Once upon a Spook (The Spooks series Book 1) Read online

  “No! I’m sorry Mike, there’s too much at stake here, it just wont wash. You could have got yourself killed yesterday. Therefore I can’t see the powers that be sanctioning your proposal. You tend to forget that I have to answer to a higher authority.”

  “Yeah, so you keep reminding me. He’s probably an ex member of the pin stripe suit and bowler hat brigade, who spends 90% of his life fast asleep in the Lords and, when it comes to grass root policing, you can bet he doesn’t know shit from shit! Okay, maybe I do take the odd risk to obtain a result, but heads I win, tails I don’t works for me.” Rogon winced at his homespun honesty and centred on the alleged evidence put forward by Eastern.

  “I have to say Mike, that in my opinion this fresh evidence that you’ve collated is very subjective, even assuming of course, that forensic can come up with a genuine finger print. The two signatures alone aren’t enough to prove that Gleason intercepted our package, anybody could have copied them. At the very least we would require a specimen of handwriting to authenticate them.”

  Eastern felt a sudden upturn in Rogon’s temperament at what he considered to be delaying tactics. “What fucking planet are you on for Christ’s sake? I’ve told you I’ve got a witness standing by who…”

  “Doesn’t know Gleason from Father Christmas?” Rogon inferred vehemently. “Without print we are stymied, like it or not the two have to match. In the meantime, I suggest we work on a fresh approach and give forensic the hurry up.” Eastern then let it be known that he wanted more from his current input by offering a ready made solution.

  “I want a plant on the inside.” He suggested. “I’ve been thinking, would we gain anything by using a mole working under cover in the club that they frequent?”

  “I accept that your idea is worthy of consideration Mike. Leave that one with me, I need to dwell on it. By the way, the security guard in the Bryant case is due to come up for trial next week, that’ll be interesting in itself.”

  “Really, although you never did say?”

  “Say? About what?”

  “The clemency deal on offer, did you ever reinstate it?” Rogon shrugged his shoulders in a care free manner. At the same time, a token mask of disappointment crossed his face.

  “Strangely enough we did, having said that, the stupid bastard turned it down at the eleventh hour. However, if we can get a fix on Gleason, there’s a damn good chance he could renege and settle for the same deal.”

  “Huh, that only gives us a week. I still say that we force the issue and confront Gleason and worry about the damage afterward.”

  “I admire your tenacity Mike, you’ve got more front than Russia I’ll give you that. Quietly laughing to himself, Rogon continued: “Which reminds me, I need to contact Division this morning to see if they have made any headway with your gunman friend.” Returning the humour, Eastern smiled in his own exclusive fashion.

  “Give me an empty cell and five minutes and I’ll hand you his bleedin’ life story.” In spite of his ‘plastic shell’ Rogon was forced to briefly admit that Eastern’s attitude, given the circumstances, did carry a significant purpose to it. Diplomacy then swiftly converted his alien thoughts back to reality.

  “Always the maverick, aren’t you Mike? Believe it or not I’m going to miss you when this is all over.” If anybody had handed him a winning lottery ticket, the look on Eastern’s face would have had the same effect at Rogon’s spontaneous disclosure.

  For a second he was stunned before firing back: “And here’s me thinking that spooks have a metal input tray instead of a heart. You certainly had me fooled for a minute.”

  “On the contrary Mike, although we do share one common factor…justice!”

  On the return journey back home, he asked to be dropped off at a convenience store with the intention of grabbing a few groceries. Moments later, any suggestion that the shopping held importance became quietly shattered when the midday edition of the ARGUS drew his attention toward the stop press.

  ASSISTANT POLICE CONSTABLE SHOCK REVELATION

  A spokesperson representing the IPCC, investigating the ongoing DCI Conway conspiracy, have released a report this morning stating that Conway Senior has been officially suspended from duty forthwith, while their case continues. The spokesperson has also denied any reports that their decision has implicated him in any way, and that is was purely a matter of routine.

