The Only GOOD Terrorist...

By Terence Charles

Australian Police Detectives D.I. Jim Murnaghan and D.I. Briny Rayner are sent from their Canberra Headquarters to the Midlands of England to investigate the rash of paranormal sightings and events that are taking place and seem to be becoming daily occurrences. These psychic events have become allied with serious crimes, in the forms of murders, injuries, and arsons and British Police do not have the experience to deal with this type of criminal psychic phenomena. The two Detectives find themselves involved then with battling these crimes and the perpetrators not only on the spiritual level but also with firearms, bombs, and suicide bombers. The detectives are assisted with the paranormal problems by D.I. Murnaghan's aunt, a Sennachie in Ireland, who advises them via Skype, who also keeps a lookout for their safety with the members of her mysterious group, 'The Guardians'.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Terence Charles
• Release date: Oct 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370859375

Terence Charles

Retired from the Police Force and now living in Sydney Australia, Terence Charles served in both English and Australian Police Forces, gaining long experience in various Police Departments. These experiences included being a beat 'Bobby', a Police Dog Handler, a sharpshooter (police sniper) as a member of a Special Operations Group, and as a part of a Detective Team investigating everything from missing persons, woundings, break and enters and burglaries, paedophiles, to murders.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

It was one of those Autumn evenings that the Midlands of England seem to specialise in, temperate but with that slight tang of smoke that can almost be tasted at the back of the throat. A thickness of the atmosphere that wraps itself around you dampening and chilling the skin slightly wherever it touches.

Malcolm Campbell pushed through the doors of the small Chapel using his shoulders as his hands were occupied with the heavy cardboard box full of used books he was carrying.

'These look all right, should make a couple of quid at the fete' he thought hurrying down the centre aisle between the pews and making his way to the small room at the end of the building.

The room was already three quarters full of similar boxes holding all kinds of things, electric irons, black and white televisions, ironing boards, children's games and worn clothing were all stacked and hung together just awaiting the weekend.

Malcolm placed the heavy box down on top of another box that also held second hand books, and as he was doing this he couldn't see that the door behind him was closing and the bolt was slowly, inexorably, sliding into its housing. Although there was no key in the door lock there was a subtle click as it activated and the door was firmly secured.

On the other side of the door in the main area of the Chapel itself a grey mist was swirling around in spirals. The mist seemed to take on a variety of inanimate shapes it's density changing, thickening and thinning as it swirled with the air currents.

Gradually against the door itself the mist thickened into the shape of a contorted human hand, the thumb upraised as if in approbation.

Still swirling the misty upraised thumb seemed to be rub silently against the centre of the wood of the door itself.

The thumb's rubbing action was causing some type of friction as the wooden door beneath it began to glow and smoke slowly began to rise.

At first the smoke just seemed to add to the density of the misty hand shape bulking it out and forming an extension of it into an arm; but then with a crackle it leaped into flames which against all the laws of nature flickered downwards and then swept under the bottom of the door.

The screams shrieks and howls from within the room were hardly noticeable outside the Chapel and only the glow from within shining softly through the open doorway onto the street would arouse any sign that something was amiss inside.

The misty hand shape in the main area of the Chapel still eddied and swirled circling against the door and then it gradually expanded and lost all coherence of shape as it slowly seeped through the Chapel and out of the still open front door.

Out of the Chapel and swirling and dissipating into the mild damp autumn night.

CHAPTER TWO

You sure that you can manage those steps?

Yeah no prob's mate. I'm getting to be an expert with this cane now.

In the Australian Federal Police offices in Canberra, Detective Inspector's Murnaghan and Rayner walked into the main office of the Special Crime and Terrorist Network, S.C.T.T.N. or 'Trident' as it was often known.

Murnaghan strode in but Rayner was slightly behind him limping slightly and using a walking stick with his left hand.

Together they went through the main office and into the small office that adjoined the office of the OIC of the unit, Chief Superintendent Smythe-Jones.

The friendly looking middle-aged lady seated behind the desk and partially hidden by the screen of her computer looked up at them with a welcoming smile as they entered.

Cheryl. Murnaghan said, Once again we are in your debt for the wonderful flight arrangements from Hobart.

The business class seats and the extra leg room in the row that you booked was ideal for Briny, and I was pretty comfortable there as well.

Rayner started to walk around the desk, I must give you a big kiss Cheryl. Those seats just about saved my life.

The secretary jumped up from behind the desk and was looking panic-stricken, Please Mr. Rayner that's not really necessary. I thought you deserved good seating with the awful injuries to your poor leg.

Briny lay off a little mate.

You're back on the main land now.

