Part   One   "Legal Advice"

 
This is the eighth book in the Tamara's Tales (formerly Tommy & Tamara) series. For the whole saga visit Tamara's Tales
 
This story has references to Snowfall's story Iron Dolphin Book 2 in the Chrysalis Project series which features Tammy.
 
Available in a new expanded edition on Kindle soon.
 

 
Monday 22nd August 2016
 

"What?"

"I'm sorry Tammy, but this has come with a High Court summons."

"Can't we appeal?"

"It'll get messy."

"James, it's was already messy."

He laughed, sometimes dark humour was needed. Cleaning up the coffee shop had taken a while, but the legal aspects had taken much longer - this had led Tammy back to Room 40 long after her training had finished.

"Look, an operation of that size can't be swept under the table, regardless who was involved. The public were there, some took photos and shot video and of course that was all posted on social media. Yes it was messy, and now it has to be dealt with formally."

"An inquest, I have to attend a ruddy inquest!"

"Not in person, didn't you read the full document?"

"Erm."

"Right, you will appear by video link from another location, your voice will be disguised and your face won't be seen. Satisfied?"

"Why can't they just use my statement?"

"The coroner may want to ask you questions, as will the counsel for the alleged terrorists."

There were aspects of the Magna Carta at work here, it had underpinned British Law for centuries. It may not be convenient for the intelligence agencies, but it was the law.

"Okay, okay. Strange how they turn up tooled up with AK47 rifles and aren't automatically guilty, yet I get dragged onto the stand."

"Ironic, isn't it. Remember Newton?"

"Err, which one? Every action has an equal and opposite reaction?"

"That's it, you pulled a weapon in a public place and killed at least one terrorist, that has to be justified in an inquest. They pulled weapons and shot at you, they'll have to justify that in a court of law, or at least the ones who survived."

"Okay, okay, I'm convinced. When is this?"

"Tomorrow."

"Shit!"

"Your barrister will meet you at the Savoy and you will stay there tonight, we'll use their video conferencing facility."

"That's why I was asked to bring an overnight bag and a business suit?"

"Plus a formal dress, I believe you have an invite to dinner this evening?"

"Damn, you, James!"

"Any time, dear."

"Now, what about Kerri, will she appear from the States?"

"No, and the official line is that you didn't know who she was or why she was armed. In fact, it was an alias and we don't know who she really was, Agent Kerri Emerson does not exist."

"Great, not only was I stitched up but I also have to lie under oath?"

"No, just don't tell the whole truth."

"That's the same thing, I am really not comfortable with this."

"Well, the summons is just that, if you don't make an appearance then a warrant would be issued, with every chance that your name is leaked."

"So, caught between the devil and the deep blue sea?"

"You can swim, can't you?"

Tammy made it to the Savoy at four, a valet took her overnight bag aside whilst she was informed a private room was available.

"If you would like to follow me, your case will be placed in your room - 302 on the third floor."

Waiting for Tammy was Sir Francis Drake.

"Really?"

"I'm afraid so, my parents had a warped sense of humour."

"It's a good ice-breaker, nonetheless?"

"Indeed, let me introduce myself properly; I'm Francis Drake, QC. I work for the government in intelligence cases."

"Good, I had visions of a solicitor who was still in short trousers!"

"Believe me, I need to know the machinations of this inquest better than the coroner. The good news is that the other side isn't well-organised, for some reasons all their finances have been frozen."

Tammy laughed, "I'm glad to see that True Freedom have been dismantled as a terrorist organisation, so what's the bad news?"

"The coroner for this inquest is a liberal, known for her distrust of the police and intelligence services."

"Damn."

"Indeed, therefore we need to step very carefully."

Tammy spent an hour going through the events of that day, Sir Francis was cleared for the whole story except where any intel had come from.

"So why were you in the Starbucks?"

"I fancied a drink, it was pure chance."

"And you noticed the terrorists?"

"Yes, sort of, it was a warm day and they were wearing heavy coats. They didn't look like they were there for a latte."

"So you started shooting at them?"

"No, they produced AK-47s and sprayed the walls. That's when I retrieved my weapon and started to take them out, the aim was to protect the public who were there."

"On your own?"

"No, an American agent was with me."

"I see, you didn't name her in your statement?"

"No, I was told that she is off-limits."

"The coroner won't see it that way?"

"Yeah, that's what I was afraid of."

"Let's go back, why do you carry a weapon?"

"I've had attempts on my life and I've ended up protecting others at various times."

"You're still 19?"

"Twenty in a few days, actually."

"It all seems rather far fetched, regardless of whether you're nineteen or twenty - how long have you carried a gun?"

"Over a year now."

"Training?"

"For my side-arm I qualified with the Royal Navy but I recertified with the Met Police."

"Any other firearms training?"

"I did a special ops course last year."

"Where?"

"Sorry, that's off-limits."

"What about your special permit, I wasn't aware they existed?"

"That's because my role doesn't fit into any usual pigeon-hole, I wouldn't have the usual legal protection that the military or the police have."

"Who issued it?"

"The Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee."

"I see, my guess is that the Privy Council gave their approval."

"I had heard that. My guess is that if the Coroner wants to argue, she might have to drag Her Majesty into court?"

Sir Francis smiled, "have you considered a legal career?"

"It's not out of the question, but I'm supposed to be studying for a Business Degree."

"You amaze me, Miss Smart."

"I'm flattered."

"The question remains, how do we protect you tomorrow?"

"Suck it and see?"

"That's not an advisable approach under these circumstances."

"Maybe not, but I'm not on trial, am I?"

"Certainly not, at least not in the normal sense. Now, will you join me for dinner at Claridges?"

"Certainly."

"I'll see you here at six thirty."

Up in her room, Tammy quickly showered, London was hot and sticky and the Tube had been almost unbearable. The terrorist attacks in late April had hurt the tourist industry but it seems tourists have short memories. Right now the biggest story was the Brexit referendum. Tammy hadn't voted, for electoral purposes she was still resident in Scotland but she hadn't asked for a postal vote.

She picked up her phone.

"Dave, I'm worried about tomorrow."

Dave Brown of MI5 concurred, "it's certainly a concern and there's very little we can do."

"What's the worst that can happen?"

"You are named and your previous actions are brought up, such as killing Anita Gore."

"That was self defence!"

"Of course, but it would make a great headline, even if it's a distortion."

"How long do I run the risk of that coming back?"

"Your entire life, I'm afraid. Actions, all of them, have consequences, Tammy."

"What can you tell me from the interviews with the True Freedom pricks who survived?"

"Officially, nothing, nothing at all. You are a primary witness."

"Okay, unofficially?"

"They're giving us the silent treatment, just the odd word here and there."

"Are they claiming religion as their justification?"

"Nope, some warped belief in a New World Order."

"Great, political nutters."

"Look, Tammy, anything could happen in court but stick to the script. You won't be in the room but you will have a monitor so you can see what's going on - but don't try to be clever."

"Understood."

"How are you handling the new Glock?"

"It's weird having a holster, but the 19 is small enough. I've only had half an hour on a range though."

"There's a good reason you have that weapon, you can expect to go to events and buildings where bag searching is I operation. Also, the internal inquiry after the Starbucks incident showed that you could easily become detached from your bag and that slowed your response time."

"Only by a few seconds."

"I watched the videos from the coffee shop, Tammy. Those few seconds might have been the difference between you walking away or being zipped into a body bag. Didn't your American friend point that out?"

"She had to ask if I was armed. Seemed fully prepared to go it alone if I wasn't. She was calm, focused and came up with a plan on the snap."

"Looked that way to me as well."

"She seemed to know they were wearing body armour and where to shoot to bring them down. I thought she was just a technician that just happened to be armed. She isn't, Dave. She's something more."

"What else do you know about her?"

"Next to nothing. Anyway I have to secrete this weapon under a very revealing frock tonight."

"Have fun and don't get photographed by any of the paparazzi!"

"Seriously? We're eating at Claridges."

"We?"

"Sir Francis Drake QC and I."

"Well, I suppose you'll just look like any of the other floozies he's had on his arm recently?"

"Great!"

"You could do worst, he's all show and style, not one girl has ever run to a newspaper as far as I know."

"Or he paid them off?"

"Look, if he gets too close put a stiletto through his ......."

Tammy cut the call, she now had fifteen minutes to finish dressing and make herself presentable.

She was a fashionable ten minutes late, blaming the Savoy's lifts.

"Of course dear, the doorman should be organising a cab for us now."

Tammy's frock was a one off, silver, strapless and above the knees. Sarah Bonney, the owner of Sarah's Boutique in Thurso had found a small dressmaker who would make to order. Tammy now had several examples of her wares, plus a supply of Sarah's business cards in her tiny clutch bag. She had a silver cardigan over the bare shoulders.

The ride took just under fifteen minutes at that time of the evening, much quicker than in the middle of the day. Tammy knew London well and recognised St James Palace as they passed by on the way to Mayfair, but as far as her escort was concerned, she was Scottish.

"It's a lovely city, have you had much chance to explore?"

"Not really, work has kept me occupied. I use the tube to get everywhere, my car is still in Scotland."

