would Dr Wright do?"

"Who's she?"

"The doctor who saw Ellie on arrival. She's in the building and knows the case history."

"Okay, but if it's not acceptable then we'll have to do another. This is until we can get the birth certificate re-issued, where were you born?"

"Manningtree in Essex."

"Wasn't that where the Witch Finder General was from?"

"Yes, Matthew Hawkins. We did a history on him in primary school."

With the paperwork all signed, John and Tammy left the hospital, Ellie had started to fall asleep so there was no point staying.

"John, Tanya says you're off on a residential course?"

"Not exactly, I'm starting a law degree in Aberdeen in just over a week but it's four days a week and I'll work out of the Thurso office every Friday."

"So Tanya doesn't know?"

"Not exactly, she's not exactly doing brilliantly at the moment so I don't think she needs this."

"John, you have to tell her. Did you know she hasn't been going to work?"

"No."

"Except yesterday when I forced her she's spent the days watching Jeremy Kyle."

"I thought she was tired from working, I was picking up take-aways."

"I know. I've got her to see the Doctor and there's help coming."

"What do I do?"

"If you want to keep the job then you should discuss it with one of the partners as whether you can put off the degree for a year, until after the baby's born, or do it in Thurso at the university."

"It's not as good a degree as Aberdeen."

"Maybe not, but you can always do that after a year?"

"Okay, what kind of help have you arranged for Tanya?"

"She'll see Dr Adi every Wednesday morning, there's a referral to the new shrink and there will be ante-natal classes. She needs to eat better. You've put on some weight too!"

"I have to skip lunch some days so I have a cooked breakfast in a cafe near the office every morning."

"You're a right pair!"

"I guess we are."

"Look John, I didn't want to interfere but you mustn't keep secrets from each-other and Tanya needs help otherwise she could lose the baby."

"That bad?"

"Yes, this needs sorting immediately." She pulled him tight and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Do it for me, please John, do it for Tanya and do it for the baby."

***

It was midday before Tammy pulled into Thurso, first stop was the salon.

"Hi Tammy, you don't have an appointment."

"No, but I really need to talk to you."

"About Tanya?"

"Yes."

"She phoned me this morning. She was quite upset and thinks you were bullying her."

"I told her some truths, took her to see Dr Adi and insisted she went to do a days work."

"Don't worry, I told her she was over reacting."

"How much did she tell you?"

"Enough to make me concerned as well, I'll go with her to the doctor on Wednesday and the ante-natal classes. What's this about a shrink?"

"It's for pre-natal depression and he'll be available in case she needs him for post-natal care."

"And you arranged all of this?"

"No, I just made sure she saw Dr Adi immediately, the doctor did the rest."

"Can you let me know of anything else?"

Tammy explained her conversation with John.

"Right, so until he gets home we won't know how that goes?"

"Exactly, and it doesn't help for Tanya to keep ringing his office."

"Oh, how did you find out?"

"One of the staff at the firm let it slip."

"I won't be pleased if any other this about Tanya gets out."

"Don't worry Sandy, I won't do anything to add to her woes, so long as she gets the help she needs."

"Agreed, but I'll be the one giving her grief if she doesn't start to look after herself."

 
Monday 28th September
 

Tammy parked at the university, today was the day she became a student, even if she still had no idea about the actual coursework. She was first shepherded towards the large lecture theatre.

"Welcome to UHI. For many of you this is your first experience of post-school education and I assure you this is all together a different experience. For some of you you left school a fair few years ago but the courses are no easier or harder for you than for an eighteen year old, it's just the effort that you put in that makes the difference.

"The rewards are great if you do the work but failure should never be an option. Most of the work here at UHI is distance learning as we can't expect you to travel here daily, although for some there are weekly or monthly seminars and tutor meetings. Please attend these as they are vital to your coursework."

The Principal continued for some time before the students were sent off to the relevant faculties to meet their tutors. There was a familiar face in the Business School.

"So the paperwork wasn't a problem?"

"Not at all Tammy, I'd originally put in for here back at the end of last year but circumstances changed and it was easy to re-instate it."

"So, John, you're doing the same course?"

"Yes, we've decided that I'll specialise in Business Law after all, so no matrimonial cases thankfully."

"How was Tanya at the weekend?"

"Sandy came over on Saturday afternoon and helped Tanya with the housework, she suggested I went for a walk for an hour."

"Did it help?"

"Yes, for both of us I think. On Sunday we went to Sandy's for lunch and Tanya helped her mum in the kitchen, I was told to go off again for an hour so I went down to the harbour where I bumped into Jeri and Lori."

"Sounds good, John?"

"It was relaxing, no pressures. I couldn't go for a drink as I was driving."

The tutor called the group to order.

"I have an envelope here with your background information for your first coursework. This is a warming up exercise and is the same regardless of your specialisation. Indeed it's not until year three that there will be any noticeable differences in the work each of you are doing."

There were some blank faces and mutters across the room.

"Sorry, I just assumed everyone knew who I was. My name is Peter McDermot and I'm a lecturer in the business school. There are tutors for each specialisation and you will be allocated to these now. Each tutor also has an assistant. Your pack contains their names, phone numbers and email addresses although you can also contact them through the website.

"Please raise any issues with your tutors first and only bring it to me if you cannot resolve it. I would add that there are no favours, special treatments or discriminations here at UHI. We'd expect the same from yourselves. Our full policy information is in your packs and is on the website."

All the students now collected their packs and followed instructions to meet their tutors. John and Tammy now headed in different directions, Tammy found herself in a room with twenty others, a mix of ages from eighteen to fifty-something.

"Good morning, I'm Freddie Flint and I think we can get all the jokes out of the way now, please. I'm the tutor for Business Finance so if you're not taking that option, please find the right room now."

A few double checked the label on their packs, plainly uncertain which option they'd taken, but no-one left the room. One, however, did arrive late.

"Ah, my assistant has arrived. I'd like to introduce Martin Gore."

Part Seventeen   "Assignments"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Tuesday 29th September
 

"And after he explained the assignments he asked me out!"

"Gore?"

"No Flint, but I could see a white mark where a ring usually lives so I swerved and left the room."

"Shame it wasn't Gore, Tammy."

"Hey, Hilary, I don't want to get that close to the subject!"

"You still get to write a report though."

"There's a downside to everything."

"All part of the day job, Tammy."

"I though my student life was the day job?"

"You said you have two weeks to assess a bogus company that looks amazingly like the accounts you did for that fashion show lot."

"Yeah, hardly going to tax me, is it?"

"That's a point, let's pull Gore's tax records."

"I wouldn't think that would be enough? After all if his only income is the university then he doesn't handle it at all."

"True, it could all be PAYE deductions, but you never know?"

"Okay, what about the other Gore family?"

"Grab yourself a terminal and have a read. I need to get some work done, but I wouldn't mind a coffee!"

Hilary's report was non-committal; Martina Gore's parents, John and Anita Gore, seemed to flit around the world regularly. Their stated occupation was market research, but their company was registered in the Cayman Islands so no accounts were available.

She opined that you could assume they were assassins by the trail of destruction that followed most trips, but it would be hard to pin a multitude of harm on an English couple travelling on business, or pleasure. The case was therefore not proven.

Sixteen year old Martina Gore had rarely accompanied her parents overseas but had been with them when a renegade Russian General was murdered in their hotel in London and was with them in Paris when supposed Middle East peace talks deteriorated into a gun fight. Both events were during the past summer.

Daisy and Finlay O'Shaughnessy, however, often went with their parents and held Laissez Passez documents in their own right from one of the UN agencies as their parents had international accreditation. Their international travel privileges would come to an end with the death of their parents. The murders of Fergal and Sonia O'Shaughnessy was still officially being investigated by the Bulgarians and UNESCO, as well as the UK Anti Doping Agency who were their actual employers.

Fergal & Sonia's actual role was less clear, they weren't scientists and weren't involved in monitoring the scientists or athletes. They did however have free access to all of the afore mentioned in any country under a UNESCO role.

"Ruddy spooks!"

"Did you infer that Tammy? I don't remember writing it!"

"Well, seems obvious."

"Nothing is obvious, you need to look deeper."

Hilary's report included known background information on where each of the adults, and their children, had been. Since Finlay had been a St Andrews boy for several years obtaining his records hadn't been difficult, although the request hadn't gone to the Head.

"Who did you get this information from?"

"Sorry, but I won't compromise any of my sources."

"I know everyone there ......"

"Please don't speculate, Tammy, my source does not wish to be identified. You are not my only asset in this town but you are the only one to have have almost unrestricted access to this office. Please don't make me change that arrangement."

Tammy continued reading, somewhat rebuked. The O'Shaughnessy parents went from country to country, sometimes following the international athletics herds, sometimes football and sometimes tennis or even nothing obvious at all. They visited arenas, other sports venues, clinics, government offices and anywhere else they seemed to need to go. UNESCO and the UK Anti Doping Agency had said little about their role except they would be sorely missed.

"Where are mummy and daddy Gore right now, Hilary?"

"On their way to Cyprus I believe."

"What are they doing there?"

"A break in the sun? It's still in the low 70s each day, especially in the hills."

"There's Russian billionaires in Cyprus."

"True, Tammy."

"And?"

"And what?"

"Which one's about to get knocked off?"

"Don't you think that I'd already be working on that if there were any clues?"

"I suppose so, Hilary."

"So, don't speculate, look for intelligence. Read the press and check the daily intel briefings. Look for connections that aren't obvious and follow the leads."

"Where are the briefings?"

Hilary pointed out where to request the daily briefings from various departments, Tammy only selected a couple as she wouldn't be checking this email account daily.

Tammy read a week's worth of the intel but was none the wiser. "I'm shattered Hilary. How do you do it every day?"

"Experience."

"Which I guess I don't have any of?"

Hilary nodded, "but every day you learn a little more. What is your summary of the past few hours?"

"That we can't say for sure what the Gores or the O'Shaughnessys do or did for a living and there's no clear idea whether Martina Gore is a threat to the O'Shaughnessy kids."

"Correct."

"Damn."

"Don't take it personally, Tammy, that's the nature of intel - there is no absolute most of the time. Sometimes, by the time you gather enough evidence it's too late, that's the very nature of the beast."

"So despite all of this work, Daisy and Finlay could be hurt?"

"Yes."

"And there's nothing we can do?"

"Not overtly."

"Then what?"

"I'm running a trace on Martina's phone but I'd like a bug in her room as well."

"How are you going to achieve that?"

"Not me, Tammy, you."

***

"Sir, Headmaster, I wonder if I can do something for the sixth form girls?"

"What are you thinking about, Miss Smart?"

"A small keepsake for each of the female dorms?"

"Is this an attempt to repair what happened last week?"

"Yes, Sir, although I still don't see what the issue was. Nevertheless, I think something that welcomes them to Thurso might be in order. Almost all the sixth form boys have been here for years."

"If you extended the gesture to boys who've joined the sixth form from outside then I would accept the gesture. Perhaps if it came from both of the ambassadors it wouldn't look like you're currying favour with the girls?"

"That's a good idea Sir, perhaps I could have a list of the sixth formers who joined this year so I could personalise the gift?"

"I'll provide that on the condition that you do not pass that information onto anyone else, Miss Smart."

"Naturally, Sir."

"You may want to include Miss Sturgeon with the girls, she'll be rejoining us from hospital on Thursday afternoon. I wouldn't want her to think you've left her out?"

"That's good news, Sir, I'll certainly include Ellie. What about Daisy O'Shaughnessy?"

"She remains a temporary student and, as such, I don't believe it's appropriate."

"Understood, Sir."

"Goodbye Miss Smart."

Tammy sat back, stage one of the plan had been achieved. The plan was for each girl to receive a small toiletries set and a pot pourri. Each set would be named, the only difference being that Martina Gore's set would include a bug - or two.

"What's my budget, Hilary?"

"You can have fifty pounds from petty cash."

"That's not enough."

"It was your idea to involve all the girls in order to hide what you are doing."

Tammy had real trouble deciding what gift to buy for the boys so each of those were to get a five pound gift voucher for the local sports shop instead, in fact there were only four boys who were new to the school.

"John, can you help me here?"

"It's only twenty pounds?"

"Yes, it's costing me seventy."

"That hardly seems fair."

"I don't have the same expenses that you have."

"I suppose so. When do you want the money?"

"Whenever I see you, I'm not in a hurry."

"Thanks."

"How's Tanya doing?"

"She had an ante natal class last night, Sandy took her. I think she's realised she's not alone."

"Pregnancy is quite common!"

"That's not what I meant, apparently there were several eighteen year olds and one sixteen year old girl."

"I see."

"She's also got her first session with Dr Kaufman on Friday morning, I'm going with her."

"Good."

"I'm moving to the Thurso office next week as well, but only for two or three days a week and the rest of the week in Inverness."

"Which days?"

"Monday and Friday in Thurso, plus another day if Tanya has an appointment that I also need to attend."

"You must work for a very caring firm, John?"

"I do, Tammy."

Tammy left the offices of Caithness Marine and walked around to the sports shop. She'd placed an online order for the perfumed sets and the promised delivery date was Friday, which in any other part of the country would probably mean overnight delivery. At times even Tammy forgot just how far North she was, eight hours by rail from Glasgow!

The assistant in the sports shop didn't seem to be excited with the purchase of the gift vouchers, "are these for your boyfriend?"

"No, for some of the boys at St Andrews."

"Oh, going after school boys?"

"I don't like your attitude, but no, this is the Headmaster's idea - a reward scheme." Tammy decided that answer was better than the truth.

"Oh, sorry."

Next stop was Sarah's shop.

"I need cheering up, Sarah."

"Not you as well?"

"Eh?"

"It's the weather, the summer's long gone and we'll have a frost tonight."

"Oh, yeah, that's it. Anyway, I need to buy something."

"How about a woolly cardi?"

"Sounds good, how are you?"

"Not bad, my tablets have been changed and I don't feel as bad any more. I have a date."

"Oh, already?"

"Yes, it's at the end of October. They want me there on Sunday the twenty-fifth ready for surgery the following day."

"I guess that's good news?"

"The surgeon thinks he can do a vaginal hysterectomy, the recovery time is about a week apparently."

"Really?"

"Yes, can you help?"

"Of course, but I have to see my tutor that week."

"I'll have my daughter here as well so work it out between the two of you."

"Sure."

Tammy gave Sarah a hug, both needed reassurance at that point.

***

"Tammy, it's Ellie."

"Oh, hi."

"You don't sound surprised I called?"

"I spoke to Dr McIntosh earlier, he said you have been accepted back."

"Yes, I was hoping I could tell you first?"

"Sorry, I missed your call and my phone died. I'm back at home now."

"Well, apparently I'm excused PE."

"Sorry, Ellie, I guess that's for the best - I can't imagine you on a rugby field in a skirt!"

"Hey, that's cruel!"

Tammy stayed quiet, accepting the rebuttal.

"Anyway, Thursday I get out from here, can you come here for me, please?"

"I guess so?"

"Thanks Tammy, I'll need some clothes too."

Tammy closed the call. It was just before five so she called Sandy's salon and booked Ellie in for the works on Friday morning. Tammy had no idea whether Ellie would need to attend school on Friday, but this took precedence.

Her phone pinged, there was an email from Lori with a list of all the female students plus the four new male sixth formers. She'd go through the names later.

After dinner Tammy sat down to work on her first university assignment, it was remarkably similar to the business plan and accounts of the fashion show Tammy had participated in several months earlier.

There was a knock on her door, Angela let herself in before Tammy could object.

"You're not doing secret squirrel stuff are you"?"

"No, just coursework."

"Have you seen my coursework plan for this term?"

"No, why should I?"

"I get to look after one of those robo-babies after half term!"

"Best that you know how a new mother feels?"

"That's what the tutor, Miss Springett said. The whole of the first term is on post-natal, infant health and welfare."

"Seems like a good place to start. It's useful that you worked in the hospital crèche during the summer?"

"I've changed enough dirty nappies, for sure."

"Do you get any practical work?"

"After Christmas we get to tail a health visitor for a week, the focus moves to pre-school age. What I don't get is the number of reports we'll have to write!"

"Get used to it, I've done several already this week and none are connected to my course."

"Yeah, but that's different."

"Is it, Angela, what about those reports you had to write about the crèche?"

"What reports?"

"The ones that you can't mention?"

"Oh."

"Exactly, if you saw something wrong you had to report it. It's exactly the same with me."

"But in my book it was in case of abuse?"

"And in my eyes it's in case of abuse, but at a different level."

"I get it."

"Thanks sis, we're really not that different."

"Thanks Tammy, do you have much work?"

"Not too much, thankfully."

Part Eighteen   "Evidence"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Thursday 1st October 2015
 

"Are you sure, Tammy?"

"Yes, Hilary, I'm convinced this is the real target."

"How did you come to this conclusion?"

"By examining the evidence. Look, I don't want to discuss this over the phone and I do need to collect Ellie."

"Okay, but any delay could be risky."

Tammy arrived in Inverness two hours later and pulled into the Raigmore hospital carpark shortly after ten. She found Ellie in her room.

"Are you ready to go?"

"I have my discharge letter, a prescription and a set of instructions on hygiene." Ellie dropped her voice to a whisper, "apparently I was lucky to not need dilating, but it's been suggested I use a sex toy a few times a week, but I wouldn't know where to get one!"

"The internet is your friend, no questions asked."

"I'm not really supposed to know about these things, I'm only just sixteen and only just a girl."

"You'll get over the embarrassment, but please ask your doctor if you can't ask anyone else rather than suffer in silence."

"I was told I need to see a GP next week but I don't have one yet."

"We'll get you onto Dr Adi's list."

"Dr Adi?"

"Adelaide Sutherland, you'll like her. There's a well-woman clinic on a Wednesday that's a drop in but we'll make a proper appointment first time. I brought clothes but it looks like you found some?"

"Your mum came over yesterday and explained the new arrangements, she spoke to Sarah and picked up a few bits for me, as well as bringing back the hoody I was wearing when I collapsed."

"She must have put it through the school's laundry?"

"I don't know, but it's softer than normal, do the girls have a different laundry routine?"

"I really don't know, Ellie, but I guess it wouldn't be helpful if a bra ended up in one of the boys' rooms?"

"No, talking of which I need a few bits and pieces. Mum's put four hundred in my account to get me going but my card's in my old name until I can get to a branch with all the documents."

"Come on, we've got some shopping to do."

The pair didn't leave Inverness for hours. There were several large supermarkets for simple essentials and several retail parks for other bits. High on the list, once undies were dealt with, were a couple of tartan skirts that would suffice for school, as well as two pairs of black trousers.

"You'll need shoes too, sensible ones for school and a few heels for other places. You can buy boots another day otherwise this money will be gone before we are finished."

They continued Ellie's total immersion into girlhood, ending up in one of the larger branches of Boots.

"My friend's been sent up here for school but her mum forgot to pack any make-up. She'll need a full set, do you have any of the gift packs?"

"We do, the Christmas stock arrived a week ago. What colours do you normally wear?"

"I haven't really bothered much, it was a bit of a mish-mash, I was a tomboy for years."

"Okay, let's see what suits you, have a seat."

Whilst Ellie was being given her makeover Tammy went around the store picking up cleanser, shampoo, moisturiser, cotton wool, nail polish remover .... everything a girl needed. Then she picked up pads and tampons, there was a good chance that Ellie's first few periods would be highly erratic.

Then she took a prescription that had been attached to the discharge letter and headed for the pharmacy counter. It had been Dr Wright's suggestion that Ellie went onto the pill in order to help regulate and stabilise her menstrual cycle. There were also pills for Ellie's diabetes.

"Where have you been?"

"Around the store a few times getting you some essentials, young lady. Look's good!"

"I feel amazing!"

"Come on, we've missed lunch but maybe we can catch afternoon tea back in Thurso?"

"I really should get back to the school so I can find my room?"

"Sure, let's go."

First stop in the school was Joan's office.

"Ellie's new clothes are in my car, it's around the back near the girls' boarding house."

"Okay, Tammy, I need to explain a few things to Ellie but do you think you could take any purchases to her room? Here's the key."

Tammy took the first few bags into the boarding house, and found Ellie's room opposite Lori's. The contents of Leonard Sturgeon's room had been moved over but most of the clothes wouldn't be needed. Thoughtfully, one of the pinafores that Jeri had worn was hanging in the wardrobe.

As it was gone three thirty, many of the girls were returning from lessons so were curious about the new girl. Tammy didn't sense any aggression from the girls this time. "Could one of you give me a hand with the last few bags?"

"So, is Ellie a boy in skirts?"

"No Martina, she just didn't know she was a girl so her first period was a real shock. I was there."

"Oh."

"Look, she'll need a friend, both of you have just arrived at the school so can you give Ellie a hand for the next few weeks? She's not used to being a girl. I'm taking her to the salon in the morning as she's excused classes until Monday."

"I always wanted a little sister."

"Don't overdo it!"

"I won't."

"Thank you. By the way, why did your parents send you up here?"

"It's a good education, they said, and Dad's an old boy."

"What about your old school?"

"Mum and Dad are out of the country so much that my nan looked after me but she's had to go into a nursing home and my old school couldn't do boarding."

"I see, how are you coping so far?"

"Okay, I suppose, but Thurso's a bit short of decent nightlife."

"I suppose so."

"I hear you've got some pressies for us?"

"Yes, the other school ambassador John Hibbert and myself have decided to give the girls a gift, I'm not sure which day they'll be distributed."

By the time Ellie arrived, Tammy had the room organised and everything unpacked. Lori had now joined them.

"Tammy, I think they're making the rules up as they go along."

"Ellie, you're a one-off at the moment, the only female year eleven. The rules for year elevens are different to sixth formers so I guess you're still expected to wear a uniform?"

"Yes, but we knew that."

"Right, but I bet you were just reminded, what were the options?"

"Trousers, or black skirt or tartan skirt or a pinafore, plus a white blouse, blazer and tie. Apparently I might be allowed a gingham dress next summer term?"

"That was suggested a few months ago but no-one took up the option."

"Then there's the make-up rules."

"Before today I be you've never worn any?"

"Maybe not, but how will I learn if I can't use it?"

"Be subtle, I don't imagine it's banned?"

"I have to abide by the same rules as the boys."

"I didn't realise they couldn't wear make-up? Not that many would choose to, however?"

"Whatever, anyway I still have to do some PE."

"Such as?"

"It's been suggested I do a few hours dance a week, one of the masters' wives was a dancer."

"Maybe some of the other girls will want to do it if it's at a convenient time? We'll have to get you a leotard tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"You have an appointment in town to get your hair done, and a few other things. I'll collect you about half nine, I think Lori can handle any other questions?"

Lori nodded so Tammy left them and walked back to her car. A few of the girls were looking into it.

"Nice car!"

"Thanks."

"Did your dad buy it for you?"

"No, I did. I own a properties."

"Like what?"

"A couple in Thurso, one in London and a few others dotted around." She underplayed, deliberately.

"Aren't you at uni?"

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I can't work as well."

"You must be loaded?"

"Not really, I only spend what I earn."

"Do you have any vacancies?"

"Not at the moment, sorry but I have to go."

Tammy parked behind Caithness Marine and let herself into the building, there was no sign of Hilary. She sat at a terminal, logged in and wrote up an encounter report before checking the latest intel.

Next Tammy confirmed her suspicions. If Martina was indeed a plant, placed in the school to observe and report, then who was her target? Tammy was not convinced Finlay and Daisy were at risk, not from Martina at least. She'd examined all the boys, and girls, who had started at St Andrews a month earlier and none leapt out. Finlay had been at the school for 4 years and there was no guarantee that Daisy would join him so that link was a non-starter.

She looked at a list of the Year 8 boys, all of whom had joined a year earlier. Following a little online searching she established that one of them was the son of a prominent French politician, who had been critical of almost every non-French speaker on the planet. The man was a Député in the French National Assembly who had gained many enemies.

The boy, Claude Breton, had plainly been placed in the school for his own protection as well as a decent education as previous threats against his father, Yves Breton, had included murderous intent against his whole family.

Tammy guessed that the boy's presence in the school was not being publicised but was a little concerned that the boy wasn't using an alias. It wouldn't be long before his name was known, whether through academic achievement or being a part of the Year 8 rugby teams.

So, was Martina gathering intelligence, and to what end? Tammy was guessing alot but of all the newly arrived boys he was the one who stood out. Evidence was needed.

She wrote this into a report and submitted it before heading home for the evening meal.

 
Friday 2nd October
 

Tammy had found the bathroom gift packs in her room when she arrived home the previous evening so had moved them to the boot of her car in readiness for a trip to the school after dealing with the tags and one special pack.

Even though it was Saturday, some classes were in progress for the lower years so a few uniforms drifted past as she entered the main building. Lori was on reception duty.

"How did it go last night with Ellie?"

"A bit strange, Tammy, but the Head made an announcement that this was a known medical condition that can kill if not discovered in time and that it was not impossible for any of the younger boys to be in the same position. That helped turn the mood to one of mutual concern but a few of the older boys were making lewd comments and had to be spoken to."

"What about the girls?"

"A few were obviously keeping their distance but Martina was with Ellie the whole time."

"That's good, I'd hoped the two would bond."

