Back to Solving Crimes

By Terry Penny

Keneth Smyth-Jones the Commissioner of police orders Chief Superintendent Leo Mason to train a number of female police officers in the art of getting information from female victims and witnesses, then disperse them throughout Britain. CS Mason then requests these same officers be trained and teach others in computer skills. Later CS Mason gets two

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Vine Press
• Release date: Nov 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959450719

Terry Penny

Terry was born close to Heathrow airport and Twickenham. He attended secondary modern school and left at age 15. He worked various jobs and was never out of work for more than a few weeks. After being married at the age of 22, he divorced his first wife and married again in 1983. Terry wrote a novel about a model railway in the early 2000s and was hooked on writing more.

Book preview

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 1

On the Thursday morning following Leo’s five day break in Brighton, he found all the C-Cut team, plus Roland, Justin, Caroline, Miles, Eva and two others, DC Jessica Loxden and DC Tomas Evans in the office at nine sharp.

I have kept track of you all these last three days said Leo as he picked up his cup from the coffee table. The secondment detail have done well, and they will all be back here tomorrow. Michael I believe is in West Drayton, and you Eva have a couple of pupils coming here today. Caroline you have done well in clearing up the lists along with Miles, you are off to Cheltenham and Gloucester today with Justin and Roland. Miles is looking at finding you two a few more officers to add to the secondment detail, if I’m not mistaken.

Yes, Justin and I believe we should split the country in two, because we feel it would be too much to have one of the ones we have now, to travel up to say Sheffield or further north for just a day or two, and if someone was needed up there urgently, then someone in that half could be there quicker. replied Roland Dick has approved this by the way!

You two done well in Harrogate and Bradford I must say said Leo.

Harrogate was fairly straightforward, Bradford was a little touch and go until we promoted the coloured sergeants Edward Philips and Tina Webb, to Inspectors. said Justin then things started to look more equal. The fool of a Superintendent, was so prejudiced against both females and coloureds being senior officers, it was unbelievable. He didn’t mind them being other ranks, just not above sergeant. He was looking at it as if they got higher ranks, then he would have less coloured officers on the streets.

Miles, look at Leeds, there you will find a Chief inspector by the name of Elaine Marshall, ask her if she would be willing to join the secondment detail as Superintendent said Leo. And in York, a coloured Inspector by the name of - - let me think - - Oh yes, Sharon Craig, make her the same offer, if she agrees, have Justin make her up to Chief Inspector.

We have also gotten three uniformed constables from around here, that were recommended by Sean and Kevin said Justin they are willing to go anywhere to fill in gaps, on a weekly basis!

Then you all get to work, coffee finished, see some of you later. said Leo Now, Dawn, two new cases, can you enlighten me please?

One solved, Gwyn found the missing piece of the puzzle for that one. replied Dawn The other is a killing in the course of a robbery, looks like an accident really, not intentional!

Put it on the Screen as soon as the calendar has been on Gwyn, please said Leo as he looked at his watch.

The calendar came on the screen and Susan said Two birthdays and an anniversary, Leo have you got a present for Lana?

She had her present yesterday whilst out with the hotel staff and I replied Leo.

She picked her own present? asked Rachael

Some what yes, but I chose a couple of dresses and a coat, plus a few smaller items replied Leo.

How did all the shopping for the staff go Leo? asked Susan.

Never mind that now, Gwyn the report please. said Leo.

Leo read the report twice before saying Rachael, Gwyn, all there is on safe men in that area please. Dawn you are coming with me to High Wycombe. Kevin help Frank to get the mobile office ready to go at any time. You other ladies, clean up where you can please. Leo put his jacket on and Dawn followed him from the office.

An hour later Dawn said Leo, the station is to the left!

I know, we are going to the morgue. replied Leo as he turned right I want a good look at the body now it has been dead for three days.

Are you expecting bruising where there was none before? asked Dawn.

Actually the opposite, I am expecting to see no bruising, where there should be some replied Leo.

Twenty minutes later both Dawn and Leo were examining the body, along with the pathologist. There Chief Superintendent, not a bruise or a mark on the body anywhere except the head where it hit the corner of the hearth. So I did not miss a thing.

No Duncan, you missed nothing, but the detectives missed something, replied Leo you see this man it was assumed, confronted a burglar, and was pushed away, fell and hit his head. Now look again at the wound. A corner of something hit his head yes, but do you see the point of the impact. That looks to me as though the man dived backwards at the corner, otherwise the shape would be flatter, and more to the side or back of the head!

Now that you say that, I see what you mean, yes you are right replied Duncan Sorry, I just assumed the detective had investigated every angle, so did not look at angles and impact point.

Are the blood tests back, and did you request a full toxicology report? asked Dawn.

Not back yet, and no I saw no reason to get a full screening. replied Duncan.

Then phone the lab and have them do one now said Dawn.

Come Dawn, we will now go and see the detective, and explain that it was murder dressed up as an accident, also no burglary said Leo.

In the car on the way to the station Dawn asked Why no burglary Leo, the safe was robbed?