"Shame, you must let me give you a tour one day." He patted her knee, but otherwise left her alone until they arrived. He settled the fare then helped Tammy out, taking her arm under his. She had become arm candy.

"Good evening, Sir, your usual table is available."

"Thank you, Antonio."

Their table was a little secluded. "Shall I choose the wine?"

"Actually, I would like to, Sir Francis."

"Really?"

"Yes, how about a Nuits St Georges 2006?"

The wine waiter had arrived at that moment. "2006 was a very good year, Mademoiselle."

The QC wasn't happy about being upstaged, but tried not to show it, Tammy silently recorded the first strike. "Of course, we'll have a bottle."

The Maitre'D brought over two menus and slipped away. Tammy was convinced he'd want to order for her, but wouldn't accept that. She opted for a French seafood dish, ordering it perfectly.

"Well, I'm impressed, where did you go to finishing school?"

"I didn't, I finished my A levels last summer but I worked in Paris, Brussels and Geneva with my father, as well as Berlin, Dusselddorf, Amsterdam and Rome. Of course there was the odd jaunt to Hong Kong and New York as well."

"You tagged along?"

"Not at all, I was his private PA; my father was the International Business Director for one of the High Street banks but he retired a year and a half ago. I had a good education in this country combined with foreign travel and working experience. I now have a good job with plenty of time before I need to think about a lifelong career."

"I see."

"My father is in Scotland at present, but we own our own aircraft so he could fly down at very short notice." Tammy smiled as she added this gem to the conversation.

Richard Smart had picked up a ten seater executive jet as it was cheaper and quicker than commercial flights, Joan had objected at the time but the odd weekend in European cities, as well as London, had cured that feeling.

"So you come from money?"

"My own investments stand at just over two million pounds at the moment, at least that's what we tell the taxman."

"You are full of surprises, Tammy."

Their food arrived quicker than Tammy expected, thankfully, and was up to the usual standard. Smalltalk at the table was now very small, almost non-existent. If Sir Francis Drake had intended to belittle the girl, he had failed. Quite what his logic was, Tammy couldn't tell, but at least Dave Brown had warned her.

"Dessert, dear?"

"I've had the Bombe here before and it's adorable."

"You've eaten here before, you never said?"

"Yes, Pierre was the Maitre'D then, that would have been two or three years ago."

"Three. Are you sure about the Bombe, will it ruin your figure?"

In this dress it might become a little uncomfortable, she thought, but now was her chance to stamp on his ego.

"No, I'm fine, I'll have the Ice Cream Bombe."

Half an hour later Tammy was ready to leave, she had one further question for Sir Francis.

"What else can you tell me about the coroner, something that might help?"

"She's my ex-wife."

Tammy climbed into a cab by herself for her ride back to the Savoy whilst her barrister went in a separate direction. She was not amused.

 
Tuesday 23rd August 2016
 

Tammy had breakfast in her room and took her time to prepare herself mentally for the day ahead. She didn't even know if she'd be called, she could be left waiting for days or it could be over by lunchtime, no-one knew.

She'd been told to be in the video conferencing suite by nine thirty, she was surprised to be met by a fresh faced man, in his mid-twenties she guessed.

"I'm Giles, I'll be handling any legal questions you may have."

"Where's Sir Francis?"

"In the inquest, at Westminster Hall, didn't he say?"

"No."

"Right, let's get settled and we'll test the link. The coroner would like to speak with you before the session starts."

"Is this the first day?"

"No, that was yesterday, but it was mostly about procedure and swearing in the jury."

"Jury?"

"Yes, to determine if the deaths were legal or otherwise. Sir Francis should have explained."

"He didn't."

"Well, sit down and I'll test the audio."

Ten minutes later the coroner came onto a monitor, clearly from her chambers.

"Ah, Miss Smart, I presume?"

"I thought my identity was secret?"

"In the documents and in open court you'll be referred to as 'Agent T'. I, however, plus the counsels, have privileged information. We agreed that yesterday."

"I'm afraid there are a few aspects that I wasn't informed of, that was just one of them."

"I'm sorry but you can ask for a change of counsel? It would however disrupt the proceedings."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Fine, you will get a ten minute warning of any actual testimony, and there's a ten second delay in case the censor realises you're saying something you shouldn't."

"Censor?"

"He says he's a High Court officer, but I think he's another spook, like you. We start at ten."

Tammy could watch the proceedings but very little was happening, every now and again Sir Francis Drake would rise, ask a question, then sit back down. It was not riveting stuff. The screen that would protect Tammy's identity, in theory, was out of the way at present and would only be moved across when needed.

At twelve thirty the court rose, so Tammy took lunch in the main restaurant. Giles was seen heading out of the door, presumably to the much cheaper Old Bailey's facilities a short distance away.

Wine was offered but Tammy knew better, it could cloud her judgement. On a recent firearms course, she'd been encouraged to test that theory, under strictly controlled conditions. Her reaction time, and accuracy, had both dropped alarmingly according to the figures handed to her the following day.

Back in the video room she sipped iced water and watched the ongoing non-saga. Finally, at half past three she was given her ten minute warning and advised there would also be a one minute warning.

"We'll leave the privacy screen until the second warning, Miss Smart."

Several minutes went by and the ten minutes had expired, but Tammy could see Sir Francis waffling away - again.

There was a knock at the door and Giles went to open it, Tammy was a little concerned, given the timing. Giles spoke for a few seconds but this was followed by a muted bang; Giles fell like a stone. She dropped onto the floor, pulled out her Glock 19 and shot at the black covered figure in the doorway.

Kerri Emerson appears courtesy of Alecia Snowfall

Part   Two   "Recriminations"

 

 
Tuesday 23rd August 2016
 

A valet rushed towards the commotion, but by this time Tammy was on her feet assessing the situation; she kicked the silenced pistol away from her attackers hands. Her mobile was ringing from the desk where she'd left it.

"Bloody hell, Tammy!"

"What Dave?"

"That almost went out live."

"What did?"

"You had your weapon in your hand."

"That's because I was about to be zipped into a body bag, I need a clean up crew."

"That's in the movies, what's the problem?"

"One intruder down, don't think he's alive. No sign of anyone else. My legal advisor is dead and I think a valet has thrown up in the corridor."

"I'll advise the Met. Stay there!"

"Will do, what about the video feed?"

"It was cut."

"Good, by whom?"

"Me!"

Tammy had put her Glock 19 away by the time the paramedics and police arrived, they clearly hadn't been far away.

"You again?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so." The officer had met Tammy during the aftermath of the coffee shop attack.

"Tell me what happened."

Tammy described the attack, pointing out that it was over in seconds.

"How many shots?"

"I double-tapped him, I wasn't taking any chances."

"Where''s your weapon?"

Tammy carefully opened her blazer to reveal the firearm in a small holster.

"That's not the same weapon as the Starbucks case?"

"No, it isn't. It's still fully licensed and was issued by the armourer at New Scotland Yard. If I recall weren't you supposed to give evidence to the inquest about that attack?"

"Not for a day or two, is that what you were doing here?"

Tammy nodded, "it didn't go very well."

The next call was from Suzie.

"What's going on, we were watching it from here?"

"I was attacked, I've killed my attacker but he'd already shot my legal advisor."

"Oh! I think Jenny's being briefed now, how are you?"

"As well as can be expected! Question is, who is after me this time and who knew where I was?"

"Don't assume it was you."

"Who else?"

"No, Tammy, just don't assume!"

Tammy voluntarily went to Charing Cross Police Station, a short distance from the Hotel, to make her statement. Sir Francis Drake QC arrived there a few minutes after Tammy, having first travelled to the hotel.

"You were armed during a hearing and then you shot someone? That's an offence and I can't get you out of that one - why didn't they arrest you?"

"Because I haven't committed an offence, just like last time." Tammy reached into her bag and pulled out her permit and the official warrant.

"Well, that changes things."

"Good, as all I want to do is make my statement then get out of here. "

"You are taking this rather calmly, all things considered."

"Well, I do have training and experience."

"Such as?"

"Sorry, you are not cleared for that."

Given the nature of the case, a Detective Inspector conducted the interview. Dave Brown had now also arrived and sat in, warning Tammy when she strayed over the line.

"Sorry, can we strike the last line."

It took an hour but everyone was satisfied the statement would suffice. It wasn't fully acceptable to the Police, especially when a SECRET tag was placed on it. Tammy signed the statement and now asked the questions that had been bugging her.

"So, who was he?"

"Harry Cooper, a known hoodlum."

"Why would he be after me?"

"He wasn't, your solicitor is believed to have been the target. Cooper asked at the front desk where to find him."

"Oh."

"Having said that, he wouldn't have left any witnesses so you can assume you would have become the next target."

"I see."

"If news leaks that you killed him, then I'm afraid his associates will be looking for you."

"Well, make sure this doesn't leak." Dave interjected.

"That's easier said than done."

"In that case, we remove Miss Smarts name from the statement." Dave took it off the table and tore it in half. "Now it should be shredded."

If looks could kill, thought Tammy, the DI was not a happy man. Sir Francis rose, so Tammy took the hint and stood as well. Dave was still holding the statement. "I'll shred it then, just to be certain."