"It looks that way and Martina has helped Ellie identify some minor issues that you and the hospital didn't spot."

"Like what?"

"No clothing sense!"

"I went shopping with her yesterday."

"And you bought stuff that you would wear. She's just sixteen and not nineteen."

"Okay, Lori, she's on a steep learning curve."

"True, but she has a limited time to just fit in and look like a typical girl her age."

"Are those your words?"

"No, it was said by several of the girls last night, but is more to do with life outside the school where the world doesn't know her circumstances."

"I see."

"Anyway, what are you here for?"

"I have those gift sets, they're named for each of the lower sixth girl, plus Ellie, and there are envelopes for the lower sixth boys who've just joined."

"Right, how do you want to do this?"

"Can you distribute the gift sets from your room?"

"Yes, that's easily done. What about the boys?"

"Slide them under the doors?"

"Yes, but females are not welcome in the boys' boarding house."

"Then let's find Mike Thompson and ask him?"

Those girls who were in their rooms soon found out and distribution went well, including ensuring that Martina received the bugged set. Within half an hour the job was complete.

At half-past nine Tammy took Ellie into town for her first meeting with Joanne, which was sure to be a memorable experience. Tammy went to Caithness Marine to update her report, but there was no sign of Hilary.

Part Nineteen   "Unexpected"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Friday 2nd October (Continued)
 

Tammy was about to leave Caithness Marine when the secure phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Tammy? Can you find the key?"

This meant opening the safe, something she hadn't intended to do. Tammy fumbled the combination twice before managing to extract the encryption device.

"Ok, Jenny, we're secure."

"Good, firstly about your report, you're heading down the wrong line of enquiry."

"It looked reasonable to me?"

"Sure, but the young Breton is not the son of Yves Breton."

"How can you be sure?"

"The boy and his father were killed in Aix-en-Provence yesterday."

"Oh."

"I guess you haven't read today's paper or intel briefings?"

"I hadn't had a chance."

"I've rejected your report and sent it back to you for revision before anyone else saw it."

"Well, thanks, but where do we go from here?"

"Firstly, get up to date. Secondly, your kid Breton is not who he claims to be."

"So I got the right boy for the wrong reason?"

"Yes, but you can't put that in your report. The kid's name is Claude Benoir and he's the son of a French criminal. The boy's uncle was an old boy in the eighties."

"What's the connection, Jenny?"

"Benoir's father, Xavier Benoir was being investigated by the O'Shaughnessys for participation in international sports doping."

"But they were killed after term started."

"Claude's had a place for nearly a year but his identity has been carefully managed, his father renamed him Claude Breton in the full knowledge that the real boy Breton wouldn't be seen outside of France so no-one would expect to find him in a Scottish school."

"So it's a conspiracy within a conspiracy, Jenny?"

"I'd like to think it as a conspiracy within a poor joke."

"Right, do you think Martina Gore has been placed there to monitor Claude?"

"Yes, Xavier Benoir is very hard to track down but will maintain contact with his son."

"I'm bugging Martina, should I arrange to bug Claude as well?"

"Maybe, Tammy, but I really don't think you can go snooping around an eleven year old boy's shared dorm room without raising some suspicion."

"True. What about Claude's mother?"

"She was killed by a rival several years ago when the whole family was targeted, that's what caused Xavier to go into hiding."

"Is it simply that everyone wants Xavier's location and Claude is the best way to obtain it?"

"At present, yes, but it's not the only avenue of research."

"Fair enough."

"I've been listening to the recordings, by the way, nice move putting Martina with the new girl, Ellie's been interrogating Martina about her family, schooling, holidays and so on."

"But I only bugged Martina's room, they couldn't have been in there all the time?"

"It seems they swapped the talc as Martina didn't like the lavender but Ellie had Rose."

"One of the bugs was in the talc, the other's in the pot pourri. I hadn't thought any of the girls would swap?"

"Girls swap things all the time, you won't have experienced that."

"Okay, Angela has swapped a top with me once."

"And neither of you have experienced living in a female dorm. It would be useful, however, to place a bug in their bags."

"Both?"

"For completeness, Tammy."

"They're in different years so they don't have the same classes and Ellie can't use the sixth form common room."

"Fair enough, I'd still like one in Martina's bag though."

"I'll see what I can do. I need to check on Ellie, I left her in the wax chamber."

"Can you see what Ellie says and write that up later today?"

"I'll try, otherwise it'll be tomorrow."

"Okay, now have you heard from Hilary?"

"Not since eight-ish yesterday morning."

"Her phone is off and I'm getting concerned."

"Where does she live?"

"She's not there and, sorry, you don't need to know. If she contacts you, please call me?"

"Okay, but you're getting me worried."

"It could be nothing."

"Sure."

Tammy finished the call and removed the key, locking it away. She logged off her terminal and made her way out of the building. She found Ellie in a chair being tended by Sandy.

"That wasn't too bad, Tammy."

"Joanne?"

"She was fine, I seem to have a high pain threshold, at least that's what she said."

"Did she offer the full works?"

"No, just three quarter legs and my arms. It seems the Brazilian can wait for my scars to heal."

Tammy wondered, this was not the same Ellie as yesterday morning who was afraid to be overheard discussing the female body. Maybe Martina had done much more than offer clothing advice?

"How long are you going to be, Sandy?"

"Another five minutes, there's not much I can do until it grows a bit. A few hints next time maybe?"

Tammy waited, Ellie actually took nearly half an hour as a decision was made to do her nails and Ellie's ears gained a pair of gold studs.

"I need to get you back up to school in time for lunch."

"Oh, I'd hoped we could lunch out?"

"Sorry, but lunch for me today is probably a cheese roll over a hot computer keyboard!"

Tammy instantly regretted that statement.

"Well, I could probably manage the same, do you have an office near here?"

"Yes, but I'm not allowed to take anyone in, sorry, I don't make the rules as it's not my office."

Ellie was plainly wanting more information, which Tammy wasn't really willing to give.

"Oh. Who is it then, MI5?"

"No, a research agency. Look, if you don't want me to run you back to school then you'll have t find your own way back. Sorry."

Ellie just shrugged her shoulders so Tammy bade farewell to Sandy and Joanne before walking out. She took a circuitous route back to the office via the bakery, checking that she hadn't been followed.

Back upstairs she took the secure phone's key out of the safe, just in case it was needed, then logged in to read the last few days' intelligence reports. It seemed Jenny had added Tammy to a few more report feeds so there were now ten bulletins a day covering finance, UK threats, Western EU threats, Eastern EU etc etc. She did find references to the Breton family, killed as they ate in a café in Aix.

Jenny had asked for any information from Ellie but that was not to be, not today anyway.

She edited her report on Martina and removed all the supposition and guesswork. It was now an interim report that depended on new information being forthcoming.

It was nearly two hours before she was ready to leave, mentally exhausted. She was surprised to find Ellie stood waiting near the outside security door.

"So this is where you went?"

"Yes. Caithness Marine."

"What do you do?"

"I help, it's an internship that supports my degree course but the work is commercially sensitive."

"So you're not some spy?"

"Don't be silly."

"Sandy seems to think so."

"Sandy says alot, take a pinch of salt with some of it. What exactly did she say?"

"That some of her clients are suspicious of you."

"That doesn't mean the same thing, anyway it's probably because I'm a nineteen year old who's directing a musical and owns several properties."

"Director?"

"Yes, we're doing 'Guys & Dolls' in December at the local theatre, there's a rehearsal on Saturday morning in the theatre if you want to join the company, we're looking for one or two understudies."

"I've never acted before, apart from primary school."

"Okay, be there at ten if you want to. I'm going home now, would you like a lift?"

"Please, and I'm sorry for earlier."

Tammy drove and managed to steer the conversation around to Martina and the other girls. There wasn't anything new but it was clear the relationship could produce information in due course. Tammy didn't stay at the school and was pulling out of the gates when her phone rang.

"Hilary, where have you been?"

"Sorry, I had to go off-grid for twenty four hours. Jenny tells me you've been busy."

"We're getting closer to what Martina is doing."

"Or not, she could be a complete innocent? Good idea pairing her with Ellie."

"I guess you've been listening in again?"

"I just caught the last couple of minutes but I've read your reports."

Tammy wasn't far from Dunbankin and wanted to get indoors, coursework beckoned. She was saved by another phone ringing at Hilary's end.

 
Saturday 3rd October
 

The rehearsal went well but there was no sign of Ellie or any of the other new lower sixth joining in. Nevertheless everyone in the existing cast showed up and it was clear that they had been learning lines and lyrics. The band had also been rehearsing and were tight.

Tammy was starting to enjoy herself and only had to make a few corrections as they went through the scenes from the first act.

There was no time to hang around as Cathy had crept in just before the rehearsal ended.

"Can we talk somewhere?"

"Lunch?"

"Sure, Tammy, how about that new Italian place?"

"Tammy guessed Cathy didn't want to be overheard so agreed. They parked in the town carpark and walked the short distance to the place. There were a few couples and one family in there, making just enough noise to drown out any conversation the two girls would have. They ordered a salad each, with water, not the most expensive menu items by a long way.

"What is it, Cathy?"

"Elsie and Helen arrived back last night and we're all invited there for dinner tonight."

"Okay a bit unexpected, but you could have told me that in a text message?"

"Elsie is going to interrogate me about David's murder and will want to take over."

"That's typical Elsie."

"Well, my solicitor has explicitly told me not to involve anyone who had a connection to Yvonne."

"That's easy for her to say it, but much harder in real life. For example, what about me?"

"You were involved from the beginning so have to be in the loop, but Elsie can't be."

"So you want me to help you against Elsie?"

"Yes, please Tammy."

"You're playing with fire there, Cathy, she'll become involved one way or another. She's your mother and she'll want to protect you."

"Then why did she side with Yvonne all those times, why did she arrange for that bitch to work at your school?"

Cathy was raising her voice, forgetting where she was. There was a cough from a waiter as he arrived with their drinks. "Your salads will be just a few minutes."

Cathy sipped her iced water, trying to calm herself. Tammy just waited.

"I'm sorry, Tammy, it's all getting too much."

"It'll be over soon, when's the inquest?"

"Two weeks, on the nineteenth. It's in Wick."

"Same as for Angela's father."

"My solicitor thinks we can deal with the probate a week after the inquest, although there's a matter of the will to be resolved."

"Oh?"

"Yvonne claims there's a newer will than the one I kept in Elsie's safe."

"She tried the same against Joan. The Procurator Fiscal ruled it invalid."

"We'll try to have it excluded but I don't think we can use that as evidence."

"Probably not, but do ask your solicitor to check."

A waiter was approaching with two plates and a jug of dressing. "Buon appetito."

***

Tammy left the restaurant feeling that she hadn't done enough to support Cathy, but it was dangerous to align herself against Elsie. Anyway, dinner meant dressing up and that meant a new frock.

She was not surprised to find Joan in Sarah's shop on the same mission.

"You too, mum?"

"I see you received the summons?"

"Cathy just told me, how formal is it?"

"Elsie said informal but ...."

".... but we'd best not take any chances. Co-ordinate?"

"No, Angela's doing her own thing and didn't feel like buying a new dress."

"Fair enough."

The pair went through the racks until they both arrived at a deep blue maxi dress. It would have suited either, but neither took it. Tammy ended up with a red cocktail dress while Joan went for a black and gold maxi with split sides.

"Dad's eyes will pop out!"

"That's the idea, but don't tell him!"

"Sure, mum."

What surprised Tammy was that Martina was working in the shop.

"When did you start here?"

"Today, I asked last Saturday as apparently the usual girl is involved at the theatre?"

"That's Lori."

"Oh, I hope I won't get into trouble?"

"No, and she took the job from me."

Sarah handled Joan's purchases, there was a shawl as well, while Martina processed Tammy's card. Tammy got her phone out as soon as the transaction was complete.

"Oh, Hi Sandy, I need my hair done, sort of now!"

"Half an hour, there's a gap. Just a simple cut, right?"

"Yes, half an hour. Can you fit mum in as well?"

"I'll try, bye."

The pair went for a coffee in the lounge bar of the Castletown Hotel, just to pass the time. Tammy was now annoyed with Elsie, all these arrangements were having to be made with almost no planning.

Looking around the lounge, she recognised a few people but there were a few obvious tourists too. Then she spotted Martina's parents.

Part Twenty   "Tit for tat"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Saturday 3rd October (Continued)
 

Tammy hoped that the Gores hadn't spotted her and leaned over to Joan.

"Look, I need to go to the office. I probably won't get to the salon so you can take my appointment."

"What's up Tammy, you're making me scared."

"Sorry, but I can't explain. I'll see you at home."

Tammy picked up her bags and jacket before heading for the door. She didn't look back.

Tammy went the long way around to the office, putting the shopping in her car first before checking for a tail. This was getting serious, deadly even. She tried to look calm as she reached the exterior door to Caithness Marine and let herself in.

"What's up, Tammy?"

"The Gores, they're here."

"I know."

"What?"

"I went off grid to follow them, I couldn't risk any communications with you, Jenny or anyone else within the agency."

"Bloody hell, you could have warned me!"

"And if you'd bumped into Martina, as you did, could you have kept a straight face or would you have given yourself away?"

"I don't know."

"Hence I didn't warn you, as it stands you're not a target so don't make yourself one."

"At least I can stay out of their way."

"No you can't, the recordings picked up a telephone conversation between Martina and her parents; Elsie McPherson has invited all of them to the meal tonight."

"Why, Hilary?"

"We've found that the three Gores did a two week spell on the cruise that Elsie just returned from during the school holidays, they met on board and ate together regularly. Apparently Helen McPherson gets on really well with Martina Gore."

"Damn, so I have to pretend I don't know them when I'm introduced?"

"That's about it, in an ideal world you wouldn't already know them but you've been reading the intel, that's how you recognised them. Never mind, we can't change that, but you mustn't quote anything from those reports that might give you away."

"I'll try not to speak to them at all."

"That's hardly feasible, especially as Martina's been telling them about you in her last few phone calls."

Tammy uttered a few expletives.

"Come on, you need to write an encounter report. Maybe there's an opportunity as well?"

***

"Hi Tanya, are you busy?"

"We're back from shopping, so not at the moment, why Tammy?"

"How are your hairdressing skills?"

"Mum didn't think I was brilliant, but I could handle the easy stuff."

"Can you give me a tidy-up? Your mum's full up and I'm desperate."

"Don't blame me if it goes wrong! It'll cost you too!"

"Okay, okay, when?"

"Give me half an hour to find everything and sterilise it all."

"Thanks."

Tammy's next stop was a florist, but Tammy didn't know which flowers Tanya liked.

"I'd like a mixed bunch to say thank you to a friend."

"Aren't you Tammy Smart?"

"Err, yes, who are you?"

"I'm in the lower sixth but I don't board, I'm Jules Doherty, I saw you at breakfast last week but your name's been mentioned a few times."

"Oh, there was I hoping for a low profile!"

Julie laughed, "I don't really think that's possible. Now, can you tell me anything about who's getting the flowers, it helps me select the right flowers unless you have a specific request?"

"She's eighteen and pregnant."

"Tanya Smith?"

"How do you know that?"

"I've seen her bump in school, twice I think, so it was a reasonable guess. Okay, something to brighten her day?"

"Exactly. I don't think she's allergic to anything."

Tammy sent John a quick text to John Hibbert asking if they had a spare vase in the cottage. He replied a minute later he was searching for it and might be some time. It was accepted by everyone that Tanya did not have OCD for tidiness. She also needed to catch up with her as the pregnant girl had seen Dr Kaufman for the first time the previous day.

It was ten minutes before Jules had finished putting the bunch together.

"That'll be thirty five pounds."

Tammy made a note to get some cash out as she handed over her debit card.

***

Tanya had actually done a half decent job, even if her own mother wouldn't let her loose in the salon with paying customers. In essence all she'd done was to tidy it up, levelling her fringe and dealing with a few split ends.

What was clear was that Tanya was now more relaxed and had stopped blaming everyone else for her pregnancy, clearly the visit to Dr Adi, ante-natal class and her first visit to Dr Kaufman had all helped. She hadn't wanted to talk about the appointment with the shrink, except to say he was a nice man, so Tammy didn't push. The sweets and treats that had been evident a week earlier had been replaced with fruit and the kitchen was tidy, sparkling even. Tammy quietly hoped John wasn't solely responsible for this.

John had worked a few days in the past week at the new Thurso office and was settling into a new routine with Tuesday and Thursday in Inverness, in Thurso for the rest of the time. He was office manager for the smaller office, which suited him.

Tanya had already decided to put her degree course off for a year, the babe would be nearly six months old when she planned to start the following autumn.

"You'll babysit for me, won't you?"

"Me, Tanya? I've never looked after a baby before."

"You'll be a natural, and I trust you. Other than my mum and sister I don't know who else I would trust with our baby."

"I'd be happy to, but we're months away from that and I'll probably be away during the summer next year."

"Okay, but don't leave town without telling me this time!"

 
Sunday 4th October
 

Tammy woke with a sore head, perhaps she shouldn't have helped finish that bottle of wine? Helen had certainly acquired a taste for vino on the cruise and it appeared that Martina was not unaccustomed to the stuff either.

She'd found the Gores to be pleasant people, on the surface at least, with no hint of international assassin. Perhaps she'd misjudged them? On the other hand, why were they really in Thurso?

The explanation had been clear, they would be out of the country during half term and wouldn't probably see Martina again before the Christmas break. Her father had explained they didn't want Martina to feel as if she'd been abandoned.

Tammy knew that feeling, in the previous few years she had travelled on her own and hadn't seen either parent between the holidays, often not seeing her mother at all during a holiday. That had all changed in November the previous year when Tamara Smart had emerged from Tom's shadow.

It seemed that the Gores already knew a fair bit about Tammy, but if they knew about her involvement with the Security Services, they kept that to themselves. She was sure that Helen and Elsie would have told them, once they gained Elsie's trust. Tammy had felt comfortable talking to them, and had caught herself revealing information without gaining much in return.

Damn, she'd have to write an encounter report.

Helen was a surprise, she was hardly recognisable as the girl with an attitude who had embarked on the cruise several months earlier. Plainly Elsie had managed to turn her niece into a pleasant young woman, although this had resulted in at least two marriage proposals from recently widowed men on board the ship.

"They were sweet enough, but I was afraid they would have a heart attack on our wedding night and I'd be labelled the black widow."

Elsie had also improved Helen's fashion sense, and even her accent had softened, Tammy wondered if she wasn't potentially the future head of the Clan McPherson? Of course, the title would fall to Cathy first.

Elsie's daughter had been frightened that her mother would try to become involved in the inquest and the court case but this was a needless worry as Elsie was more than content to let Cathy handle it.

"Between yourself and Tammy, you're more than capable. Don't forget, though, to ask for help if you need it."

Of course the Gores had wanted to hear the details from Cathy, even though they must have heard the tale on board the boat. Yvonne's name was prominent.

"Tell me, Tammy, was she really that bad?"

"Yes, Anita, she hated me from the first time we met. She even attempted to defraud mum from her inheritance."

"What about your own mother?"

"Ask her."

"No, not Joan, your natural mother?"

"She's got her problems, I barely know her any more."

"So sad, I know it doesn't look good by sending Martina this far North, but I don't want her to think we don't care."

"I presume you have Skype?"

"Not Skype, that's not secure enough, but we can do video conferencing, didn't you use that?"

"Mum had no affinity for technology and I often didn't know which country she was in. Dad and I communicated by email mostly, but I did spend time with him during the holidays. I understand the school improved the broadband connection when the new boarding house was opened, it was difficult to have an effective video conference previously so I didn't bother."

"Martina tells me it's pretty good now."

"I haven't tried it, I'm rarely there these days."

"Twice in the last fortnight, I hear you helped that poor girl Ellie who didn't know she was a girl?"

"Apparently it's not an uncommon condition but is usually identified before puberty. She collapsed in front of me so I went with her to hospital, I asked Martina to help her learn to be a girl."

"Martina loves a challenge, but you have unique qualities to help someone like that."

"But I can't be in school, that's why I asked your daughter."

"Not one of the others?"

"Jeri and Lori are busy all of the time, Josie is occupied with the band and I don't know many of the new girls. Martina happened to be in the right place at the right time and I knew her name!"

Tammy finally made it to Elsie who, by now, had told her tales of the high seas five or six times. Out of the corner of her eye, Tammy could see John Gore interrogating Michael McPherson, and clearly Tammy was the subject of the conversation, judging by Michael turning to look at her.

"Sorry Tammy, no more stories today as I'm exhausted. I'm off to bed shortly."

It was nearly ten when the dinner party broke up, Martina was going back to the hotel with her parents and they left by taxi. Tammy managed to drop a listening device into Martina and Anita's bags but could see no way of bugging John Gore, until the butler, Thomas, spoke to her.

"I think I can assist, Miss."

"Assist?"

"If you would care to let me have the device I can insert it into the lining of Mr Gore's overcoat. I have his coat in my office at present but I fear their taxi will be here in ten minutes so time is of the essence, Miss Smart."

Tammy handed it over, concerned that Thomas knew what she was up to, although no-one really knew what Thomas did when he was out of sight.

Tammy had received a hug from Anita Gore as the three left. Now, on Sunday morning, she recalled this so checked her bag and coat. She found in her bag what looked like a USB memory stick that she couldn't recall having seen previously. Her coat was clean, apparently.

She needed to inform the others that they might have been bugged, but without alerting the Gores. Searching her mum's and Joan's bag without their permission might be difficult, she scribbled a note to her father and passed it to him at breakfast before going into the office and locking the door.

"Hilary, we have a problem."

Part Twenty One   "Be My Valentine"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Monday 5th October
 

Tammy was at a loss this morning, Hilary had advised her not to go to the office, nor to use her official laptop to do any research at home. She'd seen Hilary about half an hour after her panic call the previous morning and had been pleased to hear that the device found in her bag was not a bug.

"It may well be, however, a trojan horse designed to infect your computer with monitoring software."

"How can we check?"

"We don't, this goes back to London for analysis."

"So I wasn't bugged?"

"It doesn't seem that way, but it's wise to be cautious. I still need to check everyone else who was present, as far as I can."

Hilary declared the Smart household to be clean so took herself off to Elsie's. Tammy, however, had been told to keep clear of the Caithness Marine office before Hilary left.

"Why? You said I was clean."

"Because the Gores have declared an interest in you and may have access to other surveillance that we're not aware of."

As Pru was in the study Tammy relegated herself to her room and pulled out the coursework assignment that had been set a week earlier. She went through her work and, apart from the odd typo, couldn't find anything worth changing.

Having decided that she was done, she logged into the university portal and uploaded her work. It was barely half-past ten and she was up to date with everything. She pondered phoning a few friends but all were at work or otherwise occupied so ended up shopping online, buying things she probably didn't need.

Hilary called around midday.

"The Gores checked out of the hotel at ten and are heading South by rail."

"Any idea where they're heading?"

"Probably to their home in Birmingham, but the bug on John Gore is still active so we can track him If they head elsewhere."

"I meant to mention, Thomas the butler helped me hide that bug."

"I know."

"How?"

"Sorry, but no."

"Look, is he working for us?"

"I can't tell you, and that does not mean he is."

"Okay."

"It seems that the Gores have a bug sniffer and they found the device in Martina's and Anita's bags. As the parents didn't go to the school the other bug in Martina's room is still active. Is there any chance of getting another into her bag?"

"Perhaps, but it might have to wait until the weekend."

"Right."

"Can I come down to the office tomorrow?"

"No, I've asked the sweep team to pay you a visit just to be sure, they arrive in town tonight so expect them in the morning. They'll visit Elsie McPherson and the school."

"The school?"

"We're concerned that some information known to the Headmaster has leaked, that includes information about you."

"Is this connected to Leanne?"

"It seems someone was supplying her with information from the school but we haven't been able to identify a source."

"So you're thinking it could be a bug?"

"Or similar. I've warned Dr McIntosh and your father."

"Okay, who are we expecting?"

"Yasmin and Peter."

"I met them in May, not Jimmy this time?"

"No, he's otherwise occupied."

"Shame, he's a nice man."

"He's also married."

"I didn't mean it that way!"

 
Friday 9th October
 

Tammy was pleased that she'd reached the end of the working week without killing anyone. The sweep had taken two days with Tammy losing both of her laptops and her mobile phone for twenty four hours. Peter had needed her room for a few hours and Yasmin had Tammy's car all day Tuesday.

So she could barely communicate with the web or drive out to see anyone.

Even when she got her toys back, access to the office was still restricted, and she was not allowed to go onto the school grounds either.

As far as she was concerned, all the security checks had come up negative. The Gores had arrived at their Birmingham home on Tuesday morning and had left on Wednesday on a flight to Paris but now even the remaining tracker was inactive.

"How long is this going to go on, Hilary?"

"Until I say it's clear."

"When will that be?"

"I don't know."

"Great." Sarcasm was coming easily to Tammy.

"Look, if you were in London, you could have disappeared for a few days whilst all these checks were made, but given where we are there's limited options. So, sit tight and wait."

"I've got to go to the theatre in the morning."

"I know, Peter is there now, checking the backstage area. He was in the hotel bar earlier, checking the tables you usually use."

"This is sounding sinister."

"It is."

"But why?"

