Part   One   "Unsocial Media"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tammyverse (formerly Tamara's Tales / Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tammyverse Series. This story has been revised since the original publication in 2016 and the revised edition has been released on Kindle as 'Unsocial Media'. An E-book edition is available and Amazon have finally agreed to release the paperback!
 
 
Now available on Kindle as 'Unsocial Media'
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GYHL6FL

Also available (soon!) in paperback!

 
Friday 18th December 2015
 

"Are you going anywhere nice, Tammy?"

"No, I'm staying in town, Luke."

"I'll have a few free days, did you want to meet up?"

"Sorry, I've got things to do."

"Oh, family?"

"Yes, my sister is in town so we'll probably spend Christmas together. Hogmanay is the big one for me."

"Oh, of course, when are you back?"

"Fifth of Jan."

"Not the Fourth?"

"No, it's a Scottish Bank Holiday and I'm on secondment from a Scottish posting."

"Okay, see you then!"

Tammy slid out of the building and joined the merry throng of people on the street. She'd been at the National Crime Agency for five weeks but still wasn't certain what she was achieving. The first few weeks had been classed as orientation, held at the South Bank offices close to MI6 and Lambeth Palace, but since the start of December she'd been in Westminster, just behind the Houses of Parliament.

Friday afternoon in Central London was just a mass of people heading into, or from, the tube stations. Unfortunately it wasn't a single mass so collisions were unavoidable. The first few times she'd assumed it was an attempt on her wellbeing, or a pickpocket? Her bag was kept close, very close, and only her Oyster card could be found in her jacket pocket. After a few days she'd grown to accept the hustle and bustle of London's pavements, but that didn't mean she could drop her guard.

The Circle Line tube to Bank Station was uneventful, as was the Docklands Light Railway back to her apartment near Mudchute Station. All told, apart from the obvious Christmas Spirit, it was a pretty ordinary Friday. By six thirty she had her feet up whilst dinner cooked itself, a glass of wine was close to hand.

She was startled by a phone ringing, glancing at the clock it was now gone seven thirty.

"Err, hello?"

"Did I wake you?"

"Yeah, Dad, hold on a minute."

She opened the wall safe to remove the key. Her Glock was still in there, and had been all week. She'd carried it for a few days but had found herself late into the office as she had to leave it at reception, then was often held up when trying to retrieve it a few hours later. By the Friday of the first week her weapon remained in the wall safe.

"Okay, Dad, we're secure."

"Good, how was your week?"

"Busy, not that I really know what I'm working on."

"I guess there's no point asking?"

"Correct."

"Right, Pru's booked all the tickets, are you packed?"

"No! I've put my feet up and poured a glass of wine so far this evening, dinner's in the slow cooker."

"What is it?"

"Ruby Murray, a korma."

"Right, enjoy, but please be ready."

"Ready? I have all day tomorrow!"

"No, there's been a change of plan. Didn't I mention it?"

"Nope."

"Damn, sorry, I meant to call a few night back. You know that my London PA has quit?"

"Yes, I sent her flowers, remember?"

"Of course, Tammy, anyway the new girl is Francesca, Francesca Fullerton."

"Can she be trusted?"

"Silly question! Suzie works with her sister and her father was one of my banking associates."

"That's not a bad pedigree. When do I meet her?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes, she's driving you to London City after picking up Suzie."

"Flight?"

"Twelve fifteen to Amsterdam it's Cityjet WX181. Pru should have emailed you the ticket but you need to check in asap."

"Okay, what about you?"

"We're off to Glasgow shortly, we'll meet you in Amsterdam tomorrow lunchtime."

"Okay, hopefully this'll work better than last year?"

"See you tomorrow, Tammy, mum sends her love."

Tammy put the key back in the safe but withdrew her passport and European medical card. She sat back down and took another sip of her wine before fetching the curry on a tray.

A year earlier, terrorists had disrupted the air traffic control systems for the whole UK and much of Western Europe. Those responsible had, a few weeks earlier, been sentenced to thirty years apiece in Bellmarsh high security prison, following a dramatic trial. There had been two, no three, attempts on Tammy's life during the trial and she was, as far as she knew, still at risk.

The Security Service folk had disagreed, withdrawing her close protection officer as soon as the trials were complete. Their argument had been that the risk had diminished, not that Tammy agreed. She had, at least, convinced her manager to install cameras outside the apartment front door, in the lift and by the building's external door. Tammy had access to all these images and would check her exit was clear before leaving each morning. It wasn't ideal, not at all, but was the best that could be done.

She cleared up and saved the spare curry for freezing. She showered quickly, using a shower cap, climbing into bed by nine.

 
Saturday 19th December 2015
 
She woke at seven, her mobile was ringing. "Hello?"

"Good morning Miss Smart, this is Francesca."

"Oh, good morning, I think."

"Just to let you know, I'll be with you at eight thirty."

Tammy glanced at the clock, "bugger, okay, eight thirty."

Another shower, this time Tammy washed her hair. She dressed comfortably; leggings, a long skirt and a sweater would suffice. Next she fired up her laptop to print off the tickets, as well as checking in for today's flights. The aircraft scheduled for the first flight was an Avro RJ85, specifically suited for short runways such as London City. Unfortunately it was all one class.

Finally she packed, just doing up the final zip when the door intercom chimed.

"Francesca's parked outside, Tammy."

"Can you come up, Suzie?"

Tammy gathered her belongings and swallowed the last of her coffee. She'd managed one mug but hadn't any time for breakfast.

"Blimey Tammy, how much do you need?"

"I don't know, so I'm not taking any chances."

"You'll be over the weight limit, it's lower on these short hauls, remember?"

"I know, but I normally only have a cabin bag."

Suzie removed several frocks, leaving just three. She noticed the box of pantyliners.

"Did your surgery cover more than you've admitted?"

"No, Suzie, but I have to wear a liner all the time." She quickly explained.

"Oh, have you asked, seen a doctor?"

"Yes, he thought I was all natural and told me not to complain as it would help with childbirth!"

"Didn't you correct him?"

"It wasn't important at the time, anyway it's a minor inconvenience."

Tammy slipped on a pair of flats, opened her main case back up and put heels and boots inside. She pulled on a jacket then looked around the apartment. As an afterthought she put her laptop away in the secure box but retrieved her camera and a long lens.

Suzie shrugged as the case was opened again, for the last time. Finally, they were ready to leave.

"Hold on." Tammy reached in her shoulder bag and retrieved her Security Service pass, holding it against the card reader by the door until it beeped. Once outside she double locked the door and they headed for the lift.

They were only a few minutes late leaving but there was no time for long-winded introductions, their driver pulled away sharply before Tammy had even secured her belt. She wondered if her father had checked Francesca's driving skills before employing her?

Fifteen minutes later, after a few red traffic lights, they pulled up outside the terminal building. Tammy had flown from here midweek a few times but it was refreshing to see how quiet it was on a Saturday. Their luggage was on the pavement just a second before their transport pulled away. The two girls extended the handles on their cases and went in search of the baggage check-in.

There was no queue at security so the pair were in the departure lounge with plenty of time to spare. "What do you want to do, Tammy?"

"Breakfast."

Tammy was used to a late-ish breakfast, she'd opted to be at the National Crime Agency by seven fifteen each day but went out for brekkie around nine. There seemed to be some flexibility, so long as she put the requisite number of hours in.

"What do you fancy, Tammy?"

"The works, I don't imagine lunch will happen, what about you?"

"I had toast and cereal before I left home."

Tammy picked up a copy of the i newspaper before looking around for a suitable eatery. One of the problems was that London City was not a major hub so the choice was limited to one outlet, and almost a £20 price tag for breakfast and a coffee. Suzie wasn't impressed.

"I think I'll just have a sandwich, I don't have the bottomless purse that you seem to have!"

Tammy shrugged, Suzie had insisted on sharing a flat just South of the river and a fair proportion of her salary went on rent and the utilities. Once their parents had married, Tammy had offered Suzie a share of the Docklands apartment. Suzie had declined as it would cause a problem for her friend. They'd discussed it more than once.

"So long as he leaves the toilet seat down and doesn't walk around naked, I don't think there would be a problem, Suzie."

"I never said my flatmate was male."

"You never said they were female, either. What's his name?"

"You don't need to know."

"If he's my future brother-in-law then I think I would need to know."

"No, it would get back to mum, and you know how she is?"

"Okay, but the offer stands."

By eleven thirty the girls were sat near the gate, the plane hadn't arrived and there wasn't a rush but Suzie had wanted to move as soon as Tammy finished her coffee.

"Why?"

"I saw someone, and this is supposed to be a hush hush break."

"Blimey, Suzie, you need to calm down."

"But this is for your benefit, as you can't go to Thurso!"

"I've been up there, just a few weekends ago."

"I didn't know."

"I don't broadcast my movements, especially on social media."

"According to Facebook you're in Scotland this morning."

Tammy had worked out that the occasional update was preferable to disappearing completely. On a recent trip to Thurso she'd installed a small desktop PC in her room and enabled remote access. If she now wanted to update her friends, it was done via the Thurso PC; giving the appearance that she wasn't in England. Her phone now had the appropriate configuration, she started tapping away.

"What are you doing?"

"I've been asked about boyfriends at work, the girls want to know who it is."

"Well, sis, who?"

"No-one, I don't have the time or the energy."

"So tell them?"

"I did, now I get ten requests a week for dates from the unattached boys, or their close friends."

"How are you sorting that?"

"I'm marking my relationship status as 'It's Complicated'."

"That sounds like a description of your life, Tammy."

"I know, I know."

Through the window their plane was taxiing, although it was another fifteen minutes before the gate opened.

They arrived a few minutes early into Schipol Airport and were in the transit lounge fairly quickly.

"Hi mum, how are you?"

"Tired."

"Oh, Elsie?"

"I'll tell you later."

Angela was looking bored, perhaps mildly grumpy. Apart from being told about a flight into Amsterdam, she knew nothing more about the trip. Neither had Tammy, until she checked in that morning.

"Cheer up."

"But they won't tell me."

"It's for security reasons, you know that."

"Just because of you!"

Richard heard the pair starting to squabble and decided to put a stop to it.

"Hey, it's no-one's fault. If you recall we tried to fly last year and never made it out of the country. It's worth taking a few precautions this time around."

Tammy knew the reasoning, they weren't hiding but they weren't broadcasting their intentions either. The previous, aborted, year had been a skiing holiday.

"Tell me now?"

"Mallorca."

"Oh."

"Just 'oh', Angela?"

"Yeah, I just thought we'd be skiing, that's what I told Helen."

"And that's why you weren't told."

Their connecting flight was being called so Richard led the family towards the gate.

"Düsseldorf? I thought you said Mallorca?"

Angela was a little loud for everyone's liking. "Yes, Angela."

There was a little redirection in play but they flew onto Düsseldorf, arriving less than an hour later. By five o'clock, local time, they were in a suite in one of the downtown hotels.

"Right, Angela, we're staying here for two nights. There's a city centre and you're free to do what you want but I want one promise?" Richard was choosing his words carefully.

"What's that?"

"That you do not post any comments, updated, photos or videos anywhere on the internet."

"Er, okay."

"Because if you do, you are booked back to Glasgow tomorrow."

"That's not fair! Mum?"

"I won't have this holiday interrupted by terrorists or anyone else. What we do and where we go is our own business and no-one else's, understood?"

"Yes, mum. What about Tammy and Suzie?"

Joan turned to the girls, "have you updated anything, said where we are or where we're going?"

"No, mum."

"Not even your boyfriend, Suzie?"

"No! Hey?"

"A mother always knows, Suzie. Okay, your father and I are finding a quiet romantic restaurant and you three can do as you wish. Back here by midnight please."

As they walked away from the hotel, Tammy slid alongside Suzie. "So, who did you see at London City?"

"One of the guys from the Security Directorate."

"They do have a life outside work, you know."

"I know, but ....."

"Have you seen him since?"

"No, he wasn't on our flight to Amsterdam."

Angela was happily tapping away on her phone and completely missed the moped rider who snatched her shoulder bag.

Part   Two   "Angela's Woes"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Saturday 19th December 2015 (continued)
 

Angela was about twenty feet ahead of Tammy and Suzie and plainly hadn't seen the moped coming over the cobbles towards her. She was knocked to the ground as her bag was dragged off her shoulder before the teenaged moped rider accelerated away.

Unfortunately that took him within range of Tammy, who quickly closed the distance, swinging her own bag at the rider. A moment later he landed heavily on the cobbles. He'd dropped Angela's bag and managed to make an exit just as Tammy was reaching for it.

"You took a risk!"

"Tell that to Angela, what does she have in that head of her's?"

"Cotton wool, probably. Look, she has a limited outlook on life."

They'd reached Angela, who was still sat on the cold stones feeling sorry for herself.

"Here's your bag, get up!"

"No!"

A few people from across the square had seen what happened and were heading towards the sorry state that was Angela. Suzie took her sister's arm and pulled her up.

"Do you want to make a spectacle?"

Angela shook her head but immediately reached for her phone instead of taking her bag back. Suzie snatched the phone away.

"No, Angela! What are your priorities?"

Tammy spotted a bar across the square and suggested they went there. She smiled at the onlookers but concentrated on pushing her sister out of the way.

Tammy went to find a table whilst Suzie took Angela into the Ladies loo for a sisterly chat. A few minutes later they were back with a chastised Angela apologising to Tammy.

"Thank you for getting my bag back."

"You shouldn't have lost it in the first place, didn't you see how Suzie and I put the straps across our shoulder?"

"Yes, but why?"

"Angela, you need to get out more! It makes it harder to steal the bag. You wouldn't survive in London at all."

"No, and I don't think I want to! Both of you have good jobs and I'm left in Thurso with the old-uns and no social life!"

A waitress took their drinks orders and left them food menus, even though they hadn't asked.

"Look, Angela, I am supposed to be in Thurso, it wasn't my plan to spend the winter in London. My university course is on hold, as it stands you'll qualify before I do."

"I didn't think you'd be back?"

"When things settle back down, I'll be back, but I'm under a contract at the moment that I means I'm obligated to work."

"Yeah, but mum nags me all the time and suggests that you two are good examples."

Tammy and Suzie laughed, "seriously Angela? I'm dangerous? I can't imagine mum meant that!" Suzie nodded.

Three small beers were delivered to the table, Tammy looked up just in time to see two police officers entering the bar, it didn't take long for the three girls to be identified.

"Guten Abend, meine Damen. Wir hatten einen Bericht von einem Raub auf dem Platz, war einer von euch das Opfer?"

"Oh, sorry, we're English." Tammy answered as Suzie didn't look comfortable and Angela just wanted to disappear.

"Ah, good evening. We were informed of a robbery in the Platz, was one of you the victim?"

"Platz? Oh you mean the Square! Yes it was Angela, but she didn't lose her bag."

"Please tell us what happened?"

Tammy recounted the incident from ten minutes earlier.

"We won't have to give you a statement, will we?"

"Not at the moment, how long are you staying in Düsseldorf?"

"Just a few days, although Angela could return to Britain tomorrow."

"Where are you staying?"

"The Steigenberger Parkhotel"

"Danke, please be careful, ladies."

Neither of the girls had touched their beers and, now, the whole bar was taking an interest in them. Tammy pulled a ten Euro note out of her purse and left it on the table.

"Come on."

Not a word was spoken as they walked back to their hotel. Tammy escorted them into the restaurant, there was little risk of something happening here.

Angela spent the next hour pushing food around her plate, but neither Suzie nor Tammy had a full appetite. By half-past eight they were back in the suite.

"Now, Angela, what the hell is wrong with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You don't want to be with us, in fact you don't want to be here at all. Then you get robbed and could easily have been hurt badly, but all you demanded was the return of your phone."

"Well? Can't I have it?"

"Not until we've got to the bottom of this."

"You're as bad as Mum! Both of you!"

"Angela, we care about you, but you have to tell us what's going on?" Suzie was nearly in tears.

"No, you'll just tell me I'm just silly or that I should grow up."

"We won't!"

"Really? I heard what you said earlier about cotton wool, is that how you see me?"

"Angela, we care, but we're both concerned." Suzie sat next to Angela and put her arm around her sister. "You are so distracted that it's affecting your judgement."

Angela said nothing. Tammy looked on but decided to keep quiet.

"Angela, we really do care, but we can't help you unless you tell us what is going on!"

"It's complicated."

"I'm sure it is, but what is it?"

"It's a girl."

"Okay, does she have a name?"

"Hailey."

"Okay, so tell me about Hailey?"

"She's on the same course as me."

"Okay, have you been messaging Hailey since we arrived here?"

"Yes."

"So she knows where we are?"

"Err, yes, but I trust her."

Tammy bit her tongue, Suzie was handling this better that Tammy ever could.

"Okay, so what's Hailey like?"

"She's fun, we like the same things and she's interested in me."

"Is she a best friend or is she after a relationship?"

"Oh, a friend, but she wants me to meet her brother."

"Where does she live?"

"In Castletown."

Suzie nodded, she'd recently spent a month in Thurso so had a better idea of the local geography. "So what's the problem?"

"She was insistent I met her tonight."

"Why?"

"She said she had a surprise for me."

"Really?"

"Yes, I think I should go back tomorrow?"

"No!" Tammy and Suzie were insistent.

"Earlier you told the police I would be going home tomorrow, now you say I can't - what's going on?"

"Angela, you're being set up. How long have you known Hailey?"

"Two weeks."

"And what do you think this surprise is?"

"I don't know."

"Does she know about your special status?"

"No, but I did tell her I was a virgin."

"You were being prepared just like an oven ready turkey, all that was needed was for you to get stuffed."

Angela ran into the loo, sobbing, and was still there when their parents arrived back.

"What's up with Angela?" Joan was plainly concerned, Suzie explained what happened.

"Oh, what do we do?"

Richard suggested doing nothing before the morning, Joan meanwhile offered a few words of support through the toilet door before heading for her and Richard's room. "Good night all."

Angela emerged a few minutes later. "I thought she was going to have a go at me?"

"What would that have achieved? Look, we're all worn out and nothing more will happen before the morning."

Angela nodded, "can I have my phone back then?"

"No!"

 
Sunday 20th December 2015
 

They took breakfast in the hotel restaurant before any major decision of the day. By mutual consent, no-one had their phones on show. Angela had also stopped reaching for her phone every few seconds, especially as Joan had it.

"There's a few Christmas markets within walking distance and the hotel can ship any purchases back to Scotland."

"How long are we staying, Dad?"

"As it stands, we'll head East tomorrow." Richard wouldn't be more specific, despite Angela's pleas.

All five of them went in search of a market, with the aid of a hotel supplied map. Tammy now had her camera over her shoulder and was scanning the area for moped riders.

They first headed along Königsallee, Tammy and Richard laughed when the others spotted the window displays.

"Three thousand Euro? For that?" She was looking at a coat.

"Sure, Suzie, this isn't a cheap street. Dad and I came here a couple of years ago on business. The hat and scarf are extra, by the way."

Eventually the window shopping was complete, and they escaped to The Sternchenmarkt. Tammy was starting to relax but the crowds were building so she tried to remain vigilant when they entered Engelchen-Markt.

Finally they reached Marktplatz by the Düsseldorf Town Hall and every side street was busy with locals and tourists. Not everyone looked friendly so Tammy kept a tight grip on her bag and camera and indicated that the pother girls should be careful. Angela was still moaning as her phone hadn't yet been returned, but at least that was one less distraction. It had started to snow, lightly, adding to the magical feel of their environment.

Across the square they heard a scream, followed by a shout in German. A teenage lad suddenly appeared in front of Tammy, carrying a shoulder bag. Tammy threw herself in the way and knocked him down, now recognising him as the previous evening's moped rider.

Joan was not happy with Tammy's intervention but her intended admonishment was interrupted by the arrival of a woman and a police officer. The woman was clearly pleased to have recovered her bag and the officer was calling for backup as he detained the thief. Tammy stood back, intending to walk away but the victim seemed to recognise the three girls.

"You were on Schadowplatz last night?"

"Were we? I don't know."

"Ja, was this the same boy?"

"Yes, I think so."

The officer's command of English wasn't perfect but he now realised the significance. A few more officers now arrived, one of whom had seen the girls the previous evening. Joan was not happy at all, especially as a large group of onlookers had gathered.

Initial statements were taken but Tammy was reticent to say much, Suzie meanwhile was frightened that Tammy got even deeper into the Scheisse. One problem was the box that asked for Tammy's occupation. She simply wrote 'Civil Servant' in the end. Angela stuck close to Joan, clearly out of her depth.

A more senior officer arrived, he introduced himself as Polizeikommissar Koln after being handed Tammy's statement.

"Good morning Miss Smart, do you make a habit of intervening in robberies?"

"Not normally." Suzie snorted. "Well, sometimes, especially if one of my sisters is the victim." She pointed at Angela.

"I see, unfortunately the boy has alleged you assaulted him."

"Oh, is he trying to avoid prosecution?"

"Not quite, but your name would become common knowledge."

"Scheisse! That would be a problem."

"Indeed, Miss Smart, which agency do you work for?" She was certain he was just fishing, but a simple answer was out of the question.

"Sorry, I can't say."

"Well, I suggest you enjoy the market and try not to apprehend any more of our citizens, you did say that he slipped on a cobble in front of you, didn't you?"

"I'm not sure, could I check my statement?"

"Of course."

Half an hour later they took refuge in a bar for coffee and hot chocolate, although a few spicier drinks were available.

"Girls, we're here to get away from all the stresses, not to create new ones." Richard was doing his best. "Indeed, this is meant to be a relaxing break." Joan was almost pleading.

They stayed in the bar long enough to order lunch, outside the snow was falling heavier and very soon the bar filled. By two they were on their way back to the hotel, empty handed and treading carefully on the iced cobbles. Richard first, however, asked for a quick diversion to Burgplatz to take a look at Schlossturm. "This tower is all that remains of the Düsseldorf Castle."

Tammy took some photos, the first of the day, and then they were on the move. Angela manoeuvred Tammy out of parental earshot.

"That was very brave."

"To be honest, Angela, it was pretty stupid."

"Oh, why?"

"He might have had a knife and was certainly close enough to me to do damage."

"I thought you did this all the time?"

"No, I work in an office and the closest I do to physical work is walking to and from the tube stations."

"So you don't arrest anyone?" She was clearly confused about her sisters' occupations.

"No, I don't have that authority or the training."

"But you shot...." Joan had clearly been listening. "No Angela, you should never say that."

"But ...." Tammy shook her head. "You never know who's listening, remember that there could still be legal action."

They made to back to the hotel, Richard and Joan made reservations to eat in the restaurant as the the girls made their way up to their fourth floor suite.

"Tammy, why did that officer ask who you worked for?"

"I'm not sure, Angela, although I did say I worked for the Government." Tammy opened the door and led them in.

"I have an idea," Suzie sat down, "I sent some reports to the BND, under my name, last Autumn. They concerned Düsseldorf."

"BND?"

"Bundesnachrichtendienst, Angela, the German Foreign Intelligence Service. My guess is that Koln saw one of those reports and jumped to a conclusion. Tammy, you didn't try to swerve him, did you?"

"No, damn!"

Angela looked confused, "What? No harm done?"

"Both Suzie and I have to report this." Suzie was shaking her head and pulled her finger across her mouth. Tammy realised their room could be bugged, not that there was any evidence to that effect. Protocol, however, dictated that you did not take unnecessary chances, especially in a foreign country.

"Bloody spies."

Both Suzie and Tammy stared at Angela, amazed that she would say that, although a smile soon started to creep across their sister's face. Soon all three were laughing. Unfortunately Joan and Richard's faces looked like thunder when they arrived. Richard's phone was in his hand.

"Sorry girls, we have to return to Thurso."

"Why?"

"Elsie."

Part   Three   "The Three Sisters"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Monday 21st December 2015
 

They landed at Aberdeen at four in the afternoon, where a helicopter met them for the final leg of their journey to Thurso. They'd flown BA via London and had barely enough time to grab a coffee at either Düsseldorf or Heathrow so were tired and hungry.

Richard had been in constant contact with Pru, when they weren't in the air, but wasn't passing on everything he was learning.

"How bad is she, Dad?"

"I can't answer that, sorry."

They touched down on Elsie's helipad at five, the house staff quickly collected their bags so the chopper could resume it's usual duties.

Tammy found Elsie in the lounge, but Andrea stopped her at the door. "She's asleep." The door was closed and Tammy followed Andrea into the dining room, soon all the Smarts were present.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your break, but I felt you needed to know how she is."

"Don't take any responsibility, Andrea, I brought everyone home. I had just hoped we had longer?"

"That's difficult to say, Richard. She's very weak and, apart from pain relief, she's refused all interventions. I'd like her to have oxygen but she's adamant it's unnecessary. She could survive another month but right now, even the common cold could kill her. Helen's got the sniffles so she's stuck in her room."

Tammy was tearful, as were her sisters.

"There's no hope, Andrea?"

"No, Tammy, only that she goes peacefully and that everyone remembers Elsie for who she was and not as she is now."

The room fell into silence, quiet contemplation.

"Is there anything that we can do?"

"No Richard, not right now."

The grounds staff had fetched two of the Smarts' golf buggies and they loaded themselves, plug luggage, aboard for a near silent ride across to Dunbankin'. They were met by Pru and Zara, who had prepared dinner.

"Dad, what's going to happen?"

"I don't know, but we'll spend Christmas here."

"I'm guessing there was a fall-back plan?"

"Yes, Tammy."

Tammy unpacked her bag after dinner, showered and laid on her bed, reflecting on the past twelve months. Elsie had been a key part of Tammy's début and development, this wasn't fair, not fair at all. She cried herself to sleep.

 
Tuesday 22nd December 2015
 

Angela demanded return of her phone and found a load of unread messages, increasingly threatening loss of friendship. Suzie took control. "Let's deal with this girl, but first we're booked in at the salon for ten o'clock. Don't reply to any messages from Hailey and don't answer any calls. Lastly, don't update any websites to say you're back here."

"I wanted to last night using my tablet but the wifi was off, I was too tired to argue though."

"Mum wanted a peaceful night, it's back on."

Tammy overheard the conversation on her way to the study, Pru hadn't arrived and Tammy needed to make a call.

"Hi Jenny."

"Oh, hello Tammy, I thought you were on leave?"

"We're all in Thurso, but Suzie and I were involved in an incident in Düsseldorf at the weekend."

She quickly explained what had happened. "I guess you want it in writing?"

"Yes please, I'm presuming your laptop is in London so can you fax it? Ask Suzie to do the same, please."

"Sure. I'll get that sorted."

"When are you back in London?"

"I don't know, I feel I should stay here until .... until I know what's happening with Elsie."

"Okay, I'll pre-authorise compassionate leave in case you can't be back on the fifth."

Tammy sat and wrote her report by hand, screwing up the first version before signing it. The second version started going through the fax as Pru arrived for work. "I just need the sent report then I'll be out of here."

"Okay, did you want that in the safe or shredded?"

"Shredded, please. Oh, sorry Pru but I really should do that myself - protocol and all that."

"Sure, I'll go for a coffee."

Tammy checked the fax report then destroyed her work. Although Suzie also had to submit her recollection of the weekend's incidents, she shouldn't see what Tammy had written. Protocol again.

Tammy drove the three of them into town, she parked behind Sarah's Boutique, next to the entrance into Caithness Marine.

"Okay, I've squeezed you in but I might need to send you along to the hotel if there's going to be a gap."

"Thanks Sandy."

"Suzie's with me, Debbie has Angela and Joanne is waiting for you, Tammy."

"I don't remember being booked to see her?"

"Maybe not, but I guessed you didn't trust anyone in London?"

"I just never had any time."

"So, get in there!"

Joanne was waiting, "strip!"

"Really? I thought you'd want to interrogate me first?"

"No, the interrogation is easier when I have you on the table."

Tammy settled on her front, Joanne started on her legs. "So, Facebook tells me you're in Thurso but no-one has seen you?"

"It's a little trick to keep people off my back, they can look for me in the wrong place."

"So where have you been?"

"London, working. I recycle virtual paper in an office for nine hours a day."

"That doesn't sound glamorous?"

"It isn't, but I'm stuck there for now."

"Who are you working for?"

"It's a government agency, the sort that changes their name every few years to confuse the press and their own employees."

"A ruddy quango then? Roll over!"

Joanne continued her hair removal duty. "When are you coming home?"

"I really don't know, I guess it's safe?"

"For who?" Joanne laughed.

"Fair point, let me guess - the crime rate has gone down during my absence?"

"Sandy Franklin suggested that, but she'd only get it second hand from her hubby, did you hear what happened?"

"Err, no?"

"That guy, one whose wife you shot, didn't you hear?"

"No?"

"He was found in his cell on Saturday morning."

"Dead?"

"Yes, apparently he was in solitary confinement so there's a big do about it."

"I haven't seen a paper for days."

"You didn't deny shooting the wife?"

"Oh, I thought that was common knowledge?"

"It isn't, Tammy, but Sandy knew what really happened. She's pissed with you about the musical, you didn't even get to a performance!"

"I know, I'll have to see her and apologise, but I haven't been in control of my own life for the past couple of months."

Joanne had finished Tammy's legs and now took a look at her arms. "Okay, just a bit of tidying up, plus....."

"I haven't been swimming for ages!"

"Well, you have two pools available so there's no reason to put it off?"

By the time Tammy staggered back into the main salon, Angela was with Sandy Smith and Debbie was looking underemployed. Suzie was Joanne's next victim.

"Well, Tammy, those nails haven't been looked after!"

"I've been busy!"

"So I gathered, but Suzie isn't saying a word about your work and Angela is just guessing, so what's the real story?"

"I work in an office near Parliament, I ride the tube every day and I have joined the rat race!"

"Sounds like you're doomed! No excuse for ratty nails though, I have time to do a pedi as well if you want?"

"I have tights on under these leggings and I'm not stripping off again!"

"Fair enough! What are you doing for Christmas, now you're back?"

"Well, I wish I knew. I have no party invites, I don't know where we're spending Christmas Day, or Boxing Day, or Hogmanay for that matter?"

"So that great Miss Smart isn't organised?"

"Not at all, where's it all happening? What about your sister?"

"I've given up trying to pin Tanya down, she's got John under her thumb despite everyone's best intentions."

"I'll go see them, I guess John's working right up to Christmas Eve?"

"Probably but we don't see him any more. A few of us are meeting up on Christmas Eve at one, the salon is closing then. The plan is we all head home about five."

"Okay, I'm game for that, does Suzie know?"

"Yes."

"Angela?"

"No committal, as ever. What's up with her?"

"I wish I knew!"

"Okay, what colour do you want these?"

"I don't know, what do you suggest?"

"I'd go ruby."

"Sounds good."

Eventually Tammy landed in Sandy's chair, although she was pulled away and a junior stylist took over.

"What do you want done?"

"Just a tidy up."

"When was it last done?"

"A few months ago."

"Who by? Some posh London salon?"

"No, here and it was your boss."

It turned into the quickest haircut, the girl, Kat, had decided she wouldn't risk her mouth uttering the wrong thing again. The finished product wasn't bad, but Tammy decided she would try to get Sandy to attend to it before she went South, whenever that was.

Finally they gathered in the bar of the Castletown Hotel, Helen McPherson was waiting there.

"I thought you were confined to your room?"

"I thought you were in Germany?"

"Touché! How's it been?"

"Not bad, turns out it was just a head cold. Ohm do you mean Elsie?" Tammy nodded. "She started getting worst at the end of last week but she refused to go into hospital, that's when Andrea arrived. Alison is due here today. It's a matter of time, that's what Dr Abi said."

"How much time?"

Helen shrugged, "Who knows? She could be back up on her feet tomorrow?"

"Is that your medical opinion, Helen?"

"No, of course not, but I've been here whilst you've been down South, and you suddenly arrive just as she's getting worst?"

"Andrea suggested we came, Elsie has been a good friend to me for the last year or so, and much longer than that it would seem."

Suzie interrupted and pulled Tammy away. "Angela's had another message asking if she's in town, I've suggested she answers and we see what happens?"

"The last time I tried this, Angela nearly got abducted."

"I heard about it."

"I'm not armed."

"Neither should you be!"

"Force of habit."

"Look, all we're doing is finding out what is going on with our sister, nothing more."

Angela had sat with Helen whilst the other two girls kept a respectable distance. Tammy was distracted by a few familiar faces in the bar and lounge, all wishing seasonal greetings as well as asking where the girl had been. Tammy was distracted when Suzie elbowed her.

"Ow!"

"Over there!" Suzie diverted Tammy's attention to the table where Angela and Helen had been joined by a girl. A large shopping bag was sat beside her.

"Is that Hailey?" Tammy whispered, "what did you tell Angela to say?"

"I didn't think it would work."

"Great, you need to get into the field a bit more often!"

Angela was just getting up, and was putting on her coat.

"You off, Ang?"

Suzie moved down to the street door.

"Just going with Hailey."

Hailey clearly wasn't impressed by the interruption, "Come on, we'll miss him!"

"Mind if we tag along?" Tammy asked.

"It's private, like."

"Really? Where would you be taking my sister?"

"Sister?"

"Yes, what's this all about?"

Hailey looked uncomfortable and headed for the door, signalling to a male who was stood outside. He entered the bar and followed Hailey back towards Angela.

"Come with us!" Hailey looked at Tammy, "You don't even look alike, keep out of the way!"

Suzie was behind the male, waiting for the right moment.

"Miss Smart, let us handle this?"

The two part-time officers, PCs Andrew & Neale Fraser, were in plain clothes.

"Are you on duty?"

"Yes, Christmas shopping patrol. We spotted you in here so guessed there might be some trouble."

"Thanks, those two are tryin to take Angela away and apparently have been trying for several days, but we don't know why?"

At Tammy's suggestion, Suzie went to Angela, whilst Tammy took up a position behind them.

"I told you to keep out of it!"

"Fine, but Angela's going nowhere. What is it you want from her?"

Hailey rushed forward, clearly intending to attack Tammy but Tammy easily avoided her, leaving Hailey on the carpet. The male got nowhere as Andrew Fraser stopped him, Neale dealt with Hailey.

"We ain't done nothing!"

It seemed only a short time later that uniformed officers arrived, accompanied by DS Franklin.

"Good afternoon, Tammy. You're back in town one whole day and we already have to arrests to deal with."

"Thanks Ben, merry Christmas to you too! Look, I don't know what their aim is, but they've been harassing Angela since at least last week."

One of the uniformed officers had queried the shopping bag, neither Helen nor Angela made a claim on it so Hailey was asked.

"No, not mine!"

Suzie, however, knew different. "She walked in with it, there's another one near the door that he left on his way in."

That earned her a scowl from the pair. A quick dig through both bags revealed a few shoplifted trophies. The pair were swiftly removed.

"Well?"

"Well, what, Angela?"

"Did you work out what they were after?"

"No, but at least they'll have to answer for something."

"And they now know that you're not alone, sis."

"Yeah, but what were they after?"

No-one knew.

"Lunch?"

"Sure."

Tammy's phone chirped, followed immediately by similar noises from Suzie and Angela.

"Dinner at Elsie's, oh."

"Is that a problem, Tammy?"

"Yes, I've gone up a dress size so I don't have anything to wear."

Part   Four   "Family Affairs"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Wednesday 23rd December 2015
 

The previous evening's dinner had been a restrained affair, everyone had wanted to ask Elsie how she was but no-one wanted to risk it. Of course she stated, for the record, that she felt fine, although it was clear that Elsie wasn't her old self.

She'd sat at the table with them, but had needed her maid's help to enter the dining room as well as the butler's assistance in sitting down. Elsie had smaller portions than the rest but had managed a glass of red regardless; there was still some of the old Elsie in there.

The head of the Clan McPherson took her leave before the dessert course and had apologised as the maid, Anna, assisted her onto her feet.

"I find I need to rest more often now, but I have no plans to shuffle any further than my bedroom."

The butler, Thomas, had carefully asked if anyone wanted a dessert and only Helen succumbed, "I'll take it in my room."

Alison had arrived that afternoon and was now the overnight nurse so she excused herself to check on Elsie.

"What about you Andrea, did you want to come across with us?"

"No, thanks, I've been busy all day so I'll head for my room as well."

Thus the evening had finished, several hours earlier than past habits dictated.

Tammy's recollections of the evening were interrupted by a knock on her door, Joan put her head into the bedroom.

"Come in, mum."

"What's the plan today, Tammy?"

"I'm not sure, maybe I'll use the exercise machines? I need to lose some weight."

"You looked fine last night, dear."

"I know, but it was a new dress. I just don't want to replace my entire wardrobe."

"What about the clothes you have in London?"

"My suits are all tailored and fit me fine, it's the off the shelf stuff that tends to be tight so out of work I'm mostly wearing leggings and baggy tops."

"Do you have anything nice to go out?"

"I don't socialise with any of my work colleagues."

"Oh dear, I thought you'd have a busy social life?"

"I'm out the door at seven each morning, usually back by seven. I have time to microwave an evening meal, have a shower and go to bed, maybe an hour's telly as well. At weekends I restock the freezer, do the laundry and make myself available for phone calls from the family, if I'm not called in because of a crisis."

"That's not much of a life?"

"Nope."

"It also doesn't sound as if you're eating properly? Can't you jog to work?"

Tammy laughed, "I know I don't always eat healthily, not during the week anyway. As for jogging, you move with the herd on London's streets, sometimes that's faster than the car traffic, sometimes it isn't."

Joan tactfully dropped the subject. "Don't you ever see your sister?"

"I visit Thames House occasionally, it's under ten minutes work from where I'm based."

"I didn't mean that."

"She has a boyfriend and her own circle of friends; I've only been in London for a few months, she's been there nearly a year."

"You do speak, outside of work?"

"Yes, occasionally on Sunday evenings to compare notes, but we've been too busy for the last few weeks so she didn't know I'd spent a weekend up here at the beginning of December."

"If I recall, no-one knew you were here and you didn't go into town at all?"

"I didn't, but because I came up on the Friday I was able to see Dr Abi and renew my prescription. If I recall, you and Dad had meetings at the school all that afternoon and were out most of Saturday, I probably chose the worst weekend to visit as I never saw you for more than a few seconds!"

"Sorry about that, Tammy, you do know this is the first time I've seen Suzie since our wedding, I really should spend some time with her?"

She waited until Joan had left her bedroom before heading into the shower. Outside there was a thin covering of snow but the skies were now clear, that meant it was probably sub-zero out there. Tammy had just made it downstairs, feeling freshened, when two visitors arrived.

"Hello Ben."

"Hi Tammy, you know PC Brown, are your sisters around?"

They were still in their rooms, having been delayed by personal chats with Joan. Tammy gathered them into the lounge, Joan decided to sit in.

"Okay, we've finished interviewing the pair and now we need each of your statements."

"How does it look, Ben?"

"I'd rather not say anything until you've all given your account of yesterday afternoon. I had wanted to do this last night but I understand you all had a prior engagement?"

"We did, so we'd best get on with it? The study is available as Pru's with Dad."