I think that Cheryl will settle for a nice sincere thank you. Murnaghan was smiling as he spoke glancing at both Rayner and Cheryl.

Rayner grinned back mischievously at them both You're probably right and I do owe you a great big thank you Cheryl, the seats were great.

But you are pretty fast behind that desk.

I don't reckon I'd catch you even with two good legs.

Murnaghan and Rayner just recently travelled back to Canberra following a hectic and violent investigation into a number of serial murders in Tasmania. Rayner had sustained injuries to his left leg from grenade fragments in one of their last battles. The pair had been in a number of gun fights with assassins who'd been sent to kill them by their evil Irish nemesis Padraig Donn, or Liam Credne as he was now known.

Credne a vicious criminal sadist with a penchant for gold ingots and breaking into bullion dealers, gathered hardened criminals around him. Men who had no hesitation in using automatic weapons and explosives. Credne's evil was only increased by his use of his Celtic occult powers to further his criminal activities.

Cheryl had composed herself and regained her seat; I suppose that you would like to see Mr Smythe-Jones?

Yes if that's at all possible Cheryl we'd like to finalise our report on Tassie and see just what lies ahead for us. Murnaghan said.

Rayner remained leaning over against Cheryl's desk his walking stick cocked on one shoulder with the cheeky smile still on his face. He was enjoying the slight pink tinge that had risen up Cheryl's neck and was advancing on both of her cheeks.

You know Cheryl I think this clairvoyance thing is rubbing off on you.

You always seem to know what we are thinking.

The pink tinge accelerated to her cheeks and above and Cheryl grabbed and picked up her handset and looked at the other door in the office as if it were a rescuer.

Yes Mr Smythe-Jones it's Mr Rayner and Mr Murnaghan to see you..

Yes Sir straight away.

Cheryl looked at Murnaghan directly, keeping her eyes well away from Rayner's direction. You can both go in now Mr. Smythe-Jones will see you straight away.

Thank you Cheryl.

Please try and ignore him. Murnaghan nodded in Rayner's direction.

Rayner pulled a face at Murnaghan placed his waking stick back on the ground and then as they both went towards the other door he turned and blew a kiss to Cheryl.

Come in. Come in! The voice had the unmistakable well modulated tones of a first class private school English education.

Chief Superintendent Smythe-Jones was seated behind his impressive walnut desk, a handsome fit looking man man with a military bearing. His fair hair groomed directly back from his forehead, he was immaculately dressed as ever, in a light grey three piece suit with a crisp white shirt and a silver tie that bore the inevitable light blue stylised trident symbol.

Smythe-Jones stood and moved around the desk and pushed two chairs towards them.

Take a seat lads. Make yourself comfortable Briny.

How is the leg?

Giving you much grief now?

No it's not too bad Boss. The hospital told me to take Panadol regularly and that seems to be holding it.

Just a bloody nuisance really.

Well rest it while we speak. Would you both like some coffee?

Murnaghan broke in No not really Boss thank you.

We'd like to just complete our reports on Tasmania for you and also find out just what you had in mind for us to do next.

Smythe-Jones' gun metal blue eyes swivelled from one to the other mentally noting the obvious signs of strain that both of the detectives bore.

First things first lads.

You did a first class job in Tasmania. The Commissioner, John Cassion, is delighted you were able to so rapidly and thoroughly clear up their 'Machete Murdering Serial Killer'. He has been singing your praises loud and clear over the 'Heads of Police' grapevine.

I want you both to take an immediate weeks leave and I want you to relax.

I don't want to see you in the office again Briny until all the stitches in your leg are removed and you have a clean bill of health.

It is important to me that you are both fit physically and mentally before we discus future investigations.

So I really do not have any further questions about Tasmania at this time, your reports were most thorough and informative.

Just go home; relax and re-gather your strength.

Rayner straightened in his seat moving his walking stick to one side, But Boss Jim mentioned you may have an international enquiry for us.

This legs a flea bite. It's not hindering me at all.

We can just...

Smythe-Jones also straightened in his chair his shoulders going back and his head lifting imperiously. The blue eyes now had a piercing bright edge to them.

You will be informed of the details of your next investigation when I decide you are fit to accomplish it.

I do appreciate enthusiasm, but not over confidence.

I'm quite sure you will still be enthusiastic for the task when you are recovered and fully fit.

Rayner continued stolidly, Well Jim's OK Boss, he wasn't hit at all, and my leg will hardly slow me down.

I've got used to using the cane now and it will come in useful in a disagreement.

Smythe-Jones leaned forward again his eyes now fixed on Rayner. His voice now had the razor edge of someone used to command.

Both of you go away and relax.

Do whatever you do to loosen up, drink some alcohol watch TV, whatever it takes.