"Look, their motives and target are not clear, but clearly you're on their radar. This could simply be a fishing expedition, checking you out in case something interesting is there."

"Or?"

"The prelude to something bigger."

"My murder?"

"Unlikely, it would focus attention on Thurso and your former school. The Gores like to be invisible and a large investigation would harm their work."

"Assassination?"

"Possibly, but it's not certain."

"Then what is it?"

"They're plainly working for a client, whether that's a state entity, an NGO, a commercial body or an individual?"

"I don't know, Hilary."

"Well, that's the problem, neither do I at this time. Some of their jobs could be attributed to persons who would have benefited but there's no substantial evidence, naturally."

"So a different employer each time? Freelancers?"

"It's more likely to be a small set of regular clients, no more than a dozen or so."

"For security?"

"Yes, Tammy. They may not even interact with a client directly, but use a proxy."

"Interesting, could we identify the proxy?"

"That's being looked at, of course a proxy could be in any part of the world."

"I suspect not, if the proxy also handles the financial transactions then Europe would be sensible, Switzerland perhaps?"

"Your mother was there, wasn't she?"

"Until last November. Perhaps Dad can ask a few of his former colleagues?"

"Inadvisable, that would certainly bring attention to your family through another route."

"I was just trying to help ....."

"I know Tammy, but that doesn't mean you can't ask your father what he remembers, just not let him make any calls."

"That might mean revealing what I know about the Gores?"

"Why mention them? This is about money laundering and other criminal activities, not dinner guests."

Tammy finished the call and left the study. Their PA, Pru, had taken the day off so Tammy could have stayed in there but there was still nothing for her to do, professionally at least. She was alone in the house, which didn't help.

Her lunch was a simple salad that had been left in the fridge by the housekeeper, Zara, that morning, although eating alone was not one of her favourites either.

Her mobile rang.

"Hi Cathy, I thought you were working?"

"It's a half day at school today, I'm on my way into town and I'll be with you in twenty minutes, is your pool available?"

"Sure, I'll get the covers off."

"Oh, if it's too much trouble?"

"Not at all, I'm bored so this is a welcome break."

"Thanks, see you soon."

Her phone rang.

"Tammy, it's Tanya."

"Hi, what's up?"

"I'm bored, are you at home?"

"Yes, just about to sort out the pool, Cathy's on her way."

"Give me twenty and I'll be there!"

There was a noise from the front door, followed by Angela's appearance.

"Hi Sis, I thought you were busy until five?"

"My mentor was called away so I'm free for the rest of the day."

Tammy explained what was going on before dashing out to the former barn to turn up the eco heating and remove the pool covers. She had just about done when Cathy pulled up, closely followed by Tanya. The surprise was a third car, driven by Lori containing Jeri and Josie.

"Sorry, Tammy, I stopped by the office on my way and Lori asked where I was going. The school's got a half day for some reason."

"It's okay, Tanya, half an hour ago I was on my own bored out of my head."

Tammy darted to her room to change, Cathy was using the single cubicle poolside and the others had arrived wearing swimsuits under their outer clothes. Tammy was last in the water, Cathy swam over.

"I was hoping for a quiet chat about David's inquest."

"It's just over a week from now?"

"Indeed, another day maybe?"

"Join us for dinner next Sunday?"

"Elsie's already invited me, and you I suspect."

"That sounds just like her."

"She's clever, there may be another matter she wants to discuss as well. Did you know Helen's gone to Med for some late sun?"

"No?"

Before Tammy could find out any more, Tanya came over.

"We've set the date."

"Date?"

"Our wedding."

"Oh."

"Is that all you have to say, Tammy?"

Cathy was giggling badly, having forgotten her own reason for seeing Tammy.

"Sorry Tanya, you caught me. Congratulations of course. When and where?"

"The fourteenth of February next year, at the school."

"Feb the fourteenth? You're kidding?"

"Nope!" Tanya was beaming.

It seemed everyone in the pool now had a chance to congratulate Tanya. Soon, the serious planning had to start.

 
Saturday 10th October
 

News of the wedding had threatened to disrupt the morning's rehearsal. Tanya herself wasn't there but she was known to most, if not all, of the cast.

"Girls and Boys, Ladies and Gentlemen, we are achieving nothing today. If I can't have quiet them I shall scrub the morning."

The hum dropped and peace was restored, until Josie accidentally hit a cymbal.

"Okay, okay, perhaps we can do a full run through of the second act?"

Two hours later, with multiple interruptions, corrections and exasperations they were done.

"Thank you everyone, same time next Saturday please. I would like to do a full run through so please read those scripts!"

It was just about one in the afternoon when Tammy pulled up at the back of Sarah's shop. It was tempting to just go up the stairs and into Caithness Marine Research but Tammy suspected her door swipe would had been disabled, and Hilary had not spoken to her for twenty four hours. She walked around into the shop, surprised to find Sandy Smith, Tanya's mum, as well as a few other customers.

"I thought you'd be in the salon?"

"I do get some time off, Tammy, but there's a good reason today."

"Wedding outfit?"

"Yes, Sarah's looking through the catalogues and will lend me a few."

"Isn't Martina here?"

"The young girl? She went to the bakery a couple of minutes ago."

"Okay."

Tammy quickly made her way behind the counter.

"Hi Sarah, do you want me to serve, there's a couple of customers waiting."

"If you don't mind, I want to help Sandy myself and Martina might be a few minutes, depending on the queue for sandwiches."

Tammy put her bag down next to Martina's and dropped a small device inside it after pressing the activation button. She'd already photographed the device ID and sent the pic to Hilary.

"Okay, who's first?"

The next hour passed quickly, with Miss Gore returning at some point. By two fifteen the shop was empty.

"What was all that about?" Asked Martina.

"There's an awards dinner tonight at the golf club."

"I must have sold a dozen frocks at least, how big a deal is it?"

"It's a decent sized club so there will probably be four hundred there tonight. We use the golf club a few times a year for discos as it's one of the biggest halls in the area."

"Who does the catering, Tammy?"

"I don't know, why?"

"I fancy doing some waitressing."

Tammy called Zara.

"Yes, Miss?"

"Do you know who does the catering at Thurso Golf Club?"

"I think Caithness Services have that contract, why?"

"A girl I know is interested in waitressing."

"They don't pay too well, how old is the girl?"

"Sixteen."

"She might get twenty quid for several hours of graft, plus tips."

"I'll pass it on. Is there a contact name?"

"Ellen Dawson. I'll text you her mobile number."

"Thanks, Zara. What's for dinner?"

"You'll find out when you eat it."

Tammy waited for the text message then passed it on to Martina.

"Why do you want to do it?"

"My mum told me to make opportunities, don't sit and wait for them. It might not be much money but it'll get me known."

"True." What was the ulterior motive though?

Tammy's phone pinged again, Hilary was inviting her upstairs for a chat.

Part Twenty Two   "Fleur"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Monday 12th October
 

"Good morning everyone and thank you for getting here, despite the weather."

Tammy was sat with the other twenty or so Business and Management (Finance) students, having braved the first major storm of the autumn. If there had been any trees along her routes, they would all surely have been uprooted by this weather?

She'd already sat through a two hour lecture alongside the other first year business law students and had managed a lukewarm coffee from a vending machine before following her own group to a syndicate room.

"Martin will be handing out the next work which is to be handed in next time, there will also be a new project on the university website at lunchtime which you are to conclude before Christmas. I'll call each of you to discuss your first project, alphabetically. When you've been seen you are free to go."

Tammy sighed, that meant she would be near last. She looked around the room, not recognising any of the other students. John Hibbert was in a similar room elsewhere in the building with his business law group.

She spotted a new face sat in a corner at the far back, their face partially obscured by the others present. They noticed Tammy looking and immediately turned their head away. Tammy wondered what that was all about but was interrupted.

"Miss Smart?"

"Err, yes."

"You aren't wearing your student ID."

"Sorry, Mr Gore, it's in my bag."

"Please, call me Martin, but ensure you're wearing it when you're on the site."

"Sure, of course." Tammy fished in her bag before pulling it out, painfully aware she was bringing attention to herself.

"Here's the work for the next two weeks, it's self explanatory."

"Thanks."

"I understand you've met my distant cousin and namesake, Martina."

"Yes." Tammy wasn't sure where this was going, but lying wasn't the best option right now.

"I'd love to meet up with her but she's stuck in school most of the time."

"I do know she works in a clothes store in the town on a Saturday, Sarah's Boutique."

"A ladies fashion shop?"

"Yes."

"Never mind, I don't feel comfortable in those places."

Martin walked away, Tammy decided she needed a wee so grabbed her bag and exited the room.

Once safely in a ladies loo and sat on the throne, she noticed spots of blood in her knickers. Tammy was still having to wear a thin liner so this had caught the red droplets. It wasn't completely unexpected, she had forgotten to dilate for several days, probably since Thursday, so had made the mistake of using the largest dilator that morning instead of a smaller one. Even with added lube she'd been a bit rough with herself and was now paying the price. She changed her liner before leaving the cubicle.

Back in the room it seemed her tutor, Freddie Flint, was charging through the students as Tony Price had just been called up.

She looked at the work Martin had handed out, it was a small company's annual accounts, so small it only appeared to have one employee. The company, however, despite a decent turnover was haemorrhaging money. The question was, whether to wind the company up or to identify the cause of the losses and turn around.

"Miss Smart?"

She put it down and walked across to where Freddie was holding court.

"Hello Tammy, that was interesting work you turned in."

"Thank you."

"How do you explain having the fullest work of anyone in this room, virtually repeating the tutor notes?"

"I've seen it before, as part of my A level studies."

"This was supplied to us shortly before term began. I'm not accusing you of cheating but it is highly suspicious."

"The work consisted of a fashion show and business expansion?"

"Yes."

"I was a model in the fashion show, it was a real event here in Thurso, even if it's been fictionalised a little. The show was organised by Penny Lane from a Liverpool-based company and was held in March, there's a shop in town that stocked the clothes modelled at the show."

"I see, do you have your A Level work available?"

"Yes, but not on me, I can email it?"

"That would be useful, could I also contact your A Level business studies tutor?"

"He's left the school, but you could contact the Head as he was aware of the show, especially as we held it in the school."

"Which school?"

"St Andrews."

"The private boys school?"

"Until recently, yes."

"Okay, but I won't be able to allocate a mark until I've confirmed your reasons for for your quality of work."

"Would I be marked down because I'd seen it six months ago?"

"No, there's always a risk that a student will come across something they're familiar with."

"Okay, are we done?"

"Yes Miss Smart."

Tammy walked back to the table to collect her bits. The last student had been called, Fleur Younger was crossing the room and this was the student Tammy had seen earlier. Fleur was keeping her head down and seemed to be uncomfortable as she approached Freddie Flint.

Tammy left the room, almost walking into John in the corridor. "Sorry Tammy, I was just coming to see if you'd finished?"

"Only just, did you want a coffee?"

"Sorry, I need to get to the office. Can we catch up at the weekend?"

"What about the self-defence class tomorrow?"

"I'll have to see, Tanya might need me?"

"I'm sure she can manage for a couple of hours?"

"Okay, no promises."

They were walking towards the carpark when Tammy heard someone following, she glanced around then sent John off.

"Hi Fleur, I'm Tammy."

"Sorry, I don't want to talk."

"I'm heading into town, did you want dropping anywhere?"

The weather hadn't improved much and they'd reached the exterior doors.

"It's okay, I'll walk."

Tammy shrugged and headed for her car, it was a few minutes before she finally pulled out of the gates. Fleur was battling into a headwind, her long skirt flying everywhere. Tammy herself had sensibly chosen a pair of jeggings that morning. She pulled over and lowered the passenger side window.

"Don't be silly, get in! I don't bite!"

Fleur didn't answer and looked ahead before reluctantly opening the car door, nearly trapping a leg as the wind blew the door shut.

"Thanks. I don't normally accept a lift from anyone."

"I'm quite harmless, I assure you. Where would you like me to drop you?"

"Anywhere in town, please."

"I'll park behind Sarah's Boutique."

"Okay, thanks."

Tammy drove in silence, Fleur was plainly not the talkative sort. Tammy was also increasingly wondering about Fleur, she had a 'plain Jane' look and perhaps was wearing a little too much foundation, or was that concealer?

A few minutes later Tammy pulled up, intrigued and wanting to know more about this girl. "Did you want a coffee? I was thinking about going to the Castletown before going shopping?"

"No, thanks, I have an appointment soon."

Tammy stepped out of the car and followed Fleur as she walked around the corner, plainly heading for Sandy's salon. Tammy double-backed and walked up into Caithness Marine.

She wanted to know what intel was coming from the bug in Martina's bag, but Hilary had told her that this was now being handled in London and that only relevant information would be passed back. The implication was that Tammy was too close to the target and needed to have deniable plausibility if any of her actions were discovered.

"There's a new girl on my course, possibly transgendered."

"Is she a risk to us?"

"Unlikely."

"Then don't worry about her, and you cannot use our systems to look her up, that would be inappropriate."

"How did you know?"

"Because everyone thinks they can abuse the system once in a while without it mattering or harming anyone. The rules are clear, if she's not the subject of an investigation, or on the fringes at least, then you can't go on a fishing expedition to satisfy your own curiosity."

"I thought the security agencies were allowed to do anything?"

"No, not at all, the law still applies although there are some exemptions."

"Okay, I was almost accused of cheating today." She explained what had been said.

"Well, have you thought about contacting Miss Lane?"

"Not yet, I wanted to run it past you first."

"Call her now, put it on speaker so I can hear."

Tammy had Penny's number in her phone but it was unobtainable.

"I'm sure I had the right number, Hilary. She was also known as Penny Lanovska."

"I see, can you do some basic checks on both names?"

"So I can in this case?"

"Yes, and then write it up."

"It goes back to March, I won't be able to remember everything."

"Write as much as you can."

"Okay."

Tammy couldn't find Penelope Lane in Liverpool as the search algorithm included Penny Lane as well, a popular choice for daughters of families called Lane. Even when she managed to lose the additional searches, she still couldn't find Penelope Lane.

"I'll try Lanovska now."

This produced a result immediately.

"Penny Lanovska, born 1966 in Prague."

"Interesting, is there a photo?"

"Yes, it's definitely her."

"What else is there?"

"The entry was created two months ago, she's a suspected associate of the Gores, lives in Switzerland and the UK."

"Your go between for the Gores?"

"Could be, did she know about my association with the security service?"

"That's a rhetorical question, I can't answer that for you."

"Oh, I was thinking out loud. I'm pretty sure she didn't know, I copied all the documents to Heather at the time."

"Looks like someone analysed them." Hilary reached over and clicked on the 'Attached documents' tab.

"That's one of the sheets she sent me, it's the order for the dosimeters."

"That's worrying."

"It was dealt with at the time, there wasn't a breach at Dounreay or the Royal Navy place - except the one that involved Thomas Young."

"I read the reports, his wife is a Trethgarwyn by birth, isn't she."

"Yes, anyway, what about Miss Lanovska?"

"Write it up, then search the airlines for tickets in that name, especially from John Lennon Airport in Liverpool, but don't rule anything out."

Tammy worked for another half an hour and managed to piece together the Czech woman's travels for the past year. It then took her an hour to write it up.

"Okay, send it to me so I can check it, I'll send a copy of Heather as she was involved in March and knows the Trethgarwyn connection."

"I don't think they're connected to Penny Lenovska?"

"No? Remember what I said, don't rule anything out. The Trethgarwyns have been involved in multiple criminal enterprises in Cornwall and the Highlands so could have been the intended recipients of the dosimeters."

"We can't confirm that."

"Nor can we dismiss it at this stage."

"I'll edit the report then send you another copy."

"Good."

Tammy left there buoyed having achieved something useful, had she worked for this woman and taken dirty money? What was the point of the fashion show, getting to know Thurso and Tammy, or maybe to scout out the school before Martina Gore applied to study there? Had she planted any bugs in the school?

Her good mood was turning to one of dread as she shut her car door. The school, she remembered, had been swept for bugs a week earlier and nothing was found. In the past some malware had been found on one of the office PCs but that had been removed months ago.

It was half past four when Tammy reached Dunbankin', realising she hadn't had any lunch. That prompted a trip into the kitchen to find the biscuit barrel.

"Excuse me Miss Smart, but dinner's in just over an hour."

"I'm hungry, I missed lunch."

"Then have a banana, biscuits will ruin your appetite."

"Yes, Zara." Tammy resolved to purchase a packet of Hob Nobs and hide them in her room. "What's for dinner?"

"Stew."

"Dumplings?"

"Of course."

Part Twenty Three   "Animal Farm"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Friday 16th October
 

"Mr Smith, how certain are you that the court hearings will actually happen?"

"Miss Smart, unless the defendants all have medical issues in the next week or so, they will be in court on the twenty sixth, ten days from now."

"Am I likely to be called?"

"It's possible, even likely."

"But the cases are in Edinburgh and London at the same time."

"The courts will arrange video access if necessary."

"Fair enough, but it seems silly that the cases being heard together?"

"I believe the plan is to slow the flow of information between the defence teams, as many of the cases are linked. They have all, plainly, had full access to all of the prosecution material that is to be used in court so there shouldn't be any surprises, unless the defence try to play one defendant off against the other in order to disrupt the cases. It's been done before in major criminal and terrorist cases, resulting in costly retrials."

"Okay, Mr Smith, who's in which court?"

"In Edinburgh, we have John McPherson, Jerry Trethgarwyn and Yvonne Stewart, those cases will run in adjacent courts. In London, at the Old Bailey, are Doran Kelmendi and Alban Berisha. They will be prosecuted in the same court. Your mother will be appearing as a prosecution witness at the Old Bailey, by the way."

"It seems so long ago, I can barely remember what happened, I saw Berisha in London last November, and Kelmendi was around over last Christmas. John McPherson's issues also started at the end of last year, Yvonne started interfering last year as well; how am I supposed to remember any of this if I'm asked to give evidence?"

"I have all your police statements and the notes from our own conversations. I suggest you re-acquaint yourself over the next week."

"When will I know if I'm needed?"

"You should get a warning the previous day, my colleague will be in Edinburgh monitoring the cases for yourself and Mrs McPherson. If you are needed in person, the court will give you as much notice as possible."

"What about Yvonne's involvement in David Stewart's murder?"

"Her alleged involvement?"

"Yes, of course."

"Given that the inquest starts on Monday, only a week before the trials, until the procurator fiscal has concluded his civil investigation, the police won't charge her. That means it can't be included during these proceedings and would necessitate a new trial if, and only if, she is charged and prosecution is appropriate."

"So the legal process continues, even after these trials?"

"Indeed, Miss Smart."

"I was hoping this would be the end, it all started almost a year ago."

"Many cases don't come to court for two or more years, so this is quite speedy."

"Still seems slow to me."

"If you were being prosecuted, Miss Smart, wouldn't you want enough time to prepare your defence, call witnesses, examine evidence and mentally prepare yourself?"

"Yes, naturally."

"Then these defendants have the same rights, as well as an expectation of innocence unless proven otherwise. This constitutes a free trial, a cornerstone of our legal system."

Jeremiah Smith left shortly after in order to speak to Elsie, the only other person who had been spoken to was Angela.

"How was it Tammy?"

"Hard work and I have a pile of material to read. What about you?"

"I have a few statements to look at but it's not thought I'll be called."

"So it'll just be me, I hope that doesn't mean a trek to Edinburgh, or even London."

Angela wandered off, outside it was chucking it down so the day was already rather glum even before her legal briefing. Indeed the whole week had been dreadful with the storm lasting into Wednesday and torrential rain following that. Any ideas about attending the keep fit on Tuesday evening had been shelved and Tanya had only grudgingly attended her ante-natal appointments.

The coursework Martin Gore had given Tammy wasn't challenging but there were potentially two correct answers. A fictional firm was in difficulties, Tammy was asked to consider if she should wind it up or suggest a viable rescue plan. Either answer had to be fully supported but she was aware that one of them was an easy way out.

Although, this time, the fictitious firm wasn't one she was familiar with, it did bear similarities to Sarah Bonney's shop. Sarah had been facing ruin and was considering closing down when Tammy, and her father, had intervened. Less than a year later she had a thriving business in larger, more central, premises. Taking inspiration from Sarah's turn-around, Tammy had looked at ways to save the company in her coursework.

Following her talk with her tutor on Monday, Tammy had dropped an email to Dr McIntosh, the Headmaster of St Andrews, asking that he contact the University of the Highlands and Islands to confirm that the fashion show had taken place. He'd replied the next day, copying his email to Tammy.

Mr Flint,
 
I have been asked by Miss Tamara Smart to contact you with regards coursework that you have queried. I can assure you that the school was asked by Miss Lane to hold a fashion show and that Miss Smart was the co-ordinator for this, liaising with myself. Permission was granted for this to be included as part of her submitted work for the Business Studies A Level. Unfortunately, the examination board has not yet returned Miss Smart's work but I have asked that a school copy be sent to you and you should receive this in a few days.
 
You may not be aware that Miss Smart was Head Girl during her last year at St Andrews and is a St Andrews Ambassador, representing the school at public and corporate events.
 
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other queries.
 
Dr S. McIntosh

The long-term coursework that the tutor, Freddie Flint, had mentioned was much more involved. The premise was that a fictional local authority was buying back services it had sold off. The implications for employment and salary were great, should the public services be re-absorbed. The background was that the services had been sold to the highest bidder some ten years earlier in a different political climate and a recent change of political colour had prompted this move. The trick was to make it work without bankrupting the local authority or being sued by the companies that currently owned the services.

One aspect of this homework was that you could collaborate with another student, John Hibbert was the obvious choice. The biggest problem facing Tammy was finding time to work with John, or rather finding time when Tanya wasn't demanding his presence.

"What about tonight?"

"We're having a Chinese with Sandy and Debbie."

"Saturday?"

"She wants to go to Inverness to look at prams, cots and that sort of thing."

Given the travel time, that rules out the whole day. "Sunday?"

"We're at Elsie's for dinner."

"So am I, do you have anything else planned for Sunday?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

"Good, why don't you both lunch here on Sunday and then we can sit down with the coursework. I think Elsie wants to see us at five?"

"Yes, she does, apparently there's something to discuss."

"So that gives us a few hours. Tell Tanya to bring a swimsuit."

"They don't fit her any more."

"Really? She's still in the first trimester, but what would I know? Get one in Inverness, I think there's a Mothercare or similar for maternity wear."

"I'll try to talk her into it, she's rather self-aware of herself right now."

"It'll only be us, and a swim will be good for her."

"I'll try. Got to go, Tammy, there's another call for me, probably Tanya!"

"Cheers, John."

 
Saturday 17th October
 

Overnight the weather had abated and Tammy drove to the Mill Theatre in glorious sunshine, although the air temperature was barely five degrees Celsius. The change in the weather also seemed to have lifted everyone's mood and all of the cast were ready a few minutes early.

"We'll start straight away, it's a complete run through. Positions for the first scene!"

It wasn't just the cast rehearsing, the lighting and sound techs were there, with the principle actors fitted for mics and the follow spots manned, as it would be for the public shows.

Naturally there were niggles, but Tammy was quite pleased with the first act.

"Take five, I'm not going to critique anyone today, so please relax and do your best."

The band moved their kit onto the stage, Tammy wondered if there was a better way. She asked Sandy Franklin, the musical director.

"I wonder if we can get one of those plinths that you can wheel across the stage, and put the drum kit on it?"

"They're not cheap, I'll see if there's any budget left from the improvement works, we might even be able to get a grant from the Scottish Arts Council or Creative Scotland."

"Thanks."

The second act went better than the first, it was clear that the cast were enjoying themselves.

"That was great, now, who's away over half term?"

A few hands went up, that meant the next two Saturdays were pointless.

"Okay, we'll take two weeks off but the dress rehearsals will start on the seventh of November. The press night is Wednesday the sixteenth of December and there's an extra show on the seventeenth. Tickets for that show go on sale on Monday."

There was a groan as the cast realised the usual four shows had just become six.

Tammy drove into town and was headed for the Castletown hotel for lunch, it had gone half past one and she had no intention of going without again.

"Tammy?"

"Yes, err, Fleur."

"Look, I'm sorry about the other day, and I'd like to thank you for not being judgemental."

"Why should I have been judgemental?"

"Because I'm different."

"No two people are exactly the same, so we're all different. I guess you could quote George Orwell if you really think so."

"George Orwell?"

"Google him, many of his books will also be in the library. This quote is from 'Animal Farm' and says 'All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.'"

"That doesn't make sense."

"Indeed, which is why you shouldn't consider yourself to be different."

"Even if I am?"

Tammy sighed, "I can guess your self-confidence isn't brilliant? Do you doubt yourself?"

"All of the time."

"Have you had lunch?"

"No, I'm trying to lose weight."

"That's not sensible, I've just finished rehearsing and I'm hungry, join me."

"I don't have any money, my benefits only just cover my expenses."

"It's on me."

"I can't."

"Why not."

"They'll look at me, I hate bars, cafés and restaurants."

"Fleur, you'll be fine."

"I'm not sure."

"There's that self-doubt again, why not challenge yourself to try something new every day, starting today?"

"Every day?"