They made it outside, onto The Strand. "Dave, my case is still at the hotel."

"We'll arrange for it to be collected, is your other Glock there?"

"No, but I do have twenty rounds of spare ammunition."

"Okay, I think we should head back to the office."

Sir Francis was not happy. "You are discussing weapons as if you're looking at the lunch menu, that's just not right. Come to think of it, I missed lunch."

"Given all that's just happened, I think you should be a little more considerate. I acted in self-defence but I would have been his next victim."

"Maybe so, but at least I would have got my lunch." He hailed a taxi.

"Do you fancy a walk along the Embankment, Tammy?"

"Sure."

 
Friday 26th August 2016
 

Tammy made her way to the Thames House staff canteen, having just endured a three hour session with the in-house psychologist. This had been the third day of tiring debriefings and guilt finding, was she morally right to take his life?

The argument usually boiled down to "me or him" but that wasn't always accepted.

"How did you know he would shoot you?"

"The Police said that was his modus operandi."

"But they weren't there."

"True, but he saw me and his intent was clear."

"Clear to you?"

"Yes, to me."

"So, is that your justification, Miss Smart?"

"Yes, I mean no, I mean what are you implying?"

"You have doubts?"

"No, I don't, but it's clear you do."

"I have to ensure you are mentally fit for field work, right now I am not certain."

"Fine, at least I can go to university."

"That doesn't mean you'd be released."

"I'll resign."

"It isn't that simple."

"It is to me, I was faced with a situation that you will never be in, so how come you can tell me what's right and what's wrong? I made that call, I took the shot and I have to live with that. Fine?"

"Fine, thank you Miss Smart, you can go."

"Am I cleared for field work?"

"I'll inform Human Resources when I have finished my report."

Tammy pushed her lunch around the plate, she was angry and felt betrayed. Not one person had told her that she acted correctly, every single one had challenged her. None of them had been there, she knew that and threw it at them, but it's not a good way to win an argument.

When she wasn't being interviewed, Tammy had some cold cases to examine. It was tedious work and another job that received no thanks.

She abandoned her lunch and went in search of Jenny.

"When can I go back to work?"

"You are at work?"

"You know what I mean, Jenny."

"And you know that it's not my decision."

Fine, can I have a week's leave?"

"I thought you wanted to get back to operational work?"

"I do, but I'm not achieving anything right now."

"It's a bank holiday weekend so you'd be off on Monday, I think we can spare you for four days."

"Thank you."

"Put the request to me on the system and I'll authorise it."

Tammy did that, then looked for Flights to Wick, there were none available due to the holiday weekend. That led her to the train, she could book herself onto the sleeper service and that arrived in Inverness at 0830, but there was a two hour wait for a connecting service. She bought a ticket to Inverness.

"You're doing what?"

"Going back up North for a few days, Suzie."

"But you could be needed for an inquiry, and what about that inquest?"

"The inquest will be rescheduled then held behind closed doors, I'll submit my evidence in writing. So far as an internal inquiry is concerned, no-one's said anything."

"How did you get this past Jenny?"

"I asked, it's the simplest way usually."

"That's quite unlike you!"

Tammy decided she'd had enough, she signed out of her PC and picked her bag up.

"When are you back?"

"I'll probably come back on the fourth."

"It's your birthday this week, I thought we were going out?"

"That's the first I've heard of it, Suzie, but I'm dangerous to be around, apparently."

"I haven't picked up your present yet, I was going to do that tomorrow."

"It can wait."

"Oh, we've had some intel about that solicitor, Giles."

"Yes?"

"It seems he had a gambling problem and owed money. CCTV shows he was being followed back to the hotel after visiting the Old Bailey."

"So he was targeted?"

"It would seem that way."

Tammy collected her weapons at the reception desk then joined the Friday afternoon pedestrian traffic on the Embankment. Ten minutes later she was at Westminster Underground Station.

Her ride home was easy, there were no problems on the Tube or the Docklands Light Railway. She popped into the local store for some supplies then walked to the apartments. Sat near the door was a black saloon car, it left as she approached. She recalled Suzie mentioning a similar car several months earlier, on the day Tammy had returned from GCHQ.

"Security."

"This is Tamara Smart, can you access the cameras outside my home, please."

"One moment."

Tammy patted her jacket, her Glock 19 was in a holster.

"Okay, Miss Smart, I have the images available."

She told the MI5 security officer about the vehicle and Suzie's encounter on the 8th of April.

"It's the same vehicle, the number plate claims it's a Ford hatchback, so clearly false."

"Damn."

"I suggest you take precautions, I'll alert the local Police."

"I'm travelling up to Scotland tonight, I'll be reachable at my parents' house."

"Understood."

She disabled the secure phone and locked the encryption key back in the safe. Next on her list was to pack a case, but thankfully she still had a substantial wardrobe in Thurso.

She checked the time and found it was still before five, she made a call.

"Thurso Medical Centre."

"Hello, it's Tammy Smart. Could I make an appointment to see Dr Sutherland?"

"If you can get here in ten minutes we can squeeze you in?"

"That would be pushing it a bit, I'm in London!"

"Okay, so I guess you'd like one for next week?"

"Please."

"She can see you on Wednesday at nine thirty?"

"That's great, thanks."

Tammy was still registered with Dr Adi Sutherland, her intention was to move back to Thurso so there was no point in trying to get a GP in London. Of course, MI5 had it's own medical personnel but every visit to them was recorded on her file.

She made another call.

"RS Helicopters."

"Hello, it's Tammy."

"Hi, John here, what can I do for you?"

"I'm coming up in the morning and it's a surprise for Mum and Dad, can you pick me up at Inverness at half eight?"

"Sure, We have a seven thirty flight to Inverness so you'll be on the return trip, only I and the pilot, Jim, will know."

"Thanks John. By the way, what's the weather like?"

"Dry at the moment but threat of rain over the weekend and into Monday."

She went back to her bag packing and changed her mind about some of her choices, this wasn't easy any more. Tammy's mind drifted back two years when she'd travelled up to Thurso for the last year of her education. She'd still been Tom, or Thomas, then and only one person knew any different.

The bag had then contained simple casual clothing plus his uniform, although he'd also carried the limited female clothing as all the bedrooms at St Andrews were repainted every summer and nothing could be left there. Tom had lived in fear of his secret being discovered during a random room search.

The first half-term had been a quiet affair with plenty of studying and not much else, although Tammy was working most Saturdays at the time for Sarah Bonney in her ladies clothing boutique.

The turning point came shortly after the Guy Fawkes fireworks, when Tammy was offered a chance to star in Westside Story and when the school's kitchen had failed a health inspection. By the time the school's kitchens were back in operation Tom had gone and Tammy was a twenty-four hour girl.

Tammy felt happy with herself, and nothing was going to spoil that.

Suzie arrived home just after six and complained about the trains. "The Circle line's broken at Embankment, the Jubilee's blocked at Southwark and the Victoria Line's signals have all failed. I think it's the weather, it's very warm on the Tube, quite unbearable."

"Oh, I guess I'll go to Stratford and change onto the Central Line there. I was going to leave about eight but maybe I should go now, just in case?"

"When's your train out of Euston?"

"Quarter past nine. Mum and Dad don't know I'm going so please don't tell then, I want this to be a surprise."

"Okay, be it on your head!"

Tammy made it out of the door by seven, the information boards at the station made it clear that the disruption was ongoing. Her route avoided the problem areas but other travellers were having the same idea. Stratford Station looked like it was going to burst so she made an instant decision to ignore the Tube and grab a service from the adjacent Stratford International Station into St Pancras.

The Stratford International Station was built to service the Olympic Parc during the 2012 London Olympics, but no international trains actually stop there. She caught a domestic service that had started on the Kent Coast and ten minutes later was at St Pancras. It was now a quarter to eight, Euston was one stop by Tube to the West of her current location.

She could have caught a bus but decided to walk it instead, it was a nice evening and the light breeze was moving her cotton skirt.

Ahead she saw a commotion and a shout. A man started running towards her, Tammy could see the glint off a knife that was in his hand.

Tammy had her Glock 19 in her handbag but didn't want to cause an incident, she waited until the guy was about to run past then threw her overnight bag under his feet, he crashed onto the pavement. He dropped the knife so Tammy kicked that away then she placed a foot on his back.

"Do you feel lucky, punk?"

The reference clearly meant nothing to him and he was struggling to get up. Fortunately two rather large men came along and took control.

"Miss Smart?"

"Officers!"

"We're off duty, are you catching the sleeper?"

"Yes, a surprise visit home."

The punk was still on the pavement, face down but both Andrew and Neale Fraser had a foot on him. The twins were first class amateur Shinty players, occasional DJs and part time police officers in Thurso.

The victim, an American tourist, had lost her bag, which was still in one of his hands. "Well, what are you waiting for?" She asked.

"Pardon," said Tammy, "we'll wait for the police to arrive and then you'll get your bag back, but right now it's evidence, isn't that correct boys?"

"Like she said."

"Well, in the US I'd have shot him. Let me have my bag and I'll do just that."

A uniformed officer was now stood directly behind. "Thank you for that information, your bag will be searched."