"Right, PC Brown will take Angela and I'll do you, Tammy. Suzie, we'll catch you after these two."

"Wait, what happened?"

"Sorry mum, we'll tell you later."

"Later? You'll tell me now!"

"Mrs Smart, regardless of what you know, or don't know, time is pressing and I don't want to contaminate their testimony. Perhaps Suzie can brief you whilst we interview the other pair?"

Joan reluctantly accepted, but was clearly peeved. Ben quickly took Tammy out of the room.

"You shouldn't keep her in the dark, Tammy!"

"I know but she worries so much, Angela's up here on her own and probably wouldn't be let out of the door!"

"I think you're exaggerating."

"Okay, a little perhaps, but Joan would definitely over react. I promise she'll be kept informed, if only to keep her off our backs!"

"Of course, but as you're all over eighteen there's no legal requirement."

"Yes, but Suzie and I are in London whilst Angela is here so neither of us can support her, that allows others to take advantage of her. Joan continues to see Angela as a teenage daughter and not an adult, remember she wasn't even a daughter until a year ago."

"You seem to have managed?"

"I've had to cope on my own since I was a little kid, boarding school does that to you. I'd also been able to explore my girlhood without the ever presence of a domineering father, unlike Angela. We're really quite different."

"Okay, but this isn't the first time you've taken executive action when you should have informed the authorities, or your parents."

"Ben, you've already said we're over eighteen, and once again we had no evidence of what their intention was. Hindsight is wonderful but hardly a valid investigatory tool?"

"That sounds like a course I went on recently, where are you working?"

"National Crime Agency."

"Bloody hell!"

"I'm on secondment, I didn't want to be there."

"Only four or five detectives a year get to go from the whole of Scotland, I've applied four times and not even got an interview."

"I was told one Saturday lunchtime that I was starting there the following Monday, no interview and no choice."

"It kept you out of Thurso, and for that I should be grateful!"

"That, unfortunately, was the intention. Can we get on with this?"

"Sure."

Tammy was familiar with statement writing so the whole process took under fifteen minutes, she copied her own one and asked that she be able to copy the other two. DS Franklin went to find Suzie.

It was another quarter of an hour before Angela emerged from the dining room and joined Tammy for a coffee in the kitchen.

"That was hard work, he was very thorough."

"PC Brown has to be thorough, he really doesn't have a choice."

"Why?"

"His father is DI Iain Brown."

"Oh, but wouldn't the PC have known about me?"

"Not if I know Iain, he won't pass on anything he learns unless it's in an official capacity."

"I suppose it wouldn't be good if any of my personals were leaked?"

"Exactly, I wonder how Suzie's getting on?"

"I don't know but mum was going out so I guess she's finished her own interrogation? We should have told her?"

"Perhaps, but you know how she'll take it?"

"Sure, I know she's protective of me, but that's only because you and Suzie have flown the nest."

"Suzie was never here, remember, and I'll be back in the new year. How's your course going?"

"Fine, I'm enjoying the social work."

"I knew you would, what about the nursery at the hospital?"

"I had to give it up as I needed the time, it was only voluntary."

"Didn't it help your coursework?"

"Not really as none of the staff wanted to write reports on me for the tutors."

"Oh, but you enjoyed it?"

"Yes, I still see some of the mothers on home visits with the health visitors. I suppose it helped make me a familiar face?"

"It also looks great on a CV when you don't have any paid work experience."

"I didn't think of it like that."

"So go back in January and tell them you want to help again."

"I can't do the same time, I have a seminar then."

"So find a different slot, if they're short of volunteers then they might agree to write a short report every month, just to keep you?"

"Okay, thanks Tammy."

There was still no sign of Suzie but Richard and Pru had arrived.

"Tammy, Angela, can you lend a hand as there's a load of groceries to unload and store?"

Of course there were other supplies as well so Tammy found herself running to the store cupboard on the upper floor with toilet rolls and bathroom supplies, Lily could distribute those next time she was in.

Tammy deeply regretted not putting on a coat or at least a jacket, the temperature was confirmed as minus something Celsius out there. Of course, by the time they were done, DS Ben Franklin and the Constable had gone.

"Damn, we won't know what that pair said in interview!"

"What pair?"

Richard was stood behind Tammy. Suzie looked at her sister, "I got mum, it's your turn!"

"Okay Dad, can we use the study and Pru had best sit in and take notes. Suzie, did you get a copy of your statement?"

"Yes, it's in the study."

"What about Angela?"

"I don't know."

Angela's statement wasn't in the study and Tammy kicked herself, that was the important one. "Okay, let's have this sorry tale?"

"Sure, Dad."

---

Lunch followed, their housekeeper, Zara, had the day off so they fended for themselves. "Tammy, you and Suzie can do dinner."

"What does everyone fancy?"

"Curry!"

"Mum's not keen?"

"But she's not here, can you make a mild one and a spicy one?"

"Home made naan breads?"

"Yeah, and onion bhajis." Angela was warming to the idea.

Suzie glared at Tammy, they were going to be occupied most of the afternoon.

Richard laughed, "check the larder, there's some vacuum packed naans and I think there's some vegetable samosas in one of the freezers?"

Tammy almost felt like saying that was cheating but, firstly it reduced their workload and secondly she'd been living mostly on take-away or ready meals so could hardly complain. She started to laugh.

"What's funny?"

"I told you on Friday I had a curry in the slow cooker, that was the first meal all week I'd make for myself from scratch."

"If you don't fancy another curry then we'll think of something else?"

"No it's fine, best get used to it as you'll have turkey curry for the next fortnight, alternated with turkey fricassée and turkey stew."

Tammy was looking quite pleased with herself.

"We're having Christmas dinner with Elsie, didn't we say?"

"No, Dad, I thought the plan was we'd spend a few hours there but we'd eat here?"

"Change of plan last night."

"So why do we now have a huge turkey in the fridge?"

"Just in case, we're already on Plan B or C or ... anyway it's useful for Turkey sandwiches too."

Richard's suggestion fell on dead air.

"Oh, Dad, I'm out with Debbie tomorrow afternoon. I don't know if these two are joining us?"

Suzie was up for it but Angela was non-committal, as ever.

"Where & what?"

"Starting at the Castletown for alcohol and a few laughs, other than that I really don't know for sure."

"Count me in."

Angela shook her head, Tammy wouldn't waste time trying to convince her otherwise.

"Where did mum go?"

"Welfare issue? There shouldn't be any pupils there?"

"It seems one or two of the students couldn't leave on Thursday and no-one can take them in."

"What's the problem?"

"Sorry Tammy, I can't discuss it any further."

Richard left the kitchen with Angela following close behind, both had left their lunch plates on the table.

"We've got the clearing up first, great."

"We do the same at home, Tammy, although I'm usually cooking for two."

"Doesn't he help?"

"Ken hardly does a thing."

"Ken, ah, now I have a name!"

"Okay, okay, is that offer of the apartment still available?"

"Yes, just for you?"

"It looks that way, I'll give notice on my place and he can find somewhere new. I think he's seeing someone else too." Suzie had stopped clearing the table, Tammy went over and gave her a hug, holding her tight.

"I really don't know anything about long-term relationships but I won't have you unhappy. You can move as soon as we're back, we can both take a day off."

"Thanks Tammy, I don't think Jenny would object."

"It's a deal."

Suzie dried her eyes, "I saw a recipe for onion bhajis on Saturday Kitchen recently, it should be on the BBC website. The recipe looked really simple and I reckon we have all the ingredients here. If I start that, can you finish clearing up. Then we'll start on the main dishes, I reckon we'll get an hour in the pool?"

"Sure."

Tammy's phone rang as she was chopping vegetables for the curries.

"Mum just told me you're in town?"

"Yes, Tanya, I sent you a message yesterday."

"Oh, John said there was a message from you."

"Didn't you read it?"

"I didn't get a chance."

"Well, a group of us are meeting up tomorrow afternoon if you want to join us?"

"I'm seeing mum tomorrow evening."

"That shouldn't matter, and you're not drinking now are you?"

"No, but I'll need John to get me ready and he doesn't finish until three tomorrow."

"We're meeting at one, that gives you plenty of time?"

"I can't do it on my own, can't you come here?"

"Not tomorrow and not the following two days, things are a bit in the air right now because of Elsie."

"I heard."

"Look, I'll see if I can get over this evening?"

"It's John's works do, he's not back until nine or ten."

"So?"

"I won't be able to let you in."

Tammy gave up and uttered seasonal greetings before putting the phone down.

"Hard work?"

"Yes, Suzie, I really don't recognise that girl any more."

"Debbie wasn't too kind yesterday, whilst Sandy was out of earshot anyway."

"I need to speak to John, on his own."

"Good luck with that, she's very protective apparently."

"Or paranoid?"

The girls had everything under control by three, one curry just needed to be warmed when needed whilst the other was in the warming drawer of the range. They only needed half an hour to finish it all off.

"I've been looking forward to a swim."

"I hope there's a health club near the apartment, Tammy?"

"There's several but I have no idea about them as I've not been in any."

"That's a priority when we get back then. How much longer do you have with the NCA?"

"My secondment runs out on the nineteenth of February but I have a feeling I'll be there a bit longer."

"So I won't be on my own in the apartment just yet?"

"No, not for a while, but we won't tell mum?"

"Okay."

Tammy had pulled herself out of the pool and was looking forward to a shower when Pru walked over to the barn.

"There's a call from Jenny in London for you."

"Okay, give me a minute to dry myself off and get warm."

"She wants both of you."

Part   Five   "Currying Favours"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Wednesday 23rd December 2015 (Continued)
 

"Jenny, it's Tammy. Suzie is with me."

"Okay, do you recall the O'Shaughnessys?"

"Finlay and Daisy?"

"That's correct. We're concerned that there's still a risk to them, a serious risk."

"I'm out of touch, Jenny, you've kept me out of the loop? Obviously the Gores aren't a concern any more?"

"Finlay and Daisy are still students at St Andrews, but they were due to stay with a foster family over Christmas."

"Okay, but that's hardly a national security matter?"

"If you'll let me continue?" Jenny paused, "Finlay reported that he wasn't comfortable, even though his sister was ready to go."

"How were the foster parents chosen?"

"We decided to keep them in the Highlands, or at least within six hours travelling of Thurso, otherwise it had to be a couple who were cleared."

"Hold on, who is handling this, deciding on their future?"

"They have been made wards of court in the High Court and Treasury Solicitors have been appointed to look after the children's interests."

"So who is actually running the case?"

"The NCA."

"I don't remember handling any of that work?"

"And if you did, you couldn't reveal it!"

"Naturally. So why are we now involved?"

"Can I suggest you brief Suzie before we continue?"

Finlay O'Shaughnessy was in Year 11 so this was his fifth year at St Andrews school. His sister, Daisy, was in year 9 and had arrived at the school following the murder of their parents in Sofia, Bulgaria. It had been suspected that John and Anita Gore were involved and Tammy had been investigating them. Their daughter, Martina, had been a student at St Andrews since September.

"So, Tammy, did this lead to the attack at David Stewart's funeral?"

"I might have been getting too close."

"YOu've never told me the details?"

"No, I'm not keen reliving that day." She put the handset to her ear, "Okay Jenny, how does this affect us?"

"It appears Martina Gore spooked Finlay on the last day of term."

"Where's she gone?"

"She's staying with Martin Gore in Wick."

"Are her bugs still active?"

"One is, but we have no-one monitoring it."

"Damn, what did she say to Finlay?"

"He claims she said she would make sure the job was finished."

"There was no direct evidence that Martina was involved with her parents' activities?"

"Correct, so we discounted her words as rhetoric."

"But Finlay didn't see it that way?"

"No."

"What about the foster family?"

"When Finlay and Daisy didn't arrive, they accepted an emergency placement."

"So where does that leave them?"

"Stuck, social services would almost certainly split them up."

"Isn't there any family?"

"There's a granny in a retirement home, in Eastbourne."

"What's the long term aim?"

"Officially, to support the kids and get them a stable life."

"Unofficially?"

"We need to interview the boy to find out what he knew about his parents' roles."

"I would have thought that would have been done?"

"The Thurso bureau was closed down and we don't want to use the Police."

"So?"

"Can the pair of you arrange for some temporary off-site accommodation for them and when they are ready speak to Finlay, both if you can?"

"It's the twenty third."

"I'm well aware."

"We're both on leave."

"I can recall you if that makes it easier?"

"Look, why hasn't the school already sorted this?"

"Only the Head knows the background, at least some of the background, and no-one else had been cleared to know, that includes your mother."

"Why?"

"She would have to share the intel with her assistant, and that is an unacceptable risk."

"I'd have to agree with you there, Tanya has some serious mental health issues right now."

"I'm so glad you and I concur, Miss Smart."

"Look, Jenny, I know the individuals at work here."

"I know, and that created a risk. I was content for Suzie to deal with this on her own but, as you say, you do know the individuals."

"So, how do we play this?"

"Do you know where the pair could go? Try not to split them up, if you can."

"We're full here, and Elsie's quite full."

"Can you find out? I realise that might cause a problem?"

"I'll ask. What's the risk to the O'Shaughnessys?"

"If you recall, your family was meant to be elsewhere in Europe, all of the other students and staff have gone and only the Headmaster and his wife remain. They are due to leave to stay with family tomorrow."

"Oh. When are they leaving?"

"Ten in the morning."

"And nothing's been said?"

"They are prepared to cancel, but that leaves Finlay and Daisy very isolated."

"Understood."

"There is a risk that they will be targeted over Christmas."

"In what way?"

"Unknown, the intelligence was quite vague."

"So who is behind it, behind the murder of their parents?"

"There's a Russian connection."

"Anyone we know?"

"No, the current theory is that the parents uncovered massive drug testing fraud, involving Russian athletes in particular."

"Had they submitted their findings?"

"Possibly, we're trying to obtain a copy. It would appear that whoever holds that information could be the next target."

"Do you think the children were aware of the investigations?"

"Yes, which puts them at risk. It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, this news, if true, would cause a major international incident."

"Understood."

"I've arranged for some equipment to be couriered to you, it should arrive within the hour."

"Such as?"

"Your secure laptop and your weapon."

"I see. How will I identify the courier?"

"You'll manage it. Please brief Suzie so I don't have to repeat myself, but ask her to call me when you're done."

"Okay."

Tammy put the handset down.

"Now, this briefing is classified Secret."

Tammy left the study ten minutes later, her sister knew some of the story but hadn't met the O'Shaughnessys. Suzie was dialling Jenny's number for her private briefing.

After telling Pru that her study would be needed for a little longer, Tammy went to her room and shut the door.

"Hi Thomas."

"Miss Smart, how can I help you?"

"I'm sorry, but I need a favour. How many spare bedrooms are there?"

"One, the Rose Room."

"Ah, my old room. Now, I'm trying to find accommodation for two children until after Christmas."

"Who are they?"

Tammy explained, as much as she dared.

"I see, I don't believe that will be an insurmountable problem."

"Excellent, but how?"

"Your maid is being borrowed from tomorrow, is she not?"

"I didn't know."

"Well, she'll be staying with Anna."

"And her flat is free?"

"Indeed."

"So if Daisy stayed in the Rose Room, Finlay could use Lily's flat?"

"I believe that would work."

"Thank you, Thomas, now I just need to inform Dr McIntosh."

"He and Mrs McIntosh are with Madam at the moment, as well as a guest."

"Ah, could you ask him to call me?"

"I will pass that on."

Time was getting on, and dinner time approaching, so the girls started the final preparation for the curry. The somasas and naan breads were readied for the oven and the onion bjajis were fried in a pan before being transferred to the warming drawer. Suzie made a raita dip and Tammy prepared a side salad.

"Oh, the rice!"

A minor oversight was avoided as Suzie already had a pan of basmati bubbling gently.

Pru came in as the girls were setting the kitchen table.

"A courier has arrived."

Tammy rushed out into the hallway.

"Tammy, my dear!"

"Dave! Why?"

"A job needed to be done and it had to be someone trustworthy, of course."

"It's a hell of a way to come!"

"I was making the journey regardless, Jenny knew that. Can we use the study?"

Dave Brown seemed to have only a briefcase, Tammy noted. She signed for her laptop and her weapon, as well as a spare clip. "What if I need any more?"

"That is highly unlikely."

"So, Mr Brown, what brings you to Thurso?"

"A Christmas invite from Elsie, what else?"

"You do know ...."

"Of course I do, I've just come from there. I'm aware of what you've told Thomas."

"Did I tell him too much?"

"No, under the circumstances he needed to know enough to make a decision."

"I'd always thought that Elsie ran the house, but this was something I didn't want to burden her with."

"Sensible thinking but remember, Elsie runs the clan, the family, but Thomas runs the household. I have explained to Elsie that you might ask a favour and she is quite happy to assist."

"Good, now I need to get mother on board."

"Rather you than me, remember she's not cleared."

Tammy had a sudden thought.

"Are you aware of the incident involving Angela?"

"I am."

"I haven't heard from the police how the investigation is going."

"I think you should give Jenny a call, there are some developments that it seems she hasn't disclosed."

Tammy called but didn't get an answer. "Damn."

Suzie knocked on the door, Tammy called her in.

"Oh, hello Dave!"

"Lovely to see you again, Suzie. Did you know what time Jenny was finishing today?"

"A few minutes after I spoke, why?"

"Tammy was asking about the investigation into Angela's attempted abduction."

"I see, how much can I say?"

"Under the circumstances?"

"Okay, but Jenny asked me to keep this to myself for now."

"Understandable, as it doesn't change the arrangements in place."

Tammy started to get irate, "are you telling me that Jenny briefed you and failed completely to update me?"

"Indeed Tammy, remember that all intel is distributed on a need-to-know basis. This information does not change anything."

"So what is it?"

"The pair arrested in the Castletown Hotel had intended to abduct Angela. The plan was meant to happen at the end of last week but the trip to Düsseldorf changed that."

"Why would they abduct her?"

"To force mother to allow someone into the school, to get at Finlay and Daisy."

"I see, who employed them?"

"They're not saying."

"I would have liked to know!" Tammy raised her voice.

"That's exactly why you weren't going to be told until after tomorrow morning, because you would get emotional about something you had no control over."

Tammy sat down, ashamed.

"If it means anything," Dave started, "I have complained loudly in the past about needed to know something but when I did find out it usually made no difference. Suzie was briefed in case operational needs dictated that this intel was needed, I had also been briefed. If your mother had asked you for an update, you could have denied knowing anything."

"And now I have to lie?"

"I would suggest you are more circumspect than that, if anything has to be said."

"Why would mum ask me, and not Suzie?"

"Because you know the local police officers and they would likely be the source of any new information, Suzie does not know them. Now, could you run me back over?"

Suzie headed back to the kitchen whilst Tammy donned a coat, gloves and a scarf. Outside she opened the side gate and unlocked a buggy. "Hop on."

She was back five minutes later but still had to lock up the buggy and lock the gate. She noted that Joan's car was back and the paddock gate was padlocked.

Back inside she made it to the table as the last dish was brought over.

"Suzie's made a wonderful job of this, hasn't she Richard?"

Tammy looked at her father with intent, he cracked in the end. "It's a joint effort, Tammy just had to run an errand."

Joan now smiled, "I know, and Tammy, Suzie has explained the arrangements you have made. I wouldn't have bothered Elsie under the circumstances but it seems Thomas has handled it?"

"He has, hopefully we can see Finlay and Daisy in the morning?"

"They will be so pleased. Do you think Finlay will be happy in the flat, or that Lilly will accept it?"

"There are no issue with him at the school?"

"None."

"Is he single dormed?"

"No he's sharing, at least until January as two rooms are being refurbished."

"I see, did you know that Dr McIntosh was going away?"

"No, I didn't. Why didn't Stephen say?"

"I guess it's so you weren't alarmed, anyway, shall we eat?"

Judging by the near silence and the content looks, the curry was an outstanding success.

"What was that one?"

Angela pointed at and empty pot.

"Thai prawn green curry."

"It didn't look very green?"

"No, that's because of the coconut milk."

"Oh, it tasted nice, not as spicy as the other one!"

"The Madras? That's meant to be a warm one. I see Dad enjoyed it?"

Richard was helping himself to seconds, or thirds, emptying the pot in the process. "Hmmm, excellent girls, you can make this again!"

Tammy and Suzie groaned.

"Tammy, have the police been in contact today, about yesterday?"

"No mum, I haven't heard anything from them yet."

Part   Six   "The Christmas Eve Frock"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Christmas Eve 2015
 

Tammy and Suzie drove over to the school shortly after eight. It was bitterly cold with an icy wind blowing straight from the Arctic Circle. They were surprised to see the school secretary there.

"Janet, have you met my sister?"

"You must be Suzie, welcome."

With the pleasantries over, Tammy needed an answer, why was Janet Adams there?

"Now, Tammy,you don't think that the Headmaster knows how to sign out a student?"

"Well?"

"Let me put it another way, would you know how?"

"I've been through the procedure a few times, but I bet it's more complex than that?"

"It is, all connected to safekeeping and Ofsted's bloody statistics!"

A sudden noise caused them to look towards the Head's office door, it was now open.

"Good morning ladies, I trust we're able to conduct school business without further profanities?"

"Of course, Dr McIntosh."

"Good, the students are being brought here, could I borrow the two Miss Smarts for a moment?"

Stephen McIntosh closed the door, after they had entered, Dave Brown was already in the room.

"Hello Dave."

"Hi Tammy, I've just briefed the Headmaster."

The Head was clearly not happy. "And I'm a little alarmed! That Jenny woman didn't tell me half of what you have just informed me!"

"With respect, Headmaster, you don't have a secure phone and we are not taking chances. These students are at risk from persons unknown."

"How long will they remain at risk?"

"Right now, we don't know, but I'm hoping their education will not be disrupted."

"Indeed. I'll be back here on the thirtieth, we'll receive students back from the fourth and school restarts on the eleventh of January."

Tammy nodded, any hope of being back at work on the fifth was looking unlikely.

The study door swung open and the two O'Shaughnessy children walked in, accompanied by Anne McIntosh. "Their cases are in the hall. I've tried to persuade the young gentleman to wear trousers but he insisted on a kilt."

Both had exposed knees, whilst Finlay had long black socks on under his kilt, Daisy had a tartan dress with long white socks. The Head shook his head.

"Well, we really don't have the time to send you back to to the dorms. I'm sure you're both aware that it is cold out there! Miss Smart, Tammy, could I speak with you for a moment?"

Tammy handed her keys to Suzie and most left the room, just the Head and Dave Brown remained.

"How serious is it Tammy?"

She looked at Dave, who nodded.

"Very, Angela was subjected to an attempted abduction two days ago. The aim was to force our mother to let people into the school to grab the O'Shaughnessys."

"To what aim?"

"I'd rather not say, but it involves international fraud. The belief is that Finlay, or Daisy, could be carrying information of use to criminals as well as global enforcement officers."

"And this is connected to their parents' murder?"

"Yes."

"Is the school at risk?"

"Not directly, but it would be sensible to shut the main and service gates."

"That will be dealt with, but we need to consider if they should remain here?"

"If not here, Headmaster, where?"

"We are not fully equipped to handle a year nine female student, so we can't offer her the best possible education."

"What has the official solicitor said?"

"That they should, if possible, stay until the end of the academic year unless a family member suddenly asks to take them on."

"Finlay is due to do his GCSE exams from Easter, isn't he?"

"Yes, so moving him would be very disruptive."

"My guess is that the official solicitor must consider the welfare of the children first?"

"Indeed, in fact the law makes it clear that all professionals have a duty of care. If you hear anything relevant, could you please let me know?"

"Of course?"

"Now, will they be safe with you?"

Tammy nodded, then looked at Dave Brown. Dave answered for them.

"Both myself and Miss Smart are armed and the local constabulary have been informed. Tammy has been on several courses this year and is much more proficient than your typical nineteen year old."

"I trust that you will protect them?"

"Yes."

"Then, I imagine they are waiting for you!"

Anne was talking to Janet when Dave and Tammy walked out.

"How did you get here, Dave?"

"I borrowed one of the estate vehicles, but I put it out of sight."

"Okay, we'll drop Daisy off first."

Finlay wasn't talkative at all, whereas Daisy was scanning the surroundings. Suzie noticed her behaviour.

"Haven't you seen outside the school grounds?"

"No, I arrived in the evening and I've not left the school at all."

"Not even into town?"

"No point, we don't have any pocket money. I borrow things from the other girls, or they treat me. The school does supply some things, like pads."

"Okay, we'll see if we can find out what's happening."

"Did you go to the school?"

"No, my sisters did, but I was down South."

Tammy pulled through the gates of the McPherson estate and stopped by the stables.

"Right, Daisy, this is your stop."

Thomas was at the door and Alison wasn't far behind.

"Is that a butler?"

"Yes, his name is Thomas, behind him is Nurse Alison. You'll meet everyone in due course."

Suzie had the boot open to retrieve Daisy's case.

Finlay looked dejected. "Where am I going?"

"Our home is next door, you'll be with us. You can borrow the maid's apartment for a few days and maybe move over here when a room becomes free?"

"Oh, okay."

"Suzie had returned to the car and Daisy had disappeared inside. Tammy drove around to the back of the house and picked up the track to the connecting gate. Suzie hopped out to open it.

"Right, you see the barn? There's the pool and the gym equipment, Lily's apartment is accessed from the left hand end. There's a numeric pad on that door and the scullery door. Come inside first, we need to find the spare key for the flat."

That took five minutes, so he was left to his own devices, with a couple of passing pieces of advice. "If you want to speak to Daisy, we have an internal telephone system, just dial 227 and that connects to her room. If you want a swim, let us know first and how about joining us for elevenses?"

He nodded then Tammy left him on his own. She had really wanted Joan to deal with this, but she was content to let the girls handle it.

Tammy gave Dave a call.

"The kids haven't been getting any pocket money, what do you know of the parents' estate?"

"Still going through, but most would go into trust as both are under eighteen."

"What about the child benefit payments?"

"I think that's been agreed and will start next month, paid to the school. There's a few months of arrears so that should be a few hundred pounds for them."

"Good, I would like to speak to the solicitor who's handling it."

"You'll struggle, Tammy, you're not involved in their education and you're not connected to the parents. Jenny really wouldn't be happy with you interfering. Put your concerns in an email and let her know, she'll pass it on."

"Okay, won't you be doing the same?"

"Of course, you also need to write a report for this morning, and a daily report until they leave."

"Is that why you brought my laptop here?"

"I was just asked, I didn't question the request."

"What's Daisy up to?"

"No idea, I'm not an expert on children!"

"None of your own?"

"No, I was married to the job so never found the time to settle down."

The day's plan was simple. Each household would do their own lunch then Elsie would host a Christmas Eve meal. They would be back there for Christmas Day, and Boxing Day after lunch.

By Eleven there was no sign of Finlay so Tammy tried calling the apartment, but there was no answer. She walked across to the barn and checked the pool but that was empty, there was no answer at the apartment door either.

She walk to the far end of the barn and up the stairs to the little recording studio. He was sat at the control desk, listening to something that had been recorded there. The monitor only gave the date but Tammy guessed it was one of Jeri's sessions.

Finlay hadn't realised Tammy was there until her foot caught the chair. He spun around and tried to leave.

"You should have asked before you came up here, but it looked like you could use the desk?"

"But ........"

"Well?"

"What?"

"Are you familiar with the desk?"

"Mum and Dad had a recording studio, it's similar."

"So, are you comfortable?"

Finlay was now wearing a tartan dress that was very similar to his sister's, Tammy had ignored this at first but finally had to ask. He did look like a boy in a frock, almost flat chested and a few light coloured hairs on his legs.

"I can explain!"

"I only asked if you were comfortable?"

"Yes."

"I guess no-one at the school knows you like to wear comfortable clothes?"

"No, yes, what?"

"Right, are you joining us in the kitchen?"

"I'll change!"

"You don't have to."

"You'll laugh at me!"

"Not me, what do you call yourself?"

"I don't have one."

"What does Daisy call you?"

"She doesn't know!"

"I wouldn't bet on that, how come you have the same dress?"

"Mum bought them for us, but mine was a secret."

"You must have grown a bit?"

"It was loose at first."

"You're still in a shared dorm, so you can't dress up very often?"

"Robert goes away most weekends, his parents live in Aberdeen."

"Well, let's introduce you."

"You'll make fun of me." The sobbing started.

"No we won't, I promise you that. Now, are you a boy or a girl?"

"A boy, obviously."

"Obviously?"

"Yeah."

Tammy held out her hand and walked him across to the house.

Part   Seven   "Party Frocks"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Christmas Eve 2015 (Continued)
 

Joan was just inside the scullery door and did a double take at Finlay's appearance but said nothing. He was just about ready to bolt but Tammy still had his hand as he was led into the kitchen.

"Ah, Tammy, coffee?"

"Please Zara."

"And you must be Finlay, will it be tea, coffee or something else?"

"Err, tea please."

"There's a fruit cake if you fancy a slice?"

Tammy sniggered and Zara blushed. "Oh, sorry, but Tammy's the maddest of the lot!"

"For offering you the job, Zara?"

"Definitely!"

Pru put her head around the door, "there's a call for you, Tammy."

"Thanks Pru, could you give Finlay the tour?"

"Sure."

Tammy shut the study door.

"Hello?"

"It's Iain Brown."

"Hi Iain, how can I help you?"

"I had a call from London and your name came up, then Special Branch started asking me to borrow my staff."

"Well, I don't know how much I can say?"

"Are you looking after two children?"

"Two guests, yes."

"Could they be key to solving their parents' murder?"

"Perhaps, but no-one has interviewed them yet."

"I can provide you with an officer later today?"

"To be honest Iain, that could be a fruitless exercise, one of us will speak to them to find out if there is anything of value. They were in school when the murders took place so they aren't witnesses."

"You're not qualified to interview?"

"I beg to differ, but in any case we have a breadth of expertise here including the Security Service. I'm on attachment to the National Crime Agency so I'm familiar with investigations. If, if there is anything of value we will go through the formal procedure, but I suspect the Met will want to take over."

"Why?"

"There's a possible connection to Russian organised crime and state sponsorship of criminal activities."

"Damn."

"Please don't note that or repeat that Iain, it could cause a diplomatic mess if it gets out, regardless of whether it's proven accurate."

"And the children are key?"

"In the absence of other evidence, yes."

"What physical security do you have in place?"

"You've been here, and to Mrs McPherson's house, so you know we can lock the places down. Once my PA leaves at lunchtime we'll secure all the gates."

"I do not want to hear of bloodshed, Miss Smart."

"If anything happens, we'll try to give you living suspects?"

"I sincerely hope that was an attempt at humour?"

"Well, merry Christmas Iain."

"And merry Christmas to you. How long are you staying in the area?"

"Until the third, or until the risk reduces, whichever take longer."

"I see, I'm the senior officer for the next few days so please make my life a quiet one over the festive period?"

"I'll do my best Chief Inspector."

Tammy walked back into the kitchen, Daisy had arrived there with Alison. "Look, my sister's got a matching dress!"

"Yes, Daisy, but he's still your brother Finlay." Alison looked at Tammy, who shook her head. Daisy seemed to be conspiring to beautify her sister.

"Oh no, she's Florence, mum told me."

"Alison, why don't you take Finlay, or Florence, over to the McPherson house?"

"Once Daisy has seen the pool and the studio, apparently their father had one."

Tammy grabbed her phone and called Dave Brown.

"What if we're not looking for printed reports?"

"That would be obvious, and could be stored on a memory card, stick or portable drive?"

"Yes, but we're assuming a physical device that the parents secreted."

"Indeed."

"Both of the children have told me about a recording studio at the parents' home, could there be recordings?"

"There isn't a studio, are you sure? I've seen the reports of the search and there's nothing extraordinary there, it was just an ordinary house."

"Is the place still secured, it hasn't been sold?"

"Probate is going slowly so we do still have access there. The funeral will be in about a month apparently."

"Okay, thanks for the warning. I think it would be worth another look as they couldn't both be fibbing?"

"Unlikely. I have heard you have the boy in a frock already?"

"I found him like that, in our studio, I've not got to the bottom of it yet. He'll come over shortly."

"Okay, I'll see what I can find out."

"Gently, Dave, gently!"

Eventually Joan found Tammy on her own, so was told the same tale. She wanted to search his case, but Tammy wasn't keen on the idea.

"As far as we know, that dress is the only item of female clothing he has."

"You're referring to him as a male?"

"Yes."

"Why? Wouldn't you want to do a full conversion?" Tammy wasn't sure if her mum was being serious or goading her into a rash outburst, she played the middle ground.

"You make me sound like a Cyberman! No mum, I asked Finlay if he was a boy or a girl and he said he was a boy, in a dress. Daisy seems to know something different but I'll go with Finlay's own version for now."

"Okay, I really don't like the idea of calling out a shrink on Christmas Eve?"

"For who?"

"Me!"

Joan let that hang before continuing. "Do you think it was a good idea for him to go over to Elsie's dressed like that?"

"I don't see why not? He had plenty of opportunities to go and change. He was clean and smart, his hair is a little long but apparently they hadn't received any pocket money from the solicitor handling the probate, or even child benefit? I guess he's not had a haircut since late August or early September."

"I only became aware of that in November, so I queried the child benefit. Apparently no-one had sent the school a death certificate to prove our application, and when we finally received the certificates no-one could read them as they were in Bulgarian. Then we had to persuade HMRC to pay it to the school, backdated to November. We've applied for Guardian's Allowance too, that should all be paid in the next few days, backdated to October."

"Why the disparity?"

"Different departments in the Government, I spent hours this month on the phone to them. Once the money comes through I'll ask them to sort it out."

"So they'll have pocket money soon?"

"Yes, and we'll build up a fund for them that will be available if they need it. In the meantime, probate should conclude. I'm worried what will happen to Daisy, unless there's a bursary, Finlay may have to finish after he takes his exams in May."

"Perhaps that can be covered? When he's eighteen he can become Daisy's legal guardian and she'll be in year 11?"

"That's some time away, and the governors will need to consider where this leaves the school, remember that Daisy's presence was a temporary arrangement.

"Yes, and it's only a year since girls were admitted into the sixth form."

"Indeed.By the way, I'm heading into town with Suzie and Angela shortly."

Pru finished for Christmas at midday, promising to return on Thursday for two days. Zara cleaned the kitchen and bid farewell. "Doesn't look like anyone will need lunch!"

"Going home?"

"No, I've been asked to help out next door. I'll do a few hours this afternoon and I'll be back tomorrow morning to help with dinner."

Tammy quickly changed, she was due at the Castletown Hotel at one and had completely forgotten. In fact she did have second thoughts, but she'd told Debbie she would be there. She looked for someone to run her into town, but neither of her parents were available. She was about to ring a taxi when Helen called.

"We're just leaving!"

"Who?"

"Me, Cathy and Andrea."

"Is there room for me?"

"Jonathon's taking us in the Discovery."

"Okay, give me a few minutes."

"You've got three!"

The car was waiting for Tammy as she locked the front door, she slid onto the rear seat next to Cathy.

"Well, what is going on?" The subject matter was obvious.

"Look, he put on a dress, that's all."

"Is it?"

"Look, it was a surprise to me but I didn't have anything to do with it."

"It just happened while you were around? Nothing like this happened whilst you were in London!"

"Maybe it did happen, but you never heard about it?"

That generated a laugh. "Please, don't mention this to any of the others, I really don't want to give the kids any more reason to worry."

"Okay, Tammy, what's the plan?"

"I didn't have any lunch, so food and maybe a glass of vino in the hotel, then ..... I'm not sure. Debbie was organising everything."

Jonathon dropped them right outside the door, the noise led them straight to a bunch of tables that had been pushed together. Debbie did some introductions, mostly for Helen and Andrea's benefit.

"Okay, Jules, Katie, Sue, Karen, Emily, Kelly, Hannah, Julie and we're expecting a few more. For the benefit of those who don't know this four, Tammy, Cathy, Andrea and Helen. Where's your sister Andrea?"

"Alison's duty nurse. I can't have much to drink as I'll take over at tea time."

A waitress walked over to take their orders. "Oh, hi Fleur."

"Hi Tammy, what will it be?"

"A bottle of Prosecco and four glasses?"

Cathy laughed, "best make that two bottles!"

"Tammy, is she new here?"

"Not really Debbie, I suggested in September she asked for work, but I guess she's not here every day. She's doing the same course that I was supposed to be on. Now, I'm hungry!"

Suzie arrived as Fleur was taking food orders, followed by Tanya.

"I didn't think you were coming?"

Debbie smirked and Tanya blushed.

"Oh, did your mum say something?"

"Look, if you're going to have a go at me I think I'll leave!"

"How did you get here?"

"My brother, David, collected me, I've been in the salon for the past hour."

Fleur came back over, "I'll have a fruit juice and lemonade, please."

Tanya was clearly waiting for someone to mention her drinking choice, but it never came.

The food started arriving whilst the previous night's telly was dissected by a few of the girls. One by one they stopped talking and started eating, except Tanya.

"No-one said we were having lunch, I had a ham and cheese toasted sandwich an hour ago!"

Debbie looked at Tammy and shrugged.

By half past two they had finished food and were nearing another drinks order. A large group of near-eighteen year olds walked in and had clearly been drinking elsewhere. Debbie suggested a move to the Spice Wine Bar around the corner.

"How long has that been there?"

"A few months Tammy, you should really get back here a bit more often."

"I did have a little difficulty and then I was put on a three month secondment."

"Killing that woman was more than a little difficulty!"

Debbie had tried to be quiet but one or two of the group heard her.

"Killing?"

"Oh, that's just Debbie's way with words. I had a bit of a falling out. It's all over now."

That seemed to satisfy Hannah and Emily, the next task was finding a table, or two, in the wine bar.

They stayed for an hour before moving onto the Grove Lounge. It was busy, really busy, so they ended up back at the Castletown.

"It was a bit manic earlier, Frances?"

"Yes, Miss Smart, but only two were over eighteen so we were able to remove them swiftly, unfortunately quite a few real patrons left because of the disruption."

"We might have stayed for one more round, anyway, we're back, what's it to be?"

Andrea was now on coke, she'd stuck at three glasses of wine. A couple of the girls had got lost on the way from the previous stop and Tanya had decided she'd had enough

"I've got heartburn and my legs are killing me."

"How much exercise do you get?"

"Well ......."

"Tanya, you're harming your baby."

"I thought this wasn't a 'bully Tanya' day?"

"Home truths perhaps, look we care." Tammy turned around looking for support from Debbie but Tanya's sister was heading for the loo. Fortunately David arrived.

"Did you know Tanya wanted to go?"

"Sure, she sent me a text ten minutes ago."

The group was disintegrating, it was approaching three thirty and was dark outside. One of the girls approached Tammy from the direction of the loos.

"Do you remember me?"

"Sure, Karen? You were in Guys and Dolls."

"Yeah, why did you leave, so sudden, like?"

"I had some trouble and my employer reallocated me."

"I heard you were arrested?"

"I had a misunderstanding with a police officer who didn't ask the right questions, but that was all sorted out in an hour."