"Yes, it doesn't have to be radical, change your hairstyle, wear something from the back of your wardrobe that you've never worn, go somewhere different, that sort of thing."

"Okay."

"Just 'okay'?"

"Let's do lunch, thanks for the offer."

Tammy took Fleur to her favourite quiet table, they both ordered a cheese omelette from Frances then Tammy tried to get Fleur to talk about herself.

"I moved into Thurso last year, I had to get away."

"Why?"

"I was being bullied, at school, at home, everywhere."

"Your parents?"

"Horrible bigots, social services helped me until I was eighteen last summer then I was tossed out, the council put me in a bedsit."

"What about your Highers?"

"I had a tutor, I wasn't able to go to school, although I did sit my exams in Thurso High."

"What did you do for the last year, then?"

"Not much, but I completed my transition and I've done a year of RLT."

"Okay."

"You didn't ask what that meant."

"I know, I didn't need to."

"Oh, so you know about me?"

"I guessed you were TG when I first saw you on Monday, it's no big deal but it does answer a question."

"What question's that?"

"Who else was seeing Joanne."

"She told me last year there was another TG in town, now there's four or five."

"I transitioned last November."

"I never guessed."

Frances was back with their omelettes so the conversation was interrupted. One or two of the cast had spotted Tammy in the corner and waved but didn't come over.

"You're known, Tammy?"

"Yes, I'm directing Guys and Dolls at the Mill and some of the cast are having lunch in here."

"Directing? I thought you had to be older?"

"I have experience and was asked to take the job on. Have you thought about acting?"

"I couldn't get on the stage, in front of all those people."

"It wouldn't be you on the stage, you'd be playing a character and it's the character the audience sees."

"I suppose so."

"Think about it, we'll be doing a Shakespearean play in the Spring."

"Not the Scottish one?"

"We did that a few months ago, so no, it hasn't been decided even if it'll be a tragedy or a comedy. Actually, it's probably going to be 'Much Ado About Nothing'."

"That probably sums me up, worrying about everything."

"You're right to be worried some of the time, I was attacked several times for just trying to be me, and my mother hated me."

"But you only transitioned a year ago? When did you come out?"

"So far as everyone was concerned, the same day. Almost everyone."

"What do you do for a shrink, now that woman's gone?"

"I had my surgery in the summer."

"How come?"

"Some good friends sorted it out, I had a few days warning."

"Wow, I doubt my experience will be anything like your was?"

"How come?"

"You have friends, good friends by the sound of things. I don't make friends easily, apart from Joanne, you're the first person I've told."

"Your doctor must know?"

"I don't have a doctor, I didn't like Dr Hoskins' attitude."

"He's retired, the new Doctor is Dr Adi, Dr Adelaide Sutherland. are you on HRT yet?"

"No, only blockers, Dr Davison prescribed them."

"Right, on Monday morning phone the surgery and get yourself an appointment. I'll go with you if you want me to." Tammy took a business card from her bag and handed it over. "send me a text with the appointment details."

Fleur started to cry, "no-one's ever offered to help me before."

Frances walked over so Fleur dried her eyes and appeared to want to flee.

"Was everything alright, ladies?"

"Yes, thank you Frances."

"Could you help me, Miss Smart?"

"Of course."

"I need a waitress for Sunday lunch and occasionally during the week, do you know of anyone?"

"Not anyone trained, but I think Fleur could do it."

"Me?"

"Yes, Fleur, you. Excuse me, I'll be back in a minute." Tammy left the table and escaped into the ladies loo. She was drying her hands when Fleur crept in, scanning the area.

"What's up with you?"

"Another reason for not liking restaurants and bars, having to use the loo."

"You could hardly use the little boys room?"

"I suppose."

"Did you sort it out with Frances?"

"He wants to see me at eleven and one of the other girls will show me the ropes."

"See, consider that tomorrow's new thing."

"I'm not sure if my benefits will be stopped."

"By working three or four hours? Unlikely."

"I'll worry about it."

"By the way you're crossing your legs, there's something much more important to worry about!"

"Oh!"

Fleur dashed into a cubicle, Tammy checked herself in the mirror then returned to the table.

"Is your friend okay, Miss Smart?"

"Yes, Frances, just a little insecure, she'll get over it."

Part Twenty Four   "Just Another Sunday"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Sunday 18th October
 

She had received a simple text message late on Saturday evening from Fleur, but hadn't seen it until Sunday morning:

Thank you

Tammy was now afraid that she'd become too involved in the life of another young TG woman, and resolved to keep her distance once Fleur had access to the support services she'd need. That, of course, was easier to say than to achieve.

Her phone pinged whilst she was still holding it.

We're about to leave but Tanya's changing her mind about something, again. Might be another ten minutes. John

Tanya was a big girl, that much was evident, but so terribly insecure. Where would Tanya be if she didn't have John's support, wondered Tammy.

"Are you busy, sis?"

"What's up Angela?"

"What do I wear tonight?"

"It's not even eleven yet."

"I don't want to worry about this at the last minute, like I normally do."

"What look do you want?"

"I don't know, what is Elsie expecting?"

"She expects smart but that leaves alot of breathing space. A definite no-no is denim."

"So what's safe?"

"A cocktail dress, or perhaps a smart blouse with a skirt or even trousers but wear heels."

"I have an LBD, would that do?"

"Of course, I didn't know you had one."

"I bought it last week when I had to go to Inverness for a course."

"You had time to go shopping?"

"The course was only two hours long, given it took two hours each way by train I wasn't going to come back straight away."

"Good girl, what else did you get?"

"Just some frillies."

"Okay, what was the course on?"

"Risk assessments."

"That must have been awful, Angela."

"It wasn't that bad, actually, I learnt a bit."

Tammy's phone beeped again, John was just leaving.

"Can you occupy Tanya for a bit? John and I have a project to work on."

"I spoke to my tutor and we've agreed I can adopt an expectant mother, Tanya, and use her experiences as part of my coursework. I'll have a better understanding of pregnancy that way."

"So long as Tanya's willing."

"She is."

Tammy made her excuses then went down to the study where she'd left her laptop.

"Tammy, was that tutor happy with your explanation about the fashion show?"

"Yes, Dad, he emailed me yesterday to confirm there was no mal-intent."

"That's not the same as saying you're in the clear, is it?"

"No, but he's awarded me top marks so I'll let it ride."

"Don't delete the email, just in case."

"I'm archiving everything about the course, just in case."

"Sensible."

"How's everything going at school, Dad?"

"Fine, the girls have settled down now that the main troublemaker has gone, we're thinking of expanding the female dorm for next year."

"Is there enough demand?"

"We received forty applications after the closing date for this year, none of them will be eligible for the 2016 intake but we've opened up applications for the sixth form boys and girls a few weeks earlier than normal. If there's enough demand we'll get the building work started."

"Maybe a better vetting process this time?"

"No, that won't sort out problems like Anabella Thakes. What we're thinking about is bringing the candidates up here for five days during the Easter break to see them in person. We don't yet have our regional admittance assessors suitably trained to cope with teenage girls, they are much more used to dealing with nine or ten year old boys."

"I don't remember being assessed."

"You were eight when you first came here and no assessment was needed then, the admittance age was raised to eleven a few years later to allow more in at that age. That was when the assessments started, there were more applicants than places."

"It seems so long ago."

"Tammy, I still regret sending you up here when you were so young."

"I coped, and I wasn't given a choice, was I?"

"No, and I'm sorry."

"Dad, that was a lifetime ago, I would never have met Elsie, John, Angela, all those people in the town. You would never have met Joan."

"So we can't have regrets, we can't play the 'what if' game as we can't change the past."

"Exactly, Dad, we can't."

"Fair enough," Richard laughed, "is there anything else?"

"There's another transgendered girl in town, but she isn't a student at St Andrews and is too old to become one."

"So don't tell me any more, but please don't get yourself tied up in someone else's emotions."

"I'm not planning on doing that."

"Good, I think that's John's car outside."

Richard went out to open the gate so John could park in the paddock, Tanya meanwhile, a minute or two later, waddled in through the front door.

"Hi Tammy, where's Angela?"

"In her room, you know the way."

"I can't manage those stairs!"

"Don't be lazy, the exercise is good for you."

"You're not pregnant!"

"And you have over six months to go."

"No sympathy from you!"

"Seriously Tanya, you want sympathy? Have you tried that one on your mum?"

"She told me to sod off."

"And?"

"I didn't talk for half an hour."

"That must have been really hard, Tanya." Tammy tried to keep a straight face.

"It was awful Tammy."

John was now stood behind Tammy and started laughing. Tanya's face turned red, she escaped up the stairs, ignoring her earlier complaints.

"Sorry Tammy, she only actually stopped talking for about five minutes on Friday evening when we went to Sandy's."

"I guessed it was something like that, half an hour seemed a bit unusual."

"For Tanya, it's impossible!"

"Come on, John, let's get this work started."

***

They broke for lunch at one, Tanya had clearly relaxed and was now wearing a swimsuit. Tammy noted that her friend's tummy was almost the same as it had been the last time Tanya was in a pool with them, she was really insecure and clearly unprepared for motherhood.

Cathy arrived with the twins, Andrea and Alison, at two.

"I wasn't expecting you?"

"Elsie seemed to know there was a pool party and we checked with your mum just before lunch."

"John and I have a bit more work to do, we'll join you shortly. Angela and Tanya are already over there."

"We'll change poolside."

John and Tammy's remaining work consisted of compiling a list of questions they needed to answer. Some of it mean going through legislation, some meant speaking to those with the right knowledge. Tammy had an inkling one of her Dad's former colleagues could help, John meanwhile would speak to Isaac Smith, the partner at Smith, Smith & Smith who had the appropriate portfolio.

By the time the pair had changed it was closer to three.

"Alison, why are you here?"

"Here, in your pool?"

"No, in Thurso?"

"We had a royal summons."

"So is it a full meeting of the Clan McPherson?"

"That's not possible at this short of notice, all I know is that she wants all the close family here. Andrea and I had some time in lieu owed so we came up yesterday and we'll go South on Tuesday."

"I'm supporting Cathy tomorrow."

"So are we."

It seemed that Cathy would have plenty of support, but would Yvonne be there?

They were all out of the pool by three thirty. Tanya used Tammy's shower while John was in the guest room sorting himself out. The other girls took themselves back to Elsie's after a rough drying off poolside, thankfully they'd brought towelling robes with them.

Once her hair was dry, Tammy elected to wear an LBD, deciding that Angela's choice would also suit herself. Tanya, meanwhile, had brought a smock and leggings with her, although Tammy wasn't convinced by the choice.

"It's comfortable, Tammy."

"Don't be surprised if Elsie says something."

"She wouldn't dare!"

"Oh yes she would."

Somehow, just before five they were all ready. Getting across to Elsie's house required both golf buggies with John and Richard acting as drivers.

Elsie met them in the lounge and greeted each of them as they arrived. Michael was present but his boyfriend Mark was absent. The butler, Thomas, made certain everyone had a drink then closed the door as he left.

"Thank you all for being here. The next few weeks are going to be hard on several of you in this room and I wanted you to know you have my full support, you are not to face any difficulties alone. I would imagine that everyone in the room feels the same way?"

There were nods from everyone but Tanya was clearly unaware what had been implied.

"Who will be in Wick tomorrow for the hearing?"

Tammy, Michael, Alison and Andrea raised their hands.

"Good, Tammy you realise you may be called?"

"I received a summons, Elsie, so it's highly likely."

"Obviously," Elsie addressed the room, "the hearing may take a few days. We don't yet know if the murderer will be there and I sincerely home she isn't. Yvonne has a date in Edinburgh one week later, that's Tammy's show and is likely to last a few weeks, if not longer."

Tanya still looked puzzled.

"Also in court in a week's time is my eldest son, John." She paused. "Plainly he is not acting as a McPherson should and I no longer consider him to be a member of this family." Elsie paused again. "On Friday I instructed my solicitor to disinherit John."

There was a round of nodding and approval for this decision.

"I have therefore decided that the next head of this Clan McPherson shall be Cathy. Cathy?"

"Thank you mum, on Friday I also reverted to my maiden name so I am again a McPherson in name as well as in spirit."

"Now, John and Tanya, whilst the McPherson business does not directly concern you, I'd like to make you two offers. Firstly, this house is at your disposal for your wedding. Secondly, I have asked the school to create a scholarship in my name. Your child, when they are eleven, will have a scholarship at St Andrews. Obviously if you have a daughter and the school isn't completely co-ed, that might complicate things but there's a couple of trailblazers in the room who have overcome adversity so I'm not putting any conditions on the scholarship."

"Thank you, Elsie."

"Tammy, Angela, Alison and Andrea, the same applies to your first child."

Angela giggled.

"Angela dear, I didn't say you had to give birth, did I?"

The girl went red.

"To give you an idea of how much John has lost out, all of the scholarships I have promised so far have been covered by the money he would have inherited. In fact there will be two scholarships of my own or Cathy's choice every year for the next twenty years, starting with the intake at September 2016. Suggestions please." Elsie paused for effect. "Let's move to the dining room, I think I heard a bell."

Dinner was full of polite conversation, and Tanya was finally brought up to date by Tammy.

"How comes I missed what was going on?"

"Because you were only interested in yourself, Tanya."

"That's not true."

"Sorry, but it is. Life continues around you, whether or not you're paying attention."

"Why did you get a summons to the inquest?"

"I was with Cathy when David's car was found."

"So?"

"His body was in the boot."

"Oh."

The twins wanted to know about Tammy's play. "So it's your directing début?"

"No, I had to direct Macbeth at school at short notice, Tanya helped me out. Then at the theatre I stood in for the director a few times when we were rehearsing the Scottish Play, I think that's why I was asked to take the job for Guys and Dolls."

Once the dessert was finished they relocated to the lounge. Although the wine was flowing, John and Tanya were abstaining. Tammy decided that moderation was a good idea, considering where she was going to be the following day.

"Could I have everyone's attention?"

Elsie's smile had disappeared.

"I saw my consultant a few days ago, the cancer is back and this time I can't beat it."

Part   Twenty Five   "Targets"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Friday 23rd October
 

It hadn't been an easy week for Tammy, not by any stretch. Elsie's revelation on Sunday evening had been hard enough, then they found out she had been given three months, four at best. Elsie was now sorting out her legacy.

Tammy had half expected the venerable lady would let it get to her, but Elsie was resolute that there was still work to be done. Tammy wondered, mid week, if she could ever have the strength that Elsie was showing.

Cathy seemed to have taken it better than the others but Tammy guessed that she'd been given advance warning, possibly even accompanying Elsie to her appointment with the oncologist. Michael had not been comfortable once the news was known and Tammy hadn't seen him since. So, on Monday morning, Tammy still felt sad when she joined the others for the ride over to Wick Sheriffs Court.

The actual hearing was not what Tammy had expected. The Procurator Fiscal, presiding, held the hearing in a side room and explained that this was a fact gathering exercise, not a full Fatal Accident Inquiry. Elsie and the twins were excluded from the room so went shopping. Apart from Cathy and a clutch of solicitors, the only others there were Sgt St James and the Assistant Prison Governor who had mistakenly released Yvonne Stewart. All other depositions were taken from statements.

The Procurator Fiscal was scathing of the Prison's role, two ladies by the name of Yvonne Stewart had been on remand and the wrong one had been released on bail. This, he'd said, was at best ineptitude and at worst a deliberate criminal act.

He told Cathy that his report would take a week or two, but he would apportion blame where appropriate. He was also content that the funeral could proceed. By one in the afternoon it was concluded; the Prison Officer left swiftly, she looked quite pale. The weather didn't help, it was bucketing down, driven by a fierce South-Westerly.

The headmaster had called the Smart's home on Monday and had spoken to Pru to check if Tammy could be available at the end of the week to talk to the lower sixth. The topic was to discuss their choices when they finish school, as some were remaining in the Thurso. When Tammy called back, on Tuesday, she spoke to Janet Adams and suggested a date the following week, but that was half term. It was put back another week, depending on whether the Head still wanted it.

Helen had arrived back from Cyprus on Sunday evening, flying into Manchester, and arrived in Thurso on Monday afternoon. Tammy guessed she knew in advance about Elsie's diagnosis, but the girl had said nothing, nothing that didn't relate directly to her holiday anyway.

On Tuesday morning, just after eight, John Hibbert had called to say there was a leak in the Thurso offices of Smith, Smith & Smith that Tammy owned. Then Hilary called with the same problem at the other building. When she got hold of a roofing contractor he told her the earliest he could do was Thursday lunchtime, she was eighth on his list.

That meant using buckets to catch the drips, although she decided it was easier to buy a few plastic dustbins and use those instead - until it came to emptying them! The calls from Smith, Smith & Smith were turning from 'concerned' to 'irritated' to 'annoyed'. In the end, on Tuesday afternoon, the solicitors said they were leaving the offices until the roof was fixed and wouldn't pay rent for the duration.

Hilary meanwhile wasn't making threatening noises, unless that included telling Tammy there was work for her to do.

Fleur had arranged her doctor's appointment for Thursday but Tammy had to be on site dealing with the roofing contractor, which had upset Fleur. The resultant text message couldn't be clearer:

You're just like the rest

By Friday, Tammy had upset at least half a dozen folk, was out of pocket, had strained relations with her tenants and was fatigued.

"Tammy, it's Sarah, can you see me today?"

"Lunchtime?"

"Not earlier?"

"Sorry, I have some things to catch up with."

"Okay, about one?"

Tammy had been down for breakfast, had seen everyone leave for work and now went back to lay on her bed, promptly falling asleep.

She woke to someone knocking on her bedroom door.

"Huh? Yes?"

"Miss Tamara, would you like some lunch?"

"What time is it?"

"Half past twelve."

"I need a shower, I'll be down in fifteen."

"I'll let cook know."

"Thanks Lily."

As Tammy dragged herself into the shower she wondered, since the beginning of September she'd only seen Lily a handful of times, but she saw Zara almost daily.

She stopped in the study on her way to the kitchen. "Anything for me Pru?"

"The solicitors have confirmed they'll move back in on Monday. They're asking for conformation of the rent reduction."

"I'll give them two days, they could have been back there today."

"Okay, and Hilary would like to see you, is your phone off?"

"I haven't turned it off, but it might be dead though as I don't remember charging it last night."

"I'll sort that out."

"Thanks."

The house phone rang, Pru had gone upstairs and Tammy was almost at the kitchen door, she backtracked to the study.

"Hello?"

"Ah, Tammy, it's Elsie."

"Hello, what can I do for you?"

"Could you do something with Helen, she's getting on my nerves."

"That's a bit awkward today, I have to go down to see Sarah and then up to the office and that's off-limits."

"When will you be back?"

"Five-ish, I guess."

"Oh, never mind."

"Is there no-one else?"

"No, unfortunately. Is Angela around?"

"I think she's with a health visitor every day at the moment. Her course is much more involved than mine. When is Helen starting university?"

"Not before next autumn I believe, perhaps she could do a short course?"

"That sounds like a good idea, Elsie."

"Excellent, can you research that? Bye."

The line went dead. Tammy dragged herself into the kitchen, her appetite barely registering.

***

She arrived at Sarah's shop close to two, the sun had just broken through the clouds and Thurso was bright but chilly.

"Ah, good, you're here."

"Sorry, Sarah, it's been a lousy day so far, a lousy week in fact."

"Well, just to bring you up to speed, my daughter Emily will be in Thurso tonight and will be here tomorrow, but she'll be backwards and forwards to Inverness most of the week."

"Okay, so you'd still like me to look after the shop?"

"Yes, please. Martina has decided she can't help me any more but with Emily here we should be okay tomorrow."

"Did Martina say why?"

"She has to be available at four for any evening waitress duties apparently and will do some Saturday lunchtimes."

"So what do we do about Saturdays?"

"Can you sort that out whilst I'm in hospital? I doubt I'll be fit to be here next weekend so you'll need someone."

"I'll see if Lori's available next week as there's no theatre until the seventh."

"That's an idea, can you see if she's free tomorrow, especially if you're free, so Emily can help me at home?"

"I'll check."

Sarah sorted out a set of keys and made sure Tammy had the current alarm code. Tammy did have an override code, as owner, but this was locked in her safe at home.

"How's business at the moment?"

"Mondays to Thursdays are a bit slow but it was good this morning and there'll probably be a flurry around three. Saturdays are usually steady until around one then tail off."

"So it's not changed much."

"No, I was thinking of closing on a Monday but I get some deliveries on Monday afternoons and I receive orders from the islands Monday morning which they'll need for the end of the week. You'll have to handle that."

Sarah showed Tammy the relevant ledgers.

"I know it's not hi-tech but it's simple when I'm trying to serve and I can put the ledger on the counter. I write it up into the laptop when I get home."

"It looks simple enough."

"Good. Put any invoices or delivery notes in the safe when you've checked and entered them, I'll sort them out when I get out of hospital. I'll have plenty of time on my hands."

"When do you think you'll be back down here?"

"I should take a few weeks off, when are you free?"

"I have coursework to do, as well as attending college, plus I work for the agency upstairs. With the way this week has gone, I didn't even manage time for that and I haven't touched my coursework since Sunday."

"So I can't rely on you?"

"Sorry, Sarah, I'll help when I can but it'll have to be on a day to day basis. I guess you won't be able to drive for a while?"

"I should be able to, but I'll need one of those inflatable cushions."

"Maybe Emily can get one in Inverness?"

"Sure."

Tammy made her excuses and left, she'd promised Sarah she would run the shop whilst Sarah was in hospital but there was no way she could dedicate any more of her time. She still had some research for Elsie and now needed to call Lori. One could be done immediately.

"Hi this is Lori, I'm sorry I'm not available ..."

Of course, it was barely two fifteen and Lori's phone would be in her room, turned off.

She walked around to the rear of the building and let herself into the upstairs office.

"Oh, hello Ben."

"Hi Tammy, I was hoping you'd be here this afternoon."

"Oh?"

Hilary came out of her private office to join Tammy and DS Ben Franklin.

"Ah, Tammy, I asked Ben to help us, concerning Penny Lane. We need a hand identifying everyone who was with Ms Lane back in March."

"I guess you can get that information from the hotel records?"

"Yes Tammy, but that's by an arrangement with the hoteliers, and the information wouldn't be admissible in court."

"My guess here is that this won't be more than an intelligence gathering exercise?"

Hilary nodded, "that's correct. Your friend Heather has supplied me with copies of the reports and information you supplied in March and from that we have identified some of the group."

Ben continued, "and using that data I have obtained the credit card details for Ms Lane and several others from the hotels."

"But is there a link to the Trethgarwyn family?"

Ben had plainly not been informed about this aspect, Hilary glared but then nodded at Tammy to continue.

"I was using the fashion show for my A Level Business Studies but I was sent the wrong accounts at first, this included an order for a set of dosimeters." Tammy continued, explaining the link with Chris Jones, his uncle Thomas Young plus the two Trethgarwyn brothers, one of whom had been a police officer.

"So you suspected a breach at the Royal Navy place?"

"It seemed that something was going to happen, but all that happened was that one member of staff was sacked. Patrick was sacked from the Police sometime after that."

"So why would they need radiation monitors?"

"Good question, my guess is that Dounreay is still a secure site?"

"Yes, Tammy, but this was seven months ago?"

Hilary intervened, "plainly we have more questions than answers. Any more help that you can give us will be appreciated."

"Of course," concluded Ben, "we're all batting for the same team, aren't we?"

Ben left the building and Hilary relaxed.

"Tammy, you gave Ben intel I wasn't prepared to release."

"Sorry, but it seemed relevant."

"Relevance does not imply that you can discuss it with a third party."

"Ben was already familiar with the family, he might find something that we miss - only if he knows we're interested?"

"Good point, but let me drive the conversation if it starts to stray."

"Okay."

"Now, about Ms Lavoska?"

"Yes?"

"She has a suite at the Hotel du Lac, Lausanne."

"Bloody hell."

"I thought you'd find that interesting."

"I stayed there a few times, my mother had a suite in that hotel."

"Exactly, it seems Ms Lavoska has been using the hotel for a few years, so would have met your mother several times."

"And me, as Tom?"

"Indeed, which means her presence in Thurso seven months ago was almost definitely targeting you."

"Can we be certain?"

"The intel is there, does that targeting continue via Martina?"

"So the other kid is a red herring?"

"No, just an interesting find. I would think that you are the main event."

"How much would they have?"

"Debatable, have you been followed here?"

"One or two have seen me come in here but my work for the agency is public knowledge."

"Through the school magazine."

"Yes."

"What about your trips to Cornwall and Kent?"

"Need to know, of course Cornwall in the summer was a no brainer, my tan seems to be disappearing by the way."

"You weren't paid to sit o a beach."

"I had some time off, it wasn't all work."

"And don't forget the boyfriend? Daniel, wasn't it?"

"Yes, Daniel. Only Heather, Sophie and the nurse knew the full story."

"Suzie was there as well, reporting to Jenny, you got a clean bill of health on the security front."

"Good, so am I exposed?"

"No, and we'd best keep it that way."

"What does that mean?"

"Keep away from here for the next week."

"It's half term but I'm running the shop downstairs for Sarah while she has a hysterectomy."

"Oh, I see."

"I've stood in for Sarah before, so this isn't new."

