Undercover

By Peter D. Bull

Detective Danny Arnold is part of a new team that has been formed to go underground in British prisons in order to discover how various crimes are being planned and by whom from within their walls. His target is George O'Brian, a particularly nasty character that has a history of extreme violence. Danny soon discovers that his target has links to a Russian gang, and is actively involved with the smuggling of illegal workers and drugs. He also discovers that O'Brian has ordered the killings of people from within prison. He practically runs the place. O'Brian is blackmailing the governor, who commits suicide as a result. After a coke binge, O'Brian picks a fight with another inmate, but is seriously injured. He bribes an officer to plant a bag of cocaine in the man's cell. The two men have a confrontation and O'Brian is accused of raping new inmates. He denies the claim, but it later proves to be true after a medical examination on his latest victim.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 4, 2017
• ISBN: 9780244611897

Book preview

Undercover

UNDER COVER

By

PETER D. BULL

COPYRIGHT

Copyright © 2017 PETER D. BULL

Category: Mystery and Crime

eBook ISBN: 9780244611897

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be produced, or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, organisations, events, or locales in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.

CHAPTER ONE

Danny woke at seven a.m. after his first night in prison. He’d been processed late the night before due to a shortage of transport vehicles from the court. As an ex police officer having been found guilty of importation of class A and B drugs, he was expecting a difficult time inside from the inmates, most of who would naturally have an inbred hatred for the police. Danny had been arrested along with seven others, but he had been the only police officer involved, the rest were a mix of people that had been friends before the event, and others whom he’d never met but who were involved in the conspiracy in various ways. One was a driver, another was a warehouseman and another was a paperwork man and so on.

When he’d been shown to his cell the night before, the one thing that he found surprising, above everything else, was the noise. It was bedlam. The inmates had obviously been expecting a copper to arrive. The taunts as he walked behind the prison officers to his allocated cell were a mix of threats and piss taking. As with every other aspect of prison life, the screws had full knowledge of the imminent arrival of prisoner 697851. A few words in the ears of selected inmates, and Danny Smith could expect a less than pleasant reception. He now had to get through seven years of this.

In all his years as a Detective Sergeant, he’d never had the occasion to visit a prison after lock up, so he was surprised to say the least, when he heard the din made by the inmates on that first night. Every cell appeared to have a different radio station playing at full volume, which in itself was a racket, but the most surprising aspect of the overall noise level, was the screaming and shouting by the prisoners themselves.

Some were shouting out threats to other prisoners, some were accusing others of taking it up the arse, others were screaming like monkeys, and many were whooping like some kind of unknown jungle animal suffering with turrets. They were all taking advantage of the echo in the place like children at bath time. One or two screamed out obscenities directed at Danny himself. Apparently he was the son of a hoar, who was going to get his come uppence at breakfast the next day. He was described as filth by someone whose cell he’d passed on the way to his own. Danny took a mental note of the cell position in relation to his own. When he was shown into his new home, he was shocked once again, but this time, by the filth.

The cell had obviously been previously occupied by a slob. There were empty plastic bottles under the bed, lots of them, and old newspapers everywhere. Bits of uneaten food were on the floor under the bed, and used tissues, or bits of toilet paper were everywhere. He dreaded to think what they had been used for. Chewing gum was stuck onto most surfaces and dog ends made the place smell like an old ash tray. He was a non smoker so that aspect turned his stomach more than the others. There had been no attempt to get the cell cleaned before handing it over to Danny. He’d assumed that the new resident would be expected to do this if he could be bothered to do so.

The guvnor will see you tomorrow morning. The officer said grudgingly. Get some sleep if you can. He said with a smirk.

Be careful when you line up for breakfast, keep an eye open. You may be picked on.

Danny was six feet two inches tall, and had worked out in the gym for years. He was used to physical action as part of his job. He’d often been called upon to use his considerable skill in Judo when restraining troublesome criminals. His experience in the boxing ring as a kid was also an advantage. Danny wouldn’t be a pushover. He laid out his new bedding and eventually got a little sleep once the noise had subsided.

The next morning he was woken up by the sound of the other cells being unlocked and opened. The echo once again seemed to treble the noise level. Even before his door was unlocked, he heard people shuffling around outside his door. He heard the screw tell somebody to get away from the door. He’d assumed that it was his door that was being referred to. He heard the key being put into the lock and at last his door was pushed open by the officer.