"Did you kill someone, one of my friends was at the funeral where all the shooting happened, she recognised you."

"It's still the subject of an inquiry Karen, so I can't say too much. You see Cathy, by the bar, it was her husband's funeral."

"Oh!"

"Quite, she really doesn't want those memories dragged up."

Tammy walked over the Cathy, who was still waiting to be served. "Time we left, I think. What time are we eating?"

"Six, formal tonight."

"That doesn't give us much time."

"You're right, can you get a taxi, Tammy? I'll grab the others."

As Suzie was going back with them that meant ordering a minibus taxi, Tammy checked the vehicle for the taxi licence before getting in.

"Oh, something happened on Christmas eve last year?"

"Yes, Cathy, it was my fake taxi driver."

"I don't blame you for checking."

Tammy and Suzie hopped out at Dunbankin',the parents and Angela were getting themselves sorted. Tammy went straight into the shower.

By five thirty, they were ready, almost. Joan let herself into Tammy's room.

"Haven't you finished that?"

"No mum, and I almost poked my eye with the mascara."

"Okay, we're leaving soon."

"What's Finlay doing?"

"Alison was looking after him, and Daisy. I think they collected something from the apartment here this morning."

Joan was plainly in a new dress and Angela wandered into Tammy's room in a new frock, holding a pair of earrings. "Mum, can you help?"

Suzie was next, there seemed to be a theme. Each of them was in black, lacy, sheer, glossy or just modest, but black.

Tammy was in red, that came off.

"You never said anything about co-ordinating!"

"Sudden decision, do you have a black dress?"

"Of course, my LBD or .... this." She was holding a black cocktail dress that barely reached knee length.

Richard chose that moment to walk into Tammy's room, but left quickly.

"Look, I'll be a few more minutes!" Tammy shooed them all out and shut the door. She stripped and started again.

They arrived at Elsie's a few minutes before six and met everyone in the lounge. Over in the corner Tammy spotted two girls in white frocks, Daisy and Finlay.

Tammy was not responsible for this!

Part   Eight   "The Blame Game"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Christmas Eve 2015 (Continued)
 

Thomas called everyone to the dining room before Tammy could reach Daisy and Finlay, but she was impressed, they certainly looked like sisters. All other questions would have to wait however, as Elsie was already sat and the staff were stood ready.

"Tammy, dear, come sit with me." The comment was unnecessary as each place had a name card, this put Joan at the opposite end of the table from the O'Shaughnessy children, and Tammy, but adjacent to Michael. Some thought had clearly gone into the seating plan.

"Welcome everyone, let us toast absent friends." Elsie lifted her glass of Champagne, although several at the table had sparkling grape juice.

"Thank you for being here, although my doctors had doubts that I would make it this far!"

The staff had left the room a few moments beforehand and now returned with soups, soon the only noise was the sound of spoons against bowls. Polite conversation followed as the table was cleared between courses but there was more than a furtive look at the children in white dresses.

Daisy and Finlay, meanwhile, kept looking at each-other and giggling, as if enjoying a private joke.

The main dish was a seafood salad, Tammy commented how nice it looked, before she made headway.

"Oh yes, that's your cook's doing, I'll have to borrow her again!"

"You have a great cook, Elsie."

"Maybe, but she is a little staid in her ideas and wouldn't have thought of this."

"I hear it's a common Christmas meal in Australia."

Elsie nodded, but the hint was to stop talking and start munching. Helen was next to Tammy and it looked like half of her plate had already gone, washed down with another glass of wine. Tammy wondered if the girl knew the term 'moderation'?

Before long they were into the dessert course. Elsie, however, had left the table. Tammy needed the loo so she had followed the lady, seeing her being helped into the study. Thomas came up behind Tammy.

"Madam uses the study as a day room."

"I see."

Tammy returned before the cheeseboard had been emptied, just.

"I'm a growing girl!" Was the answer to a searching look from Tammy. "Yes, Helen, clearly."

Coffee followed and a bottle of malt had appeared near Richard and Dave Brown. Joan finally walked around to the children and asked if they okay, commenting how lovely they looked. Daisy answered for both, but Finlay was clearly happy.

They migrated into the lounge, Cathy slid over the Tammy.

"They are sweet aren't they?"

"Yes, but what happened?"

"Elsie saw Finlay in the tartan dress and asked him if he wanted to dress up tonight."

"Really?"

"Yes, I think she was testing him. Anyway, those are my dresses from when I was alot younger. Mum bought the smaller one for a function we were attending a few months hence, but I grew a bit so she bought the bigger one."

"That's a fair bit bigger!"

"She didn't want me to get just one use out of it, although that's exactly what happened! Daisy's still had the tags attached."

"Okay, so that explains the dresses, but he's seemingly gone the whole hog, are those stockings?"

"Yes, but she's Florence at the moment."

"What's the back story?"

"She's not saying, not yet, but she's had a cry about her parents."

"I doubt Finlay's been able to grieve much?"

"No, that's what I gathered, plus this is the longest time the pair have been together since the summer, before their parents' unfortunate death."

"Has Dave interviewed either of them?"

"No, mum wouldn't let him."

Across the room, Alison was having a similar conversation with Joan, it appeared that she had looked after the children whilst the other girls were with Tammy. Joan shook her head, apparently in disbelief before walking straight to Richard.

Elsie returned to the gathering, but only to wish everyone a good evening. The O'Shaughnessys were staying there, a room had been found for Finlay, or Florence.

 
Christmas Day 2015
 

Tammy woke with her father knocking on her door.

"What time is it?"

"Three, how much wine did you have last night?"

"Oh, the champagne and one other, why?"

"Good, you can drive."

"What's up?"

"Intruders at the school."

Tammy dressed quickly, leggings and a sweatshirt over her nightie. She pulled socks on and grabbed a pair of boots. Downstairs she opened the safe and removed her pistol, plus a spare clip.

Richard saw this but didn't comment. Outside he unlocked the side gate. "We'll go out via Elsie's gates."

Tammy drove her Mini, finding a Landrover waiting by the stables; it set off as she drew near.

The school's gate was open and a vehicle was parked near it, some distance from the school buildings. The Landrover went forward but Richard asked Tammy to pull over.

"Let's check the car out, we need to be ready if the intruders make a break for it."

"What about the Police?"

"The caretaker said he would phone them as soon after he called me."

"Hopefully they'll be here promptly, but it does mean Iain Brown will be unhappy; he wanted a quiet Christmas."

"Haven't you heard the adage about never using the Q word around law enforcement or emergency teams?"

"Oh, that sounds like an old wives' tale?"

"Some people swear by it."

The car was deserted, but they didn't touch the vehicle in case of leaving fingerprints. "That would just complicate matters!"

Tammy's mobile rang.

"Tammy, Dave, there's two here. We've restrained them both but one appears to have a busted leg so he's not going anywhere."

"Okay, where are they?"

"By the kitchen door."

"How did he do his leg?"

"It looks like there was a sheet of black ice near the door. I've updated the police and asked for an ambulance."

"Okay, are they talking?"

"No, but they had photos of the children."

"Damn, oh the Police have just arrived, Dad's directing them."

Tammy collected her father then drove around to the rear of the school. The caretaker came over.

"Ah, Mr Smart, Miss Smart, glad you're here."

"No problem, how did you know they were here?"

"The gate has an alarm on it, the duty caretaker gets a buzz if it's opened after 10pm, but I secured it at eight after Mr Hibbert and the young lady returned. I was awake gone midnight as I was Skyping my nieces in Cairns, Australia, it was Christmas Day lunchtime there. I checked the cameras and saw them coming, that's when I called."

"Well done." Richard was certainly pleased with the caretaker's actions. "What would you have done if they'd have got in?"

"Let's just say they might have had an accident, good job they had one outside really."

Tammy laughed, Richard shrugged.

A familiar police officer came over after securing one toad in the police vehicle, leaving his colleague to deal with the casualty

"Hello Miss Smart."

"Hello Sgt St James."

"My Chief Inspector warned me that you were in town!"

"Hey, this wasn't my doing."

"Why are you here, then?"

"My father needed a lift, he's chairman of the school governors and the Headmaster's off-site."

"Then who is that gentleman?" He pointed at Dave Brown, who had moved a distance away.

"He's on old boy of the school who is a guest at Elsie McPherson's this Christmas. Elsie is another governor and asked her staff to make sure the school was secure."

"I take it you were safe to drive?"

"I only had two glasses, and that was five hours ago."

"Fine, now would you have any idea why the school was being broken into?"

"Kidnapping."

"But the school's closed, surely?"

"Two students hadn't left, and they were the targets. When he phoned me yesterday Iain Brown told me he had the relevant intelligence report."

"So you are involved?"

"I know some of the background, that's all."

Sgt Stuart St James went to speak to Richard and the caretaker. Another police vehicle arrived and there was the sound of a helicopter approaching, then the area was lit by the searchlight.

The two recently arrived officers now split their resources. One joined the casualty on the air ambulance whilst the other assisted obtaining statements and photographing the scene. When the Smarts were due to be interviewed, Sgt St James suggested they could be spoken to later, if at all.

"You arrived after us so weren't involved in restraining the suspects."

"Correct, Sgt."

"Even so, it would seem Miss Smart that you do know more than you've said?"

"Then I'm sorry, but I'll have to say I can't answer any further. Please check with Iain Brown or Special Branch, they'll release any background information."

He clearly wasn't happy, "I might need to speak to you regardless, you as well Mr Smart. Now, are the children safe?"

"If you're referring to the potential victims, yes they are, but their whereabouts are not public knowledge."

The other officer had spoken to Dave Brown and seemingly not done much better, but the groundsmen were the only ones to have got their hands dirty so had to give a short statement there and then.

It was half past four when everyone returned to their beds, after ensuring that the school and both houses were secured.

Tammy's mobile rang at eight, she was not impressed. There was no number shown.

"Happy Christmas To...Tammy." Tara was slurring slightly.

"Oh, thanks mum, sorry I didn't send anything but I don't have your address."

"I'll send it, I might come up in the new year."

"I don't know where I'll be, work is sending me all over the place."

"Well, never mind."

The line went dead.

Suzie knocked on her door shortly after, ensuring that Tammy wouldn't get any more sleep.

"Hey, you left you bag on the floor - oh your gun?"

"I didn't have a chance to put it away last night, or was it this morning?" Tammy yawned.

"What did I miss?"

"An attempted break-in at the school. I'm jumping in the shower."

Tammy made it down for breakfast by nine, dressed casually.

"I thought you might have made an effort, Tammy?"

"I will, but my body says I should still be in bed."

"You didn't have to go out in the middle of the night."

Angela hadn't been paying much attention but certainly looked astonished.

"Out? In the middle of the night?"

"Yes, Angela. To answer your question, mum, Dad couldn't have driven without risking his licence, neither could you. That didn't leave a lot of choice."

"Well, you took a risk."

Zara had clearly been in as food was in warming trays and just needed serving. Tammy poured a coffee and took a sip before replying.

"Firstly I've had training and secondly I was armed."

"Gun?"

"Yes."

"You didn't take that on the plane did you?"

"Of course not," not this time anyway, "it was delivered securely. Look, two guys are in custody and the children are still safe, and no-one important was harmed."

"They are students, not children."

"That may be school policy, but in the eyes of the law ...."

"Stop that!"

Richard arrived, nonplussed at the bickering that was going on.

"It's Christmas Day, not Armageddon Day, can't we all get along?"

"Sorry Dad."

"How about apologising to your mother?"

"Who complained that I took you this morning?"

"I see, have you had any breakfast yet?"

"No, my appetite seems to be deserting me."

"Well, join me in the study for a moment."

Tammy picked up her coffee, glad to get out of the kitchen. She shut the door behind her.

"Sorry dad, I'm a bit tetchy, I'm tired, I was told off for wearing comfortable clothing, then criticised for using a perfectly valid legal term and, and, guess who phoned me, pissed?"

"Look, I'll speak to your mother, I hadn't had a chance to brief her on what happened overnight, but I've just had DS Franklin on the phone."

"What's Ben after?"

"Some background, I told him I couldn't supply it over the phone and really couldn't say anything to him directly either. He knows Dave Brown is here and has spoken to him before, he's on his way from the custody suite at Inverness."

"That gives us a few hours."

"No, he is on his way, he left there an hour and a half ago and called me from his car."

"Where is he coming?"

"Here, Dave is coming over shortly."

"Okay."

"I'll ask one of your sisters to put a breakfast together for you, you can eat in here if it makes you feel better?"

"Just some toast, I'm going up to my room."

Tammy stripped off the sweats she was wearing and pulled a red dress out of her wardrobe, the same dress she had planned to wear the previous evening. She didn't put it on, however, she instead slipped on a pink, fluffy, onesie.

"If I'm going to be treated as a kid, I'll become one!"

She went into her bathroom, looking for an aspirin, and found a toasted egg sandwich on her desk upon her return.

The egg, and toast, was piping hot and clearly had been made fresh. Tammy checked her tablet for news, and emails, finding several dodgy messages. There was no news of the two arrested over night.

She finished her coffee, brushed her teeth and made use of the facilities. She arrived downstairs as Ben arrived, Dave was waiting in the study.

"Sorry, Tammy did we get you out of bed?" Ben regretted the words as he spoke them.

"I only need one more smart ass comment and you'll find my co-operation ends now."

"Apologies."

Tammy closed the door, gesturing to Dave that he start. Fresh coffee had been provided.

"Firstly, DS Franklin, there is a limit to what we can say."

"I understand, and Special Branch have briefed me, but it's clear they don't know what is going on."

"That is normal, very few people do have the full story."

"And both of you?"

"Sorry, can't say."

"Okay, let me give you something. The pair we arrested are Russian." Ben stopped.

"I see, please continue."

"They were carrying documents but none that identify them, we need someone who can read Cyrillic. As it is, we have to use telephone interpreters as a first option and one is being arranged."

"Now, I can't give you an official reason, but please do not use Martin Gore as an interpreter."

"His name is on the Interpreters r Us list."

"In this case he is not to be used."

"I'll need a reason, and it will have to be verifiable."

Dave looked at Tammy, seeking a way out.

"Martin Gore has a girl, a niece, lodging with him over Christmas. She is also a student at Andrews and knows the potential victims."

"I see. I'll be back in a moment." Ben left the room.

"Thanks Tammy, I really didn't want to release any intel on the Gores."

"It was Martina Gore who spooked Finlay into refusing to leave."

"Damn, the whole case would be in jeopardy."

They were both sipping their coffees when Ben Franklin returned.

"Gore has spoken to them and claims they don't understand him."

"Shit! Get them out of Scotland, now!" Dave picked up the secure phone and fished an encryption key out of a pocket. He dialled a number quickly.

"I need two bodies collected from Inverness Police Station.......Understood."

He put the phone down.

"Now, this is what we'll do....."

Over the next half an hour, surveillance was put on Martin, and Martina, Gore. Their phone records were checked and the prisoners were put under constant guard. The fact that is was Christmas Day meant nothing, certain official services were available 24/7/365.

Chief Inspector Iain Brown found it easier to drive up to the Smart's house than to go to Inverness.

"I wanted a quiet day, Miss Smart."

"This really is not my responsibility. Your lot put an interpreter with knowledge of the school and the children in touch with the abductors."

"Alleged abductors, and we weren't supplied that intel."

"Okay, okay."

"Where are the children?"

"With Elsie McPherson."

"Are they aware of what happened last night?"

Dave shook his head, "no, and they were awake hours before I was ready to rise."

"Who else knows where they are?"

"Only our two households, the Headmaster, his wife, the school secretary and the caretaker who was there last night. All can be trusted."

"Let me guess, they've all been cleared?"

Dave nodded, "through my office, it seemed appropriate after the issues we had earlier this year."

"I see, so how long do your security measures stay in place?"

"Well, news of their failure, and arrest, is already out and potentially back with the people who hired them."

"That would have happened anyway."

"But not for another day or so, instead all we got was a few hours and now they've been silenced."

"I had a call from London, they're being transferred. Which of you did that?" He looked straight at Tammy.

"Actually, that was me, Chief Inspector." Dave nodded at Tammy.

"You see Iain, it's not always my fault."

Part   Nine   "Protection"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Christmas Day 2015 (Continued)
 

The meeting ended when Joan knocked on the study door and reminded the men, and Tammy, that it was nearing lunchtime. Chief Inspector Iain Brown acknowledged that he was not going to achieve anything further but would have to report, later, to his managers.

Dave Brown headed back to the McPherson household and Tammy started to head for her room.

"Wait a moment, please."

"Yes, mum?" Joan ushered Tammy back then closed the study door.

"I'm sorry, I keep forgetting how much you've grown in the last year. I keep wanting to protect you, but you do you own thing, that's difficult for me to handle."

"You let Suzie go, when she was eighteen."

"She was still seventeen, just, and that decision was difficult but I had to protect her from her father."

"Was she at risk?"

"Not physically, but she wouldn't come to Thurso and that made him angry. He said some hurtful things to her face and on the phone after we moved."

"You kept in touch, didn't you?"

"He checked the phone calls and I didn't have a mobile, so I couldn't call. I used to write to her, every week, or so, and collected her letters when I had my hair done."

"Was that the only time you were able to be alone?"

"Yes, he'd drop me there and pick me up an hour later. I think he waited around the corner to make sure I didn't go off anywhere."

"That's awful."

"I feared for Tim's life, I thought he'd end up doing something drastic because of the way George bullied him. You gave Tim the courage to break away, that didn't just mean becoming Angela but to become my child again."

"But you were always her mother."

"George ruled that household, he dealt with everything concerning Tim, everything except being nursemaid, but Tim wasn't allowed time off sick either."

"Why didn't you do something?"

"Like what? I had no transport, no money and no friends."

Tammy pulled Joan close to hug her. "It's over now, mum."

"But I can't protect the boy and the girl who are in my care!" She started to sob.

"We're in this together, it isn't just your responsibility."

"But I feel helpless, and you end up chasing hoodlums in the middle of the night when I should be protecting you!" Joan sobbed louder.

"I was doing a job, a job I'm paid to do. Your job is to make sure we look after Finlay and Daisy, and don't put them at risk. Your job continues well after I, Suzie and Dave have all left Thurso. so it's the most important one, but you aren't alone."

"Thank you Tammy, I doubted myself and I doubted you."

"Doubt is a horrible enemy, self-doubt especially."

Tammy led Joan upstairs, Tammy needed another shower and Joan needed to repair her face before any questions were asked. Tammy's onesie had a soaked shoulder so went into the laundry bin, she stripped and walked into the shower for the second time that morning.

By the time Tammy was ready to leave her room, she'd been checked on by both of her sisters.

"Red?"

"Yep, it suits my mood today."

Suzie laughed, "I think I'll enjoy living with you!"

"What?" Angela wasn't impressed.

"Damn, sorry Angela but that wasn't meant to be news yet. There's a few things to sort out and it might not happen."

"I wish I was in London, with the pair of you."

"No!" Tammy and Suzie said it together, Angela looked like she was going to cry.

"Oh, sod it, sorry Angela but London is a terrible city and you wouldn't enjoy it, in fact you'd be pleading to come back here." Tammy did her best to defuse the situation.

"But you're there, both of you."

"Because we're contracted, I'd move back here if I could. Suzie?"

"Well, I've never lived here, but I suppose it's an option."

Angela started to smile, then her face dropped. "So you'd be checking up on me all the time? No, thanks, I wouldn't like that!"

Tammy shooed them both out then sat to make up her face.

Downstairs, Richard was in a kilt. "That's McPherson tartan, isn't it?"

"Yes, Tammy. Now that you're here, shall we sort out our presents?"

Each of the girls was given a financial gift to the same value, but personalised for each of them. For Tammy it was £2500 of stocks, for Suzie it was bonds and for Angela it was cash.

Tammy and Suzie received first class air passes, valid for a year, between London and Wick.

"Are you dropping a hint?"

Angela received a set of keys.

"Huh?"

"Take a look out front, dear."

A new car had been delivered, a little silver hatchback. Tammy wondered if it was Korean.

"But I can't drive!"

"The money is to pay for your lessons."

There were loads of small gifts as well, Tammy gained clothes, jewellery and perfumes. Joan and Richard were bought a Caribbean holiday, at Easter.

"I can't get the time off!"

"Maybe you can't mum, but we've sorted it."

A phone call ordered them, as politely as a butler could, to the McPherson residence for Christmas dinner.

The four took their two golf buggies across to the bigger house and joined everyone in the lounge. Flutes of sparkling wine were handed out on arrival.

Tammy checked the room, all of the ladies present were in dresses that varied from the formal to the almost indecent. Finlay and Michael were in McPherson kilts, accompanied by full Highlands outfit. Dave was in a suit, smart but not overdressed.

Daisy's dress, near floor length, was also red, Tammy suspected a conspiracy as only the two of them were in rouge. She was also in heels, two inches, and was nearly as tall as her brother. Finlay looked resplendent, and there was no disputing that he was male, today.

Elsie arrived in the room in a wheelchair.

"Merry Christmas and thank you for being here. My apologies for this conveyance but it will mean that I can go on a little longer today if I don't have to do all the ruddy exercises just getting to and from the table!"

Thomas turned the wheelchair and pushed Elsie to the head of the table. A little plinth was now there so she was at the correct height, Thomas ensured the brake was secured.

Once again there was a seating plan, nurses Alison and Andrea sat either side of Elsie and Tammy found herself next to Daisy, opposite Finlay.

Richard was asked to say Grace, but also toasted Elsie.

"Thank you, but maybe you should have waited until you saw the bill!"

Elsie started coughing, having over exerted herself. Both of the nursing sisters attended to her, but Elsie brushed the aside once she had a sip of water.

"I'm not ready to go, not yet."

The meal was formulaic, traditional Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings. The wine, and Single Malt, flowed freely and the chatter was good natured. Daisy started telling Tammy about the girls in her previous school.

"There's this really horrible girl, Beatrice, she expects everyone to look after her. I'm told she's really good in the classroom so the teachers really like her, but to me she's just the worst!"

"Like what?"

"She wanted a boy in the dorm every night, but expected others to find a good one, then it was our fault if he wasn't up to the task!"

Daisy now had the table's attention.

"Oh, sorry!"

Tammy giggled, "Daisy, there's a rule that what happens in the girls dorm stays in the girls dorm."

Helen could be heard snorting, clearly wanting to hear more of this, whilst Joan was tutting. Tammy looked along the table to Elsie, to see a smile on her face.

They moved places when the coffees were being poured and Tammy found herself next to Elsie again.

"How did you find Daisy, Tammy?"

"A very intelligent girl."

"She is, I'll sponsor both of them through to the end of the sixth form, if they want it."

"I'm sure the Head would be greatly relieved."

"Steven will do as he's told, I'm his sister-in-law! I've asked if the pair would like to join the McPherson Clan, but Finlay didn't want to lose his family name."

"That's understandable, but why?"

"I want everyone to know that they are protected. Finlay has accepted that and wants to hyphenate the names, to O'Shaughnessy-McPherson. It's a bit of a mouthful but it suits a purpose."

"Which is?"

"To have a male in the family to continue the family name."

"I see, that could be a problem?"

"Indeed, I won't argue with Michael's choice but I would like to know that there will be an heir with the name McPherson."

"When are you planning to do this?"

"Done! I had my solicitor up here this morning." Tammy brushed that remark aside, a solicitor on Christmas Day?

"Oh, was Cathy involved?"

"Naturally."

"But what about their legal position? They're wards of court."

"Indeed they are, once this next week is out of the way we'll have that sorted, Finlay swore a statement which can go to the official solicitor."

"What about Finlay, and Florence?"

"Let him tell you his own story, he had fun yesterday. I had Alison redoing his make-up after he told us about his parents, but he needed to cry and I told him he could, I don't think anyone has said that to him."

"Where was Daisy?"

"She went for a swim whilst her brother and I were having a heart-to-heart, Zara kept an eye on her seeing as all of you abandoned me!"

"If we'd have known .."

"No, you deserved to let your hair down, all of you except ...." Elsie's eyes drifted down the table, "never mind. Can you push me into the lounge, Tammy dear?"

The gathering relocated and the waiting staff provided every drink demanded. Daisy was certainly in the party spirit, it seems she'd been drinking Bucks Fizz when Tammy assumed it was fizzy fruit juice, Meanwhile, Dave and Richard were introducing Finlay to the various Single Malts that were available.

"You won't find a bottle of blended whisky here!"

Elsie was tired but organised the present exchange, Tammy had sent gift bags a week before hand, on the assumption that she wasn't going to be anywhere near Scotland. Suzie looked embarrassed but Angela looked like she was also organised.

"Mum sorted it all for me, I just had to write the labels out, I've never done this before." Angela's first Christmas had just been herself, Tammy, Richard and Joan. Tammy didn't want to think how Tim had endured Christmas with his father, George.

Helen seemed smug, but the most surprised ones were the O'Shaughnessy children. Finlay blushed when given skirts and tops, as well as an electric razor and other practical items. Tammy imagined someone had gone shopping on Christmas eve, and it certainly wasn't Elsie.

Daisy gained a few new frocks, make-up and some gold, along with a pamper day at Sandy's salon in town. She showed the gift certificate to Finlay. "Yeah, I got one too!"

Elsie finally reached the point where she was falling asleep. Thomas pushed her out of the way and Cathy took over.

"Please don't think you have to leave, the day is but young and there's the promise of turkey sandwiches to come!

"Mum asked me to make an announcement, from today and subject to a few legal hoops, Daisy and Finlay have joined the McPhersons."

Richard led a toast to the pair.

"That means, whether you're a McPherson by birth or an adopted McPherson, you have to do everything to protect your fellow McPherson."

Tammy wanted to laugh, Cathy was clearly hamming it but there was a sense of importance about the words. "Here, here!" resounded around the room. Those nearest shook Daisy & Finlay's hands, then hugged both, Tammy slowly made her way across.

"You never told me this at lunch, Daisy."

"Grandma Elsie told us to keep quiet until the time was right."

"Well done then, are you sure you wanted to do this?"

"Oh yes, I like the sound of protection." Finlay concurred.

"What happened between you and Martina Gore, Finlay?"

"She said some nasty things to me."

"Like what?"

"I'd rather not say, not until the time is right."

"I'd like to speak with you, to establish what you know."

"Elsie said you would, and that we were to tell you everything you needed to know."

"You can make up your own mind, it's perfectly voluntary."

"We trust you."

"Thank you, can we talk tomorrow?"

"I think so, it's important that I tell you what I know."

"I'm certain it is."

"Well, I know who killed our parents - and I can prove it."

Part   Ten   "Aunt Tammy"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Boxing Day 2015
 

Tammy woke with a slightly sore head, the party had concluded around eight the previous evening but that had meant she'd been drinking on and off for seven hours. There was no way she would be able to get behind the wheel of her car today and she doubted if her parents were any better off.

Dragging herself into the shower, she washed well, making certain the previous night's make-up had been completely removed. Her daytime war paint hadn't been any more than the minimum, but Daisy had wanted to practice on someone. Finlay had declined, as junior Highland chieftains only wore make-up as they went into battle.

Tammy's first real decision of the day was to decide on clothing, a woolly jumper, long woollen skirt and thick tights seemed to be appropriate given the inch or two of the white stuff outside. She wandered down for breakfast just after eight, Zara was in the kitchen.

"You're the first one down!"

"Am I? Oh well, is there a pot of coffee?"

"Sure, black?"

"Yep, extra caffeine too."

"Be careful, you'll be buzzing around the ceiling, I'll organise some vit C for you."

"Thanks, I understand you looked after Daisy on Christmas eve?"

Zara poured a glass of juice and put it in front of Tammy.

"Yes, she reminds me of my niece. I had no idea I'd end up going shopping on Christmas eve, though."

"I thought as much, I don't think Dave Brown or one of the groundsmen could have done it?"

Zara laughed, "I couldn't possibly say, but William drove me into town and carried all the bags. When I said to one of the shopkeepers where I was taking the dresses, she asked if you were going to see her?"

"Oh, you mean Sarah?"

"Yes, did you used to work for her?"

"I did, that seems so long ago now. Now, what's for breakfast?"

"I would cook a fried breakfast if you asked but I'd suggest cereal, boiled egg and toast?"

"Sounds good, but make it a mushroom omelette."

"Sure, if you get your cereal I'll get the rest started."

The combination of coffee and the glass of smooth juice helped perk Tammy up. Next one down was Suzie.

"When are you going to brief me, Tammy?"

"I'm not sure there's much to brief on, Dad brought you up to speed on the attempted break-in?"

"Yes, and Dave told me about the meeting, why was I excluded?"

"You weren't, it's just that you weren't there, plus I know the local coppers. Dave was there so Jenny will get a report."

"And she'll question why I'm not in the thick of it."

"Well, I'm interviewing Finlay later today, did you want to sit in?"

"No, it's an informal interview, isn't it? I will insist on a briefing, how about I do any research?"

"Okay, I have my work laptop but I don't know if you can log in?"

"I'll call the security helpdesk and ask them, is the study free?"

"As far as I know."

Suzie went off with a mug of coffee; Zara brought over the omelette and toast. "I've kept it warm."

"Thanks."

Suzie was back a minute later. "Cathy just called, can the kids use our pool?"

"Sure, when are they coming over?"

"Now, I said yes."

Tammy finished off her plate, wondering how the day was going to work.

There was a toot from outside a few minutes later, Zara was in the midst of preparing lunch so Tammy went to investigate. Finlay was driving a golf buggy but was stuck at the connecting gate, Daisy was alongside.

Tammy opened the gate, noting that both of the Smart's buggies were secure and on charge. She pointed where Finlay should park and locked the gate.

"Whose is that?"

"Grandma Eslie's."

"I didn't know they had one?"

"Aunt Cathy brought me over on Christmas eve on it!"

"Oh."

Finlay was dressed similar to Tammy, whilst Daisy was in leggings and shivering. Both carried a bag. "Come on, let's get in."

Tammy suggested to Zara that there would be two extra for lunch, made sure both had hot chocolate then took them into the sitting room. Her parents passed them, there was still no sign of Angela.

"Thanks for letting us use the pool, Aunt Tammy."

Tammy smiled, this was the first time she'd been called an aunt, something that just over a year ago wouldn't have happened.

"It's not a problem at all, when do you want to use it?"

"Can we go over there now?"

"I've not long had breakfast, so that wouldn't be a good idea yet. Maybe in an hour?"

They nodded. "Could I see your room?" Asked Daisy.

Tammy led them up, both noting the number of bedrooms. Tammy opened the door, thankfully Lily had been in even though she hadn't been seen.

"Oooh, it's lovely."

Daisy and Finlay went through her wardrobes, looking especially at the frocks. Tammy gave them some time, but had to ask the obvious question.

"Finlay, if you don't mind me asking, why did you wear this today?"

"I'm comfortable, that's all that matters to me. Why did you wear the same as me?"

"It looked like a cold day and I wanted to be comfortable."

"So it's the same reason."

Tammy couldn't fault his logic.

"Are you Finlay or Florence, today?"

"Today I'm Finlay. If I swapped the skirt for jeans, you wouldn't have asked me, would you?"

"True."

"I'm not wearing any make-up and I don't have a bra on so I'm not attempting to appear as a girl."

"Others might see it differently?"

"Maybe, but they're not here. Aunt Cathy said on Christmas Eve that everyone here would accept almost anything.

"So long as it's legal!"

"That's what I meant."

Angela knocked on the door but walked in without waiting, she was wearing a bunny onesie, complete with fluffy tail.

"Oh, hello?"

"Good morning Aunt Angela." Finlay swung his skirt, for effect.

"Err, good morning, where's Suzie, I mean Aunt Suzie?"

"In the study, last time I saw her."

"Thanks, Tammy."

Daisy giggled as Angela's tail went out of the door. "Aunt Tammy, can I borrow your iPad?"

"Sure, there's a guest account on it."

Daisy was already investigating, checking her email account. "I've had a message from an old school friend." She sat on Tammy's bed.

"You haven't told any of them where you are, have you, Daisy?"

"They knew my brother was in Scotland so were told I was going to join him."

"I see. Were any of your year friendly with Martina Gore?"

"Not really, she was three years ahead of me, anyway you'll be interested in this message."

"Okay?"

"It's about Beatrice, the girl I mentioned. Philipa says Bea is up the duff."

"That's unfortunate."

"No, she deserved it. Anyway, she's named one of the new support staff as the father so both have been kicked out of the school."

"How old is she?"

"Fourteen."

"So why do you say she deserved it? Her life's in ruins before she's even old enough to have a life."

"She was just a bitch, having sex like that."

"Daisy, I'm disappointed. How do you know that the message is true?"

"Philipa says so."

"Rule one, never assume anything. If at all possible, check and confirm before you start spreading lies."

"Why would Philipa lie"

"Was it really her? Did someone else use her account? Was she told what to write?"

"I didn't think that."

"So, is it fair to say someone deserved to get pregnant, just because you didn't like them?"

"No."

"Right, how about checking the story?"

"How?"

"Look at the local newspaper's website and search for your school's name."

It didn't take long. "Found it, school assistant arrested for solicitation. What's that?"

"Someone who's looking for sex. I'm not sure I should be discussing this with you."

"Well, it looks like Philipa got it wrong, another girl is pregnant by the assistant, but she's from a different school. It says Bea reported him so her parents transferred her to a different school."

"It sounds like a completely different story."

Daisy hung her head, "yes."

"Was Bea actually named in the article?"

"No, but her age is correct and her parents are stated as being overseas; she was the only one in my year like that."

"So again, you made an assumption."

"Yes, but Philipa's email is rubbish, isn't it?"

"It looks like it, the problem right now is you have two versions of the same story but can't verify either."

"I'll see what I can find out."

"No, don't dig any further - not unless it affects you."

"Then why are you trying to find out about our parents? Does it affect you?"

"In a way, yes. In this case, though, my manager asked me to help."

"Who do you work for?"

"Right now, the National Crime Agency."

"So you're police?"

"No."

"Then why is there a gun in your bag?"

"Erm, I forgot."

Finlay had let his sister question Tammy, but now took over.

"Where should it be?"

"Locked away."

"But isn't it an illegal weapon?"

"In the wrong hands, yes."

"You're a spy, aren't you?"

"Erm."

"Uncle Dave is one too."

"Im not a spy, I'm an investigator."

"Who carries a gun and shoots people?"

"I try not to."

"Well, it sounds like you didn't have a choice with Martina's mum."

"How do you know that?"

"Martina has spent the last two months moaning about how you killed her mum so a few of us got hold of the reports and proved it was justified."

"Where did you find the reports?"

"Underground websites, plus I hacked the CCTV footage from the crematorium."

"You hacked it?"

"Yes, really insecure, they were using default passwords on the server."

"How do you know this?"

"Mum taught me, she was an expert."

"Expert in hacking?"

"Not just that, she was good at communications, encryption, servers, recording equipment, everything technical. She was teaching me all her techniques."

"Won't the school be identified as the source of the hack?"

"No way, I used TOR to route via another country, after VPNing to the server in the recording studio."

"Okay, your house was searched and there's no studio."

"I never said it was in the house."

"So where is it?"

"I'm not saying unless I go there."

"That's not up to me."

"Well, it is up to me. I'm now the only director of the company that owns the studio."

"Okay, I'll see about that. What is it about the studio?"

"It's a regular recording studio that we rent out to local producers. They email me a booking request, I confirm the fee and give them that day's access code."

"You're running the company?"

"Well, who else would do it?"

tammy paused.

"So the business is still running?"

"Yes, all the bills are paid automatically and an accountant sorts out the tax, I need to confirm he has all the information for this year's return as Dad would have done that at the end of September."

"If that's the case, why did you route your hack through the studio server?"

"There's two servers, the one that the producers use and where my music collection is stored, then there's the private one. Mum and Dad uploaded everything from their work onto the private one."

"Everything?"

"Yes, documents, photos, audio and video. It's all secure and no-one else can access it."

"Can you?"

"Yes, but until three days ago I hadn't been able to crack mum's latest password for the private stuff; it's taken me months."

"So what can you get into?"

"I said it was everything, and I mean it. It's really weird listening to your own parents being killed though."

Daisy was sobbing, Tammy grabbed a few tissues, fighting the tears herself.

"Sorry, Daisy, it must be a shock to you to hear that?"

"No, I heard the recording on Christmas eve. I'm just remembering some good times."

"Well, it's a shock to me. How can you stay so calm, Finlay?"

"There's nothing I can do, is there? Once this information gets out we're at risk so getting all emotional won't help." He sat next to Daisy and put his arm around her, pulling her close. "I'll be your big sister later, if you'd like that?"

"Yes, please. Can we go swimming now?"

"In a mo, I need to change first."

Finlay and Daisy stripped without waiting, they were both wearing black one piece swimsuits. Finlay clearly had breasts.

Part   Eleven   "Negotiations"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Boxing Day 2015 (Continued)
 

"Hey, you two, the swimming pool is the other side of a frozen yard, put your clothes back on then wait for me downstairs, I'll be a few minutes." Tammy was digging through a drawer and pulled out a black swimsuit for herself.

Finlay pulled his tights, skirt and top back on whilst it was leggings and a top for Daisy. Tammy shooed them out of the door before stripping. There was a knock.

"I'm changing, hang on!"

"Tammy, it's Suzie, can I come in?"

Tammy sighed, "okay."

Tammy continued her clothing acrobatics regardless of Suzie's presence. "And?"

"What did he say?"

"There's a private recording studio, not at the house, and the recording of his parents' murder is stored there. That's the short version."

"Wow, where's the studio?"

"He won't say unless he's there. It's owned by a company and he says he's the only director, Finlay's been running the studio from his dorm room!"

"Why hasn't he said anything before?"

"The recordings, and much more, were in a password protected folder and he's only just cracked it."

"Right, have you heard any of it yet?"

"No."

"Does Dave know?"

"No, I only just found out myself. I need to speak to him some more before I can fully update anyone."

Tammy was dressed again, she dived into her bathroom for a towel.

"I'm due at the pool, fancy a swim?"

"Sure."

Tammy insisted they took care going across the yard, even though they were using a covered walkway. She entered the code to open the pool door, the lights came on automatically.

"Give me a hand to pull the covers off."

Tammy wouldn't let them in, firstly she checked the temperature and then she checked the chlorine level. "Okay, the water's fine."

The two O'Shaughnessy-McPherson children were already stripped so were in the water before Tammy had a chance to give any safety advice.

"Can you both swim?"

Daisy answered for both. "Since we were small."

Finlay took exception. "You're still small!"

"No I'm not!"

Tammy smiled, Finlay and Daisy were relaxed and playful, even if Finlay was in a girl's one piece black swimsuit that looked identical to his sister's. His breasts were prominent, albeit dwarfed by Tammy's own. She finally climbed into the water.

"Are there any games, Aunt Tammy?"

"There's a net if you want to play water polo, or volleyball. I'm not sure what else has arrived in recent months."

Daisy was out of the water exploring a store cupboard that Tammy had indicated. She returned with a large beach ball, just as Suzie arrived.

"Great, there's four of us!"