"Okay, so if anyone is keeping tabs on you, they're not seeing a pattern at the moment."

"That's how it works right now."

"Good, regular routines lead to slack security."

"There's nothing regular about me."

"Quite, Tammy."

Part   Twenty Six   "Shadows"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Saturday 24th October 2015
 

"Do you have this in a sixteen?"

"I'll check in a moment, Madam."

Tammy returned to the lady directly in front of her, who was waiting to pay for the top that was laying on the counter.

"That's fifteen pounds, how would you like to pay?"

Sarah's card payments machine now accepted contactless cards but the processing limit was £20 at present, with a promise of an increase to £30 in time for Christmas. The customer waved her debit card over the card reader, waited for the receipt then was gone.

"Now, I'll look in the stock room to see if we have that in your size."

The customer, however, was now a non-customer as she was heading for the door complaining about poor service. Tammy sighed, it was always too busy on a Saturday morning for just one person to cope. Whoever that lady had been, she wasn't a local, the regulars would have understood that Tammy couldn't attend to everyone's needs if she was on her own.

Lori had answered her phone the previous evening but told Tammy she was going away for a few days, meeting her mother in Edinburgh. The promise to Lori was that her errant brother, Ryan, was going to stay with his father over half-term. Lori assured Tammy she'd be back by the following Saturday, subject to the usual caveats of course..

Tammy had hoped that Martina might pop into the shop, but that wasn't to be. In fact, Tammy hadn't seen any of the girls who had previously worked for Sarah. At this rate she wouldn't even get any lunch.

No sooner had the shop emptied than the next group of potential shoppers walked in, thankfully these were locals and tolerated the extra time Tammy was taking.

"Has Sarah left you by herself?"

"Not exactly, Sarah has to go away for a week and would have been here today but her daughter's with her at the moment." Sarah's impending operation was not common knowledge. "I'll be looking after the shop until next weekend."

"Oh, it's nice to see you back here, I thought you'd moved away?"

"I'm usually busy doing other things on a Saturday these days, but Sarah asked me to take care of the shop and I was happy to help her out."

"On your own?"

"Yes, that's unfortunate. Sorry, I need to help someone else."

At one Debbie had sent a message asking if she wanted any lunch, and had delivered ten minutes later but the shop was still busy. By two in the afternoon the number of customers had reduced to a trickle so Tammy was now, albeit late, having her cheese and onion pasty. It had been warm when it had arrived, an hour earlier.

By four, very few people were walking past and virtually no-one was coming in so Tammy decided that she should close up. After securing the door she totalled the takings for the day, surprised that she'd taken twelve hundred pounds. She updated the ledgers, locked everything away in the safe and grabbed her bag.

Given past her experience, Tammy was wary before unlocking the door to leave, checking the outside cameras first. When she was convinced the road was clear she punched in the alarm code and stepped out onto the street to lock the doors. A recent addition was an automatic blind that descended across the double glass doors.

She turned to walk towards her car, parked at the rear as usual, but could see a shadow moving even though there was no-one in sight. She decided to walk down to the hotel instead, unsure if someone was watching her.

A few of the cast were still in the bar, even though there was no rehearsal. Tammy ordered a coffee from the bar then joined Josie and Karen. There was a small pile of baggage near them.

"Hi Tammy, we wondered if you'd be around?"

"I've been looking after a shop and I wasn't planning on coming in."

"We've been here since half two but that's because I'm waiting to be picked up."

"I think I'm only here for ten or fifteen minutes," Tammy wasn't keen in advertising her insecurity, "I've not seen you in there before, Karen?"

"I don't like bars, but I'm going with Josie."

"Going?"

"For half term."

"You don't go to St Andrews, do you?"

"No, Thurso High, Josie's my cousin."

The girls chatted for a few minutes until Tammy realised someone was walking towards them.

"Hello Mrs Richardson.

"Oh, hello, you're ....."

"Tammy Smart."

"Oh yes, we met in January at the school."

"Indeed, I understand you're here to collect Josie and Karen?"

"Yes, I meant to get here this morning but everything's gone wrong. Are you ready, girls?"

There was a shuffling of chairs as the two seventeen year olds stood, each grabbing a bag. Tammy finished her coffee and stood to assist.

"Do you need a hand?"

"No, thank you, I think they can cope."

"Where are you parked?"

"In the public carpark." This was nowhere near Tammy's car.

Josie's mum hurried out of the door with the girls, leaving Tammy behind. She still wasn't comfortable going to her car by herself so returned to the bar to get a soft drink. Her phone pinged shortly after.

There's activity near your car, do not return to it

That confirmed her suspicions, she called for a cab to take her home and informed Hilary that she was leaving her car there overnight.

 
Sunday 25th October
 

"Can you run me into town, Dad?"

"The shops are closed, er, where's your car?"

She explained her concerns of the previous evening. "I'm certain I told you?"

"Plainly not, how soon do you want to go?"

"As soon as possible, it's not nine and very few will be around."

Naturally, when Richard stopped next to Tammy's Mini there was no-one around. A visual check of the car revealed nothing out of the ordinary. Given that there was no further news from Hilary, Tammy assumed the vehicle hadn't been interfered with. She followed her father back up the hill to Dunbankin'.

On their last visit, the security team had left Tammy a mirror for checking under the car, she retrieved this from the storage bin next to the golf buggy charging point and had a look around, finding nothing. Her phone rang.

"Hi Hilary."

"Sensible to check your car, but you should have done that before you drove away."

"Firstly the mirror was at home and secondly I didn't know if I was being watched?"

"Okay, I understand, but can you go inside and use the phone in the study? Please leave this phone outside the study or turn it off."

"Why ..." The line was cut before Tammy could finish her question.

With her phone switched off, Tammy went into the study. After latching the door she opened the safe to obtain the encryption key. Finally she dialled the number for Caithness Marine Research.

"Okay Tammy?"

"Yes, but why turn off my mobile?"

"It's new advice, not to take a working mobile phone into a secure environment."

"But this study is used by at least three of us and isn't secure."

"You're using a secure connection and the door is locked?"

"Yes."

"The room is also swept regularly?"

"Yes."

"Any cryptographic or restricted material is locked in the safe when not needed?"

"Yes, Hilary."

"Then right now it's a secure room. Are we done with semantics?"

"Sure."

"Now, can you go over yesterday evening?"

"I wasn't comfortable when I left the shop, I felt someone was watching me. That's why I went the opposite way and ended up in the hotel bar."

"Okay, as you know I detected some activity near the car but they were out of range of the visible light and the infrared cameras."

"Then I was being stalked?"

"That's unlikely, but I've asked London to enhance the video to see if they can identify anyone."

"So that's it?"

"For now, yes."

"What about tomorrow?"

"Just do what you would normally do, don't change your routine."

"Even though I'm being watched?"

"You are jumping to a conclusion that can't be verified; seeing shadows and detecting movement does not imply you are being watched, followed or anything else."

"Okay, okay, I had a lousy day yesterday."

"What happened to the Gore girl? I saw that you were on your own."

"She quit."

"She did? Would she have known that you would be running the place for a week?"

"Yes, almost certainly."

"Then we may have a problem, Tammy, I'll get back to you."

"Problem?"

"I'll call back, might be a few hours."

"I've got all day."

---

Hilary finally called back at three that afternoon and quickly came to the point.

"Martina planted a bug, two in fact."

"What? Why?"

"Good question, but this reinforces the suggestion that you are being targeted."

"By the Gores?"

"The Gores don't work for themselves, they work for a client."

"But are given work through their handler, Ms Lanovska?"

"Yes, so Martina is simply doing a job without any clue as to who ordered it."

"All rather curious, especially as the court cases start in the morning?"

"Indeed, Tammy."

"What about these bugs?"

"Leave them."

"Pardon?"

"You heard me, leave them. I haven't told you where they are and don't go looking."

 
Monday 26th October
 

Tammy was at the bakery just after eight, treating herself to a hot pasty and a cake. She was on edge as she approached the shop door but all she could see were busy folk scuttling along the street. There was a frost on the ground, she'd needed to clear the windsreen before setting off that morning.

Once inside she relocked the door before heading to the rear of the shop to open the safe. She hadn't sorted the till out on Saturday so now have to make sure she had a float and to cross check the till contents with the ledgers. Finally she took the excess banknotes and wrote out a deposit slip before putting this in a banking bag.

Her pasty was still warm and she felt she deserved a reward, but she put the kettle on first. Her phone was then put into action so she could listen to music. She had a search for the bugs but this was out of curiosity although she wasn't sure she trusted Hilary's direction. One thing was clear, Hilary could use the shop cameras to spy on Tammy at any point during the week.

Just before nine, with she put on the main lights, and unlocked the door, although the first customer didn't arrive until half an hour after opening, but this was to return a dress.

"I should have tried it on when I was here on Saturday, but it was so busy."

"That's fine Mrs Abbot, how did you pay?"

"I used my card, here's the receipt."

Tammy refunded the forty-five pounds when it was clear that Mrs Abbot didn't want anything else. A minute later she was on her own again.

The shop phone rang just after ten, it was the store in Kirkwall that Sarah dealt with. Tammy wrote the order down, wishing that they'd fax or email it, although there weren't many items.

"Some of these were ordered last week but Sarah couldn't get them, she told me to put them down again for this week."

"I see, some of this is in our store but I suspect the much of the rest is on the delivery that's due?"

"Well, do what you can and please send it across as soon as possible."

"Will do."

Tammy didn't understand Sarah's ordering system, there was a danger of the same item being ordered twice. She cross-checked the Orkneys order from the previous Thursday, and it was near identical with just a few extras. Sarah had plainly submitted her own order on Thursday afternoon, the crates arrived at lunchtime.

Of course, lunchtime generated some trade, so Tammy had to leave the stock inventory alone. In the space of an hour she'd taken a few hundred pounds, not much but every penny apparently helped.

By two it was quiet again so Tammy spent some time in the stock room checking the delivery, entering it in the ledger and then sorting out what had to go on the following day's ferry. She was in the midst of finalising that order when the shop door opened. Tammy quickly ticked off the last item and went into the shop.

"Hello Tammy."

"Err, hello Ms Lane."

Part   Twenty Seven   "Czech Mate"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Monday 26th October (Continued)
 

"Err, hello Ms Lane."

"I'm sorry, Miss Smart, you may have me confused with my sister, I'm Paula Lavoska."

"Well, Ms Lavoska, I must say you look very similar."

"We're twins, but I didn't come here to talk genetics."

"Good, as that wasn't a subject I took at school." The pair laughed, politely. "How is Penny?"

"She's fine, just a little busy right now. I must say that she described you perfectly, but is Mrs Bonney available?"

"I'm afraid Sarah's away all week, I'm looking after the shop in the meantime. Can I help you?"

"Maybe, I'm the CEO of Lava Fashions in Speke on Merseyside."

"So I did I speak to you or your sister before the fashion show?"

"You dealt exclusively with her as I was in the Far East with my buyers. Penny was impressed with your organisational skills, by the way."

"Okay, thank you, so what brings you here today?"

"I try to visit each of our stockists once every few years after we start trading with them but your trade with us has increased several hundred percent since May so I wanted to say hello sooner rather than later."

"Sarah will be disappointed she missed you, but we're a long way off the usual routes."

"I also wanted to visit the Orkneys to discuss distributing their woollen wear, it seemed quite sensible to make it a road trip and call in here on the way."

"Will you be going into Kirkwall?"

"Of course, you supply a store there?"

"I do, I've just finished putting their order together, would it be cheeky of me to ask that you deliver it?"

"Not at all, I'd be delighted."

"Would your visit change any of our existing trading relationship, with yourself or with Kirkwall Fashions?"

"No, but we might be able to discuss some better terms."

"That would be useful but Sarah's not back in town before the weekend."

"I tried her mobile earlier but it was off."

"It would be, I think she'll be available on Wednesday if you called her then?"

"I'll still be in the area, I'm making a day trip to Orkney tomorrow and I'm spending the next two nights in the Castletown Hotel, my sister says you are familiar with the place?"

"I take lunch in there regularly."

"Will you join me for dinner this evening?"

"Thank you, what time?"

"Six thirty?"

"Six thirty, I'll be there, thank you."

"Here's my card, please call if you can't make it."

Tammy retrieved her bag and handed over one of her own cards.

As Paula left Tammy noted it had just gone three. Any thoughts of closing extra early were dashed when someone came through the door, almost knocking the Lava Fashions CEO off her feet.

"Oh you again."

This was the same lady who had walked out on Saturday as she couldn't wait a minute.

"Good afternoon, how can I help you?"

"Are you the manager?"

"No, I'm the duty manager." Tammy did her best to remain pleasant, at least as entertainment for whoever was bugging the shop, as well as Hilary one floor above.

"Well, I'm told that my son prances around Thurso in frocks and therefore probably shops in here."

"I'm afraid I don't quite follow you."

"Are you saying that you've never seen boys in here in skirts and dresses?"

"Well, Mrs?"

"Younger, Mrs Younger."

"Well, Mrs Younger, I'm told that kilts are regarded as skirts in some quarters so I would have to agree I have seen some."

"What about my son?"

"Can you describe?"

"Rupert is five foot seven, thin, maybe malnourished, probably in a blonde wig."

"I not familiar with any Ruperts and that description doesn't fit anyone I know. I'm sorry Mrs Younger but I can't help you find your son, although if I see him is there a message you'd like me to pass on?"

"Yes, tell Rupert that his father and I have arranged for medical treatment if he'll just come home."

"Medical treatment?"

"He has some mental health issues."

"I see. I'll pass that on, Mrs Younger, if I see him. Now, is there anything else before I close?"

"Close? It's the middle of the afternoon."

"And unless you are going to buy something I will have had no customers for two hours."

The woman turned and left. Tammy took her chance to lock the door and kill the main shop lights. She decided it was too late to go to the bank, perhaps she could do it lunchtime tomorrow? She gathered her bag and coat, noting that the crate for Kirkwall was still on the storeroom floor.

Tammy made it out of the door safely and was in her car a minute later. She pulled away before she could ponder anything about her security. Unsurprisingly her phone rang.

"Hi Hilary, I guess you were listening in?"

"Yes, Tammy, I'm having trouble finding background on Paula Lavoska, if that's her name."

"She did look uncannily like Penny."

"I'll grant you that, but subjective opinions don't always justify jumping to conclusions."

"Okay, so what do you suggest I do?"

"Have dinner with her."

"Well, obviously."

"You'll have to write an encounter report."

"Maybe tomorrow, there will be wine with this meal."

"Limit yourself, do not breach security."

"I know the drill, as far as we're concerned she could be working hand in hand with Penny and the Gores."

"Yes. I'll do some more digging and I'll text you anything relevant."

"Okay."

Tammy was now out of town and a frost was forming so she concentrated on the roads, other calls could wait.

Once inside Tammy informed Zara that she was eating out. Pru passed on several messages, her father was in a meeting and David's funeral was on Friday; could she call Elsie?

Tammy first booked a cab for six fifteen then hit the shower. She called Elsie next.

"Ah, Tammy, did you get the message?"

"About the funeral, yes."

"Cathy confirmed the date this morning after she saw Kelly. I'll book an coach for all of us, it'll be the same place as George's cremation."

"Oh, that's in Inverness so I guess I won't be opening the shop."

"I'd forgotten you were doing that, but it can't be helped. The wake will be back here."

"Sarah would understand, given the circumstances."

"How's she doing?"

"I don't know, Elsie, I need to call her daughter."

"I'm sure she'll call you when she has some news."

"Of course, how's Cathy?"

"She's finding it difficult, but at least it's half term so she isn't in school every day. As I said, she saw her solicitor today, probate is proceeding and she's selling the house. David had bequeathed a few things to his sister but she's asking for the will to be varied, given the circumstances."

"That's understandable. I'm certain her solicitor can handle that efficiently without causing Cathy any more distress."

"I'm sure Miss Masters is caring, so far as a solicitor can be." Elsie laughed.

"Quite."

"Now, Tammy, have you heard the news from the school?"

"What news?"

"The school challenged the A level maths results during the summer and the examination board contacted Dr McIntosh this morning."

"Is that why Dad's there at the moment?"

"Yes, there's a few phone calls to be made."

"So what's the result?"

"It varies between students as each exam paper had to be marked again, but it seems to indicate a one grade improvement for most of the boys, and girls."

"When will I find out?"

"When your Dad gets home."

"Thank you Elsie, but it won't make a difference to me."

"Unfortunately, some students may have missed out on their chosen university place because of a single grade and they can't re-apply even with the regrading. Some may even have privately booked to retake the exam this autumn and will find that they won't get their money back if they decide it's unnecessary."

"So it's a mess?"

"In a word, yes. It's up to individual students if they want to sue the examination board but it won't get them anywhere. It might be useful to find out who the original marker was though."

"I'll leave that with you, Elsie, I have too much to worry about."

"What about Helen?"

"I had a bit of time this morning and I've found a four week residential art course that starts on the eighth of November."

"Sounds interesting, where is it?"

"Berwick."

"Can you let me have the details?"

"I'll email it over to you."

"Thanks Tammy."

She put the phone down and reached for the hair dryer, after trawling through her wardrobes. In the end she decided to wear a frock that hadn't been seen for a few months.

There was a knock on her door.

"Very nice, Zara informs me you're going out?" Joan was holding a small white envelope.

"One of Sarah's suppliers is in town, I've been asked to join her for dinner."

"I see, are you driving?"

"I've booked a taxi."

"You should have asked first, I'm sure your Dad would run you into town?"

"It sounds like he has enough to deal with, without being my chauffeur."

"Oh, I have something for you." She handed over the envelope, turned and left. Tammy opened it, guessing what was within and pleased that her mum hadn't said anything. During the summer, Joan had intercepted Tammy's A level results - much to Tammy's ire. That had created friction between them and Tammy had not completely forgiven Joan.

This justified Tammy's original cause for concern, as she'd been awarded a 'B' grade when she felt she deserved better. She wondered how John had done, seeing as he'd also been surprised when he received his results.

What was more important, right now, was her make-up for the evening.

It was approaching six when she made it downstairs, she caught Angela in the hallway.

"What grade did you get with your maths?"

"B".

"Didn't you get that first time?"

"Yes, it hasn't changed. Mum said that you were going out, who's taking you?"

"It's a business dinner and I have a taxi due in about twenty minutes, are you going to be free on Friday for the funeral?"

"I'll have to ask, do you think Cathy would mind if I couldn't make it?"

"Cathy would understand but your problem would be Elsie, she wants everyone there."

"Okay, I'll sort that out."

Realising that she had some time to spare, Tammy went back to her room to call Sarah's daughter, Emily.

"Hi, how did it go?"

"Mum went in to theatre at nine and was in recovery two hours later. She's sleeping right now."

"It sounds like it went well?"

"That's the impression I got, we'll know more tomorrow when the surgeon visits mum."

"Okay, I guess you don't know much else?"

"No, speak tomorrow?"

"Sure."

She sent a text to John telling him her new grade, and asking if he had heard? He responded a minute later, Tanya had brought his envelope home from school. That at least confirmed Tanya was still going to work. She reminded him about their keep fit the following night.

I'll check with Tanya

Just before she was going back downstairs, Hilary called.

"I'm not turning much up at the moment. Have a good evening, but I'm concerned you might be asked to turn your phone off."

"Is my Beccy phone still in the safe?"

"I presume so, why?"

"Can you take it across to the hotel and leave it with the bar staff for me to collect? Perhaps I dropped it by my car?"

"That might show that you're careless."

"Oh well."

"No, I need to monitor what's going on, we need an alternative and we don't have long?"

"I still have a spare bug in my bag, how about I activate it?"

"That might be picked up, what about the brooch?"

"The one with the camera? Sure, I'll find it."

There was a toot from outside.

"My taxi's here, got to dash."

Tammy hurriedly found the brooch in her jewellery box and pinned it on. Next was a suitable coat, she regretted not choosing it earlier. There was a shout from downstairs reminding her there was a taxi waiting.

"Coming!"

A minute later she was in the back of the cab, having checked the details with the driver. After catching the traffic lights on Traill St she arrived at the Castletown Hotel dead on half past six. Paula Lavoska was waiting in the bar. Tammy went to take off her coat but Paula stopped her.

"I hope you don't mind, but I've booked a table at Le Bistro?"

Tammy shrugged and followed her dinner companion out of the door, waving to Frances as she left. Two minutes later they walked into the French-style restaurant and were escorted to a table at the back, well away from the door. Someone was already sat there.

"Tammy, you remember my sister."

Part   Twenty Eight   "The Oldest Profession"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Tuesday 27th October 2015
 

Tammy reflected on the previous evening, it certainly hadn't turned out how she'd imagined it. Her initial thoughts on meeting Penny Lane, or Penelopa Lavoska, was that she wished she had backup. That feeling wasn't helped when she was asked to turn off her phone and remove the battery to prove it was off. The final straw was the wand that Penny waved over Tammy and her bag.

"Just to make certain we don't have any unexpected guests with us this evening."

Tammy had tried to giggle at that comment but knew it was false. Her brooch was turned off when she arrived so passed the inspection. A trip to the ladies loo gave her the opportunity to enable her recording device.

Strangely enough, she hadn't felt threatened once the initial dramatics were out of the way. By agreement they had abstained from alcohol and set about ordering, making small talk. Tammy had started to relax, something she knew to be dangerous.

What had concerned her was just how much of her life was known to the Lavoska sisters, although Tammy was being careful not to disclose information about Penny that could only have come from intelligence sources.

"I met you once before, in Lausanne."

"Did we, Paula? My mother was there rather alot."

"It was in the summer of 2011, but you looked a little different."

"I've grown up."

"Plainly you're not the tomboy any more."

Tammy hadn't been comfortable and it probably showed. Thankfully that topic wasn't pursued and, oddly, there was no other reference to her transition during the evening.

Once home, at a respectable ten o'clock, she'd uploaded the evening's video onto the Security Service secure website. There was too much of a risk for Tammy to be seen with Hilary, both had to assume Tammy was being monitored.

She'd arrived at the shop at half seven that morning in order to retrieve the crate for Kirkwall Fashions. That had meant going without breakfast so she took herself over to the Castletown Hotel for food once Paula Lavoska was on her way. She found the manager as she crossed the bar.

"Good morning Miss Smart, this is unexpected."

"Hello Frances, I guess it is. I'd like the full Scottish breakfast."

"Tea or coffee?"

"Coffee please."

"Please take a seat in the restaurant."

Penelopa Lavoska beckoned Tammy over. "My apologies for the subterfuge last night, I needed to be certain you weren't being followed or bugged."

"Was that likely?"

"That's irrelevant, I don't take risks."

"Neither do I but I try not to be paranoid about it, or at least not show that I'm paranoid."

"Fair enough, have you considered any more about my offer?"

"I'd like to discuss it with my father but it was too late last night and I was out too early today."

"He's a retired merchant banker so I would agree that he is worth talking to, but please don't discuss it with anyone else."

"Okay, but why?"

They were interrupted by Frances as he brought Tammy's coffee and Penny's breakfast.

"In my business there are many who simply don't understand the business as well as those who might be seeking to derail me."

"It sounds cut-throat?"

"It can be."

Tammy was uncertain how to take the comment, Penny's words seemed flippant but there was an edge to her voice that sounded equally menacing. She'd heard the same the previous evening, from both of the Lavoska sisters.

Frances brought a plate of toast over, "your breakfast will be a couple of minutes, Miss Smart."

She sipped her coffee and surveyed the room, wondering if any of her friends were there to rescue her, however unlikely that would be. A familiar waitress brought her plate over, although Penny didn't give any sign of recognition.

"Your breakfast Miss."

"Thank you, Martina."

Tammy set about tackling her plate, regretting that she hadn't ordered the croissant option. Penny, of course, finished her plate first, so restarted the conversation.

"Tammy, how is that other girl, the one who modelled with you?"

"Tanya?"

"That's her."

"Working, engaged and pregnant."

"I guess she's rather occupied these days?"

"I don't see her a great deal."

Tammy continued her efforts but the plate was winning, she eventually admitted defeat.

"I'm told you've been in a few scrapes so far this year?"

"I wouldn't call them that."

"The staff here say otherwise, they admire the way you fight your corner. I looked up the local newspaper website and you've had a few mentions. Some stories didn't name you but the articles were plainly about you."

"My PA shows me any relevant articles, I don't usually read it as I don't like the local rag."

"Even though your father's a shareholder?"

"His shares are in the holding company."

"So you could suppress any awkward stories?"

"Which would give others due cause to investigate further, no, most local newspaper journalists won't do any more than print a superficial account of an event. That's safer than than telling them to brush it out of the way. I'm a non-story most of the time."

"Interesting, I shun the press, I couldn't do my job if I had a journalist looking over my shoulder."

"You didn't say last night exactly what your job was, other than it involved finance and logistics."

"I'm a co-ordinator, accountant, arranger, 'Jane of all trades'!"

"It does sound interesting."

"It is, until you find yourself on a four hour flight at just three hours notice, sometimes less."

"Okay, but where do I fit into this?"

"I need an assistant who can handle herself."

"You could hire a PA in any city."

"True, but I'm after certain qualities that are hard to find, and very hard to retain."

"I've just started a degree in the university here, plus I have business interests. In short, I'm anchored here."