OK Smith. Get yourself ready, get some breakfast and be at the gate up there at ten. He pointed to the gate at the end of the wing. The guvnor wants to see you.

OK. Danny answered.

OK Mister Howard. The officer said. You refer to prison officers as Mister, followed by his name, is that understood Smith?

Yes Mister Howard. Thank you.

That’s better, and don’t forget it.

No I won’t Mister Howard. He replied.

Danny left his cell and stood just outside to see what the others were doing. He needed to ascertain the procedures as quickly as he could. So he just watched for a minute. The inmates were leaving their cells with plates and mugs, and were queuing at the end of the wing to leave for the canteen where they were presumably going to be given something to eat. He went back into his cell and found a dirty tin plate and a tin mug, so he cleaned the plate under the tap in his cell, and made his way to the end of the line. He was acutely aware that he was being watched by the rest of the inmates. It would only be a matter of time before someone would say something to him. He thought.

He was joined on the end of the queue by a harmless looking old man. He looked as though he needed a good scrub. He had a long scruffy greying beard, and his hair was unwashed and uncombed. His clothes looked as though they hadn’t been removed for years and he wore slippers. Danny could smell him as soon as he stopped behind him in the line. He smelled musty.

I heard you come in last night. The man said. My name’s Josh. What’s yours?

Danny. He replied.

Nice to meet you Danny. This is a dangerous time of the day Danny. He said quietly, almost in a whisper. You’ll need to be on your guard, someone like you always needs to be on their guard.

Someone like me? Danny questioned in a whisper.

Yes you’re a policeman aren’t you? I’m in a cell opposite you. Well almost opposite. I’ll take a wander over later and have a word with you, but be careful with this lot. He looked around.

They were joined by a tricky looking yobbo on the end of the queue.

Alright Josh? Sticking your fucking long nose into his business already eh? You’ll get it fucking cut off one of these days. He said.

Josh ignored the rough looking tattooed thug.

He’s obviously had this sort of treatment before. Danny thought to himself. He gave Josh a mild smile of consolation.

Never mind him. The thug said to Danny. He’s a fucking Jew. He’s always making a fucking nuisance of himself. He’ll be trying to ponce off of ya if you’ve got anything worth having.

Shove off. Josh said. I’ve told you before to leave me alone. I’ve done nothing to you. Just leave me alone or I’ll tell Mister Howard that you’re starting trouble again.

You’re just a fucking old grass ain’t ya? The man said aggressively.

I’m not a grass I just like to talk to people that’s all. I don’t talk to people like you though, so leave me alone. Josh repeated.

Danny’s instincts were to warn the thug off, but being new on the block, he’d decided there and then to let it go for now, and just to settle down and get a feel for the place and its inhabitants.

The queue was moving quickly and before long Danny found himself being served with food. There was a large shallow aluminium container with bread in it. There was also a large tin pan containing hard boiled eggs. There were beans and the most horrible looking sausages that Danny had ever seen. If none of those had interested him, he could have chosen porridge.

He filled his tin mug with weak tea, and took two eggs along with some bread. Then he started the walk back to his cell to eat his first ever prison meal. It wasn’t long before he heard a shuffling noise outside his open door. It was Josh. He didn’t pick his feet up when he walked. He merely shuffled on the shiny floor in his slippers. He knocked on the open door.

Can I come in? He asked.

Yeah! Come in. Danny said as he ate his food.

I’m sorry about that yob in the queue. He makes my life a misery. I don’t know why he hates me so much I’m sure. He’s on drugs most of the time which makes him aggressive, but he’s not on his own, most of them are on something or another, they get it in through bent screws. He said. There are a few cons in this place that are out of their heads for most of the day sometimes. Their families give them money for a few little luxuries, and they spend it all on fags and drugs. Anyway it’s up to them I suppose.

I never realised it was that bad. Danny responded. How do they pay for the drugs then?

Their families pay for them on the outside. Josh said. They’re all fools. They don’t give a thought to the future. They’re all losers and full of hate for everyone. The black kids hate the whites, the whites hate the blacks and they all hate the Jew. That’s me." He laughed.

Do you ever feel threatened? Danny asked.

Oh! Yes. I dare not look some of them in the eyes sometimes. You know when they’re high though, I can see it a mile off, and then I just stay in my cell to keep out of their way. Josh said.

I see. How did you know that I used to be in the police force Josh?

