Book 11: Tammy Interludes     "Guard of the Thistle" Part 2

This story takes place after the end of Snowfall's story Chrysalis Project Book 10: Iron Dolphin Books 3 & 4

For all of Tammy's adventures ---> click here

 
Thursday 28th September 2017

Tammy doubted she'd made a sensible choice that morning, but perhaps the pain was worth it? She'd started with a swim in the pool at home, rising at six to avoid any silly questions. By Eight she was in the office, checking her bike before a ride around town.

She retraced the route she'd taken the previous day but looped for a second go. The climbs felt harder second time around and she managed to annoy the driver of a school bus when her legs struggled with the last uphill section of her route. Downhill she couldn't get a decent speed as the traffic was building up and diesel fumes were way too close, this was not the experience she wanted.

Joey arrived at the office as Tammy finished wiping her bike down. It hadn't rained whilst she was out, but the roads on the higher ground were damp and that hadn't help her enjoy the ride either. Something also felt wrong, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

"Tammy, You need a shower!"

"Thanks, much, but that's not really possible right now, is it?"

"Just sayin'! Coffee?"

Tammy nodded, instead of making a sarcastic reply, as she to change back into her work attire; grey cropped trousers and a lilac blouse with black low heels. After stuffing the riding apparel into a bag to take home, she used a few wet wipes on her face and other bits, chastising herself for the waste. Nonetheless she finally put on a little slap and the visage in the mirror had returned to resemble her public appearance. Tammy had never been a huge fan of make-up, taking the less-is-more attitude, but there were times when it was needed, and her current mood had dictated that she appeared confident and ready for the world, even if the opposite was true. Yes, she had remembered some of Lyssa's lessons. Even hearing her voice whilst working in front of the mirror.

"I will get my 'collective shit together'. Become; and remove all doubt." Tammy repeated quietly to herself.

A fresh mug of coffee was waiting on her desk.

"Thanks, I need this."

"Yeah, sorry about what I said, how did it go last night?"

"Well, I believe I have myself sorted for tomorrow night's dinner."

"No, the schoolboys?"

"Three were girls, except that caused a problem."

"Why?"

"None were obvious Lady material but would manage as witches okay, however one insisted on playing a male role."

"Why would that be a problem?"

"Because either I had to make one act like Lady Macbeth, which would be a struggle, or persuade one of the boys to become her."

"But didn't Shakespeare only use male actors?"

"Yes, and I wasn't expecting a problem, it wasn't an issue when I was at the school."

"You went there? Weren't there other girls?"

"I was the first."

"Oh."

"That was then and this is now. We have our coffee, let us tackle the day."

Joey handed the binder back. "I went through it. I can see how some of it is helpful. Still, it is a bit much for me and I don't think you'd get me into most of it."

Tammy sighed. "I know it's stereotyping but somehow I don't think you'd even get in the door of a London firm, even if your experience was enough! I just wanted you to have the knowledge for options, so you know how to power dress if you need to. I will suggest this; when you go to court, consider the effect of your appearance. It will determine how you are treated by the people that talk to you and thought of by the people that listen to you. You want them to take you seriously and on your side as much as can be. I know this for fact." Tammy explained.

Joey sighed. "Alright Tammy."

Tammy nodded. "Let's crack on then."

First, though, Tammy needed to make sure she had transport.

"Smart Air, how can I help you?"

"Jim, it's Tammy."

"Oh, good morning. I guess this is about tomorrow?"

"Who told you?"

"Your father, he suggested you needed to use Katie?"

"Yeah, I have a few dresses in bags that mustn't be folded, somehow they wouldn't survive my Cruiser."

"We don't need the Epic for the weekend right now, but I hear it'll be parked up from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning?"

"Sunday afternoon probably."

"Fine, so if we need to borrow it for a paid job, it's only in Inverness, and we'll get it back to you by lunchtime on Sunday. Can you lodge the keys with the usual agents?"

"Sure, thanks Jim."

Next she needed her hair done and kicked herself for not calling sooner.

"What do you need?"

"A tidy-up."

"Friday afternoon?"

"I'm flying out just after lunch, how about this afternoon?"

"Nope, no chance. Hold on, there's a cancellation for ten in the morning, but it's a short slot."

"I'll take it!"

It was near lunchtime when the keys to the Princes Court property were brought round.

"That's quick, has the sale already gone through?"

"No, but the solicitors are handling it and the other agent trusts me. Can you let the electrician know he can collect the keys anytime? I think I'll pop in and have a look for myself."

Tammy grabbed an umbrella as the road was getting damp again.

She ignored the shop door and went around to the back of the property and climbed the steps to the rear door. Someone had been serious about security as there were high and low deadlocks as well as a standard mid-door latch. Once inside she found herself in a small lobby, leading into a short hallway. Although Joey had photographed the rooms, she'd left the hallways and smaller spaces alone, perhaps some guidance was needed for her younger assistant?

Tammy had a tape measure in her bag and recorded relevant measurements into a file on her phone. There were fittings for a washing machine in the rear lobby but she hadn't seen a washing line outside and wasn't even sure that she wanted her smalls out in public? Perhaps a washer/dryer was needed?

The kitchen wasn't huge but there were sockets and spaces for all the appliances. All the electrics looked new so she guessed her electrician wouldn't need to do much apart from the mandatory safety checks. She decided to head up to the top floor and work down, she identified one room at the back of the property as an obvious office. It faced East so would be light in the mornings, although the winter sun rose just past nine o'clock around Christmas, perhaps that was just an excuse to start work late? It only had one power outlet so that would need attention, perhaps her guy could also install a network cable down to the main telephone point?

There was a small bedroom on the same floor, which could be a guest room but she couldn't envisage having many guests to stay? Perhaps if she left the room unfurnished, her mother wouldn't ask Tammy to look after someone overnight? The main bedroom was on the middle floor and already had fitted wardrobes but Tammy realised she would need more, much more, hanging space, or leave some clothes back at Dunbankin'? There was another, smaller, bedroom on this floor too but she envisaged that as a dressing room? Maybe that was there would be enough space for her growing shoe collection, although she wasn't another Imelda Marcos yet.

The main bathroom was on this floor and was already well equipped with a large shower cubicle and a corner bath. Tammy was of a generation who showered much more often than bathed. At school a shower could be taken once a day, but baths had to be booked with the Head of House a week ahead and only the school nurse could expedite a same day bath. There were times, however, when Tammy appreciated a long soak and now she didn't need anyone's permission.

Back on the ground floor there was a small dining room but the front of the property was taken with the shop. Tammy ignored that and followed the stairs down to a basement level. Here she found a large open plan room and mentally she imagined rugs, sofas and a great audio system. She decided it might be useful to test the sound insulation? The floor was wood panelled and the ceiling was clearly false, perhaps hiding pipework and cabling? Tammy wondered if the basement had been a store for the shop in the past?

There was a toilet and a utility cupboard down here. Tammy prodded the cupboard sides and found a loose panel. She pushed on one side and it swung out, revealing a small combination safe. It was locked and, unsurprisingly, there were no hints as to the code. She photographed it with her phone then replaced the panel. There was a good chance that the agent hadn't known about the safe and perhaps the previous, deceased, owner had taken the code with him.

"Too bad I didn't think to ask Krystel about safe-cracking lessons."

She went back up and entered the shop through a security door, clearly designed to keep irate customers out of the accommodation! There was a counter but no racking or display equipment. The windows were obscured by blinds but she could see the street through the door. Suddenly a face appeared and rattled the door. Tammy was startled but recognised her tame electrician.

"Come around the back." She shouted, waving her arm.

Tammy met the electrician and handed him the keys.

"I need extra power sockets in each room, future proofing, plus can you take a look at running a double network port in each room?"

"Sure Miss Smart, any idea where you want the panel?"

"There's a utility cupboard in the basement that should be big enough, can you mount it high on the back wall? I'll have Telecom bring the phone line in there."

"Okay, I'll take a look then email you with my plan and an estimate, when do you want it done?"

"It'll take another week to exchange, possibly two, so how about three weeks?"

"Will the property still be empty by then? It makes the job alot easier?"

"Yes, and I'll send a decorator in after you!"

Tammy left him there, satisfied that she was making a good decision. She knew that her father would need to take a look and would have constructive ideas, but what about Joan? Did she need to get permission from her paymasters either? What about security? These questions would need answering.

She dropped into the bike shop before heading back to the office.

"Ah, hello again Miss."

"Hi, I know I didn't get my bike from you, but something didn't feel right this morning. Could I bring it in and you take a look at it?"

"Who set it up?"

"I did."

"And your aftercare is down a phone line to Perth?"

"Yeah, maybe that wasn't the best option?"

"Okay, bring it here in the morning."

"Thanks."

Tammy returned home mid afternoon before she could get caught up in more work. It looked like Joey would have to look after Friday on her own, again, Tammy hadn't worked a full week all month!

She walked up the stairs debating between a long soak in the bath or even a glass of wine to unwind. Instead she was surprised to find her stepmother in her room.

"Mum?" Tammy called as she walked in.

Joan turned, holding up a linen skirt suit. "Zara pressed some of your things. Where did all of this come from? And she mentioned new luggage?"

"There were raffles and give-aways, for clothes, cosmetics and classes for advanced presentation. I won a luggage set, which came in useful!" Tammy said casually then began putting things away.

"So it really was a conference?" Joan asked.

Tammy nodded. "Yes, Mum. It was all about being a business-woman, being respected and presenting the best you can. On the first day, I met with fitness consultants. I've been given a nutrition and exercise plan. I've already achieved results."

"You do seem a bit more fit and not trudging in. Oh, that's lovely!"

Tammy held up a tea-length periwinkle chiffon dress. "Yes, from Dior. In fact, I think it will do for tomorrow evening."

"Tomorrow? Pru said something about Inverness?"

"I have an invite to an military awards evening, plus the get-to-know-you dinner, I'm a plus-one."

"I was never asked to be a plus-one for anything like that, how did that come about?"

"A Colonel asked me."

"A Military awards evening? What's it about?"

"The Guard of the Thistle, and I still don't know what it is?"

"There's an Order of the Thistle, but the Queen is involved and I believe they hold that in Edinburgh? Anyway, can you spare the time and are you getting roped into more cloak and dagger stuff? I worry."

"I know you do, but please don't. This weekend I am just arm candy for an old man in a uniform. You might have noticed that I'm not involved in the intelligence community any more, but it opened a few doors for me." Tammy opened the remaining wardrobes.

"I'll need shoes for the chiffon dress."

"White, perhaps?" Offered Joan.

"For day, yes. But for night; the silver Dolce and Gabanna sandals." Tammy pointed to the rack in her closet.

Joan gawked then turned back. "Tammy, I may not be a fashion consultant, but the way you now name off shoes and so on; I feel lost."

"During the seminar I became aware how out of touch I was. I discovered that many women in business take notice of what you wear and being able to name it for them has value. Not just what it is, but who makes it. Many judge you for it. Just saying 'a black skirt and white blouse' isn't enough. They see that. But when you say the skirt is; say Burberry? And the blouse is Vivienne Westwood? That changes things. Men do the same with their suits. Have you noticed? When Dad was attending these meetings I saw other men, and their assistants, ask Dad about his suit and he named it, not the store he bought it at." Tammy explained.

Joan thought. "I never gave it any thought I never attended any meetings or functions like that very often. I think I was asked once before and I said I got it in Debenhams, the look she gave me was very dismissive. Now I see why."

"During my time at the school, fashion had no value, it wasn't a part of the training for real life so I never learned about it. Perhaps, with the introduction of girls, that may be changing as well."

"Perhaps so."

"As we are talking, there is something else I would like to discuss."

Joan sighed. "What's wrong?"

"No Mum, there's nothing wrong, but I do care and I think I need to clarify a bit. You see me flying off to the Caribbean or dashing to Inverness for a dinner. But, in the real world I am a university undergraduate student and I own an estate agency. I also am a qualified pilot, but I part own an airline, so why shouldn't I fly? My contacts recently trained me for diving, that means I can safely dive on wrecks or even inspect waterfront properties?. A useful skill that cost me a weekend - nothing more!"

Tammy paused. "When I said I was going to a trade seminar, you queried it but that is exactly what I did. Am I actively in the intelligence services? No, but they still need to talk to me occasionally, so I keep the channel open. I do prefer being on good terms with them, I may need them in the future. All I ask that you please rein in your worry. If something comes up that you, Dad and Angela need to know; I will tell you. Otherwise, just go on with things. I love you, Mum. Please relax. Everything is fine."

"Very well. I will try."

Tammy smiled. "I am going to finish putting this away then take a soak in the bath. I think I deserve it"

Joan hugged her. "That sounds like a good idea, dear. I'll see you for dinner at six."

When Tammy finally sat back in her bath she sighed. "Damage control for the day; done. Now, how do I tell her that I'm moving out?"

 
Friday 29th September 2017

Tammy was up early again for a swim, guessing that she'd regret it later. Once again she reached the office before most of Thurso had woken so took the bike, keeping her session to one circuit. She was outside the bike shop at eight thirty when the owner arrived.

"As I said yesterday, I think there's something wrong with my new bike, it just doesn't feel right."

"Good morning, I passed you a few minutes ago and I think I can see the problem, bring the bike in."

He disabled the alarm and switched on the lights, directing Tammy to a bike stand near the front of the store. She took the hint and parked the rear wheel.

"Get on."

It wasn't long before he had a set of Allen keys, Tammy was hopping on and off the bike as he adjusted it.

"My guess is that you last rode when you were a wee lassie?"

"Something like that."

"It's one thing taking a kiddy bike around a playground, it's another taking this bike around the streets. You were trying to sit up, that's the wrong position. I can help you with your posture but it doesn't help that the frame isn't quite the right size for you."

"The guy at CycleManiacs asked me my height and weight."

"Sure, but that doesn't tell him if you're longer in the body or longer in the leg? No two people are exactly the same and the bike has to be fitted to the rider."

"So did I waste my money?"

"No, we can adapt what you have, but the rule of thumb should be not to buy a bike remotely. I'm not saying that so I get your business next time you need two wheels, but just make sure you visit a bike store and not a ruddy website!"

Tammy left there ten minutes later and felt obligated to buy something, the owner disagreed.

"Please don't spend when it's not needed, all this has cost me is time and I know you'll be back. I'd like to call that an investment. Please keep your money for now."

Tammy took the bike back around the circuit and took heed of the guy's comments, her calf muscles didn't feel as bad this time.

She stowed the bike in the office just as Joey arrived, it was gone half past nine.

"Oh, I wasn't expecting to see you this morning?"

"Hence the laxitude you just showed?"

"I was planning on doing my hours."

"I hope so. I'm off home."

"Oh, the electrician dropped the keys back yesterday. What's your interest in the property?"

"I have a private client for whom it will suit nicely."

"Who's that?"

"Sorry, that's confidential."

"Oh, it's one of your spook friends?"

"Really Joey? We've covered the 'spook' talk, put it away. I'll see you on Monday afternoon, I'm back in the University that morning."

"Back to normal then?"

"If you can tell me what normal is around here?"

"Yeah. But don't forget I'm in Colchester from Wednesday."

"Damn."

----

Tammy took her time, packing for her weekend. She had left the salon with her hair done and carefully showered when she reached home. She had the forethought to bring the gold-tone hair clip of the set given by Krystel. The fun had been learning they weren't ordinary hair decorations, each had the five most used lock-picking tools and also a tungsten carbide knife blade. All contained in material that concealed them from scanners. The set came with one each: Gold, Silver, Black, Neutral-Brown and jeweled. The set fit into grips under the top of her vanity case.

For this trip the medium suitcase of the collection was chosen, it too had a concealed compartment for adding her battlesuit along with the knee high boots and gloves. Tammy intended to be well prepared, including three field uniforms and lightweight boots she discovered the troops wore during warm conditions. Inside the suit/dress carrier were her dress uniform and the two frocks. In total, she carried three pieces of luggage as she picked up her vanity case as well.

A quick check of her handbag verified her needed credentials as well as other bits she kept at all times then went downstairs to leave. Pru happened to catch sight as she was leaving and had to look twice. To look more the part of an executive service pilot she was immaculately made-up. Tammy even had a new suit for flying Katie; a Carolina Herrera skirt suit, in white, with a Donna Karan silk blouse of navy blue. Instead of the white mid-heel pumps she now wore a pair of navy patent pumps from Prada. There was even a gold-tone name plaque pinned high of her left breast.

Three hours later; Tammy followed directions to park the Epic outside a hanger for McDonough Air. She found it amusing that several heads had turned as she stepped down the stairs and gave no hint to the looks of male appreciation crossing the tarmac to the hangar. She asked the manager, Geoff McDonough, to organise a taxi for her.

"Where to, Lassie?"

"Fort George, I've decided to join the regiment."

"Secretarial team?" He didn't appear to be joking.

"Assassination squad, I think your name's first on the list."

"Err, I'll get that taxi for you."

Tammy turned and went back to Katie for her luggage, smirking.

She checked in with the Sergeant at the Regimental security desk.

"Tamara Smart, reporting in."

"I have to ask, Miss Smart, are you carrying any weapons?"

"Yes, my Glock 19 and a knife. Oh, two spare magazines."

"I hope you are making a very bad joke, Miss, as you know very well that a civvie can't carry weapons in the UK."

"If you like, I'll retrieve my ID?"

"Slowly please."

Tammy produced her NATO ID as two troopers also arrived. The Sergeant stood up and saluted.

"Lieutenant; please you put your weapons on the table, M'am."

She did as requested.

"Why are you in civvies, M'am?"

"Because I'm here as a guest of Colonel MacTaggart."

"And you always carry a firearm?"

"Yes, I have my licenses with me, now I would really like to use a bathroom."

There was a laugh behind her.

"Typical, Tammy, typical!"

"Thanks for the help Kyle, I bet you didn't have trouble declaring your weapons?" She glanced downwards, Kyle blushed.

The guard sent the troopers away then addressed Captain Kyle Fielding.

"Is she for real, Sir?"

"Yes, and you're just the latest to fail to identify this beauty as one of Scotland's finest warriors."

"Well, I'll have to take these whilst you're on the site, and there's some paperwork - didn't you get the memo?"

"No, it was just a dinner invite so I just carried my usual light selection for personal protection."

It was another ten minutes before Tammy could head up to her room for the weekend. As she filled out the forms, the Sergeant gave the contents of her luggage a going over. Tammy hid a smile as the compartment in the suitcase went unnoticed. By now she really did need the loo and dashed for it after setting her things down on the bed. Back in the room, before she unpacked, she looked across the room. The windows looked out onto the Moray Firth and the view was magnificent. Tammy started to empty the suit/dress bag, she was holding up the Saturday night gown when there was a knock on the door, Tammy invited the person in.

"Kyle?"

"That's Captain Fielding to you, why does trouble follow you around?"

"I was doing quite well until this. No police, no terrorists. I was even caught up on all my emails. Perhaps someone should have warned the Black Watch?"

"We'll consider it training for them, I hear you have new playmates now?"

"That's not for discussion, Captain."

"That's not for you to decide."

"In this case it is, so sod off like a good boy. I'm here as Colonel MacTaggart's arm candy."

"Really? Do you know what this weekend is about?"

"Nope, as usual; no-one told me, but that's pretty normal about the military, isn't it?"

"So you came anyway?"

"It was delivered as an order, even if it was dressed up as an invitation." Tammy reached into her bag and retrieved the single sheet. "See?"

"Indeed, so do you want to know what the weekend is about?"

"Yes, Kyle, but if I don't unpack these cases then I'll have to find an iron and spend the rest of the early evening pressing my clothes."

"I'll wait."

"Okay, but you're not getting your hands on my knickers again!"

He took a seat as Tammy opened up the suitcase next, the one containing her battlesuit and boots, along with her combats. She decided to keep those secret and only unpack the other items, her separates and underwear then hung what she could and folded everything else into a couple of drawers, although one nightie went onto the bed along with the matching panties.

"You look quite organized, compared to previously."

"I took a course. Sorry it wouldn't do for you. It's for women only."

Kyle nodded to her collection of luggage and the clothing. "I guess if you plan to infiltrate Paris Fashion Week, you'll be ready."

"Among other places."

"That suit you're styling right now is something too. You didn't dress up like that last time."

"I flew a different plane as well. I wear what I want for my personal plane. For the one I flew here, I do dress up. This plane requires a certain image."