The brothers showed their police warrants as the officer relieved them, handcuffing the punk. Another officer asked what Tammy had seen.

"It looking like a mugging, then he comes haring down to me. Unfortunately he tripped over my case."

"You seem familiar with those officers?"

"I've known them for a few years, both in and out of uniform."

"Could you give a statement?"

"I have a train to catch and it's the last one of the day. If you really need a statement I'll be available in ten days time."

"There's probably sufficient evidence without you but could I take your name and number?"

Tammy fished a very plain business card out of her bag, carefully avoiding exposing her weapon. "You can reach me via that number."

The number in question was an answering service for operational staff, calls would be typed into text messages then sent securely to her phone.

It was another ten minutes before the three continued their walk along Euston Road and into a pub on the concourse.

"What were you doing in London?"

"Our nan lives near Brighton, it was her birthday a few days ago, we just got a train up to Kings Cross."

"How old is she?"

"Eighty now, and she's as determined as ever."

Tammy laughed, this was a good distraction from a difficult week.

They ate in the food court then, approaching nine, went onto the Caledonian Sleeper train that was on Platform 1 tonight.

 
Saturday 27th August 2016
 

The remains of their train pulled into Inverness at half past eight in the morning, having shed carriages to Aberdeen and Fort William.

"Come on!"

"We've two hours to wait!"

"No, I have alternative transport."

Sitting in the carpark was her helicopter, Tammy's mobile rang as they took off.

"This is Security, Miss Smart, there's been an alarm activation at your parents house, we can see that you're not there yet?"

"No, just leaving Inverness.What's going on there?"

"We have some images from the CCTV, I'll send you a picture as it appears there's an intruder. Local police have been alerted."

Part   Three   "Home"

 
Saturday 27th August 2016 (Cont)
 

Tammy waited for the image to appear on her phone but they were now too far from the nearest mobile phone mast.

"I have a problem, boys," she shouted across the noisy cabin, "there's an alarm at my house."

"What is it?"

"Intruder, apparently. I've lost contact with my security desk."

They checked their own phones but had a similar problem. Tammy put a headset on and spoke to the pilot.

"Jim, can you manage a quiet approach to the McPherson helipad from the West? We have a problem at the house and I don't want to give them any warning."

"Problem?"

"Intruder. I'm out of contact with my office right now."

"I'll increase speed but I'll drop down, there's mobile phone coverage along the road."

"Thanks."

Their stomachs lurched as the chopper made a dive, losing a few hundred feet. It was a tense few minutes before Tammy's phone had a signal, Martin Gore was in the first image she received.

"Damn." She showed the Fraser twins the photo.

"He's a missing person," offered Neale.

"He's wanted on suspicion of murder and he's probably after me."

"You'll need backup."

"I know, but the nearest armed unit will be in Inverness, won't it?"

"They could be out on patrol, but it could be anywhere in the Caithness area."

"Not helpful."

"We'll do what we can, but we aren't on duty and we don't have our usual kit."

"Are either of you firearms trained?"

They shook their heads. Regardless, Tammy took the Glock 19 out of her holster to check it, it was hidden under her jacket. If the boys were surprised, they tried not to show it. Having done her checks she put the weapon back. Next she reached into her handbag and removed the Glock 26.

"Bloody hell, Tammy, you're tooled up!"

"That depends on your point of view. I don't know what Martin Gore is planning or what he's already done. I don't know if he's armed and right now I don't know exactly where he is. That means being ready for anything, I simply don't know what we're waling into."

"Those are legal?" Asked Andrew?

"Yes, completely."

"And you'd use them?" Asked Neal.

"In order to protect myself, you, or others? Yes."

Her phone pinged again, it was a text message from Security.
 

Gore has called the Met Police to demand you go to him, he has your parents as hostages. You are instructed not to go in.

 
That didn't help, Tammy decided to keep that to herself, but what were MI5 playing at? These were her parents at risk!

It was another twenty minutes before they landed, the pilot trying the quietest approach he could; Jim decided to stay on the ground in case he was needed. Tammy shifted the Glock 26 to her hands.

Cathy's butler, Thomas came out. "Can I take your bags, Miss Smart?"

"Please, there's an intruder at home."

"I understand. I'll advise the groundsmen and Miss McPherson."

"Thank you."

Tammy borrowed the McPherson golf cart to take the Fraser twins over to the connecting gate, it was still locked but thankfully she had her keys with her. They left the cart just inside the yard, ensuring the gateway was clear. A Landrover arrived just behind them, Jonathon and William were both carrying shotguns.

"His name is Martin Gore, he's wanted for murder, but please don't kill him, he needs to answer for what he's done."

They were at the rear door, Tammy hesitated before entering the code when she suddenly heard the sound of tyres on the gravel out front, followed by banging. She carefully opened the rear door and took a step inside, the others followed.

Out the front she could hear the Police shouting for Gore to give himself up, Tammy crept forward just reaching the kitchen door. Suddenly it flew open and Gore ran to the front door, carrying a shotgun. He shouted back. Tammy saw an opportunity but was pulled aside, as the Frasers threw themselves at Gore, flattening him against the front door.

It was over in seconds. They secured him whilst Tammy went into the kitchen. Richard and Joan were there, tied and gagged. Tammy removed the gags and grabbed a knife to release the bonds.

Joan was sobbing, and Richard was desperately trying to remain calm. His face was starting to show bruises where he'd been hit.

Uniformed Police now arrived, Tammy had left her Glock on the worktop when she's opened a drawer for a knife. They spotted it straight away, Tammy was within range of it.

"That's mine officer and I'm licensed."

"Really?"

"I'm Tamara Smart, check your records."

"You're in London, that's what the Met said?"

"Well, I'm here now, and I managed to get here before you did, then two off-duty officers helped secure the prisoner before you entered the premises. I'd say that was a successful job?"

"That doesn't explain the weapon, step away slowly."

"No, I'm here to protect my parents and I won't let anyone stop me."

A new face spoke from the doorway. "I suggest you leave this with me, constable."

"But ..."

"Go! Special Branch will be conducting the interviews and I'll need your notes, when you've written this up. You can take the prisoner but he's to be treated as a terrorist, understood?"

"Yes, Sir."

Joan fled the room, heading for the loo, Richard decided to put the kettle on. "Tea?"

"Good idea Dad & thank you, Iain."

"I should have let you pull yourself out of that one, Tammy, but it would have caused too much trouble. I've been given some background on Gore and it seems you are heavily involved."

"Not just me, have you spoken to DI Kevin Edmunds?"

"Not yet."

"Okay, I'll call him, once we have a cuppa."

Joan came back into the kitchen looking a little fresher, she hugged Tammy.

"I don't know why you're here, I'm just glad you are."

"I needed to get out of London and I wanted this to be a surprise. Suzie was asked not to tell you."

"Is the gun necessary?"

Richard coughed, "perhaps we can leave that question until we don't have a house full of visitors?" He poured the tea, Tammy would have preferred coffee but right now that didn't seem important.

She checked that her father was okay then took Deputy Inspector Iain Brown into the study; she called Kevin on her mobile.

"It's Tammy, you're on speaker and I have Deputy Inspector Brown with me."

"Good morning, I hear you have Gore?"

"Yes, he's on his way to custody." Iain answered.

"Excellent news, you mean he survived an encounter with Miss Smart?"

"That's not fair, Kevin!"

"I'm not sure Harry Cooper would agree with you."

"Look, we're not here to discuss that."

"No, we're not. Inspector, Iain, can I assume that he'll not escape your custody?"

"I would hope not, but he may have cracked a rib during the arrest."

"Unfortunate."

"Quite. I've instructed that he's to be treated as a terrorism suspect for now, that'll mean we can keep a lid on it. Special Branch will conduct the interviews."

"I'm coming up, can you hold off for a few hours?"

"In the spirit of co-operation? Sure."

It was gone two in the afternoon before the last police officer had left the house. Cathy had sent lunch over and Tammy's bags had eventually arrived.

Joan had cried with Cathy, cried more with Tammy, and of course with Richard. She was angry, relieved and confused.

"What are you messed up with, Tammy?"

"This goes back to David's funeral, when I shot Anita Gore. You know he was after Finlay and Daisy as well?"

"I tried to keep out of that."

"Well, it was a real threat. He blamed me for Anita and John Gore's deaths."

"When did John Gore die?"

"A few months ago, in prison; pparently it was an accident."

"I think you should take a long hard look at yourself and decide where your future lies, Tammy."

"Yes, mum."

"And lock that gun away!"

"Already done."

Tammy had expected Kevin Edmunds to make an appearance, but Gore had been taken to the more secure Inverness police station and Kevin was staying over there for now. Cathy invited the Smarts over for dinner but they declined, a quiet weekend was needed.

 
Monday 29th August 2016
 

The threatened rain had arrived, well it *was* a Bank Holiday weekend! Tammy looked at the clock, had a wee, then climbed back into bed.

Where was her future going, was this really the life she needed? Tammy wasn't sure any more. So far this week she'd been involved in three incidents involving weapons, is that normal for an almost twenty year old? Do her family have to suffer because of her career choice?

That one was easy to answer.

No.