The screws tell us things like that. They hope that someone will bash you up. Then they’ll nick you for starting trouble. They see it as though you’ve let them down, as if you’ve let the system down. They’re fools most of them. Your door has only been open for an hour or so, but they’ll be in soon to test you. The bullies I mean, not the screws. The bullies will want to know if you can be intimidated. But don’t take any nonsense from them or you’ll never get them off your back. They’re like a pack of hungry wolves once they see a weakness in someone. The one that had a go at me this morning is the worst, he considers himself to be the main man on the wing.

The main man? What do you mean? Danny asked.

He thinks he’s the number one on this wing. He wants everyone to knuckle under to him, but I tell him to leave me alone. He’s not really interested in me, but you my friend will pose a threat to him. He has an image to maintain. He’ll come to you and demand your fags and chocolate and anything else that he takes a fancy to. Just be careful. Josh warned as he wiped his runny nose with his cuff.

Josh. I’ve got to go mate. Danny interrupted. I’ve got to see the governor at ten. Thanks for the warning. We’ll have to see what happens won’t we?

Alright. I’ll see you later I expect. Good luck. Josh said as he shuffled to the other side of the wing to his cell.

Danny called an officer to inform him that he had to be at the gate by ten o’clock. The officer locked his cell behind him and walked with him to the gate.

Had any trouble yet? The officer asked.

I’m sorry sir. I don’t know your name.

Jenkins. Came the answer.

No Mister Jenkins. Nothing yet. But I’ve been warned already that something may happen today. What do you think the chances are that there will be trouble? Danny asked.

Well in my experience of similar circumstances. Mr Jenkins said. I would say that on a scale of one to ten and ten being the most likely, you have about a twelve that someone will have a pop at you today, so you’d better be vigilant Smith. You’ve got yourself into this mess, now you will have to take the consequences. Personally I don’t subscribe to the school of thought that you being an ex police officer, you should get what’s coming to you, although many here will think like that. I’m here to see that you’re safe, so if you smell a rat, and I’m on duty, have a quiet word with me. Understood?

Yes Mister Jenkins. Thanks for that.

Oh! And one more thing. On shower days you should be extra vigilant, that’s a dangerous time. In fact until you’ve sussed the situation out, I’d stay out of there if I were you.

Danny was taken to the governor’s office.

Sit down Smith. The governor said.

How have you settled in? Have you had any trouble yet?

No sir. Not yet. Danny said.

Mmm. The governor was in thought. You do realise that the chances are that you’ll be set upon at some stage, don’t you?

Yes sir. I do. I’ve just been speaking to Mister Jenkins about it.

Well just be careful that’s all. Is there anything that I can do for you to take the sting out of the situation?  Anything within reason of course.

No thank you sir. I don’t want to be seen to be getting anything over and above what anyone else would be offered. I think I’ll have enough problems without being seen as in any way, special.

I think you’re wise Smith. You’ll have to deal with anything that comes your way by yourself, but it won’t take long before you make friends here. Are there any questions? The governor asked.

No sir I don’t think so. Danny said with a slight smile of appreciation.

Do you have any medical problems at all? Are you on medication of any kind? The governor asked.

No sir. I’m perfectly well thank you. Danny replied politely.

Well let’s keep it that way shall we? The Governor said, smiling back slightly.

You’re on what we call rule 43 because you were a serving police officer. That affords you a degree of protection from the general prison population. You’ll be housed along with rapists; paedophiles, sex offenders and other ex police officers should there be any. It wouldn’t do for you to be housed in a wing with people that you may have helped to send to prison would it?

No sir. I see your point. Thank you.

Alright then. Let me know if you need my help, but try to do without it OK? Now I’ll get you taken back to E wing. Good luck.

Danny held out his hand and the governor just looked at it in mid air for a second before he shook it briefly. The nurse that was sitting in on the briefing, and filling in a form of some kind relating to Danny, showed a mild sign of surprise at the governor shaking Danny’s hand. The governor called the officer in and told him to take Smith back.

As the gate to E wing was opened, Danny could see men watching him as he made his way with the officer to open up his door. It was association time, so all of the inmates were in the association area, either playing ping pong or just hanging around talking and smoking. The smoke hung in the air like a fog, and Danny hated it. He went into his cell and sat on his bed. He was just about to open a book, when he was aware of someone standing in his doorway. It was the thug from the queue at breakfast. Danny couldn’t see