Finally Tammy unpacked her dress uniform, although Tammy had no idea if she'd need it, she brought it just in case. She finished by unpacking her make-up and toiletries. A quick check of the time revealed it was five pm.

"What time is dinner?"

"Seven this evening, it's not formal."

"Good, that just gives me time to get ready."

"Not yet, the Colonel wants to see you."

"I'll see him at dinner."

"He wants to see you as soon as you were ready."

"And I'll be ready once I've had a coffee then showered and made myself presentable. Please be back here just before seven to escort me."

Tammy opened the door and directed Kyle out of her room.

------

Tammy made her own way down to the lounge after finding directions in a welcome pack, it was under where her handbag had landed when she rushed to the bathroom. She had no idea whether Captain Fielding would escort her, and had taken slightly less time than planned to get ready. Tonight's frock was the Dior periwinkle number with silver sandals, the one from Cathy would be left for the following night.

She found Sean MacTaggart in a corner, sat in an armchair.

"Here you are, Uncle, I brought that cheap whisky you asked for." Tammy said it very quietly and prayed that no-one else would hear it.

"Hmmm, Wolfburn? Couldn't you do better?"

"Not with the budget you don't give me!"

"I'm sure you could afford something after what the Americans paid you?"

"Yes, I can afford the exercise equipment and the diet plan, plus the need to look good, regardless. That doesn't come cheap."

"Ah, the cost of natural beauty ...."

"Plus, my other 'Uncle' does say you tend to be a bad influence and shouldn't be encouraged."

Sean actually rolled his eyes at that comment. "Like that renegade has room to talk. If he ever went to confession, the priest would have a heart attack in three seconds."

"Indeed Colonel. Now, you wanted to speak to me?"

"Yes, can we take a walk before we're called to the table?"

Tammy received a glass of a white Burgundy before Sean looped his arm through hers, directing the pair of them through the patio doors.

"That's quite the look for you, as was the outfit you arrived in."

"I'm equipped for most eventualities, Sir."

"Good, but try not to make a spectacle of yourself please?"

"I could have lied and said I didn't have any weapons, but what would have happened when they searched me and my luggage?"

"True, but did you have to carry a gun?"

"Yes, I still have no idea what is happening here, and I could be tasked to fly somewhere else."

"By your American managers?"

"Or by yourself, Sir."

"So you are not exclusive to our cousins?"

"Not at all."

"Good. I hope someone will be able to speak with you tomorrow evening now that you've clarified that."

A gong sounded and they were called into dinner.

Book 11: Tammy Interludes     "Guard of the Thistle" Part 3

This story takes place after the end of Snowfall's story Chrysalis Project Book 10: Iron Dolphin Books 3 & 4

For all of Tammy's adventures ---> click here

Saturday 30th September 2017

Tammy had been ordered to report for breakfast at seven, so had kept an early night - alone. At five her alarm clock went off and she bolted from the bed and slapped the off button at the same time. In only five minutes she'd changed to running attire and hurried down the stairs.

"Lieutenant Smart; going for a run." Tammy informed the duty guard, a sergeant according to his cuffs.

He signed her out, "This is the first time you've visited Fort George, Ma'am?"

"Yes, do you have any suggestions?"

"Head out of the main gate and take a right onto the coast road, Ma'am."

"Understood, thank you."

Once outside, Tammy breathed in the air, somewhere nearby was a clump of heather as her nostrils reacted to the sweet smell, although her eyes could only pick out a mown lawn, glistening in the morning dew.Tammy stretched then set out, she hadn't done a Lyssa-approved warm-up so kept it to a gentle jog at first.

Tammy kicked harder at 500m and again at 1km, and was now at her normal running pace. This was confirmed by her sport watch which kept her time, cadence and distance. Tammy hadn't seen a pool, nor was it in her welcome pack, so this run had to replace her daily swim and bike ride. Tammy decided to turn around at the 5km point, an increase on her usual distance. She made it back outside the base by six twenty but first stretched and cooled down before checking back in. The duty guard had changed but apparently knew she was outside so the formality was minimal. A shower beckoned.

A sheet had been passed under her door and she read it as she dried her hair, belatedy the weekend schedule had been decided. She had training and testing until 1600hrs, to be followed by the main ceremony and dinner. More training awaited on Sunday, but she hadn't been told what to expect.

She arrived in the officers' mess as required and had chosen her dress uniform, on the grounds that she couldn't possibly be wrong. Her hair was in a tight bun and she wore minimal makeup, looking quite austere compared to the previous evening. She decided to drop her ID card around her neck just in case anyone thought the Colonel's tottie was simply playing dress-up.

She took a seat near Captain Fielding and an orderly took her order, Tammy passed on the full Scottish and opted for the fruit and cereal choices, although a banana-nut muffin sounded appealing. Mango juice and a coffee completed her breakfast selection.

"What's planned for me, Sir?"

"You'll be told, in due course." Kyle replied dryly, taking note of her breakfast. "You actually plan to eat all that healthy stuff? You'll need calories to last the weekend."

Tammy looked up. "My nutritionist would prefer that I look after myself and since I like the results of the advice so far, I intend to keep to the plan. I might even need stores to supply me a skirt in a smaller size?"

Tammy expected nothing more from Kyle, this was his style and he clearly enjoyed playing the superiority game, but she was more than capable of being his equal. Tammy found the food filling, not worried that any sudden physical activity might not be good for her. The bulk of it would burn away quickly. There were regular looks over to her, a clear interloper, and she just smiled at first. However a few latecomers spotted her and came straight over. Kyle had already left the table.

"Becky?"

"Lieutenant Tammy Smart, at your service."

"But, weren't you at Hythe, a couple of years ago?"

"I have been many places, and I suspect you have as well?"

"Perhaps. Catch you later?"

Tammy smiled and returned to her coffee. Her week on the ranges at Hythe had happened after she had hesitated; an error that could have cost Tammy, and others, their lives. She hadn't hesistated again, although Tammy had a policy of only using a weapon for defence. Her week on the ranges had helped her develop an awareness of where danger might be and whether to shoot. A year later she was faced with the 'me or her' scenario at Elsie's funeral, that time Tammy chose to defend herself, whatever the consequences.

"Aren't you ready?"

Kyle had returned and was back in nasty officer mode.

"I was interrupted by some guys we met in Kent."

"That's no excuse, you were meant to be ready five minutes ago."

"Was I? Nobody told me where to go? Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to powder my nose." Tammy picked up her bag and headed out of the room. She didn't look behind her but, judging by the smirks, she'd scored a point. No doubt, Kyle would try to win the game, whatever that was going to be?

"Excuse me Ma'am?"

Tammy spun around to find a young female in uniform.

"Yes?"

"Corporal Staines, Ma'am, Colonel MacTaggart asked that I assist you today."

"Fine, do you know what's going on?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Good, I'm heading to my room for a wee and to tidy up my face, follow!"

"The Colonel asks that you change into fatigues, ma'am, and report to the range in ten minutes."

"In which case he can get stuffed! I'll do this at my own pace."

"Ma'am?"

"Don't worry, Corporal, you won't be in trouble."

Tammy took fifteen minutes but Cpl Staines was fretting.

"Look, I promise you won't get into trouble, I'll be the one they're after. Staines, was it?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"First name?"

"Maisie."

"Right, Maisie, I'm Tammy. I do things differently and I'm not a professional soldier."

"You're a territorial?"

"No, I play at being a soldier when it suits certain people, like the Colonel. Take this weekend, all I received was a dinner invite, so I arrived as a civvie and gave the security guard a fright."

"That was you?"

"Yes, I was in uniform but not the sort you wear." Tammy opened a wardrobe and pulled out the relevant hanger.

"It looks like a hostess uniform?"

"I flew myself into Inverness Airport, so I played the part. That's what I do all the time, I put on a hat and play the role. What about you?"

"I joined as a cadet when I was sixteen but I didn't go fulltime with the army until I finished my Highers, I've been in for four years now."

"Corporal after four years?"

"Yes."

"Well done. Unfortunately I was just given the rank of Lieutenant earlier this year, with minimal training but I had no intention of even being in the military when I was eighteen! Where are we off to?"

"The indoor range first."

Tammy wasn't the only camouflage clad person there, but she ignored them all and focused on the range officer.

"I've been ordered to report here, Sir."

"Five minutes ago, that comes off your time."

"Naturally, Sir, what am I being tested with?"

"The Glock 17, have you used it before?"

"Once, but I use a 19 and a 26 regularly."

"This is a 9mm variant, you can have ten minutes warm up and then you test."

"Fine Sir."

Tammy pulled on her ear defenders and found an empty lane. She took a few shots to gauge the weight and the recoil but soon got into the groove and peppered the inner ring.

"It looks like that trip to the island was worth it. Thank you all." She muttered to herself.

The test started soon after, 50m then 100m. She slowed her breathing but let instinct take the shot. On the first target one shot grazed the inner ring, the rest were clustered around the bull. On the second and subsequent 50m targets she fixed that anomaly. At 100m she took more time and stayed inside the second ring but the tightly bunched shots had become a splatter. She repeated on a fresh target, both satisfied and dissatisfied with her results.

Tammy declined a third target at the longer distance and returned to the range officer.

"Not bad, Lieutenant."

"I've done better."

"In which case why didn't you?"

"I wouldn't want to let the boys know that a girl can do better, would I? They get so huffy over little things like that."

The range officer almost smiled but it was Tammy's time to leave.

"Where to Maisie?"

"The outdoor range. Did you just post a perfect card?"

"It wasn't perfect, I should have drilled every one through the bull. Have you tried pistol?"

"No, not yet."

The next range required a ride in a Jeep, Tammy guessed that Maisie only had basic driving skills judging by her ability to find every pothole.

"There you are!"

"Yes, Captain, here we are, now what do you have planned for me?"

"You're going to prove to me you can use the SA80."

"You know I can, I have a pass slip from Wattisham four months ago."

Kyle almost growled. "You can do better than pass, Lieutenant."

"Climb down off that soap box, Kyle, it doesn't suit you."

"You're on a charge!"

"I suggest you run that past Sean, given that I'm his totty tonight? Just a mo'. Is THAT your problem?"

Cpl Staines was barely believing what she was hearing but kept her mouth firmly shut.

"I'll deal with you later!"

"Of course, Captain, but my bedroom door will be locked. Come on Corporal, I have to prove I know which way to point the bang bang."

The range officer here had a standard issue SA80 waiting for Tammy.

"Firstly; strip it and reassemble." Tammy guessed he had been briefed, incorrectly, by the Captain.

"Okay, let me see." Tammy deliberately took a few seconds to work out the weapon, mostly for effect. It had, however, been four months since she'd handled the Army's standard rifle but soon she had the component parts on the table. She waited for a nod then put it back together.

"I heard you are just the Colonel's dinner date?"

"And how many dinner dates can handle a weapon, Sir?"

"There are plenty of people here who seem to know your face, but for the oddest reason can't remember why, Lieutenant?"

"I'd be breaching national security if I said anything, Sir."

"Okay, we're just using the 500m range today. Single shot, two magazines."

"Understood."

"You get four targets, we'll use the best two to work out your score."

Tammy pulled on the offered ear defenders, grabbed the weapon and waited until the NCO showed her to a clear lane. The Corporal had also been offered defenders so joined Tammy. Though Tammy had used the rifle before, her recent experience with the American weaponry had provided her insight to the pro's and con's of both. The SA80 was a bullpup design; compact, manoeuvrable and featured the magazine to the rear. The American M-4 and CAR-15 had forward magazine configuration, allowing faster reload time.

Methodically Tammy acquired and fired. Twelve rounds in, she pulled the trigger and heard 'click'.

"Damn." Tammy muttered then called out "MISFIRE!"

Rodrick's voice came back immediately in her brain. "Stay on target. Count to Fifteen. Clear the round to a safe point you will not be hit if it does go off. If it slow-cooked; unload, clear the chamber and check for a hung round in the barrel."

Slowly Tammy counted herself. Just as she breathed out Eight, the round went off and the recoil was less than before. Quickly she ejected the magazine then worked the bolt to clear the chamber. Tammy then worked the weapon to inspect the barrel then turned and raised her hand.

"FOULED BARREL, HUNG ROUND!"

The Range Sergeant rushed over, took the barrel and looked down it. "Damn. Good work, Lieutenant. Stay as you are."

Minutes later, Tammy's rifle was reassembled with a new barrel and she resumed firing. Her targets were retrieved and the Sergeant looked them over.

"Your misfire procedure seemed odd, but acceptable."

"At first I thought I had been slipped a dummy round, but I went through procedure just in case. Glad I did."

The Sergeant regarded her intently. "Review for me; misfire procedure."

"Keep my target and count to fifteen. If the round does not fire; clear the round to a safe point. Opposite a wall or other cover. If the round does go off; unload and clear the weapon then inspect for obstruction." Tammy stated.

"That'll do Lieutenant. Clean your weapon while your score is counted."

Maisie watched as Tammy broke down the rifle again and began cleaning it with the kit on a side bench. "You did that very well, Ma'am."

"I think I get a Huzzah for that?" Tammy winked.

Maisie smiled back. "Huzzah, Ma'am!"

Tammy finished cleaning then reassembled the rifle. The Sergeant returned with her score sheet.

"Fine score, Ma'am. You're done here." The Sergeant said then saluted.

"Thank you Sergeant." Tammy said, returning the salute, then turned to the Corporal. "Onward."

Away from the Range they stopped to pick up two bottles of water. The next stop was a gymnasium. Inside Kyle waited.

"Hand-to-hand." Kyle said simply. "Boots and tunic off. Put on the headgear."

Tammy took off her fatigue top and boots, she didn't think the green t-shirt flattered her.

Maisie took the top, handed the headgear and picked up her boots. She handed the Lieutenant a pair of gloves, styled as knuckle protectors. "Good luck, Ma'am."

Tammy glanced over to see Kyle pulling on a pair of boxer's gloves. "Thanks."

Tammy approached Kyle and pointed to the gloves. "I sense something unfair here, don't I get a pair?"

"Not a concern, life's not fair so neither should be your training. GO!"

Kyle circled her and suddenly threw a half-hearted right-hook. Tammy bolted to close in fast, almost nose-to-nose and gave him a fast jab to the high gut. Momentarily confused by her boldness he reacted by trying to grab her in a bear-hug. He had no clue that was exactly what she had wanted. With her shoulders and hips she kept him at range, going to work using her elbows and knees viciously. Her fists were up, directly facing his, but used to block his hands as she lashed out with her elbow for a right-cross to his jaw then her left knee to the front of his right thigh.

Off-balance and unfamiliar with her style, Kyle backed to reestablish his own range, but Tammy stayed close. A left upper-cut followed by another right elbow then her right knee to the inside of his left knee. Her assault was fast and unrelenting, infuriating the Kiwi. Finally with a bellow he simply tackled her to the ground and felt her squirming.

"GO ON LIEUTENANT! GO ON!" Maisie called out in support.

Kyle moved higher up to smirk in triumph then had the most confused look. Why the Hell was she grinning and moving downward. Suddenly Tammy rotated both her wrists inward, broke his hold and grabbed the front of his shirt. Her hold was crossed and she then twisted as her legs swung up and locked around his chest.

Kyle was quick to understand what just happened was bad and rolled to try breaking free. Tammy understood his plan and forced another half-roll and keep her position. By having him over her, she held the actual superior position. Tammy had all the traction and bracing for leverage, he had none. Soon after, Kyle realized she had him in some type of choke-hold, but so tied up and winded to get out of it. His eyes started to roll back and Tammy let go and used her foot to roll him off.

The few soldiers that were there had stopped to watch then cat-called as Tammy rolled him away and reached over to pat his face roughly.

"Wake up. I won." Tammy said

"That's some Lassie!" One of the men called out.

Maisie called back. "That's not just some Lass, She's a Lieutenant! HUZZAH, MA'AM, HUZZAH!"

Kyle came to, sat up and shook his head to clear the fog. "Fuck."

"Stitched you up right, Laddie." An older soldier said, patting his own gloved hands together.

Kyle stood up and pounded his fists together. "That's one. But only one."

Tammy knew he was really mad now; that was good and bad. It was time to cut the provicating and get serious - she had no choice to get nasty as Krystel had taught her now. She rushed in, threw her right hand forward, provoking another wide swing from him. The cliche' hay-maker from him was exactly what she'd hoped for and curled her arms up to protect her head and block it. Fast as Tammy could, she pounded the side of his neck with her right fist then his side, close to the kidney with her left fist, hammer-style then swung her right fist down to the back of his knee. Kyle dropped, but caught himself. Tammy snapped a quick kick to his foot and took him the rest of way down.

"FUCK!" Kyle yelled.

Tammy didn't wait, pouncing on him then using her legs to lock his arms back behind him and twisting her body. Kyle tried to roll over backwards to break the hold and only helped her to cinch up tighter.

"GET HIM, LASS!" A few of the men called out then whistled.

Maisie was not be out-done in her support. "YOU HAVE HIM MA'AM! GO ON!"

A man slid to stop in front of Kyle's upside-down face, looked from him to Tammy then slapped the mat. "PIN! THA'S IT!"

Tammy released him and rolled away to slowly stand up.

The man reached down to help her stand and looked down at her. "Lass, tha's a right nasty move. Le's save it for th' baddies."

"She got lucky." Kyle commented, rotating his arm.

"Lucky? Yer th' one bein' lucky. Lassie had y' ready to break. Tha's 'nough." The gruff Scot glared then turned back to Tammy. "D' know who taught y' fightin' like that, Lassie, bloody vicious lot they are. Don't think I've met you before?"

"She's Lieutenant Smart, Major Elliot." Maisie introduced.

Tammy queried. "A Stobs Elliot, Major?"

The big Scot laughed. "Aye. I be a Stobs Eliot. Major Gerald Elliot. What of y'?"

"Lieutenant Tamara Smart. I'm affiliated with the Thurso McPhersons, Sir." Tammy smiled.

Major Elliot's eyes narrowed. "Thurso? Can't be Elsie McPherson?"

"I'm afraid she's passed, Sir. Her daughter, Cathy, is the Head now. We all miss her though." Tammy said sadly.

Gerald Elliot sighed. "Heard it. Din' wan' t' believe it. Sure Thurso's in good hands, if'n she's Elsie's lass. Well, I say y' done here. Off y' go."

Tammy saluted. "Aye, Major. I just hope I'll have enough time to get ready for tonight."

"Oh? Who're y' with?" Elliot asked.

"Colonel MacTaggart." Tammy replied.

Elliot let out a booming laugh. "Wha' happen t' y' Lass; hit yer bonnie head or lose a bet? Off with y'!"

Lunch was next, in an ideal world Tammy would have washed and changed but she arrived in the officer's mess clad in the standard dress of a working soldier, and didn't stand out at all. She again took a lighter option but this time Kyle did little more than glance at her plate before taking a seat a few metres away. Once of the inquisitors from breakfast slid in opposite her.

"So you're a lieutenant now? I don't remember you having a rank at Hythe?"

"I didn't, and I wasn't there. Right?"

"Sure."

"How's your training going? Counter terrorist team for the Commonwealth Games next year, isn't it?"

"How the hell would you know that?"

"Probably someone told me, I'm sure the Captain would remember?" Tammy nodded in Kyle's direction.

"I seem to remember he, all of us, were trying to get to know you better last time we met?"

Tammy smiled. "Apparently I'm dangerous, a risk to your health and well-being."

"So I heard, it's a shame you're not on our team?"

"I have other things to do, but spending a month or two in Australia sounds like fun."

"It's going to be hard work."

"Really? I don't ever recall a terrorist incident at a Commonwealth Games?"

"Just because you never hear of it, doesn't mean it doesn't happen."

Kyle walked over. "I think that's enough, unless you both need a security awareness course and a hundred press-ups?"

Tammy wanted to get back to her room, at least change her t-shirt and freshen up, but the Captain wasn't going to allow her any niceties. "This is the British Army, not some Caribbean health club!"

Tammy knew in an instant that Kyle hadn't been fully briefed, although the evidence had been there for a while. She wondered if he'd been chosen to supervise her training simply as he was a familiar face? At least he knew enough not to query her rank or status but he was constantly underestimating her. Perhaps the old adage 'familiarity breeds contempt' was true for both of them? Maisie rejoined Tammy as they headed for the obstacle course.