  His first initial reaction was to contact Rogon, but he decided that there was nothing to gain by this action, and that Rogon in all probability had been made aware anyway. Drawing on to his own conclusion to the article, it soon became evident that Conway Senior’s role, if any in the conspiracy, was now showing signs of open vindication, bearing in mind the intensity of the operation. At the same time, the case for Gleason in his opinion had now strengthened, by leaving him as the front runner to take over the prime mantel of chief suspect.

  Left with time on his hands, a restless Eastern decided that he needed to catch up with Joan. Acting on advice, and based on the fact that her estranged husband had yet to take the stand, she wisely elected to keep out of the limelight and reconciled herself into staying with her journalist friend in Bloomsbury throughout the whole trial.

  “You have to say that the climate isn’t looking good for Conway, considering the build up of uneasy facts in the past, wouldn’t you say?” Expressing his views via a personalised phone link to Rogon the next day, Eastern was keen to hear the latter’s views regarding the latest press coverage. In hindsight, he wished that he hadn’t bothered as the line appeared to be dead. “Rogon! Hello, are you still there?” There didn’t seem to be any response whatsoever. He was also aware that his timing could have been that much better. In no time at all it became clear that once their conversation resumed, it was liable to be more than just a routine follow up.

  As he suspected, his perception held water. As for Rogon, he allowed his customary philosophical manner to set a precedent, “It’s far too early for me to comment at this stage Mike, although on reflection, our timing was right to have a change of direction, and at the same time concentrate our efforts entirely on Gleason.”

  “And what about the IPCC, don’t they have a say in the matter?” Eastern snapped back with a hint of sarcasm.

  “Without having to castigate, let’s just say we helped them make their mind up into having a review on strategy.” Talk and more talk equals frustration, and Eastern wasn’t in the mood for mind games.

  “That’s total bollocks Rogon, I should imagine that they were the last to know the situation. So bloody level with me and give me a straight answer.” Which begs the question, how does anybody hide a smile within a smile? In his case, albeit a spook he would have been hard pressed to conceive the drawback one way or another, unless of course that person had privy to a form of back up. Simple enough question, but coming from Eastern one that was worth studying to capitalise on. “Well? That knowing look will do for a start, all you need to do is to elaborate on the truth of the matter?”

  “In that case, I take it that you’ll be pleased to know that we made a breakthrough at last. The lab boys have obtained a DNA match taken from the courier’s clipboard coinciding with the delivery note. So, on the strength of that I’d have to say that your hunch regarding our friend Gleason, was a good call on your part Mike.” As good as the newfound evidence projected, it still left Eastern facing an unfinished problem.

  “Well on that score, it more than proves that Gleason deliberately set me up at Brighton Station. Although what we don’t know for certain is whether or not he passed our blackmail letter on to Conway. The flip side being, that the two could well be collaborating as an item.”

  “Point taken Mike. Unfortunately, the gunman himself is holding the answer to that one we fear. So Division are going to work much harder on him. Failing that, there are other options at our disposal we can call on.”

  “Yeah right! And in the meantime, we’re left playing the waiting game on
ce more. What the hell are you waiting for? You’ve got enough SP on Gleason at this moment in time to charge him on two counts of conspiracy to murder, full stop!”

  You’re right of course Mike, the guy has had a good run, so we need to take the initiative while the iron’s hot. Not only that, it’s bound to keep the PM off my back. I’ll contact the IPCC meanwhile and arrange a meeting. They can use the evidence we have amassed and go from there. The sooner the Home Office can issue a warrant then so much the better.”

  “Fucking Amen to that.” Eastern sanctioned and then added, “My only regret is that I wont be present when they read the bastard his rights.”

  “I wouldn’t dwell on that Mike, although satisfaction is a great leveller. Incidentally I received a memo from Division yesterday that slipped my mind.”

  “It’s obviously not that important.”

  “That remains to be seen Mike, the memo itself refers to the late Paul Granger. Can you ever recall him mentioning the fact that he’d considered contacting Division prior to knowing you?”