Not robbed, emptied. Gwyn, Rachael what do you have for us? asked Leo.

Not one cracker anywhere, and only one breaker in that area replied Rachael.

The only cracker left in Britain and not behind bars is Harry Casters, and he is house bound and has dementia! replied Gwyn.

Untrue, I will not tell you why. But good job the both of you said Leo now Dawn you must see why it was no burglary.

Yes, now I understand. The safe was not damaged so someone with the combination opened it replied Dawn and the sucker mark was not from a stethoscope at all.

A stethoscope does not leave a mark unless there is residue on the safe said Leo.

"Gwyn run a check - - -

Already checking Wife and her relatives and friends, Dawn said Gwyn will have something for you when you see the detective.

You are looking for a big man or men Gwyn said Leo as he parked the car.

Leo walked up to the desk sergeant and said We are here to see DS Carver Sergeant and was about to show his warrant card when the sergeant said Calling him now Chief Superintendent Mason Sir.

You know me Sergeant? asked Leo as he and Dawn signed in.

Never forget you Sir, I was with you when you raided a hotel a few months ago replied the Sergeant Marvellous outcome that one, and you gave me an arrest as well. then into the phone Chief Superintendent Mason and DCI Grange in reception for you Dennis.

Two minutes later DS Carver came up to Leo and said DS Carver Sir, Ma’am, you wanted to see me?

Yes Dennis, we are here to help you solve a murder said Leo.

But I don’t have a murder, only a burglary and accidental death? said Carver.

No, you have a murder dressed up to look like, a robbery gone wrong, with a death by accident, Sergeant! said Dawn.

Why do you think that? asked Carver.

Take us to your office, make us all a coffee and we will explain said Leo.

Gladly, follow me please said Carver.

Once in the general Detectives office Leo pushed two chairs away from empty desks and to the side near where Carver was making the coffees. We can sit at my desk said Carver.

On your desk, do you have paperwork and an open laptop? asked Dawn.

Yes, always, just like everyone in here. replied Dennis.

Then you are all silly if you drink at your desks said Leo Coffee and tea ruin paperwork and laptops. Stop the habit now.

But we drink while we work Chief Superintendent, we would all like to have a break away from our desks, but that would mean stopping work. replied Dennis.

That was not a suggestion Carver, that was an order said Dawn.

Leo said loudly "Anyone with a mug or cup on their desk, get rid of it now. And never drink at a desk with paperwork or an open laptop on it."

And who might you be to tell my detectives what they should and shouldn’t do asked a woman emerging from a side office Oh, Chief Superintendent Mason, I did not recognise you Sir.

Perfectly alright Irene. Dawn meet Superintendent Irene Hill, Irene Chief Inspector Dawn Grange, my number two said Leo Irene and I worked robbery together when she was at the yard, we were both Chief Inspectors then.

Good Morning Dawn said Irene This one is still a tyrant when it comes to discipline I see!

Yes Ma’am, When it’s needed, good morning said Dawn.

What’s this about cups Leo? asked Irene.

Drinks should be kept away form paperwork and laptops Irene. replied Leo and you remember Graham Swinger, well he is IT procurement, and he will not like supplying a laptop replacement to someone that spills drink on their one!

We must have a catch up, but why are you here now Leo? asked Irene.

Just to help DS Carver here with a murder dressed up to look like an accident whilst being burgled replied Leo.

The Bandour case, but what makes you say murder? asked Irene.

Firstly, the safe was not broken, and yet was open. There are no known safe crackers loose at present. Secondly no bruising on the body, and lastly, the angle of the wound. All point to murder. said Leo.

So, Dennis you are not looking for a burglar, but murderer! said Dawn.

Gwyn, what do you have for us? asked Leo.

Who are you talking to Leo, there is no Gwyn here? asked Irene.

Gwyn is my IT director in my office in Hammersmith said Leo and he tells me Carver should pick up the wife and her two brothers, William and Glen. They seem to be your best bet for the murder, and give the house a thorough search, you will no doubt find the jewellery missing from the safe, if it is not back in it.

And Dennis, take some big officers with you to get the brothers, they are both muscle bound, according to Gwyn, and don’t mind a fight! said Dawn.

Who put you onto this case Leo? asked Irene.

The ADC had us look at it. He must have seen something amiss as I did replied Leo.

Well I thank both of you and him said Dennis I have been looking for a safe cracker, and come up empty.

Yes, thank you both said Irene that will be the worst of the crimes solved, and we didn’t even know we had it!

Everything else here Ok? asked Leo.

Oh yes, our station is all Ok, George Carmichael, the station Superintendent, has run a tight ship ever since I’ve been here, and that’s nearly twelve years now replied Irene.

Good to hear, now let me know how this one turns out, will you said Leo I need to know how the murder was done, without marks being left on the body, apart from the wound to the head.

Spread the word about cups and mugs on desks please Irene said Dawn.

And I see you are using the big screen to effect said Leo but nothing on it should give you too much trouble.

Do you all know how to put the details of cases on there? asked Dawn.