She knew what she needed to do, but first she needed breakfast.

Richard was in the kitchen, brewing coffee. "I figured you'd want to start the day with this?"

"Thanks Dad, how's mum?"

"She didn't sleep too well, but she's not slept well for a few months."

"Oh." This was news.

"It was after that incident in London, in the coffee shop. You haven't said if you were there but Cathy showed her a photo from the internet that looked quite like you."

"I see."

"Was that you?"

"Yes."

"Is that what you're doing these days?"

"No, I was there for a coffee. It wasn't my idea for a gun fight."

"She was convinced we'll get a call one day, you know what I mean."

"Yeah, but it'll never happen to me?"

"Don't delude yourself, Tammy, if you play with fire then you'll get burnt."

"So mum worries?"

"Yes. The doctor prescribed sleeping pills for those night when she has real trouble, but they don't fix the problem."

"I'm the problem."

"I wouldn't say that."

"Maybe not, but I am the issue, aren't I?"

"Yes."

"You do know, don't you, that even if I resigned tomorrow, I still have obligations and I would still be a target? There are folk out there who don't like me, even being in Thurso is a risk."

"So are you saying you can't ever leave the Security Service?"

"Not if I want to stay alive, ironic isn't it."

"That's not a word I would use, how about dangerous and foolhardy?"

"Look, I have options to spend six months in one part of the country on one job, then move elsewhere for another six months."

"That's an itinerant lifestyle, you need roots. How about settling down and starting a family?"

"I can't, Dad, not a family."

"Sorry, you've been a daughter for so long that I forget."

"Nearly two years."

"So, what are you thinking of doing?"

"I need to make some calls, and I can't do that before Tuesday."

"How about giving me a hand with breakfast? Zara's away for the weekend as we weren't expecting company."

"Sure."

Kevin phoned her mid morning, "lunch? I'll be in Thurso by one."

"Castletown Hotel?"

"Yes, I'm booked there for tonight."

Tammy made her way over to the McPherson house. She'd been here once since Elsie's wake and it hadn't felt right. Cathy had started to update the furnishings and make it a more modern family home.

"Good morning Miss Smart, the young ladies are in the pool."

"Thank you, Thomas."

Tammy padded down to the basement in her joggers, which she quickly stripped to expose her bikini. Twenty months of hormones had done their best and she could now fill a C cup.

"Tammy!"

"Hi girls!"

Florence was also in a bikini and was developing nicely, whilst Daisy still preferred the one piece.They played in the water for half an hour; in here Tammy had no worries and no stress.

Once they were dried, they went to the conservatory, the sun was breaking through and it was warming up. Thomas brought a coffee for Tammy and Florence, whilst Daisy took a cordial.

"Are you ready for school, Florence?"

"I hope so, Tammy, I just want them to accept me."

"I would have thought so, when did you start the blockers and the hormones?"

"In May."

"What about boarding?"

"I'll be in the female dorm this time. I have all the letters I need."

Cathy had already told her that Finlay had gone, she was now legally Florence O'Shaughnessy-McPherson, the adopted daughter of Cathy McPherson.

"Are you happy as a girl?"

"Oh yes."

"What about you, Daisy?"

"I don't want to be a boy!"

Tammy laughed, "I didn't mean that, how about having a full-time sister?"

"I did already."

Tammy settled in the conservatory to speak with Cathy.

"Is everything settled?"

"With the children, yes, but Social Services were sniffing around looking for an excuse."

"For what reason?"

"I don't know, Mum submitted a massive complaint and they eventually backed off. The legal side was easy once they withdrew their objections."

"What about Florence?"

"If that's what she wants to do, they I'll support her. She knows that before long she can't go back, medically."

"That's a few months away still."

"Yes, Dr Adi said as much."

"I'm seeing her on Wednesday."

"So is that why you're here, to see the Doctor?"

"No, I needed to get away, it was becoming too intense in London."

"There was trouble at the Savoy on Tuesday, were you involved?"

"Yes."

"Oh."

"I'm not proud of what I did there, and it has had consequences. I'm just glad I decided to some here this weekend."

"Your timing was good, you know your mum's not sleeping well?"

"Yes."

"Take care of her, please."

"I'll try. How's Elsie's legacy?"

"It's taken months to sort that out, despite her careful planning. It only takes a few strokes of a pen to say she wants a trust fund established, but plenty of paperwork to actually carry out her wish!"

"I have a feeling that's how my future will be sorted out, with plenty of paperwork. I was expecting to see Helen here?"

"As you know, Mum did look after her but some of it won't be available for a few years. She's gone on another cruise but will be back before the end of September, she's doing a one year course at Thurso College."

"Oh, so I might see her?"

"Does that mean you are staying here?"

"I don't know, Cathy, I really don't know yet. I mean, it might happen."

Back in her room, Tammy phoned the salon to make an appointment, getting Wednesday at ten thirty, she didn't recognise the girl taking her appointment and had to repeat her name several times.

She showered then changed into a summer frock for her lunch appointment, arriving in town by half past twelve. She parked behind Sarah's shop.

"Tammy! You should have called!"

"Sorry, I wanted this to be a surprise visit."

"How long are you staying?"

"A few days."

"Until your birthday?"

"Yes, probably."

"You look well, have you been on a diet?"

"No, skipping lunch and stress has given me this figure!"

"Have you heard, Emily's pregnant!"

"You're going to be a Grandma?"

"You make it sound like I'm old!"

"Okay, details!"

"She's got her degree but met this lad in her final year, they settled down and she's seven months gone, she's not saying if she's expecting a boy or a girl though."

"I'm so pleased for her, send her my wishes."

"I will, what are you dressed up for?"

"Lunch."

"Ah, someone special?"

"No, a police officer!"

"Typical!"

Her lunch date was waiting, Frances welcomed Tammy and escorted her to the table at the back of the restaurant. Kevin rose to greet her, kissing Tammy lightly on the cheek.

"Well, hello again. It's been a while, Tammy?"

"Stourbridge, nearly eight months ago."

"Really, anyway it's over."

"Is it? Every time I think I've finished something, it comes back to bite me on the bum."

A barman approached with menus. "Would you like something to drink?"

Tammy took an orange juice, Kevin opted for a low alcohol beer.

"Look, Tammy, have you heard of Murphy's Law?"

"Yes, if something can go wrong then it will go wrong."

"That's just one, there's loads of them but the one that's most appropriate here is: 'For every action there is an equal and opposite criticism'."

"So, regardless what I do, I'll be criticised?"

"Effectively, yes."

"So I'll never get anything right?"

"No, no, it doesn't mean that. Think about it, how many people who question your judgement have ever been in a live fire situation?"

"None."

"So they don't have that experience to use. Perhaps they're frustrated law enforcement officers or maybe they're allowing a prejudice to come out as a professional opinion."

So, regardless how right I am, I'll always be wrong."

"With the back seat jockeys, yes. It's the same in the higher levels of the Police. But, I and your friends do appreciate what you do. Earlier this week you were faced with a seemingly random attack and you defended yourself. Those opinionated idiots would be in the morgue right now."

"Yeah."

"Then yesterday, I'm told you were instructed not to go in?"

"That's right, but the local officers hadn't arrived. I had two Specials with me and I had an opportunity. I'd say that it went rather well?"

"From my point of view, you took appropriate steps to protect the hostages."

"Thank you."

"Unfortunately, it's not my opinion that counts."

"That's why I'm thinking of leaving."

Tammy was aware that Frances was hovering nearby, waiting for their orders. Without looking at the menu Tammy ordered the Spanish Omelette, Kevin decided to have the same, with potato wedges.

"You're quitting?"

"I didn't say that, but unless I get support it's definitely an option."

"You can get out of field work and sit behind a desk?"

"Sure, and spend the next few years bored out of my skull, no thanks! I've done stints at various agencies and the novelty wears off quickly."

"What have you enjoyed?"

"Caithness Marine."

"That's closed."

"I know."

"So what will you do?"

"I really don't know, Kevin. I'm here until next weekend but I need to decide by then, I can't stand another round of shrinks telling me I was wrong."

"That goes with the job, I'm afraid."

A few more customers walked into the restaurant and took tables close to them so they stopped talking 'shop'. Their food took another five minutes but soon they were engrossed in their plates.

It wasn't long before Tammy was spotted but two gentlemen at the bar strongly suggested Tammy be allowed to finish her lunch in peace, they would get their chance when she was ready.

Part   Four   "The Future"

 
Wednesday 31st August 2016
 

Tammy had spent the days since the weekend trying to resume an ordinary life, meeting her friends and making new ones. She had also found time to help Sarah on Monday and Tuesday, back behind the counter in the clothes shop where Tammy was discovered. Of course, it hadn't taken long for word to get around and business had been brisk - even if Tammy had been repeating the same modified life history for the past few hours. Her desk job, she explained, wasn't that exciting and she needed to get on with her life.

By the end of Tuesday she was tired, but happy. This was as far from her other life as was possible. To reinforce this, she was also regularly leaving both weapons in the safe but wondered when she might have to hand them back.

"Good morning Tammy, I see that your prescription is up for renewal?"

"Yes, Dr Adi, I'm almost out."