The pool occupied them for an hour, Tammy insisted that they use the poolside shower first, but neither of the kids had brought a change of clothes to the pool. Tammy sent them ahead, suggesting they used her shower.

"You never said Finlay was in a girl's swimsuit? Or that he has boobs?"

"I didn't know either until this morning either, Suzie, so there's some unanswered questions. However, Finlay doesn't see himself as a girl just because he's in a skirt or a swimsuit, they're just clothes."

"So what's the thing with Florence?"

"That's when he's made up and wants to be regarded as a girl."

"He needs a shrink."

"No he doesn't, not yet anyway. He's expressing himself here because we don't mind, there's also the amount of interaction between the pair, he's clearly a big sister as well as a big brother."

"So is he transgendered?"

"Probably not, just gender fluid. Finlay is Finlay, except when she's Florence. Understood?"

"Yeah."

"Anyway, I'm told Florence will be around later."

"Okay, is there anything else I should know?"

"Not right now, but don't report to Jenny yet, there's plenty more to learn.

"Fair enough, Tammy."

By the time Tammy reached her room, the pair had showered and were getting dressed. In place of their swimsuits, both now had knickers and vests. Tammy decided to dive into her shower and worry about everything else afterwards.

They gathered in the kitchen, it was around eleven and a warming mug of tea, coffee or hot chocolate was called for. Joan wandered in, "oh hello, are you free for a chat, Daisy?"

"Sure, Mrs Smart."

They went off to the lounge and closed the door. Zara had seemingly gone but had left a lunch spread of cold meats, seafood and cheeses ready, six jacket potatoes were in the warming oven, as well as a tray of bread rolls.

Angela arrived, looked around, made a drink then left, all without a word. Finlay watched this happen, hugging his drink. He seemed contented.

"Can we continue our chat in the study?"

"Sure, Tammy."

"Not aunt?"

"That's for Daisy's sake, she wasn't at school with you."

"What does that mean?"

"Well, you were a sixth former until last summer, if you weren't an aunt then then you couldn't have become one in six months!"

"But Daisy?"

"She's younger and needs a family, even if it's not a real one."

"Woah, Finlay O'Shaughnessy-McPherson, you are most certainly a part of this family, we were adopted by Elsie as well. I didn't know until a year ago that Elsie had been keeping an eye on me all the years I was at St Andrews, my father worked with her late husband.

"I didn't know."

"No, and there's no reason why you would have known, but don't dismiss us. When all of this is sorted out you will have a real family."

"We're not being sent to a foster family?"

"I sincerely hope not, Elsie is going to pay for both of you to remain at the school until you are both eighteen, if that's what you want."

"My parents sent me here to get the best possible education, I wouldn't be honouring them if I threw that away."

"Good, how does Daisy feel?"

"She still thinks this is temporary and would have gone to the foster family over Christmas if I hadn't blocked it."

"Now, what really happened with Martina?"

"She said I wouldn't be safe, anywhere."

"Did she say anything to Daisy?"

"No."

"Why did she speak to you, then?"

"I'm not sure."

"You must have an idea, you hadn't got into the files when she last spoke to you?"

"No, that persuaded me to work harder to crack mum's password."

"So why do you think she wanted to say that?"

"I still don't know, but I dropped a bug in her bag."

"You did? I'm not sure mine's still .... bugger!"

Finlay laughed.

"Yep, a spy! And yes, I did, it's all being recorded onto the server. I changed mum's password, by the way, just in case. Now, can you tell me the connection with Martina?"

"Her parents were in the same hotel as your parents at the time of the murders."

"No they weren't."

"I'm told they were."

"They had checked out that morning, there's a recording of them in the lobby checking out, video too."

"Oh."

"I suppose you'd like to access the server?"

"Yes."

"Well, sorry, but no. I'll make copies of the relevant files and let you have them. If you want access to the server to verify the file's integrity then that means a trip south - with me."

"What's your interest?"

"It's my business, I now own the lot."

"Surely that's up to the solicitor to sort out?"

"No, mum may have been good technically but dad was a whizz with all things legal. He and mum were one person companies, under aliases, along with myself. The company rules were that the assets transferred in the case of death to either the surviving partner's company or to my company. There's no way a solicitor would be able to change that."

"You're a ward of court, so the solicitor now runs the company."

"But you don't know where it is and you can't get in. It really is very secure and very private. You'll struggle to prove a connection, you didn't have a clue about it before you found me in your own studio, did you?"

"No, very true. So what's your real reason for wanting to go?"

Finlay blushed.

"Well, I left the company bank card in the studio safe."

"I'm sure you would have managed to get another card issued?"

"Yeah, the online banking thing is with it, so I can't change the address online."

"Okay, so what else do you need to do with the bank account?"

"I need to produce statements for the accountant."

"Let the solicitor do it?"

"And charge ten percent for the privilege, no way!"

"Okay, what's the other reason?"

"There isn't one." He blushed a bit more.

"Right, as soon as the doctor's surgery is open we'll get you down there for a blood test. That will tell us what you've been taking, then it's a referral to a shrink."

"You can't?"

"My betting is that my mother, Mrs Smart, has the full legal authority to do just that. I can hand this over to her, of course if your mental judgement is impaired then you lose access to everything. No discussion, no argument."

"Damn."

"You're not sixteen yet, that would give you a little protection, but until you're eighteen others can run your life for you."

"Is that run or ruin?"

"Depends on your point of view."

"Look, if I tell you, will you think I'm mad?"

"Not necessarily."

"Okay, these," he cupped his breasts, "are the result of me taking my mum's birth control pills. My supply has run out and I need to get some more."

"The house will probably have been cleared."

"Not at the house."

"In the studio?"

"Yes."

"Well, the short answer is no, definitely not."

"Thought so."

"It's not clever to self medicate, in fact it's dammed stupid. Why did you do it?"

"It was getting harder to become Florence. Dad had had a vasectomy and mum had a new six month supply that she wasn't going to use. I brought three months with me to Thurso, intending to go back home at Christmas to collect the other pills."

"Why not bring all in one go?"

"In case they were discovered and confiscated."

"So you wanted boobs?"

"And all the other things, nice skin, hair etc"

"It could have made you infertile."

"That's a risk."

"Didn't you work out why Elsie wants you as a McPherson? Apart from making sure you're safe"

"No."

"Her only son is gay and her daughter is a widow. If Elsie, or more likely Cathy, adopts you then you will become the heir to the Clan, and can continue the name of the clan."

Tammy decided against mentioning John McPherson who was currently residing at Her Majesty's pleasure and had been disinherited. Cathy would inherit the title and the estate. Tammy wondered if Helen had made any assumptions,, but definitely kept these unsaid.

"By having children of my own?"

"Yes."

"But I'm fifteen!"

"I'm sure Cathy intends to stay around for a while yet, you'll have time to complete your education, get a career and maybe a family of your own."

"And if I'm infertile?"

"Then you're as much use as a chocolate teapot."

"Oh."

"So, I suggest you forget the pills."

"What about my breasts?"

"They'll probably reduce over time."

"What if I store some of my sperm?"

"Hold on, young man, what is your aim here?

He giggled, Tammy hadn't realised the double-entendre.

"Oh, heck, Finlay, do you want to be a girl, all of the time?"

"No, I just like the choice."

"Well, taking those pills might have removed a choice, you will have to have a blood test."

"I won't!"

"Then you won't be going South with us."

"S'not fair!"

"Life's not fair, that's lesson one."

"But?"

Tammy ignored his pleas and continued her questioning.

"So how did Florence happen?"

"It started about eight years ago and it was just clothes, mum and I played dress-up. We'd go to a shopping centre in disguise, mum said it was a game to see if anyone would see that I was a boy. Simply putting a different shirt didn't change my appearance, mum said. She suggested I joined the drama club at primary school and that was fun, but I didn't need to dress as a girl more than once or twice."

"The studio was finished about the time I started at St Andrews. I had longer holidays than Daisy, or maybe she was staying with our mad aunt, before she got really mad? Anyway, mum suggested I wore a disguise any time I went over to the studio. Mum didn't use her real name there, so it was obvious I would have to use a different name."

"But as a girl?"

"It was just an extension of our dress up sessions."

"So did Daisy ever see Florence?"

"I didn't think so, we kept Florence a secret in case Daisy whispered to a friend, so that an hour later the whole school knew."

"Judging by her comments two days ago, she did know. How come you had matching dresses?"

"That was mum's work, I found it in the bottom of my case when I arrived, probably so I could travel home at Christmas as Florence. I had to hide it quickly, along with the underwear, as I was told I had to share again."

"That's only until the new year, you should get your own room."

"Can't I stay here, or at Grandma Elsie's?"

"Maybe at weekends, so you and Daisy can be together?"

"That's just it, no-one can replace our mum, but I can be her big brother or the big sister Daisy never had, at weekends at least."

"That sounds good, but do it without the pills."

"Okay, but won't I grow hair, and a beard?"

"Have a chat with Joanne at the hair salon."

"Oh?"

"She's the best hair removal specialist in town."

"Okay."

"Right, thank you for being honest with me. What we need to do now is work out how much to say to everyone else?"

"Everyone?"

"I was talking figuratively, what does my mum, Mrs Smart, need to know, versus what does Mr Brown need to know."

"I see."

"I'd also like copies of everything from your parents' latest trip."

"There's more than that, they planted a few bugs and some are still operational."

Part   Twelve   "Child Welfare"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Boxing Day 2015 (Continued)
 

Once lunch was out of the way, Tammy called a meeting of herself, Suzie and Dave Brown. She updated them with what she had learned.

"This sounds, very promising?"

"It is Dave, but it's fraught with danger. Finlay has made several assumptions that are simply not manageable."

"Well, Tammy, do you know where the studio is?"

"Suzie has done some research for us."

"I've found one called Florence Music Studio in Stourbridge, that's about fifteen minutes away from the O'Shaughnessy's home in Cradley Heath. It's in a commercial building on a small industrial estate by the River Stour."

"Anything else vaguely similar in that area?"

"No, Dave."

"What's the ownership?"

"Florence Music Studio Ltd is the operating name, the website ownership details are for a firm of solicitors in Edgbaston."

"So nothing to tie the O'Shaughnessys to it?"

"Not at face value, no."

"We'd need a warrant to get anything out of the solicitors and I doubt if we'd get one. We'd still need to get into the place, is it a managed building?"

"No, the studio company owns it."

"That rules out getting the property agent to open it up. Thanks Suzie, you've helped."

"Okay," Tammy was assimilating this new information, "can we get in there without Finlay's help?"

"Not without a warrant, locksmith and alerting anyone in that area."

"So, we need his co-operation?"

"Yes, despite my serious reservations.

"How about we book a slot to use the studio?"

"We still wouldn't be able to get at the servers or open any locked doors, not without a warrant, so that's a no go. How stable is he, Tammy?"

"Good question, I don't believe he's unstable but he is a little misguided and has not grieved fully."

"A fair assessment from what I know. What about his sister?"

"Mum tried to ascertain her state of mind and can't see anything at odds with a normal early teenage girl who's lost her parents. She needs Finlay, and Florence. She has, however, been kept at arms length from her parents' work."

"So we wouldn't get anything useful from her?"

"Unlikely, but don't take Finlay off anywhere and leave her behind."

"That could add to the risk."

"Granted, but Finlay could refuse to go without her, regardless."

"True, Tammy."

"So, how do we deal the solicitors who are handling the probate, or the Official Solicitor in regard to the children's welfare & future? Right now we're only looking from an investigatory perspective?"

"Correct, although your mother has in loco parentis responsibilities, does she not?"

"Yes, although I don't know if the Official Solicitor has made any moves to change that?"

"Why don't we ask her?"

Suzie went to find Joan, bringing her into the study a short while later. Tammy had decided Dave would be best to continue the inquiry so went in search of Finlay, whilst Suzie sat with Joan. He was sat at the kitchen table.

"How are you Finlay?"

"Fine, but I'd rather be Florence right now. I wanted to go across to Grandma Elsie's house to change but Mrs Smart told me to stay here. Daisy's gone back there."

Tammy now had a grumpy teenager to deal with, he was probably hormonal but was that because of testosterone or eostrogen?

"We're discussing whether you go with us to the studio."

"You need me."

"Do we? It's in Stourbridge, by the river."

"Hey, that's meant to be private!"

"So private that no-one can find it? You wouldn't get any customers that way, would you?"

Finlay shrugged, this was a partial defeat.

"Also, it was called Florence Music Studio, bit of a give-away?"

"Yeah."

"Now, all that means is we won't have to torture you for the information."

"You would have tortured me?"

"It would have been an option." Tammy did her best at a deadpan but eventually a smile started to form.

"Ah, got you! Torture's illegal in this country, anyway?"

"Tell that to Joanne when you are waxed for the first time."

"Waxing? Why?"

"To your legs, and maybe other parts, free of hair. It's a small sacrifice if you're female or want to appear to be female."

"And it hurts?"

"First time, usually, but it gets easier each time."

He shuddered, clearly having second thoughts.

"So, how often do you have it done?"

"Every month or so if I'm up here, but I haven't found anyone in London I would trust."

"Trust?"

"You just don't let anyone do a Brazilian on you."

"Brazilian?"

"Oh dear, I forgot that St Andrews doesn't educate boys in basic life skills. It's also known as a bikini wax."

Finlay blushed, "too much information!"

"Not really, if you want to become Florence then you do need to know these things. Who helped you until now?"

Tammy already knew the answer. "Mum."

"Well, the good news is that you have a reasonable fashion sense. Have you discarded anything that Zara bought?"

"Yes, they either didn't fit or I didn't like them."

"Fine, maybe we'll go to see Sarah after the weekend."

"Sarah?"

"The Boutique, I used to work there."

"Oh, I saw you through the window a few times."

"You knew she was me?"

"Yes, it wasn't difficult, but I did wonder how you managed to look male in the school, especially when you didn't clean your make-up off properly."

"It was a challenge, at times. Never mind, if we do go down to Stourbridge then we do it under a load of rules, understood?"

"Sure, can you make sure it gets me out of rugby?"

Tammy laughed, "sure, the bruises take a load of make-up to cover."

"Being treated as a punch bag on the field isn't fun, especially when it's the day before I was heading home." Finlay started to sob, Tammy had been standing but now crouched next to the skirted boy and gave him a hug.

"It gets easier, but never ever be afraid to have a cry if you need one."

"Thanks Aunt Tammy."

She reached for a packet of tissues and dabbed his eyes. "Good job you aren't wearing any mascara!"

"I didn't have any available."

"I'll see if I have a spare, one I haven't used."

"Thanks, Auntie." Finlay gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Suzie walked in, "you're both needed."

The study was a bit cramped, Dave Brown was in the chair, in both senses.

"Right, Mrs Smart has acknowledged that we don't have many options available, and that passing the studio company over to a solicitor would be counter-productive, for now." He paused.

"However, Finlay, are you prepared to abide by any rules or restrictions that are necessary should we go to the studio?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Will you be able to give us copies of the most recent files today?"

"Yes, Sir, I'll just need my laptop."

"Now, Mrs Smart tells us that the will can be read at any time, I suggest we make an appointment to hear the will as soon as possible. Apart from that, we will not make contact with any other persons or parties, understood?"

The room agreed.

"With regards to the studio bookings, Finlay, I suggest you don't take any bookings for the second full week of January."

"There's already one booking for the Monday and Tuesday, the eleventh and twelfth."

"If I recall, that's the first two days of the new school term. Do you have the name of the booking?"

"Yes, but I can't remember - it's one of the regulars."

"Okay, we'll work around that."

The meeting broke up, although Dave, Suzie and Tammy would still have write their reports. Suzie returned Tammy's laptop and settled in the study to use Pru's PC. Dave went back to Elsie's and took Finlay, who now had a new mascara, but lacked a few essentials.

Tammy found herself alone in her room, she put on a radio and tried to gather her thoughts. One issue that had arisen, if the Gores had checked out of the hotel who had killed the O'Shaughnessys? Finlay hadn't said if the voices on the recording were male, or female, and that irked her. She wondered about calling over but dismissed it, Tammy's problem was that there were just too many unknowns at this point.

An hour later she was done, she uploaded it to the safe inbox on an innocuous website, Suzie would probably fax it and she had no idea how Dave would submit his report.

"Tammy, are you free?"

"Sure, mum." Tammy shut the lid on her laptop.

"Finlay looked like he'd been crying when you brought him in?"

"It was a little bit of grief, I've told him it's okay to cry."

"None of his teachers had reported any problems with him in the first few weeks after the murders, so I had wondered if he was suppressing it?"

"I've read it that way."

"It seems he's told you about those breasts?"

"Yes."

"I need him to see the Doctor."

"I warned him that would probably happen."

"I'll exempt him from PE for the next month or so, I really don't want him exposed in the changing rooms."

"He's been playing rugby and presumably done gym as well for the last three months, all without a problem."

"Well, now I know, I have a responsibility for his safety, even if that isn't likely to be an issue in St Andrews. Tell, me, Tammy, how did he get them?"

"Pills, although he's run out and there aren't any more."

"Pills?"

"Birth control pills."

"How?"

"His mother's supply, obtained at the beginning of September."

"I really should have him seen by a psychologist?"

"He won't repeat it, I'm certain, but could you hold off any shrinks until we've concluded the trip South?"

"I'll veto it if I don't think he's fit."

"Mum, believe me, that wouldn't stop anything. The best way is to work with the system not against it. We'll all look out for Finlay, and Daisy."

"It sounds like you're on the side of the system and not my side?"

"It shouldn't, I want to see their parents' killers brought to justice and to make certain they have a safe future. I would have thought you had the same aims?"

"I do. Now, are you persuading Finlay to dress like a girl?"

"No, and I had no idea what he'd be wearing today, or any other day. He has said that he'll be Florence, for Daisy's sake, later."

"Well, he can't flit between roles at school."

"I realise that, can you ensure he gets his single room?"

"If the work has finished, although he's third on the list."

"I would suggest he needs to go up the list?"

"That's not for you to say."

"Maybe not, but I am trying to ensure his safety. Martina Gore is a problem, however."

"He wouldn't tell me what was said."

"The Head spoke to him, but couldn't let anyone at the school know what was said."

"So I wasn't trusted?"

"You would have to have entered it into his records, how many other staff have access?"

"A few, including Tanya."

"Well, the risk was clearly unacceptable."

"In whose opinion, Tammy?"

"The Security Service."

"So I'm not allowed to know?"

"Well, he told the Head Martina would make sure the job was finished, although he's told me that she warned him he wasn't safe anywhere. So the real conversation is somewhere between the two. He didn't know about the connection between his parents and the Gores."

Tammy wondered how much she should tell her mother, the minimal necessary, perhaps.

"I see. Maybe we'll have to arrange another foster family for the Easter Break?"

"I can't see how that would improve their security. Didn't you hear Elsie and Cathy's words, yesterday?

"Making them McPherson in name?"

"No, it looks like Cathy will adopt the pair."

"Is that what they want?"

"Was Daisy happy when you spoke to her earlier?"

"Yes, I've never known her so animated, she's normally quiet."

"I would say she's got a future and a family again. She needs Finlay and that can't happen in school, does she have a mobile phone?"

"I don't know, surely she does but why?"

"How does she contact her brother?"

"I don't know, they can use the pigeon holes?"

"How could they have a conversation? They're not allowed in each other's common room, nor in each other's dorm. They could meet in the library but can't speak in there? They could walk in the grounds, but it's freezing out there?"

"I'll have to ask."

"Why wasn't that checked when she arrived?"

"She didn't go through the normal admission procedure, students haven't had difficulty before."

"There's never been a brother and sister at the school before."

"Okay, that's something else for the next review, but why didn't one of them say something?"

"That's for you to determine, but they were grieving and maybe Finlay didn't want to make a fuss? There's two weeks before they have to be back over at the school, that's enough time to review them?"

"I'm supposed to be on holiday! Having Daisy in the school isn't ideal, she isn't getting enough PE."

"I heard the school was starting a dance class?"

"Where from?"

"It was when Ellie Sturgeon was accepted back, she's in Year 11 and would have to do PE."

"Well, the dance sessions never happened, instead they do a Zumba workout several evenings a week and Daisy has a library period when the rest of Year 9 do games."

"Zumba?"

"High energy aerobics, not many of the boys last the session and some were only there to ogle the females. It wasn't an ideal arrangement at first but it's settled down and has a regular clientèle."

"Does Ellie do Zumba?"

"She does now, it looks like Martina persuaded her. Most of the sixth form girls do at least one session a week, I'm thinking of doing it myself."

"Might be fun, I might join in if I'm still here when school starts back?"

"You wouldn't be insured on the premises, if you hurt yourself, so the Head would have to agree."

"Maybe we can use the gym here and crank up the music?"

"So long as Elsie didn't complain?"

"Sure, mum."

Tammy rang Daisy's room.

"Is Finlay with you?"

"Florence is changing."

"Ah, okay. Do you have a mobile, Daisy?"

"Yes, but it hasn't worked since November. Neither of ours has, not for phone calls at least."

Tammy guessed the parents' bank accounts had been frozen so the mobile phone payments had stopped, why hadn't anyone thought of the children?

"So can you still use them?"

"We can message each other using the wifi, it's difficult to do a voice call as the internet connection sometimes drops out."

"Okay, we need to get your phones working again?"

"No-one used to call me, except my parents and my brother."

"I'm sure that will change."

Tammy put the phone down, there was a shout from downstairs. Tammy went to the top of the stairs, her father was in the hall.

"There's been an incident, John and Tanya are in hospital."

"When, where?"

"This morning just outside the school, I'm told they're in a pretty bad way."

Part   Thirteen   "Mistakes"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Sunday 27th December 2015
 

They had all gathered at Elsie's for the Boxing Day meal the previous evening, Elsie had been more lively and Tammy wondered if that was the presence of the children? Certainly Elsie had her zeal and determination back, although she was frustrated by the extended holiday, the next working day wasn't until Tuesday and there was work to do.

Tammy had stayed off the wine, and had noted that many of them had done the same.

Information about John and Tanya's incident had started to trickle in as the day proceeded, Sandy was at the Ragmore Hospital in Inverness and the police weren't saying anything. Dave had made enquiries via London but it was early Sunday morning before he had a response.

"They were returning to their cottage after spending the night with Tanya's mother. The school's CCTV shows their car being stopped just before the gates, they grabbed Tanya and clearly wanted information.

"John was shot when he tried to intervene then the attacker left. Tanya managed to call the police before she passed out."

"What's their condition?"

"Unknown."

"What's the police angle?"

"Officially, they don't have a clue but Iain Brown is running this case."

"So he's probably linked this to the children, why hasn't he been in contact?"

"You'll have to ask him, I don't have his number."

"Okay, I think I'll drive to the hospital."

"What will you achieve?"

"I just want to be there."

"Look, Tammy, whilst you're there you can't help protect the children and you can't make any enquiries."

"Well?"

"Wait, maybe you can speak to Tanya's mother?"

"Her phone wasn't on yesterday."

"Have you tried today?"

"Not yet."

It was half past seven, clearly Dave Brown worked on a different timezone to everyone else. Outside it was still quite dark. Tammy sent Sandy a text message.

How are they?
 
Tanya lost the baby.

Tammy stared at the screen, unable to fully process it. Another message arrived.

She lost alot of blood, needed a transfusion. John's recovering from surgery, he was very lucky.
 
So sorry Sandy, is there anything I can do?
 
Tell me why my daughter was threatened?
 
I'm not entirely sure, I'll see what I can find out

Tammy could sense Sandy's anger, it was pretty clear, but how much could she say? She called Dave and updated him.

"Sandy's pretty upset, she suspects I know why they were hit?"

"Were they warned?"

"Not by me, Tanya's a known risk, she says too much."

"So did their attacker know that?"

"Perhaps, I don't know."

"So, could they have been attacked for a different reason? Did Sandy mention the children?"

"No, Tanya probably doesn't know. My bet is she hadn't been into work since the last day of term?"

"Find that out, will you. Could John have been a target?"

"Unlikely, he doesn't have any enemies."

"He works for a solicitor's firm, of course he'll have disgruntled clients."

"Okay, too many questions. Has Finlay downloaded those files yet?"

"He was doing that overnight, apparently there's quite a bit of data."

"I was thinking of taking Finlay and Daisy down to see Sarah."

"Is that wise?"

"Probably not."

"I would advise against anyone going out unless it's absolutely necessary."

"So we're in lockdown?"

"Effectively, yes. We don't know who attacked the pair although we have a good clue. I've asked for a few stills from the CCTV that have been enhanced, in case we can recognise the person."

"Okay, what do you suggest I do?"

"Get some breakfast, in case lunch doesn't happen."

Tammy showered and dressed, opting for jeans. Breakfast was a DIY affair, Zara now had a few days off, as did Lily, so that meant feeding themselves. Tammy checked the kitchen fridge for supplies, there was a fresh four pint milk carton and a reasonable supply of veggies.

"Thinking about dinner, Tammy?"

"Sort of, Dad, in case we needed to do any shopping."

"I've just had Dave Brown on the phone, no-one's going anywhere today."

"He said the same to me. I suppose we could use a helicopter if we had to go out?"

"I don't think my pilots would like to be shot at?"

"True, just a thought."

"Well, have a think about dinner, so long as it doesn't involve turkey?"

"I have an idea, but I'm not sure if it's my turn to cook?"

"Well, let Angela do it, if you'll accept beans on toast or a cheese toastie?"

"I'll see if Suzie will give me a hand?"

"Sounds like a good idea, what's this about her moving in with you?"

"Her boyfriend is about to become an ex and she can't justify running her place by herself. It might make sense if we're together, so we can look out for each other?"

"I agree."

"Suzie didn't want mum to know about her relationship, I know she worries alot."

"That's okay, Suzie told me herself about her intention but not the primary reason, I just wanted to make sure you already knew."

"Yeah, I don't like keeping stuff from mum but she'll get emotional over it."

"So do you, young lady, when you don't get your own way."

Dave Brown came over late lunchtime, he'd clearly been busy.

"I've managed to get hold of Chief Inspector Brown and I've persuaded him to brief us concerning the attack on Miss Smith and Mr Hibbert. An officer was gathering additional CCTV and then they'll come up here."

"Okay, is it possible we'll recognise the attacker?"

"Even if it's a long-shot, we really need to identify this person. We've put a gate guard on the house and I've suggested we keep your gates locked, any visitors can go via Elsie's?"

"We've done that before, but we don't want to advertise the connecting gate."

"Given that the two properties are half a mile apart, with a long adjoining fence, it would be amazing that there wasn't an internal route, wouldn't it?"

"I suppose so."

"So treat that information as an open secret, you don't advertise it but there's no point in denying it."

"Fair enough."

"Now, apart from any visiting police officers, are you expecting anyone today?"

"No, our PA isn't back until Tuesday. That reminds me, mum wants Finlay checked by the doctor, she'll phone on Tuesday morning for an appointment."

"It might be advisable if Florence attends that appointment, if he or she have to go out."

"If I suggested that, mum would assume I was being pushy."

"Whereas I can suggest it from a security perspective?"

"Indeed. How is the downloading going?"

"About eighty percent done, apparently."

"Not finished? We have fibre here so it's much faster than Elsie's connection. Is there anything we could do to speed it up?"

"What I wanted Finlay to do was to grab the most important ones first, instead he's grabbed the whole lot."

"So we could have been listening already?"

"Indeed, he needs to learn a few things about prioritisation!"

"He's fifteen, other people's priorities are irrelevant. I guess you didn't want to irk him by stopping the download to identify the ones you wanted?"

"Correct, under different circumstances I'd simply get a warrant and be done with it."

"Can't we still do that, Dave? Shouldn't we have a warrant anyway, in case of difficulties?"

"I was considering that, but I'd like to work with him as he's a ward of court and I'd hate to have to answer to the court."

"That leads to another question, don't we have to inform the Official Solicitor what we're doing?"

"Not us, let's make that clear. We have no official rights in this case so everything should be done via the school, the family solicitors or the police."

"So, how do we do this?"

"I briefed DI Kevin Edmunds this morning, he's very interested."

"I bet he is."

"Now, what about young Finlay's business interests?"

"If we inform the Official Solicitor then we'll lose access to the studio and there's a good chance the business will be closed, temporarily."

"That is a risk."

"I've had a think about it, what I suggest is we let my PA manage the day to day affairs?"

"So it's at arm's length from the boy?"

"Yes, Dave, obviously we'll need something in writing from Finlay. He could brief Pru later in the week?"

"Sensible, keep it legal and keep him happy. I wonder if he's missed bookings as he couldn't respond in time when he's in school?"

"That's possible, we can tell him that Pru will manage any incoming requests through the day?"

"Indeed, Tammy."

Dave's phone pinged, he checked it. "That was Thomas, DS Franklin is on his way."

"Thomas uses a mobile phone?"

"Why ever not?"

Tammy had to admit defeat, she simply hadn't ever considered that a butler would use such a device. She went outside to open the gate for Ben Franklin's vehicle, a marked police car.

"Was that sensible, Ben?"

"No choice Tammy, Sandy needed my car today and none of the unmarked cars were available."

She escorted him into the study.

"Hello again, Mr Brown, it seems this case is more than it seems."

"I hope the Chief Inspector has given you permission to be candid?"

"Yes, providing you can assist us?"

"We're both aiming for the same resolution? To find out who is targeting the children?"

"Indeed, Ben, now how about an update on Miss Smith and Mr Hibbert?"

"As you may know, Tanya Smith miscarried as a result of injuries received during the attack. She lost nearly two pints of blood through that and a laceration to her arm, it was very fortunate that they were found quickly."

"Is Tanya awake and has she been able to give a description?"

"Yes, but her description is limited. The attacker is female, brown hair and had a Manchester accent. That was the best we could do, she's receiving psychiatric help and won't be fit for a full interview for some time."

"Damn, what about Mr Hibbert?"

"His injury was less traumatic and although he lost blood he's well into recovery. He was spoken to separately, he thinks he can do a sketch but says she was five foot eight or nine tall, auburn hair and had an Anglicised Eastern European accent. He thinks he's seen her before."

Tammy looked at Dave Brown, "that description sounds familiar."

"Who are you thinking of, Tammy?"

"Penny Lavoska, or her sister Paula?"

"The two who tried to abduct your sister Angela, also mentioned a woman called Penelope. Do you have any photos I could show Miss Smith and Mr Hibbert?"

"I'm not sure, Ben, but there should be some photos in London of the pair? Dave?"

"I'll get onto that."

"Now, Tammy, why did you name those women?"

"They were associated with the Gores, who we originally suspected of the murder of the O'Shaughnessy parents." Dave wasn't happy with Tammy's reply.

"I see, are they no longer suspected?"

Dave Brown interrupted Tammy. "They're not the only suspects; that enquiry is outside of Police Scotland's remit, unfortunately." He swiftly continued. "I understand from the Chief Inspector that you have obtained some CCTV in town?"

"Yes, I've been to the hotels to see who stayed last night. I haven't as yet had a chance to view the images however."

Ben left, fortunately Richard was able to let him through the gate. Unfortunately, she was left with Dave.

"Why?"

"Sorry Dave."

"You released information that was outside his scope."

"I realise that."

"He'll most likely connect John and Anita Gore to Martin Gore in Wick and start making allegations that can't be supported."

"Ben's not like that."

"No? He'll write it up, just as you told him, and put it in the in-box of his inspector. The inspector will then send out a pair of half-brained constables in order to solve a murder that wasn't even in the country."

"Look, Dave, I'm sorry!"

She left the study and went straight to her room, trying to hold back the tears.

She must have fallen asleep as the next sound was her house phone ringing.

"Hello?"

"Ah, Tammy dear, I understand you're not feeling too good?"

"I'm a little stressed, Elsie."

"Could you come over? Lunch is shortly, and please bring a swimsuit."

She washed then decided that jeans were not 'de rigueur' for Elsie, that sent her on a search for a skirt. Her simple top was also switched to a blouse. Finally she applied a little mascara, blusher and lippy.

Feeling refreshed she picked up her bag, dropping the lippy into it. Her weapon was still there, she had kept forgetting to put it back in the safe. Under the circumstances, perhaps she should hang onto it?

She put some flats on her feet but took a pair of inch and a half heels. A separate bag held her swimsuit, towel and clean undies - just in case.

"Ah, there you are. We haven't had a chance to talk, have we?"

"Not unless you count the dinner table, Elsie?"

"That was just tittle tattle. Now, how are you?"

"I'm supposed to be on holiday yet I'm working every day, so I'm tired and I've started to make mistakes."

"Mistakes?"

"I gave some information away that I shouldn't have done and I was told off."

"You're not the only one who's tired, my dear, and you're not the only one making mistakes."

"I guess not."

"Good. Perhaps we should ask the only question that matters, are we doing this for the children or for us?"

"For the children, of course."

"So no easy path for ourselves?"

"Plainly no, but we have to support the children whilst letting them make their own choices."

"That's exactly it, in order to obtain the best resolution to the children's problems we may have to suffer a little pain."

"So I just accept that I'm tired and I may make mistakes?"

"You should always strive to minimise errors, but you can't help being tired and I told the same thing to Mr Brown. He's going back to London tomorrow, by the way."

"Oh."

"He has work there and is limited in what he can achieve here. I believe you and Suzie can manage the situation and he agreed with me."

"Thank you for the confidence, I'm not sure I deserved it."

"Tammy, your biggest asset is your insight but that's tempered by your inexperience. You can't be taught experience, but you can be guided. Mr Brown, with the best will in the world, is not a good teacher or guide."

Tammy laughed, "I had noticed! What do I do, though, if I have a question?"

"Simple, ask, if you can."

"And if I can't?"

"Use common sense or put the question off until you can ask. Not every question can be answered straight away and reasonable people should understand that."

"Okay, thanks."

"Now, I understand you've spoken at length with Finlay?"

"Yes, I understand him better now."

"Good, what about his medical issue?"

"He needs a blood test to determine what damage those pills have done."

"Alison or Andrea can do that, that means he doesn't have to go to the surgery."

"I'd forgotten about that option."

"Now, when are you going to see your friend?"

"I don't see how I can right now, but she'll be home soon?"

"Not for a few days, but I understand your mother is going to the hospital tomorrow morning with a change of clothes for them."

"Oh, she must have a key to the cottage?"

"Janet holds a spare key, she's been to the cottage today."

Tammy knew Elsie wasn't well but she was still capable of running rings around everyone.

"Did you call Janet?"

"Of course."

"And suggested that to mum?"

"Yes, she's Tanya's manager?"

Tammy paused, not really wanting to ask the next question. Elsie seemed to sense it.

"Go ahead, dear, ask it."

"How are you?"

"Oh, oh, a loaded question."

"If you're not comfortable?"

"No, no, Tammy. I feel better at the moment than I have for a long time. I finished the latest course of chemo a few days before Christmas and it took a few days before I had my energy back. The girls have me on steroids and some light pain relief so I'm lasting longer each day."

"I didn't think you were going to do any more chemo?"

"I wasn't, but I was being selfish. The cancer is out to get me, for sure, but I can keep it at bay for a little longer."

"How much longer?"

"A few months, at the most, but it should be long enough."

"Long enough for what?"

"To ensure a future for Daisy, Finlay and Florence."

"The law, I suspect, will move slowly."

"Perhaps, anyway you would wish to be aware what I have planned for Helen."

"Because if Cathy adopts the children, they become the next heirs?"

"Correct."

Part   Fourteen   "Banking On Trouble"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Tuesday 29th December 2015
 

The year was drawing to a close but there were still too many questions. John and Tanya were to be discharged, the hospital had received a glut of serious respiratory disorders so was emptying the wards of anyone who would otherwise be discharged very soon.

Tanya was in a bad place; she hadn't wanted her pregnancy but an act of violence had robbed her of motherhood, for now. At least she was fully mobile, John couldn't lift or carry for a while and found it difficult to get himself dressed, according to Tammy's father.

"Tanya was just stood there, expecting someone else to help John, but we all waited. Eventually, after he'd been struggling with his pullover for a few minutes, she went over to help."

"Having to look after John will change her, will change their relationship."

"If they can survive this, then they should have a future together." Richard didn't sound convinced.

"How were they at the cottage?"

"I'm told John just sat down, he's still in pain and tires easily. Tanya waited, again, for him to get up and do her bidding; this time it was putting on the heating and making a pot of tea. Your mum left just as John was falling asleep."

"He'll be off work for a bit, how's his car?"

"The Police will release it in a few days, apparently, so we'll work out how to return it. John won't be driving before next week in any case."

"I hope Tanya realises the shops are closed on the first and the second!"

"Don't be cruel, Tammy. I know their relationship isn't ideal but you aren't being constructive."

"I suppose not, when will Tanya be going back to work?"

"Best ask your mother that one, it's not a straightforward question."

"Okay, I'd best get back over to Elsie's."

Since Dave Brown had headed back to London, Tammy had slept in the larger house. One reason was to support the children, another was to help in their security. Finlay had now copied the most recent audio, video and documents relating to his parents' work, although Dave had taken this back to London with him and Tammy had been instructed not to read, listen or watch any of it.

An alert had gone out for Paula and Penny Lavoska, Penny had been seen in Wick's Highland Hotel a few days earlier. Unfortunately the school's CCTV images were too low resolution for a positive identification. Elsie and Richard, both school governors, had asked for quotes from a few contractors to improve the perimeter cameras, hoping to get the upgrade done before school restarted on the eleventh.

Of course there had been no further sightings of the Lavoska women. Tanya, when interviewed, hadn't provided much new evidence and some of it contradicted John's recollections. It seems she was complaining to him about some minor thing when their car was forced to stop, John thankfully had been able to filter out his fiancée's moans and concentrate on the road.

John now recalled being asked about the O'Shaughnessy children, but knew nothing about them. Tanya, it seemed, hadn't been at school for the last few days of the term so had no idea where they were, their attacker hadn't taken this answer easily.

This morning Tammy had been asked to be with Finlay before breakfast. Alison had donned her nurse's outfit for the occasion, Tammy silently wondered if this was for a professional reason or if she was appealing to Finlay's male side?

"I'm hungry, can't we do this after?"

"No, it's a fasting blood test so we need to do it now. I promise it won't take long."

"You've got how many tubes? Five? Can I live without that much blood?"

"Of course you can, in your case we'll test everything as a precaution."

"Everything?"

"We need to know what's going on inside your body. If we do all the tests now we might not be asked to do another test for at least a week. Now, hold your arm still and you shouldn't feel a..." "ouch" "....I haven't done it yet."

"Haven't you?"

He was finally brave enough to look, Alison had fibbed, the first phial was being swapped as it was already full. Within a minute all five were done.

"Okay, leave the sticking plaster on there for a few hours, you can have breakfast now."

"I thought it would take longer?"

"Never mind, off you go!"

Tammy wondered if Florence would have found the situation easier or if her response would have been the same; certainly there was a marked difference in his/her behaviour and interaction with others.

Finlay, today, was in his school kilt, paired with a t-shirt. That, at least, was how he started the day, by the afternoon he could be Florence. Some days the reverse was true, he was genuinely fluid and content with himself.