Recuperate and call me again when the stitches are removed and when you are fully refreshed.

Is that clear.

The last three words were not spoken any louder than any of the others but they were each spat out as independent commands.

Murnaghan stood up from his seat placing his hand on Rayner's arm. Crystal clear Boss!

We'll call you when we are ready.

Gently pulling on Rayner's arm Murnaghan got up from his seat, and with a disgruntled look on his face Rayner joined him and they left the room.

Murnaghan glanced at Cheryl as they passed her desk Thank you Cheryl, it seems we are going to have a short holiday.

I'm sure that Mr Smythe-Jones will verify that and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Cheryl smiled at them both Well you certainly deserve a break, and you look after that leg Mr Rayner make sure that you don't get any infections.

The two detectives walked into the main office and as they approached their desks Rayner still looking decidedly moody said Well if I'm too sick to discus an assignment with I'm bloody sure I'm not fit enough to go through these reports.

Yes I know Briny, I would have liked to have heard about the next one too, but I guess we did have quite a rough time in Tassie and a little R and R wouldn't go astray with either of us.

Well he could have told us where we might be going.

I'm not like you, I'm born and bred in Australia and here all my life, an overseas trip is pretty exciting for me.

I'd just like to know where we may go to.

I'd like to look up the hotspots on my computer.

You know get myself ready for it.

Psych' myself up you know that kind of thing.

I know mate and it'll still be exciting when and if we go, but at the moment I reckon we should get out of the building and have a look in at the Civic pub.

When we get on the other side of a couple of schooners life will look a great deal better!

Can't argue with that Jim. I'll see you at the bar.

Both detectives made their way from the building to the adjoining car park in London circuit and were soon driving their separate cars to Lonsdale Street and the Civic Hotel.

CHAPTER THREE

Well you're right Jim that does feel a lot better. Rayner pushed his empty glass across the bar.

Your shout.

Murnaghan drank the last of the beer in his glass and then pointed to the two glasses on the bar looking at the barman. Two more of the same thanks.

You know Briny it's taken no time at all for me to get used to this beer again after drinking Cascade for a while.

Oh I don't know I don't reckon you can beat the old Tassie beer.

It's in the purity of the water from the cascades I reckon.

Yeah it's not a bad drop.

So what are you going to do with your enforced recuperation holiday?

Well as it has been forced on us I was thinking that I'd head back to Parramatta tomorrow and go and look up my real estate agent.

Why's that mate.

I still haven't got my bond back from the unit I had there.

It's four hundred bucks and I could do with that.

You need a hand? Another driver or anything?

No Jim it's my left leg that copped the grenade, but the knee's alright I can use the clutch with no problem.

I'm thinking after I see the agent I'll give it a couple of days then go to one of the clinics and see if I can get the stitches out.

Don't rush things Briny, you need to give it time to heal and as Cheryl said you don't want to get an infection or anything.

If you do it'll only aggravate things and you'll be off work even longer.

No I'll be all right Jim the medical clinic will have all the equipment and the antiseptics. I'll stay a few nights with a friend I've got in Parra' and when my legs all done I'll head on back.

I should have known you'd have a 'friend' there to look up.

Well you let me know if you need a hand with anything.

I'll only get bored here in Canberra without you around to stir things up for me!

What are you going to do Jim?

I was thinking about tidying up the town house I've got here, and maybe even giving the lounge room a lick of paint and some wall paper.

It's a really nice place but some of it is looking a bit tired.

Shit mate you do live a wild and adventurous life.

You really know how to have a holiday.

Briny a little quiet R and R doing next to nothing will be fine with me for a while.

The joys of the wild adventurous life in Hobart with that ugly big bastard Rocky with his machete coming at us will do me fine for quite some time!

Yeah I suppose it was a bit hairy at times down there.

You going to phone your Auntie and see if she knows where Credne is?

Yes mate I'm intending to do that tonight. Although the last thing she said was all that they knew was that he had landed in a paddock on the mainland in a small plane and he was in a car heading north.

Could be any bloody where by now.

"The further the bastard is away from us the better for me Jim, but please say 'Hallo' to your Auntie and Rowan for me when you speak to them."

Sure Briny I'll do that.

Murnaghan's family originated in Ireland, and his Aunt Maire was a senachie, a traditional Irish story teller who also had second sight. A believer in the old gods of Ireland she was part of a group called the 'Guardians' or the 'Watchers'. A group that used the old powers to mentally stabilise and monitor world affairs whenever they could.

Murnaghan contacted his Aunt using Skype on his computer, but all conversations had to be relayed by his nephew Rowan as Auntie Maire totally refused to use any electronic means of communication.