"Okay, lets get some bloods and do your vitals."

Tammy was used to these tests and had lost count of the number of times she'd shed blood in the name of medical science. The doctor printed out the prescription and signed it.

"Your BP is a little above normal but your weight is down six kilos from our last records."

"Yeah."

"Tammy, my guess is that's not down to dieting?"

"No, bad eating practices and stress, lots and lots of stress."

"What kind of stress?"

"Being in bad situations. I'm not sure if I should say this but do you remember that coffee shop shooting in April in London?"

"Yes."

"I was there, having a coffee."

"That's harrowing."

"Well, I took out at least one of the attackers."

"Oh!"

"Yes, the aftermath of that day rumbles on, to now and will keep rumbling on."

"There was an incident at the inquest, last week?"

"Yes, my solicitor was killed."

"The newspaper said that the attacker died at the scene?"

"I shot him as he was about to kill me."

"You seem very calm, Tammy."

"You're the first real person I've talked to about this, I have been through the mill with police, psychologists, shrinks, internal inquiries. I've lost all emotion, I'm afraid to say."

"You weren't arrested?"

"No, I have a special authority."

"Licence to kill, Jane Bond?"

"No, permission to defend myself if I or others are threatened."

"I'm booking you an appointment with Dr Kaufman."

"I can't talk to him, not allowed."

"But you're talking to me."

"I was told months ago that you had been checked, sorry, and please don't put anything I said in my medical history as you will almost certainly get a visit from some suited gentlemen."

"Okay, but without a shadow of a doubt, you are not fit for work. I'm signing you off for three months for exhaustion and stress. My guess is that the bloods will tell us even more."

"Okay."

"You're not arguing?"

"No, I've become too detached and it's affecting me."

"I'd still like you to see Dr Kaufman?"

"Sorry, no."

"Well, that much I will record, but not your reasons." Dr Adi took a pad and wrote out Tammy's sick note. "This will take you to the thirtieth of November but I want to see you again on Friday at nine, we'll have the result of the bloods by then. I also want to do a fasting test so no food or drink after eight on Thursday evening."

"It's my twentieth birthday on Thursday."

"Sorry, if you're depressed then alcohol is not the answer."

"That's not what I meant, what if I'm invited out for dinner?"

"Okay, I'll see you on Friday but come back on Saturday morning for the blood test, you'll see a nurse, not me."

"Okay." Tammy put the sick note and prescription in her bag.

"Please try to relax and don't think about going back to London, it sounds too dangerous."

Tammy's next stop was the salon.

"Oh dear, Tammy, who did this?"

"It was up near Old Street Tube Station, Sandy."

"Wherever that is, okay how are we going to repair this?"

"I'm in your hands."

"You should have booked a double slot."

"I had enough trouble booking this slot!"

"Oh, the apprentice? She's finished here."

"I think I'm booked to see Joanne as well."

"She's clear at the moment, go in there and we'll book you in for tomorrow."

"It's my birthday tomorrow."

"Then we'll give you a new look." She checked the bookings. "I'll get down here at eight, don't be late!"

"Thanks Sandy."

The half an hour with Joanne passed quickly, Tammy even consented to a Bikini wax.

"When was the last time?"

"When you did it at the end of last summer!"

"Oh dear, Tammy, I hope you won't wait that long again?"

"It looks like I'll be in town for a while, Dr Adi's just signed me off."

"Oh, serious?"

"Stress, but she's checking my bloods."

"Don't take any chances with your health, Tammy."

"I don't intend to."

She certainly felt better when she left the salon. Sandy had taken pity on her and snipped her hair into a slightly more presentable style - a halfway house. The changes were enough for Tammy to head back into Sarah's Boutique, as a customer. She had a positive spring in her step.

"What's up with you?"

"I need another frock, for tomorrow."

"Okay, but that doesn't excuse your change in attitude?"

"Dr Adi signed me off, I no longer have to decide if I'm going back to London - she made that decision for me."

"Oh, what about work?"

"I'll tell them when I get home, I can see a few interesting conversations ahead."

"Are you available on Saturday?"

"Sure, I don't think the Doctor will object to retail therapy, from behind the counter!"

Sarah laughed, "that's the Tammy I remember!"

"Let's see what a little R&R will do?"

"How long?"

"Three months."

"Blimey, Tammy, she must really be concerned."

"I think I need a tape measure, apparently I've lost six kilos."

"That's thirteen pounds, nearly a stone, no wonder!"

A minute later they had their answer. "You're a borderline size twelve to fourteen. Up top you need a fourteen but skirts and trousers you can wear a twelve, depending on the cut."

"Do you have any of Annie's dresses?"

"She dropped some in this morning, I haven't had a chance to put them out front yet, come into the store."

Tammy's eyes settled on an oriental design. When she tried it on it fitted perfectly, leaving very little wriggle room.

"It's lovely."

"Dry clean only, judging by the material, there's silk in it."

"It's perfect for tomorrow."

"If you put that weight back on you won't be able to get into it again."

"It's a risk I'll take. How much is it?"

"It's a birthday present."

"Are you sure, it must be two hundred?"

"If it puts a smile on your face then it's worth it."

"Thank you."

"I look at you and I can't remember that scared schoolboy."

"Neither can I. I was always a girl, Sarah, you saw that before anyone else."

Next stop was the Sutherland pharmacy, where Tammy exchanged her prescription for a six month supply of birth control tablets.

When Tammy made it home, only Pru was indoors. Tammy politely asked her PA to vacate the study so she could do some confidential work. She fired up the encrypted phone and called Jenny.

"Ah, I was going to call you to say the inquest has been rescheduled."

"Well they'll have to do without me."

"What?"

"I've been signed off for three months by my GP."

"I see, I'll need the certificate."

"I can fax it now?"

"Sure."

A minute later Jenny was looking at it. "Exhaustion and Stress?"

"I've lost nearly a stone in weight and she's concerned about my blood, I've done one test and I have to return to do another."

"Did you write up your reports on last week's incident?"

"You know I did."

"I didn't see them, oh you were cleared for field work but I guess that's irrelevant now."

"Indeed."

"Were you prescribed anything?"

"Only the pill."

"No anti-depressants?"

"No."

"What about referrals?"

"No."

"Remember that the Official Secrets Act applies even if you're discussing your medical history."

"Yes, I know."

"Okay, Tammy, keep me informed but don't be surprised if Human Resources call."

She shut the phone down and went in search of Pru, finding her in the kitchen with Zara.

"Sorry about that, I've just told work that I'm signed off sick."

"So you'll be here for dinner?"

"Yes, Zara, and possibly for the foreseeable future."

"Lunch?"

"I haven't had anything, can I just have a sandwich? I'm going up to shower."

Tammy spent longer in the shower than was strictly necessary but it felt good against her waxed legs. She conditioned her hair as well, she'd become used to using a 2-in-1 shampoo as it was a race to get out of bed and into the office, wherever that was on any given day. Just for good measure, she repeated the conditioning.

She checked over her body, something that she often didn't do, before donning her undies and looking for something to wear. A sandwich was on her desk, along with a bottle of water.

She sat quietly and wondered where all this was heading. For once she felt like she was in control, but she still didn't know where to drive the juggernaut that was her life.

She needed to make a call.

"Dave?"

"Yes, Tammy, I've heard. How are you?"

"Medically speaking, exhausted and stressed."

"That's not surprising given all that's been happening."

"Hallelujah!"

"Look Tammy, I've done operational work and I was there last Tuesday, there were real concerns for you and I didn't agree you were fit for field work."

"I couldn't have sat pushing paper clips around, not again."

"No, there's other options."

"Such as?"

"Well, what do you really want to do?"

"I want to study, get my degree and become a better person. Then I want to work."

"Okay, leave that with me."

"What will you do?"

"Make some enquiries and tell a few people words they don't want to hear."

"Okay, when will I hear back?"

"I won't call you on your birthday, and I have more sense than to bother you the day after, make sure your phone's off!"

"I think I need another phone."

"Not a bad idea and don't let anyone in the office have the number!"

"Sure."

Tammy felt better when she walked back down, finding Joan and Richard coming in the back door.

"How did it go with the Doctor?"

"Let's talk in the lounge."

Tammy waited until the door was closed and they were sat.

"Firstly, the Doctor is concerned with me physically and mentally and she's signed me off work until November. I have done a blood test and I'm down for another on Saturday, those are to check for any other problems."

"Mentally?" Asked Richard.

"Stress. I've lost a lot of weight and it's a concern."

"Okay, Tammy, you don't seem too worried about this?"

"No, I was thinking about resigning but that would make it difficult to go back later on. The sick note means I don't have to make a finite decision right now."

"Resign, but you enjoyed the work?"

"Yes, Dad, but this past fortnight has shown me that I'm being pushed around, possibly because I'm young, and that they don't have my best interests to the fore. That impacts both of you and Suzie too."

"What's your plan then?"

"Dave Brown is talking to some people in London and may come up with an offer, in the meantime I'll work out what I can do that won't upset Dr Adi."

"I could do with an assistant at the school, Tammy? Tanya's pregnant again and this time has taken unpaid leave."