"That could be accommodated. It seems you also have an interesting part time job."

"I don't do much in the clothes store these days."

"No, Tammy, I was referring to Caithness Marine. What is your role there?"

"Some data gathering, port visits, minding the phones - that sort of thing. I'm a paid intern."

"Data gathering? That sounds interesting?"

"Not really, it's just another way of saying statistics or business intelligence."

"So you handle intelligence?"

"I do research and write reports, if they need writing."

"What's the agency's main business?"

"Researching and selling maritime-related data for clients."

"What sort of clients?"

"Ferry companies, harbour authorities, fishing fleets and the statutory agencies."

"Specifics?"

"Sorry, Penny, but that's confidential." Tammy did her best to smile. "I'm afraid I need to get back across to the shop."

"By all means. Here's my business card, I have a new number you'll want to note."

Tammy reached for her purse to settle the bill.

"Don't worry, Tammy, I think I can chalk this breakfast down as a business meeting."

Tammy nodded, collected her jacket then left. She just hoped that her phone had picked up the conversation.

---

"Tammy, it's Sarah, I wanted to catch you before you opened."

"Hi, I've been in town over an hour! How are you feeling?"

"Much better than last night, I've just seen the surgeon and he seems quite happy with me."

"Great news, how long are you going to be there?"

"I might be out tomorrow but Thursday looks more likely, are you looking after my business?"

"Of course! I had a visit from the CEO of Lava Fashions yesterday and had dinner with her last night."

"Oh, the rep mentioned a few weeks ago she might be coming up here, then she turns up while I'm in the operating theatre! What did she say?"

"She might be offering some extra discounts, I have the details in the shop."

"I hope she realises that I have a seasonal trade, it could be quiet until late November."

"I think she understands."

"Do I need to know anything else?"

"Oh, it's David Stewart's funeral on Friday, I'll have to close the store."

"Don't worry, Emily is staying until Sunday so she can look after the place on Friday. Did Lori help?"

"No, but she might be free on Saturday."

"Okay, thanks for all the help."

"No trouble, Sarah."

Tammy closed at two, briefly, in order to pay the bank a visit. She'd taken a few hundred pounds so far but trade was sporadic. Added to Saturday's and the previous day's takings that meant there was just over a thousand pounds in cash that deserved to be in the bank and not in Sarah's safe.

She spotted Fleur as she made her way back to the store.

"I need to talk to you, can you come with me back to the shop?"

"I'm only in town as I had to go to the pharmacy, I don't want to spend any time outside."

"Where you might be seen?"

"Yes."

"Look, come back with me and I'll put the kettle on."

Fleur was plainly on edge, checking up and down the street. "Ok."

Tammy unlocked the door and guided Fleur to the rear of the shop floor, behind the counter. "Can you put some more water in the kettle, there's not enough for both of us?"

A few customers started to drift in and it look like they were going to need frocks, there was a dinner party at the Thurso Golf Club later in the week. That kind of event was good for trade, so Tammy had to concentrate on the customers, leaving Fleur in the background. Fifteen minutes later all was quiet.

"Sorry about that."

"It's okay, I just didn't want to be any trouble?"

"You're not, I had a visitor yesterday who was looking for a boy in a frock, is your mother in town?"

"Yes, she can't seem to get it into her head that I don't have some mental health problem, or that my situation is going to ruin her social standing."

"My mother wouldn't accept me, but she's come around now."

"Why?"

"I'm transgendered, Fleur."

"Oh, I never guessed. I take it you're doing your RLT?"

"No, I'm post-op."

"You look so natural."

"Thanks, look, what about your father?"

"He just goes along with her, I gave up trying to talk to him on the day I walked out of there and into A&E."

"He hit you?"

"No, but that woman slapped me regularly. I was ready to end it but I finally sought help."

"You said Social Services helped you?"

"Yes, I'd been able to see a paediatric psychiatrist through the school without my parents being told, the school nurse took me. The shrink saw me at the hospital and her opinion was that I would harm myself if I was forced to go back there. The social worker was satisfied that I was at risk."

"Were you dressing as a girl?"

"Not often, back then, but I was able to swap a school kilt for one of the girls' kilts, a skirt really. I never put it in the wash basket so mum didn't see it."

"Didn't the school object?"

"No, they had a single uniform policy, but it was enough for me to be seen by the nurse, she suggested I saw the shrink. She was really scared for me, but I implored her not to tell my parents, not even to ask them any questions. She showed me how to use make-up to hide the slap marks, but she really wanted my mother to be prosecuted for abuse."

"Didn't you?"

"I just wanted to get out, so on my sixteenth birthday I went to find help. I knew that the police would become involved but I didn't want them prosecuted, just to scare them. The policeman who interviewed me wasn't very considerate."

"Didn't you have an appropriate adult with you?"

"It wasn't a formal interview, just some words in a side room at the hospital. I was just pleased to get away from the copper. PC Treth-something."

"Trethgarwyn?"

"Yeah, I think so. Anyway, a social worker looked after me, got me out of Inverness. They gave me a grant to get myself set up and I bought my new wardrobe from that."

"So what does your mother think she'll get out of this?"

"I really don't know. Seeing as I'm over eighteen now, she can't do anything. She lost all parental rights and responsibilities on my sixteenth birthday."

"But she could make life difficult for you?"

"I don't have any friends, not many, and you seem to have survived an encounter. My landlady is a lovely person who understands my need for privacy. I would hate to have to move home again."

Tammy had to serve a few customers so didn't notice Fleur's departure. She wondered if Hilary had been monitoring the conversation, or if Martina's bugs still worked?

Tammy closed the shop at half past four, she still had no real idea what job she was being offered. She wanted to speak to Hilary but that was just too risky. Her mobile rang as she made the climb out of Thurso town centre.

"Miss Smart, it's Jeremiah Smith."

"Oh, hello, how are the trials going?"

"Slowly, there's plenty of legal argument and naturally some disagreements over the locations."

"So has there been any progress?"

"None, in fact there's a challenge in the High Courts of London and Edinburgh to dismiss the trials on a technicality. Until that's resolved nothing will happen."

"Great, will I be needed?"

"Ah, good question but right now I don't have an answer. The way this is going, it's anyone's guess."

"Once again the law is as clear as mud."

"Hopefully my invoice will be clearer."

"Ah, legal prostitution?"

"Indeed."

True, thought Tammy, but don't forget spies and rogues as well in that list of the oldest professions.

Part   Twenty Nine   "Father and Daughter"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Wednesday 28th October 2015
 

"I'm concerned, Tammy, the whole thing stinks."

Richard had sat with Tammy in the study, Pru hadn't yet arrived and Richard was in no hurry to go anywhere having heard his daughter's summary of the past few days.

"Dad, I know something doesn't feel right, but Hilary told me last night that she thinks it's worth making one trip to Lausanne."

"When?"

"Next Tuesday, returning on Friday."

"Don't you think the timing is something to be considered?"

"Timing?"

"The court cases?"

"Oh!"

"I know you haven't been notified of any court dates but if you aren't available to appear, whether in person or by video, then several of the cases could collapse. The defence would insist you be there even if the prosecution doesn't feel it's necessary. How would you feel if Yvonne got off?"

"She couldn't? It's Cathy's case!"

"No, Tammy, it's everything she's been doing for the past year or even longer, but David's murder won't come to trial for months. You simply can't afford to be out of town."

"Would the Lavoska sisters know this?"

"Penny said she'd researched you, last week's local paper included a report on some of the trials."

"Damn."

"So, Tammy, is this just a co-incidence?"

"I can't be sure."

"Exactly. You'll have to put them off until the trials are over, that could be Christmas or even the new year."

"That long?"

"They're complex cases and you can be certain the defence will try every avenue. Jeremiah has told you the barristers were still arguing about technicalities, it's possible that the juries won't be sworn in before Monday, that's November."

"So I have to politely decline on the basis that I haven't got a clue what I'm doing for the rest of the year?"

"That's about it."

"Okay, Dad."

"Plainly, if Penny and Paula just accept this reasoning then either they are being very forgiving or there's a deeper issue. Perhaps their real interest is Caithness Marine?"

"So it's a counter-espionage operation?"

"You've seen too many spy films, think about it, what is an apparent intelligence outpost doing in Thurso? What's the target?"

"I don't know."

"Oh, come on Tammy, you could be the target."

"Me?"

"Look how many operations you have been involved in, whether on the fringes or in the centre? Is the entire existence of Caithness Marine there to keep tabs on you or even to lay a false trail?"

"So it's hiding another operation somewhere else?"

"Tammy, these are just guesses, but you've been involved in some pretty dangerous things."

"So is Hilary there to protect me?"

"Have you seen her doing anything that looks like protective duty?"

"No, not like Louise did when she was around in January."

"So, is it a full intelligence office with just one member of staff and a partially trained intern?"

"It can't be, I'd also call it an outpost, but think about it, wouldn't it would attract more attention if there were even just four staff there?"

"It's another consideration, but what we don't have here are firm answers, or is the problem that we don't even know what questions to ask?"

"I don't know, Dad, I just don't know."

"Then seek advice, but don't agree to anything, nothing. You have to stall everyone, the genuine ones will accept that you need time to recharge your batteries. Those with ulterior concerns will try to pressure you."

"Maybe I need the phone number of the nearest convent?"

Pru arrived so the father and daughter meeting dissipated. Tammy made her escape, arriving at the shop just a few minutes before nine. She'd barely got the lights on when Paula Lavoska was at the door.

"I'm just leaving town, Tammy, Penny left an hour ago. Can you let Sarah know that I'll give her a call in a few days."

"Sure."

"Penny would appreciate a call, as well."

"Of course, have a good trip."

Tammy took her phone and called the Doctor's number, grabbing an appointment for two o'clock. She'd had already decided that she would close at lunchtime, Wednesday afternoon was never busy and Sarah often used it to do her own shopping. The morning, however, was good as more ladies wandered in looking for frocks. Fleur made an appearance just before midday.

"Sorry I disappeared yesterday but I saw my mother heading past so I decided to go in the opposite direction."

"Home?"

"Yes, you looked like you were going to be busy for a while."

"I was, but didn't sell as much as I expected. Can you put the kettle on, I haven't had a coffee since breakfast!"

Some of the displays needed tidying and there were a few items in the changing room that needed to go back. Tammy was occupied long enough for Fleur to finish making their drinks.

"Thanks, I need this."

"You look a bit tired today, Tammy."

"It's been a busy few days, I need a break."

"Why are you working here, anyway?"

"The owner is away, I've been a Saturday girl for over a year, but I've been busy with the theatre most recent weekends. She trusts me to look after the store plus I know the regulars."

"I guess you get discounts?"

"We don't worry about things like that."

Tammy could tell that Fleur was fishing for a bargain, but Sarah seldom offered discounts and Tammy wasn't about to change that. Fortunately a customer needed her help.

"Hello Mrs McIntosh."

"Hello Tammy, please call me Anne, you're no longer at school!"

"Of course, Anne, now how can I help you?"

"I need a long black skirt, for Friday."

"I see, I'll have a look in the back."

Tammy was thankful for this interruption, Fleur would likely get bored. However it had reminded Tammy that she needed appropriate clothing for David's funeral. She found a maxi length lined black cotton skirt, and another in polyester.

"These are the only black maxi length skirts out there, you're a size 14 aren't you Anne?"

"Yes, but good job no-one else was here."

She handled the skirts, before taking them both into the change room. Tammy's quick look around the store confirmed that Fleur had gone, it was just before one.

"I'll take the cotton skirt."

"I think I'll take the other one for myself, I have a black jacket and I think a cream blouse would work."

"Yes, keep it simple."

Tammy locked the shop up ten minutes later, asking that Anne supervised Tammy's own purchase. Her first stop, after dropping the skirt in her car, was to see Hilary.

"I'm telling Miss Lavoska that I'm not available."

"It'll be a missed opportunity."

"For whom, Hilary? I'm not going to dash off to Switzerland just to have a peek around when I have better things to do here."

"Like what?"

"Taking some time out to work on my studies, whilst also being available as a witness in four separate trials."

"I see."

"I hope so, as I doubt I'll be available for much before Christmas."

"I suppose that means you're not available for a trip to Cornwall in December?"

"Please don't tease me, Hilary, I'm involved in the theatre until mid December and I'd like a quiet Christmas with my family. It's going to be Elsie's last Christmas too, I just pray she's still with us."

"I'll suggest, then, that you take a three month sabbatical."

"Fine."

"I'll send you a link to the form, fill it in and submit it to Jenny."

"Okay, thanks."

"I might have to shut down this office anyway for a little while, I haven't had a break of my own for a while."

"Fair enough, can I tell that to anyone, if they ask?"

"Yes, that's okay. Now, get going as you have an appointment with the Doctor."

"I won't miss all this spying."

"What spying, Tammy? This is a legitimate research bureau!"

---

"Now, Tammy, you've put on some weight and your blood pressure is higher than normal. You're also a little pale, are you still taking those iron tablets?"

"I used them all up."

"I'll do you a prescription for another load, and don't stop unless I tell you to. You also need to ease up, you've got too much on your plate."

"Who says so?"

"Your mum, amongst others."

"I thought you couldn't discuss my medical record with anyone else?"

"Of course I can't, but that doesn't mean I can't listen when everyone's singing the same song."

"So I'm overdoing it?"

"That's the consensus."

"Well I backed out of one thing today and I'm taking a sabbatical from my intern position."

"Well that's a start."

"A start?"

"If your blood pressure doesn't come down by next Wednesday then I'm telling the theatre you're not fit to be there."

"They'll ignore it."

"No they won't, you wouldn't be covered by insurance. The same goes for the university."

"You're serious?"

"Too damn right I am, Miss Smart, you've been dashing everywhere for everyone else and my guess is there's not much 'me' time?"

"Not much, no."

"So, take some time out."

"I'm working tomorrow, I can't get out of that."

"Where?"

"The shop, Sarah should be out of hospital today or tomorrow and Emily is looking after it Friday."

"Sarah was discharged just before twelve, I've been sent her discharge papers. There is no way she is going near that shop for another week."

"I'm at uni on Monday, so I'll have to cover for her the rest of the week?"

"No, and I'll tell her the same. She'll have to arrange some other cover, right now I am signing you off, unfit due to exhaustion and high blood pressure. We'll review in seven days."

Tammy left the surgery clutching to sheets of paper. She first went to the pharmacy to collect her iron pills before heading home.

"Hello Penny?"

"Oh, Hi Tammy, are you all sorted?"

"No, sorry, my GP just signed me off."

"Oh, did she?"

"Yes, for a week but with a threat of much longer. I'm afraid I'm not as fit as I should be."

"Never mind dear, what about your little job with the marine folk?"

"I'm taking a sabbatical and the lady there is taking some leave so it's being closed down temporarily."

"That's a shame. I've got another call, got to go, bye Tammy."

Once inside Tammy handed the sick note to Pru and asked her to deal with it before taking herself up to her room. She showered, then climbed into bed.

Her father put his head around the door at seven.

"Are you hungry?"

"No, but I could do with some iced water."

"Your mum wanted to have a go at you for not listening to her advice."

"I wouldn't get anything done if I listened to everything she says."

"That's an exaggeration, but so was much of what she said. Look, we're concerned. You need to take a time out."

"I'm doing nothing with Caithness Marine before the end of January. Dr Adi won't let me help Sarah out and if my BP isn't down by next Weds I won't be doing anything else at all."

"Then use the next week to recharge yourself, do some reading, have a swim, visit Elsie. If you want to sit in bed all day tomorrow then fine, so long as it's helping your recovery."

"You'll handle mum?"

"For now, but I have my limits, Tammy."

"Yes, Dad, love you."

"I love you too. Louise arrives tomorrow."

Part   Thirty   "Tammy's Funeral"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Thursday 29th October 2015
 

Tammy woke with rain beating against her windows, almost drowning out the sound of her seven o'clock alarm. She'd forgotten to cancel the alarm but equally hadn't plugged her phone in to charge overnight so it had been pot luck whether the battery lasted long enough.

She padded into the shower and took her time, conditioning her hair twice before stepping back out. Clothing today was going to be slouchwear, this would suffice whether she was slouching in the lounge or her own room. Leggings and a long woolly top met the requirements. The rain was intensifying so Tammy had no problem deciding she wasn't going anywhere.

She put her phone on charge before wandering down for breakfast.

"Hi mum."

"Hello Tammy, you look a bit fresher today. I wish you'd followed my advice, and I hope you're not going to work today, are you?"

"No! Happy?"

She stormed back up to her room, locking the door. Tammy had tried to avoid this, her father had promised last night he'd handle Joan but he had been nowhere to be seen this morning. There was some tapping on her door, Tammy ignored it.

"Miss, I have a coffee if you'd like it."

She opened the door, finding Lily with a tray. Tammy took the tray and thanked Lily before shutting the door and turning the key. There was indeed coffee, plus toast, marmalade and a banana. Under the toast rack was a folded slip of paper, there was just one word 'Sorry' on the sheet.

Tammy finished the breakfast then took her tray to the kitchen. By now every other member of the family had left, but Zara and Pru hadn't arrived. So, when the phone started to ring, Tammy went to answer it.

"Hello, Smart household?"

"It's your funeral next." The line went dead.

It rang again, Tammy was shaking but needed to make a point, "you can't scare me!"

"Pardon? This is the surgery."

"Oh, my, sorry, sorry but I've just had an awful call."

"Is that Tamara Smart?"

"Yes."

"Are you alright? Do you need medical help?"

"I'm calming down, thanks. How can I help you?"

"Dr Sutherland would like you to come in this morning for a blood test."

"Oh."

"She apologises but you left yesterday before she could tell you. Can you be here at ten?"

"Sure."

"I'll let the duty nurse know. Bye."

Tammy first locked the study door then she unlocked the safe to remove the encryption key before inserting it into the secure phone. She called Caithness Marine but the line was dead, Hilary's mobile was also off. She called Jenny's number at MI5 in London.

"Finance."

"Suzie?"

"Yes, is that Tammy?"

"Yes, is Jenny there?"

"No, she's been called to a meeting, something's going on."

"Oh."

"What's up Tammy?"

"I've just been threatened on the phone, it was a male voice." She repeated the words.

"And you think it's related to the trials, or to one of the ongoing investigations?"

"Yes, to both, I don't know."

"I'll make some calls, don't go anywhere."

"I've been told to have a blood test, I'll have to leave here in about an hour."

"I'll try to be quick, you should contact the local police as well. The blood test doesn't sound like the most important thing right now."

"Okay, I couldn't get hold of Hilary."

"Understood, Tammy, got to go."

She next called DS Franklin's mobile but got his voicemail. Out of desperation she called the Police Scotland general number.

"Police Scotland, how can I help you."

"I've been threatened on the phone."

"Have you spoken to your phone provider?"

"I've been told it's my funeral today or tomorrow, I'm a witness in four terrorist trials."

"I see. What's your name, address and number?" Tammy gave her details. "I'll just transfer you."

It seemed to be a few minutes before the next voice on the line.

"Tammy?"

"Who's that?"

"Iain Brown, what's up?"

"Oh Iain, do you have a secure phone there?" Tammy had first met Deputy Chief Inspector Iain Brown when he was directing West Side Story, a year earlier.

"Umm, yes."

"Can you call me back on this number?" She gave him the number of the phone on the desk next to her. It took two long minutes.

"Sorry Tammy, Miss Smart, I really shouldn't ask how you have one of these?"

"No DCI, you shouldn't!"

"Okay, tell me what's going on, from the top."

Tammy recounted and pointed out she was indeed going to a funeral the following day.

"So are you sure it's not a wind-up?"

"Positive."

"Who's at home with you?"

"Lily, our maid, might still be here but I'm otherwise alone."

Right, who else knows about this call?"

"My sister, Suzie."

"Why her?"

"She works for the Security Service, I also report to her boss."

"Okay, I'll send someone to be with you, but you may wish to find somewhere safe to go?"

"I'll want to get my weapon first."

"I take it you have a good reason to suggest that, and it's legally held?"

"I'm fully trained and licensed and I wouldn't need it if I wasn't being got at."

"Where is it?"

"In town, in a safe."

"Caithness Marine?"

"Yes."

"We have units near the building, there's been an explosion. You're recorded as the owner?"

"I am, oh shit, what's happened?"

"We don't know, it was only half an hour ago. I'm silver commander for the operation."

"I can't get hold of Hilary Bull, she's the manager of Caithness Marine."

"Stay put, Tammy, stay put, I will get a unit to you."

"Thank you Iain." She burst into tears.

Tammy sat back down, feeling totally helpless. She wanted to speak to more people but what could they do? She thought she should call her father but someone just tried the study door, Tammy froze, then looked around the room for possible weapons.

"Tammy, it's Pru, let me in."

"Are you alone?"

"No."

"Who's with you? Do you know who it is? Are you being coerced?"

"She says she's Louise, Richard did brief me yesterday and she was expected."

Tammy slowly released the bolt and carefully opened the door. Louise Charles, private investigator and personal protection specialist was there. Tammy gave her a hug, crying on her shoulder.

"Thank you, thank you."

"I guess something's happened?"

"Yes, police are on their way and I can't get at my weapon, do you have a spare?"

"Woah! Slow down! I don't carry a weapon and you, young lady, shouldn't have one."

Tammy went back into the study and re-opened the safe, retrieving a sealed envelope.

"These are copies of my permits, including my 'Get out of jail free' card. My pistol is in a safe in town, in whatever is left of the building."

"The town's virtually sealed off, I remembered enough back roads to get here."

"Well, someone has threatened me and now they've blown up the building that contains my office, oh shit, I should have been in the shop."

"No wonder your father wanted me back here. Okay, Pru can you organise some coffee while I check the perimeter. Tammy, stay here."

Louise was back three or four minutes later, by which time Tammy was getting jumpy. Louise stayed in the hallway, checking the layout for any changes when Pru returned. Outside it had finally stopped raining.

"Zara's in the kitchen, you should have seen it when Louise almost jumped on her as she came across the paddock."

"of course she doesn't know the new staff."

"No, and that's my fault. Anyway, have you played the call back?"

"No, can I? I didn't know we had the facility?"

"Your Dad had some call monitoring equipment installed in September, whilst you were away, it was in case of threats."

"Okay, you'll have to show me."

Pru showed Tammy which program to use on the desktop PC. "The calls are stored on a separate server and automatically backed up." She showed Tammy how to access the call log, finding the last incoming call.

She played Tammy's conversation with the surgery. "No, the one before that!" She sensed movement so looked up and saw Ben Franklin entering the room, accompanied by a young plain clothed officer.

"Hi Ben, did Iain get hold of you?"

"Yes, I was on scene. I have something for you." He handed over two plastic lunchboxes from a holdall. "The lady there suggested you should have these." Tammy slid the boxes in the safe next to her, the young officer was plainly uncertain what was in the opaque plastic containers.

"So Hilary's okay?"

"Yes, it was apparently a gas fault, but it's destroyed much of the electrics, incoming lines and so on. There's a water leak but we can't check out the shop as no-one's down there."

"You said it was a fault, could it have been deliberate? I was supposed to be working in the shop below that this morning, I would have been there shortly after eight thirty."

"The blast happened at eight forty."

"The phone call was ten minutes after that, Ben, probably when they realised my car wasn't there."

"Can we hear the call, Tammy?"

Pru played it. "Is a number recorded?"

"No, officer."

"Okay, Iain has already asked British Telecom to check the phone records. Can I have a copy of the audio?"

"Sure, by email?"

"Thanks, Pru, here's my card, my email address is on there. Now, Miss Smart, can we sit somewhere, and maybe explain why that lady is looking at me strangely?"

They walked to the sitting room, leaving Pru in the office. Louise came along whilst Zara took drinks orders.

"Okay, Ben, this lovely lady is Louise and she's my new bodyguard, she arrived just before you two did."

"You had one just after Christmas?"

"Same one, different hairstyle."

"So, Tammy, please explain what is going on."

"What about your lad?" She indicated the young officer. "Is he cleared for this?"

"Yes, he's DC Peter Brown, son of DCI Brown."

"Iain's lad?"

"The same, but that's not general knowledge." Tammy held out a hand to the young officer.

"Okay, where do I begin?"

---

Richard had arrived ten minutes after they arrived in the sitting room, clearly notified by Pru. He took Louise to one side to be briefed. Ben, meanwhile went outside to take a call, returning a few minutes later.

"Okay, firstly the phone call came from an internet phone and could be anyone, so phone records won't help. Secondly, the gas engineer has confirmed there's no apparent evidence it's sabotage. If it had been deliberate then whoever did it would have to have been in the main office. Hilary was in a side office and was caught in the blast, she's gone to the Raigmore to be checked out."

"So it's a false alarm?"

"No, we still have a threat against you, we'll ask for the recording to be analysed but I wouldn't expect anything."

"I'll ask the security service to analyse it."

"By all means. Now, please don't go running around Thurso with that weapon, it's defensive only. And you shouldn't be allowed anywhere near it, you're a hazard Tammy, a hazard!"

"Is that an official Police Scotland opinion?"

"Yes!"

Tammy looked at the clock, it was just gone ten thirty. "Louise, can we go to the surgery, I'm due a blood test?"

"Sure, I'll drive."