Tammy knew from her own experiences that going out in public as the opposite gender was fraught with worry and lack of confidence, however Finlay didn't seem to be concerned. From his point of view, when he adopted his Florence persona, that was all people saw. What he disliked was common knowledge of his fluidity, although he recognised that desire for privacy couldn't last.

"Look, I could go to school as a girl and do it well. I already attend as a boy and there's no issues. If, however, news leaked about me and Florence being the same person, life would be uncomfortable in school and could be hell elsewhere."

"So you don't plan to switch in school?"

"No, because I really don't like staying as Florence, or Finlay, all of the time. I'd have to keep changing and that could confuse or annoy some folks. School wasn't ideal, but I could be Florence in my room at weekends when my room mate was at home. Being here, being free to choose, means I don't want to go back to that secretive arrangement."

"I had trouble with some people when I transitioned." She deliberately didn't mention Elsie's son, John, who had first tried to chat Tammy up before discovering she was still legally male.

"How many times did you switch, to and fro?"

"Every Saturday when I was working in Sarah's shop for about a year. I was many years older than you when I transitioned."

"I'm not transitioning."

"No, but you were seven or eight when you first went out as a girl, weren't you?"

"Yes."

"I was sixteen and I was inside a shop, not in the street. I was seventeen before I went to the bakery as a girl and eighteen before I had the confidence to go any further."

"You disappeared from school when I was in Year 10."

"Do you remember when the kitchens closed in November last year, because of the health problem?"

"Yeah, mum and dad were in Manchester on a job so I met them there. I got a load of Florence time."

"Well, I stayed as a girl and was treated to a salon visit. I also ended up as the supporting actress in a musical. Oh, I changed my name as well."

"So what happened when school re-opened?"

"I stayed here and had work sent here, Grandma Elsie looked after me until my father arrived. I went back to school just before last Christmas."

"As a girl?"

"Yes, but there wasn't any female boarding so I lived here until my father and I bought the house next door?"

"You bought it as well?"

"A company owns it, we all put money in."

"That's something I've meant to ask, do you know how much Daisy and I will get? I mean I'm not really wanting money right now but Daisy and I will need somewhere to live, and she'll need new clothes real soon."

"I shouldn't worry about that, for now I'm certain that Elsie will look after you but we're planning to go to see your parents' solicitor within the next few weeks to read the will."

"Do we have to sell the house?"

"That depends on many things, and it's difficult for me to give you an answer without knowing all of the relevant information."

"That sounds like a politician's answer!"

"Well, it's an honest answer and I bet you won't find many of those from politicians!"

"Well, thanks for being honest, Tammy."

"I don't mind, although I hadn't planned to tell you my story."

"I heard bits of it, but when are you having the operation?"

"Which one?"

"To cut off, I mean invert, you know ..."

"Why, are you thinking about it?" Tammy wasn't comfortable, but Finlay had clearly done some research.

"It had crossed my mind, ages ago when you and Angela first came back to school."

"But now?"

"I'm not planning on any alterations, maybe just a little decorating?"

"Home improvements, not a rebuild?"

"That's it."

"Such as?"

"This beauty salon, when can we go?"

"We'll be pushed to get an appointment this side of the New Year, so let's give it a week."

"Nothing that'll be noticeable in school?"

"Unless you want to attend as a girl?"

"I don't know, I really don't know. There are times when Daisy will need her big brother so it would be selfish for me to become her big sister all the time. If I was a girl I could go over to the female boarding house, maybe."

That afternoon Tammy was called over to Dunbankin' to use the secure phone.

"Hi Tammy, you're in a conference call with myself and DI Kevin Edmunds."

Tammy dealt with the greetings then asked Dave Brown for an update.

"We had started listening again to the bug you put in Martina Gore's bag, back in October, but it seems it was in the bottom of her bag as the sound was muffled. What's more interesting is the GPS data."

"I see, where's she been?"

"All over the place, including to the Ragmore Hospital."

"Oh, why?"

"Unclear, anyway Finlay's bug seems to have been more effective but we don't have live audio. What we do have is a record from the last day of term until last night."

"Does she say much?"

"She does, but there's a fair bit in Russian too, she and Martin Gore seem to use it as their preferred language."

"I didn't know Martina could speak anything other than English?"

"Her Russian's not brilliant, I'm told, but passable."

"So what did we learn?"

"Martin is most definitely involved and Martina would seem to be looking to continue her parent's work."

"But what was their work?"

"Whatever was needed, it seems, we're having the recordings transcribed and translated. Anyway we're straying."

"Sorry, what have we learned so far?"

"Paula and Penny Lavoska have been in Wick for a week."

Kevin took over. "The feed from both bugs ceased at 0100. Based on this information we executed a search warrant on Martin Gore's house early this morning but it was empty, they've gone. Both of their mobile phones are off, so we can't track them that way. "

"Are they still in the area?"

"It's impossible to know, although my guess is that they won't be seen in public. The local police have checked all the local hotels and guest houses again, as a precaution. We're following up with background research into both Martin and Martina."

"Okay, what do we know about the murders in Sofia?"

"Sorry Tammy, those recordings are still being examined."

"Okay, what about the two Russians who were arrested at the school?"

"Still not talking and we're trying to identify them."

"And the two who attempted to abduct Angela?"

"Bailed on Christmas eve, they were due to report back today but haven;t done so yet."

"Can someone get them?"

"Not until they're in breach of their bail conditions."

"Damn, so we have nothing?"

Dave took over. "No, Tammy, what we have is a ton of information that hasn't yet been fully analysed. We'll find these people in due course."

"Are they likely to head to Egbaston and the studio?"

"I would hope they don't know about the studio yet, but they could be headed for the O'Shaughnessy family home."

"Mother's been in touch with the family solicitors today, we're heading there on Friday 8th and we have an appointment with the solicitor on the 9th. Hopefully we can get back on the 10th as school starts the next day."

"Okay, we'll have to start setting this up, how are you getting to Birmingham?"

"Dad's thinking about hiring a private plane from Wick, given the number travelling it won't be overly expensive."

"Better security too."

"Exactly, we'll take a chopper to Wick Airport."

Kevin took over. "Who's going?"

"Both Daisy and Finlay, my parents, Suzie and myself."

"I'd like an officer with you as well, plain clothed."

"DS Franklin?"

"That's who I was considering, Tammy. I'll meet you at Birmingham with a local officer, I suggest you use the cargo terminal?"

"I'll mention that to Dad. Okay, where are we going to stay?"

"There's plenty of hotels near the cricket ground and I'd reckon on them being pretty vacant. We'll need a booking for ten?"

"I'll get Pru to do that. Oh, Dave, Finlay's given her access to the studio bookings."

"Okay, thanks. We'll review in two days."

Tammy was pleased to get off the call, Kevin and Dave didn't seem to be concerned that most of the criminals, alleged criminals, were missing sand the other two weren't talking. Of course, neither Dave Brown nor Kevin Edmunds were directly responsible for the two children.

She made her way back to Elsie's, it wasn't long before dinner.

 
Wednesday 30th December 2015
 

Elsie had decided that Tammy herself couldn't be held responsible for any decisions regarding the security of Daisy and Finlay.

"No, Tammy, if they need to go out then everyone will have a say."

"If there's a hint of trouble, we won't go."

"Seriously, if you took that attitude then we'd be cooped up for weeks, at least!"

"I'm not banking on trouble, but I'm not being complacent either."

Thus the decision was taken that they would go into town. She sent Dave Brown a text, informing him of the plan.

A short while later the O'Shaughnessy-McPherson pair climbed into Elsie's Range Rover along with Cathy. Tammy was up front with William driving. Elsie herself said she was not feeling ready for a stroll around town so remained indoors, although Tammy noted Helen was not looking comfortable. Richard rode ahead with Suzie, in Tammy's own car, checking for rogues and vagrants.

Tammy was a little jumpy when they pulled in behind Sarah's shop. Cathy went to open the car door on one side, Florence on the other.

"Wait!"

Her bag was unlatched as Tammy stepped onto the tarmac, scanning the area for anything unfriendly. There was nothing, nothing at all, although she flinched when a mother came into view - pushing a pram.

"Okay, it's safe."

Cathy took Daisy by the hand whilst Florence walked with Tammy, Richard and Suzie had gone ahead and were waiting outside the shop for them.

"We'll have a walk around the town, check the bars and so on."

"Okay Suzie, I'll let you know if we're going anywhere else."

Sarah was naturally pleased to see everyone.

"Now, who are these lovely girls?"

"Sarah, this is Florence and her sister Daisy. They're guests of Elsie's."

"Thank you Cathy, I hope you're feeling better?"

"I'm not sure I'll ever get over it, Sarah, but we're here to improve the wardrobe for these girls."

That mean a flurry of activity, although Florence could fit adult sized clothing, Daisy's waist was too small for many of the ranges that Sarah carried.

"I'm sorry, I don't have an 8 in that."

It was also clear that Daisy had started to develop, Suzie was called back.

"Can you go along to HP Bazaar, Daisy needs a few 30A soft bras."

"Colours?"

"White plus whatever they have?"

"Okay Cathy."

They loaded the good from Sarah's into the Range Rover then all of them went to HP Bazaar, Florence needed undies, hosiery, a make-up bag .... From there Tammy and Florence went into Superdrug for cosmetics, whilst Cathy and Suzie continued with Daisy.

Unfortunately, the group was now spread across several shops as Richard had not yet returned.

Tammy had reached the sales desk and was paying for Florence's items, although some of those were ultimately destined for Daisy. She ignored her phone as she was in the midst of the transaction. Florence, meanwhile, had wandered towards the street door.

"Tammy!"

She gathered the bags and quickly joined the fifteen year old.

"What's up?"

"There's something happening in the bank, I think it's a robbery."

Part   Fifteen   "Conspiracy"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Wednesday 30th December 2015 (Continued)
 

Across the icy road, maybe 20m away, something was definitely going on in the bank; Florence said that at least four customers had left in a hurry. Tammy and Florence were inside a store, but Tammy had itchy feet, she reached for her bag.

"What are you thinking of doing, Aunt Tammy?" Florence whispered.

"Helping?"

"What good will that do, you're meant to be protecting me and Daisy?"

"Yeah, but ..."

"I overheard that Mr Brown talking to Grandma Elsie, he really likes you but thinks you jump with both feet instead of weighing a situation properly."

She'd have to ask Elsie about security later. "Okay." She took her hand away from her bag, her phone started ringing again.

"Yes, Dad, sorry I missed your call, we're in Superdrug ...... No, I'm not about to do anything stupid."

Across the road a car drove up outside the bank and waited, the driver was constantly scanning the street and was clearly nervous.

A familiar figure came past the store window then doubled back and came in. By now there was a small crowd of staff and customers in the window.

"Tammy, I hope you're not considering taking executive action?"

"No, Ben."

"Well, thankfully I'm trained for this sort of thing. Are you carrying?"

"Err, yes. In my bag."

Using his body to shield his activities, DS Ben Franklin reached into Tammy's bag and retrieved the Glock.

"Not enough time to explain, back shortly." He hid the weapon and left.

"Auntie, did I see that?"

"No, Florence, you didn't."

Sirens could now be heard in the distance but across the road three males were coming out of the bank; one fired a weapon into the air before they all jumped into the waiting car. It shot off towards the end of the road, where it would make a right turn to get out of town.

Tammy, and many others, emerged from the shops to see the fleeing bank robbers' vehicle disappear around the corner. Tammy heard two bangs and recognised the sound of her weapon, although no-one else had apparently made the connection. The sirens were now much closer and very soon there was plenty of shouting - and barking.

Tammy wanted to go ahead to see what was going on but Florence had hold of her hand and wasn't going to let go. Ben could now be seen trotting back towards them, he indicated for Tammy to move away from the crowd before he slid alongside to drop the weapon back in her bag.

He gave Tammy a kiss on the cheek and wandered off, before she had an opportunity to ask what he'd done. Her phone rang again.

"Okay, Dad, we'll meet you there."

She put the phone away.

"We're off to the library, Florence."

A bemused Florence walked away with Tammy as police officers arrived at the bank, no-one it seems had paid attention to her exchange with the plain clothed officer.

Inside the library were the other members of the shopping party, Richard took his daughter to one side.

"Now, did you stay with Florence?"

"Yes, throughout."

"Good, Dave Brown thought you might be spontaneous if something happened near you?"

"No chance of that!"

"Good, I reckon he'll need a report though."

"Thanks, Dad." Only another report.

Sandy Franklin, the library manager, walked over.

"A bit of excitement, Tammy? It's normally so quiet around here. My husband would like a word, he's in my office."

She told Richard where she was going and checked no-one was following.

"Now, Ben, what was that all about?"

"Sorry, Tammy, but I really had no time for explanations. I've just qualified, by the way, with firearms."

"Okay, but I would like to know how I'm going to explain my weapon being taken and then discharged."

"Well, I saw an opportunity and I didn't know how close the marked units were. My intention was to stop them, the slugs went through the windscreens and the glass fractured, the driver couldn't see where he was going. It slid into lamp post, with the wheels spinning."

"Did you hit the driver?"

"No, that would have caused far too many problems, I simply went for the glass. As it was, the marked cars were nearby and only needed a little help."

"Won't the bullets be found?"

"Not for ages, they'll be in the wall of whatever building was behind the car, probably the hotel."

"And no-one saw you?"

"I was crouched in an alleyway, I'm in the clear."

"You might be, but I'm not."

"I'm certain you can deal with that, maybe you tested it at home - behind the barn?"

Tammy wasn't happy. "I have to report this."

"If you do, I'll take responsibility. Satisfied?"

"Okay, Ben. Now, have you been asked to travel with us in a few days?"

"Yes, but I haven't been given details."

"You'll get a full briefing nearer the time, no doubt. You didn't seem surprised when I mentioned it?"

"Iain Brown asked me personally, he said familiarity with the other parties would be advantageous. My inspector was a little pissed off! If he hears of this morning's activities then I might not be around for a while, unfortunately."

"Why?"

"He keeps getting bypassed, but I'm cleared for this and he isn't so I can't even tell him what I'm doing! If he decides to bring up a disciplinary then even the Chief Inspector can't overtly help me."

Tammy was worried but didn't want to delve further.

"How much does Sandy know about your security service support work?"

"Enough so she doesn't think I'm having an affair, with you!"

"Understood." She was flattered, and blushed.

Tammy rejoined the others, just as Elsie's Range Rover pulled up outside. Her father and Suzie left them to find their own transport.

Florence and Daisy were comparing notes on their shopping expeditions, and not the bank robbery, as they rode back to Elsie's. Lunchtime was approaching so both children were sent to put away their new things, wash and present themselves in the dining room.

That was the plan, Cathy came down with them just as lunch was being brought out.

"It seems they were experimenting with the new make-up, I cleaned most of it off their faces!"

Much of lunchtime concerned plans for New Years Eve, discussion of the events in town was distinctly absent. Elsie proposed hosting a party, although Tammy wondered if her idea of a party bore any similarity to that of a teenager?

"I was a teenager once, my dear."

"There's a dance at the golf club?"

"Over eighteens, probably?"

"Err, yes, Elsie."

"Is there an under eighteen discotheque anywhere?"

Tammy cringed at the term, even if she hadn't been one for the nightlife until a year earlier. "I don't think so."

"So, we'll hold a party here. How about inviting that poor girl and her husband?"

"Tanya and John? They're not getting married until the fourteenth of Feb."

"Well, ask her if they're doing anything. You can use the games room, we can cover the snooker table and push it out of the way."

"Music?"

"That's your department."

Florence had clearly been listening. "I'll look after that, if you don't mind?"

"Well, it's coming together. I'll ask if Zara can help in the kitchen, to make some snacks that teenagers will recognise?"

"Won't she want to go to a party?"

"The staff here have their own party and she's welcome to join them, we'll put her up for the night too. Thomas will handle that, won't you?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Tammy now had her laptop with her, so after lunch sat down to write a report on the morning's strange shopping trip. Outside the white stuff was starting to fall. Finlay knocked then came in just as she finished it.

"Oh, where's Florence?"

"I left her in the shower, aunt Cathy suggested I cleaned myself properly."

"Okay."

"You prefer Florence, don't you, Aunt Tammy?"

"You're a good kid, regardless which name you use."

"Thanks, but don't you get on with Florence easier?"

"No, I get on with you, regardless which name you're using."

"Maybe, but when I was holding your hand earlier, would you have been just as happy if Finlay had held it?"

"You're a good looking boy, Finlay, of course I'll have been happy." She pulled his close and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He returned the favour by kissing her fully on the lips.

"Oh."

Finlay smiled and left.

She submitted her report then went for a shower, she needed space.

 
New Years Eve 2015
 

Thursday morning was cold and very white, it was still snowing. Tammy grabbed her tablet then wrapped herself tighter in her duvet, just looking out of the window had made her shiver.

She looked at the local newspaper's website, unsurprisingly the bank robbery was the top item. A policeman was quoted as saying "the car lost control and we were close enough to let the dogs have a go at the occupants, before they made off on foot. It was a good, clean, stop and no-one got hurt. A four figure sum was recovered and enquiries continue."

Apart from those bitten by the dogs, thought Tammy.

She pulled on a onesie before heading for breakfast. Elsie was already there and clearly wanted to say something about Tammy's fashion statement but both Daisy and Finlay were similarly dressed, then Cathy came down in one of her own.

"I might as well get a baby-grow of my own!"

If there was any awkwardness between Finlay and Tammy, he certainly never showed it. Tammy's phone pinged as she went back to her room.
 

Conference call at ten

 
She hurriedly showered and dressed, black leggings under a tartan skirt would satisfy her need for warmth, as well as Elsie's standards. This was topped off with a UHI sweatshirt - high fashion it wasn't.

The University of the Highlands and Islands sweatshirt had been a Christmas gift from Angela, probably intended as a joke. It was comfortably fleecy and clearly designed for a colder environment. Tammy still intended to restart her studies, but that couldn't now happen until September.

"Let's start with what we know."

Tammy laughed, "that's always a good point."

"Firstly, the pair who allegedly tried to abduct Angela did report off bail and were rebailed until the end of January so clearly Police Scotland isn't taking that seriously. Their bail conditions mean that they can't contact any of you, go within five hundred metres of your home or the school plus they are only allowed into Thurso town centre on a Tuesday when they need to visit the job centre."

"Okay, Kevin, Angela just needs to avoid the town on a Thursday or have someone with her."

"Yes, although I wish the restrictions could be tougher seeing how there was a concerted campaign to win her trust."

Tammy sighed. "Indeed."

"Now, the Russians have started talking. They're not naming names yet but do want to go home."

"I guess that's not on the cards?"

"No, but we'll let them think that for a while. We found out where they had left their clothing and identified a vehicle there that they'd bought in Germany. The upshot is that we now have their passports so we know who they are, even if they haven't told us themselves."

"Good, anything else to connect them to the Gores, or Lavoskas?"

"Not yet, their contact appears to be just a mobile phone number that always goes to voicemail."

"I take it there's enough to prosecute?"

"Yes, we have them on a holding charge right now of 'going equipped' but we'll be able to add 'conspiracy to abduct a minor'."

"Is your team handling them?"

"Yes, Tammy. Now, the Gores were spotted at Waverley Station yesterday but they were then lost."

"So they're heading South?"

"That's the presumption, you wouldn't make it to Edinburgh then turn North, would you?"

"No, but they could have travelled to Glasgow before heading into England, that would bring them down the West coast instead of the East coast?"

"That was considered, but we're now concentrating on picking them up at Birmingham New Street, as well as Birmingham Snow Hill in case they end up there on their way to Stourbridge or Egbaston.

"I know that we need to consider all eventualities but I'd rather hoped that they didn't know about the studio."

"Sorry, Tammy, but we have to include that possibility. Transport Police are running extra patrols at Snow Hill and New Street as part of an exercise, with plain clothed officers targeting ticketless passengers so we've circulated their descriptions."

"Okay, now what about the Lavoskas?"

"The credit card used for the hotel in Wick has popped up in Dundee."

"Are they also heading South? When was that?"

"Yesterday, Paula hired a car."

"Can they be tracked?"

"If she uses roads that are suitably equipped, it's entirely possible she knows which roads aren't yet covered as there are websites with that information."

"Surely that would mean a slower route off motorways?"

"Yes."

"So, four persons of interest are on their way into England, I'm a little uncomfortable with where this is heading."

"So are we, Tammy, we've issued warning where we can."

"Just a thought, if she used that credit card in Wick, surely she'd know that we could check where it's also used?"

"Correct."

"Could this be a ruse? Could they in fact still be in Scotland, or even split resources?"

"Indeed, Tammy, we are not looking at amateurs."

"For as much as we now know, there's still much more that we don't. This could affect our travel plans on the eighth?"

Dave Brown had kept quiet but now joined in.

"Plainly, Tammy, and I believe we'll need to review who travels with the children."

"Of course, Dave."

"Now, I have seen your report."

"Oh."

"Firstly, you were right to report it and I and grateful that you submitted it within a few hours."

"I felt it was necessary."

"Correct, and we need to deal with the issues that arose from it."

"I see."

"Firstly, where is the weapon now?"

"In my bag, with me."

"Have you cleaned it?"

"Yes, as best I can, and I've put a full clip in."

"Was DS Franklin wearing gloves?"

"Yes, it was a bitterly cold day."

"Who observed you?"

"As my report stated, I was with Finlay O'Shaughnessy although he was dressed as Florence at the time."

"So did he, she, see this happen?"

"Yes."

"Was she, I mean he, aware you carried a weapon?"

"Yes."

"Would you have given your weapon to anyone else?"

"No."

"Why didn't you handle the robbery yourself?"

"My primary concerns were with the children."

"And yet you were left without a weapon?"

"I realise this."

"DS Franklin has been interviewed and his account tallies with your's. He has accepted responsibility, but you are also responsible for your own actions. What is the correct procedure here?"

"I refuse his request."

"Correct."

"So, is Ben in trouble?"

"His problem is that he can't produce the weapon and they can't find the slugs, so he's been referred to the force psychiatrist and put on administrative leave whilst they determine if he's fit to work."

"Despite helping in the arrests?"

"He wasn't there, according to everyone else. You will not be giving evidence to the contrary."

"Hang on, how did you know it was my weapon?"

"DS Franklin named you in his report, the one that I saw, but the copy to his inspector was redacted to the point of being waste paper."

"That inspector doesn't like him."

"Clearly, he's also one of the people Martin Gore called in the last week."

Tammy finished the call with more questions than when she'd started. She wasn't being disciplined, yet, but Jenny would have to review this once the current operation was over. Ben was on gardening leave, but did that mean he wouldn't be available for the weekend after next? Was he being used? Was Tammy also being used, by implication? How could he have known where she'd be?

One thing was clear, she had to follow instructions, even if others didn't like it. Before she left the house there was a caller at the door, Pru answered it, the caller was in military dress.

"Tammy, it's for you, I can't deal with it."

Tammy took a look at the ID card that was being offered, it said he was Sgt Grant.

"Hello Sergeant, how can I help you?"

"Excuse me, Miss Smart, I have a delivery for you, but do you have some ID you can show me?"

She reached in her bag and pulled out her National Crime Agency pass. "Will this do?"

"Thank you. I have a package for you."

"Where did you say you were from?"

"Royal Logistic Corp, Dunfermline, Miss. Sign here, please Miss."

Tammy signed and was handed a wrapped package that was heavier than it looked. The despatch note was timed that morning, at five AM.

"Thank you Miss, goodbye."

She closed the door then took the package into the study.

"What is that?"

Pru stopped working as Tammy fought to get into the package. There were two separate items, one was a gun maintenance kit including oil, brushes and cleaning cloths. The other was four hundred rounds of 9mm ammo and a spare clip.

"I guess they're not that unhappy with me!"

Part   Sixteen   "Rock And A Hard Place"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
New Years Day 2016
 

Tammy dragged herself into the shower at eight thirty, finding coffee and toast when she returned to her bedroom. She had a clear head, she'd enjoyed just a single glass of sparkling wine at midnight and had otherwise avoided alcohol. Her problem had been that she'd only fallen into her bed around two, after helping clear up and shoo the children upstairs.

Finlay had found an amplifier and speakers from somewhere and connected the kit to his laptop to provide the music. With the basement door closed they could ramp up the volume, although not as far as Spinal Tap would have preferred.

Tanya and John had declined, Tammy finally found out that John had spent several hours at Thurso's Dunbar Hospital that afternoon having his wound checked, it transpired he had an infection that was causing him pain. Dancing, or drinking, would not be on his agenda for a while yet.

Tanya's condition was an unknown quantity, Tammy could only hope that she was distracted enough by John's injury that she wasn't pondering her own issues. It was only six weeks to their wedding, was that still on?

Happy New Year, indeed.

Daisy and Finlay, or perhaps Florence, were in Elsie's pool whilst Elsie and Cathy were in the study discussing something important. Michael has stayed with Mark the previous night and Helen, where was Helen?

Tammy had seen her fleetingly the previous evening but something was clearly amiss. Elsie had, thankfully, let Tammy know some of her intentions and it seemed Helen had now been told some home truths.

The biggest issue with Helen was that she refused to find a job or restart her studies. Simply put, she was freeloading. Of course money was not an issue but Elsie refused to allow any member of the family to just waste their life.

Cathy would be back at work, as a teacher at a primary school, in a few days time with the children restarting two days later. Michael was a student at UHI but also now had a Saturday job as a lifeguard at the sports centre, he'd also be there all next week. Elsie asked neither for a contribution to the running cost of the house but did not give handouts.

Most of Helen's money was now tied up, with much inaccessible until she was twenty-one. She'd followed good advice to invest as much of her liquid funds as was sensible and was drawing an income from the interest but Tammy also knew Helen had an income from a few sources. So, she was tempted to spend and do little else.

Elsie had asked if it was possible to block Helen's access to a certain global auction site, as well as the leading shopping sites, but Tammy had explained that such a block was technically nigh on impossible, as well as being questionable legally.

After Helen had received her exam results the previous August it had been suggested that she started an Open University course, but had seemingly ceased work on this. It wasn't that Helen didn't have the time, she had too much time.

Tammy could do nothing to help, she hadn't been there for months and any advice was now probably too late. Elsie had, Tammy knew, rewritten part of her will within the last week or so and had probably added the children but what else had been done?

Everyone was informed that Elsie had invited guests for Hogmanay lunch, so mid morning Tammy was looking for an appropriate dress. There was a knock on the door, Daisy was there, in her dressing gown.

"Aunt Tammy, I don't know what to wear?" Tammy sat down on her bed, bringing Daisy to near eye level.

"Well, I think you could get away with anything smart, but have you heard of the phrase 'dress to impress'?"

"Mum mentioned it once, when she was packing a nice dress ...." Daisy was on the point of tears, Tammy pulled her closer her over for a hug. "Was it a nice memory?"

"It was a nice dress but I was going back to school that afternoon and mum and dad were going away."

Daisy was now sobbing gently into Tammy's shoulder.

Tammy reached over to her bedside table and extracted a tissue from a box, drying Daisy's eyes once she'd stopped sobbing.

"Thank you Aunt Tammy."

There was another knock at her door, Florence came in wearing a peach knee length dress. She was carrying an identical one on a hanger.

"I found this, Daisy."

They'd bought these frocks from Sarah the previous afternoon but Daisy hadn't tried it on or even seen it before, Tammy had grabbed one in Daisy's size from the rack in the store room as an after thought.

Daisy's face brightened and she slipped off the dressing gown, revealing her underwear. Florence quickly helped Daisy into it and zipped her up, she went across to Tammy's full length mirror.

"I look grown up! Come here Florence!" Tammy could see the suggestion of a bust on Daisy but there was no doubt about Florence's development.

Florence joined Daisy at the mirror but her real attention was into the open wardrobe.

"Aunt Tammy, you have a peach dress as well! We'll match!"

Tammy hadn't wanted to spoil the mood but needed to inject some common sense.

"Girls, you do know who'll be at lunch?"

"Doctor McIntosh?"

"Yes, and Mrs McIntosh. I believe Reverend Franklin will also be there."

"Oh." Florence was now clearly concerned.

"'Oh', indeed. Did you want to change?"

She twisted in her dress, pouting. "Don't you think they'll like it?"

"What I mean, Florence, is whether you're ready to tell them?"

"Don't you think Mrs Smart has already done that? She'll be at lunch as well, won't she?"

"Yes, and my father. He's the Chairman on the governing body."

"So, everyone who can make a decision will be there?"

"Yes, Florence." Tammy knew that Elsie had deliberately invited this group of people together to discuss Finlay and gently introduce Florence, but there wasn't going to be anything gentle about the way they would be meeting this very feminine child.

"How should I do my face?"

"Minimal, the same amount you'd be allowed in school. Daisy knows the rules, don't you?"

"Yes, Auntie. Come on, Florence."

The pair left Tammy's room, did Florence realise what she was doing? Tammy had doubts but had to let the girl discover the real world for herself.

Tammy pondered the peach dress from her own wardrobe but that would have suggested collusion, something that Joan would immediately jump on. She opted instead for a black and white butterfly affair.
 

 

Tammy was sat at her dressing table when the next visitor arrived. Cathy shut the door then sat on Tammy's bed.

"Am I doing the right thing, Tammy?"

"By offering to take on the children?"

"Yes, it's not as if we've actually asked them?"

"True, Cathy, but I thought we needed to have as normal a Christmas as possible before we delve into all things legal?"

"That was the intention, Tammy, but mum's ready to throw the entire Scottish legal system at this."

Tammy laughed, when Elsie stuck her teeth into something, she usually got her way in a timescale she'd accept.

"Your mum's running against the clock, I'm not surprised she's wanting to push it."

"But, Tammy, as you said, is this what the children want? Of course Finlay is almost a young man, or woman."

"Indeed. Perhaps we need to ask them, before any other decisions are taken? Have you seen what they're wearing today, Cathy?"

"I haven't but I would guess they're smart?"

"Yes, except Florence is in attendance."

"The poor Reverend, he's not used to women, let alone those who aren't sure. Did you plan this?"

"No, Florence was already dressed when I saw her and I questioned her intentions."

"So we'll have to deal with this as it goes?"

There was a knock on the door, Daisy put her head around it.

"Can you check our make-up, Aunt Tammy? Oh, hello Aunt Cathy."

"Of course, come in."

Cathy fussed over them, sending Florence back to her room for a hairbrush. Tammy finished off her own warpaint before sitting next to Cathy.

"Florence, could you close the door?"

The two O'Shaughnessy-McPherson children stood demurely, waiting. Tammy decided to take the lead.

"Do you like it here?"

"Yes, Aunt Tammy" In unison.

"Grandma Elsie has promised to look after you but she's not well, so, if you'd like, Cathy will take that responsibility."

Tammy left it to hang but Daisy picked up straight away.

"So, Aunt Cathy, will you be our new mummy?"

---

There was barely enough time to repair four sets of make-up before they joined the newly-arrived guests in the lounge. Cathy held Florence's hand whilst Daisy was with Tammy. They had decided against a grand entrance but Anne McIntosh was near the door.

"Oh my!"

"Anne, may I present Miss Daisy O'Shaughnessy-McPherson and Miss Florence O'Shaughnessy-McPherson."

"Very pleased to meet you. Stephen!"

The Headmaster came over, as summoned. "Ah, young Miss O'Shaughnessy and ...." "Florence, Sir, although you know me better as Finlay."

"I see, please excuse me."

Anne laughed, quietly. "I'm sorry, he's not normally fazed like this."

Cathy interjected, "I'm planning to adopt them but I don't know if I'm adopting two girls or a boy and a girl?"

"Both, er, mum." Finlay was now having difficulty.

"So I see, although Sarah told me of your visit yesterday, I went in there after lunch so I was warned!"

Joan came over, most likely directed by the Head and took Tammy aside.

"What part do you have to play in this?"

"None, really. Florence was dressed like that when I saw her. You should know, however, that Cathy offered to adopt them and they accepted."

"Well, that complicates things?"

"I would have thought it simplified matters?"

"The local social services were looking for a fulltime placement for them, once the probate is concluded."

"And most likely split them, putting Daisy in a different school?"

"That would be likely."

"So that wouldn't be the best outcome for the children, would it?"

"No, but it doesn't always work that way."

"That's not acceptable, the children come first, always, any other result means they're not doing their job properly!"

"Sorry Tammy, but this is the real world and not some ideal place. Anyway, Cathy needs to start the paperwork next week, before we see that solicitor. Don't expect an easy ride from social services."

"I'll make sure Cathy and Elsie do that, does anyone get an easy ride with them?"

"Well, it's a necessary evil. Anyway, I've calmed the Head down, but the Reverend will want a chat with Finlay, I mean Florence."

"What's the Head's problem?"

"Just unexpected, it seems only Anne had prior knowledge?"

"She was in town yesterday afternoon. Okay, but what's the real question here?"

"Does Finlay attend as a boy or as a girl? If he won't stay as a boy all the time then he can't board. And if he attends as a girl she'll need medical confirmation, but there's also no spaces in the female boarding house."

"So he boards as a boy and spends the weekends here as whatever he wants to be? Daisy does similar?"

"That might work, and wouldn't need the Head to make any changes?"

"It's simple, and keeps Florence's exposure to a minimum."

"Okay, Tammy, that sounds like a workable plan. Oh, I forgot to mention last night that the surgery rang."

"Okay?"

"They've taken the children on as patients and want to see Finlay next Wednesday at ten."

"On Dr Adi's list?"

"Yes, I won't be able to take him."

"When are you back at work, mum?"

"From Monday, when are you returning to London?"

"I really don't know, not before they're back in school for sure."

"Suzie says she has to return after this weekend."

"Oh, she's said nothing to me."

"She had a call yesterday afternoon."

Tammy escaped from Joan and managed to check on the children before Thomas called them for lunch. Florence was with the Reverend and Richard whilst Daisy was with Cathy and Anne. Stephen McIntosh was in deep conversation with Elsie and Suzie was looking bored.

"Mum says you have to go back?"

"Yeah, Jenny called. They seem to think you can manage this by yourself now, despite Wednesday apparently."

"Oh, okay."

"I asked her about Wednesday and she wouldn't say, did something happen?"

"Yes, the bank robbery."

"That's got nothing to do with Jenny, though?"

"Correct, under normal circumstances."

"I see, but because we were protecting the children you did a report?"

"Yes."

"I see, nothing else happened did it?"

"No, Suzie."

They were saved by the bell.

Elsie had once again arranged the table according to her whims. Tammy found herself between the Reverend and the Headmaster, she escaped to the loo after the starter course.

"How's the conversation going Tammy?"

"I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place, Cathy. How's your side?"

"Joan and Anne, like nice cop, bad cop!"

"Which way round?"

"Ah, that would be telling!"

Elsie had the children either side of her, clearly demonstrating her protection. The buffers were Alison and Andrea, ensuring that neither girl suffered from incessant questioning.

"Miss Smart, you do know that I'm retiring at the end of this year?"

"I had heard, sir."

"Well, perhaps you could ensure I don't have a coronary before my last day? No more surprises, please."

"Your wife knew, surely someone said something?"

"I haven't been near a computer to check emails and I haven't checked my phone messages for a few days. I see that the school is intact."

"There were two intruders, in the early hours of Christmas Day, sir."

"Oh?"

"They didn't get in and are in the capable hands of the Met Police, but they were after the O'Shaughnessys. The caretaker deserves a thank you, sir."

"I'll deal with that, I'll need a report?"

"My father can provide that, it's probably already in your inbox."

"Good."

"Now, you need to be aware that the police are currently looking for Martina Gore."

"Has she run away?"

"So to speak, along with her uncle. We believe they are heading to Finlay and Daisy's parents' house."

"I see, how much of what you have told me is public knowledge?"

"None."

"So I'll keep an open mind and expect her back at school by the tenth."

"Indeed, sir."

The Reverend was, meanwhile, getting an update from Richard.

Lunch concluded sometime after two but no-one was leaving just yet. Cathy accompanied Florence into a meeting with Joan, the Reverend and the Head, although Tammy wasn't certain of the outcome.

"Why not, sis?"

"Angela, Finlay knows better than to answer back to the Headmaster, but Florence is in there."

"You make it sound like they're two people?"

"No, the same person but with two slightly different personalities."

"So who will come out of that meeting? The schoolboy who obeys authority or the schoolgirl who knows her way around authority?"

"I think Florence will, and that creates a problem."

Part   Seventeen   "Career Development"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Monday 4th January 2016
 

"Well, it wasn't much of a holiday but it was different!"

"True, but you're going back to a quiet desk job whilst I still get all the running around!"

"You'll be back in London before long, Tammy."

"I'm wondering if I really should? I mean, what am I achieving down there?"

"It's work, so you get experience - and pay. You might even get promoted, eventually."

"I know, Suzie, but am I getting satisfaction? The work involves analysis, research and report writing. There's no adrenaline, no buzz, I'm not involved in any live work."

"Then ask for a transfer to Jenny's team."

"Don't forget, I am one of her team, but just not in Thames House. Actually, isn't there a rule about siblings in the same unit?"

"Probably, anyway what do I do with Ken?"

"You can move in while I'm up here?"

"I'd like a hand, and I don't have a car."

"Or a licence? That needs sorting or Angela will be on the road before you?"

"Yeah, you could hire a van?"

"I'm nineteen and I haven't had a licence for a year yet - I don't think any of the van rental firms will let me? I'm also up here and won't be in London for a week or two."

"Tammy, help me here, I want to get out."

"Has he hurt you?"

"No, but he's been drunk a few times and I can only guess what state the place is in?"

"I'll get you some help, do you have keys for the flat?"

"Yes, Dad gave me a set."

"The security system will need your staff pass."

"Right, I'll go round there in a few days, but I could really do with a hand?"

"Ask Dad's PA?"

"That airhead? She gives blondes a bad name."

"Look, Francesca works for us and has a car. If you need more help, I'm sure we can find an able bodied male?"

"That's sexist, Tammy."

Richard called for Suzie to get downstairs.

"Got to go, I'll see you down South."

The pair hugged, "Take care, Suzie."

Tammy made her way over to Elsie's house at ten, after making a short call to Glasgow. She'd gone to Dunbankin' at nine for a conference call but Kevin was unavailable and Dave had no real updates, so Tammy had sat with Suzie whilst she packed.

Angela was finishing coursework in her room and didn't want to be disturbed, whilst Joan was busying herself somewhere. The Smarts' house was quiet when she'd left.

Despite the opinion that the Gores and the Lavoska sisters were well South of Thurso, and probably not even in Scotland, the earlier security regimes were still in force, at Dunbankin' at least.

Over at Elsie's the main gate was open but William and Jonathon were felling a tree that would likely have fallen in the next storm, straight onto the stable block. She parked her buggy under a new canopy but still pulled a rain cover over the seats. There was only one charging socket and that was in use but at least she was able to chain it up.

She found a meeting in progress in the lounge.

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

"Okay, I guess I've missed something?"

"Yes, did you know it's Finlay's sixteenth birthday on Friday?"