"Have you done the course, Corporal?" Tammy was well aware that Kyle's hearing would pick up any breach of protocol so she kept the conversation to accepted norms.

"Yes, Ma'am, once. I can't say I enjoyed it."

The course was managed by a Sergeant-at-arms instructor. He appraised her once Kyle introduced the Lieutenant.

"You get two runs today, on your own, to get used to it. I'm told that tomorrow you will go with a troop, although I can't for a minute imagine why."

"Someone apparently needs me to prove I'm more than a pretty face."

"Well, watch out for the razor wire, it could damage your, er, face. Corporal, you've done this before?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good, why don't you lead the Lieutenant the first run through?"

"Aye, Sir."

A few soldiers had gathered as the pair shed their jackets and this solicited a few cat calls. The sergeant put an end to it, but neither he nor the Captain gave the girls any privacy, this was clearly to be a spectacle.

The first run wasn't against the clock but Tammy had no intention of being a slouch. It started with a wall, Tammy hadn't done any climbing training and made a mental note to add that to her repertoire at some point. Despite this she was over it in a reasonable manner, with Maisie failing at her first attempt. Tammy thought about going ahead, but wasn't the Corporal supposed to be leading the Lieutenant?

A few of the watching crowd laughed at Maisie as she struggled over the top then looked at the drop on the other side. There was a crash mat, as Tammy had found. She thought about giving the girl some encouragement, but they were still within hearing range. Maise suddenly let go and fell in a heap, this was nothing like a controlled landing.

"Come on Corporal, get moving."

"I'm afraid of heights."

"That was clear, come on."

They passed through the next few obstacles without incident and then came across the rope wall. Tammy tested it then went up purposefully, Maisie seemed inspired and followed, although her face was a mix of emotions. They went down the other side and this led into the razor wire section, with barely ten inches of crawl space.

"Ouch!"

Tammy was in front and couldn't look around. She propelled herself using her elbows and struggled to keep her bum down but didn't succumb to more than a touch of the wire. She crawled out and now looked back.

"Damn, that's small!"

Maisie emerged some ten seconds later, her t-shirt had a rip and she was less than happy.

Tammy looked ahead and found the rope walk over a pit, followed by a plank walk. She took off and landed on the other side without a problem, choosing not to wait for the Corporal this time. Tammy knocked off the last few obstacles and reported back to the Sergeant-at-arms.

"That's a lousy time, but where's Corporal Staines?"

"I had to leave her."

"No you didn't, we don't leave anyone, understood?"

Suitably chastised, Tammy nodded.

"Take five then go back round, solo this time."

Maisie made her appearance and had a frosty reception from the Sergeant. A soldier handed Tammy a bottle of water and she accepted it gladly, although the Corporal received nothing. RHIP, thought Tammy?

She prepared herself and set off for the second time around, very glad she'd taken a light lunch. She was spurred by her bladder, however, which decided to ring its little bell. She arrived back at the Sergeant in half the previous time.

"Much better."

"Good, where's the loo?"

"Behind that gorse!"

Tammy wasn't impressed so did as suggested, it was not ladylike but she did her best to maintain decency. To his credit the Sergeant stopped one of the male soldiers who suggested he could lend her a hand, and another who said he needed the same bush. She returned and received a round of applause, Tammy couldn't prevent herself from turning crimson. Kyle walked over.

"By orders of the Colonel, you are now off duty for the rest of the day."

"Good."

"That's not my choice, unfortunately. I don't like being upstaged!"

"Then park your ego out of the way, Captain. Let me guess, just because you screwed me do you honestly think you own me? Guess what, nobody owns me."

She waved at Corporal Staines and directed her to follow. "We're done here."

At a suitable distance Maisie whispered. "Did you just say that, Ma'am, talk to the Captain like that?"

"Yes, he deserved it."

"But the other thing?"

"His ego is his biggest attribute, I'm not saying any more of it."

"Understood, Ma'am."

"Good. There is a problem to be addressed."

"Problem, Ma'am?"

"Your shirt. I saw it was ripped. I'll replace it as you were dragged in."

---

Tammy checked herself in the mirror before picking up her bag, ensuring she had the correct lipstick in there. The fort wasn't warm in the September evening, as she'd found out, so her legs were encased in stockings and she had a throw over her shoulders. The dress had come from Cathy's collection but Tammy knew it had been Elsie's. It was a sixties classic, that suggested impurity without exposing anything - live dangerously without taking a risk. The label said it all, Chanel, obviously vintage. She picked up the thistle brooch and pinned it on, completing the look.

Tammy stepped out of the room and headed down to the main hall, her heels clicking on the stone stairs. She accepted a glass of wine, recognising the White Burgundy again - the Army must have bought a bulk supply? She first found Major Elliot who gave her the once over.

"I did enjoy seeing y' in the gym this morning and y' were prettier than th' other soldiers there but, I do applaud yer style."

"This is one of Elsie's."

"Suits y' jus' fine."

"Now, Major, what is this weekend about?"

"Y' d' know?"

"No, what is the guard of the thistle?"

"It's an ancient Scottish army award but now applies t' th' whole of th' British Army and any visiting Commonwealth forces. We mark th' end of th' career of Special Forces officers. Bit o' tribute. For many it's th' last time they can meet their peers, their comrades at arms. Those celebrated tonight become th' Guard of th' Thistle for th' next year."

"That's a nice gesture."

"Given tha' they can't discuss their work once they leave service o' country, we want t' give a good send-off. There's also contacts here t'night. Defence industry roles tha' might suit th' Lads and Lassies."

"I see, I'm still not sure why I'm here?"

"Some'un thought it a good idea, an' I approve. What else d' y' need?"

Tammy left the Major and found Colonel MacTaggart.

"How did you find the Major, Tammy?"

"It seems he's an old friend of the family."

"Excellent, I had hoped you'd meet him. Now, Captain Fielding wanted to put in a complaint about you, put you on a charge."

"Because he's a sore loser with an oversized ego?"

"Possibly, but he reported six counts of insolence."

"Only six? I think his hearing needs checking?"

"Lieutenant Smart, it's that attitude that generated the complaint. Needless to say, if you need any training in the future then Captain Fielding won't be allocated to you."

"Yes, Sir. To be honest; I believe it to be best."

"Now, let me introduce you to a few people. You never know when you might need them?"

It was half an hour later, with the dinner bell imminent, that Tammy took herself off to the ladies' room. A minute or two later she finished checking her make-up and left the loo. In the previously empty hallway, a tall man was talking on his phone.

"Yes, see to it." He said then noticed Tammy and smiled. "I have to go now, a charming vision just appeared before me."

Tammy guessed the call was confidential and smiled as she covered her ears. "Pardon me."

The gentleman laughed, pocketing his phone. "No, no, young lady. I was finished. I simply must pay compliment; you do look lovely. Miss?"

"Tamara Smart." Tammy said, offering her hand.

He had taken her hand and nodded over it then looked at her. "Are you really? Sir Thomas Addington; Under-Secretary to the Chairman, Her Majesty's Joint Intelligence Committee."

"Sir Thomas." Tammy smiled then noticed a slight narrowing of his eyes, this man knew her in some way. "I do hope my lipstick hasn't gone to my teeth?"

Sir Thomas shook his head. "Not at all, Miss Smart. It's just that your name came up not long ago. Apologies for not recognizing you, the file photo doesn't give you justice."

Tammy managed a bland expression. "Justice for me was in short supply for a while, I suppose an appropriate photo went into the collection."

Sir Thomas nodded. "Perhaps a brief, but scenic stroll together could allow a quick conversation?" He offered, along with his arm.

"Of course." Tammy replied and slipped her left hand to the crook of his right arm.

"I am one of the few people aware of your new relationship, and your history. I do hope the Americans are treating you nicely?"

"It's fair to say that things are going well so far but I would prefer not to go into any further details. It goes both ways. British business, American business. Privacy is afforded to both."

Sir Thomas nodded. "I'm pleased you take security seriously, some had their doubts. Of course. I was provided an overview of the American liaison parameters. I was there for the proposal of your, shall we say, transfer?"

"You were 'there', Sir Thomas?" Tammy edged.

Sir Thomas stopped. "Ah. That was perhaps not so accurate. The request came through me from the gentleman now overseeing you. Honestly though, it was less request and more of a demand. Please don't misunderstand, the situation wasn't that we wanted to be shot of you. Rather that it would benefit you more and you did have valid reason to begrudge your previous supervision. That was at the time. Later, I had time to examine your file at depth. Yes, you did have valid reason to be angry, several reasons to be honest."

He paused, Tammy waited. "I want to be clear, Miss Smart, you were not discarded. An opportunity came up when a group more suited to your best interests requested, nay demanded, you. It's fair to say that our agencies failed you, at times you were exploited and considered expendable. For that, responsible or not, I do apologize."

"Very polite of you, Sir Thomas. If I may be candid; so far I have enjoyed all of my interactions with my; shall we say, new management? In fact the way I view it, if you viewed a family tree; I have an American Uncle and British Uncle. I just seem to be favoured more by my American cousins. That would not be my opinion of my time with the local agencies." Tammy admitted as they resumed walking.

"That is an interesting view. From my reading, I believe there was mismanagement of you. I do hope this new avenue is to your liking." Sir Thomas said then extracted a card and offered it. "Should you have need; please contact me. Miss Smart; Tammy, if I may, please do not begrudge our country and its servants, you do still matter to us and you are now better respected - I want to hear if at any point we fail you, understand?."

Tammy pulled a card of her own and exchanged it for his. "This is still my country, Sir Thomas, I promise I will do what I can to protect it. That's not just me saying that, the other side of the family insist on that. Note this, however, I will not be unwilling bait again. Should it pertain to me, if I am not fully briefed, I will not be part of it. I would appreciate the relaying of that, if you would."

He read the card. "Tamara Smart; Tamara Smart Properties, Smart Air, KT Flight. I will indeed hang on to this, perhaps the air transport service could come in handy. I assume you have business service?"

"Executive, discrete services are available, Sir Thomas." Tammy affirmed as they arrived at a set of double doors.

Sir Thomas opened a door and held it. "Excellent. Shall we?"

Tammy slipped out of his arm and passed through the door.

"I believe your date is over by the fireplace."

"Thank you, Sir."

---

Note: this story concludes in Part 4.

Book 11: Tammy Interludes     "Guard of the Thistle" Part 4

Sunday 1st October 2017

Tammy was again careful with her alcohol and rose at five for her run, deciding to do the stretching and warm up in her room before heading for the main gate. She found Cpl Maisie Staines waiting for her.

"I'm sure you're not needed until eight this morning, Corporal?"

"Can I run with you, please, Ma'am? I was told you went out at this time yesterday."

"Come on."

The month had ticked over into October and Tammy felt it was a little darker that morning. Despite her prior warm-up, she kept the pace down as she didn't want to outpace her running companion. She needn't have worried, however, as soon they were chugging along.

"You're not a bad runner, Maisie?"

"I was top of my college, Ma'am, in all the middle distances."

"Please, we're not in the fort now, it's Tammy, right?"

"Yes, Ma'am, Tammy."

"Good, what did you do for your Highers?"

"PE, English, Sociology and French. I scored an B in all of them."

"So why did you join the army?"

"My father was in the forces and it seemed like a guaranteed way out of unemployment."

"With those grades?"

"I was bullied in my secondary school and I wasn't expected to do well in my Standard exams, that was the last year before the exams changed. I put in for the army when I was fifteen as a way of improving myself away from the idiots and bitches at school."

"So you did well?"

"Much better than anyone expected, my teachers were suddenly interested in me but I decided to do my Highers in a college. I started running then and found I was good at it, the army training helped my fitness and focus but they encouraged me to stay in education for at least two more years."

"Err, you had trouble with the wall and the razor wire yesterday?"

"I never liked that course and some of the NCOs here are vicious. I was scared what they would say after I messed up the wall, that's why I got distracted in the wire."

"Have you been with the Black Watch for long?"

"Six months, I was in Catterick before that. I was training to be a PT instructor but they just sent me here and there's no fitness culture."

"That's cruel, did they explain why?"

"The army rarely explains, but I heard it was to do with quotas, they needed a female Corporal here and I was apparently available. I hope I can get back to Catterick soon but, knowing this lot, I could equally end up in Afghanistan next month."

They'd passed the point where Tammy had turned around the previous day and a glance at sports watch showed 6km, she signalled Maisie to turn and head back.

"I'm enjoying this, Tammy, it's not fun on your own and I'm not often allowed out."

"What about your PT course?"

"It's on hold, I had three years done and didn't need to do much more before I qualified."

"Is it only an army qualification?"

"No, it's recognised across all the armed services plus it's transferable to a civilian award."

Tammy suggested they upped the pace as they had already been out for over an hour and neither wanted to miss breakfast. That meant talk had to stop and they ran in near silence. Tammy dropped behind Maisie, clearly a strong runner, and compared the lycra clad girl with the seemingly clumsy Corporal from the previous day. Her hair was tied but swinging free, again a change from the usual tight bun, and Maisie looked a little younger as a result.

Back in her room Tammy quickly showered then dressed in fatigues for breakfast, guessing that would be best. There was no new information on her activities and in the mess Kyle made a point of avoiding her. Today she did go for the hot breakfast but did so in the belief that lunch might not happen, receiving little more than a glance or a nod from those near her.

The Corporal met her outside the officers mess and was herself in standard army dress, the previous running image totally destroyed.

"Off to the obstacle course, Corporal?"

"No, Ma'am, that has been cancelled, there's nothing scheduled."

"Is there a pool here?"

"No, but we can use the town pool. I'd need permission to go off base though and I might be given other duties if you don't need me."

"Can you give me a tour?"

"Of course, Ma'am."

The tour took an hour, but that was because plenty of folk wanted to chat to Tammy, with most not having been able to get near her the previous evening. The honoured guests had stayed in a hotel in Inverness so they were already out of the way, but a good number of serving personnel from units far and wide were still barracked in Fort George for another few days. Not all of them were army either.

Tammy needed a wee so suggested Maisie followed her up to her room. Coming from the bathroom, Tammy's phone rang. The tone was different from the usual. She went to answer it, but there was nothing displayed. Tammy knew then, it was an encrypted call. She unlocked the underscreen and the call was immediately answered.

"Hello?" Tammy answered.

"Standby Miss Smart." A female American voice instructed.

A moment later Dannigan's voice came up. "Miss Smart."

"Yes, Sir."

"I was just talking to Sean, aren't you on your way to the briefing?"

Tammy was instantly confused. "I wasn't told of a briefing. I was told that my activities for the day had been canceled."

"Incorrect. I'm not read in on the briefing parameters, but you are supposed to be. I think you have twenty minutes. Get to it, Smart." Dannigan ordered.

Tammy signed off. "Yes, Sir."

"Is there a problem, Ma'am?" Maisie asked.

Tammy turned to Maisie. "There's a special briefing I need to join, can you find it?"

"Special, Ma'am? I'm not sure that's allowed? I'm not told about such things."

"I don't have that luxury, so let's ensure I can be there." She switched her phone back over, ignoring other messages as she tapped the number for Sir Thomas.

"Sir Thomas? It's Tammy Smart."

"Ah, good morning Miss Smart, what can I do for you?"

"Did you know about the training session here this morning? It's due to start in twenty minutes?"

"I do, although it's outside of my remit, I guess you want in?"

"Yes, Sir Thomas."

"I will make a call, meanwhile I suggest you find the lecture theatre. Have a good day Miss Smart."

"Thank you, Sir."

Maisie wasn't entirely certain what had just happened. "You phoned Sir Thomas Addington? He's a very important man!"

"I learnt a long time ago, Maisie, that if you don't ask then you definitely don't get. Come on, let's get down there."

Ten minutes later they were outside the room, the notice indicated that Top Secret clearance was needed.

"I can't go in there, Ma'am."

"Oh, and we can't get your clearance bumped up on a Sunday morning, can we?"

A head appeared around the door. "Lieutenant Smart?"

"Yes."

"The Major extended an invite for you to attend this briefing."

"Thank you. One minute."

"Corporal Staines; be back here in two hours please, I may have tasks for you."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Tammy opened the door and slipped in, taking a seat towards the rear. A few heads spun and spotted her, causing a deal of chatter.

"Silence please. You may have noticed Lieutenant Smart at th' rear. She is cleared for th' briefing and here on orders." Major Elliot looked around the room and ensured he had their full attention.

"Now, let's take a look at current terrorist activity in th' Five Eyes nations."

Tammy didn't recognise any of the speakers, but knew enough of the subject areas to be concerned. One piece of intel concerned another planned attack on the European traffic control systems, although the details were scarce. A similar attack near London three years earlier had interrupted Tammy's Christmas break and led to her activities with the intelligence services. Sitting in a special forces briefing didn't feel odd to her at all and she absorbed the information, filing it away in the cubbyholes of her mind.

Tammy was caught by the Major as she left the room, close to ten in the morning.

"How was tha' Lieutenant?"

"Interesting, I perhaps shouldn't say that I'm familiar with some of those groups and the prominent individuals."

"Tha's what I was told. I already knew yer clearance was adequate for y' to even step into the room, but there was a question o' need-to-know. A Captain yesterday tol' me y' didn't need t' know."

"I don't need to guess who that was, what changed your mind?"

"A call from an old friend."

"Friends in the right places, Sir, it makes the world go around."

"I'm nay sure Newton, Einstein or even Hawking would agree, but aye. All tha' bein' said, keep it all to y'self."

"Understood Sir." Tammy saluted

Elliot returned the salute and dug a card out of a pocket. "Off y' go then."

Their exchange had been observed, at a polite distance, by several of the attendees and Tammy's Totty status had moved up a few notches, although they guessed she was moving in different circles than themselves.

Tammy pocketed the card then looked around, Maisie was stood some distance away. "I fancy a coffee, is there a mess or a coffee shop we can both use?"

"No, Ma'am."

"Fine, let's go back to my room, I have some emergency supplies."

Tammy now dealt with her messages, which had increased in number. She tapped a quick reply.
 

 
A separate message from her father arrived asking if she'd be home in time for dinner, she replied with 'DYK', guessing that she could be stuck in Inverness till late. A scheduled return time of 2pm meant the plane hadn't left Birmingham yet and, with executive hire, was highly likely to be delayed.

"Maise, do you have a business card?"

"A card, no, I'm not entitled, Ma'am."

"Well take one of mine and can you send me your contact info please."

"Why, Ma'am?"

"Because I might request you accompany me on a special operation sometime!"

Her phone rang.

"Yes Colonel?"

"I thought you might join me for coffee in the Officers Mess?"

"That would mean Corporal Staines couldn't join us?"

"It would, the exception couldn't be justified on this occasion as there are some confidential matters I'd like to discuss."

"Understood, Sir."

Tammy quickly shed her fatigues and walked into the bathroom in just her undies, ignoring Maisie. She sprayed a little deodorant then grabbed her dress uniform from the wardrobe, buttoning herself first into a clean blouse.

"I'll go, Ma'am."

"Wait, we can walk down together."

The girl was clearly uncomfortable but Tammy wasn't sure if that was because of her near nakedness or because she was an officer, perhaps both? Regardless, it didn't take Tammy long to make herself presentable. She finished with a dab of pale pink lipstick and a spray of eau.

"Come on, I'd best not keep the old man waiting much longer."

Nervously Maisie laughed. "Oh, sorry, Ma'am."

"What for? I first met Sean MacTaggart in a London bar, as a civilian, I'll put on a show for the idiots in uniforms downstairs but to me he's the guy in the armchair with a glass of Scotch. I'd like to know how many of them would actually fare in battle? I've been there, I've had weapons pointed at me and the intention was to erase me from the planet. I shot, been shot at and lived to tell the story to a hundred psychologists."

"A hundred, Ma'am?"

"Okay, more like half a dozen. It wasn't pleasant. All I did was help protect the innocents and I was rewarded with some self-important twats crawling over my actions and inner thoughts. I think the moral of that story is never to intervene unless you have a get-out-of-jail-free card. Even then it's probably best to get out of the way, I'm sure the subsequent interrogation is easier?"

Tammy opened the bedroom door. "Let's go Corporal."

Tammy told Maisie to head for her own mess, otherwise where could the girl go?

Colonel MacTaggart was holding court with Major Elliot and another officer Tammy hadn't recognised.

"Ah, Miss Smart, good of you to join us." The words 'at last' seemed to be there.