When he first challenged Donn after receiving the first part of a curse from him Murnaghan's Aunt had sent him a medallion which she insisted that he wear at all times for protection. She had also instructed him on techniques in how to use the medallion in conjunction with the ring that he wore on his left hand enabling him to mentally scan to locate the serial killer that they had been hunting for in Tasmania.

So I'm off tomorrow morning for Sydney, and you'll be at the local hardware store I suppose.

Sounds about right Briny, but while you're heading off to get your bond back you better put in an application for a passport or that'll delay us from going overseas even more.

Shit you're right I'll do that this arvo or before I set off tomorrow.

You sure you'll be alright here on your own in big bad Canberra without me having your back?

I reckon I might be able to handle it Briny.

So what are you going to do with the rest of the day when we finish this beer then?

I think I'll get myself a couple of pies with sauce then go back to the town house and probably sleep for twenty four hours straight.

Not even going to watch a bit of TV Jim?

No I don't think so I reckon what the Boss said will do for me.

Rest and recuperation and find a way to get the bloody ache out of the back of my neck.

OK mate then enjoy yourself your way.

Don't forget Briny if you need a hand with anything just give me a bell.

Rayner swallowed the last of the beer in his glass, picked up his walking stick from where it was leaning against the bar, nodded to Murnaghan and headed for the exit door.

CHAPTER FOUR

True to his word Murnaghan had spent the next three days at his home catching up on sleep and decorating.

He leaned back in his armchair and looked around the lounge room with approval. He had chosen muted neutral tones for the paint and wallpaper and the overall effect was subdued and relaxing.

Looking at the clock Murnaghan moved to the desk in the corner of the room, the one furthest from the television, and switched on the computer.

Hallo Rowan and how are you this morning?

Good morning Jim you sound unusually bright and fit.

It's a lovely soft day here and you caught me just before I to start getting ready for work.

I was hoping to do that Rowan. I wondered whether Aunt Maire had mentioned anything to you about whether she or her group had made any advances in tracking down Liam Credne's whereabouts?

"You see Jim you still pronounce it incorrectly. It's 'Craynya' is the way you say it."

You really should come and pay us a visit and get your roots sorted out you know.

But no Auntie hasn't mentioned anything at all and I spoke with her just last night.

Of course that doesn't mean to say that she hasn't located him.

She may have done and not mentioned it to me.

Well perhaps you could tell her that I've been asking you about it Rowan.

Of course Jim I will as soon as I see her again.

The pair chatted on about other family members and gossip. Rowan then enquired regarding the punishments that Schmidt and Celes had received after their string of vicious serial murders and robberies in Tasmania."

So Jim they thought that he was crazy but they locked the woman up for a long time did they?

I do hope that they put Schmidt somewhere safe and uncomfortable and keep him away from the other loonies or you never know the trouble he might cause with them Jim.

Yes that thought had occurred to me as well Rowan.

However I reckon that although it’s old fashioned they are starting a course yesterday or today with Schmidt of electro-spasmodic treatment.

Perhaps that will shock his brain back into a more peaceful and less evil frame. Also a comforting thought is that the procedure is not without some pain and discomfort for him.

Rowan's deep chuckle rumbled through the speakers of the the computer, On the pleasant thought of that evil terrible man jumping around like a dead frog on electrodes I'll say good bye for now Jim I have to get ready for work here and the time has flown again.

I will give you a call back when I've spoken with Auntie.

Bye Rowan. the connection was broken and the computer lapsed into silence.

Murnaghan moved into the kitchen and poured himself a generous glass of Jameson Irish whiskey and then returned to his armchair and switched on the television.

Unable to really become involved with the programs Murnaghan was using the remote control to channel hop whilst sipping from his glass. He finally settled on the news channel which he watched only half concentrating on the content.

The chirping of his phone made him jump awake from the catnap that he had slipped into. Hallo who's calling?

Who do you think it is you big pommie bastard? Rayner's voice sounded wide awake and bubbly on the phone.

Well you sound as if you've found your second wind Briny.

How are you, and where are you?

I'm still in Parra, and I sorted out my bond mate.

My friend and I are at the Parra' Leagues Club for a meal and she's just gone to powder her nose so I thought I'd see what kind of excitement you've been up to all on your own down there?

You been able to cope without me?

It's been quiet and boring without you here Briny.

Just what the doctor ordered for me.

Well you can ring the Boss up and tell him that I'm coming back to Canberra the day after tomorrow and the stitches are all gone.

The doctor said I could remove the dressings tomorrow and that It'll be fine.

Well I hope that you got a medical certificate from him for the Boss.

What you think he'll want it in writing?

"What