"Sorry mum, but I think we'd just wind each-other up! Lori's still in town, give her a call."

"Her clearance will still be valid. I need someone now as Tanya only told me this morning."

"Great timing, I haven't been able to get hold of her."

"Don't, she's not good fun."

"Sandy didn't say anything either, Mum."

"I'm sure she'll call when she's ready."

 

Thursday 1st September 2016   Tammy woke to find balloons tied to her bed, how did they do that? After visiting her ensuite necessarium she started to open the cards. One that surprised her was from Tara, her natural mother. The postmark was London, so she was still in the UK but there was no return address.

Cathy had invited all the Smarts to dinner so that took care of the evening. Tammy meanwhile had to get down to the salon where sandy was waiting.

"Only five minutes late!"

"Sorry, the traffic wasn't brilliant."

"Okay, we're going to do a hot oil to try to put some life back into this head of yours."

"Fine."

By nine there was certainly a sheen that Tammy hadn't seen for a few months. Sandy had also cut it back into a bob, it was certainly a change.

Back at home she had some work to do; this was to be the first day of the rest of her life. She called the University of the Highlands and Islands and asked if she could return to the business course she'd abandoned the previous Autumn, but the new course was already full.

That hurt, but all the applications had been decided weeks earlier.

She went back through the UHI website until one course caught her eye:

Sociology and Criminology BA (Hons)*

This was a four year course based in Thurso with plenty of home study and spare time. She went through the online application and found there was space and that her qualifications were adequate although she would need to be interviewed, the site told her, and this was confirmed in an email.

At lunchtime the mail arrived, including more cards. One was from Jenny, another from friends in Cornwall. One medium sized package bore airmail stamps.

"This one is from America. Who do you know from there?"

"I'm not sure. What's the address?"

Joan read. "P.O. Box 1142. Arlington, Virginia."

"Kerri." Tammy laughed and opened it up to find a shoebox containing 4" black court shoes and a note:

Hope you like the Christian Louboutain black T-strap pumps! Happy Birthday from 'Kerri'

"Who's Kerri?"

"Oh, I worked with her once, she told me then I needed higher heels."

Her other presents varied, clothes of course, but plenty just provided gift certificates for stores and online; what do you get the girl who has everything?

Dinner was a polite affair, but that suited Tammy right now. There were plenty of compliments for her hair and her frock. Daisy and Florence were perfect, as usual.

 
Friday 9th September 2016
 

Tammy walked out of the Thurso College and back to her car. It had only taken ten minutes to secure her place on the course after DI Kevin Edmunds had supplied a document attesting to Tammy's internship with the Metropolitan Police during the previous six months.

It was Dave Brown who came up with the solution, one that satisfied the HR department at MI5, Dr Adelaide Sutherland, Tammy and her parents, amongst others.

The sick note was reduced to two weeks but Tammy would be placed on a sabbatical during term time, reporting to MI5 or the Met for courses at Easter and during the summer. Her university course, which was relevant to her employment, would be paid for by the agency and she would be awarded funds to support herself. So, in two weeks, she'd be an ordinary student again.

The only other stipulation was that she had to work for a minimum of two years on completion of her Honours Degree, but that was four years in the future. It was a small price for the comparative safety of Thurso and the benefits to her health over the next few years.

She hadn't come out of this unscathed, but she had come out of it with a future and, right now, that's all that mattered.

 

Aftermath is dedicated to the law enforcement, security and intelligence personnel who protect our countries and our families. They do so at great personal risk and with little thanks. Their 'behind the scenes' work isn't given the same media exposure as the major operations but is still as vital. They know that even if there are no victims, there are still casualties.
 

* Tammy's course - https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/ba-hons-sociology-and-crimi...

Authors note: There will be an epilogue!

Epilogue

 
Saturday 8th October 2016
 

"Good morning, and for those who don't know me, my name is Tammy Smart. I'll be your director for the Mill's autumn show, Deathtrap."

Tammy looked across the stage at the Mill Theatre, some faces she recognised but many were new.

"We only have nine weeks to get this one nailed, but I understand you've done a read-through already?"

There was some nodding, and almost all of them were holding scripts, the rest had clearly forgotten theirs. Iain Davison, the original director, had called Tammy the previous evening.

"I hear you're staying in Thurso?"

"I'm at the University for a few years."

"Oh good."

"Why Iain?"

"I've been promoted, but it means a transfer to the Oil Capital."

"Aberdeen? Okay, so what is that good?"

"I'll have to step down as director at the Mill, I'd like you to succeed me."

"Don't the board have to approve?"

"They had accepted you for Guys and Dolls but you left town, the production nearly didn't happen."

"Sorry about that, things got awkward with my life last year."

"So I understand, but can you take over from me? We've just started rehearsals for the next show."

"What is it?"

"Ira Levin's Deathtrap."

"Oh, I'm not familiar with it?"

"It's a thriller."

"I thought this production would be a musical?"

"The Franklins have moved away so you don't have a musical director at the moment."

"Okay, when is the next rehearsal?"

"Tomorrow, at ten."

"No pressure then, Iain?"

Tammy ascertained that the five roles in this play had been assigned, and this was to be the third rehearsal- at least she wasn't starting from the beginning. There were actually ten on the stage, plus Tammy; they were divided into two sets of five actors. Iain had grouped them as 'A' and 'B' casts.

"Okay everyone, let's do this from the top - Act one, Scene One I'd like the A and the B actors working together."

It was odd, to say the least, of having two interpretations of the play on the stage at the same time, even if they were only reading from the scripts. Within a minute or so, it was clear it wasn't working.

"Stop!"

Tammy restarted after a change of mind, having issued new instructions, Tammy was now alternating the groups between each scene. It wasn't ideal but it kept the momentum going until they took a break at the end of the first Act. She'd asked Iain the previous evening for his reasoning for the two casts.

"The play only needs five actors but it's two hours of very intense acting and they'll be worn out at the end. This was a very popular play on Broadway and in the West End so I'd expect good audiences but a single cast can't do a matinee and an evening show, especially if you're using under eighteens."

"So one cast does the matinee and the other the evening"?

"That's right. As I see it, you'll do Thursday and Friday evenings, with possibly a schools matinee on the Friday, then two shows on Saturday and Sunday."

"Seven shows? Don't forget the backstage crew, there's only one set of us!"

"You'll cope."

Right now Tammy wasn't sure, they'd worked through the first act and still had the second one to go.

"Okay, break's over. Act two, 'B' cast to start."

The rehearsal had been due to finish at one o'clock but it was half past two before they left, the caretaker was not happy.

"I'm sorry Miss Smart, but next Saturday I will lock the doors at ten past one whether or not you've finished."

"Don't blame me, before yesterday afternoon I didn't even know I would be directing the play. If the theatre wants this production then someone will have to allow me the resources!"

"That's not my job, Miss Smart, I suggest you talk to the Chairman."

"Who is it now?"

"The new Chairman is Dr McIntosh."

"Oh, okay."

Tammy parked in town and went in search of some lunch, which wasn't easy as the clock eased towards three o'clock. The bakery was out of rolls, sandwiches and pasties, as well as anything else that could be deemed savoury. She bought the last remaining Chelsea bun and headed to Sarah's Boutique.

"Where have you been?"

"Sorry, I've been roped into the next production at the theatre."

"I called you."

"My phone's on silent, sorry. It looks like I'll be tied up for the next couple of months."

"Every Saturday?"

"Yes, but even that's not straightforward. Have you seen Anne McIntosh recently?"

"She was in this morning, they've finally moved into their new place."

"Where?"

"By Thurso golf club."

"I thought they were leaving town?"

"They went to Anne's sister's place in Aberdeen and looked at moving there but didn't like it, so they're staying here."

"I was told the Headmaster is now Chairman of the Mill Theatre Trust."

"Steven's no longer a Headmaster, Tammy!"

"Force of habit, Sarah, do you have their phone number?"

"Sure, I'll get it out of my book."

Tammy made it home a few hours later, still hungry and grumpy.

"Dr McIntosh, this is Tammy Smart?"

"Hello Tammy, there's no need to be formal now, please call me Steven. Now, what can I do for you?"

"I was asked yesterday to take over Deathtrap from Iain."

"Ah, he left me a message to that effect. I called this morning but you were out."

"I had a few things to do before I reached the theatre, plus I have a new mobile number so you probably won't have that?"

"I wouldn't have, anyway, I don't even have a copy of the school's records."

"Of course not."

"So, how did the rehearsal go?"

"It's awkward, there are two casts."

"When Iain proposed that arrangement, he said it was the only way to do matinees."

"I quite understand, but the caretaker wasn't happy when we overran by a long way."

"There's an easy answer to that, Tammy."

"I wondered about scrubbing the matinees and only using one cast?"

"No, I'll make you a keyholder. If you want to book a slot for rehearsals just let the secretary know."

"Who's that?"

"Fleur Younger, do you know her?"

"We met at the University a year ago."

"Oh good, she'll need some support, did you want to join the board?"

"Sorry, Steven, I'm back at University and I have other commitments that I can't avoid. I can only just manage this play."

"That's a shame, I'm trying to get new blood and new ideas into the theatre."