"Not at all Sir, I hope you didn't mind me freshening up?"

"Hmmm, I understand you had to ask to get into the briefing earlier?"

"Yes, I knew nothing about it until I received information from an uncle. Just ensure my entry, I made a call and requested access."

"You were supposed to be there, Lieutenant, and should have been given a sealed instruction to attend. This was the main purpose of your invite this weekend, to get a current update from us. There is a second briefing at thirteen-hundred that you are also supposed to attend."

"May I ask; how come I was led to believe this was a weekend of being arm candy plus surprise fitness and arms tests? I was given no itinerary at all."

"That is why I have asked the Major, who you know, and Colonel Fairwright, who is Captain Fielding's commanding officer, to join me. Whilst I alone know why you were originally slated to attend this weekend, I had no problem with confirming to the Major that you needed to be in that briefing but your call to Sir Thomas was a little surprising?"

"It was the most expedient way to see if I could attend, Colonel."

"Given that he's in the civilian field and the briefing was military, I'm not sure I'd agree entirely with your methodology, Miss Smart, but your instinct was correct. My guess is that you would have gone home today feeling that apart from some social grazing it was a complete waste of time?"

"Indeed, so why didn't anyone tell me this weekend was an intelligence opportunity dressed up as a social event?"

"Ah, that was Captain Fielding's responsibility."

"Ah, I was beginning to suspect that much."

"Indeed. Colonel Fairwright?"

"Thank you, whilst under normal circumstances this would be a simple disciplinary matter, and any courses could be re-arranged, I'm led to believe that your military rank is honorary and that you are really a civilian, Miss Smart?"

"Not quite, Sir, my rank is genuine even if I seem to have bypassed normal training, but I participate with NATO personnel in several countries and undertake training when possible. My situation is rather complicated but for this weekend, and for several weeks earlier this month, I was a soldier. I was at Wattisham earlier this year for training and I've been to other bases for specialist training. Meanwhile I am available for ad hoc deployment where my particular skills would be useful."

"I see, but would you have, er, done anything that might have upset Captain Fielding?"

"I told him he wasn't getting any sex this weekend, if that's what you're implying?"

"Ah, er, yes, I see."

"He was trying to be too familiar but he's not the same man I was with back in June, on a course. Something's got to him?"

Colonel MacTaggart looked at Tammy oddly. "Does Captain Fielding know your history, Miss Smart?"

"I doubt it, but is that relevant?"

"It might be, how we deal with it is a different matter."

The other two present looked at Sean MacTaggart . "Sorry, gents, but that is personnel confidential and may not be relevant at all. I just wanted to clarify with the Lieutenant in case Captain Fielding had reason to form a grudge against her for non-professional reasons."

"There could be another factor, Sir. Perhaps this has something to do with Colonel Cooper? His court martial is coming up this week and I now employ his daughter in my company."

"Oh, who knows?"

"Cooper found out, and I informed the Security Service."

"So we'll assume the Russians know?"

Major Elliot shook his head. "Yer out-o-date, Sean. Tha's n' longer true."

"Even so, has the Captain been in touch with Cooper in the past month or two?"

"We'll have to check with Colchester. I take it Lieutenant Smart was involved in the altercation in Thurso?"

"I was there. He needed to be stopped. I wanted to keep the daughter out of it."

"So you were manipulating him, that's not sensible when army officers are concerned."

"Nothing was straightforward that day. Subtle measures to prevent him entering the area failed and I was left to my own devices, unfortunately."

"Gents, Miss Smart, let's not try to prejudge matters. Colonel Fairwright, could you find out what the Captain's problem is? Miss Smart, I suggest you make yourself available for a briefing."

"Yes, Sir. One other thing. How much was he told of my recent travels? He made comments."

MacTaggart sighed. "I did mention your broad location but not your activities nor purpose."

"He seems to think need-to-know only goes to him, Sir."

Fairwright stood up. "I believe I'll get into this. Lieutenant, a pleasure. Gentlemen."

"Perhaps I should see about an early lunch?" Tammy suggested.

MacTaggart nodded. "Accompany us when you're done, we're going directly to the briefing from here."

Tammy left the mess, she still had an hour before they would start lunch, and she hadn't managed a coffee - the stewards had kept their distance from the foursome once the meeting was underway.

Maisie was walking towards her but wasn't happy.

"Can we talk privately, Ma'am?"

"My room, Corporal."

"Aye, Ma'am."

Tammy waited until she had put the travel kettle on, with enough water for two cups, before sitting down facing Maisie across her room's low table.

"What's up?"

"I was taken to the guard room and told I'm going on a charge."

"What?"

"Numerous offences, they said; time-keeping, going off-base without permission, leaving my post and failing to follow orders."

"That's ridiculous?"

"I told them, but a Captain had submitted a full complaint and the Warrant Officer said he had no choice but to enter the charges."

"It sounds like you're being setup?"

"Yes, and I would like to talk freely, Ma'am?"

"Of course."

"Did you set me up?"

"Me, no! I promise you, Maisie, that we have both been got at over this weekend. And my suspicion is that the same Captain is responsible."

"But you're not on a charge?"

"No, and they would find it difficult to get to me like that, but I was apparently supposed to leave here this afternoon thinking the whole weekend had been a waste of time, and perhaps you were just collateral damage?"

"So someone was messing with you and didn't care about me?"

"That's exactly it. What's next for you?"

"I'm to report back to the WO after lunch when he will have prepared the charges. I'm not to leave the base or discuss it with anyone."

"But you're sat here?"

"I am, because I thought, I hoped, I could trust you, Ma'am."

"You can. Let's finish our coffee."

There was a loud bang on the door and Tammy was ordered to open up. She reached into her bag and pulled out the Glock 26 from the secret compartment. Maisie's eyes went wide and she was clearly frightened, Tammy waved her into the bathroom before she unlocked the door and threw it open, her weapon at her hip.

"I suggest you find a very good reason for busting your way in here."

The Sergeant had seen the weapon and hadn't expected it.

"I'm sorry Ma'am, I was told Corporal Staines had come in here. I have been told to arrest her."

"Sergeant, you are to report back and tell whoever that they are to contact me if they would like to speak to the Corporal, understood?"

"Aye, Ma'am." He glanced at the weapon again before backing out. Tammy re-locked the door and suggested Maisie come out of hiding.

"What's going on Ma'am?"

"I suspect someone is scared and they're doing their best to muddy the waters. That's not clever when you're a diver."

"Sorry, Ma'am, I don't understand?"

Tammy picked up her phone and felt in the discarded fatigues for a card, before dialing a number.

"Major Elliot, it's Tammy Smart?"

"Lieutenant, is this urgent"?

"It is Sir, it looks like a certain Captain is trying to frighten folk. I am looking after a very scared Corporal who is apparently on a charge for simply being conscientious." There was a bang on her door, followed by "Military Police, open up!"

"I heard that Lieutenant, I'll accept it's urgent." The phone went dead. Tammy's Glock was laying on the table and she debated leaving it here but she could hear a key being inserted. Tammy grabbed the weapon and pushed Maisie back into the bathroom before taking a defensive position herself.

The door swung open and two Red Caps entered, one armed with a Glock 17 and the other with a Tazer. A red dot appear on Tammy's blouse, she ducked out of the way just as the barbs flew.

"Shit!" Tammy considered her options.

"Stand down! Stand down! Withdraw!"

Tammy was expecting one of the Red Caps to appear in the doorway where she was squatting when she heard the shout. She carefully eased herself back onto her feet and looked into the room but it was clear. She made a decision to present herself, weapon down, but came face to face with the Major.

"Don't go waving weapons around here!"

"It's a military base!"

"And you were supposed to declare all your weapons?"

"I 'forgot' I had my other Glock."

"I bet that's not registered?"

"Oh it is fully registered to me, Sir. I even have qualification sheets on file."

"You have put me in a difficult position, Lieutenant?"

"You, myself and the good Corporal are ALL in difficult positions, Major. Had this weekend been managed properly then none of US would be in this position at all, Sir. Being that we are definitely here, now. Where is Fielding?"

"He can't be found."

"He may be trained, but he is NOT magical. My guess is that a proper search hasn't been conducted. Please sort out this mess and have the MPs look for him?"

"Be careful, Miss Smart, t MPs have identified you and they would really like to do something to you, apparently you pulled a similar stunt at Wattisham?"

"I see the Colonel Cooper fan club meeting is being held here as well? Why didn't anyone say? If it's cosplay then I might need some time to sort myself out? As for the MP's, I'm starting to lose my sense of cooperation with them. Back at Wattisham they destroyed my clothes and stuck me with the bill. I played their game last time, but not again."

"Calm down Lieutenant, we will sort this out. How about you surrender the weapon to me and we'll book it into the armoury? You don't have any more, do you?"

"No."

"I understand your bags were searched on arrival, although that's not normal practice, but would there be any worth in searching them again?"

"Unlikely, Sir."

"I'll take that on trust, now where is Corporal Staines?"

Tammy looked around and waved Maisie to come forward. "Sir?"

"Corporal, report to the Guard's Room and this will be sorted out. Please don't go anywhere else."

"I need a wee." Maisie disappeared back into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.

Tammy made sure the safety was on then handed over the pistol. Tammy followed him down to the armoury and booked the weapon in, marking it as an oversight. The next stop was the Officers Mess for lunch.

Tammy's second briefing started with a thrilling hour on Islamic State operations in Europe. The second hour began with Russian trawler and factory ship activity in the North Sea, most of this was new to her so Tammy understood this was a topic requiring her undivided attention.

Twenty minutes later, the briefer announced. "Most of you will be familiar with the background, of course, but what's new are the rumours of vessels of third country or unknown affiliation performing the same operations in the area. None are using AIS beacons away from ports and we can't rely on the AIS data we have received."

"Unknown affiliation?" An officer in Naval uniform echoed.

The briefer shook his head. "Previous port-call observations reported dealing with several crew members, all spoke some English but the vessels flew varying flags of convenience. There is confusion as to whether it is a single vessel that changes identity or up to three boats."

"What is it about the vessel or vessels that makes them different?" Tammy found herself asking.

The briefer looked to Tammy. "To most of the observers, the vessel, or vessels, were a Russian design of trawler but the the descriptions of the vessels do not match any of the known vessels, although that is not uncommon in itself. Secondly; the crew descriptions are contrary to the usual crews formats, most former-Soviet flagged vessels are crewed by a single nationality. Unfortunately no full crew lists exist but there are visual reports of mixed crew ethnicities, mostly European, but some Asian and North Africans have been seen. Thirdly, there are no reports of the vessel, or vessels, transferring their load to a factory ship or discharging in port. It is possible that this could be an independently financed, non-affiliated, group."

"Another question, if I may?" Tammy asked and received a nod. "What ports are known to be called on?"

The briefer looked to his material then listed. "Scrabster, Kirkwall, Stromness and Lerwick are noted ports, most recently we have reports from Aberdeen and Inverness. Also, in some of the ports, individuals may have embarked or disembarked."

"Human Traffickers?" A male Army officer questioned.

"They are not travelling in groups. Single persons only, none of the contemporary reports raised any issues, that is why the reports are so vague." The briefer explained.

A female Naval officer asked. "Sir, do you even have a name for the vessel?"

"That's part of the first problem. Along with the conflicting descriptions, conflicting names. So far, three names have been recorded: Helga IV, Inga III, and Sofia XIX. A second set of names of Hilda, Inca and Sophie were also recorded in one location, but there are doubts about that particular individual's notes. It's regretted that there are no clear high resolution photos of the vessels as the speculation is that the name or names might also be changing for each port. Unfortunately we don't currently have an intelligence facility in the Highlands and rely on Humint from untrained port operatives." The briefer said then pointed to the screen behind him. "This is a general look of the vessel."

On the screen were three vessels, stills from cheap CCTV systems, all three looked similar, but it was a common design from Russian shipyards. Could it be the same ship? Tammy studied the pictures intently, the recent reported visit to Scrabster was relevant to her.

"The vessel caught our attention from the Scrabster report following the tip of a terrorist aircraft en route to Glasgow. The alert was fortunately false, the aircraft in question was small private plane piloted by one of our own operatives and a few simple checks would have confirmed that. Unfortunately our American Allies had to get involved, bloody fiasco that turned out." The briefer said.

Tammy groaned. "Don't I know it."

A few heads close by turned to look.

MacTaggart leaned close. "Now you know why you needed to be here."

"Not human traffickers, they're smuggling operatives and assets. Infiltrators." Tammy guessed.

The briefer concluded his material then stepped down, ending the session.

She walked out of the darkened room and was temporarily blinded by the sun through a window, it wasn't late but the sun was already dipping. There was no sign of Maisie, although Tammy hadn't made any arrangements, but right now her time in Fort George was done. She avoided the group that was now following her out of the lecture and headed up the stairs to her room.

It was clear that someone had been in, although an effort had been made to disguise this. Most obvious, her hairbrush had been next to her open bag and was now inside it. She resisted the urge to check the hidden compartment of her case and made the assumption that surveillance may have been left.

It didn't make sense for Tammy to be targeted, and she'd had a promise from Sir Thomas that the phoney war was over, but he was a civilian and this was a military operation.

"Boys, playtime is over and I strongly suggest you don't try to play any more games with me - and don't ever piss me off, this girl's vengeance is absolute." No-one answered, but why should they, how could they?

She went first into the bathroom and retrieved her toiletries and make-up, putting everything away in the appropriate case. Next her clean lingerie and hosiery went into a case, folded. Tammy reached the wardrobe and started to take down and fold the clothes that could go in her case, whilst frocks went into the dress bag. She finally took her white flight uniform, ready to change, but found a thumbprint under a lapel.

"You are so done!"

She reached for the internal phone and called the Duty Desk.

"This is Lieutenant Smart. Someone had been in my room, searched it and disturbed my belongings."

"Ma'am, that would not happen without you being informed."

"Really?"

"Yes, Ma'am, could you be mistaken?"

"Either this was done without your knowledge or you're an awful liar. I have evidence and I will be taking this further. Please send an orderly up for my bags, I'm leaving. Also please inform the armoury that I will be collecting my weapons shortly."

Tammy was still wearing the dress uniform so packed her white suit into the dress bag. It needed dry cleaning regardless, but the stain infuriated her all the more. A look around her room confirmed she had collected all of her belongings. There was a tap on the door a minute later and Maisie was stood there, she'd been crying.

"What have they done?" Tammy put her arms around the girl and pulled her close. It may not have been appropriate but it seemed necessary. She pulled Maisie forward enough for her to clear the door before Tammy closed it.

"I'm on a charge!"

"I thought it was all getting sorted out?"

"They said the charges stand until I can prove they were brought maliciously!"

"What? Bloody hell, Maisie! I think you need to get out of here?"

"I can't do that, I'm signed up for three more years."

"Sod that, you need help."

There was another tap at the door. Tammy sent the girl into the bathroom to freshen her face. She opened the door and a soldier saluted her.

"I'm here to collect your bags, Ma'am."

"Good. Mind those, the dresses are priceless! I trust my bags will be kept unopened?"

"Of course, Ma'am."

With ease he picked everything up and started walking.

"Maisie, do you know a local taxi firm?"

"City Cabs, they're on 222222."

"Good, can you get us a cab to the airport?"

Maisie made the call from the desk, the controller told her it would take ten minutes. Tammy could hear this and signalled fifteen, just in case. Maisie passed this on and the job was accepted.

"Let's go."

"Where to?"

"The armoury."

Tammy received a ticking off for not declaring her Glock 26. However both that, the 19 with magazines and knife were returned without any administrative issues. As she didn't have a holster she put the smaller 26 in the belt to her skirt, albeit covered by her jacket. The larger 19 went into her shoulder bag. The knife in its sheath was secured in her sleeve, and could be transferred later. Right now she needed to look unarmed, despite circumstances.

They walked to the desk guard by the main entrance, Tammy wasn't surprised to find a pair of MPs there.

"Leaving Ma'am?"

"Yes. Frankly I'm at a loss as to how the Army managed the level of incompetence that I've experienced this weekend? Isn't it supposed to be a professional service? Let me put it very clearly, I'm leaving and no-one will make any attempt to stop me. Secondly, if she wishes, Corporal Staines will be going with me. We'll sort out the issue of compensation afterwards - my solicitor can handle that."

"That's not how it works here Ma'am."

"Oh I've seen the 'works' that go on here!"

From behind her, Tammy could sense movement.

"WHERE IS YOUR RESPECT? MISS SMART?"

She ducked and spun away as Kyle attacked, noting that the MPs were doing nothing. He glared and went for her. The military skirt limited movement, but Tammy wasn't completely hobbled. She pivoted and jammed her right heel to Fielding's instep, causing him to yelp in pain as he landed on his face. Tammy saw Maisie smiling.

"Got him again, Ma'am."

Tammy gave her a wink and closed in on the man on the floor. He had clearly been winded and shaken by both her kick and subsequent contact with the stone floor.

"Flexi cuffs?"

She looked at the MPs, who still did nothing. Kyle was getting up so Tammy stamped on his shoulder, ramming the heel of her shoe down hard to pin him down.

"Restrain him or I'll put one through his knee!"

"Do as she says!"

Colonel MacTaggart arrived, somewhat out of breath. Finally the MPs moved forward and restrained the fallen Captain.

"Lieutenant, would you have genuinely knee-capped the Captain?"

"Looks like we don't get to find out today, Sir. Now, can we resolve a small problem?"

-----

The taxi dropped them by the staff gate and Tammy used her Highlands Air ID to pass through. Maisie was behind with her kit bag.

"Welcome back Miss Smart. I see you signed up?"

Geoff McDonough was holding the keys to her Epic.

"Indeed, but it seems my assassination training will have to wait as I'm due back in university tomorrow."

He helped the girls load the plane. "She's fully fuelled, I understand they took her down to Exeter."

"Thanks Geoff, I'm just pleased she's back here."

Tammy took the left hand seat and suggested Maisie took the right hand one. "Buckle up and pop your headset on whilst I do the checks."

The logbook showed the plane had barely been on the ground for an hour so Tammy quickly assured herself that it was safe to fly. The farthest it had gone, however, was Newquay.

"Inverness Tower this is G-KTFL, booking to Wick."

"Confirmed G-KTFL. The wind is twelve knots direction 270 degrees. You are cleared to taxi when ready to runway 12/30."

Tammy got on with her preparations and soon was moving to the runway.

"You're flying?"

"Yes, Maisie, now sit back and enjoy."

"Inverness Tower, G-KTFL ready for take-off, runway 12/30."

"G-KTFL, cleared for take-off. Outbound heading zero-eight-five and climb to Angels Ten. Fly safely!"

Tammy threw on the thrust and they hurtled forward. The tower had put her on the shorter runway and there was a cliff edge at the far end of 700m. It was a little short for the Epic, but she had trained for this. With 50m of runway remaining she pulled up and all Maisie could see was the Moray Firth as Tammy banked towards the North.

She levelled out at ten thousand feet and set the autopilot.

"There, Katie knows the way home from here. What music do you like, Maisie?"
 
 
[Tammy returns in a new story 'Ch-Changes' soon]
 

 

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

 
Tuesday 3rd October 2017 (Cont)
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Shame the girl didn't know anything."

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

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

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

"Can I settle my tab please?"

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

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

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

"Hi Tammy, I mean Miss Smart!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"That's not possible."

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

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

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

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

"Then why were you there?"

"I was invited to undertake training."

"Who by?"

"That would be Colonel MacTaggart."

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

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

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

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

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

"Insulting an officer is an offence, Lieutenant."

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

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

"Powers that be intervened."

"Who are your co-conspirators?"

Tammy laughed. "Seriously?"

Harris banged the table. "Names and ranks!"

"Mind your atttitidue there SERGEANT!" Tammy hissed.

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

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

"That's ridiculous."

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

The pair from SIB looked at each other.

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

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

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

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

Tammy watched as the pair of investigators left the room.

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

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

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

"Have you been here all along?"

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

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

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

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

Tammy giggled, which set Maisie off.

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

"With a bigger problem than we first thought?"

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

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

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

"That's modern technology at work!"

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

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

"Why?"

"Shhh!"

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

"Damn!"

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

"Naughty, the cheeky bitches!"

"What is it, Tammy?"

"My guess is it's a tracker."

"But why?"

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

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

"Why not report it?"

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

"Oh, I see what you mean."