 
Friday 30th October
 

It was a cold but bright start to the day, blue skies with a white sheen across the grounds of the McPherson estate. Elsie was marshalling everyone who had opted to travel on the coach, this included her daughter Cathy.

The funeral, Elsie had suggested, should be a service of celebration for David. Gone therefore was the hearse and the limo, Cathy would join the others on the coach for the ride to and from Inverness with the hearse going direct to the crematorium.

There were other touches to lighten the mood, with a suggestion that this could send a message to David's murderer that her best efforts could not bring the McPherson family down.

Of course, not everything had gone to plan, Helen had arrived for breakfast in a pink knee length frock that would have suited a ten year old. She claimed this was her effort at moving away from standard funeral garb but Elsie wasn't having any of it. Helen had re-appeared in a long McPherson tartan skirt with a white linen long sleeved blouse, meeting Elsie's approval.

Elsie herself was starting to look tired Tammy wondered if this was the illness or simply the work she was doing at the moment. Tammy had taken coffee with her the previous afternoon, but this had been interrupted by phone calls from financial advisors, brokers and bankers as she marshalled her finances. Louise meanwhile had undertaken a review of Tammy's security as well as liaising with Cathy, the undertakers and the police concerning the funeral arrangements. She was, eventually, able to satisfy Tammy that protection was in place and that she should attend the funeral.

"The issue, Tammy, is that we don't know their motive, and without that we are only guessing. It could be their wish that you stay at home instead of going to Inverness, but there's no way to know what their intentions are. My advice is to proceed as planned but you'll have me looking out for you. Oh, please, leave that weapon at home."

The coach set off at eight thirty for the two hour trip, Tammy had found herself sitting next to Helen after the usual round of musical chairs was complete.

"Aunt Elsie has found me this art course, I wasn't going to go but I'm a bit bored at the moment."

Tammy smiled, she'd found the course and it had clearly been an inspired choice.

"I've could have time on my hands now, depending on what Dr Adi says next week."

"Well, join me on the course, it's in Berwick in a hotel."

"I don't know if I could get away."

"It's a month long but it covers everything, there's a diploma at the end."

"A month? What about university?"

"They'll have internet access, so you'll still be able to send in your work. If the doctor signs you off then the uni won't insist on you attending."

Helen's reasoning had merit. "I'll think about it, but what if the course is full?"

"I asked, there were ten spaces free so Elsie told me to reserve you a space just in case."

"Hmmm."

"Come on Tammy, don't blame me! It'll be fun."

"When do you go?"

"The course starts on Sunday the eight, just over a week from now, but I'm planning to travel down a few days earlier and I'll stop over in Edinburgh for a few days. It's forty or so minutes by train to Berwick from there, easy to do on the Sunday morning."

"What's on in Edinburgh?"

"There's a film festival, several arts festivals, loads of live music, cinemas, and a couple of big fireworks displays. It has everything that Thurso doesn't have."

"I won't know what I'm doing until Wednesday, Helen."

"I'm leaving that morning, when's your appointment?"

"Two o'clock."

"No good, you wouldn't get into Edinburgh before nine or ten that night. I plan on being there by four, and I'd appreciate the company."

"Oh well, maybe you'll have to go on your own?"

"No, move your appointment to the previous day."

"Why should I?"

"If you don't, I'm sure Elsie could change it and I know you wouldn't argue with her."

Tammy rarely had a reason to disagree with Elsie, but interference on this level was different. She declined to answer Helen verbally so took her iPod out of her bag, plugged earphones into her head and closed her eyes as Dvořák's New World Symphony started.

Louise was sat next to the driver, watching the road closely, especially the unmarked police vehicles fore and aft.

They arrived at the crematorium with twenty or so minutes spare. Louise was first off but left an instruction for everyone else to remain seated. Tammy could see her check the area then speak to the occupant of a car parked close by. After a minute she returned and asked everyone to walk over to the crematorium's waiting room. Tammy scanned the room as they entered.

"Are we safe, Louise?"

"That's a relative word, Tammy, there are risks around us all of the time and most we can manage, some we can't."

"Okay, are we in imminent danger?"

"Again, unless we knew what any potential aggressor is thinking, we can't be certain about anything or anyone."

"You're not making me feel very good, right now."

"As I understand it, you've had a substantial amount of training recently that normal members of the public simply wouldn't get."

"It can't prepare you for every eventuality."

"Nothing in life can, but we adapt."

Tammy took another look around the waiting room as others had arrived, she recognised a few faces from Cathy and David's wedding, the previous November, and assumed they were Stewarts. Another couple looked vaguely familiar but she couldn't put a name to them.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, could I have your attention?"

One of the undertakers had walked in from the chapel.

"The police have requested we vacate the building for a few minutes whilst some security checks are being made."

"Louise, are you aware of any checks?"

"They were being done before we arrived, the previous funeral was cancelled so there was a good gap."

The gathered throng was moving towards the exit and Tammy was being pulled along with them.

"Louise, what do we do? I'm scared."

Part   Thirty One   "Dead Reckoning"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Friday 30th October (continued)
 

It appeared that there had been a mis-communication as everyone was now being told they could go into the chapel. Tammy and Louise had hung back, the door into the chapel could have been used as an escape route. They quickly slid onto one of the pews, a few rows from the front, Louise took up a defensive position, leaving Tammy exposed on the end of pew, although the nearby exit doors were firmly closed.

"So what do you think happened?"

"I don't know, probably just a mistake." Tammy wasn't happy with Louise's answer but they both had exactly the same knowledge of the situation, nothing.

The rest of the mourners were now taking their seats in the chapel. In the waiting area Tammy had noticed a girl who was wearing almost exactly the same clothes as herself, the only major difference was her dark glasses that remained firmly on the other girl's nose. That girl was now sat a few rows ahead. Anne McIntosh slid alongside Louise, who swapped places with Tammy.

"Not very well organised, Tammy?"

"No, Anne." Tammy didn't want to dwell on the subject.

"Well, why would the police want to search here anyway, who would bomb a crematorium?"

"Who, indeed?"

The minister now came into the chapel, Cathy had gone against David's family's wishes for a full Church of Scotland service and had asked for a humanist service instead. That had caused some consternation but Cathy, backed by Elsie of course, had suggested they held a memorial service under whatever denomination they desired, but just don't expect the widow to attend.

The simple service was over in ten minutes and the chapel rose soon after the curtains closed, with 'Flower Of Scotland' playing through the speakers. The undertakers opened the exit doors onto a terrace and the pews started to filter outside. Louise held Tammy back.

"Too exposed there, let's circle around."

They went back into the waiting area, surprising one of the undertakers, Louise quickly checked the area outside the door for any dangers, spying two uniformed police officers in the carpark. The pair went outside and circled around the building back towards the terrace when a shot rang out, followed by screams. Louise pushed Tammy onto the ground.

"Oi!"

"Quiet, and stay down."

The uniformed and unarmed police officers had sprinted across the carpark and now disappeared from sight, whilst the mourners were panicking, most running to their cars or the coach, although Tammy couldn't see Cathy, Elsie or any of the others. No-one seemingly spotted Tammy.

A succession of shots rang out, accompanied by more screams. A loud voice was heard, "where is she?" Tammy thought she'd heard the voice before, a female voice repeated the question, adding "I have hostages, if I don't get Tammy Smart, they'll die." The voice seemed to come from within the chapel, just behind them.

Louise again told Tammy to stay down.

"I can't, my friends are there."

"You'll do exactly as I tell you."

The male's voice was getting closer, Tammy guessed he was coming through the waiting area, towards their position. Louise hesitated then beckoned Tammy to get on her feet but to stay low. She pointed for them to continue around the building, away from the entrance, given a lack of alternative routes.

They reached the two officers, both had been shot and one was clearly deceased, the other was losing blood from a chest wound.

"Spray." He whispered. Tammy unclipped the CS spray from the officer's utility belt, against Louise's wishes. They could now hear sirens approaching.

Tammy crept further around the building, reaching the terrace. The choices were to go onto the terrace, around it or double back; although none of the options was desirable. They could now hear noise of someone walking on gravel, approaching their position. Tammy pushed her way behind a bush, knowing that it wasn't ideal. Louise took up position close by, ready to defend her charge.

The male now came into view and immediately spotted Tammy, although she didn't have a clear view of him. He raised his weapon as Louise came at him, he deflected her blow and targeted her. Tammy burst from her space and sprayed the male, who she now identified as John Gore. Unfortunately she also caught Louise, incapacitating her.

John Gore fought the pain and levelled his weapon, although he could barely see her. She sprayed again, trying to keep her distance. He fired but missed her before dropping the weapon. Tammy grabbed his weapon and made her way inside the building, entering through the main door. She hid behind the door into the chapel.

Anita Gore was by the pulpit with a group of mourners on the front pew.

"Right, you, call her mobile again." Tammy couldn't see who was being spoken to but she was fairly certain that Elsie, Cathy and Helen were there. Fortunately, her phone was on the coach.

Suddenly there was movement behind her, two black-clad officers armed with Heckler & Koch MP5. Tammy recognised the weapon having used one in Kent. They were unimpressed when they saw what Tammy was holding.

"Drop that!"

Unfortunately that grabbed Anita Gore's attention and a shot reached one of the officers, catching his arm. Anita moved quickly and was suddenly in the doorway but Tammy hadn't moved. Anita had her target and went to fire but Tammy was faster, shooting Anita at point blank range. The woman went down immediately. Only now was she relieved of the weapon and pulled out of the area. A paramedic was allowed in to attend to the injured officer.

"Tammy, you okay?"

DS Franklin was just outside, wearing a stab-proof vest over his suit.

"I killed her."

"You did what?"

"I shot her."

One of the armed officers escorted the hostages from the chapel.

"Oh, Tammy, you're okay? There was a girl shot who looked like you, that bloody cow shot her before she realised it wasn't you."

"I'm fine Cathy, it's terrible but I'm not certain what's happening now."

That was answered by an officer approaching her, "Miss Smart, you are under arrest for murder. You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention, when questioned, something which you rely on in court. Anything you do say can be given in evidence."

Tammy shrugged, "it was self defence, her or me. I chose me."

He pulled handcuffs off his belt and went to secure her. Ben Franklin, spoke to him first.

"I think you need to know she has a Met Police firearms certificate, I've seen it."

"How?"

"Need to know, I'm afraid."

Regardless of this information Tammy was handcuffed and put into a police van that had now arrived. John Gore was being treated by a paramedic, an ambulance had left, presumably to take the injured officers to hospital. More officers had arrived.

---

"Now, now, Miss Smart, what do we have here?"

"Self defence, and I was the target."

She was sat, nearly two hours later, in an interview room at Inverness Police Station, had been searched, photographed, fingerprinted and had given a saliva sample for a DNA test.

"Even so?"

"Look, I have some documents at home, they would be very useful right now."

"What are they?"

"My firearms licence and a get-out-of-jail-free letter signed by the Chair of the Home Affairs Committee. It authorises me to take reasonable steps to protect myself. I think this counts as reasonable?"

"Home Affairs Committee? This is Scotland, not England. Anyway, her husband might not agree with you, nor their daughter?"

"They were international assassins, guns for hire. Someone must have taken a hit out on me."

"That's speculation."

"No, and it's happened before. Anyway, you know that I'm at risk because of the trials."

"It's not something that happens in the Highlands."

"It does to me."

Ten minutes later she was interviewed, giving her view of the morning's events. Naturally she strayed into some of the back story but stopped short when asked about her background.

"I'm sorry but you're not cleared for that. I can't answer your question."

"I suggest, Miss Smart, that you answer the question."

"My client has made it clear that she can't, it could be a breach of the official secrets act."

"You claimed to have a firearms certificate but you're not on our local database."

"It was issued by the Met's counter terrorism unit, I'm fully licensed and trained."

"Where is it?"

"In a safe in Thurso, there's a duplicate in my home safe, alongside my weapon."

The interviewing officer tried to get more out of Tammy but changed tact when she was getting nowhere.

"Now, did you know the Gores?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"Their daughter goes to my old school and I had dinner with them a month or so ago."

"Several witnesses have told us that they were looking for you? Why would they do that?"

"I'm a witness in four high profile trials. This wasn't the first attempt on my life by them. I was also threatened on the phone yesterday."

There was a knock on the door, the officer stopped the recording and answered it, he stood outside for a minute, Tammy could see him shaking his head through the glass.

"I don't know who your friends are but I've been told to de-arrest you."

"Good."

"Miss Smart, you took someone's life today and you have made no effort to deny this, but you don't seem to be concerned. I find that amazing."

"I've been trained, I recently hesitated when I should have taken a shot so I was sent on an Special Forces training course. I learned a lesson on that course that you can't hesitate, it was very simple, her or me."

"You cannot make that choice. You don't have the right"

"Your officers were under attack and my bodyguard was injured, what alternatives were there? I'm sorry that a girl has lost her mother but she was a murderer who has killed many times before."

"You know this because?"

"I work in intelligence."

"You're a student?"

"Yes, anyway you said I could go?"

She passed John Gore in the corridor, he glared at Tammy.

"You bitch, you'll die for this."

She shrugged and turned to the officer, "you see?"

Fifteen minutes later she walked out of the main entrance, her father was waiting alongside Hilary.

"Thank you Jeremiah, until the next time?"

"Indeed, Miss Smart, indeed."

"Did they treat you okay?"

"Yes, how did you arrange my release?"

They started walking, there was a café a hundred metres away. Tammy needed a wee.

"The Met's Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for terrorism phoned the Chief Constable of Scotland and I brought your documents over. You owe a few thanks, but don't get the impression this is over?"

"No?"

"No, Tammy, no. There will be a fatal accident inquiry and you could still be indicted. John Gore could even attempt a private prosecution although he's likely to be busy handling his own affairs. His home has been searched, they found a safe set into the floor of the downstairs loo! The place was bugged, and it seems the officers conducting the search tripped an alarm. The Lavoska sisters have gone to ground."

"And yet you wanted me to go to Lausanne?"

"It's unlikely you'd have actually gone."

"What about the explosion in the office?"

"The gas line had been severed by a small explosive. The boiler was serviced a week ago and we're looking at video of the engineer to try to identify him. He was, of course, fully supervised while he was there. We've suppressed this information, of course."

"Even so?"

"Yes, my security failed. Jenny isn't happy at all."

They reached the café but spotted a couple of journalists inside so kept walking.

"The Police said you'd be ages so they came down here."

"Where's the car?"

"We flew."

The chopper was another ten minutes distant, sat in the spacious carpark of an abandoned store. A few locals were intrigued, even more so when the trio arrived, boarded and the rotor started to spin. Thankfully the onlookers moved back.

When the helicopter turned to head South, instead of West to Thurso, Tammy felt she wasn't being told everything.

"We're dropping you in Aberdeen, Helen and Louise will join you in a few hours and you're booked into a hotel."

"Oh?"

"It's best that you disappear for a while." Hilary pulled out a shoulder bag. "For the next few weeks you'll be Beccy Adams. All your documents are in there, plus your Glock and two magazines. Try not to kill anyone. We'll deal with the aftermath easier with you out of the way."

"Okay, where am I going?" Tammy badly regretted not using the loo in the police station.

"Fancy doing an art course?"

Part   Thirty Two   "Another Debrief"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Sunday 1st November
 

"I hope that's the last time?"

"I'm sorry, Miss Smart, but you may be needed again."

Tammy walked away and out onto grass at the rear of Abigail Adams House, a few miles north of London. She'd arrived Saturday lunchtime after being intercepted in Aberdeen by a Security Service team and was then flown into Stansted, a short drive from her location. The debriefings had started almost immediately, she'd been subjected to detailed interviews twice so far.

Tammy hadn't met a single person she knew, yet, and was feeling isolated. At least the gardens allowed an escape from the house, even if the frequent showers cut short her perambulations.

What was becoming clear was how much bigger the intelligence operation had been than she could have imagined. Tammy had been but one small cog in the machine, a distraction for the benefit of the Gores and Lavoskas. Unfortunately, Hilary seemed to have taken her eye off the ball and hadn't been completely upfront with Tammy, or Jenny.

In short it was a mess.

Hilary was apparently being debriefed elsewhere, some safe-house somewhere in the South. The rumour mill wasn't reaching Tammy but she wondered if it meant the end for Caithness Marine?

One consideration had been whether there was a mole in the operation, perhaps in London, Thurso or anywhere else? Tammy really didn't know where the other agency offices were, this was compartamentalised, she'd been told, if you were compromised you could only risk revealing a small part of the overall scheme.

She made her way back indoors as the rain turned from a light shower to a torrential downpour. She wanted to use the pool but her case had been packed by someone else, in a hurry, and was lacking a few items. She sought the housekeeper.

"Excuse me, can I go shopping?"

"Sorry, Miss Smart, you can't leave until the investigating officer says you can."

"I don't have a swimsuit or gym clothes and I only seem to have four bras, thanks to whichever idiot went through my room on Friday afternoon."

"That's hardly our concern, this is not a spa and you are not here for a vacation. Please make use of the laundry bag in your room if you are short of anything, it's emptied twice a day."

Tammy didn't have her normal mobile, and the bag containing Beccy's identity had been emptied, including the mobile phone that Hilary had placed in there. Her weapon was also missing. She had no internet access and no voice communications; there was only so many times you could read the newspapers, turn on the telly or listen to the radio news.

Lunch followed a short while later, she'd been told not to ask any of the other guests what they were doing in the house, and not to reveal why she was there. Some of the faces at the lunch table hadn't been there at breakfast and a corresponding number were missing.

With food out of the way, and the rain persisting, Tammy went down to the armoury. She finally met a familiar face.

"Good afternoon Miss Smart, good to see you again."

"Thank you, Range Officer, am I allowed down here?"

"I've not been told otherwise. I have your Glock 26 here, it needed servicing but there was no evidence of it being used recently although I understand you were involved in a fatality."

"No, I used the pistol that someone else had dropped, I didn't have my Glock with me."

"Right, let me go through the range safety instructions for you."

She left there thirty minutes later, satisfied with her score. She hadn't needed to re-qualify until the next summer but Tammy was happy that she was improving.

She walked up to her room and put the radio on, choosing BBC Radio 5 live. One news story concerned a MtF transgendered prisoner finally being moved to a female prison. Was there a real risk that Tammy could go to prison for killing Anita Gore?

This had been covered in the debriefs, the interviewing officer had been hard on her, much more than the police officer on Friday afternoon. Saturday afternoon's first debrief session had been tough, one question kept coming back, did she have the right to take a life? Was there an alternative?

Tammy had been forceful, if Anita hadn't been stopped then who else would she have shot? Was there an option to using deadly force? She'd been so close to Tammy that almost any shot was deadly. If the aim of that first session was to knock Tammy's confidence, it had been well and truly obtained.

It was with trepidation that she went back into the room on Sunday morning, but she'd had another sleepless night to ponder what had happened, how it had played out and whether she was right - or wrong. This time she fought back against the questions, challenged the interviewer to choose a different action given the same circumstances.

Finally she'd found out that the look alike girl was a female police officer, a deliberate decoy. She'd survived with a flesh wound and would apparently be out of hospital in the morning. It also seemed that other officers had originally been at the crematorium but had been called away whilst everyone waited to go into the chapel. There had been a false alarm on the other side of Inverness that required armed officers, making sure it took longer to respond to any calls from the crematorium. Were there other accomplices?

Naturally Tammy was upset that a police officer had died, especially one who had been there to protect her. John Gore received no sympathy, the crematorium CCTV showed that he'd shot the two unarmed officers and his wife had shot the decoy as well as one of the armed officers. Tammy's shot wasn't covered by CCTV, she was pleased to hear. Her bedroom phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Miss Smart, are you ready to go shopping?"

"I was told I couldn't."

"Change of circumstances, please go to the carpark."

Tammy went to pick up her bag, but it was empty bar a pack of tissues. She didn't even have any make-up with her. She grabbed a jacket, swapped her shoes for boots then walked down to the basement.

Her driver was clearly armed, but she wasn't certain about the female who was waiting by the car.

"I'm Kim, we've had word that you're needed in court tomorrow so you need an outfit or two that's suitable. I've been told you can use this debit card."

The card in question was her Beccy one, as far as Tammy knew all of her earnings from the Security Service went into that account, but what was the balance?

"Court?"

"I'm sorry, I haven't been told."

Was this one of the cases that had kicked off a week earlier, or something related to Friday? As she wasn't being put on a flight to Scotland, Tammy didn't believe her liberty was at risk, although she had very little of that right now.

"Where are we going?"

"Brent Cross, do you know it?"

"Yes, quite well."

"How come, it's a long way from Scotland?"

"I was born in Edgware." Tammy decided she'd already said too much, would Kim be reporting back on her? Probably.

The ride took half an hour, the driver parked on the top deck of the carpark.

"It's a bit exposed?"

"Maybe, Miss, but there's only one access onto the deck and we could get away by helicopter if an evac was needed."

They ignored the lift and went down two floors by stairs, the driver ahead and Kim behind Tammy. It was quickly clear that the driver was not comfortable shopping for women's clothes. Kim was chatty, helpful, but really had no idea what suited Tammy, they tackled the formal wear first.

"What about that black suit?"

"No. it's a shame but I left a couple of suits in Cornwall that I could do with right now."

She went for burgundy, cream and navy, choosing a knee length skirt and trousers to go with the jackets. She added separates, blouses, tops, undies, shoes, make-up and a box of pantyliners from Boots.

"Are you done?"

"Not quite, can you look after these?" Tammy handed over the bags before walking into the sports store, Kim hard on her heels. Two swimsuits and two sets of gym wear completed the day's purchases. She stopped by a cashpoint to withdraw a hundred, just in case.

Behind her there was a scuffle, as she turned around, cash and card in her hands, a youth in a black hoodie was on the floor, a small blade near his right band.

"Umphffff"

"You're under arrest for attempted robbery, you do not have ...." Kim had decided to intervene, preventing Tammy from being mugged, but this was now attracting a crowd. Security guards arrived but all they could do was ask their control to call for uniformed police. Kim didn't have a radio and her phone was a personal one, without control room numbers. The driver suggested to Tammy they left.

"Now!"

Kim was abandoned, she'd have to find her own way back. They made it to the car without incident and were on the road a minute later.

Tammy started to shake, was she really that close to being hurt, and she didn't even know he was so close. This was different to having a gun pointing at you, this would have been a literal stab in the back, and she hadn't been aware he was there.

But what about her protective detail, how had the youth got so close? This wasn't good.

"Why wasn't I armed this afternoon?"

"We don't just hand weapons out."

"Mine is in the armoury, I practised with it earlier."

"Do you really think it would have changed how that played out just now, Miss? If you produce a handgun in a UK shopping centre you will get panic and will end up have to justify yourself to idiots who've never had to handle a weapon."

"Well ......"

"Do you really think that being armed solves all the problems? That kid got too close before we clocked him, that's mine and Kim's fault. Your only part was that you were a likely victim, nothing more."

Tammy said nothing for the rest of the journey, she used the lift straight from the carpark level to her room on the second floor to hang her new clothes up, she was in the pool twenty minutes later.

After dinner she was again called, but this time went into the study where she found Dave Brown was waiting.

"Ah, Tammy, take a seat."

"I didn't know you were here?"

"I just arrived, I'm here to brief you."

"Makes a change from having to answer the questions."

"Believe it or not, Tammy, I've had to read everyone's debriefs, and there were rather alot of them. I have a small team putting together a comprehensive report on the past few months."

"So my sessions aren't that important?"

"Of course they are, you were heavily involved, far too closely involved, and it had consequences."

"Like Anita Gore?"

"Yes, now I believe you're aware about tomorrow?"

"Sort of." Not really.

"Okay, it's a day out in the Old Bailey, you need to speak to the prosecution team."

"Okay, will I actually be needed in court?"

"Not for a few days, you need to see Jenny too."

"What about the cases in Edinburgh?"

"You'll do those by video from here."

"So I'm not going to Scotland?"

"Not for a while, that's to reduce the risk of another cock-up as well as for your own protection."

"Is there a risk?"

"There's always a risk, it just needs to be managed. Right now we can't be certain that the Gores and Lavoskas didn't have help in Thurso or nearby. Plus your presence might complicate things."

"How?"

"The WPC who acted as a decoy is coming out of hospital in the morning and will be seen around Thurso for a few days, accompanied by your former bodyguard."

"My friends will know she's not me."

"But we're not worried about your friends."

"Isn't she frightened she'll be shot again?"

"Again there's a risk, but she doesn't want to be a target, it's just to get their attention."

"What's Hilary doing?"

"Hilary's toast, forget her."

"Oh. What about the office?"

"That was very nearly shut down, but it was generating enough good intel that it's been given three months to prove itself under new management."

"Who?"

"Suzie."

"Is that going to be a problem, she's my sister?"

"No, your involvement with Caithness Marine is over."

"I still own the building."

"That's unfortunate."

"What about my work with the Security Service?"

"You're officially on three months leave, but you'll be compensated for the time you spend with us."

"So I'm doing nothing?"

"Did I say that?"

Part   Thirty Three   "Friends"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Monday 2nd November
 

Tammy was on the road shortly after eight for the journey into central London. It wasn't far, twenty miles or so, but London's traffic would not be kind. Her driver was the same as yesterday, still unnamed, and Kim was back alongside.