  Eastern shook his head vigorously, “Absolutely no way Rogon, I’d have remembered something that critical. Anyway, what would his reasons have been for doing so?”

  “Just that it ties in with the speculation that initially emerged from the tabloids regarding Conway’s alleged role in the conspiracy. In fact, Granger made a sworn statement if you recall, stating that he had circumstantial evidence which if proven could damage Conway’s case…” He was cut short by Eastern’s swift intervention.

  “Namely the PIB that he was in possession of at that time. The poor guy virtually planned his own death warrant by walking into a trap of his own design. There was no way that he could have known that Gleason was also bent. And the outcome that ensued, whoever killed Granger, desperately wanted that PIB and was willing enough to commit murder to get it. The only consolation being the fact that we are now in possession of it and this has rebounded on Gleason…that’s what I call KARMA.” The cynical smile that he then evoked summed up his inner feelings. “His death was collateral damage at its worst. If only he’d confided in me, there’s a chance he could be alive today.”

  Nodding briskly, Rogon was quick to concur, “Unfortunately Mike, life is cheap, but in Gleason’s case his involvement in bringing it about will prove costly.”

  Later on that evening as predicted, a team led by the representative of the IPCC duly charged Gleason on various accounts of conspiracy and murder. A laptop along with boxes of personal files and effects were also removed from his residence. Once in custody, Gleason found himself subjected to an intense programme of questioning. Needless to say, he was eager to cooperate, with whatever was thrown at him, including his alleged role in the murder of DC Bryant. As one particular interrogator put it, “It was almost as if he couldn’t wait to bring the whole damn rotten mess out into the open. I could see an unmistakeable look of relief in the man’s eyes as he opened up.”

  When questioned about his alleged association with the two Conways he was clearly explicit, almost to the letter. “Assistant Chief Constable, to my knowledge, had not knowingly participated in any of the conspiracies I am being charged with.” Leading on from that, he was also quick to exonerate Conway junior of the murder. “Who,” he stated, “was completely oblivious of my intention to dispose of Bryant. It became a moment of utter madness on my part. He was the one person who could have exposed the ongoing corruption that existed. Once you had arrested DCI Conway, I sensed that everything was closing in around me. I realised then that I had to remove Bryant from the equation. Unfortunately for him, his untimely death became possible with the collaboration of the in house security guard, whom you’re holding in custody as we speak.”

  When asked to make a separate statement regarding his involvement in the life threatening incidents on Eastern’s life, he seemed reluctant to go into detail, simply stating: “The evidence you have is pretty conclusive in itself, wouldn’t you say? Your Mr Eastern, or whoever he is, became an enigma to say the least. And, as such, I underestimated his sheer tenacity. It’s fair to say that he brought about the beginning of the end, as far as I’m concerned.”

  Later he went on record by declaring: “As I recall, the initial case that kick started the conspiracy right up to its present level, came into being some years ago.” Pausing briefly, a look of mixed emotions swept through his racked body, causing him to shudder as a sudden pang of guilt buried itself deep inside his brain, at the same time seeking a form of resurrection. “The Dowling case…I remember it now…it’s all coming back to me. I never realised how easy it became to look the other way. That is, until the bung syndrome came into play. Once I’d dealt with any misgivings the situation quickly blossomed into a habit flushed with greed. It was almost too easy at times, due to the system we imposed. I would like to impress that on reflection, Dowling was no more guilty of Spelling’s murder than the judge at his trial. The man never stood a chance with his previous. It only aided to ensure that our blatant cover up was sustainable. I can even give you the name of the true murderer. As for the bung, all monies were secreted via an offshore account. From then on, the harvest only got better as between us we reaped the rewards. That is, until the spooks got involved. From then on, it was just a matter of time before we were exposed.”