"Okay, indoors!"

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

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

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

"What's the worst that could happen?"

"You disappear without trace."

"They'd kill me?"

"Yes, if it served their needs."

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

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

"Yes."

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

"Well, yes."

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

"But that's different?"

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

"Oh!"

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

"What, kill them?"

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

"But you've killed?"

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

"But?"

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

"So there were other times?"

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

"I saw that, that was you?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Really?"

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

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

"That's nice to know."

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

"Oh, is that wise?"

"I think so."

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

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

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

"Will you protect me?"

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

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

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

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

Her phone rang.

"Yes, Colonel?"

"Are you free to talk?"

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

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

"That was quick."

"Indeed, what did you do?"

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

"Do you have evidence?"

"Yes, a recording."

"Can you send it to me?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Where is Corporal Staines staying?"

"My parents' place. Damn it!"

"Keep me informed, Lieutenant."

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

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

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

"Why isn't he locked up?"

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

"So what now?"

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

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

"Smart Air."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Where will you be going?"

"Down South."

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

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

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

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

"No."

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

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

"Err, Maisie?"

Maisie looked for a moment then kissed Tammy.

"Hmmmm."

"Tammy?"

"Yes?"

"Hold me!"

"Come on, let's get indoors."

"In a minute."

"Now, please!"

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

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

"Yes, Tammy?"

"I need a favour."

"The Corporal?"

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

"Come on Tammy, that's confidential."

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

"That could be awkward?"

"Is she read into what you do?"

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

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

"It does, doesn't it."

"Be careful, very careful."

"So, can I?"

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

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

"Katie?"

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

"Ah, not Smart Air?"

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

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

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

"Understood."

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

"I see. Perhaps next time?"

"Indeed."

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

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

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

"Yes, what are you doing?"

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

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

"Seriously?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yes?"

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

"Where?"

"Cornwall."

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

"Yes. That's the point."

"What's there?"

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

"You're staying there as well?"

"No, I have to come back."

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

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

"I want to stay here, with you!"

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

"You will, please?"

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

 
Wednesday 4th October 2017
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Err, Police?"

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

"Daniel?"

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

"You're not making this sound attractive."

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

"I thought you said Newquay?"

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

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

"And I'll miss you."

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

----

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

The group gave her grunts, mumbles and sighs.

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

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

"Sure, Tammy."

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

More groans.

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

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

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

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

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

"You look tired, Tammy?"

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

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

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

----

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book 11: Tammy Interludes     "Ch-Changes" Part 3

 
Thursday 5th October 2017
 

Tammy was awake early, despite her late night clandestine activity, and logged into her existing business telecom account to order a new fibre and voice package for the Princes Street address. She never watched TV so there was no point getting cable, even if it had been available in Thurso! The good news was that she had spotted an existing phone line and it wouldn't take much work to upgrade it. She wondered about what name to put on the new line, finally choosing Katie Flight. The shop window could be used to advertise her properties, but there was no harm in promoting the air services that were available via Smart Air. Perhaps she could ask her father to pay for that promotion?

Tammy thought back to the advice she'd been given when she'd had her training at Room 41 a year earlier, which had ranged from the theoretical to the practical, mind-bending complex to common-sense simple, and physical to virtual. One rule was simple to suggest but harder to implement in practice - make your communications appear to come from a different location. With fixed line, or mobile, network connections you could use techniques such as VPN - Virtual Private Network - or TOR so that your entry point onto the internet appears to be elsewhere in your own country or even overseas.

She registered with a proven commercial VPN provider and then, via Amazon, priority ordered a wifi router with 3g/4g backup. Finally she ordered a Voice over IP phone, giving herself a London phone number.

Zara did her breakfast before Tammy drove down to the university, it almost seemed as if Ben was waiting for her in the foyer.

"How did the interview go, Tammy?"

"Well, I'm still here, a free girl!"

"Yes, but that simply means you aren't detained."

"Let's put it this way, the interview was a washout for them and I left the room happy with the result."

"Don't forget you're obliged to tell us if you're arrested or charged."

"Yes, I'm well aware."

"Good, let me get you a coffee."

"You don't have to?"

"I'm hoping you can focus a bit more today than you did on Tuesday, I hope you got plenty of sleep last night?"

"Of course, but perhaps a double espresso would help?"

The morning session went well. At break time she received a text from her phone provider confirming an engineer visit for the following Wednesday, things were moving forward. As she collected a mid morning coffee her electrician confirmed he was finishing his work just after lunch and could he drop the keys back? Tammy replied that she'd see him there.

At lunchtime she drove to her offsite storage, behind the printing company, and collected her safe-cracking kit. She was back in the car when her phone rang.

"Yes, Pru?"

"I had a call asking after you this morning, I said you were at university today?"

"Thanks, did you get a name?"

"No, he rang off as soon as I said you were out."

"Okay, if he calls back please try to get a name?"

"Of course. Are you going back there?"

"I've got things to do in town."

"Okay, your parents are due back at tea time."

"Thanks."

She drove down to the house on Princes Street and found a parking space, on the through road, realising that her car stood out wherever she left it. Was that such a good idea? She walked around to the back of the building and tapped on the rear door, it was a minute before the electrician let her in.

"Another ten minutes or so and I'll be done."

"Thanks, where are you working?"

"In the basement."

Tammy went up to the top floor and looked at the work, he was good. She now had extra power outlets on at least two walls of each room, plus a double numbered network socket everywhere, although her office got extra power and extra ethernet - just in case. The original socket fronts had been replaced and Tammy had no doubt that any substandard cabling will have been replaced. The other noticeable factor was that the rooms were clean, if you didn't know work had been done then you wouldn't have been able to spot it.

She pulled out her phone and started calling known decorating tradesmen, although one was a young lady, and she was the only one available.

"I need a house painted inside. Three, no four, floors."

"Are the walls in good condition?"

"Yes."

"Could I come around?"

Tammy gave her the address. "I'm there now, just waiting for the electrician to finish."

"Okay, see you in half an hour?"

Tammy finally made it to the basement and found the guy putting his tools away.

"All the new sockets have been run into a new distribution panel, there wasn't enough space in the original one. Each floor has its own trip but the kitchen and the office are independent. There's an earth bar outside and I've renewed the main earth cable, everything is bonded to that."

"What about lighting?"

"I've replaced what needed to be changed and fitted LED lamps everywhere. They're coming down in price and use very little power."

"You can come back if I find anything else that needs doing?"

"Of course, but book me in advance!"

"Err, how about a full day two weeks from now? I'll call if I don't need you."

"Sure. Now, all the network points come into a patch panel, all the cabling is Cat6 by the way. There's space for your router and I've left you a dozen patch leads."

"Thank you, I appreciate it. What's the bill?"

"Two thousand five hundred." He handed her an invoice. "It's all guaranteed, but if you have any trouble just give me a call and I'll pop back."

"I appreciate it. I'll pay that directly."

He handed over the keys and left, whistling as he went. Tammy waited until she heard the door close then took out her tool kit. The panel opened easily, if you knew where to push, and she wondered if the electrician had found the safe during his work? He hadn't mentioned it so she relaxed.

She had a go, spending twenty minutes without getting anywhere. That wasn't any good. She gave up when she heard a noise on the floor above. She closed the panel, hid the tools in her bag then went to investigate.

"Hi I'm Kate the Paint, did I speak to you?"

"Yes, come in, I'm Tammy."

Tammy took her up to the top floor and gave her tour, telling her what colour she wanted each room.

"So that's a storeroom?"

"Probably a dressing room, so lilac like the main bedroom?"

They reached the guest room and Tammy realised she may end up with a permanent guest. "Err, how about Rose in here."

Eventually they reached the basement.

"Wow, nice room, Tammy, what are you planning to do?"

"Low lighting, music, chill!"

"Oh yes! Any thoughts on the colour?"

"No, what about you?"

"Tell me, what do you like? Personal tastes, places, people?"

"I love the Caribbean, the beaches, the surf."

"How about a beach feel, so when there's a storm outside you can come down here and imagine you're somewhere else? I bet you won't hear the wind and the rain in here?"

"Sounds good, but I wasn't expecting art?"

"Look, I'm a frustrated artist who makes a living slapping white paint on walls and ceilings!"

"Price?"

"I'll let you know when I've finished - if it's good then I'll want to photograph it and use that to advertise for more of the same, then you get a discount!"

"So long as you don't post this address on social media or a website."

"Oh no, I promise anonymity!"

"When can you start?"

"Saturday? I'm finishing off a job around the corner and I had a cancellation."

"Sure, I'll meet you here at ten and give you a key?"

"Nine?"

Tammy groaned inwardly, she hadn't had a full nights sleep for a few days. "Okay, nine."

They exchanged business cards and Kate left in a happy mood. Tammy hoped she'd do a good job as a few of her properties were coming up to end of lease and might need decorating. Her other painters were just that, slappers of paint.

She gave up for the day and walked to a locksmith's shop along the road to make a copy of the rear door key. She also bought new locks, once the works were done all the locks would be changed.

She dropped into her office and caught up with the outstanding emails until her phone rang.

"Hi Joey."

"You haven't called me?"

"I thought you needed space and not any complications from me. Anyway, your mum was there?"

"She didn't help, she still wouldn't see it."

"I thought she knew the full story?"

"She didn't want to know, as far as she's concerned he's still her husband." Joey almost spat the last words.

"Isn't the divorce done?"

"It's been on hold whilst he's been on remand, and mum did it as a no fault application. He just needed to sign it off but I guess he's not in a hurry."

"And you're still under eighteen?"

"Yes, it's important to me that we cut the ties and I forget him."

"Anyway, what's the verdict?"

"We're waiting, the tribunal has gone to consider the evidence. Mum wouldn't go into the court this morning, that's when I was giving my evidence."

"Oh, you had your solicitor though?"

"A local one, she was more experienced in military cases than Kelly. She was astounded that mum just brought me to the Court Martial this morning then left."

"I'm sorry, Joey, I don't know what to say?"

"We're coming back tomorrow, getting the night train, so I'll be back at mum's on Saturday."

"Let me know and I'll sort out a table in the hotel?"

"Okay, thanks, Tammy, but I'm a bit skint."

"I'll pay."

"Okay, perhaps a beer too?"

"I don't think so, young lady, I don't want to get into trouble with Frances!"

Joey laughed. "Okay, okay. Anyway I have to go back inside. See you in a few days."

Tammy got on with her work and paid the electrician. It wasn't cheap, but he had effectively rewired it and probably future proofed it. She noted that the new consumer units included a sticker claiming they were compliant with Edition 17 of the UK electrical regulations. One thing was that she hadn't asked him to check the shop and that had been locked. She guessed there was a separate supply for there and it was likely overdue for updating. That meant more expense, but at least the house would soon be ready for occupation.

She ate dinner in the kitchen with her parents that night who had clearly been informed that Maisie had gone.

"Did she go back to the army base?"

"No, and I doubt she will."

"Oh, was she in trouble? You do seem to attract problems?"

"Yes, dad, she was in trouble but it's being sorted. She couldn't stay here any longer and it's best that very few people know where she went."

"Although you did a fourteen hundred nautical mile round trip yesterday?"

"Yes ....."

"How was it?"

"She performed great."

"I had a look at the logbook when we boarded this morning, my phone found wifi on board?"

"It's a useful extra."

"I still can't believe someone just gave you a plane?"

"Friends in the right places, Mum, apparently it was seized by authorities from someone who couldn't pay a fine, or something like that. Someone had the foresight to offer it to me, no strings attached. There's no way my little plane could have done yesterday's trip without two extra refuelling stops, and a few extra hours in the air! Then, it's earning money without having to lease a six seater? How many times a month does it do commercial runs, Dad?"

"Varies between ten and fifteen trips, some one way and some returns. That pays for all the maintenance and fees, leaving enough profit to cope with our private runs. It's a good deal from my perspective, and you didn't seem to mind it today?"

Joan shrugged. "It was okay, I suppose."

Tammy laughed. "It's fitted out for business class and you think it's okay?"

Joan glared at Tammy, clearly not in the mood for frivolity. Fortunately dinner was done, but Zara had finished for the day so Tammy cleared the table top contents into the dishwasher and put that on. Her parents left the kitchen and Tammy made it up to her room to wash and change, she was done with the day.

She laid on her bed to read a book but dozed off, her phone rang at nine.

"Yes?"

"It's Maisie."

"Oh, sorry, I fell asleep. What's up?"

"I meant to call you yesterday but we were busy, I mean Sophie took my fingerprints!"

Tammy looked at the phone and saw that the encryption symbol was missing.

"Stop there, Maisie, this line isn't secure. Ask Heather if you can use her phone."

"She's already gone to her room. Anyway, it's rained since you took off! I thought you said it was dry here?"

"It's got to rain a little sometime, but I bet the next week is dry. Call me tomorrow from a different phone, okay?"

"You are going to come and visit? Please!"

"I'll try. Got to go!"

"Oh, okay, good night."

Tammy hit the End button and put her phone on charge.

 
Friday 6th October 2017
 

Tammy drove to the lock-up behind the printers and loaded one of the home kits into her car before driving around to Princes Street and parking outside the shop. This time it made sense to use the front door so at least the box could do in on the level, however she was relieved to lock behind her, she definitely didn't want to attract attention to the shop until she was ready.

In theory nobody had booked her time today, but a notification from Amazon told her that a package was due between ten thirty and twelve thirty at her office so she locked up without doing her much and drove back to her usual space behind Sarah's shop. This visit to the office gave her time to catch up a bit more and issue end of lease reminders to a few of the customers.

The clock ticked past eleven and she started to have second doubts. Unfortunately her stomach also decided it was almost lunchtime, but she knew what would happen if she made a five minute trip to the bakery.

At eleven forty the buzzer sounded and a courier handed a box to her. Having decided it was a dry day, and a walk wouldn't do any harm, Tammy left her car where it was and took herself, her laptop bag and the still-wrapped package to the bakery. From there she went to the bank and withdrew a hundred pounds from the in-branch machine.

Next she walked into one of the local convenience stores where she was barely acknowledged by the cashier, Tammy purchased a pay-as-you-go sim card. The cashier was finally interested in Tammy's top-up and was pleased when fifty pounds cash was added. Tammy suspected the girl would get commission for the sale but she had no idea how long that would last, and Tammy didn't want to run out soon.

Finally she returned to the house, laden but without having dropped anything. She realised she didn't have a kettle, a fridge or any of the necessary items to make a hot drink or store chilled foodstuffs. She walked into the kitchen and examined the available space. There was room under the worktop for a small larder fridge but a freezer would have to go into the utility room, not ideal, but at least there was power in both locations.

She rang the local electrical dealers Chessors.

"Do you do deliveries?"

"Yes, but there's a charge if the order is under forty pounds."

"Well, I'm fitting out a new place and I need a fridge, a freezer, a microwave and a kettle as soon as possible? There will be more but that can wait until next week."

"Any particular brands?" He rattled off a list of names, half of which Tammy recognised.

"I want reliability. If you could recommend a couple?"

"Well there are some brands that break down less often than others, but it's marginal."

Tammy took his recommendations and settled by quoting her debit card number. Delivery was set for that evening, five-thirty. Tammy guessed a level entry would be easier than carrying a bulky fridge up the steps to told them to deliver to the shop door.

Finally she set about the home kit and read the included instruction manual. "Okay, how does this go?"

The system relied on network connections, that much she knew already, so she installed the router that had been delivered that morning and fitted the new SIM card. It wasn't long before she had an insecure wifi network access point. Quickly she established the security protocols, reconnected, then put the VPN account information into the correct screen. She tested Google on her laptop and found that she was supposed to be in North London. The router's identity was also now hidden.

"Good, so far."

She ensured the outer doors were all locked, went into the kitchen with her laptop, placing it on a worktop. She verified that the wifi signal reached there, although for her next task she didn't need it. Looking inside the top layer of the equipment box she'd found a DVD with a label 'Play Me First!'.

The DVD had a menu giving various options to Tammy selected the option for installing a 'Home Kit'. There were twelve interior cameras with audio, six exterior cameras, four off-site cameras with wireless transmitters, eight microphones and a DVR that would hold recording for up to six months. Instructions were included for installing a full battery backed system but she needed additional items, she called Chessors back.

"I need a monitor, a twelve volt supply and a twelve volt leisure battery. The monitor must have a twelve volt option."

"This sounds like parts of a security system?"

"Indeed."

"We do a caravan television, it's twenty four inches and accepts twelve volts or mains and has inputs for RGB, VGA and HDMI. We also stock power supplies for local radio hams so one of those would do, do you know how much current you'll need?"

"Three to five amps."

"Okay. Now, we don't stock the batteries but I'll give you a number. You'll have to go there yourself, he doesn't deliver."

"Sounds good. What's the damage?"

The salesman, Tammy guessed he was probably the owner, totted it up and stated the total but then came up with a lower price.

"I guess you'll be back for a washing machine and a large telly soon? I look after my repeat customers so there's a discount on your order, we'll drop it all to you later."

Tammy repeated her card number and wondered about transferring some money over later. "Can I come down now, I think I need the bits a bit quicker than that!"

"Of course, we'll have it ready."

Tammy hadn't brought her car so spent twenty minutes walking to the shop, then back to her car, before driving to Prince's St. In total nearly half an hour had gone.

Tammy began installing the system. Four hours later, she was finished and pleased with her work. One would firstly have to know the system was there and what the components looked like to find them, the main box looked like a CISCO network firewall, hidden in plain sight in the network cabinet.

In a change to the suggested configuration, she'd installed the monitor in her office. Currently it was sat on top of the box it had been delivered in. A Raspberry Pi connected via the network to the box downstairs and provided the mouse, keyboard and video connections. Now that she knew which port number the monitoring kit was plugged into, she could walk back downstairs to patch the relevant port into the router, alongside the connection from the actual digital video recorder that was in the rack. Two green flashing lights indicated a full connection.

Tammy unlocked her phone, entered the PIN for the encryption sub-menu and dialled.

"RamAir Charters." A familiar voice answered.

Tammy smiled. "Hello cousin Krystel."

"Hey there Tammy-girl. What's up?" Krystel asked.

"I just finished installing a home kit for a place I have."

"Nice. Are you close to the display?" Krystel asked.

"Just a moment." Tammy went upstairs to the room she had chosen for her office. "I am now."

"Standby."

Tammy looked at the screen, saw it go blank then flash - just as if it had reset. Finally it flashed once more then a grid was displayed with all the available cameras.

"Ok. Your interior and exterior system is up. All that's left is your perimeter. Across the street, behind the building is a street light. You climb up there and install a perimeter camera with transmitter. Opposite side, out front, is another. That one'll be even trickier. Get those done and you're all secure." Krystel told her.

Tammy replied. "Good. So you can access this too?"

"I can now. I was able to grab it through your network connection. Pay attention, this is us watching your six. Got it?" Krystel asked.

"Sure, can I access this on my phone like my office system?"

"Of course, I'll setup an app for you and send a link to your phone. Just install it, everything will work."

"Thanks. Now, I want to ask for something but I can accept a 'not possible' answer?"

"Okay, ask."

"Can you get into my government files? My NHS and National Insurance files in particular, although the Ministry of Defence might also prove interesting. I need to find out who has been accessing them, digging into my past and wanting to stir things locally?"

Krystel sighed. "Okay, that's your health insurance, social security and DoD? What happened, this time?"

Tammy gave her a summary of the events at Fort George and the two investigators that came to Thurso.

"That's just wonderful. Okay. I'll take a look, but only your files. I'll email you what I find. That said, you'll be getting some money sent to your regular account."

Tammy chuckled. "That'll be useful. Is uncle sending my allowance?"

"Something like that. Some good advice; start wearing one of the hair barrettes all the time. Other good advice; send reports. Especially when shit happens. Keep it to only what pertains to your involvement if you need to. Respect the privacy agreement." Krystel reminded.

Tammy sighed. "Right. Question. How did 'Uncle' know I was supposed to be at briefings? He mentioned talking to Sean."

"I'm not supposed to have details, but it's a joint thing. We know things, your side knows things and can give you more to work with. Your side is on the lead. Everybody is working, but you're the only one on double duty. Which is why you get some allowance." Krystel explained.

Tammy asked. "If I fly the Epic for my activities, like to go to the briefing and taking Maisie to a safe house, does that go under 'work'?"