"I'm Sorry, Miss Smart, about yesterday, I made an error of judgement. I'm not used to protective duty and I could have handled it differently; my managers weren't happy either but it seems I'm the only person cleared to handle you who knows the Old Bailey."

Sunday's incident at Brent Cross had played on Tammy's mind for several hours before, and after, the previous night. She'd also had to relive the little she knew and give a statement late the previous evening.

She finally accepted that it had almost certainly been a random attack. She now knew that the kid had been identified as the assailant in six other cases, four resulting in wounding. Young women were his preferred target; Tammy hoped he'd be incarcerated for a while to reflect on his crimes.

"He'll be in front of a magistrate later today and will probably be bailed."

"Bailed? He was going to mug me!"

"Sorry, the prisons are full and magistrates can't remand everyone who goes before them."

"Then what?"

"Probably crown court in a few months time, maybe even a year from now."

"Ridiculous."

"That's the way the system works."

"So he'll be free to keep on mugging?"

"If he's arrested again, the magistrate might consider remanding him, but there's no guarantee."

"The system is broke!"

"No, society is broke, and the criminal justice system is overwhelmed."

Their car didn't stop outside the Old Bailey, but around the rear of St Sepulchre's Church. Tammy was led quickly into the church, via a side door. She went through the vestry then down a set of steps into the crypt. Kim put her finger to her lips, Tammy nodded acknowledgement.

They went down another level then through an old door manned by a uniformed officer, it was slammed shut behind them and the officer walked briskly ahead. They were now in a tunnel, there were rumblings of traffic above so Tammy assumed they were under the road which gave its name to London's Central Criminal Court. A hundred metres on and another door, this was already open but was immediately locked behind them. Steps led to a more recent doorway which Kim opened with a swipe card and a PIN.

They were now in a more modern building but clearly it wasn't a public area. After another few minutes of walking, where they passed through more security doors, Tammy arrived in a plush office area. she was clearly expected.

"Ahh, good morning Miss Smart. I'm James Mortimer. I'm the barrister dealing with Berisha and Kelmendi, I'm also liaising with the prosecution for the Stewart, McPherson and Trethgarwyn trials."

He signalled for Tammy to take a seat, meanwhile Kim departed.

"What do you need from me, Mr Mortimer?"

"I'd first like your recollections of your encounters with Mr Berisha."

"It's all in my statements."

"If you're cross-examined in court then there's every chance you'll go way beyond any statement, I need to know how you'll fare under examination."

They started with Tammy's statements, naturally, but soon the questions started.

"Did your mother have any idea you were going to be at the house?"

"None, she wasn't even supposed to be in the country."

"And she was clearly upset at seeing you in a skirt."

"Perhaps I didn't have the legs for it?"

"Keep that line for the court room, even though the judge will rule it out of order!"

"If I remember, is this relevant?"

"It's all relevant, like your current status?"

"I'm a woman, legally and physically. I do not want to answer questions of a more personal nature."

"Okay, but for my own benefit ...."

"Mr Mortimer, I am legally female and have the evidence to confirm that, somewhere."

"I've seen your gender certificate, it's in the court bundle. I'm sorry, but you can, should, expect hostile questioning from the defence barrister."

"Hostile? I've been shot at and almost mugged, all in the past few days. There was a contract on my life." She felt that was sufficient to solicit respect.

"I understand you have some extra security."

"Yes, but, I'd rather ...., I mean, ..... I think I should....., oh, forget that."

She stopped, paused, uncertain if she wanted to finish what she hadn't said.

"Can we continue, Miss Smart?"

Tammy nodded.

"You were involved in a homicide?"

"Hmmm."

"Were you?"

"I can't say."

"Look, Miss Smart, if the defence hear that you shot and killed someone, they will rip you apart. Your mother's testimony will be discredited, by association. The fact that you're not sitting in a cell right now will complicate things further, you are clearly a liability to the prosecution."

"I defended myself, it was a bloody assassination attempt! They wanted me dead, so perhaps I am a liability to someone?"

"So how come you are not in a cell?"

"You haven't worked that out?"

"No-one's telling."

"Good." Tammy folded her arms.

"Don't look smug, you'll win no friends here or in court. I and my learned colleagues have seen all possible attempts to obscure testimony. I should also remind you that these are high profile cases."

"In which case my testimony may have to be given in camera."

"There's been no application."

"Given the degree of Security Service involvement, that surprises me."

"Don't patronise me, Miss Smart."

"I'm not, but please don't under-estimate me. I wasn't expecting to be in London but I'm here. I've co-operated with you but I'm not sure what your aim is, do you want to expose me in court?"

"I want to discover the truth, and prosecute those responsible for these crimes. If the truth hurts, so be it, but it will be the truth."

"History, they say, is written by the victors. Some of the truths I know cannot be said or I will be breaching the law, that's a dichotomy that I will have to accept."

"There is, as you suggest, a privilege available in court to deal with that."

"Yes, but I guess you won't want me saying that I run around with a licence to kill?"

"Very droll, Miss Smart." Tammy shrugged.

"Now, about your relationship with Yvonne Stewart?"

"Relationship? She's an evil conspiring bitch!"

"Exactly, if you are asked that question in court then your answer to me is inappropriate."

"Another trick question, eh, how about 'I believe there is mutual distrust'?"

"You'd have to give an example and it's not strong enough."

"Okay, I hated her the first time we met?"

"Strong but it would imply that you were the aggressor, at first."

"This is ridiculous, I thought we'd be discussing my statements and instead you try to pick me apart."

"How did you first meet Yvonne Stewart?"

They spent another two hours going through the statements but Tammy decided she really didn't like James Mortimer's attitude and made life difficult throughout.

"One thing is certain, Miss Smart, if you behave like that for the defence then they will certainly become agitated. Unfortunately you will also find that the judge's tolerance is tested."

"Oh well, never mind. I spent years in a private boarding school knowing exactly how to test the masters without over-stepping the line. I think I can cope, I know I can cope."

"I hope so, the defendants could be acquitted if you're discredited."

"I can't be that important to the trials?"

"You are the only witness who has met every defendant. Each defence team will be watching you, looking for a fault that they could exploit. Right now I can see a whole load of faults."

"Perhaps it would be easier if I wasn't around?"

"In what way?"

"I don't know yet."

"In which case you'll be failing yourself and the courts, these people deserve to be incarcerated for what they did. They're terrorists, and there's no doubt they would make another attempt on you."

"I don't doubt it, but what if they believed I was dead?"

"I don't play hypothetical games, Miss Smart, and I think you've been watching too many fantasy dramas."

Tammy took lunch in the staff restaurant, across the room for her minder. Kim was under orders not to expose her - so far as anyone was concerned Tammy was still in or around Thurso.

"Do I have to meet anyone else here?"

"No, I've been told I have to take you to Thames House."

"Fine."

Tammy wondered if it actually took longer to negotiate the corridors, stairs and tunnels of the Old Bailey than it did to drive the short distance down to The Embankment, beside the Thames. They entered the underground carpark of Thames House after clearing the security checkpoint. Tammy was handed a new pass once the guard was satisfied she was the girl he was expecting. Kim and the driver were given temporary, escorted, passes for the duration of their visit.

"I wonder who our escort is?" Pondered Kim as she climbed out of the car. The driver shrugged, he was going nowhere.

"My pass works in most of the zones, but I'm not certain you can go where I'm heading, why don't I take you to the restaurant? I think it's one level below us."

If Kim was impressed that Tammy knew her way around MI5's HQ, she didn't show it.

A few minutes later Tammy made her way, solo, to the Finance section, not recognising the two girls present.

"Is Jenny here?"

"She's with the Director and the Minister. You must be Tammy?"

"Yes, I'm not sure why I was asked to be here today?"

"I'm Florence and that's Ermie, by the way, I believe there's a package for you?"

Tammy waited whilst Florence opened a secure cabinet, pulling out a large jiffy bag. "You can use Jenny's office to check it."

Tammy first found the covering note:

Miss Smart,
 
Unfortunately your cover identity has exceeded its usefulness and you should destroy anything that has the prior identity on it. Your new identity is within this package, please do not disclose this to anyone as only myself and the personnel staff have a record. Your own personal documents from Thurso are also in the package, in case they're needed. I would ask that you do not disclose your location to anyone, not even family, until I confirm that you can.
 
You will need to stay with us until your involvement in the court cases has concluded and there is no perceivable risk to your life or the prosecution cases. I must stress, however, that returning to your home is not currently an option.
 
You will already have been told that you are on leave, this will be reviewed at the end of the month.
 
Please sign and date the slip to acknowledge receipt but do not disclose this note or the contents with anyone, even staff within Thames House or AA House, unless authorised by myself or John Smith.
 
Jennifer Osborne
Head Finance Section

Tammy signed the slip and placed it in a small prepared envelope. She took a look in the jiffy bag but everything was sealed, it could wait.

She put the small envelope in Jenny's intray then left for the restaurant to find Kim.

---

Back in Abigail Adams House Tammy went to her room. Her new identity pack included passport, driving licence, bank cards and a few loyalty cards for well-known brands. She looked at the name, they really hadn't tried very hard, her alias was to be Rebecca Simpson, a resident of Chelmsford in Essex. She packed those items away then opened the other packages.

She now had the usual contents of her handbag, including her rather dead mobile phone, student card, driving licence and so on. University! She'd been due there that morning, had Pru sent the sick note? Had anyone read it over half term? How could she attend lectures, or even finish her course? The play? She put her phone on charge, a charger was now on her vanity table.

Tammy changed into a swimsuit and wrapped a towelling gown around herself. Remembering Jenny's note, she took the old Beccy debit card and broke it in two, there was a confidential waste bin near the lift so she dropped it in there then took the new Rebecca identity pack to the housekeeper's office.

"Can this go in the safe please?"

"Of course, can I remind you that you can't use your mobile phone in the house."

"I remember that from my last visit."

She walked down to the pool, being joined by Kim a few minutes later.

"What's the plan for the rest of the week, Kim?"

"I won't be told until the start of each day, but I'm staying in this house for a few days."

"So I guess I'll see you a few times more?"

"Probably, but I could be removed from this job at any time, and almost was."

Tammy started to swim lengths, but others now arrived. Barely fifteen minutes after she'd arrived, Tammy walked back to her room for a long shower.

After dinner she was back in the interview room being debriefed again, but this time it covered her first encounter with Penny Lane.

"Were you suspicious?"

"Of course, but it was a fun event, I'd never seen myself as a model before."

"So you weren't careful?"

"Don't get that impression, but I can now see that she was digging for information about me."

"To what end?"

"I don't know, but my maid later sold personal information so I don't know how much of my life was compromised?"

"Did anyone accuse you of working for the Security Service?"

"Not as such, a few jokes from my friends, but nothing serious."

"A joke can be taken seriously, by someone listening nearby - most jokes have a basis in fact."

"Well, I was careful."

"Your friends, Tanya Smith and Helen McPherson, are not careful. It's likely they compromised you."

"Not deliberately, if at all."

"Deliberately, or otherwise, the nett effect is the same, you're compromised, damaged goods."

"What do you want me to say, that I agree? No, I don't and I won't, I kept my lives separate. Why don't we see what happens in court?"

"I would suggest that's up to you, we should remove your protection team and send you out into the world, you have places to stay?"

"Yes, even if I can't go back home straight away, but that would mean you couldn't manage me, and that might prove to be a problem?"

"In what way?"

"Right now I can't phone my family, or my friends. I can't study for my degree. If I'm outside, in the real world, I'll make efforts to deal with those things. While I'm here you can control that, you can control me. We could work together to put these people away, and mop up whoever's left, or you can forget me, what's it to be?"

"The senior officers still believe you are an asset, as well as a liability. It seems you have friends, not everyone involved in this mess had a friend."

"Hilary?"

The officer stood and opened the door, the session was over.

Part   Thirty Four   "Ludgate Lunacy"

 

Tammy's Tales Book 6
 

 
Friday 6th November
 

She asked the duty officer to give her some space before dialling a number.

"Tammy?"

"Yes, Dad. I'm safe."

"I saw the news reports, what the hell happened?"

"It's too early to say, and I don't think anyone wants me to say very much."

"Where are you?"

"I can't say, but I'm fine. Please don't let anyone other than mum know that you've spoken to me."

"We haven't heard a peep out of you for over a week, your mum fears the worst every day."

"I can't help that, they took away my phone and wouldn't let me near the secure line in the other place."

"Then, how ...?"

"It's a different protection team, they hadn't been told!"

"Don't take risks, Tammy."

"I won't, Dad."

She put the handset down, ending the secure call. Tammy knew where she was, she'd been here earlier in the year for some basic training. That knowledge was useful as the protection officers weren't telling her anything, and she'd been on the floor of a van for most of the journey here.

Tammy wandered into the small kitchen and filled up the kettle to make a coffee. "Coffee anyone?" She asked.

It seemed that none of the officers were relaxing after Tammy's sudden evacuation from the court.

"Miss, please stay in the common area."

"I know this building, I spent a week here earlier in the year. It's secure, but I'm thirsty and I'm tired. Coffee works for me." She paused. "But I'd best have a wee first, no I don't need to be shown where it is and I certainly don't want anyone in there with me."

Tammy walked away from the plain clothed grunt who was trying to control her. Once in the cubicle she tried to rationalise what had happened.

Today had been Tammy's second day at the Old Bailey, with an expectation that her cross-examination would last until Monday. On Thursday afternoon, however, the prosecution barrister, James Mortimer, took Tammy through the events involving Berisha and Kelmendi, starting with her trip to London the previous December.

"Why did you stop the defendant in Brent Cross shopping centre?"

"The police were chasing him, I simply obstructed his path and I didn't lay a finger on him. I'm a law abding citizen, even if that paints me as being somewhat naive. It was only after he was arrested that I realised who he was, even though I didn't know his name."

"How did you make the connection?"

"My mother had been in a car accident, she and her driver had been in Chase Farm Hospital. The arresting officer told me the defendant had absconded from the same hospital after being involved in a car accident. I simply joined the dots once I had that information."

"So you had no idea who he was when you were in the shopping centre?"

"None at all, at least not until he'd been arrested."

"Moving on, could you tell me about last Christmas?"

It was another half an hour before James Mortimer was finished and Tammy was allowed some water. Harriet Grover started cross-examining before Tammy had put the glass down.

"Miss Smart, you have painted a wonderful picture of yourself as a helpless girl, besieged by attackers, but it isn't so?"

"I'm neither helpless nor besieged, so I don't know what you mean."

"So how would you describe yourself?"

"Objection." James Mortimer wasn't happy, he looked at the judge.

"Sustained. Miss Grover, please withdraw that question."

"Certainly, your Honour, Miss Smart, you claimed you did not know who you stopped in Brent Cross shopping centre?"

"I didn't."

"So do you often stop people who are running?"

"No, but if they're being chased by the police I'll see if I can help."

"Isn't that reckless?"

"Perhaps, but I wasn't injured."

"No, but you still claim it was chance?"

"Indeed, I might have spent another five minutes in the stores or gone out through a different exit, so it was chance that brought me to that door at exactly the same time as your client approached, at speed." She turned to look at Alban Berisha in the dock, sat next to fellow Kosovan Duran Kelmendi.

"Were you shopping alone?"

"No, I was with a friend."

"Friend?"

"Angela Small."

"Is she now your step-sister?"

"Yes, but she wasn't at the time."

"Indeed, she wasn't even a girl at the time, and neither were you?"

"Objection!"

"Is this relevant, Miss Grover?" Asked Geraldine Brathwaite, the presiding judge.

"I believe so, your Honour."

"You may continue."

"Miss Smart, what was your legal name at this time?"

"Tamara Smart."

"Not Tom?"

"No, Tamara."

"And the legal name of your step-sister at the time?"

"Timothy Small. Your Honour, I believe my step-sister has submitted a statement explaining her circumstances?"

"She did indeed, Miss Grover I suggest you move on."

A variety of trickery was used by Berisha's barrister, Harriet Grover, to discredit Tammy, and it seemed that the judge had been warned. After a string of objections, she rankled the judge one last time.

"Miss Grover?"

"Yes, your Honour, I'm finished with this witness."

"Very well, we'll finish there today."

"ALL RISE!"

That was the end of Thursday's day in court for Tammy, Kelemendi's barrister, Hugh Lupo, was due to continue the cross-examination on Friday.

--

Tammy left the loo, finding an impatient protection officer waiting outside. "You're wanted on the phone."

She was escorted to the duty officer's desk and handed the phone.

"Hello?"

"Tammy, it's DI Edmunds."

"Hi Kevin, what's your involvement?"

"Because I was in charge of the investigation into Kelmendi, I've been asked to take care of the initial investigation into today's incident."

"So attempted assassination is just an incident, is it?"

"Tammy, don't jump like that."

"I was almost killed!"

"I know, look I'll be with you in an hour so we can do a debrief."

"Sure, but if you know where I am, who else does?"

"Only a select few."

"Really?"

"Yes, I'll see you shortly."

Tammy wandered back towards the small kitchen, an woman was busy in there.

"Would you like some lunch, Miss? I have a selection of sandwiches, crisps and drinks. It's the best I could do at short notice."

"Thanks, it looks fine, Marks & Spencers?"

"Yes, coffee?"

"Please."

"Help yourself to the food and take what you want, the guys won't leave enough for seconds."

Tammy took her food, and coffee, over to the soft seating area in the main room. A selection of Friday's newspapers were on a coffee table. The front page of the Daily Telegraph warned about MI5's monitoring of citizens for the previous few decades. The same story was in the Guardian and the Times, whilst the Daily Express was foretelling the worst winter on record and the Daily Mail was blaming the breakdown of society on .... on everything.

She nibbled as she read, sufficiently distracted.

"Tammy?"

She jumped, "oh, Kevin?"

"Have you finished lunch?"

"Yeah."

"Let's find a room."

She took a bottle of water with her, fearing it might be a long debriefing.

"Kevin, why couldn't one of the guys, or girls, do it?" She waved in direction of the team who had extracted her.

"They also need to be debriefed. I wasn't in court today as I gave my evidence on Monday and Tuesday, so I know all the players but I was not a part of it."

"Okay, where do you want to start?"

"From breakfast onwards?"

"Well, I was a bit late for breakfast but Kim was missing. She'd been replaced overnight and I wasn't told the names of my protective detail."

"Were you told why she was pulled off the job?"

"No."

"Did you speak to the officers during the ride into London?"

"Nope, they didn't look very talkative. I closed my eyes and tried to relax, it's quite stressful in court."

"I know, I've been there more times than I care to think. What happened on arrival?"

"The traffic was light, very unusual for central London, then we picked up a tail."

"How did you know?"

"The officers became agitated and I looked around but they shouted for me to put my head down."

"Right, where were you then?"

"I recognised Old Street roundabout, we went down Old Street and turned left at Clerkenwell, our tail was still there as we went past the Barbican. Things got hairy on Long Lane, our tail was trying to force us off the road. I think my driver was going to abort but it's not easy in the City of London. The driver wanted to go up Farringdon Road, to get out, but we had the tail alongside and we couldn't turn."

"Describe their vehicle?"

"A black transit van, a strange registration number, not British, no signwriting or anything."

"Keep going."

"We reached Ludgate Hill and the driver decided to try to get to the court where he knew there was support. We got to the turning into Old Bailey and we were hit, rammed, and span into the side of a building. I was ready to run but the doors were locked. Next, someone came at the car with a pistol but they were frightened off by armed uniformed officers. I was released from the car, put in a van and brought here. Did they get them?"

"I don't believe so, but can you remember anything else now that might be useful, what about the guy with the gun?"

"He had a balaclava but .... his eyes ..... he looked like my fake taxi driver on Christmas Eve, seen that morning with Kelmendi in the Castletown Hotel."

"Okay, that's good, but your taxi driver is awaiting deportation in an Immigration Detention Centre. Can you recall anything else?"

"Err, no. What happened to the others?"

"Your driver was badly injured and the other officer can't be found."

"Oh, was he involved"?

"We don't know, but we're actively looking for him. Unfortunately we found Kim today, she'd been murdered."

"Oh, shit, was I set up?"

"It looks that way."

"What about the trial?"

"Resume on Monday."

"Kidding?"

"No, they're looking to acquit the pair by any means possible, taking you out of the game is one step to their goal. You have to go back to court."

 
Saturday 7th November
 

Tammy wasn't happy to find herself on page 3 of the Times. There was no mention, however of the second officer and Tammy herself was only described as a 'court witness'. It wouldn't, however, take much to connect her non-appearance at the court with the article.

An overnight bag had arrived and her suit had been taken for cleaning, ready for Monday. Tammy guessed that she wasn't going anywhere before then.

Saturday morning was spent going through mugshots to identify the gunman, she found him just before 11, DI Edmunds arrived soon after.

"Durat Ibramovich, a Serb with Kosovan roots - well done Tammy. The driver also identified him."

"So what do we do on Monday?"

"You go to the court, but no-one is being told about your travel arrangements and a fresh escort team will be used."

"Am I stuck here?"

"For now, but your case is under constant review."

"By who?"

"That's a need-to-know, Tammy."

"Thanks, Kevin, I'm thoroughly reassured."

"Look, the fewer know know what's going on, the greater chance we have of keeping you safe or identifying where the leak is."

"Now I'm concerned."

"You be can assured that we're doing everything to keep you safe."

"Kevin, does that include putting a rogue officer in my car yesterday?"

"No, look, we need to find that officer as well as Durat Ibramovich. I'm heading back to NSY."

"Okay, Kevin, while I sit here bored."

"But safe."

"Perhaps."

Tammy didn't recognise the babysitting team who were with her until seven that evening, nor the team that replaced them. It was also plain that they knew very little about her.

"Excuse me Miss, there's a call for you on the special phone.

Tammy went to the duty officer's desk and accepted the handset."

"Tammy, it's Emily Keane."

"Hi Emily, is this a 'good news' call?"

"Unfortunately, no. We've found the body of the missing officer but something else has come up, your mother is missing."

"Joan?"

"No, your natural mother, Tara Simpson."

"She's gone missing before."

"I know, but she's been summonsed to appear in court on Monday for the prosecution."

"I thought that wasn't going to be necessary?"

"It seems the prosecution wan to clarify something in her own court testimony, earlier in the year, and that gives the defence a chance to cross examine."

"So has she just gone to ground?"

"She's supposed to let her handler know where she is, last contact was Friday afternoon."

"Well, I don't even think I have her latest mobile number and your lot have my phone."

"I've asked that it be returned to you, although we've checked the call lists as a precaution."

"Do I get anything else back?"

"Like?"

"My weapon?"

"Under the circumstances, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Actually, Emily, I thought these were the circumstances that justified the damn thing in the first place?"

"No, you were in rural Scotland with no nearby armed support and likely to be on your own. Here you're contained with an armed team. The potential for collateral damage in London is huge."

"So that's a 'no'?"

"Correct. Bye, Tammy."

 
Monday 9th November
 

It was an early start for Tammy, shortly after six, when they left the industrial unit near Gatwick for the drive into London. Tammy was a passenger in the rear of a blacked out van and it looked like she was in the hands of special forces owing to the black outfits they were all wearing.

She shifted in her seat, she wasn't comfortable, but she was certainly bored. She could see nothing through the van windows, and even if the windows were clear it was still very dark outside. She didn't think they were on the M23 judging by the constant turns.

Sat alongside Tammy was an officer who had identified herself as Corporal Straight.

"I'll be with you until we reach the Alpha site and then you're being handed over to a Met Police team. If there's a problem at the Alpha site we'll abort and head for the Beta site."

"Alpha, Beta?"

"Sorry, need-to-know."

"I have something for you." She reached into a bag and pulled out a pistol.

"My Glock?"

"No, but it's the same model 26 that I'm told you are qualified for?"

"It is, what about ammo?"

"There's a full clip, that should be adequate."

"I'd be happier with a spare clip, but why am I being issued this?"

"Because my commander was on a course with you a few months ago and knows that you can look after yourself."

Tammy checked the weapon, although some of the others in the van were a little perturbed, and dropped it into her shoulder bag. "Fine, do I get a Kevlar vest too?"

"That's not in my instructions."

Tammy did have her phone in her bag but was under instructions to leave it switched off so it couldn't be tracked. They'd been no calls from her mother during Sunday, once her phone had been delivered, nor anyone else. She had been told in a plainly worded instruction not to make any calls and to leave data disabled, just in case.

About forty-five minutes after they set off, the van finally stopped.

"Alpha!"

Tammy was left in her seat whilst the area around the van was secured. Cpl Straight called Tammy forward and they quickly went through a doorway into a building.

"Where are we?"

"Somewhere we can wait, and grab breakfast."

"Oh, I knew I'd forgotten to do something today. Where is this?"

"Snow Hill Police Station."

"Okay. I thought you said you were handing me over?"

"I'm a Territorial Royal Marine, Miss, my normal day job is with the Met Police."

They walked up a flight and found the canteen, The Cpl, now WPC Straight, left Tammy with another officer and went to change, it appeared this was her usual station. Tammy collected a plate of artery hardening food and a wishy washy coffee before finding a seat. She was less than surprised when DI Kevin Edmunds slid in next to her.

"Well, that's phase one completed, Tammy."