"No, but we'll be in Birmingham on Friday night!"

"So we'll have to hold a party on Thursday night?"

"Okay, seems sensible."

"Now, a certain other girl's birthday is also coming up, when is it Daisy?"

"My real birthday is on the sixteenth but I was always at school and my brother was in Scotland, so we celebrated on the same day."

"So we'll hold a joint birthday party on Thursday, Tammy, are any of their school friends available?"

"I'll check, I'm sure a few will be back by then. Is Finlay attending, or Florence?"

"I haven't decided."

"You need to decide in the next few days, and doesn't the Head want to know your answer?"

Finlay didn't answer, but Cathy was clearly concerned.

"Tammy, did you get hold of the doctor?"

"Yes, Elsie, I spoke to his wife, Professor Roberts was out but she'll ask him to call us when he returns."

"Perhaps he could be invited to join us here?" Asked Cathy.

"I think a telephone consultation should be enough to start with, then we'll decide." Elsie was adamant.

"Excuse me, what doctor?"

"Sorry, Finlay, Grandma Elsie asked me to contact Professor Julian Roberts, he's a gender specialist who saw me when I first transitioned."

"A shrink?"

"He's qualified as one, but that's not his job. He helped me, and I think he'll help you."

"By telling me what to do?"

Elsie indicated to Tammy that she wanted to answer this one. "No, by listening to you. Let's wait until Professor Roberts has spoken with you before passing judgement."

"Yes, Grandma."

Tammy went up to her room, there was still plenty of time before lunch. She met Helen at the top of the stairs, waiting.

"I'm leaving, Tammy."

"Hold on Helen, what's going on?"

"I'm clearly not liked and now those kids are taking my inheritance."

"I don't think we should be having this conversation out here, come into my room."

Helen was clearly upset, even angry.

Tammy continued, "I've barely seen anything of you for the past few days."

"I've had some horrid talks with Elsie, lectures if you will. I thought she'd be dead by now!"

"Hey, stop that."

"Are you on her side?"

"Helen, I'm not taking sides here. Firstly, I probably know more about Elsie's condition than you do, but that's because I asked the questions and not because I was simply given the information."

"So?"

"Have you tried having a sensible, civil, conversation with her?"

"After she tears me up? No, I leave the study as fast as I can."

"Have you ever asked to see her?"

"No, what's the point?"

"Right, start with going down to her and then apologise to her."

"I've done nothing wrong!"

"Helen, each of us has a different outlook on what goes on around us. I might think I've done nothing wrong but others can look at it differently. If nothing else, apologise for your attitude."

"That won't fix things."

"I can't see anything broken?"

"That's not what I meant, Tammy."

"Okay, why did you think you were getting an inheritance?"

"I'm her niece, I'm entitled."

"Firstly, no-one has the absolute right to benefit from a will, but you also have substantial assets of your own."

"Most of which I can't get at, yet."

"Granted, but have you been asked to pay for anything here?"

"Only personal items, and I have some income."

"Including the payment from Parliament for the seat your mother never took."

"Ironic that one, isn't it. I have interest from some of the funds as well."

"Okay, so you have money coming in. But what are you doing with yourself?"

"Looking around."

"At what, Helen? It's the middle of winter up here and nothing much is happening, unless you're interested in frozen fish?"

"Well ...."

"Look, I think your biggest problem is that your life has no direction, no focus. Find something, decide what to do and ask Elsie if she doesn't mind you doing it."

"I don't need her permission!"

"Tell me, did your mother ever accept advice?"

"Rarely."

"I can see where you get it from. Look, a little humility can go a long way."

"Really, anyway, what about those two upstarts?"

"Who lost their parents to murder and would possibly be dead themselves if we hadn't intervened."

"Elsie didn't have to invite them here."

"She didn't, I collected them and asked Thomas if he had a room available. Elsie didn't feature in that discussion."

"So you did that without her knowledge and got away with it?"

"No, of course she knew, but she wasn't very well that day. She's a lot better now."

"Anyway, she'll give them loads of money."

"Firstly, we're going to a reading of their parents' will soon so we'll have a better idea what they'll be worth when Finlay turns eighteen, secondly Cathy is looking to adopt them."

"That would make them grandchildren."

"Yes."

"Why is Cathy doing that, did Elsie tell her to?"

"No, but Cathy thought it was the right thing to do. Did you know she can't have children of her own?"

"No."

"Look, find something to do and you'll still be welcome here. However, if you shout and swear at Elsie, I'll pack your bags for you."

Helen thought about Tammy's words.

"I s'pose so."

"What happened to that Open University course?"

"I just did an access module, a very broad course, and I got credits from that for other courses."

"So why didn't you go onto another course?"

"I couldn't see one that I liked, and I lost interest."

"Were you on the cruise when you did the module?"

"Yes, I finished it back here."

"Have you considered doing an educational cruise, find a subject that interests you and cruise at the same time?"

"Do they exist?"

"Sure, there's cruises for everything, although you might have to cross the Atlantic for some of the weirder ones, there's loads."

Tammy left Helen to ponder her fate, although it did seem that Miss McPherson's mood had improved. Tammy's phone rang.

"It's Ben, I'm on my way up."

"Aren't you on gardening leave?"

"It's more complicated than that, I'll be with you in fifteen."

"I'm at Elsie McPherson's."

"Can you meet me at your home?"

"Sure."

Tammy freshened herself in her bathroom before heading back across, at least her buggy would get a charge whilst it was back at Dunbankin'. Her parents weren't back, they were visiting Tesco after dropping Suzie off at the airport at Wick. Pru wasn't in either, it was a public holiday in Scotland.

"Will you be here for lunch?"

"I don't know Zara, what's the time?"

"Half eleven."

"I have no idea what this meeting's about, or how long it'll be?"

"How about I make up a plate of sandwiches?"

"Thanks, coffee for two?"

"Coming up."

"You're in a good mood today."

"I've had a couple of days off and it's a new year."

"Did you hear from your father?"

"Yes, he apologised for screwing up the catering company but still thought I should have stayed with him!"

"Oh well." Tammy went to move the chairs around.

The doorbell sounded, Zara was closer.

"DS Franklin to see Miss Smart."

"Tammy's in the study, sir."

"Don't you want to see any ID?"

"No, I know who you are."

"My fame precedes me?"

"Yes, and according to your wife, someone has it in for you."

Tammy came out of the study having listened to the exchange. "Infamy! Infamy! They've all got it in for me!"

She ushered Ben into the study and firmly shut the door.

"Tammy, I'm a little concerned that your housekeeper knows more than she should."

"Don't read too much, I know she has a coffee in town once a week and probably hears Sandy talking to others."

"Even so, she shouldn't be repeating that."

"I've heard that most employees have a manager they can't stick, at some point in their career. I doubt if the Police service is any better?"

"It's worse. I spent most of the weekend giving statements about recent operations, some of which were compromised because of that Inspector. A bloody joyful new year it was."

"He's out of the picture now, surely?"

"If only, the Federation are supporting him."

"What about yourself?"

"My issues are being resolved."

The secure phone rang, Tammy answered but simply asked the caller to call again two minutes later. She was ready when it rang the second time.

"Okay, we're secure."

"Thanks Tammy, do you have DS Franklin with you?"

"Yes, Kevin."

Tammy could have asked how he knew, but the answer was irrelevant.

"Good, I'll fax some paperwork for him to read and sign. You can witness then fax back to me."

"Right."

"Firstly though, what have you done with the package I sent just before the weekend?"

"It's in the safe here, why four hundred rounds?"

"That was the smallest size the RLC would supply to another site, although I'd asked for 500. Leave that with me."

"Okay, but I hadn't asked for additional ammunition?"

"It's not for you, although you can dip into it if you need to. There should have been a log sheet with it?"

"Oh, okay, but there wasn't a log."

"I'll fax one of those for you as well, but everything will become clear in due course."

The fax machine started up whilst Kevin was talking and five sheets came out. Tammy recognised one was the Official Secrets Act signature sheet, the other sheets were a Met Police transfer request. Ben signed and Tammy witnessed before popping them back in the fax.

"They're on the way to you, Kevin. Now, what's this all about?"

"Ben's joining us, officially now. Can I have a word with him?"

Tammy went in search of the coffee and sarnies, Zara was just coming out of the kitchen with a tray.

"How long are you likely to be, Miss?"

"A bit formal?"

"Well, there is a visitor on the premises!"

"To answer your question, I really don't know. Could you let Thomas know I won't be there for lunch?"

"Already done."

Tammy let herself back into the study but latched the door. Ben was just putting the phone down. She put the tray down and poured a coffee for each from the cafetière. A log sheet for the ammunition had now arrived and was on the desk.

"I guess you're owed an explanation, Tammy?"

"That would be useful, where do you start?"

"I'll sort of work backwards. I've been doing more and more work for the Counter Terrorist Unit over the last year, mostly because of you!"

"Hey, don't blame me!"

"You did seem to be connected."

"It didn't help that they were after me, or my friends."

"Well, regardless of why, I liaised with the Met Police much more during the last year than I had during the rest of my career."

"Okay, but was the bank robbery for real?"

"Of course it was, we had prior intelligence but it was meant to be at lunchtime."

"It was mid morning."

"Yes, so the units weren't in position. I was off duty, it was Sandy's birthday, but I wanted to see what I could do."

"So you borrowed my weapon?"

"Yes, sorry, but it was a useful means to an end."

"By getting you suspended?"

"That wasn't the intention! We needed to expose the Inspector and it was just too good to pass up. He immediately wanted details of my intelligence work, and, did you know he's been trying to find out where the O'Shaughnessy children were?"

"No! Did he find out?"

"Thankfully no, but you were very exposed in the town last week and could have been seen."

"As well as being unable to protect myself."

"Apologies, but would you really have pulled a weapon on a uniformed police inspector who was only asking about children, this is Scotland not the wild west!"

"Unlikely, but they'd be looking for a boy and a girl. Damn!"

"Don't worry, I know what I saw but I've also been briefed. It seems he was being paid for information, but he didn't know the value of the information he was giving away."

"A rotten apple. Did he know the Trethgarwyn family?"

"Not directly, he wasn't involved in the investigations and wasn't cleared high enough to see the final reports."

"How did he get to be an Inspector without clearance?"

"No, no, he was cleared to Confidential and could see some Secret reports if absolutely necessary; that's enough for daily police work. The problem is, anything involving you has a Secret or even a Top Secret classification. Gore, it seems, was trying to dig into your background."

"So where do we go from here?"

"I've been allocated to support you until we've been to Birmingham, then I have a training course to attend."

"In London?"

"Yes."

"Well, I'm due back at work at the National Crime Agency once this job is finished, what about you?"

"I was made an offer a few days ago, a joint offer by DI Edmunds and Dave Brown of the Security Service, that would allow me to stay up here after I've been trained."

"Doing what?"

"Running Caithness Marine and keeping an eye on you!"

Part   Eighteen   "Highland Express"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Wednesday 6th January 2016
 

"What's today's chores, Tammy?"

"Taking Florence to see the doctor at ten thirty this morning, Daisy has an appointment this afternoon."

"So, it's babysitting duty?"

"I'm no baby, Ben, and I really don't think Florence would appreciate that description."

"It's just a saying, surely you've heard it?"

"I may have, but don't call be Shirley."

"Doh! I walked into that one. Seriously, why don't both of the kids see the doctor this morning?"

"Florence has an appointment on the phone at eleven thirty, we wouldn't be back in time."

Tammy drove Florence to the Doctor's surgery, accompanied by DS Franklin.

"Good morning Tammy, from the conversation with your mother I was expecting a boy?"

"Sorry, Doctor, but for security reasons, Finlay is appearing as Florence today. I have written authority from the school, by the way."

"That isn't a problem, she faxed confirmation, it's just that she didn't mention I would see Florence. Now, dear, how old are you?"

"Fifteen, I'll be sixteen on Friday."

"I see. Now, I'll need you to strip down to your underwear and I'm required to have a chaperone in the room. I can ask Miss Smart to step out and a nurse will come in, or Miss Smart can stay?"

"Can Aunt Tammy stay, please."

"Okay, we'll do the basics first."

That took care of height, weight, BP and pulse. "Your heart's racing a little, there's no need to be worried as I think it's only 'White Coat Syndrome'."

Tammy giggled, having heard it a few times before.

"Now, Florence, please step behind the screen and undress to your underwear, then put on the gown."

If Dr Adi was surprised about Florence's breast development, she didn't say anything, not at first.

"You can get dressed again."

Florence took a few minutes, asking Tammy to help with her dress.

"Physically you're in good shape and the numbers are in the right range. Having said that, I'm going to ask for an ultrasound of your breasts and your lower abdomen. Depending on the results of that we may go for a CT scan as well."

"Am I alright, Doctor?"

"To be honest, I don't know what damage has been done. I know about the pills, but I don't know why you took them. When did you stop taking them?"

"A month ago."

"Okay, Dr Yates, the Endocrinologist at Dunbar hospital has asked for another set of bloods, so we'll do those before you leave. I'm holding off referring you to the paediatric psychiatrist as there's a month wait and I understand there's already an appointment booked."

Tammy wanted to ask questions, but not whilst Florence was in earshot. Florence didn't complain about having blood taken,, only three vials this time. Dr Adi had patients waiting so didn't have the time, or inclination, for further discussion. "I'll call Mrs Smart later."

They drove back to Dunbankin' in near silence, Florence appeared to be considering the GP's words. Once indoors Tammy took her into the study whilst Ben sat in the kitchen.

"What are we doing, Aunt Tammy?"

"Making a call."

Tammy called a Glasgow number. "Professor Roberts office."

"This is Tamara Smart, could you put me through to Julian please."

There was a short wait.

"Miss Smart, how are you?"

"Fine, Professor."

"Now, how can I be of service?"

"Hopefully you have received the background material and the recent bloods relating to Florence?"

"I have, is an Endocrinologist report available?"

"Not yet, Helen Yates will use a new set of bloods, drawn today, for that report."

"Excellent, the two sets will be a week apart. Is Miss Florence with you, or is it Finlay today?"

"Florence, Sir."

"Right, Miss Smart could you give us some privacy?"

"Certainly, Professor."

"Ciao."

Tammy joined Ben in the kitchen, Zara had made a pot of coffee for them but was in the laundry room.

"Where's your parents?"

"Why, did you want to ravish me?"

Ben spluttered his coffee over the kitchen table. "Damn you!"

Tammy just smiled. "Mum's back at work and Dad's in a meeting at the school. Neither will be back before four."

"Tammy, please don't do that. Sandy is suspicious of this work change, especially if I'm with you more."

"Come on, Ben, you've known me for long enough to know I might tease but I don't bite."

"Maybe, but Sandy barely knows you outside of the theatre."

"I'm no threat to her."

"Don't you have a boyfriend?"

"I don't have the time for one, then I might have to get him cleared!"

"Oh, you'll have to complete an officially approved relationship form?"

"Yeah, did you make that up?"

"Yes, except I think they exist in some agencies!"

Zara walked back in so Tammy decided to check on Florence. She opened the study door gently and took a look, Florence was using the handset and was hunched over the phone talking in a low voice. Tammy backed out.

"Tell me, Tammy, did you put that boy in skirts?"

"I thought you said you'd been briefed?"

"I was, plainly the reason wasn't part of the briefing."

"The short answer is no, but I'll support whatever choices he, or she, makes."

Ben's phone rang, he told the caller where he was and rang off.

"What's that?"

"I have a delivery, but no-one's at home. If you don't mind, I've asked them to come here."

It was ten minutes later when Zara opened the door to the caller.

"There's a courier for DS Franklin."

Outside, the courier was unloading the van, there were boxes upon boxes of varying sizes, Tammy could see the Metropolitan Police logo on several of the packages. Ben went outside to unlock his car, then started loading it. It was another five minutes before he signed the little screen on the device the courier held out. Back inside they moved into the kitchen.

"What's all that for?"

"A couple of uniforms, anti-stab vest, boots, that sort of thing."

"Can't you use the ones you already have?"

"No, and I've had to return all that kit.

"I suggest you check the uniform in case they included skirts, apparently I have a knack for getting boys into skirts?"

"Now you're teasing me!"

"Well, mistakes do happen."

"Not to me! Anyway, I believe you have some ammunition here?"

"Why are you asking?"

"DI Edmunds told me to collect a hundred rounds for myself, I'm expecting a delivery tomorrow and it accepts 9mm."

"I see. I'll insist on a signature."

"Naturally."

"Where are you storing this?"

"I have a safe being delivered this afternoon."

It was another fifteen minutes before Florence came out of the room, she looked tired.

"How did it go?"

"Difficult."

"Did he ask you difficult questions?"

"No, it was the ones I asked myself that were the hardest to answer."

Whilst Florence waited in the kitchen, Tammy opened the safe for Ben. He helped himself to ammunition then signed the logsheet that Kevin had faxed, with Tammy checking and countersigning.

Once Ben was happy that he had done everything necessary, and Tammy was content that she had covered what she needed, they parted company.

"We're going back to the surgery at three, can you meet me at the McPherson house a bit before three?"

Tammy and Florence had a lunch appointment with Elsie, they rode over on a buggy.

"Did you come to a decision, Florence?"

"Maybe, but I want to think about it before I say anything."

"Okay, we need to tell the Head soon."

"I know, but this isn't easy."

Both of them went to their rooms, Tammy needed to wash and redo her face, taking the opportunity to change her pad. At least she felt fresher when she went down for lunch, just before one, meeting Helen on the stairs.

"Thank you for your advice, Tammy."

"That's okay, what have you decided?"

"There's a course starting next week that's only until June that's an introduction local government."

"That sounds interesting, what's your plan?"

"I'll start a new Open University degree course later in the year but this way I can support the Thurso community council."

"Doesn't that council have a part time clerk?"

"Yes, but she's retiring later in the year and I'll apply for the position."

"What's your long term aim, then?"

"To get into Caithness council, but I'll need experience first."

"As a politician?"

"No way, no, I'll see if I can get into one of the support departments. I don't need the money but I do need real world experience."

"I don't want to sound patronising, Helen, but it sounds like you've done your research?"

"Elsie helped, she knows the lady who's retiring."

Tammy laughed, "of course she would."

"I'm still thinking of doing a cruise though."

"Which one?"

"The Northern Lights, it's in the autumn and I'm booking it after lunch."

Thomas informed them that lunch was being served.

"Alison, where's your sister?"

"Oh, Andrea has had to return to work."

Elsie was wheeled into the dining room as Tammy and Alison spoke, adding her voice to the conversation.

"I could have insisted that Andrea stayed but her career is important, plus I am feeling considerably better than I was two weeks ago."

"I wish I could have said bye to her."

"She had a call this morning, whilst you were at the doctor's surgery, she left about half an hour ago. It wasn't our usual manager though."

Tammy was concerned, "did the call come on her mobile or the house phone, Alison?"

"The house phone."

"What time?"

"Around ten o'clock."

"Okay, how was she travelling?"

"Flying but she was having to take the train to Inverness as apparently there's fog at Wick Airport. She was asked in the call how she was travelling, the caller told her about the fog."

"Excuse me."

Tammy left the dining room, she went upstairs for privacy before trying Andrea's mobile but it was off. Given that the railway line passed through a largely uninhabited area, this was not wholly unexpected. She considered her next option, opting to call DI Kevin Edmunds.

"I'm concerned about one of Elsie's nieces." Tammy explained what she knew.

"This normally wouldn't warrant any action."

"Well, given what's been happening, can you at least check the incoming calls to the house?"

"Okay, what's the number?"

Tammy gave him the number and waited whilst it was checked. It was several minutes before Kevin returned.

"I've got a list of the calls from nine this morning and there's no London numbers. There's a mobile at nine fifty five and a local call fifteen minutes later."

"Can you see who owns that mobile?"

"You do realise that all this has to be logged?"

"Yes, Kevin."

"Give me a minute."

Tammy waited, and waited.She took the opportunity to check the train times, there was a 1306 departure that looked likely, it was now ten past one.

"That phone was purchased this morning in Inverness, and it's near Thurso right now."

"Bugger, is there a name?"

"None recorded, it's a Pay As You Go phone. That's the only call it's ever made."

"Damn, we need to find Andrea."

"I've sent an alert to Police Scotland."

"Isn't there anything more we can do?"

"The phone's moving, it's location is given as Halkirk."

"That's the village next to Georgemas Junction, on the line between Inverness and Wick."

"So it's on the train? I'll update the alert and give them a call."

Alison came to find Tammy. "Any news?"

"I'm not sure, but I don't think Andrea's safe." Tammy was trying to put on a brave face but was soon in tears. "I can't protect her."

Alison sat next to Tammy, putting her arm around the girl. "Look, it's probably nothing."

"No, that call was fake, she's been targeted."

Her phone started to make noises. "Tammy, Tammy?"

"Here, Kevin."

"Police Scotland will meet the train at Helmsdale, that's the first place they can get a unit to."

"That's an hour down the line from here!"

"Can't be helped, they've had to get an armed unit from Inverness as a precaution."

"Can't we stop the train? Bring it back?"

"No, Scotrail wouldn't do that unless we could demonstrate a danger to the train."

"Is there nothing we can do?"

"We wait, that's all."

Part   Nineteen   "Shotgun Diplomacy"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Wednesday 6th January 2016 (Continued)
 

The waiting was awful, Tammy had kept the phone line open to Kevin but there had been no news for ages. She'd missed lunch but food was not important right now.

"Is Aunt Andrea going to be okay?"

"I hope so Daisy."

"I think it's my fault."

Tammy was still expecting to take responsibility, she was supposed to protect this family, so what was Daisy saying?

"How come?"

"I took loads of photos of Aunt Andrea, and Aunt Alison, I put them on Instagram."

"Oh, did you add descriptions?"

"Didn't really need to, when they were in their uniforms."

"Did you post photos of anyone, or anything else?"

"They went on Facebook too but that's restricted to my friends only. I didn't post any of me or Florence, but I have a few of Grandma Elsie and one or two of you."

"Did you post all of these?"

"Yes, I'm sorry."

Daisy was now crying, Alison had crept back into the room and took Daisy's hand. "Let's go and have a talk, we need to let Grandma Elsie know about this."

"No! No! I can't, she'll send me away."

"Daisy, she'll do no such thing, but we need to know what we're dealing with. Bring your phone."

Tammy needed to call Ben Franklin but she was still using her phone. DI Kevin Edmunds was near his phone, but had clearly walked away from it as Tammy could faintly hear him.

Damn, she'd concentrated on Finlay and Florence and had ignored what Daisy was up to.

"I've left her with Elsie, Tammy, she's really upset."

"Our security's compromised, Alison, I don't know where to begin or how to fix it."

"She'll delete all the photos, but I didn't realise what she was doing when she took the photos of us."

"I never thought to warn her, she just did what thirteen year old girls would do."

"Is there anything I can do, Tammy?"

"Can you get hold of my father and warn him, he should have Ben Franklin's number."

"Sure."

"We need to make sure the estate is locked down too."

Tammy reached for her bag and retrieved her weapon, she was returning it when Helen arrived.

"Sorry, Tammy, it's my fault."

"Eh?"

"I'm on Instagram and showed it to Daisy, she created her account just before New Year."

"Look, I took my eye off the ball, it's my fault."

"Tammy, what did you say?" Her phone burst back into life.

"Sorry, Kevin, we've had a security breach."

"That can wait, the train's stopped, at Scotscalder."

"That's the next station after Georgemas Junction, the line goes under a road there, the station's right by the bridge."

"The driver stopped the train, there was an incident on board, one person needed medical treatment."

"When did this all happen?"

"About half an hour ago."

"So what happened?"

"You know as much as I do now."

"Great, I don't know if Andrea is hurt, or not."

"No, so don't speculate. Now, what's the new problem?"

Tammy brought him up to date, asking him to park at Dunbankin' upon his return.

"Bugger."

"Exactly, we're supposed to be taking Daisy to the doctor's in an hour, leaving Finlay here."

"I suppose Andrea knew about the appointment?"

"Yes."

"So that could be compromised, is it important?"

"No, a check up."

"Okay, don't leave the place. Where's Ben?"

"He went home, he's due back here just before three. The appointments at quarter past three."

"That doesn't leave much time. Leave it with me."

"What about the train, Andrea?"

"I really don't have any more information yet, I'll ring off so you can speak to Ben."

Tammy's phone rang almost immediately.

"What's going on, Tammy?"

"Major cock-up Dad, Daisy's been posting photos of everyone on Instagram."

"Bloody hell. What's going to happen?"

"Daisy will be losing her phone."

"The stable door is well and truly open, so what do we do?"

"Kevin Edmunds is on the case, did you get hold of Ben?"

"Yes, he's on his way. Any news about Andrea?"

"Sort of, the train's stopped at Scotscalder and someone was hurt."

"I'm at Wick Airport, I'll take a chopper to have a look."

"Is it foggy?" Tammy's phone pinged but she ignored it, for now.

"No, some low cloud cleared about ten this morning, why?"

"It's irrelevant now. I'm not sure taking a chopper there is going to do any good, but could we have one here? In case we have to leave in a hurry?"

"Sure, give me fifteen as we'll need to refuel first."

There was a text message from Ben, simply saying he would be on his way shortly.

Tammy's room was empty, her phone was disconnected and she felt helpless. She checked the local media outlets but the story hadn't hit, not yet, social media was also quiet. Tammy remembered that Scotscalder station was in the middle of nowhere so there probably wasn't a signal there. She laid on her bed, trying to rationalise the mess that had just transpired.

Tammy had clearly been crying, her eyes were wet as she was being shaken awake.

"Come on, there's news."

"Oh?"

"Ben's just brought us up to date."

"Ok, Alison."

Tammy quickly washed her face and rushed downstairs. Ben was in the lounge, accompanied by a female officer.

"Tammy, firstly Andrea is safe."

"Oh! I'm ...... What happened?"

"Paula Lavoska grabbed her on the train as it left Georgemas Junction and told her to keep quiet, but she was seen by another passenger. When the train was approaching the next station, they pulled the emergency alarm. Paula was disarmed and restrained by an off-duty British Transport Police Officer who was on the train. The train's a short distance from the platform so that's made things a challenge."

"Was Andrea hurt?"

"No, but she's been taken to Inverness Police Station to be interviewed."

"She'll need to have a solicitor."

"She's done nothing wrong!"

"No Ben, she knows more than she should, Andrea needs guidance. Does she have to give her statement there and now?"

"It helps them, they can probably charge Paula Lavoska straight away on the basis of Andrea's statement."

"Well, she might say certain things that wouldn't help our battered security here, we need to advise her and possibly arrange for the interview to be done in a better environment?"

"She's a couple of hours away."

Outside a helicopter came into land. "That's not a problem, Ben."

"Okay, I realise that this is not an ordinary family, but the concerns can't be waved out of the way with money."

"Ben, we own a helicopter company, it's a means of transport and would cut a car ride to Inverness from hours to tens of minutes. I'll also have a solicitor meet us, we need to let Andrea know we're on the way."

"Us? Who's going?"

"Well, I'll go with Dad."

"And that leaves me where?"

"Looking after things here."

"No Tammy, no."

Richard had walked in and heard most of the conversation. "I take it Andrea's safe, and judging by the conversation is she in Inverness?"

"Yes, Dad. I don't want her to reveal any details about the security here, even accidentally."

"Okay, I'll call the solicitor and he can call the police, I'll take Alison with me to Inverness."

Richard quickly left, his phone to his ear. Alison grabbed a coat and followed him.

"I could have gone!"

"Don't get in a strop, Tammy. In case you haven't realised, even though Paula is in custody, we still don't know where Penny is."

"Well, does it need both of us?"

"Yes, Daisy has an appointment, doesn't she?"

"Seriously?"

"Yes, Penny Lavoska is around here somewhere."

"So we risk Daisy?"

"No, did you see WPC Harris?" Ben waved for Gilly Harris to join them.

"Oh, hello."

"I hope Gilly won't mind but she's the shortest officer based at Thurso. I've borrowed her for the next few hours, but we need to dress her as Daisy."

Tammy looked at the officer. "She's a bit taller than Daisy."

"But one of Florence's dresses would fit?"

"Yes, he's about the same build, and they do have several matching frocks."

"Right, so how about I take Daisy to her appointment?"

"Sorry Ben, I'll have to go, whilst you stay here with the kids."

"In that case, take one of the groundsmen as a driver."

"Right, how long do we have?"

"About half an hour."

Tammy found Finlay in his room, explaining that they needed to borrow one of his dresses.

"Okay, auntie, I did hear what you are planning."

"Why did you change your clothes?"

"I spilt some soup on the skirt of my dress, so I decided to put jeans on."

"Grandma Elsie doesn't like jeans."

"Okay."

Gilly had found a dress. "It's rather girly girly though."

"That's the style Daisy wears."

"Where can I change?"

"My room, it's next door. Did you bring any make-up?"

"Only what I'm wearing today, and that's next to nothing."

"We'll just need to give you a freshen up."

"Are there any white tights?"

Finlay reached into a drawer and threw a pair over.

Tammy wondered if Gilly had been briefed, perhaps she had the time to type up a non-disclosure agreement?

Tammy took Gilly into her room, and pointed at the door to the en suite. Tammy, meanwhile, phoned Pru.

"Can you go into the safe and retrieve the spare magazine for my pistol, it should be filled?"

"Sure, when do you need it?"

"Straight away. Make sure the place is locked tight, Dad's flying to Inverness to retrieve Andrea but there's still at least one villain around."

Tammy ejected the magazine in her weapon and checked it was full before reloading, fully expecting the next question as the bathroom door was open.

"You're armed?"

"Yes. It's legal and I'm authorised."

"Handguns aren't legal in this country for the public."

"There are exceptions, I'm one of them."

"Who do you work for?"

"Sorry, but for your own health and security you'd best not ask those questions. Right now we're going to run interference to flush out a dangerous woman."

"No-one said anything about guns, why not call in the armed support unit?"

"They would scare our target away, she's out there because her sister was the distraction. If you don't want to do this, say so now."

"What if you have to shoot?"

"Then I'll do so to protect us. We'll be in a Landrover Discovery, probably, so we'll have pretty good vision. It's a drive down to the surgery, we wait and return here, that's all."

If Gilly was worried, she was hiding it. She finished getting herself ready, Helen lent a hand with Gilly's makeup whilst Tammy went down to meet with Pru. Finally, just after three, Tammy and Gilly made their way out to the Landrover, Jonathon was their driver. There was a shotgun in the passenger side footwell.

The gates were closed as they exited the estate, the girls were in the rear, Tammy scanned the area but saw no-one who shouldn't have been there. The ride to the surgery was incident free, Jonathon pulled into the small carpark and waited for ten minutes before leaving. She sent Ben a text to confirm they were returning.

They'd almost made it back to the McPherson estate when a small car attempted to cut them up. Jonathon accelerated out of trouble and went past the main entrance. Tammy looked back at the driver but couldn't get a clear view.

Ben pulled into a single track lane, engaging four wheel drive. The car overshot the junction and took a few seconds to correct, allowing the Landrover to increase the distance. The lane was icy, very icy, with a ditch either side. The four wheel drive kept them safe as they approached the Northern estate entrance, normally only used by industrial traffic onto the estate. Jonathon made the turn without signalling or slowing, one gate was open, William was there waiting.

By the time their tail had recovered, nearly spinning into a ditch, they were safely inside the estate and the gate was closed. Tammy had Jonathon pull up just out of site.

"You are not going back there, Miss."

"I need to see."

There was a loud bang, Gilly jumped. Tammy retrieved her handgun from her open bag.

"That was William, Miss, just a warning shot probably."

"Even so?"

"Let him handle it, if she manages to get past him then we'll need you protecting the house, those are Mrs McPherson's instructions. Her other instruction is that you're not to kill anyone on the estate."

He put the vehicle into gear and pulled away before Tammy could argue. Behind them there were two more bangs in quick succession, Gilly had ducked down.

She called Ben, "we're almost at the house, someone tried to follow us through the gate."

"I saw on the CCTV, Thomas knew what was going on."

"Where are the kids?"

"In the basement, the games room. Helen's with them."

The Landrover pulled up behind the house, Tammy and Gilly went inside while Jonathon went back in the direction they'd just come from. Ben was in the lounge, along with Elsie. They were intercepted at the door.

"Would Miss like a drink?"

"Tea please, Thomas. Gilly?"

"Just a squash please."

Once Thomas left them Gilly whispered, "a butler?"

"Yes, a butler." Elsie heard her remark. "Now, Tammy, was it her?"

"I can't be certain, I didn't get a close enough look."

"So it might be Penny, but equally it could be someone else."

"Correct."

"Did you at least get the registration number?"

Gilly had that, Ben phoned Kevin with an update, Tammy went to see the children.

"I'm really sorry, Aunt Tammy."

Daisy had clearly been crying. Florence was back out of jeans and the pair were in matching tartan dresses, Florence was holding Daisy. Helen took the opportunity to head up to the bathroom.

"I guess we forgot to give you the security talk, Daisy, so all of us have to share responsibility."

"I won't do it again."

"Once we've dealt with the nasty folks, you can probably post some photos again, but Grandma Elsie values her privacy so be sensible."

Tammy's phone pinged.

On way back with Andrea

Tammy didn't want to leave the kids on their own but now needed the loo herself. Suddenly, from elsewhere in the house there was a scream.

Part   Twenty   "Party Poopers"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Wednesday 6th January 2016 (Continued)
 

Tammy was in two minds, but her first instinct was that she had to protect the children. She drew her weapon from her bag and crept up the stairs from the games room. She could hear Ben laughing and Elsie was clearly chastising someone.

"The poor girl, out, both of you!"

Ben spotted Tammy in the stairwell and came over to her.

"Helen's had to go and change, I think she'll possibly want a shower."

"What the hell happened?"

"Jonathon and William came in and walked past the downstairs loo as Helen came out. They both had their shotguns, and a rabbit."

"So was it the sight of a rabbit or the weapons?"

"Does it matter? Mrs McPherson's torn them off a strip."

"Okay, but if they felt it safe to come back in?"

"It seems the Chief did leave some protection. I informed DI Edmunds of your intentions and he must have contacted Inverness. An unmarked patrol car was waiting near the surgery and followed when you picked up your tail."

"I never saw them."

"They were given instructions not to get too close, but the car following you came up as stolen."

"I see, did they get the driver?"

"Yes, she's a known local, and was paid to run you off the road."

"No-one else, no other cars?"

"No, just this one."

"So where does that leave us?"

"I wish I knew, it's a ruddy cat and mouse game."

"Great, all we can do is wait for their next move? Oh, where did the rabbit come from?"

"William bagged it, said there were a couple but he missed one."

"Okay, do we know where everyone is? Cathy's at work, the twins are with my dad in the chopper, Pru was at our's, where's Angela and mum?"

"Angela's helping your mum at the school apparently, checking in the returning students."

"Did you know there's a party tomorrow for Finlay and Daisy's birthdays?"

"No, who'll be here?"

"That depends who is back at school by tomorrow afternoon."

"How's this going to be managed? We can't afford to just leave the gates open?"

"I have a feeling Elsie was organising it, with Cathy."

"I'm not sure that we'd properly equipped here to manage a children's party?"

"I'll be sixteen on Friday, DS Franklin, not a small child!"

"Sorry, Finl.., Florence." Florence was a few steps below Tammy on the stairs, with Daisy sat at the bottom.

"We're bored, can we come up?"

Tammy deferred to Ben, "whatever you decide, make it quick before I also have an accident!"

"Okay, okay, the coast is clear at the moment."

Tammy finally received her tea, and a chance to relax. As the sun set over the McPherson estate, all they could wonder was what would the next day herald?

 
Thursday 7th January 2016
 

Breakfast was almost normal, if you accept that one woman sat at the table had been subjected to threats of violence the previous day, another had recently lost her husband and one had a terminal diagnosis of cancer.

With them, a boy who was sometimes a girl and a girl who used to be regarded as a boy - and was carrying a concealed weapon.

Helen was jumpy when one of the groundsmen appeared in the dining room, in order to speak to Elsie, and felt positively queasy when she overheard that more rabbits had now been shot.

Cathy left for school just before eight, driven by William as a precaution. The school was welcoming back the young pupils today after the Christmas and Hogmanay break; there was no way her class of ten year olds could start the new year without their teacher. William would collect her at three, ensuring she was back in good time, safely.

Once she'd gone, they reconvened in the lounge. The remaining adults wondered if a joint sixteenth and fourteenth birthday party was desirable, or sensible, given the security concerns. Plainly the fifteen year old and thirteen year old attempted to veto any moves to scrub the party.

"We've always had a joint party."

"How about we delay it, until it's safer?" Elsie offered.

"No!" Florence and Daisy wouldn't accept this.

"Then, I suppose we go ahead. When and where?"

"Could we hold it in the school?" Tammy offered.

"Could the staff cope at such short notice?"

No-one could answer that, but the question became irrelevant.

"I want to be Florence, wouldn't the school have a problem with that?"

"You do realise, that you'd be announcing Florence to quite a few students regardless where we hold the party?"

"I do, but at least the Head couldn't stop the party if it's held here?"

Elsie coughed, "But I could. Anyway, I don't think that Steven would do that."

Finlay was clearly thinking a response, the room waited. "Could we have our make-overs today?"

"You'd normally have to book well in advance."

"Oh." It looked odd to have a boy pouting, let alone asking such questions.

"Okay, I'll call Sandy and ask."

The boy's face brightened and Daisy had a sense of glee. Tammy went into the conservatory for some privacy, although it wasn't very warm in there. her phone call didn't start well.

"Sorry, but I'm on my own today, with a diary full of appointments"

"What's up?"

"Debbie's gone to Inverness to get our stock, the delivery didn't happen yesterday. Added to that, Jane's coughing badly and Joanne slipped yesterday so can't stand for a few days."

"Oh, anything broken?"

"Thankfully no, just a badly bruised ankle and a pulled tendon. She'll be off until Monday probably."

"Damn, Florence and Daisy will be upset."

"Why not ask Tanya? She can't do waxing but is capable of everything else."

"I'd forgotten that, what's John's position?"

"He's improving and can drive again, give them a call. It'll be good for Tanya to get out."

"True. How are Tanya's sessions coming along?"

"She's coming to terms with it, but she'd like some closure. I heard a rumour that the woman was arrested?"

"Her sister was, she tried to abduct Andrea."

"Oh, that wasn't in the news."

"The police are keeping a lid on it, for now. Where did you hear it from?"

"Sandy Franklin saw me this morning as I arrived, oh a customer has arrived - got to go."

Tammy finished the call, she phoned Tanya who agreed, so long as lunch was included. Her next stop was the loo, the chill had reached her bladder.

"Well," as she returned to the lounge, "there's some good news and some bad news."

"Fewer dramatics please, Tammy."

"Yes, Elsie." The young ones giggled. "Sandy Smith is running solo today and can't fit anyone else in, but Tanya is available and will be over about eleven."

"Is she okay about this?"

"Yes, and John's coming over with her."

"Good, we can accommodate two extra for lunch, I don't think it'll be a good idea for these two to be made up before lunch?"