"Yes on the former, no on the latter. Make and send an invoice as if you were chartered, we'll pay the company and you'll get your pay that way, minus taxes. Should you be out of your usual area for more than a day, let us know. Saves time hunting for you if we don't need to." Krystel advised.

"Noted. I'll do that. I'll email it to you and file with the company here." Tammy said.

"Is that everything?" Krystel asked.

Tammy answered. "For now, yes. I'm about to try cracking a safe. I need to find the right video first."

"Is it a regular safe? Is it a name brand?"

"Sentrysafe."

"That won't be a problem. Watch the DVD. In the main menu you'll find the correct video. Watch it and you'll see how the kit will get you in it in about five to ten minutes." Krystel commented then spoke to someone else. "No, she's about to. A Sentry. Tammy turn around and wave."

"Hi!" Tammy said as she waved to the camera in the room. "No running about naked for me!"

Krystel laughed. "Whatever floats your boat, we won't pay any mind. Only when a stranger comes on camera will it get picked up. If we know you're out, we'll get an alert and stream it to your phone. I'm already flagging your parents and sisters to be recognized by the system."

"I hadn't planned giving them keys. Anything else I should do?"

"Get doorbell cameras. People will see those and probably not look for others. Just remember to change the passcode so it's not easy for everybody and their kid to hack them. A commercial alarm system would help too, gives a sense of normality!" Kimberly said loud enough to be heard.

"I could hear her. Thank you, I will."

Krystel spoke up. "Since we have you on the phone; over in Perth is a Jump club. Paragon Sky Dive. Reasonable rates. Try to get in some jumps once a month if you can. Anything else you need?"

"I believe that's me done. Thank you." Tammy replied.

Krystel signed off. "Have fun."

Tammy disconnected then found the correct DVD menu for defeating safes. She watched the segment for the kind she had twice and began working with the kit to open it. Eight minutes later she turned the lever and pulled the door open. She quickly noted the number.

"That really worked!" Tammy cheered to herself then looked inside. "Oh, it isn't empty!"

Wrapped in linen was a small bundle. Tammy carefully picked it up and opened the linen to find a small gold bar. She closely looked whilst she weighed it in her hand .... "maybe a few ounces?" There were no markings on the bar so Tammy guessed it hadn't been pressed at one of the recognised places. She hadn't checked what the property had been in the past, but most recently it had a fishing equipment store, killed off by the internet.

She put the gold back and shut the safe. At least she now had the combination, but how to change that? She went back to the kitchen where her laptop was sat, then put the address into a search engine. Thirty years ago it had been a gold and silver dealer but the owner had died in mysterious circumstances in 1987. Named Kirk McDuff, he had also been a popular shinty player and had paid for their team strip one season when the sponsor had pulled out.

So he had died in a locked store and nothing had been stolen.

Tammy wasn't convinced that it was natural causes, but that was the verdict of the fatal accident inquiry. There was no explanation for the shop safe being wide open, but apparently nothing had gone. In one article there was a photo of the open safe and very little was on the shelves apart from his scales and a few items of silver.

Tammy went back into the basement and opened the safe again. Using the light on her phone she looked on the back of the door, finding a date of 5/5/1983. That helped rule out, probably, anyone before McDuff, but had the gold been in there since at least then? She now had a better look, the safe was gunmetal grey and fitted in the bottom was a sheet almost the same colour, easily overlooked. Tammy removed it, finding it to be an envelope.

It appeared to be blank until she tilted the envelope towards light then saw the words "Do not open me until I'm gone."

Tammy's first instinct was to rip it open, but she needed help. Upstairs there was knocking, she looked at her phone and it was half past five. It would have to wait.

-----

It only took ten minutes to complete the delivery and now both of the refrigeration devices were chilling.

Outside it was now dark, she stood in the utility room and looked over the small yard at the back wondering how to a camera up there? She stepped outside and looked up, turning around to look at her office window and the guttering above it. She walked down into the yard and tried to get a better angle. The question was, did the guttering need cleaning or fixing? It wasn't cheap to get a scaffold tower just to inspect the building.

Across the yard, however, the building there was the same height so Tammy had an idea, but it would have to wait. Her phone started to ring so she walked back indoors.

"Hello?"

"It's Heather, how are you?"

"Fine, I guess Maisie has given you a briefing?"

"Yes, but it was a little confusing at first. I've obtained your statements and they make more sense."

"Good, my interview was weird and Maisie won't be able to tell you much about that."

"Oh, what happened?"

Tammy recounted her overheard conversation in the hotel loo, plus Frances' comments. Tammy had her first private meeting with Heather in the Castletown Hotel several years earlier so didn't need to describe the place.

"What are you doing about the breach?"

"My solicitor is raising it and I may have asked for other resources to take a look."

"Fortunately, your surgery was done away from the NHS so there's no record of it."

"As was your surgery, auntie."

"What it means is they'll struggle to prove anything apart from you were impersonating a boy at school?"

"True, I suppose."

"Thing is, if you find out where the breach is, and who's responsible, what are you going to do with that knowledge?"

"I hadn't considered that."

"So what will your other resources do, take executive action?"

"No, just report back to me."

"So you'll be the judge?"

"No, I don't know."

"Tammy, there will always be people who get a sniff at something and try to extrapolate a full story. The more you dig, the more you fight back, the more reason they have to dig for themselves. As it stands your doctors see you as a girl and there's no TG flag on your records. I wonder how that happened?"

"Helen."

"Ah, and she's in Holloway?"

"Last I've heard."

"So who's been to see her?"

"Damn. Sorry Heather, I couldn't see the wood for the trees."

"Good, call it an epiphany! Now, Maisie seems to think she's in a relationship with you?"

"It's definitely a one-way street. I helped and she was grateful, overly grateful."

"So what's your long-term plan? We really need a proposal that's signed off on the military and civilian fronts, and which Maisie will go along with. Ultimately she's expecting to return to you and won't entertain any other outcomes."

"Wonderful."

"There's a prospective space for induction at Abigail Adams House on Monday, so she'll have to fly up on Sunday. You've got that long to get an verbal agreement in principle, the written one can follow."

Tammy sighed. "Thanks Heather, I love you too!"

"There's no need for sarcasm!"

"Okay, look, I wonder if you can help me with a mystery?"

"Another of your independent investigations?"

"Sort of. I've bought a house and found some documents from a previous owner. Could you see if you can find trace of him? He died in 1987, by the way."

"Name?"

"Kirk McDuff, of 32 Princes St Thurso."

"Date of birth?"

"Sorry, don't have that."

"So what are you after?"

"Any other properties, any VAT or income tax trouble, any international travel, that sort of thing."

I'll see what I can find, but don't hold your breath."

"Thanks Auntie."

Tammy's phone pinged with two items. The first was a link to download an app and the second was a text from Joey.

Col Cooper convicted of sexual assault and conduct unbecoming an officer. Twenty years. Mum finally understands. On way to Euston for the sleeper.

Tammy sighed and remembered the song Krystel had played. The words practically burned into her brain and she found herself singing them.

"Hot air hangs like a dead man; from a white oak tree. People sitting on porches. Thinking how things used to be. Dark night. It's a dark night!"

---
 

The first Kindle publication of the Tammy series is a combined novel of Tom's Fireworks and Tamara's Debut. It's available from Amazon (UK) , Amazon (US), Amazon (CA) & Amazon (AU) .

Book 11: Tammy Interludes     "Ch-Changes" Part 4

 
Saturday 7th October 2017
 

Angela had arrived home the previous evening and talk over dinner had turned to the subject of Christmas. It seemed like it had been ages since the four had sat to eat together. Richard had an announcement.

"Your mum and I are going to Lausanne for nine days, flying out on the twenty-first of December."

Joan clearly knew of the plan already. "I finally agreed to let him take me there."

Tammy replied. "You'll like it, I went there with Dad a few years ago just before Christmas."

"So what are we going to do?" Asked Angela.

"We could spend Christmas with Suzie, go down to Trafalgar Square on Christmas eve, then find the bargains on Oxford St on Boxing Day?"

"That's a good idea Tammy, but you should phone your sister to make sure she hasn't already made plans?"

"Sure Dad."

Angela wasn't impressed. "Do I have to?"

"Well, this way I can give all the staff ten days off over Christmas. There would be no-one else here, so I hope you can look after yourself?"

"Oh. I don't have a choice, do I?"

"Angela, you always have a choice but don't just think of yourself."

"Okay. Tammy, how are we getting down there?"

"I'll fly us."

Richard smiled. "Tammy, as Pru has only booked the hotel so far, our flights are flexible. How about you fly all of us to London then we can get a direct flight from there?"

"I wouldn't have thought that would be a problem but I'll have to use Katie. Can you make sure Jim doesn't have a commercial booking for Katie at that time"

"I'll book the plane out to us for two weeks."

So Tammy was going to spend her Christmas in the Capital, it had been a few years since she'd stayed at their former Edgware home over Christmas but hadn't once gone into the West End to see the lights or down to the giant Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square as her Dad was constantly working and her mother didn't want to risk using the tube, although Tammy still didn't know what the issue had been.

She remembered the first time she'd joined her father in Zurich just before Christmas: Tammy was thirteen at the time and hadn't had time to change before catching the coach to Inverness Airport for the first flight. Although, legally, she was still a schoolboy called Thomas, almost everyone at the airports, on the flights had assumed the kilt-clad school child with long white socks was a girl. Tammy had arrived in Zurich stressed, tired, and upset when her father wasn't at the terminal to meet her. That had resulted in a panic attack.

Tammy was back at the new house on Saturday morning and a knock on the back door brought Tammy back to the present. Her decorator, dressed in white dungarees, was waiting.

"Oh, hi Kate."

"Good morning, white with one sugar please."

"Eh? Oh, I haven't got any milk, or coffee, or tea, or sugar."

"But you have a kettle?"

"Yes, and a fridge."

"It's a start. I tell you what, I'll get set up on the top floor and work my way down, I guess you want your office done first?"

"Oh, I left something plugged in. I'll go up and sort that out, then I'll go shopping. Here's your key."

Tammy hurtled up the two flights of stairs, that was definitely going to be an aid to fitness, and powered down the security monitor before disconnecting the power and network terminations. She relocated the equipment across the landing into the designated store room, or was it now the guest room?

Tammy passed Kate on the stairs as the girl carried sheets and tools up towards the office, whistling as she went. Tammy picked up her shoulder bag and ensured her keys and phone were there before walking out of the rear door. She executed a couple of right turns and was heading North on Princes St. The small grocery store where she'd bought the SIM card wasn't far away and seemed to be the most sensible destination for her needs.

She walked slowly around the shelves and soon had the required milk, tea and coffee-making consumables in a bag, plus a packet of Hobnobs. It was noticeably dearer than the usual supermarket pricing, but was more convenient.

Back indoors twenty minutes after stepping out she stowed the purchases and filled the kettle with fresh water. Tammy then realised she had no mugs, teaspoons or any other crockery and cutlery. Setting up a home was very new to her. Despite reservations she drove over to the Thurso Tesco store. This was smaller than the one in Wick that had caused her trouble, but still big enough to have the household items she needed.

Tammy left there with a four place dining set, although she currently had no plans to do any dining, plus a full cutlery set and a set of kitchen utensils. She added washing up liquid and cloths, but soon decided she needed other cleaning materials. Halfway around the store she found the bakery and decided she needed to consider lunch.

The hand basket she'd picked up at the entrance was now totally inadequate, but the trolleys were inaccessible, this required a little lateral thinking. Her decision was to head for the checkout and pay for the items she'd already picked up, then stow that in the boot of her car. She returned with a trolley to continue her trekking around the store.

Tammy stopped in the middle of an aisle at one point; the realisation had dawned that she was twenty one and only now was she doing her first major household shop. When she'd stayed in the Docklands flat, two years earlier, it was already stocked with standard household items and all she'd needed was food and cleaning materials. At the time Tammy was grabbing lunch in the office then picking up a takeaway on the way home. It wasn't healthy eating and she resolved not to pick up those bad habits again.

Her shop of choice at the time had been the Spar store close to the apartment, it didn't have the range of the store she was in, but she'd coped. She pushed her trolley into the homewares section again and spotted an offer on rugs, Tammy picked up a couple without a clear idea on which rooms they'd go in. She still needed to get someone in to measure for carpets but Kate the Paint needed a head-start. An hour had passed by the time Tammy carried her goods through the door at ten thirty. Kate was drinking from a mug.

"I made a coffee for meself, good job I have me own mug wiv me."

Tammy's phone pinged, it was then she noticed a few messages had arrived.

RAMAIR CIC:
Please notify us of any tradespersons in the future. Her life was spared on this occasion, today's BOOM: aborted.

Tammy looked to a camera, "OOPS, sorry."

Tammy rinsed one of the new mugs and now made herself a coffee then set about distributing hand soap and toilet rolls to the two bathrooms, plus hand towels and tea towels to the correct locations. She had bleach, floor cleaner, a mop, bucket, a soft broom, dusters and cleaning spray. All of which needed to be put, safely, away.

She'd also bought a tape measure and now, with a notepad, went around each room to measure the windows. A decision was needed on whether to use blinds or curtains, or even both? Certainly for the office, a heavy net curtain plus adjustable blinds would be best. Maybe a security survey was needed as well, but how would she organise that?

By lunchtime Kate had finished the office and had moved onto the storeroom. The office looked brighter, cleaner, but thankfully didn't smell of anything much. As Kate had put lights on, Tammy didn't need to imagine how she might be seen from an adjacent building. The monitor and associated kit had now been placed in a corner. Tammy decided against setting it up whilst Kate was still on the premises.

Back in the kitchen she started ordering tables and chairs. The kitchen was big enough for a small table, but not big enough to work there if the table was in use. The solution was to order a couple of collapsible chairs and she enviosaged pushing the table against the wall when not needed.

She needed an office desk as well, plus a comfortable chair. That look longer but eventually she settled on a particular item, although the delivery date became the overriding factor. Finally it looked as if the items would start to arrive mid week.

Kate stopped at lunchtime to eat her own sandwiches and Tammy made up a couple of rolls then munched a banana, the result of a foray into the fruit aisle at Tesco. She washed up then told Kate she was going elsewhere for the rest of the day so to lock up when she was done.

Tammy drove around to her lock-up storage unit and let herself in. There were still several items from the air drop a few nights back that she hadn't closely looked at. Tammy opened the case marked as Personal Kit and inside she found cosmetics that matched the stock of her vanity case. A pressed powder compact and a blusher compact. There were five of each. At least a year supply, even if she touched up twice daily. Looking at the instruction diagrams she was able to open the hidden compartments. The pressed powder compact had six tracking dots with a lifespan of twenty-four hours and up to a half mile range. She would be able to track them using her phone and laptop.

The blush compact had audio bugs. A twenty-four hour battery and would pick up within twenty feet. There were ten bugs with a range of an eighth of a mile. She would be able to receive using her phone and laptop. Also included were four small plastic boxes the size of a deck of cards. The list described them as Survival kits containing wire, matches, fishing line, fish hooks, needles, thread, water purification tablets, foil and multi-function tool. The box was purported to confuse most airport metal detectors.

"So this is what they call a personal kit. Those trick barrettes top it all off."

She tucked one of each into her shoulder bag, put the others away in the case and went out to her car, but something caught her eye. Quickly she drove away, having checked there wasn't an alert from the security system. She drove just a few hundred metres then pulled over, checking her mirrors. Her phone was docked and it started to ring. She tapped a pin to accept the call.

"Hiya Tammy girl. We ran a trace on your painter. She's legit. Strange, but clean. One incident though. while in college at Dundee, she got popped for Lewd Behaviour. Sex in a pub's restroom. Hundred pound fine and night in the grey-bar inn. Nothing else. Seems to be a David Bowie fan, but she can't sing worth a damn."

"Oh, thanks, but ...."

"Tammy, you got a problem?"

"Not sure, Krystel, I thought I saw something?"

"Jus' a sec. Okay I now have access to your car's surveillance system, not bad. I'll go back a couple of minutes........ Got it."

"You found something?"

"Yes. Someone, someone was scoping your car while you were inside that building. I've got a face. Running recognition and sending it to your car."

Kyle's face appeared on the entertainment display.

"Damn. That's Kyle Fielding."

"The Kiwi that gave you dive lessons and now causing shit at Fort George?"

"Yes to both."

"Okay, then you have a new problem. He might have guessed that you have a lockup and now he knows where that is. He must not find out where the new place is, otherwise it's defunct, right?"

"Yes. I rent the lockup for cash so there's no trail to me."

"And now he knows where that is, so it's burned. Go empty it. Everything out of it."

"Yes, Krystel."

"Make the block and go back."

"Turn around? Okay."

"One other thing, your car is too distinctive."

"I don't want to lose it."

"I'm not suggesting that. How about getting a plain, anonymous, vehicle?"

"Okay."

"Now, go drive past your lockup slowly and take a look."

Tammy did as asked, turned the car around and headed back to the rear of the printshop. She needn't have worried. Tom Miller, the printer, had Kyle on the ground. Tammy didn't stop but could see that he had the situation under control. Kyle looked right at her, he was pissed off. Tammy couldn't resist the urge and flipped him off. She drove past and took a right to swing onto Mill Road and head back towards the A9 and the Thurso River, passing a police car on blue lights.

"I guess the police were called by Tom?"

"Confirmed Tammy, there's an active record of an intruder on the Police Scotland system. It's best you aren't involved. Unfortunately you should also now look for an alternative offsite storage facility."

"Agreed."

"Now, what's the deal with the painter?"

"She has a key and will be there for a few days. I bought new locks to fit as soon as she's done."

"Good, but don't forget about an alarm system?"

"What about using the same card system as my office?"

"No, separate, and make it look boring, not worth a second look. Out."

Tammy parked up and toured the town's furniture stores on foot. Tammy gained inspiration as she went between them, returning more than once but waving away the staff until her third trip to Highland Furniture on Traill St.

"I like that kingsize bed, do you have matching bedside cabinets and wardrobes?"

"The cabinets, yes, plus a wooden foot locker, but we can't currently get the wardrobes."

"I see, what wood is it?"

"Swedish Beech."

Tammy did like the look and feel of the bed, it was clearly well built, modern looking and heavy, very heavy.

"How is it delivered?"

"Two of our team will deliver and build it in situ, we need a week's notice."

"I see, how about ten or eleven days from now? I'll need the bed, two cabinets and the locker. Is there a single bed in the same design?"

"Yes."

"Then add a third cabinet and a second locker."

"I'll have to check with the supplier to make sure we can supply everything? There might be some items on back-order, but they're closed until Monday."

"I'm sorry but I need everything at once, and I'll have to go elsewhere if you can't confirm the whole order is deliverable?"

"I can't do that."

"Then you've lost my custom. Good day." Tammy turned and started towards the door.

"Miss Smart?"

The shop manager called after her. "I'm sorry Miss Smart, would you like to discuss this in my office?"

Tammy smiled, she'd done business with the store manager before; she stopped and turned. "Good morning Mr Harrison, I'm afraid I was effectively told that your store didn't want my custom?"

"A misunderstanding I hope, coffee?" He glared at the assistant. "I want two cups of the decent stuff."

"Yes, Mr Harrison."

Robert made a couple of calls, dropping into a dialect that Tammy had trouble understanding.

"Fortunately I have the direct numbers. We can have all of the items you need here by Wednesday of this week, when were you looking to install it?"

"A week later, the 18th."

"That won't be a problem. Now, I overheard that you asked about wardrobes?"

"Yes."

"He can't get a set of wardrobes made by Wednesday but he has a fitter who can build a fitted wardrobe on site to the same design."

"That sounds interesting."

"Normally there's a hefty charge for this, how about we pick up the extra and you just pay the cost of individual wardrobes?"

"That's attractive. I'm planning a bedroom and a separate dressing room plus a guest room."

"Is this for one of your rental places?"

"Yes, I'll be able to advertise it as ready furnished for short term lets, perhaps making it an Air BnB?"

"I see, so you are going for quality?"

"Of course. I have a painter in there at the moment, I've just had it rewired."

"We'll need the address, of course?"

"32 Princes St."

"The fishing tackle place?"

"That's it, although I'm looking into the history of an earlier owner, Kirk McDuff."

"That's a name from the past. He was at school with my eldest brother, they played Shinty together."

"I've found the fatal accident inquiry newspaper report, it was suggested it was natural causes?"