"It's a noble plan, but I can't take on any more at the moment, Sir."

"I understand, how is your course?"

"I've only done a week so far, the real work starts on Monday, not that it makes sense so far."

"In what way?"

"Monday's lecture is called 'Understanding the social world', I can't see what that has to do with criminology."

"Society, Tammy, is made up of many different peoples, with differing ideas of freedoms and beliefs; that would appear to influence some criminal behaviour?"

"I see, thank you, Sir."

"Glad to be of service."

"How's retirement treating you?"

"I think I'm busier now than before! I can hear Anne calling me, bye Tammy."

"Bye, Sir, er, Steven."

Tammy realised, too late, that she didn't have Fleur's number and she hadn't given Steven McIntosh her own mobile number.

Angela was in Aberdeen on a two week residential course and her parents had gone away for a few days, so the house was quiet, deadly quiet. Zara had left some meals in the fridge so Tammy decided to eat before taking an early night.

 
Wednesday 12th October 2016
 

"Here you are, Tammy."

"Thanks Fleur." Tammy slid the key into her purse.

"You'll need the alarm code too, I'll text it to you."

Tammy had foregone lunch on Monday as she searched the University campus for Fleur, finding her walking across the carpark five minutes before the start of afternoon lectures. They'd only managed to exchange mobile numbers but by the time they talked that evening, Fleur had everything in hand.

"What are you planning, Tammy?"

"I'll split the two casts up, Wednesday evening for the A cast, Saturday morning for the B cast, for the next few weeks."

"Wednesday is clear until the middle of November, then the pantomime cast will need it."

"Oh, what about Friday evenings?"

"That's used monthly for the film club now, first Friday of the month, as well as the occasional concert."

"Okay, I'll bear that in mind."

"I'll get you a key as soon as I can."

Tammy didn't recall having these problems last year, although she barely managed two rehearsals, and she was certain that the previous year hadn't experienced any problems, not until opening night.

Wednesday was a half day so Tammy went home for lunch.

"There was a call for you, Tammy."

"Okay, what's the number, I'll call from my room."

"It was the secure phone, he said he was Colonel MacTaggart."

"Interesting, I met someone by that name in London back in April."

"He did say you would remember him, something about an uncle?"

Tammy laughed, "Okay, that's definitely him. Did he leave a number?"

"There was a number but he wasn't staying there, he's travelling North in a few days apparently."

"He has my works mobile number but that's off and I don't really want to turn it on. I guess we'll just wait until he calls again."

"Okay, Tammy."

Tammy wanted to assume that Sean MacTaggart's trip was social, but had severe doubts. She hadn't heard a peep out of Jenny, or anyone else, for three weeks so was getting used to a care-free life again; she was beginning to like this ordinary life, a life without intelligence agencies. A secure call from an SAS Colonel was unlikely to herald good news, however. She contemplated calling Thames House, or even James Townsend in Room 40, but really didn't want to stir things unnecessarily.

Tammy's training in GCHQ and then Room 40 seemed an age away, six months to be exact, and she still wasn't entirely certain why she'd been sent on the course. Most of the training relied on technology that she didn't have access to, whether at home or in London, so was it pointless?

With lunch out of the way, Tammy settled to do some work before heading over to see Cathy at 4pm.

"How's school, Cathy?"

"They're a good bunch of kids, mostly, just one or two troublemakers as usual, what about your course?"

"Only twenty of us on the Thurso campus but another sixty across the other campuses, so it's not a small course. There's one or two on the course who don't look as if they want a career in criminology, more like in crime."

"That's a bit harsh."

"Maybe, but it comes down to my experience and training; I look at people differently."

"Perhaps I look at children differently as I'm a teacher?"

"What we do colours our world, Cathy. How is Florence doing?"

"A few issues but the prefects have apparently dealt with the miscreants, she really gets on well with Lori."

"I was pleased when she took the job, she's going to be doing the same Child and Youth Studies course as Angela but with different options."

"Excellent, I think your mum's stress is down as she's leaving Lori alone more often."

"Like the past few days? They're back tomorrow lunchtime from their latest trip."

"Where did they go?"

"To see Suzie, they'll bring some more of my stuff back."

"Will you eat with us?"

"Who'll be here?"

"Just Michael, Helen and myself."

"Okay, six?"

"Yes."

"I'm due at the theatre for seven thirty."

 
Thursday 13th October 2016
 

Tammy had a free day so was at home when Richard and Joan arrived back.

"You didn't tell me that Suzie's boyfriend had moved in, Tammy?"

"I didn't know!"

"Well, the place needed a good tidy up."

"I haven't been there for nearly a month, not since I collected the last lot of clothes and stuff."

"The rest of your stuff, as you put it, is at Wick Airport."

"I'll collect it in the morning."

"Suzie said some of it was to do with work."

"Damn."

Tammy retrieved her official mobile phone from the safe, taking her Glock 19 at the same time. A couple of minutes later she was on the road, her phone sat charging in it's docking bay. She took the shorter route, a road with dubious quality, but it shaved ten minutes off the journey and went straight past the airport.

The petrol gauge was showing a quarter of a tank as she reached the Tesco filling station so went there first, watching as a commercial flight came into land. She paid, collected her loyalty points, and was on her way to the terminal. Tammy's car had an airside pass so she had no trouble pulling up with the RS Helicopters office.

"Hello John, is there something for me?"

"Sure, there's some luggage and a few boxes."

There was more than Tammy expected, and it seemed that Suzie, or Joan, had emptied Tammy's wardrobes, clearly they didn't think she'd be staying in the London apartment again, an apartment that Tammy owned! She started to load her car.

"Is there room for me too?"

Tammy looked up, her hand reaching for her weapon. "Sean?"

"Correct, and let's not test who's the faster draw, eh?"

He gave her a hug, a bear hug.

"So, Colonel, what brings you this far North?"

"You."

"I'm just a student these days."

"Maybe, maybe not."

"Look, I can't talk in riddles."

"Can I help you pack your car and then can you give me a ride?"

"Sure, where to?"

"The Castletown Hotel, do you know it?"

"I do, but wouldn't you prefer something more secure and private?"

"Such as?"

"My home, I'm sure it'll be okay?"

Joan wasn't impressed at all, she took Tammy aside.

"You say he's an SAS officer?"

"Yes."

"And he's come to see you?"

"Yes, but I don't know why."

"I thought you'd given up all this cloak and dagger work?"

"So did I, but they are paying me so I'm still on the payroll."

"Well, I don't like it."

"Look, as soon as he's completed it, whatever it is, he'll be gone."

Richard was in the lounge with Sean and had broken out the decent malts.

"Tammy, did you know Sean was an old boy of St Andrews?"

"No, that didn't come up in our last conversation."

Sean laughed, "in that drinking den, with Kerri!"

Tammy nodded, "so, why are you here?"

"Let's go for a walk."

They walked a fair distance from the house before Sean was content it was safe to speak.

"We're concerned there's a lot of Russian Diplomatic activity up here but it's not clear what they're doing."

"Is that the SAS's job?"

"Not usually, but we suspect arms are being brought in using the fish factory boats. We need to know who the actors are. Unfortunately they are very wary of anyone who looks like a police officer."

"No great surprise there."

"I'm told your car is equipped with cameras?"

"Yes."

"All I'd like you to do is park it near the harbour tomorrow, there's a fish factory due alongside at lunchtime, it sails at three."

"I'm in college all day."

"That's fine, there's one other thing."

"What's that?"

"One of the packages you picked up is an IMSI Catcher*, I'd like you to place it in the car and leave it running. I'm told you're qualified to use them?"

"Who the hell told you?"

"Sorry, but are you?"

"You already know the answer, I didn't ask for any kit to be sent to me and I wasn't expecting to use it. I'm a student right now not an operative."

"Understood, but if you do this tomorrow, I'll be gone on the train that night. This is a 'need to know' operation, right?"

"Yes, Colonel."

They walked back, Cathy had heard about the visitor so had thrown a dinner invitation to the Smarts and their guest.

Before they headed over to dinner, Tammy took her packages into the study to open them. The IMSI interceptor could grab all mobile phone information for any phone that came within range. According to most Government sources, these weren't in use in the UK, but she had one on the desk in front of her. This was an identical model to one she'd been trained on at GCHQ so she plugged in her laptop and configured it for use.

Dinner that evening was certainly different, Cathy was seen fawning over Sean.

 
Saturday 15th October 2016
 

"Welcome back everyone, I want all of you off the script by next week. Okay, let's do Act 1!"

Tammy was energised this morning, she'd brought the rehearsal forward an hour so hoped to be out of there by half eleven, twelve at the latest. Wednesday's cast had worked better with just the five of them and this morning was looking better as well. The last thing she needed with this drama was more drama.

Sean had stayed a second night and Tammy had dropped him at the station on her way to the theatre. He was carrying a secure copy of the IMSI data.

The rehearsal continued into the second Act and Tammy reviewed her past week, one good deed done, coursework up to date and a theatre production going well - she could cope with this level of work.

Of course, there's still Martin Gore's trial but that won't be a problem, will it?
 
 

Colonel Sean MacTaggart appears by kind permission of Snowfall
 

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMSI-catcher