"Maybe a swim first? I'll suggest Tanya brings a swimsuit."

"It's being cleaned this morning, perhaps your pool?"

"Sure, I'll organise that. I wonder if any of the girls at school want to join us?"

"Hold on, young lady?"

"Well, a pool party? Followed by a make-over session?"

"I guess you'd like lunch by the pool?"

"I'd best let Zara know!"

Tammy realised, after everyone had agreed this was a good plan, that it was still early January. Outside there was snow and ice, with an air temperature hovering around zero during the day. It was their proximity to the sea that kept Thurso's weather mild, compared to most of the Highlands in the winter.

Firstly she scooted over to Dunbankin' to speak to her father, she brought him up to date.

"Well, it's workable, but we'll need to make sure the barn is warm. We installed a ground-coupled heat exchanger to heat the water during the autumn, the same system keeps the open area of the barn at a near constant temperature."

"Okay, so it doesn't need much power?"

"The pool only normally needs power for the pumps, plus lighting. I'd take the covers off now though, check the water at the same time."

"Right, who's back at school?"

"Your mum reported that Lori, Jeri and Ellie are back in town although Lori has her own apartment."

"Any sign of Martina?"

"No, and her mobile is off. The Headmaster doesn't want to start enquiries before Monday, but officially she's due by Sunday."

"Okay, can we use a school minibus to get the girls here?"

"I would imagine so. What about any boys?"

"I'll check with Florence and Daisy."

"Do that soon, I'll organise the minibus for eleven thirty."

"Why not eleven?"

"So you have some time to talk to John and Tanya before the place is overrun!"

"Doh! Thanks Dad."

Tammy sent a text invite to the three girls as she walked over to the pool, within a few minutes she had 3 positive responses, although Lori complained that she'd have liked a bit more notice.

Next was a call to Kevin Edmunds that she didn't want to make.

"What's the problem, Tammy?"

"I think we have a leak, an unintentional one."

"Who?"

"Ben Franklin's wife, Sandy. He obviously says things to her and these are being repeated by Sandy during the day."

"Examples?"

"Well, Sandy Smith spoke to her this morning, then Tara told me a few days ago that Sandy Franklin was overheard in the hotel bar." Tammy explained what had been said.

"I see, this is worrisome."

"As far as I see it, Sandy may be talking to trustworthy friends but has no idea who is also listening."

"Has Ben arrived yet?"

"No, not when I'd left."

"I'll send him on an errand then, how did you get on with PC Harris yesterday?"

"A bit green but okay, why?"

"As everyone's met her, I'll ask Police Scotland to release her for a day or two, what's today's plan?"

Tammy explained.

"Oh, she'll need a swimsuit too?"

"I bet that's not standard police uniform?"

"Probably in some countries, but not in the UK!"

"What about Sandy Franklin?"

"There's a risk to tomorrow's travel, we can only assume that Ben's told his wife what he's doing."

"Indeed, we were due to leave here at ten in the morning."

"Leave that with me, where's your father?"

"Indoors, Pru's in the office."

"Okay, I'll liaise with them."

---

Tanya and John arrived shortly after eleven.

"We had to wait for the gate to be opened!"

"Yes, Tanya, we're having a few security issues."

"Oh, sorry Elsie."

John pulled Tammy to one side.

"She's a little pensive if we pull up at a junction or get stuck. It couldn't have taken half a minute for the gate to be opened, but she was starting to freak."

"So what's worse, the attack or losing the child?"

"It's the attack that's still giving her nightmares, it's as if she was never pregnant."

"Oh, I was hoping she'd come to terms with the loss?"

"The shrink thinks she's blanked it, trouble is it could come back. At least she's dealing with the PTSD from the incident."

"It wasn't an incident."

"The shrink is calling it an incident, to reduce the severity, and it's helping me."

Tammy waited a few seconds before her questions continued. "How are you, physically?"

"I'm going back to work on Monday, but I'm doing half days at the Thurso office for a few weeks."

"So no driving to Inverness?"

"Not for a while yet, I can manage ten to fifteen minutes behind the wheel but that's all."

"Are you going to swim?"

"My doctor says it'll help but I have a nasty scar, two in fact."

"Did you bring a swimsuit?"

"No, I really don't think I should be in the water with others."

"Ridiculous."

"I know, but it's done."

"Then you can wear a one piece, that'll cover it up."

John's response was swift. "I'll look truly stupid."

"Everyone there will be in a bikini or a one piece, so you won't stand out."

"What will Tanya say?"

"By the time Elsie's finished with her, she'll be fine. Come upstairs and I'll find one for you."

"I really shouldn't."

"Okay, I'll ask one of the girls to join us, the only males here are the staff."

"If it was anyone else ......."

"Look, I promise I won't get you in a skirt."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Tammy quickly told Alison what she was planning, so that Elsie would be duly informed, then escorted John to her room. He was uncomfortable, to say the least. John had been Tammy's room mate at school for five years before they achieved individual accommodation, although Tammy had still been Tom at that point. As such they had been close buddies, and both had been in states of undress many times.

This was different.

"When did you last shower?"

"Er? Last night."

"Can you have one now then, don't worry about your hair. I've some hair removal cream so you can clear those hairy legs of your's."

"I shaved them."

"When, why?"

"Tanya wanted them smooth, this was last week."

"Anything else?"

"She's behaving like a sixteen year old again, the maturity has gone."

"Maturity? Are you sure?"

John laughed, "I know, but it was there at times. Thing is, I like this Tanya, but our relationship has changed."

"In what way?"

"Stronger, but like we're courting and not on the point of marriage. Sex is off the menu."

"Completely?"

"Yes, I think the wedding won't happen either."

"Oh, her mum will be devastated."

"Sandy understands, but my mother won't."

"How is she?"

"Her short term memory has completely gone and her long term memory is suffering. Dad's close to a breakdown just trying to cope with her."

"Does she know about the miscarriage and everything else?"

"No, but she does remember that she's supposed to go to a wedding and has bought four dresses so far, even if she can't remember who's getting married. I ought to see her, before ...."

"That bad?"

"It won't be long before there's nothing of my mother left, Dad will have to get help or put her in a care home."

John was tearful.

"I'm sorry, truly sorry."

"Do you have a new razor I can use, just to tidy up?"

"You don't mind?"

"No."

"Hold a minute, I'll find that new swimsuit I bought for our European trip, it's a size up from my existing ones but I haven't worn it yet. You can get into it once you're dry, but use some talc first."

"Sure."

Tammy was waiting for John when he finally emerged. He did look like a man in a one piece swimsuit, but not in a bad way. "It's more comfortable than I thought."

"I see you re-arranged yourself." Tammy's eyes had been drawn to his crutch.

"Umm, it seemed sensible."

"Okay, I have some things for you to wear."

On the bed were a set of joggers, in grey and pink. Tammy was dressed similarly, having changed into a bikini whilst he was in her bathroom.

"That?"

"Well, you can hardly go over to our pool in just a swimsuit!"

They returned to the lounge, with John expecting hilarity. All they saw were solemn faces.

"Sandy Franklin didn't make it to work this morning."

Part   Twenty One   "Need To Know"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Thursday 7th January 2016 (Continued)
 

"What's happened?"

"All we know is that Ben called, the library assistant couldn't get in and called Ben at home. Sandy went out just after eight as normal apparently."

"Okay, Elsie, who else knows?"

"I've called your father, William and Jonathon are manning the gates."

Tammy's mobile started to ring at that moment. She walked out of the lounge.

"Hello Kevin, I've just heard."

"Do you know anything else?"

"Only what I said earlier, she was seen by Sandy Smith."

"Right, we'll get an officer to interview Mrs Smith, where will I find her?"

"Thurso Beauty Salon."

"Okay, I suggest you evacuate the children and anyone else at risk, we have to assume that tomorrow's travel plans have been compromised."

"Understood."

"I've just spoken to your father, he's assisting with the new travel arrangements. I'm heading North now but someone else will meet you on the way."

The line went dead, she wasn't surprised to hear from her father almost straight away.

"I've organised a helicopter, it'll be with you in thirty once it's fully fuelled and checked over. Who's there?"

Tammy rattled off a list.

"We may have a problem, Pru noticed a car parked on the road near the estate entrance when she arrived."

"The only arrivals so far have been Tanya and John."

"They're at risk if they leave."

"Who'll be on the chopper?"

"Obviously Florence and Daisy ...."

"Hold it, Finlay's here right now!"

Tammy went back to the lounge. "We need Florence, you've got twenty minutes to change and pack. Daisy, you need to pack as well." Tammy reckoned the chopper could be a bit quicker than her father's estimate, fortunately Alison and Andrea offered to help. The doorbell sounded and everyone froze, Thomas was already at the door.

"I'm WPC Harris."

"Welcome to the madhouse, do you have an overnight bag?"

"I keep one in my car this time of year, why?"

"Unfortunately our plans have just changed, you're going on a trip, returning Sunday."

Gilly went back to her car, just as a shotgun went off. Tammy grabbed her bag and ran outside. "Hold on Dad, it's getting mad here." She cut the line and dropped the phone in her bag, whilst retrieving her weapon.

Gilly was crouching behind her car, Tammy crept along and squatted next to her. "What did you see?"

"That male," she pointed at Jonathon, "fired through the gate without a warning so that's an offence."

"Don't start on the staff, they're protecting the folk here and it could have been an animal?"

Tammy moved around the car so she could see Jonathon, he was looking down the lane, through the locked gates.

"What's up?"

"I thought I saw someone in the lane following the WPC's car, I closed the gates before they could get close."

"Did you shout a warning?"

"No, I fired a blank in the air in case it was a loose buck, I've salt and shot cartridges with me as well."

"What have you seen since?"

"Nothing, yet."

"I'm told there was a car on the main road, near the turning for the estate."

"Okay."

Tammy went back to Gilly. "It looks safe, but please take your bag and get inside quickly, I'll follow you."

A minute later they were in the lounge, Tammy had started to pack a weekend bag so now rushed to finish the job. She met Alison on the stairs.

"Florence is changing, I'm going to pack a bag and come along."

"Are you sure?"

"You might need a nurse, plus another pair of hands would be advisable?"

"Sure, so that's three adults and the two children." What about John and Tanya?

They split to their rooms. Cathy and Joan had wanted to be there and had both taken the Friday off work, but right now Alison would be the only adult McPherson on the flight.

Tammy noted that John's clothes were gone from her room, Tanya came to see her just after Tammy had changed out of her bikini, but redressed in her joggers.

"Where's John's clothes?"

"I think the maid took them, they would have been cleaned by the time we'd finished in the pool."

"Thanks for persuading John to get in the pool, he's quite upset about the scars."

"You don't mind about the swimsuit?"

"No, I offered him one of mine this morning!"

"There's a car watching who comes in, you shouldn't leave here until the road's been checked."

"Actually, won't you need my skills?"

"Perhaps, what do you suggest?"

"Elsie's told me the rough plan, you need to disguise the boy as a girl, but you still have a younger girl to disguise? I'm told that policewoman has pretended to be one of them, as well."

"Sure, that might help. Finlay is very adept at becoming Florence, but I reckon she'll need a more grown up look."

"Joanne showed me some theatre make-up techniques a year back, how about we turn Daisy into a small boy?"

"We don't have time now."

"No, I'll come with you. We'll sort the children out on the way."

"Florence has plenty of girl clothes but we don't have any boy stuff that will fit Daisy."

"I'm sure one of us can sort that out, we'll only need one or two sets for key times."

"Okay, but what about yourself?"

"I have a change of clothes in my swim bag, I'll muddle."

"Well, you would probably fit my stuff, you're looking good."

"Thanks, I'll need clean undies and I'm sure that can be organised."

"What about John?"

"Wouldn't it be useful to have a legal secretary?"

"Well, he has no clothes. Can we put him in something of yours?"

"I promised I wouldn't put him in a skirt!"

"Your jeans and trousers wouldn't fit him, there's a four inch difference!"

"Are you trying to turn him into your girlfriend?"

"Well, you managed it with a few others!"

"Really, Tanya, we don't have time for a discussion about this. Fine if you want to join us, but to be honest John would be surplus."

"Okay, his parents live near Birmingham so maybe he can join us for the ride?"

They all headed downstairs as the helicopter came into land, Richard was in the lounge, he handed Tammy an envelope.

"Don't open that until you're in the air. I've picked up your mum's bag, pick her up at the school."

"Okay Dad. Alison's coming with us."

"So that's four adults plus Florence and Daisy. I asked Pru to rebook six rooms."

"What's the plan?"

"I've told the pilots, there's no need for anyone else to be put at risk at the moment."

The six of them, plus Richard, went out to the helicopter. Tammy and Richard ensured they were all seated and belted before Tammy took the co-pilot's seat, which included a comms helmet. Richard closed the doors and they were airborne just in time to see a school minibus approach the estate gates, hopefully a suitable cover story could be organised.

It was a short flight over to the school, landing out the front on the gravel driveway. Tammy hopped out to open the rear door to admit Joan, getting her belted before she could take her place again.

"Where are we going, Tammy?"

"I don't know, mum."

This helicopter was one of the twelve passenger types, suitable for oil rig crew changes, so everyone had space. Tammy waited until they were airborne before speaking to the pilot.

"Pete, what's the flightplan?"

"Aberdeen Airport, for a tarmac transfer to a private flight. We lodged a flight to Inverness but it'll be changed once we're airborne and well South."

They lifted and very quickly cleared the school grounds. Tammy could now see a caretaker was closing the school main gates, clearly there was a huge security risk that could affect many more people than just the occupants of the helicopter.

Tammy checked everyone was comfortable, as best she could over the noise of the rotors. It was the first time several of them had flown in a chopper, so some faces looked a little green. Tammy pointed at the paper bag supply, just in case. Joan seemed to have a supply of travel sickness pills and started to offer these, insisting that the two youngsters took one.

She now opened the envelope. Pru had completely rebooked their travel and accommodation; they would now fly into Coventry where a coach would meet them, as well as DI Kevin Edmunds and a number of local officers. The name of the hotel wasn't given, they would be taken directly by the coach.

Pru hadn't changed the appointment at the solicitors, this was a precaution. She had however, cancelled all of the Saturday bookings for the recording studio and created a spurious booking for the following morning, her note included the security code. All the relevant contact numbers were included, as well as maps of the locations they would be visiting.

Their flight took them well away from built up areas, avoiding major roads, hopefully any observers in Thurso wouldn't know where they were going.

Several of the passengers fell asleep, although Tammy was spending her time exchanging text messages with Kevin to confirm who was on the flight, double checking her father's information presumably. Naturally, access to the mobile network was patchy and it was pointless to try making a call.

Two armed and uniformed officers were waiting near the business terminal helipad when they touched down.

"Miss Smart?"

"Yes."

"Could you gather everyone together, we're to escort you across to the far side of this terminal."

Tammy wasn't happy, their chopper would have landed right next to their onward flight, or transport could have been provided. Instead they were being told to walk.

"No."

"Pardon?"

"We are not going to walk, we would be far too exposed and we don't know the limits of our security breach yet. Either you arrange transport or we'll use the chopper to hop across there."

"We can't provide transport."

"Then we'll contact someone who can."

"Hold on!"

"No, you hold on."

Gilly had now disembarked, and produced her warrant.

"I suggest you comply, with my limited knowledge of Miss Smart you should consider your options. Where's the force vehicles?"

"Are you the protection detail?"

"No, my role hasn't been explained yet, but Miss Smart is correct in her assessment, the longer we're stood here, the greater the risk."

Tammy was on the phone to Kevin.

Tammy explained the situation. "Look, who organised these goons?"

"Police Scotland. I'll get onto them."

Suddenly an airport bus arrived, the officers clearly hadn't done anything to arrange this, but Pete was smiling.

"I've been told to take you over there."

They piled onto the bus, the police officers went to board as well but Tammy told them they weren't needed. Gilly just shrugged.

"We're not happy, Miss Smart. What if there was an incident?"

"Well, if we had transferred immediately by bus, no-one would have paid us much attention. But because we've been stood here we've attracted attention. Thanks for nothing. Oh, I'm armed so you can put those toys away."

"Who do you work for?"

"Sorry, that's a 'need to know'."

The driver closed the door and pulled away. Two minutes later they were parked next to a small jet. Tammy didn't recognise it so asked the bus driver.

"It's a Bombardier Challenger 300, seats eight comfortably plus two crew so you should be fine."

"So long as there's a loo!"

"Just open the rear door!"

This alarmed Daisy and Joan had to placate her, although Florence had caught the pun. Tanya was being very quiet but Tammy didn't have time to deal with her.

They transferred quickly and were introduced to their crew, Hailey and Pauline.

"Right, please make sure you're buckled up and we'll get this show on the road, in the air I mean!"

Pauline was clearly the second in command as she checked everyone before returning to the cockpit. They were already rolling by the time she'd taken her seat. The take off was quick, very quick, and not everyone was happy with their stomachs, which were complaining about the G force.

Once Pauline re-appeared in the cabin the seatbelt sign was off, but no-one had noticed. John, however, had a pressing need.

"Loo?"

"Just aft."

He whispered into Tanya's ear.

"Oh."

Tammy giggled. "Well, don't take all day."

John was still wearing the swimsuit so would have to struggle with that.

"Now you'll appreciate what we have to do!"

John made his way there, clearly the swimsuit had shifted and he wasn't comfortable. Pauline wasn't entirely certain what was going on, judging by her expression, but didn't ask any questions.

"Our flight time is ninety minutes, would anyone like a drink? We have tea, coffee, soft drinks and champagne."

The alcohol wasn't needed, but the first officer had a full drinks order, there was a small galley beside the loo in the forward section of the plane. The last of the drinks had been served by the time John returned.

"Drink, Sir?"

"No thanks, I don't want to use the loo again!"

Tammy relaxed, the seating was very comfortable, there was a selection of radio stations available, but before she could decide what type of music she wanted, her phone pinged.

Kevin: Sandy Franklin has been found

Tammy replied, asking if she was okay. The reply took a painful fifteen minutes.

Deceased

Part   Twenty Two   "Diversions"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Thursday 7th January 2016 (Continued)
 

Tammy stared at her phone, there was nothing she could have done. Hopelessness was her second feeling, following sorrow and despair. Her sobs didn't take long but she didn't want to upset anyone else in the cabin. Fortunately she was sat in the front row.

It didn't take long, however, for the first officer, Pauline, to notice something was amiss.

"What's wrong, is there anything I can do?"

"I've had some bad news."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"I really need to make a call, how much further?"

"We've just passed Glasgow, so another hour or so?"

"Damn, I must have got a signal over Glasgow?"

"Sorry but we can't fly lower, and there's not much in the way of civilisation for a while. We have satellite phone, however, and wifi."

"No-one said."

Tammy was given the wifi access but didn't want to try a satellite call, unlike her phone it wouldn't be secure. She emailed her PA, Pru, asking for an update. It took a few minutes to get a reply for each message.

Hi Tammy,
We have Police outside here and at Elsie's. Had DI Edmunds on the phone telling us to stay here and not to speak to callers.

Thanks Pru,
Anything else?

Sorry Tammy,
We've heard nothing more, your father is with Elsie. Have you tried calling?
Pru

Can't! No signal!

Tammy was concerned, something was happening in Thurso but Pru couldn't, or wouldn't, give any more details. She surfed the press websites for any news but according to the newspapers and TV outlets nothing was happening in the Highlands.

What could she say to Kevin? Tammy turned her phone over in her hands, she needed answers but didn't know what questions to ask.

Joan was the first of the passengers to query why Tammy was upset, although how had she detected this from 2 rows back? Joan swapped seats with WPC Gilly Harris so she was adjacent to Tammy.

"What's up?"

"I'm just tired mum, tired and worn out."

"You need a break."

"We tried, that lasted three days!"

"No, from all this work, you must have a complete break."

"I suppose so."

"Good, what's really troubling you?"

"I received a message, but I don't know how to handle it."

"What's the message?"

"Sorry, but I don't want to burden you with it. Once we land I can find out exactly what's happened."

"You shouldn't carry all this by yourself."

"I know, but it's dangerous for others to be involved in my work, or even to just have some idea what's going on."

"Don't be so melodramatic, Tammy."

"It's true, though, people get hurt because of me."

"Did you direct the Gores?"

"No, of course not."

"Did you stalk Angela?"

"Don't be silly."

"What about Yvonne Stewart, did you inspire her to be like that?"

"No. I see what you're saying but things happen around me."

"Would they have happened anyway?"

"Probably."

"So you carry guilt for things you couldn't affect."

"But I could try to stop things, like this." Tammy looked around to check on Daisy and Florence, both were seemingly asleep. "Sometimes there's knock-on effects, unfortunately."

"And that's part of the problem."

"But then I wouldn't be protecting you all."

"So there's the guilt, who is it this time?"

Tammy whispered, "Sandy."

"Sandy Smith?" Joan glanced at Tanya, who had also dozed off.

"No, Ben's wife."

"So, what happened?"

"She disappeared this morning but Kevin Edmunds says she's dead."

"Oh, the poor woman, if it's true."

"Quite, and probably the end of Ben's career as well."

"What happened?"

"I don't know, I only had a one word message from Kevin and I haven't heard anything since, not that I really know what to ask?"

"So you feel responsible?"

"Of course I do."

"So, once again, you blame yourself?"

"Well I did ....."

"No you didn't, I don't know what trouble Sandy was dragged into, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't your fault."

Tammy refreshed the screen of her phone, which was on the BBC Scotland page. A new news story was at the top of the page.

Woman found dead in Thurso
 
Reports have come in that a woman has been found dead near Thurso Harbour. The area has been screened off and Police Scotland will only say that their enquiries are continuing.

"It's true!"

Joan read the short article. "It doesn't say much at all."

"Well, it's obviously Sandy."

"Is it? I thought you were working in London as an analyst? That article has more holes in it than my lettuce washer."

Tammy re-read it. "Yeah, it doesn't say a thing."

"So, keep an open mind."

"Has someone abducted my mother and replaced her with a replicant? You certainly don't sound like her right now!"

"Tammy, unless I have proof then I'm certainly not going to panic. I get told a load of rumours every day and most are hogwash or at least a re-interpretation of the truth."

"So?"

"So, wait until you have more information." Joan moved back to her seat, a minute later Tammy could hear movement behind them, Florence was stretching. "Where are we?"

Tammy didn't know, she pressed the call button on her seat's armrest and waited for the first officer to return.

"Refreshments?"

"Not for me, how far out are we?"

"We've picked up a bit of time, just under half an hour to go."

Florence moved forward. "What's happened?"

"Why?"

"I heard you talking to Mrs Smart."

"I'm not sure, there's not much verifiable information right now."

"Someone's dead?"

"We don't know, and it's wrong to speculate."

"You did."

Tammy knew there was a three year gap between herself and this precocious teenager but that didn't seem to make much of a difference right now. Florence, or at least Finlay, was the product of a good education and that created difficulties at times.

"I was thinking out loud, exploring possibilities."

"I see."

"Now, it's entirely likely that nothing I said is correct."

"So you want me to forget I ever heard it?"

"I didn't say that."

"But?"

"Just keep it to yourself, we don't need to alarm anyone, right?"

Florence went back to her seat and Tammy tried to relax. She had her Kindle with her but couldn't concentrate enough to read. Tammy checked the BBC website again but there was no further update, none of the other media sites had any Thurso news at all.

She started wandering around the BBC site and found a story that Birmingham airport had been closed due to a security alert, with flights diverted to Manchester and Coventry. Tammy was still short on solid information and didn't know if their flight would be affected. A minute later, a change in engine tone was heard, followed by a chime. Then the seat belt sign was lit.

"Please make sure you are in a seat and your seat belt is fastened. We are being diverted and have to drop to a lower altitude."

They passed through a cloud layer and Tammy could see the English countryside below, postage stamp sized. She wasn't expecting the military jet to come alongside.

"We are being escorted into RAF Cosford, I'm afraid that's all we know at present."

Tammy's phone now pinged, but behind her everyone was now aware and anxious.

Have diverted your flight, will explain later

What about Sandy?

Explain later. Sorting transport

Tammy sighed, she hated being out of the loop.

"What's up Tammy?"

"DI Edmunds arranged for us to be diverted, but that's all I know, Alison."

The engine tone changed again and they were losing altitude. The military aircraft stayed with them, Tammy tried to bring up a map on her phone but the wifi was off and her phone connection wasn't stable enough.

It was another ten minutes before there was any more news.

"We're on final approach."

Tammy wondered if the flight crew had every flown into a military airport before, wasn't there a museum here? Their escort had now disappeared, they were losing altitude fast, but controlled.

They touched down with a slight bump on the asphalt surface. Tammy look out of the window but couldn't see much.

"We're following a vehicle to the terminal but we have no further information I'm afraid."

Tammy couldn't turn around, but Gilly Harris was now sat back in her original seat. Tammy guessed that Gilly knew even less than herself.

"Is it always like this with you, Miss Smart?"

"Please, call me Tammy, and no, sometimes it's more intense."

Tammy could now see buildings so guessed they were approaching their destination, albeit at five miles an hour. A minute or two later the brakes engaged.

"The control tower has instructed us to wait here. You are not to use any mobile phones and the wifi has been disabled. Sorry, but those are the instructions we received."

Five minutes later a set of steps was wheeled to the plane, the first officer unlocked the port side door. An officer boarded.

"Miss Smart?"

"Yes?"

"Could I see your firearm?"

Tammy reached into her bag and retrieved it, having failed to inform the crew she was carrying it - Pauline was not happy.

"Could you remove the magazine, then pass it to me?"

Tammy did as asked and handed it over.

"I'd like your licence as well."

She dived back into her bag and found the Met Police licence, as well as her Get Out Of Jail Free letter on parliamentary paper. These were handed back.

"Thank you, if you could all please follow me?"

Having handed over her weapon, Tammy was going to follow even without an invite. A bus had pulled up and slowly they all made it down the steps, carrying their luggage. A short journey took them to the terminal building, although the only facility was a NAAFI shop - albeit closed.

Tammy had clearly been identified as group leader, or perhaps the greatest risk taker, but when she went to find out what was happening, no-one knew.

"Sorry Miss, we've not been told."

The officer who had her weapon was nowhere to be seen.

Daisy was clearly uncomfortable and Florence was doing her best, along with Alison. John was looking like he needed the loo again, whilst Tanya wasn't seemingly bothered. Joan and Gilly were talking, leaving Tammy on her own.

"Miss Smart?"

Tammy spun around.

"Kevin!"

"I've just arrived. I have something for you." He handed her Glock, she dropped it in her bag; the officer didn't look happy.

"DI Edmunds has assured me that you are properly qualified and certified. Where was your last certification?"

"Err, Royal Navy Plymouth and Hythe Ranges, both last year."

"Both military locations?" He said unnecessarily.

"Yes." Tammy felt like being facetious but held back. "Can we go?"

An airman escorted the group outside where a coach was waiting.

"We'll pick up a police escort at the gate."

"Okay Kevin, when can you brief me?"

"Not yet."

Kevin joined them on the coach and they set off. Two vehicles were waiting at the gate, neither were marked as police vehicles but Tammy didn't think that two black BMWs, either end of a coach would go unnoticed.

It was nearly an hour later when they pulled up outside the Crown Inn, just to the South of Stourbridge. Tammy's stomach rumbled, it was approaching two thirty and they hadn't had any lunch.

"Kev, what's the plan?"

"Your PA booked all of this."

"Oh, what name did she use?"

Tammy checked the envelope her father had given her, they were the Smith family.

"Hello, we're the Smiths."

The girl on reception looked up from her magazine. "Okay."

"We have rooms booked, my PA called?"

"Yeah, she was a bit vague on numbers."

"Well, there's nine of us right now."

"There's a family room and four double rooms."

Tammy did the room juggling in her head. "Fine."

She signed the booking sheet and received a selection of keys. "Up those stairs," the girl pointed.

"Is the kitchen still open?"

"Just closed, opens again at six."

"Can you tell the manager that nine of us would like to eat now?"

"'E's not 'ere."

Kevin moved forward. "Who's in charge right now?"

"Dunno."

Kevin went into the dining room, leaving the rest standing. Tammy suggested they went in search of their rooms to freshen up.

"Err, Tammy, what about me?"

John wasn't looking happy.

"Have lunch then the pair of you could go shopping?"

He shrugged, Tanya almost dragged him up the stairs, Kevin followed the group. "Chef would like our orders in the next ten minutes!"

---

With lunch out of the way, John and Tanya went into the town, accompanied by Gilly Harris. Tammy and Kevin took seats in the lounge, away from everyone else but within sight of the main entrance.

"What the hell happened this morning, Kevin?"

"Sandy Franklin was followed and apprehended by Penny Lavoska. Sandy was attacked when she didn't know the travel plans, beyond Ben being needed from Friday."

"You said deceased?"

"Sorry that message was meant to go to someone else. We decided to suggest that she'd died during the assault but she's in the Raigmore recovering."

"So why the media report?"

"We needed Penny Lavoska to believe that her attack was fatal so she won't go back to finish Sandy off. We'll find Penny, I'm certain."

"Okay, but this puts Ben in a difficult position?"

"He's burned, sorry, this was a major security blunder and we can't risk that with Caithness Marine."

"Okay, now what happened at Birmingham Airport?"

"A bomb hoax, it's being investigated."

"Any sign of Martin or Martina Gore?"

"Not yet."

"Is this all going to be worth it, in the end?"

"Maybe we'll solve two murders and confirm what the O'Shaughnessys were investigating when they were killed. I'd say that's worth it."

"I hope so."

Part   Twenty Three   "The Executor"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Friday 8th January 2016
 

Tammy's day started with a text message from Pru suggesting she check an email. Glancing at the clock, it was still six thirty whilst only the glow of street lighting was penetrating the curtains.

Tammy was sharing with Alison, who had also now woken due to the beeping of Tammy's phone, and the sudden brightness in the room.

"Ugh!"

"Sorry, I need my laptop to check an email and that meant putting on the light."

"Okay, I'll grab the shower." If Alison was upset, she didn't show it.

Tammy acknowledged Pru's text then got to work.

From: Pru Campbell
To: Tammy Smart
Date: Friday 8th January 2016
Subject: Schedule

Hi Tammy,

your father asked that I send this early today rather than last night. I've been able to reschedule some appointments and you can now see the O'Shaughnessy family solicitors at nine.
 
Wilkinson & Thompson
63 Market Street
Stourbridge
DY8 1AQ
 
Mr Chris Wilkinson is expecting Daisy & Finlay, Alison, yourself and Mrs Smart. I have received confirmation from the Official Solicitor that Mrs Smart has temporary parental status in respect of the children, a copy is attached and I have faxed this to Mr Wilkinson. Cathy McPherson has now made a foster application and has received an acknowledgement. Alison has permission to speak on Cathy's behalf.
 
You are also expected at the studio at eleven, where a representative of Grants Solicitor will meet you.
 
Assuming that these meetings go ahead as scheduled, your plane will be waiting at Birmingham Airport for departure at 5pm. I have however kept your rooms available for a second night as a precaution. Please let me know of any changes.
 
Pru

Tammy sent a quick reply thanking Pru. A few minutes later Alison was back out of the shower so Tammy took her turn.

Florence looked a little upset when she arrived for breakfast, accompanied by her sister and Joan.

"It's my birthday but I can't say anything!" She whispered. "We'll do something when we get back, promise!"

Daisy was dressed as, well, Daisy. Tammy and Kevin looked around the room in case of trouble but there were no obvious threats.

They finished breakfast by eight, with John and Tanya being the last ones down.

"Tanya, you're here as you offered to do the make-up!"

"So?"

"We have a meeting at nine, it looks like Florence will be there but we need her looking older. Daisy needs a makeover too, more androgynous perhaps?"

"What about my breakfast?"

"You can have that afterwards."

"Hey!"

"Tanya, you offered your services and accepted a free ride as well as a free hotel bed. John came along even though he's not strictly needed and it hasn't cost you a penny."

Tanya Smith went back upstairs, Alison gathered the children and followed Tanya.

Tammy and Kevin went over the day's schedule, Gilly Harris sat next to them but was really observing the room.

"So we only need the children, yourself and your mother for the first meeting?"

"Plus Alison now."

"Okay, what about everyone else?"

"We'll need Florence at the studio, I guess with my mum, Alison and myself?"

"There's plenty of unnecessary bodies here!"

"Tanya has her uses but John is spare. He was supposed to go to see his parents but I don't know what went wrong there?"

"Apparently they've gone away for the weekend, he said so last night in the bar."

"The bar? Were you in there?"

"Yes, keeping an eye on whoever arrived late."

"I see. Here's an idea, why don't John and Tanya go to the airport and wait?"

"That's too exposed, and isn't Tanya known to Martina Gore?"

"So that's a non-starter?"

"Yes, you should be aware that I'll also be with you as you can't protect that group on your own. Perhaps the others just stay here, with Gilly? You said the room reservations are okay for tonight?"

"Then, it;s agreed, they stay here and we leave town as a single group."

It wasn't long before Florence returned, looking closer to eighteen than sweet sixteen. Daisy was in leggings, a baggy pullover and looked maybe eleven or twelve rather than thirteen; still a girl though.

Tammy briefed everyone individually, Tanya wasn't happy about being cooped up.

"But ...?"

"Sorry Tanya, if you're recognised then we're all at risk."

A taxi was organised for the short journey to Market Street, an eight seater in order to cope with the group.

"Good morning, I'm Chris Wilkinson."

They were in the solicitor's private office. Tammy introduced everyone, except Kevin who was sat in the waiting area, next to another man who had already arrived.

"So this is Finlay and Daisy?"

"Finlay is Florence today, Mr Wilkinson, as we have some security concerns."

"Of course, but I've never met the children so I have no confirmation they are as you state."

Joan reached into her bag and retrieved two passports along with three school library and identity cards.

"Their passports were issued at the beginning of the summer. This is Daisy's ID card, along with Finlay's and Florence's. Finlay and Florence have the same details apart from the name."

Chris Wilkinson examined the documents, Florence leaned over to speak to Joan.

"When was that done?"

"We replaced a few cards earlier this week, I had a spare one for you made up in case you stay as Florence."

"Oh."

The solicitor seemed satisfied, "now can I establish the bona-fides of the others present?"

That took a few minutes as the solicitor also asked if he could photocopy each of the identifying documents. Kevin was concerned when he saw the traffic in and out of the solicitor's office and put his head in the room.

"Is everything okay, Miss Smart?"

"Yes, Kevin, Mr Wilkinson is just establishing who we all are."

The solicitor's clerk now returned with all the documents, gently shutting the door as she left, with Kevin back in the waiting area.

"Now, thank you for bearing with me. Given the nature of this case, I needed to be certain whom I was dealing with." He paused, then pressed the intercom for his clerk. "Could you ask Mr Kincaid to join us?"

The man who had been sat near Kevin now came in. "This is Mr Michael Kincaid, he is named as the executor and I've been in touch with him several times since we heard of Fergal and Sonia's passing."

Mike Kincaid introduced himself as a family friend but Tammy spotted blank looks from Florence and Daisy.

"I'm sorry Mr Kincaid, but if you are a friend of the O'Shaughnessy family then the children should know you." Tammy wasn't happy.

He blustered, "It was years ago, the girls wouldn't remember."

"Mr Wilkinson, what's the date of the latest will?"

"May of this year."

"Then, Mr Kincaid, who the hell are you?"

That was loud enough for Kevin to enter the room, barring the exit with his body. Chris Wilkinson was somewhat perturbed.

"What is going on?"

Tammy spoke: "I strongly believe that this gentleman is not the Executor."

"Well, I don't know who any of you are!"

Kevin produced his warrant and identified himself, Tammy reached into her bag but didn't withdraw her weapon.

The man gave in, he didn't fancy the odds.

"I've been hired to find out about the will, I'm an investigator."

"Well, congratulations, you've managed to commit fraud, allegedly of course." Kevin read the caution then phoned the local control room for transport.

"Who's with you?"

"No-one, this case stinks and I'm interested. The real Mike Kincaid died about a month ago."

"How come you were here today?"

"I was called, I left my phone number with the clerk a week ago. I never meant any harm, just wanted to hear what was behind the story."

Tammy clipped her bag shut and checked on the girls. Alison was clearly concerned, as was Joan, but Florence and Daisy were watching as if it was a TV crime show happening right in front of them.

No-one spoke for the next few minutes, before Kevin handed his prisoner over to two local officers. "I'll be along in about two hours to deal with him."

Chris Wilkinson was apologetic. "I'm sorry, truly sorry. If you want to transfer to another solicitor then I'll fully understand."

"You were duped, had you met the real Mr Kincaid?"

"No, we did everything by phone, email and fax."

"Well, nothing was disclosed."

"But, the Executor hadn't finished dealing with the estate. There's probably much more to do."

"So we can't have full disclosure today?"

"I'm afraid not, I was hoping the Executor would be able to give me an update as I had last heard from him in December."

"Apart from Finlay and Daisy, are there any other beneficiaries?"

"No, but it is clear that their parents wrote reciprocal wills but there is no allowance for the loss of both."

"I'm sorry, Mr Wilkinson, but what does this mean for the children?"

"It's a mess, but not an insurmountable one."

"What liquid assets have been identified?"

"Both the children have trust funds and the values of several investments are in an account here awaiting instruction."

"The children need money, can ten percent of that fund be transferred to each of them?"

"I can't see why not. Do Finlay and Daisy concur?" They nodded.

"How much is that?" Asked Florence.

"Five thousand pounds each."

Daisy seemed to be pleased, but Florence was concerned. "Just five K?"

"Not everything has been concluded, I'm only going by the amounts available. In this case it was a fifty thousand pound bond. Some of the shares and stocks haven't yet been sold and the Executor was looking for other accounts."

"How do we proceed?" Tammy was wondering if this could have been achieved with just a phone call.

"You need to appoint a new Executor."

"Well, can you do it?"

"Yes, but?"

"Can you?"

"Of course, but what about oversight?"

"Keep in touch with my PA, we'll keep an eye on things."

"Okay, but the beneficiaries must agree?"

Again Florence and Daisy nodded agreement, although this was beyond their experience.

"I'll have my clerk fax a document for signature."

"If she can be trusted to send it to the right number?"

"Quite, my apologies again."

Tammy wasn't happy, not by a long way, but there was a severe limit to what they could achieve given the circumstances. She glanced at a clock on the wall, it was approaching ten o'clock.

"Coffee?"

They took a taxi back to the hotel, arranging to be picked up just before eleven.

"What's going to happen, Kevin?"

"We'll deal with the studio then I have to go to Brierley Hill Police Station, that's the nearest West Midlands custody suite."

"Far?"

"Fifteen in a car, probably less."

"This is all a bit weird."

"Fraud is fraud, it comes in many forms. He might claim he had no pecuniary advantage but could have, in theory, manipulated the will to his own advantage. Question is, who hired him? And why?"

Tanya had been fixing the girls' make-up whilst Kevin and Tammy talked. Gilly was staying with the girls as they moved around the hotel.

Their taxi driver was the same one who'd picked them up just before nine. "Where to now?"