"Nach, no, he was fit. My guess is that he was given something that was out of his system by the time of the PM, and thirty years ago the doctors wouldn't have looked for something like a poison unless they had a reason."

"So you think it was a robbery?"

"Yes. There was a rumour he had a load of money but when the police searched the building they never found any of it. Have you found anything?"

"No, but it's been thirty years. Is there anything else you can remember?"

"He used to take himself into Europe a couple of times a year and would go on this long overland journey but would always fly back. Once he didn't make it back in time for a game. After that he never travelled during the shinty season, he never forgave himself for missing that one game."

Robert drew up an invoice but stated it would have to be paid on delivery, which Tammy was quite happy with. Lunch was next so she returned to Princes St, finding Katie on the floor of the basement, cross legged.

"Oh .... I forgot."

Tammy dashed back to her car and pulled three rugs off the back seats but couldn't carry all of them. She managed two for now.

"There, something to sit on!"

Her phone rang, it was the Colonel. Tammy took herself upstairs to the office, carrying a rug.

"Sorry Sir, but I have a painter on site."

"I see, I have a report that Captain Fielding was arrested today."

"I know, Sir, unfortunately I was compromised and he tried to get into a storage facility I have. I won't be using that facility again."

"Did you do anything to him?"

"No, I almost didn't see him, but the guy who owns the building caught him. There's some dashcam footage from my car if necessary."

"I see, can I suggest you stay out of it unless the police directly ask you to give a statement?"

"That's my plan. Can you resolve something for me, Colonel?"

"If I can?"

"My ID card was retained by the MPs and I'd like it back, if you still want me?"

"I will make enquiries. Now, what is going on with Corporal Staines?"

"She's on leave?"

"And her CO is demanding she returns to face the charges."

"We both know, Sir, that they will make a scapegoat of her, and she'll be marked as the cause of Captain Fielding's troubles."

"Unfortunately that may be true. What do you have in mind?"

"It would be a shame to waste her training, so can I suggest she gets an honourable discharge and we can then find her a role in Civvie St."

"You sound as if this has been planned?"

"No, Sir, and it still needs approval from another agency, but we have a place on a course for her and, if all goes well, she starts that course on Monday."

"I see, is she with you?"

"No."

"Where is she?"

"This is an insecure line, Sir, and that would not be appropriate. She is, however, safe and she is free to walk to a railway station if she wants to."

"And the future?"

"Let's just see, but please impress on the CO that she is a victim and he has helped make her further role in the army untenable at this time."

"Thank you Lieutenant."

"Indeed, Colonel."

Tammy turned around to find Kate in the doorway, wondering how much she'd overheard. Perhaps a buzzer on the stairs was needed?

"A colonel?"

"It's a pet name for one of my uncles, he thinks I'm in his regiment."

"Oh."

"You're not the first one to overhear a conversation between us and think it's real! To be honest I think he's losing it!"

"Yeah, it did sound weird, I wasn't trying to listen though."

Kate had finished the top floor and had collected the last of her dust sheets ready to continue on the level below. She wanted to know if Tammy had any last minute changes to her bedroom colour scheme.

"I've ordered beech furniture."

"It's a pale wood but that should still work with the lilac on the walls however you'll need a deeper colour for the curtains and the carpet."

"How about purple?"

"Yes, I'd suggest Mardi Gras or Pompadour?"

"How would you like to help me fit the building out?"

"Sure, when were you thinking of having it finished?"

"End of next week."

"That's tight. What's the budget?"

"Hmmm, I've got bedroom furniture on order, but the other rooms will need finishing off?"

"We'll need to get a carpet company in, best get one from Inverness. You need office furniture, dining room, lounge, bathrooms ... plenty to do. Give me five thousand to start with."

"Sorry Kate, but I'll handle the ordering and paying, but you can find me the best options?"

"I was just trying to save you some time and effort."

"I know, but it's no problem as I'll have my assistant back in a day or so and she can run my office so I'll be here."

"Okay, I understand."

 
Monday 9th October 2017
 

Tammy had relocated the contents of the lockup to the secure room in her existing office and the door was firmly locked. She'd have to speak to Tom Miller about paying up to the end of the month then terminating their arrangement. She had no idea where Kyle was, but for now had to use her own recognisable vehicle regardless.

She'd managed to speak to her father about that over the weekend.

"I need a small van for work, but I don't want it to say Smart Properties or anything else."

"I think the school is replacing one of the older utility vans the grounds staff use."

Tammy knew the vans. "It probably looks older than it is?"

"Indeed, you can always have it resprayed?"

"No, just remove any reference to the school"

"Okay, I'll speak to the Head for you."

"Thanks, Dad."

She made it to the office by nine, there was no need to rush. She called Heather as soon as she had shut the door.

"How did it go?"

"We flew up yesterday once everyone signed off on the plan. She thinks she's finished in the military."

"For now she is, but we'll work on that. Is she getting the standard induction?"

"Yes, she gets the security talk today followed by John Smith frightening her."

"She could handle nasty Sergeants so she'll cope, but what does she think she's doing?"

"She thinks she's moving back to Thurso and they're going to teach her your secrets!"

Tammy laughed. "I don't know what they are! What's she told her father?"

"That she's on an assignment. I warned her that RMP might be monitoring her father's line so we sent her call via Catterick."

"Good. I did kinda promise to go and see her, maybe collect her?"

"She has two weeks there and for the first week there's no outside communication."

"Ah, okay. How did you find her?"

"Hyperactive. When she calmed down we tried to explain the seriousness of the situation and then, yesterday morning, when Sir Thomas agreed the plan, we gave her the option of walking to Redruth Station and forgetting everything. The alternative was to join a merry band of misfits who do their best to keep this country safe."

"I guess she's Maid Marian, so, who is Robin of Loxley?"

"Sophie!"

"Really? Wouldn't she be the Sheriff? Anyway, do you have any info on Kirk McDuff yet?"

"No, but it was difficult to work securely when your pet Corporal was here."

---

Tammy opened her office safe and withdrew the grey envelope she'd found in the house safe. She turned it over and used her letter opener to slice it open. Common sense would have said to take it to her solicitor but Tammy didn't always follow that mantra.

There was a single sheet inside, which had one line of text:

CH10 00230 00A109822346

 
Tammy stared at it for a moment then realised what it was.

Her guess was that the account hadn't been touched for thirty years and the world had seen several boom and bust cycles in that time. She guestimated that Kirk may have had ten thousand pounds in the account at the time of his death so Tammy used an online calculator to work out compound interest. At 2% interest, a sum of ten thousand would have turned into almost two hundred thousand. Hmmmm, what did Kirk's last will and testament say? After all, this was his money. Did he have a girlfriend, or a boyfriend, at the time?

Tammy put that back in her safe, having sealed it into a new envelope, and wrote her own name on the outside, across the seal.

 
Wednesday 11th October 2017
 

Going back to college on Tuesday was almost a welcome relief, Tammy disabled the ringer/beeper on her phone so she wouldn't get interrupted. Joey had arrived that morning so she'd let herself into the office and was tackling the emails and calls, Tammy had received a text at break time with a couple of questions but so far everything looked fine.

On Wednesday Tammy first met the telecom guy outside the property.

"Err, Miss Smart, were you at St Andrews?"

"Yes, I was Head Girl for my last year."

"Did you take over the Macbeth for the English Highers module?"

"Yes, there was a staffing problem, Mr Wright left suddenly."

"I think you saved my boy from a scraped pass, he got a B when he started to put effort in, I don't think he liked the teacher."

"I don't think I can claim any credit, I simply put on a play."

"Well, I'm grateful. I was in the audience for the public performance and I saw you down at the Mill Theatre too, well done. If there's anything you need?"

"There is one thing, let me just go and get it."

The engineer ignored the old wires and ran a brand new unjointed feed back to the main cabinet. The run was several hundred metres of copper but she had an excellent internet connection by mid morning and the phone line was completely clean.

Following her plan she now fed the telecom router into the one she'd bought herself. She'd been using the backup 3g/4g connection but that was now disabled and the feed was taken from her landline. If that ever failed she would switch to the backup automatically.

The other part of this arrangement involved a VPN facility, and would disguise her location, moving it over five hundred miles South of her real location. That way Tammy really could truly be in two places at once.

Of course they'd had to work around Kate who was in the basement creating her art.

Tammy met Joey in the Castletown for lunch.

"You had your hair done?"

"Yes, Mum sent me the money. Who is she?"

"Who is who?"

"The girl who was here last week, who was staying with you?"

"That was business, Joey, and I can't talk about it."

"Strange as apparently the only thing she talked about, when she had her hair done, was you!"

Several eyes had turned and the staff were keeping their distance so no orders had been taken.

"Joey, it's a delicate situation."

"You replaced me."

"No, no I did not. She didn't do any work."

"I suppose she wouldn't have to, just flutters her eyelashes at you?"

"That's enough, Joey."

"Yes, I quit."

Tammy picked up her bag, apologised to Frances and walked around to the hairdressers.

"Hi Tammy. We can fit you in?"

"Sharon, I'd like to know what was said to Joey, she's just quit."

"We just mentioned the girl who was here last Tuesday."

"Apparently that girl has taken Joey's job! So thanks, but right now I have no-one."

Tammy walked out without waiting for a reply. She went to the office and had the security system cancel Joey's card, locked up then rode around to Princes St.

Kate was behind a pillar, crouched in shadows with a brush in her hand when Tammy flopped onto a bean bag, the latest furnishing to arrive.

"What's up?"

"I took my assistant out to lunch, and she quit on me."

"Oh, what's the work?"

"Property inspections, handling contractors, keeping the accounts, advertising vacant properties, that sort of thing. Her mum ran an agency so it was an easy job for her.

"So maths is needed?"

"Yes."

"Ah, sorry, I'd help you out but my maths ain't good."

"That's okay, Kate. I'll work something out."

Kate walked out of the shadow, completely naked apart from a small tattoo on her bum and a few splashes of paint.

"Oh, this is new."

"I prefer to work naked, it gives me freedom although it's not always possible. This space is wonderful - oh, I hope you don't mind but I used the shower yesterday and, I think I'll need another one today."

"Okay, whatever floats your boat!"

Tammy made it home for tea after going to Tesco to buy new towels, detergent and calling her electrical supplier to deliver a washing machine the following day.

"Tammy, Pru reports that there's alot of transactions going through the Smart Properties accounts but there's no new business. What's going on with that place in Princes St?"

Tammy couldn't object to her father checking it out, he was a director of the company.

"I'm moving out, Dad. That's my new home."

---

Ch-Changes concludes next episode.
 
 

The first Kindle publication of the Tammy series is a combined novel of Tom's Fireworks and Tamara's Debut. It's available from Amazon (UK) , Amazon (US), Amazon (CA) & Amazon (AU) .

Book 11: Tammy Interludes     "Ch-Changes"   Part 5 (of 5)

Friday 20th October 2017

Tammy delayed the house-warming until a few outstanding issues had been sorted out and everyone was available. Of course not everything was finished and, as the month crawled forward, the weather deteriorated until a full storm had hit on the Thursday eve. Tammy had two concerns, she was due to fly out on the Friday morning and would her mother join the party in inclement weather?

The atmosphere after Tammy's announcement had been awkward. Richard hadn't shown surprise, he'd clearly been expecting something, but Joan had reservations and suspicions. Her problem was that Suzie had refused to move to Scotland with the rest of that family and had taken full independence at sixteen, in spite of her father's threats. In that case, Joan had been told that she was to blame, so she was afraid for herself as much as for her step daughter.

Tammy wouldn't allow the weather to upset her plans, her promises, and shortly after nine thirty she was sat in the cockpit of her EPIC G-KTFL - Katie - waiting for clearance from the tower at Wick. The wind was dropping, but the tower kept telling her to stand by. Finally, at ten o'clock, she took off North East into the wind. It was a rocky climb and she had to keep climbing past ten thousand feet before she could turn South. She continued to climb, settling out at thirty thousand feet, before she checked in with NATS at Prestwick. Tammy confirmed her destination was North Weald in Essex, just South of Stansted Airport and within touching range of the UK's biggest carpark, the M25.

The advantage of North Weald was it was a smaller, much less busy, airfield but with excellent facilities. It was cheaper for Tammy to land there than any of the main 'London' airports and her father had negotiated hanger space as and when needed. Finally, the family owned a house barely ten minutes drive from the airfield gate.

Whilst that was all useful, Tammy wasn't heading to that house, not at first.

She landed just after one, the weather was causing problems right across the country now, and Katie bounced as she touched down after being buffeted on final approach. She'd been told that her lighter Czechsport wouldn't have been permitted to land under the current conditions, but this time it had suited her to bring the Epic.

After securing her plane she grabbed her overnight bag and walked to the gate where a minibus was waiting.

"Good afternoon, Miss Smart?"

"Hi. Sorry for the delay."

"Apparently it's the weather, Miss. Sit back and we'll be there as soon as is safely possible."

Tammy knew the driver was pursuit and evasion trained so didn't doubt his driving skills. Even so, she used one of the available seatbelts and buckled up, adjusting the strap for maximum restraint.

Half an hour later, they turned off the main road and down a lane before reaching a farm gate. Tammy had been this way before, although it had been a while. It wasn't long before they dived underground and came to a stop in a subterranean cavern.

"I believe you know your way, Miss."

"I do, thanks."

She used her Security Service ID to open the lift door then rode up two floors to the ground level, exiting near the housekeeper's office. Tammy handed her bag to one of the staff then made her way into the conservatory.

"Tammy!"

She regretted arranging to meet the girl at this location. It wasn't public, in any sense, but there were still a dozen people around that area and one or two of them knew who she was. So much for low profile, again?

To say Maisie was overjoyed would be an understatement of the first order and the attention that garnered wasn't great. Tammy spotted John Smith out of the corner of her eye and nodded towards the library, John beckoned her.

"Come on Maisie, library, now!"

"You know this building?"

The girl complied but Tammy seriously wondered if this was the right idea, she wasn't alone, especially when Maisie took Tammy's right hand for the short walk.

"Miss Smart, you clearly have a problem and I suggest it's one of your own making?"

"I hate to say so, but yes."

"In which case, Maisie here is a risk, but only where you're concerned."

"What do you mean?"

"Fix this infatuation one way or another and we have a potential intelligence assistant."

"Is that your opinion?"

"No, Mrs Young happens to agree, as do the assessors here."

"So what are the options?"

"Given what Miss Staines has already learned, we could go through a complicated process to create a new identity and relocate her, ensuring that she has no connection to her former life,"

"Or?"

"We take what we have."

"Does that mean I can live with you, Tammy?"

"I'm not certain Mr Smith would agree?"

"I wouldn't under normal circumstances. However, Miss Smart, several other agencies are concerned about your workload and, what doesn't make sense, is that you're still on a sabbatical from us. So what is all this work?"

"University, my business, and the occasional weekend training with the army, air force or navy plus a couple of weeks off-grid. Oh, I should also include the ad-hoc request for photos or other intel. Plus I'm teaching Macbeth once a week."

"I hope he appreciates it."

Maisie looked confused. "Off-grid?"

"Miss Smart, we have an opportunity here to put an agent in place, in plain sight, with freedom to go anywhere. She can take over some of your intel gathering tasks and maybe report occasionally on your other activities."

"Err, if you don't mind, no!"

"In general terms, Miss Smart, we are already aware of the agreement."

"An agreement of mutual privacy. If you need to be aware, you will be. That goes both ways. British business, their business. Everybody gets along and shares the rewards."

"We understand that you are moving into new premises?"

"How do you know that?"

"Please Miss Smart, we are an 'intelligence' agency? In this case your step sister was interviewed in case she had pertinent information about your circumstances, and she told us about the new premises."

"Joan ...."

"So the proposal is that Maisie becomes, to all intents and purposes, your housekeeper and that you manage her training for now. Once you're satisfied, and we concur, then Miss Staines can return here for further formal tuition."

"And her role with the agency?"

"In training, not operational yet. We'll review in three months, just after the new year."

"So not my guest?"

"No, a placement. You'll be compensated."

"I see."

"Please do not misunderstand me, Miss Smart. You are being tested as much as Miss Staines. If there's a breach then you will be held accountable. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Now, Miss Smart, you have an appointment with one of the medical staff. And Miss Staines you have an appointment with the security team."

It was two hours later and Tammy hadn't been offered lunch but was finally sat with a coffee and a slice of walnut cake. Maisie was drinking a soft drink and had finally calmed down.

"Did you get a physical, Maisie?"

"Yes, a day or so after I arrived. They wouldn't let me use the pool or the gym before I gave them blood and wee."

"Okay." Tammy recalled a session she'd just endured with one of the house shrinks, although there hadn't seemed to be a purpose.

"I'm sorry Miss Smart, but you don't appear to get stressed and one of my colleagues last year recorded your demeanour as nonchalant."

"I spent nearly ten years in a boarding school, there was absolutely no point getting stressed, or showing it."

"So you base your life on your schooling?"

"No, but I do use my past experiences to get me through any task or problem. When I've failed, I've used that experience to improve myself, to fix the problem."

"Do you fail often?"

Tammy looked the shrink in the eye. "By others' design, of course."

"I see, your failures are due to someone else's wishes?"

"Are you trying to agitate me?"

"Not at all."

"Then I respectively suggest you don't try."

"Perish the thought."

"I think this session is over."

Tammy had given a slight smirk as she exited that room. She knew from the body language that the woman wasn't appreciating Tammy's replies.

She put her empty coffee cup down. "Time to go, Maisie, but first a wee."

----------

They were dropped at Enfield Town London Overground station at four in the afternoon and Tammy wasn't overly happy as she'd hoped they would have been away at least an hour earlier. Their first train, as far as Hackney Downs wasn't too bad but the second train to Stratford was filling up as the POETS traffic increased. At Stratford they had to negotiate the busy underpass to a packed platform 6 and wait for an Epping service.

"How do you know your way, Tammy?"

"I've done it a few times."

The first train in was to Loughton and a large number on the platform boarded that service, Tammy had to hold Maisie back, or she would have been swept on board by the crowd, Hundreds were now spilling onto the platform every minute. The next service was to Hainault and the third was to Epping. The wait had only been six minutes but Tammy had felt overly vulnerable with the inexperienced girl.

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere for the night."

"Oh, I thought we were going home?"

"I'd rather not fly in the dark given the weather conditions."

By the time they exited Epping Underground Station it was coming up for half past five. Tammy led the girl through a few suburban streets until they reached a house. Tammy unlocked the front door and punched the alarm code. She dropped her overnight bag.

"Leave your bag in the hall."

A moment later the door was locked shut and they continued walking along the deserted streets. Maisie now took Tammy's hand as they continued towards the centre of Epping, although their destination became increasingly obvious.

"The pub?"

"Yes, let's eat here."

"Oh, am I allowed a beer?"

"If you want to?"

"Dad said it was bad for me and I didn't like drinking with the boys in camp."

"Look, let's get a table first, there's Suzie."

They placed their orders at the bar and their drinks were brought over. Tammy decided to stay clean, sober, although Suzie already had a cider and ordered a refill.

"I heard your assistant walked out?"

"Old news Suzie, and a misunderstanding."

"So how did you bribe her to come back?"

"I had the hair stylist phone her, she was the one who stirred it, her and Joanne."

"Just like that?"

"Yes, sis, it was just a misunderstanding."

Of course, if Tammy had actually terminated Joey's employment then that would have left the girl without any income and without a means to pay her rent. That fit of pique would have been a bigger problem for the seventeen year old than for Tammy.

"Maisie, do you have a boyfriend?"

"No, why would I want one?" She grabbed Tammy's hand and tried to pull it up. Tammy resisted and Suzie was bemused. "So what is Maisie going to do?"

"She's going to look after my house."

"Eh? Why was my unit involved then?"

"Oh please, Suzie, catch up!"

"Err, assistant?"

"Training."

Maisie was trying to follow the conversation. "You're sisters?"

"Yes, step sisters."

"Oh, so who do you work for?"

"Do you remember what John Smith told you, Maisie?"

"He said a lot, hmmm, something like 'listen more than' ...... oh."

"Good, here comes the food."

----

The girls walked back to the house just after eight, the pub had started getting noisy and Tammy hadn't wanted Maisie shouting something inappropriate, plus she was convinced Suzie was being asked to report on them.

Two guest rooms had been made up, Tammy checked with Maisie, finding her in the midst of changing into nightwear.