  At that point, and the fact that he was obviously racked with guild, prompted the interrogating officer to ask Gleason for his views on the two other officers already facing trial for their role in the conspiracy. Declining the offer, Gleason simply stated the real truth will emerge one way or another. Having said that, it takes a man to operate a car before it can be of any use!” The off the cuff remark was sidelined at the time in favour of, “He’s lost the plot, and finally peaked.”

  The following morning while still in custody, the duty watch Sgt discovered Gleason’s lifeless body lying on his bed. Protruding from his mouth, the short end of a sock was clearly visible. To all intents and purposes, he had attempted to choke himself to death, and in doing so induced a massive heart attack. It didn’t take long before spooks headed by Rogon became privy to certain information.

  “Mike! Apologies if I’ve got you out of bed, but apparently there’s a situation over at Division. And I respectfully think you ought to be aware of it before it hits the media circus.”

  “Calm down Rogon, it’s not even 8 o clock yet. Fucksake, have a day off, I’m sure Division can handle whatever grief it is without my assistance?” Knowing Eastern as well as he did meant that there was only one approach left to him.

  “Gleason! Gleason is dead!” First hand shock, especially the spontaneous type can become a personal outlet to the body when it’s delivered, although the present time of day could have some bearing on its outcome.

  “Rogon, don’t mess with me, it’s too early for whatever you’ve got in mind. Just say whatever you’ve got to say and leave it at that!” Any recrimination on his part went clean over his head, leaving Rogon to carry on their conversation where he’d left off.

  “From what I’ve been told Mike, he committed suicide in the early hours of this morning according to the latest path report. There will of course be a post mortem, but I can safely say that my account is pretty conclusive. You were due to come in this morning anyway for a debrief but Gleason’s untimely death changes everything. I’ll get some transport laid on for you at around 9.30am…until then Mike.” He then hung up, leaving one totally shocked Eastern wishing he’d never picked the phone up.

  “It’s only just beginning to get through to me. Although when you consider what the man would be facing, it as probably the best thing he could have done given the circumstances. At worse he’s saved the state a nice few quid.”

  Seated around a table at spooks HQ with Rogon as a companion resulted in the second shock to his system that morning. With the state coffee coming a tight third…It was soon left to Rogon to set the wheels in motion, and the possibility of another.

 
“You didn’t really know Gleason that well did you Mike? Outside of work that is?”

  “No! Not at all, although Major Travers, who was his superior up until he retired, put him on a pedestal. He also mentioned the fact that Conway senior and Gleason were joined at the hip going back as far as public school days. Oh, and he wasn’t married either, but that was public knowledge anyway. Why do you ask?”

  “Uhm, no particular reason Mike, except to say that my take on the association differs somewhat from yours.”

  “Strange, I can’t see how Rogon. What I’ve just told you was related to me in confidence. In fact, Travers also stated that the two actually shared military ties as well at one stage.” It soon became evident by his body language that Rogon, for some reason or another, could be seen to be looking uncomfortable with Eastern’s findings, and even more so because of their origin. For the time being, any further thoughts on the subject were put to one side as Rogon prepared himself for another fresh stance.

  “You’ve got a busy day ahead of you I’m afraid Mike. I have the transcripts taken from the statements made by Gleason. I want you to delve through the wording to ensure that nothing has been left out.” Eastern’s face dropped, as he angrily turned to face Rogon.

  “You just don’t get it do you? It’s over…finished, the whole bloody case is wrapped up, and you’ve achieved the result that you set out for. Think about it? The PM is now going to get his sleep at night, while ‘Mr Big’ is lying stone cold on a slab in the path lab counting bleedin’ sheep 24/7…I mean c’mon.” Undaunted by Eastern’s verbal assassination, he promptly allowed his outburst to fly gracefully over his head, and continued where he left off.

  “I don’t have to stress the importance of what I’m asking you to do Mike. If there is anything untoward in his existence, you are the only man I know who could possibly unearth it. So I take it that’s a yes then?” Eastern should have read the signs, but when you’re dealing with plastic as opposed to flesh and bone, it made the term ambiguous totally redundant.