"Riverside."

"The hotel?"

"No, the recording studio."

"Oh, you're a girl band?"

They laughed but didn't correct him. The driver looked at Kevin, "you must be their manager?"

They pulled up exactly at eleven, but the flashing blue lights indicated there was a problem.

"Tammy, I'll check this, go back now!"

Police had sealed the area around the studio entrance, but there was a limit to what any of them could see as the taxi made a return trip.

Part   Twenty Four   "Elsie's In Charge"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Saturday 9th January 2016
 

Tammy woke up as her phone chimed seven thirty; despite her ongoing security concerns she'd slept well, but this was probably due to the previous day's activities and their return flight. It also helped that she was back in Thurso, in Elsie's house, along with Finlay and Daisy.

The decision had been taken that everyone would travel to Birmingham Airport, although Kevin had remained in Stourbridge. They'd returned to the hotel to collect the three from there before getting the taxi driver to make the run across to the airport. She was due to check in with Kevin at ten so pulled herself into the shower.

Gilly had stayed at the house overnight as well, but Joan had gone home. Tammy, at times, wondered where her real home was.

When she arrived downstairs Finlay was at the dining table, with a huge pile of birthday cards in evidence. His interest was however diverted to the equally large breakfast in front of him. Daisy was somewhat subdued, pushing her breakfast around the plate without eating much. Alison was the first to react, Cathy had already left to visit a friend in Inverness.

"What's up, Finlay, Daisy?"

"Why does everyone hate us?"

"Who? Not us?"

"No, the others." Daisy waved her arm towards the front of the house. "Why, why, are they so awful?"

"I wish I knew Daisy, dear, but you're safe here."

"I know."

Finlay looked at Tammy, "who were they?"

"I don't know, Finlay, Detective Inspector Edmunds is investigating and I might know more later."

"But why?"

"It could be many things, perhaps money, the businesses or the special reports. Weren't you able to give the DI all the reports?"

"Not all of them, we still need to access the physical server to retrieve some files. I thought we were doing that yesterday?"

"So did I, but it wasn't a good idea."

"How long before we can go again?"

"I wouldn't like to guess, Finlay, don't forget you're back at school on Monday?"

"Yeah."

Outside snow was starting to fall, driven by a strong gale, Daisy wasn't impressed.

"Is it still winter?"

"Yes, this is normal for January." Finlay didn't bother look up to answer his sister. This was his fifth year in the Scottish Highlands but it was Daisy's first.

"Tammy dear?"

"Yes Elsie?"

"Can I speak to you for a moment?"

Tammy picked up her coffee after refilling it from a cafetière. A moment with Elsie could take a while. She waited whilst a maid pushed her wheelchair around to the study.

"Come in, sit down."

Tammy closed the door behind her, guessing that this conversation was private.

"Now, what went wrong yesterday?"

"Someone impersonated the executor but I spotted them before anything was disclosed."

"Good, but what damage was done?"

"He had been expecting to see a boy and a girl, but saw two girls. That could be attributed to poor research but I believe our disguise for Finlay wouldn't work again."

"For Finlay it's not a disguise?"

"True, but it was a good way to muddy the waters if we were in public."

"Well, you'll have to find a better way if you're going to try that again?"

"I know, but he's not available now until half term and I frankly think it's too risky right now."

"What happened at your second appointment?"

"The police were already there and an area was taped off, we made a decision to leave town straight away. I left Kevin there but he hasn't briefed me yet."

"Does he know you're back here?"

"Yes, I sent him a text when we landed at Wick last night."

"Did you have any problems, legally?"

"Not really, the solicitor accepted who we all were, but the will wasn't ready to be read despite what had been suggested."

"Why did you retain that solicitor?"

"Because I didn't have another one available, not one qualified in English law."

"I see."

"In any case, Finlay and Daisy are now responsible for it, I could only make a recommendation."

"So it's a mess?"

"Yes."

"Is there any point in sending another firm in?"

"Only if the children agree, the law is quite clear. Right now they'll have Pru on their back."

"What about John Hibbert?"

"What about him?"

"He's a solicitor's clerk, isn't he?"

"Yes, but he's also a trainee solicitor."

"Don't his parents live near there?"

"Yes, they're away until next week."

"Well, why don't we offer his services to Wilkinson & Thompson?"

"What about Tanya?"

"She'll have to fend for herself."

"It's a good idea, we'd have someone on the ground handling the probate?"

"Indeed, and the children need not know?"

"Okay, what about you, Elsie?"

"I'll survive, for a while yet. I'm on new painkillers."

"Are the pills helping?"

"It's patches, and yes."

"Patches?"

"The pills affected my appetite and there was some concern about my liver."

"I see, how are you feeling?"

"Fed up that I can still run mental rings around bureaucrats but I need help getting around my own house."

"How's Cathy doing with Social Services?"

"They're insisting on checking for family members first and arguing that the official solicitor in London doesn't have jurisdiction in Scotland."

"We know there's no viable family they could go to but what can be done with the court?"

"Cathy and Joan are in the high court in Edinburgh on Monday. Ideally that court just confirms the London decision, Social Services would have to go to the Court of Appeal to change it."

"What if they claim the children aren't safe?"

"Then they could, in theory, just take them regardless of the court order, but firstly they would need a warrant to get in here or into the school and we're ready for that."

Tammy smiled, Elsie was still on top of her game, except this wasn't a game.

"Have the children been interviewed yet?"

"No, there's no date but we'll deal with that when they ask. We have, however, supplied the statement they wrote a week or two back. As Finlay's now over sixteen and Daisy's shortly to become fourteen their opinion has to be considered."

"Of course. Has John been asked to assist us yet?"

"No, but they have been invited to dinner, I spoke to one of the partners at his employers yesterday and I have permission to release him, he'll be employed by me whilst he's there."

Tammy made her way over to Dunbankin' after confirming that Gilly was okay to stay with the children for an hour. Given that it was a Saturday, Pru wasn't around but Richard was in the study.

"Hi Tammy, I just got off the phone from your sister."

"How's Suzie?"

"Fine, you could give her a call sometime?"

"I've been a bit busy, did she move into the flat?"

"Yes, that boyfriend got upset and had a go at her when she told him he had to move out."

"Oh, is she okay?"

"Yes, Fransesca had roped her boyfriend in to help Suzie move and they'd just about got everything in a van, that's when the idiot showed up with his new girl. Only thing was, Suzie hadn't told him she was taking a day off work to move. Anyway, the idiot was told to get his stuff but he decided to complain physically to Suzie."

"Was she hurt?"

"No, Fransesca's boyfriend is a copper, he restrained the lad and called for transport. Suzie's changed the locks and I have Gerald on the case."

"When did all this happen?"

"Yesterday, we're waiting to hear how the magistrates will deal with him. Silly thing is, she'd have given him two weeks to sort himself out."

"I thought the police would just bail him, they wouldn't normally get a hearing straight away?"

"It seems he has previous for assault, cautioned once and fined another time."

"I see, at least Gerald is on the case, it's useful having a tame solicitor in London!"

"He's your solicitor as well."

The secure phone interrupted them, Richard answered but passed the handset to Tammy.

"Hi Kevin, what do you know?"

"Not much, Tammy. The impersonator executor was Robbie Hill, a freelance investigatory journalist. He was interested in the O'Shaughnessy family back in October and wrote a small piece for the local weekly paper but last week a lady contacted him and suggested he dug a little deeper."

"Was that Penny Lavoska?"

"She gave her name as Irina Petrovska, they never met apparently and she only promised to pay if he got results."

"Damn, that takes us nowhere!"

"Indeed, Tammy, but his mobile phone records have given us a new number that a day earlier was at Birmingham International Airport, and that phone was purchased in Edinburgh."

"So where is it now?"

"There's not been a signal since yesterday late morning."

"Oh well, what went on by the studio?"

"A murder on the tow path by the canal, he'd been found about ten o'clock by a dog walker."

"Was this behind the studio?"

"Yes, just a few feet away, local police have identified him as a local singer."

"What's his name?"

"Ian Croft."

Tammy checked a folder that was on the desk, Pru had printed off each of the studio bookings for the next few days, but had all of the previous week's bookings as well. "Here he is, a one hour session for Ian Croft at nine that morning, he must have just left the studio."

"The local officers knew he'd left home at eight thirty but didn't know where he'd been, that's a help."

"What did he look like?"

"He was nearly twenty but apparently looked much younger."

"Could he have been mistaken for Finlay?"

"Possibly, can you send me a current photo of the lad? I've only seen Florence recently."

"I'll send you the latest school photo, it was taken in December."

"Thanks."

"Are we any further forward, Kevin?"

"Not really, but I'd advise against bringing the children back here."

"Understood."

"I'll let you know if there are any developments, but don't expect anything soon!"

"Thanks Kevin, bye."

"Bye."

Tammy sat back, there were still too many unanswered questions. She updated her father and asked him to find Finlay's photo.

"Could you email that to Kevin?"

"Sure. When are you coming home?"

Tammy shrugged. "That's anyone's guess."

"Ben phoned for you yesterday but I couldn't tell him anything, Kevin had warned me."

"That's unfortunate, he was a good friend. Elsie has an idea, by the way, to ask John if he'd like to go to Stourbridge to supervise the probate."

"His parents aren't far away, are they?"

"No, but I understand his mother's dementia is getting worse. It would mean we have someone we can trust down there."

"Nice idea, I doubt if Tanya would like it?"

"Probably not, but Elsie has a way of dealing with people."

"Indeed."

Tammy made her way back to Elsie's and relieved Gilly. "Please go home and return to a normal life!"

"Thanks, but I think I'll need a few rest days to recover!"

"Just be careful, we don't know who's out there and they may be getting desperate."

"Sure, I feel a change of hair colour is due!"

Tammy giggled, "I think my highlights have grown out!"

She found Finlay and Daisy in the games room, there was now a large TV in there and a music channel was playing loudly as soon as Tammy opened the door from the hallway.

"Turn it down!"

"It sounds better played loud!"

"Maybe, but I can't think straight if it's up too high."

"That's because you're old."

Part   Twenty Five   "Safe As Houses"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Saturday 16th January 2016
 

Tammy stared at the secure phone as the clock edged towards seven o'clock on a freezing morning. It was bad enough having to be up by six thirty at the weekend, but she'd stayed over at Elsie's the previous night and ended up walking between the two houses well before dawn.

Finlay and Daisy had gone back to school the previous Sunday evening ready for the new term on Monday morning. The consensus was that it was safer that they stayed at the school all week but could be with Elsie, and Cathy, at weekends.

Finlay hadn't wasted any time in shedding his uniform after school on Friday, although he hadn't quite complied with the St Andrews dress code. He'd opted to wear a kilt all week with knee high socks, but had a pair of nude tights under the socks and this had been missed by almost everyone.

The conversation with Joan had been brief, especially when she discovered he was also wearing a camisole and knickers under the uniform.

"Why?"

"I'm more comfortable, plus it's bitterly cold out there."

"You have thermals in your room, don't you?"

"Yes, but I'll reserve those for days when I have PE outside. Right now I need to be in touch with my feminine side, plus it's not affecting anyone?"

"Maybe not, but discovery could cause you problems."

"Then I'll stay with Grandma Elsie and come to school as a female day pupil."

Joan couldn't argue with that, Elsie's offer was genuine and had been accepted by the governors as a possible future option.

One recent change had been that Finlay now had a room to himself, year 11 students normally shared but one boy had left at Christmas and that allowed Finlay to have some necessary privacy.

The secure phone finally rang at five past seven, Tammy regretted not taking a mug of coffee into the study.

"Ah good, Tammy, I've added you to the conference call."

She uttered a greeting as everyone introduced themselves. On this call were DI Kevin Edmunds, Jenny Osborne of MI5, Jonathan Meach of HM Customs & Excise and Suzie Smart. Jenny was chairing this meeting.

"I appreciate everyone being here this morning, it's important we all ensure we have up to date intelligence. Suzie will be taking notes and can secure fax them to everyone relevant after this call.

"Now, Kevin could you give your report?"

Kevin had certainly been busy, although some of his work had been hampered by the investigation into the murder of Ian Croft, the young singer found on the tow path by the recording studio.

"I had to disclose to the local DCI what I was doing in Stockport, especially as I'd arrested the fake executor. Unfortunately he wasn't keen on a Met officer on his patch, but the Chief Constable had a friendly call from the Met Commissioner later the same day to sort out the DCI's little attitude problem.

"Anyway, the video from the hidden external camera shows that Martin Gore had been waiting for someone to go in or come out of the studio. Unfortunately for Gore, Ian fought back and that gave enough time for the secure door to shut. There was no sign on the video of Martina or Penny Lavoska, Martin Gore remains at large but a still from the video has gone out on the local force's website, social media and the local TV stations."

"Thank you Kevin, what about the studio itself?"

"The company solicitors, Grants of Egbaston, had a key for the server room so we could obtain the video recording. We had also obtained a warrant to seize any servers that were relevant to the investigation. Even though the children had given permission, this was to ensure there were no implications later."

"Where are those servers now?"

"They are being delivered to the Met today."

"I'd rather if they were in Thames House?"

"Of course, but my team have the legal authority and your team doesn't."

"We'll get copies of everything?"

"Naturally."

"Now, Tammy, how have the O'Shaughnessy children been?"

"They were back at school this week and they didn't leave the site until yesterday afternoon. There have been no breaches or other security concerns."

"What are the local police doing?"

"Not much. Martina Gore is now officially missing so her photo has been posted up locally as well as via the usual media outlets. As far as they are concerned, she went missing from Wick so the emphasis has been local. Martin Gore was on unpaid leave and is due back at the university in the middle of February. Unofficially the local force believes he could have kidnapped her but there's no evidence. If West Midlands officers are now circulating his name then it won't take long for Police Scotland to make the connection."

"Plainly we can't provide the local officers with our intel but we'll have to answer questions if officers ask. Having said that, Tammy, please don't brief anyone local, just refer them to Kevin and his team."

"Understood."

"What do we know from the investigations at the O'Shaughnessy solicitors?"

"It seems John is making progress but there's nothing relevant to the case yet."

"Okay, What's the latest on the unfortunate officer and his wife?"

"I understand Ben's had a breakdown and is signed off sick pending a disciplinary hearing."

"I see, please keep your distance - in both senses."

"Yes, Jenny."

"Now, apart from the Gores and Miss Lavoska, are you aware of any other threats to the children?"

"Not at present."

"In which case I need you back in London soon, a week from now unless there's a real need for you to remain up there?"

"It is quiet right now."

Tammy thought she heard a sharp intake of breath. "I mean, there's not much happening."

"Please refrain from such observations."

"Yes, Jenny."

"Thank you Tammy, you aren't needed for the rest of this conference."

"Oh, okay. Bye."

She put the handset down then removed the encryption key, returning it to the safe. Next stop was the loo.

She walked straight into her father. "Uh, sorry dad."

"What are you doing here, at this time?"

"A conference call, I got a text last night."

"Why at this time of the day?"

"I have no idea."

"Coffee?"

"Please, I'll be a minute."

Tammy was back at Elsie's by eight and took breakfast dressed in the joggers that she'd thrown over her nightwear. Elsie's look was one of disapproval, but no words were offered. Florence was there, with no trace of Finlay.

"What have you done with your hair Florence?"

Her hair was now a deep auburn, as opposed to the light brown of a day before.

"I dyed it this morning."

At the end of the table, Elsie was shaking her head so Tammy dropped the subject, clearly that was more of a concern than her fashion faux-pas. Tammy didn't rush her breakfast but didn't stay any longer than was necessary.

Once showered Tammy opted for a long woollen skirt with a jumper, if she had to go out then she might as well be comfortable. Her mobile rang just before ten.

"It's Kevin."

"Oh, hi."

"Sorry about earlier, Jenny wasn't convinced you were cleared for a few things."

"Like what?"

"The operation we just executed, we have Martina."

"Oh, that's excellent, but why couldn't I be told?"

"You're too close to her, there was a risk of leaking via the school if you said anything."

"Hang on, is there any evidence that I've done that?"

"No, and please don't think I agreed with Jenny. She's aware Thurso is a small community and the issue with Ben Franklin's wife has caused her concerns."

"I understand, Kevin, but she's never been here and you have!"

"Hey, you're 'preaching to the converted' Tammy."

"Okay, okay, where was Martina?"

"In a B&B in Egbaston, very close to her parents' home. The B&B owners recognised her as they had known John and Anita Gore, even though Martina had used an alias."

"So, was it difficult?"

"No, she's at Brierley Hill Police Station helping us with enquiries."

"What will happen to her?"

"That depends on the interviews and whether she's committed an offence."

"Okay, what about the other two?"

"Right now she claims she doesn't know where they are. We've left an officer at the guest house in case either Martin or Penny go there."

"Fair enough. Why was Jonathan Meach on the conference call, he never said a word?"

"Sorry, but that's off limits for now."

"Does it concern Caithness Marine?"

"Sorry Tammy, I can't answer that."

"Okay, thanks anyway Kevin."

"Not at all. The news about Martina remains confidential, understood?"

"Yes, Kevin, understood."

Florence wanted to go shopping but Tammy wasn't certain it was sensible on security grounds, whilst Elsie had effectively grounded the sixteen year old. Cathy caught Tammy and pulled her into the study.

"Don't say anything but I gave Florence the dye and helped her this morning."

"Why?"

"She wanted a change and I couldn't see why not, it's not a huge difference in colour."

"But there's much more body, there's no way it'll lay flat for school!"

"Never mind!"

"Come on Cathy, what's really going on?"

"Mum wouldn't let me dye my hair when I was Florence's age, I wanted to go blonde."

"You are blonde!"

"Courtesy of a bottle! Back then I had mousey brown hair, quite similar to Florence."

"She doesn't want to go blonde?"

"She thinks she'll go dumb!"

Tammy giggled loudly. "You said Elsie objected?"

"Yes, but I did it anyway, she grounded me for a week!"

"So, is this payback?"

"Maybe. Anyway it's a wash-in, wash-out dye so by Monday it will just look like it's been conditioned."

"Naughty."

"Yep, don't tell mum."

"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. How is Elsie at the moment, I've hardly seen her this week?"

"She's weaker, the morphine has been increased."

"Oh, not good."

"No, the doctors say she has weeks, not months."

The two sat down and took each-others' hand. "Look, Cathy, if there's anything I can do?"

"There's nothing any of us can do right now. Elsie has planned everything and left strict instructions, very strict instructions."

Tammy's eyes filled with tears, "I don't know what I would do without her."

"Neither do I, Tammy.

The rest of Saturday slipped past. Given that Florence was grounded Tammy didn't leave the house either, but they still managed some shopping using Tammy's laptop. Naturally Florence wanted the new clothes the next day but was disappointed when told the delivery wouldn't arrive before Thursday.

"That's not fair."

"You won't be wearing any of this before next weekend in any case!"

"Even so."

"If you get a delivery from Prettiest In Pink at the school, you might have some explaining to do?"

"We didn't order from them."

"The same principle applies, we've only used retailers that specialise in womenswear. What if one of the masters decided to do a room inspection?"

"Only Mrs Smart will do that."

"That's a temporary agreement, it does not stop the Head or one of the other senior staff going into your room."

"Oh."

"Let me guess, you left a few things out?"

"I might have done."

"Then you might get away with it, but you need to be careful. Some of the boys in year 11 won't treat you kindly if they found out. I know, I found out who my enemies were really quickly."

"You weren't staying at the school were you?"

"No, not after I transitioned. I stayed here each night until we had our house next door."

"I think I want to do that."

"Wait until sixth form, if you can. In any case, you're a part time girl."

"Or a part time boy?"

"Is a glass half full or half empty?"

"It depends which way you look at it?"

"Indeed, and most teenage boys can't look at anything from more than one angle."

"I can."

"You're not like most teenage boys."

"Or girls."

"Indeed."

John Hibbert arrived back in Thurso after lunch, having left Birmingham the previous teatime, he reported back to Tammy, Cathy and Elsie.

"Tanya will kill me, coming here first before I go home!"

"Never mind that, what do you know?"

"The real executor never really started the process, beyond issuing the main bankers and the life insurance firm with a death certificate."

"So you started again?"

"Yes, I put a search out to all the main banks and it turned up an account in Geneva. That was a pig to deal with!"

"Swiss banking laws are very strict."

"Well, I told Pru what was going on and she told your dad. It turns out he used to deal with that bank so he gave me a name."

"And?"

"It was a slush fund, just over half a million quid."

"Slush fund?"

"Yes, there were some very strange transfers into and out of the account, large amounts so definitely not clothes shopping."

"Anything else?"

"Several life policies, they were covered by the UN as contractors but had their own professional insurance."

"What about the house?"

"It's on the market, we've moved the remaining contents into storage. There was a small safe in the main bedroom floor."

"Oh, what have you done with it?"

"It was only found yesterday so it's at the solicitor's office until we get a locksmith to it."

"Bloody hell John, no!"

Tammy hurriedly called Kevin to update him.

"Why didn't he say something yesterday! Damn! I'll get hold of the solicitor."

It was a few minutes later when Kevin called back. "The solicitor says his office has been broken into. I'm calling it in and going there myself."

"John, who knew about the safe?"

"The solicitor and the removals firm, obviously."

"Did anyone else see it?"

"Well, they didn't cover it up when it was carried out and a few folk in the street might have got a look when it was put in the boot of my hire car."

"Why didn't you call me, or DI Kevin Edmunds?"

"You make it sound like a spy novel, the way you're questioning me, Tammy?"

"You're not far from the truth there."

Part   Twenty Six   "The End & A New Beginning"

 
This is the seventh book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 

 
Monday 22nd February 2016
 

"We are gathered here to celebrate the life of Elsie Mary McPherson."

On her own instructions, the service was short, Elsie had planned everything and had specified exactly what needed to be done.

Her passing had happened a week after Tammy's eventual return to London, the girl had wanted to head North immediately but her father, and employers, refused her wishes. Her father was an executor, as was Cathy, and they had matters under control.

Tammy and Suzie had arrived back in Thurso on Saturday morning, using the sleeper from Euston. They would have preferred to fly but the weather had left the local airports closed most of the past week.

So, Tammy had been at a loose end from the moment she arrived, she wasn't used to this at all.

Right now, however, as they left the crematorium, her eyes were scanning the area. There was an armed support unit present, as a precaution, but Tammy herself was carrying a weapon - something her father did not know about.

The chapel had been packed, but everyone there had been greeted at the carpark entrance by a plain-clothed officer; Martin Gore remained at large.

Thankfully there were no incidents and most people were unaware of the scale of the security operation. Slowly they returned to their vehicles, not everyone would be attending the wake, however.

For many, the destination was the school and there was a strict cap on the numbers there, this was dictated by the caterers but meant some hard decisions concerning the invited guests.

One or two parents of St Andrews boys had asked the Head if they could visit the school, in order to wheedle in on the wake, but all such visits had been politely refused. Life, wasn't fair and, seemingly, neither was death.

"Tammy, you can relax now."

"I know, Suzie, but I don't recognise half of who's here."

"They're all on the guest list."

"Yes, maybe, but I can't help thinking we've missed something."

"We? You're here as a representative of the family, nothing more; same as me."

"Sure. Anyway, I need a wee before it all starts."

"You've got a few minutes, do you know where your seat is?"

"Yes, next to Dad."

Naturally there was a queue in the only female loos near the hall, the cold air at the crematorium and outside the school had plainly affected many bladders. Byt he time Tammy returned, Cathy was impatient. Tammy whispered an apology.

Notably absent was John McPherson, Cathy's estranged criminal brother. His request to leave prison for the funeral had been denied on the grounds that he was a risk to the McPhersons and Smarts. Michael McPherson, Cathy's younger brother, was sat quietly by her side.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming. I'd like to make it clear that this is a celebration and not a solemn affair. I see that some of the men present read the instruction about your ties, black was definitely optional today. That wasn't my instruction by the way, but my mother's. She left quite a few."

Cathy held up a few sheets of paper, this generated laughter, although many still thought it was inappropriate.

"I'd like to ask Richard Smart to say a few words."

Richard stood to give a Eulogy. By Elsie's instruction, a very short Eulogy had been made in the chapel, by Cathy, but this was the main event. Many of those present, Tammy included, weren't aware of Elsie's history, including her work for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the 50s and the 60s before she had met her future husband.

"By all accounts, Elsie McIntosh was swept off her feet by William McPherson, then heir to the McPherson estate here in Thurso. As was common in the sixties, Elsie resigned from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and became the dutiful wife, or at least that's the official story."

That generated a restrained giggling.

Tammy wondered what this work with the F&CO was, knowing that it was used as cover for some intelligence agencies.

"William was a merchant banker and a shrewd investor, but transferred a substantial holding into Elsie's name when the tax rules were relaxed. Elsie became a successful businesswoman in her own right, where as William ended up as my second-in-command in the final years before his retirement. As many of you will know, we lost William six years ago and this hit Elsie very hard."

Richard went on to talk about Elsie's work in the community, her philanthropy and, naturally, St Andrews School.

He summed up: "Elsie loved life, loved children and loved a challenge. She was at her best when the three loves collided."

Richard reached for a glass of single malt that had been placed in front of everyone whilst he spoke.

"A toast, Elsie McPherson."

Cathy signalled for the caterers to begin bringing out the first course, a broth.

Between courses, a few invited speakers also took to recount their memories of the Elsie. Last of these, as the coffee was being poured, was Steven McIntosh, Elsie's younger brother.

"It was was sister's suggestion that brought me to St Andrews, or should I say back to St Andrews?"

He paused, for effect.

"Of course, I was ready to turn the job down - just because my sister recommended it! I didn't, however, and I have to thank her for that. This year will, however, be my last one at St Andrews. It's been a terrific job in a fantastic school but I'd like to spend a little more time with my wife."

There was polite applause, then Cathy rose and indicated that all present should do likewise. The organ, to the side of the stage, started to play 'Flower Of Scotland', whilst a screen dropped, with the words being projected - purely for the Sassenachs of course.

The meal, plus speeches, had lasted two and a half hours and the end of the anthem denoted the end of the proceedings. Tammy went in search of her former Headmaster.

"So it's confirmed, Sir?"

"Yes, Miss Smart, I'll finish at the end of the summer term."

"Who'll take over?"

"Mike Thompson has been persuaded to stay, but insists on a maximum of five years."

"Five years?"

"He has plans to retire too, mind you, I also told Elsie I'd only stay for five years. That was twenty years ago."

Anne McIntosh steered her husband away, "Sorry Tammy, I need him!"

There was no bar and, apart from the tot, there had been no alcohol served. That meant there would be no issues with drivers, or at least that was the plan. Outside, Tammy heard a bang.

She grabbed her bag and quickly left via the rear exit to where the guests had been directed to park. Two vehicles had come together.

"Bloody fool!"

Tammy recognised the voice of Harry Davison, formerly the Chair of Governors of St Andrews. He had tried to pull out of his parking space just as the adjacent car attempted the same manoeuvre, with neither driver paying attention. Thankfully the damage did seem to be largely superficial. One of the caretakers was taking photos and making notes, whilst one of the police officers took an interest.

"Have you need drinking, Sir?"

"Just a tot with lunch, officer?"

"I can see a bottle in the passenger foot-well."

"Well, I haven't touched it today and, in any case, this is private land."

"Then I strongly suggest you leave your vehicle here. If you drive it out then you will be breathalysed, the public road is just a short distance the other side of the gates and a marked car is parked there, for your security."

"Fine! Tomkins, can you order me a taxi?"

The caretaker looked up, "Sorry Sir, I'll need your insurance details and then I need to secure the CCTV." He went to the other party, another older gentleman, and started to take their details.

"Damn, I left my phone at home!"

Tammy made a tactical retreat and was back inside before Harry could ask her for transport or telecommunications.

Only two students had been permitted to attend the wake, given that they were family. Florence and Daisy looked appropriately mournful in their matching black dresses.

"I didn't think you were attending school as a girl?"

"I'm not, but we're guests today and not students. We're going back to the house from here with Cathy."

The third element of the day was a family-only gathering back at the McPherson home. Tammy was considered family so all the Smarts would be there. Michael's long-term boyfriend was also invited, although he hadn't been at the service or the wake.

Tammy's car had been parked at the school that morning before the family members boarded their coach. She moved her car to the front of the coach and waited for everyone to board, it was four o'clock by the time they pulled out of the gate for the short journey to the McPherson Estate. A Police car slipped in behind.

The gates to the estate were shut but the groundsmen were waiting. Tammy led the coach in which the Police vehicle effectively blocked the road, leaving as soon as the gates were secured.

Whilst there wasn't a specific threat, there were enough members of the intelligence or defence agencies present at the earlier events for concerns to be raised, especially with Tammy's track record.

Most now changed out of their predominately black clothes, they had left a change in the house for that reason. The two youngest girls returned wearing identical white frocks with a tartan sash. "Grandma Elsie liked these," explained Daisy.

Tammy opted for a white blouse and a tartan skirt, as did Suzie, whilst Joan changed into an LBD, with a white shawl. Michael returned in jeans and Cathy went for a red frock, "because I can."

A couple of guests had also travelled on the coach as they were staying overnight in the house, Dave Brown of MI5 and a woman who Tammy hadn't managed to identify.

Looking around the room, and remembering the wake, Tammy was very aware that most people were paired up, why was she still alone? Even Suzie had a new boyfriend.

Thomas brought around a tray of wines, Tammy chose a Merlot.

"Could you come with us?"

Dave Brown was stood next to the unnamed woman, their destination was the study. The door was firmly closed.

"Tammy, this lady is Tina Waters, and she's from GCHQ."

"Oh, hello, did you know Elsie?"

"I didn't but my late father worked with her for a while during the Cold War."

"What was she doing?"

"I'm sorry but that's outside of my remit at the moment, except it was a joint unit with the MoD and F&CO."

"I see, so she wasn't a spook?"

"No, not in the modern sense. I'm here to represent my father, but I'm also here to speak with you."

"Oh, okay. Dave?"

"She's cleared, Tammy, but I'm not, so I have to leave you now."

They waited for the door to close behind Dave Brown.

"So who are you?"

"I'm a recruiter for GCHQ at the moment."

"Okay, so why am I here?"

"We've been asked to place you on a course."

"Is a recruiter necessary for that? I can normally just choose a course from the staff development page of the intranet."

"We don't advertise the courses, you have to be recommended or recruited."

"I see, what's the course?"

"I can't tell you, unless you agree and sign the non-disclosure order."

"Serious, then?"

"Quite."

"Almost paranoid!"

"I wouldn't take it that far."

"Okay, Tina, where is the course and for how long?"

"It'll be at Cheltenham and lasts for six months."

"What about my current posting?"

"It'll be held open, should you return."

"What are the options at the end of the course?"

"Many, but most can't be discussed ....."

".... unless I sign?"

"Yes."

Tammy hadn't been happy for the past few weeks, Jenny had left her with petty tasks and Tammy had barely left Thames House, even sleeping there a few times. It seemed they didn't know what to do with the girl.

"I'll do it."

"The paperwork will be on your desk when you return to London."

"Not now?"

"Sorry, but I couldn't bring anything with me."

"I see, I have a safe available."

"I know, there's one in here too but it's not an approved one."

"Yeah."

"Anyway, you cannot discuss this conversation with anyone?"

"You hardly told me anything!"

"Really, did I? Tell me what you learned from me?"

"I've been offered a six month course at GCHQ in Cheltenham, the home of Government Communications and cryptography. It's reasonable to assume the course is on communications or cyphers, or both."

"And if someone knew that you were doing to do that, you would become a target - and unusable by any intelligence agency."

"Okay, got it, don't tell a soul."

"Good."

"So, can you now tell me where Elsie worked?"

"In the Admiralty and Hanslope Park, that's really all I can say, sorry."

Tammy left the room unsure what she'd just agreed to, although she had nothing in writing and hadn't signed anything.

Conversations were naturally about Elsie and her life, although Tammy stuck to what she knew personally. A buffet followed, Dave Brown found Tammy just before she went home, shattered.

"I'll be on the same train as you tomorrow."

"To ensure I catch it?"

"If you wish, yes."

"Can't I be trusted?"

"That's unfair, Tammy, you know there's only a few trains a day from here and we're both booked on the mid morning one. You are being trusted with information and access that others could only dream of, don't ruin it."

Tammy nodded then went out of the door to the waiting buggy.

"What kept you?"

"Sorry, Suzie, can't say."

Character Index

 

 

Smart/Small Family & household
Tammy/Tamara/Tom Smart (aka Beccy Adams)	Principal character
Richard Smart	Tammy's father
Tim/Angela Small/Smart	Schoolfriend of Tom/Tammy
Joan Small/Smart	Angela's mother and Richard's new wife
Leanne	Chambermaid (1st Xmas - Testing Times)
Julie	Cook (Trials & Testing Times) Sister of Leanne
Zara	Housekeeper & Cook (Anchored onwards)
Lily	Chambermaid (Anchored onwards)
Pru Campbell	Personal Assistant
Other Smart/Small Family members
Tara Simpson (formerly Smart)	Former spouse of Richard Smart & Tammy's mother
Suzie Small/Smart (aka Sarah Jones)	Daughter of Joan / Sister of Angela
George Small	Deceased spouse of Joan Small Former teacher St Andrews
McPherson Family/Clan & Household
Elsie McPherson	Head of family / School Governor
Cathy Stewart née McPherson	Elsie's daughter
John McPherson	Elsie's eldest son Former St Andrews School Catering Manager
Michael McPherson	Elsie's youngest son
Alison & Andrea McPherson 'A&A'	Elsie's Nieces Nurses at The London Hospital
David Stewart	Cathy's husband, brother of Yvonne Stewart
Helen McPherson (formerly Salmond)	Elsie's niece Daughter of deceased MP
Thomas	Butler
Anna	Chambermaid
Jonathon	Gamekeeper
William	Groundstaff
University (UHI) Characters
Peter McDermot	Business Studies Lecturer & Head of school
Freddie Flint Peter McDermot	Tutor
Martin Gore	Assistant tutor Distant cousin of Martina Gore
Fleur Younger	Business Studies student at UHI
School Characters
Lori Jenkins (formerly Tony Jenkins)	Sixth form student
Ryan Jenkins	Former Year 11 student Younger brother of Lori
Josie (Josephine) Richardson	Sixth form student (Anchored onwards)
Jeri Anders (formerly Gerry)	Sixth form student
Ellie Sturgeon (formerly Leonard)	Year 11 student
Martina Gore	Sixth form student
Jules Doherty	Sixth form student & Part time florist
Claude Breton aka Claude Benoir	Student
Finlay O'Shaughnessy	Year 11 Student
Daisy O'Shaughnessy	Temporary Year 9 Student
Anabella Thakes	Excluded Student & stuck up bitch
Dr Steven McIntosh	Headteacher / Brother of Elsie McPherson
Anne McIntosh	Wife of Headteacher
Mrs Janet Adams	School secretary
Harry Davison	Former School Governor / Father of Dr Jill Davison
Rev Franklin	School Anglican Chaplin
Mr Mike Thompson	Deputy Head
Mr Wright	Former English Literature tutor
Mr Carmichael	Former Business Studies tutor
Julianne Sutherland aka Radio Sutherland	Former Admin assistant
Theatre Characters
Sandy Franklin	Musical Director Town library manager
Katie	Actor Writer & graphic artist
Suzanne	Actor Student Teacher
Karen	Actor Thurso High School Student
Mark	Actor/Student Michael McPherson's boyfriend
Yusuf	Actor Library volunteer
Jimmy Sutherland Brother of Julianne	Lighting technician
Thurso Characters
Sarah Bonney	Boutique owner
Emily Bonney	Student in Dundee, daughter of Sarah Bonney
Sandy Smith	Hair stylist
Tanya Smith	Sandy's daughter Engaged to John Hibbert
Debbie Smith	Sandy's daughter
David Smith	Sandy's son
John Hibbert	Fiance of Tanya Smith St Andrews School Ambassador
Joanne	Beautician/Torturess
Frances Ernesto	Hotel/Bar manager
Sharon Pike	Former editor, Thurso Echo newspaper
James Dougall	Career criminal
Christopher Jones	Deceased. Former sixth form student Nephew of Linda Young / Patrick Trethgarwyn
Linda Young/Trethgarwyn	Driving Instructor Aunt of Christopher Jones Wife of Patrick Trethgarwyn
Thomas Young	Uncle of Christopher Jones
Jerry Trethgarwyn	Brother of Patrick Trethgarwyn
Yvonne Stewart	Former Deputy Head St Andrews Sister of David Stewart
Police Officers, Security Service & Legal
Iain Brown	Police Chief Inspector
Sgt Stuart St James	Police Officer
DS Ben Franklin	Detective, Thurso CID Liaison Caithness Marine Research Husband of Sandy Franklin
PCs Andrew & Neale Fraser	Police Officers, DJs and Shinty Team members
PC Patrick Trethgarwyn	Former Police Officer Husband of Linda Young & uncle of Christopher Jones
Hilary Bull (aka Helen Ball)	Caithness Marine Research & intelligence agent
DI Kevin Edmunds	Counter Terrorism Unit, London See Unaccounted Gains Book 2
Heather Young	Accountant, Cornwall See Unaccounted Gains Book 1
DS Sophie Grieve	Counter Terrorism Officer, Cornwall See Unaccounted Gains Book 1
Jenny (Jennifer)	Security Service Finance Unit See Unaccounted Gains Book 2
Dave Brown	Retired government officer Old boy at St Andrews School See Unaccounted Gains Book 1
Jonathan Meach	HM Customs Investigator Old boy at St Andrews School
Louise Charles	Personal protection agent & investigator
Jeremiah Smith / George Smith / Isaac Smith	Solicitors, Smith, Smith & Smith, Edinburgh, Inverness & Thurso
Kelly Masters	Solicitor for Joan & Cathy, Thurso
Gerald Watson	Richard Smart's Solicitor, London
Medical Characters
Dr Adelaide (Adi) Sutherland	GP
Dr Kaufman	Psychiatrist (Anchored onwards)
Dr Jill Davison	Former Psychologist
Dr Hoskins	Retired GP
Professor Julian Roberts	Glasgow Royal Infirmary Gender Identity Clinic
Dr Helen Yates	Endocrinologist
Dr Hughes	Police Medical Examiner
Others
Wendy Roberts	Wife of Prof. Roberts
Tanya	Richard Smart's PA in London (Until Anchored)
Francesca Fullerton	Richard Smart's PA in London (It's Complicated onwards)
Sally Yates	Psychiatric nurse
James Yates	Husband of Sally & brother of Helen Yates
Becky Yates	Daughter of Sally & James
Alfredo (Freddy) Giovanni aka Alban Berisha	Albanian Criminal
Daniel	Summer boyfriend (Cornwall)
Fiona	Associate of Yvonne Stewart
Penny Lane aka Penelope/Penelopa Lavoska	Fashion Show organiser
Paula Lavoska	Clothing distributor Penny Lane's sister
John & Anita Gore	Martina Gore's parents
Danielle Jones	Christopher Jones' mother