"I'll come back in a minute."

"No, wait, I'll be done in a sec."

Tammy took a look at the clothes Maisie had taken out of her bag.

"New stuff?"

"Yes, the Army sent me my final pay so I went into Truro and some place called Trago Mills with Heather. I didn't think I'd ever be buying summery wear in October. There's loads more but Heather said she'd send it up to you."

"But it wasn't until today that I knew you would be coming back to Thurso."

"Oh, didn't you want me?"

"It's not like that Maisie, the agency could well have relocated you and barred you from having contact with me."

"But I love you, and I told them!" She flopped onto the bed and curled herself up, sobbing.

Suzie chose that moment to arrive in the doorway.

"You do have a problem, sis, and please don't ask me about relationships."

"Thanks, but I don't know if there is a fix for this?"

"There is, but you might not like it?"

"I didn't think you was offering advice?"

"I won't, but it's clear you need to have something explained to you?"

"Such as?"

"She's nuts over you. You weren't told but I had to call mum for her impression and the signs were there on the first day. Then I had a call from Heather asking about the pair of you and I told her it was just a matter of time."

"But ....?"

"You've tried boys? How many?"

"Two."

"Girls?"

"No, before ... I really wasn't into sex or relationships."

"I suppose it's difficult in a boys school, unless ...?"

"Quite."

"So, Tammy, what's the harm?"

"I'm frightened to hurt Maisie, I'm doing my best to protect her."

"And she'll be living under your roof?"

"As a housekeeper."

Suzie laughed. "John Smith might have bought that, but not me!"

The sobbing had stopped and Maisie was now listening to the sisters.

"Tammy, just kiss her!"

 
Saturday 21st October 2017
 

Suzie had a week off and had planned to visit Thurso and Tammy's London trip had saved her a fare. The three girls had flown into Wick just before midday and Tammy drove them across to Dunbankin' for lunch, where her car was now going to be left in the paddock most of the time.

The former school van was parked out the front and did duty ferrying Tammy's belongings, plus Maisie's things, down to the new house. It didn't yet have a name but that wasn't seen as a concern. With Suzie acting as courier, Joan and Angela were emptying the wardrobes whilst Tammy and Maisie were receiving the belongings. although Maisie was mostly concerned with setting up her own stuff.

In the midst of that a Tesco food delivery arrived, although the driver had opted to call at the unattended shop door and was about to drive away when Tammy leaned out of a window to stop them. Richard had just arrived so he took command of that when the various doors were unlocked.

Tammy half expected to see Joey, but wasn't certain if she'd gone back to her mother's for the weekend as that relationship was slowly improving. The divorce was back underway and Tammy suspected the judge wouldn't wait for Cooper's input before granting the Nisi. The Absolute would take longer but was now within reach, she had a feeling that Joey's solicitor would seek reparations as part of the settlement.

Richard started work on storing and preparing the food although Zara was due soon to assist, once she'd finished helping at Dunbankin'. She'd get Sunday and Monday off as a result.

Richard had been to the house once during the previous week but had been kept out of the basement and the office as Tammy had the electrician both locations putting extra lighting up and apparently there was a safety hazard.

Finally, by Five, the whole Smart family was on the premises and Maisie met Angela for the first time. Tammy did a grand reveal for the basement, which now had a wooden floor, adjustable mood lighting, a great sound system, a drop screen and a mural.

"Who is that?"

Richard pointed at the nude sunning herself on the beach scene.

"That's Kate, she painted it. It's a pretty good self portrait but I think she knocked a couple of years off."

There was now a dining table in the basement but it was pushed to one side and would be loaded with the buffet, whilst the six chairs were placed against the walls. Rather than a sofa there were six beanbags around the room that could be moved around to suit needs. They were all different pastel shades and Kate had suggested they could be the rocks on Tammy's beach, the right lighting would help the illusion.

It wasn't Joan's taste but Angela seemed to like it. Suzie had seen photos the night before but appreciated what Tammy had done. "I didn't think you had style, sis."

They'd left Zara in the kitchen, but Tammy now took Maisie back up there and suggested she help with the food prep.

"But I'm a guest!"

"You're a host!"

Tammy gave Richard a key for the rear door, but warned him that an alarm system was going in and that the CCTV would be monitored remotely.

"So is this a home or an office?"

"A home, with an office and a shop window."

"I see. Can I now see what you've done upstairs?"

The females in the building had already done that without asking so Tammy walked her father through the completed upper floors.

"So Maisie's on the top floor with your office?"

The store room was now confirmed as the guest room. "Yes, as that gives me more space on the middle floor."

"Personally I would have gone for a darker wood? Won't it mark?"

"When the guys built the bed they told me that all of the wood had been varnished twice but they varnished the completed bed that day. I couldn't touch it for two days but it'll survive knocks."

"What's your real role with Maisie?"

Tammy had suspected that was the real reason for the private tour, she took him into the office and they sat at a low table. Tammy knew this would save Krystel having to ask the same question.

"It's a training placement for the security service. She'll get an allowance from them for fifty percent of her time and I make up the other fifty percent by employing her as my housekeeper."

"So if anyone asks, she's a housekeeper?"

"Yes, no fibbing."

"What about her security service role?"

"Training, not operational. In three months, if she passes this phase of training, she'll go back to London for special training. Right now she has a no fault opportunity to walk away."

"And if she stays?"

"She has a career ahead of her."

"Where does that leave you?"

"Once she's off training ll probably go back on my sabbatical."

"So, what about the pair of you, are you an item?"

"Good question, I guess, but I don't know for sure. Certain people are concerned about that aspect and whether my judgement is affected as a result."

Her phone pinged.

RAMAIR CIC:
Confirmed.

"Your mum will ask the same question."

"I know but she can check with Suzie, as she's spent a lot of hours with us over the last 2 days."

"She already did."

"What's her problem? That I might be in a relationship, or that I might be in a relationship with a girl?"

 
Sunday 22nd October 2017
 

Tammy woke in her new bed the following morning for the first time, finding the back of another head next to her. A decision had been made late the previous evening and Tammy now had to decide if it was the right choice.

"Come on, I need a coffee!"

"Sod orf!"

"We have work to do."

"It's Sunday."

"That didn't bother you in the Army."

Maisie rotated herself so she was facing Tammy and poked her tongue out. "I'm not in the army now!"

Tammy laughed. "Really?"

"Yes, I was discharged!"

"No, Corporal Staines was discharged."

"That's what I meant."

"What if Sergeant Staines was still in the Army?"

"No, I'm done."

Tammy reached over to her bedside cabinet and pulled out two lanyards, dangling one just out of Maisie's reach. "Then you won't need this!"

"Gimmee!"

Fifteen minutes later the pair were in dressing gowns in the kitchen drinking coffee.

"So what did you do?"

"If you're my assistant, then some of my work takes me onto bases, right?"

"Well, yeah, 'cos that's where I met ya."

"It would be silly if you couldn't be there?"

"But how did you do that?"

"I asked the right people. That's all. There's a few courses that you'll need that aren't available outside of military bases."

"Won't I get arrested and charged if I go into camp?"

"No, that's dealt with."

"Oh, okay. Whatever happened to that Captain?"

"I don't know and maybe we'll never know."

"He did seem a bit weird. Do you think you can tell me about everything else you do?"

"Not yet, and it's not up to me." Tammy stared at the nearest camera. "How do you fancy a swim this morning?"

"When does the pool open?"

"1030."

"Run first?"

"Sure."

The girls got into running gear over swimming costumes, it wasn't the most comfortable approach but it would save time later. They packed towels and clean undies into small sports backpacks, then set off. Once out on the street they kept left until they reached Thurso station but turned left into Lovers Lane and continued down to Janet St.

They turned left again as far as the right hander that led to the footbridge over the River Thurso. Once on the Western bank of the river, the path took them to the Leisure Centre but they went past it, past the print shop and the rear of Tescos, as far as the A9 before turning back across the river. They looped back to their starting position after fifteen minutes.

"Once more?"

They actually completed three loops before actually going into the leisure centre. Tammy then realised there was a monthly membership option and that joint, family, membership was cheaper than two individual memberships. Maisie asked the staff member how the joint membership worked.

"If you're married, engaged or live together."

"Well, Tammy, what about it?"

"Yeah, seems appropriate?"

"Does that mean we're going to be engaged?"

Tammy completed the paperwork and paid the first month with her card, although subsequent months would be taken from her account automatically. The assistant handed them their cards.

"Congratulations."

Once in the changing room, Tammy wondered what she'd just done. Fortunately there were enough women and sub-teenage girls there that Maisie's self-control had kicked in. Once in the water they simply swam lengths, it wasn't exciting but Tammy needed to get back into shape.

Back in street clothes Tammy suggested they did another loop before heading home, a little voice was telling her that if it didn't hurt she hadn't done enough.

"You're kidding, Tammy?"

"No!"

This run was at an easier pace.

"I made some enquiries about your course at Catterick."

"I didn't need much to finish it, but I understand the local university has a similar course?"

"It seems someone didn't pass on all of your completed modules to the relevant office, so you ended up doing some modules twice."

"That was odd, but in the Army you don't ask 'why'?"

"Well, it looks like you did enough, and you qualified."

"I did!"

"Yes."

Maisie threw herself at Tammy. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Hey, calm down! All I did was make the enquiries. It'll be a little while before you get the award."

"But I'll be able to teach PE!"

"Don't you need a teaching qualification to teach, but you could be a personal trainer?"

The pair made it in through the door twenty minutes later and both dropped their soaked kit by the washing machine before going up to the main bathroom to shower.

An hour later they were getting lunch.

"Tammy, did we agree earlier?"

"I don't know, did we?"

"We did, didn't we?"

"We may have done, Maisie!"

"oooooohhhhhhhh, are we engaged or not?"

"Good question!"

"In that case, Tammy Smart, will you marry me?"

 
Wednesday 25th October 2017
 

There was knocking at the back door and Tammy grabbed her gown before going down to see what the fuss was at seven thirty.

"Yasmin?"

"Yes, open the door and get the kettle on!"

"What are you doing here?"

"Err, no 'how are you'?"

"Well ....."

"I spent last night in a hotel in Wick just so I could get to you at a decent time before my next appointment."

"Okay, thanks, but I don't know why you're here?"

"Didn't you put a requisition in, an urgent one?"

"No."

"Have you spoken to anyone in the agency recently?"

"I was in AA House on Friday and I saw John Smith."

"Ah, perhaps he hit the panic button?"

Maisie chose that moment to appear, just wearing shorty PJs.

"Oh, hi?"

Tammy covered the introductions. "Maisie could you put the kettle on please, Yasmin prefers a fruit tea and you should find some in the cupboard. I'll have a coffee.

"Did you want to go up to the office, Yasmin?"

"I have some packages in my car, could you lend me a hand?"

Tammy checked that she was decent then walked down to where Yasmin had left her hire car. Between them they managed all the boxes.

"What first?"

"Well, I have a phone for you."

"But you took mine away?"

"That's right, it was on a commercial premises and you were on a sabbatical."

"So what's changed?"

"I'm told that you're training and Maisie is the trainee."

"Oh."

"Let's get the phone upstairs then we'll patch it into your router. It'll need a little while to synchronise with the network."

That took twenty minutes.

"Do you have a safe for the emergency encryption update? This is for when the auto update fails."

"Err, yes. Can I put it away later?"

"I need to check the safe is compliant."

Tammy hadn't wanted Maisie to know about the safe but Yasmin's intervention had put pay to that. They relocated to the basement whilst Tammy opened the side panel then opened the safe.

"Ah, a five lever combination. When was the last time you changed it?"

"Never, I don't have a change key."

"Would you like me to do it whilst I'm here?"

"You could just leave me the change key?"

"I only have one with me and I'll need that later, but I'll send you one. Let's see, what combination shall we enter?"

"Your date of birth?" Tammy held her finger to her lips.

"Ah, okay."

Yasmin completed that job and went up to the kitchen to prepare for the next.

"I didn't know there was a safe?"

"You haven't been here for 5 days yet!"

"But ....."

"No, sorry, but there are things you really would be best not to know."

"Not until we're married?"

Tammy heard a call from upstairs. "Coming!"

"Okay, Tammy, I have a perimeter alarm set for you, I see you already have a comprehensive camera system?"

"Yes."

"Okay. My system includes entryphones and I suggest you put one on the shop door as well as the rear door, but we can restrict the hours it sounds. You'll still get a visual alert on your phone and on the alarm monitors though. Can you get some clothes on as this might take a while?"

"Sure."

Tammy went down a floor and into her dressing room. Her secure combination box, containing her weapons and restricted equipment, was now bolted into the floor of one of the wardrobes. Tammy still had to decide whether Maisie could ever have access to that box, although the girl knew it was there. She hadn't been able to change the combination since it had been delivered but no-one else knew what it was.

The wardrobe's design meant there was one long hanging rail that went around the room, blocking the window. The doors, however, opened in pairs to give easy access, making it look like separate closets. She stripped, put clean undies on then pulled a jumpsuit off a hanger. Everything else could wait.

Tammy had intended taking Maisie over to Wick for lunch and a wander around the shops, including maybe jewellers, but it was approaching twelve when Yasmin decided the alarm system was, finally, working.

"There's no permanent remote access so we can't check on your visitors unless you want us to, in which case just connect the network cable."

"Okay."

"Is the CCTV monitored remotely?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

"A very deranged lot."

"What?"

"The other night I parked up and dropped my keys, bent down to get them and smacked my head on the wing-mirror. Naturally I let a few choice words fly. I get inside and there is a loop of that playing on the monitor with text added. 'Whack A Mole'. It played for almost ten minutes."

"Ah, okay. I think that is all I should know. Please tell me you can disable it in your office if you're working up there?"

"I'll check!"

 
Sunday 29th October 2017
 

Tammy checked her phone again.

"This is the place."

Tammy found it strange that Krystel had sent a set of GPS coordinates in a text with a simple message.

"Reno Protocols now in place. Code 05-30-17"

Having a day of revision, she took her CzechSport up for hours. The coordinates took her to 'London Airport' as it was locally known. It was actually the Eday Airport on the Orkney Island, Eday. Tammy knew there were no vehicles to rent, so she brought her bicycle. It took only a few minutes to reassemble it and she was off. On the Northern side of the island was a rundown farmstead and she turned off. At the end of the lane she found the actual house in disrepair. The coordinates informed her to continue further toward the water. There Tammy saw a large boathouse. It looked recently remodelled and the door had a high-grade key-pad lock. She entered the six digit code and heard the lock click.

"Right." Tammy said and entered. "WOW!"

Inside was a cabin-cruiser similar to the one Carl taught her in. It was held just above the water by eight heavy-duty straps. Wire ropes hung down from winches affixed to the steel beams of the ceiling. The hull of the boat was black, instead of white like the one she learned in. A knock against it revealed why. It had a metal hull, not composite. Carefully she climbed aboard and looked around. In a cabinet she found a water-tight lockbox with a six digit combination lock. She entered the same digits as the door and it unlocked. Inside were the packets containing all the documents and other items she had been shown before. Also a note of instructions.

The main set of documents were to be kept in the cockpit lock-box of the Epic. The second set of documents were to remain in the lock-box on the boat. The third set were to be kept in her bail-out bag. The instructions also informed her the boat had been converted to hold enough fuel to take her to Norway. Essentially it was a fuel tank with twin engines. That explained the different hull.

"Well, I have to believe it now. They did exactly what they promised! Though; there is ONE problem." Tammy sighed. "How the hell am I supposed to get two great bags of stuff here, without a car?"

At that moment her phone rang with the different ringtone.

Tammy unlocked the sub-screen and answered. "Smart, here."

"Standby." The strange female voice stated then the line went quiet a moment.

"Afternoon Tamara." The gruff voice of Dannigan came on.

Tammy answered. "Good morning to you, Sir."

"Now that you are aware your Reno Protocols are in place, everything is to satisfaction?"

"Absolutely, Sir. I only need to take a motorbike course."

"Tamara are you familiar with the term Tradecraft?" Dannigan asked.

Tammy replied. "Yes, Sir. It's the skills and knowledge that make a spy a spy."

"Basically, yes. There is also a vocabulary. Here is a term you may not have heard before. Kites."

Tammy thought then answered. "No sir. That is one I don't know."

"A Kite is an Asset the is sent off all on their own. Should something go wrong, the string is cut. Get the idea?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"A kite has no exit-strategy prepared for them. Still with me?"

Tammy now understood. "Yes, sir. I never had that before. Reno Protocols. You are telling me I am not your Kite."

"Correct. These measures are a one-way ticket. If they have to be used, there's no going back. This you also need to understand; the deal made to bring you in, I could only pull off once. You were just part of it. Other aspects took place as well. I had leverage and worked it for all I could. There are no bonuses. Everything that could be done, has been. I can't negotiate more. Is that understood?" Dannigan said pointedly.

Tammy did not have to think very hard on the implication. If she had to run, she would eventually be forgotten. Provided she never went back. Her escape plans were only for herself, nobody else.

"Yes, Sir. I fully understand. I do appreciate the lengths you've gone to for me. I can deal with just me if it came to it."

"Implying, a concern that your step-sister may pay a price?"

"No offence, but yes."

Dannigan responded immediately. "Don't be. Addington knows you have an exit. He doesn't know details, but he does know at least one measure would be in place. He's not an idiot and a bit of my reputation reached him. He has also been made aware that collateral will bring repercussions. Staines wasn't in the picture then, but it'll be assumed she is included. I'll put it bluntly. If you are burned and use a Reno, you won't make a priority list. In short, they won't pursue you if you get away, but if you get their attention; it's your ass. Clear?"

"Absolutely. Thank you for that as well." Tammy said, relieved that Suzie and Maisie wouldn't suffer fallout.

"You're welcome. That'll be all for now, Thistle Maiden." Dannigan said then added. "Your new place looks good. Enjoy the gift."

The call disconnected.

"Gift? What gift?" Tammy wondered aloud.

 
Tuesday 31st October 2017
 

Tammy arrived home from the university, having cycled there, finding the van missing and the building fully alarmed. She let herself in then tapped the code into a panel. Tammy grabbed a drink then headed up to the office, there was a note on the desk.

"Heather called 1030, Sophia XIX arriving Inverness at 1300. Took your camera bag. Back later xxx"

Tammy called Heather.

"I've just got home, Maisie's gone off on your errand."

"Silly girl, I told her it wasn't important."

"It's gone one so she'll be already there. She doesn't have a secure mobile or any field training. Didn't you tell her to wait?"

"Not as such."

"Oh, Heather!"

"Hang on, the first pics are coming in .... it's either a different crew or it's a different boat. These are better than your photos, no offence Tammy."

"I know that harbour, she can be right under the road bridge, barely fifty metres from any vessel, it's a good spot."

"A couple more photos, it's definitely a different vessel. There's something on the deck.....it's an ROV."

"ROV?"

"Remotely operated vehicle. Used for examining underwater pipelines and cables."

"Could they be legitimate, Heather? I wonder if they have a contract to inspect pipes or cables across the North Sea?"

"Possibly, but those scheduled jobs tend to start in April, not September. We'd know if there was an emergency, and this isn't it."

"Oh."

"Look, I'm sorry that Maisie has gone off because of me, but the photos are great, they're the best we have and it'll give the analysts something to chew over."

"Yeah."

"Oh, congratulations by the way."

"How did you know?"

"We have sources!"

Tammy was worried, Maisie didn't have the training to get out of trouble, to know what her rights were (or weren't) and the fall-out could end the training arrangement. She was feeling sorry for herself when the shop buzzer sounded.

Outside she found a courier.

"Tried to deliver yesterday, apologies." He handed over a package and Tammy signed his pad.

Back in the kitchen Tammy carefully unwrapped the package, revealing a decorated box. She eased the lid off to find a set of six crystal wine goblets and champagne flutes etched with a thistle motif.

A card said "May every toast be joyous, Uncle Paul"

"He does care." Tammy thought out loud. "Does this mean it's official, today? I guess we need to tell a few folk, how do I explain this to her father? And do I need to tell Maisie about my past?"

----

Tammy returns in a new story 'Final Interlude' soon!

The first Kindle publication of the Tammy series is a combined novel of Tom's Fireworks and Tamara's Debut. It's available from Amazon (UK) , Amazon (US), Amazon (CA) & Amazon (AU) .