There are only about five or six people that can do it without direction, but we will all get to know how eventually replied Irene.

Then I will have someone here soon to tutor some more of you said Leo but for now keep up the good work, and Irene, I will see you soon, for a little catch up.

I would like that Leo, I’ve been hearing great things about you replied Irene.

Don’t believe all you hear Irene said Leo.

My eyes do not lie Leo, the not so small handbag Dawn is at pains to hold, seems a bit heavy, and the man by the door is just too alert, not to be a protection officer said Irene.

Your eyes are just as sharp as ever Irene, you are not wrong said Leo.

Sir said a detective sitting near them.

Yes replied Leo.

Are you Chief Superintendent Mason of C-Cut, Sir? asked the detective.

Yes, that is I replied Leo.

Then may I thank you for all of us in this station, for all this wonderful technology, and most of all the restaurant down stairs, Sir! said the detective.

That was all needed, but remember, no cups on desks, or I might have it all removed again! said Leo Now Dawn and I have to get back to our own desks, see you soon Irene.

Good day Irene said Dawn.

Bye Dawn, and get a smaller gun, or a shoulder bag eh! said Irene.

As they passed the reception desk Leo said Sergeant, less gossip please, I don’t think you know what damage you do.

As they got in the car Dawn said If everyone agrees, Susan, book a table at the Spanish restaurant in Hammersmith, for lunch then Leo and I will meet you there. And I’m paying today!

If you are paying, and we are going to a Spanish restaurant, what’s the occasion Dawn? asked Gwyn.

You will only find out if and when you come there! replied Dawn.

Leo and Dawn drove back to Hammersmith in silence, just listening to all the others talking, and Justin and Roland dishing out orders in Gloucester.

Once they were all seated in the restaurant and had ordered the lunch they wanted, Dawn said Now, you are all waiting for me to say something, so here it is. Philip and I marry on the twelfth of September. We are on holiday for eight days in July, and on Honeymoon from the twelfth of September until the twenty eighth of September. We are Honeymooning in Singapore. Also I have now moved from my flat to the house permanently, I hope this offends no-one!

Good for you said Gwyn and now we can all look forward to another wedding.

Yes, but have you got anything arranged yet Dawn? asked Susan.

The Wedding itself, the Honeymoon and reception, oh and the name change replied Dawn you see Philip and I thought that two Mason’s in the same office would be confusing, so we are having a double barrelled name, Grange-Mason.

So to all intents and purposes you will still be known as Chief Inspector Grange? said Alison.

Yes, just so people don’t get Leo and I mixed up at all! replied Dawn.

Very good idea Dawn, and I have no objections to any of it said Leo now Lana and all these ladies will have to go clothes shopping again in the summer.

A big wedding then Dawn? asked Eva.

Yes, and before you think I’m rude, Caroline, Jessica and you are invited, along with your partners. And you men including you Tomas, are all invited, so save a lot of your money, so that you can buy your wives and partners new outfits.

Why are you looking so worried Frank? asked Kevin.

Because just like Leo and Lana, Philip and Dawn have everything, so what do we get them for presents? asked Frank.

Nothing, as you say, we have everything, so a card is all you need buy us replied Dawn.

Eat your Paella Frank said Susan we are all in the same boat, with both weddings.

You marry in June, do you Leo? asked DC Jessica Loxden, one of the two new members of Roland and Justins unit.

Yes, June sixth replied Leo.

I’d better contact Jean and let her know Dick has to buy her a new outfit, for Philip and Dawns wedding said Gwyn.

Gwyn, you know I heard that! said the voice of Dick.

Who was that? asked DC Tomas Evans. The other new member with Jessica.

That was the ADC, and he and Gwyn have a dig at each other now and then said Sarah but it’s all in fun, they are friends.

Next you’ll be telling us that the Commissioner will be attending these weddings said Tomas.

I will, if invited replied Ken.

Swallowing hard Tomas asked Is that you Commissioner?

Yes Tomas, I have been listening to you all, this lunch time. replied Ken.

And of cause you and Patty are invited Ken. said Dawn.

Eva, how are your pupils today? asked Leo.

One was a little stubborn at first, but now wants to learn all he can replied Eva A bit of practice and he may have a little grammar by tomorrow.

You are not showing him how the computer can put his grammar right? asked Susan.

No, not until he understands a little bit more, and why it is important replied Eva he is very close to being illiterate, I don’t think he did his exams, someone must have done them for him, or the examiner thought he was rushing. The man does not know that if he wants to write, you are, abbreviated, he has to put an apostrophe before re, and not just an r after you.

You need not worry too much, he is attending English classes in collage tomorrow! said Leo.

That is why I must get him better before tomorrow. He would show the whole force up otherwise. replied Eva.

And his spelling is bad also, by what reports of his I have read said Dawn.

Too much to put right there I’m afraid, I even had to tell him my name has two r’s and not one replied Eva so I got him to write the word warrant, an everyday word for any officer yes?, but the fool only used one r; now how am I to help with that?

All it means is the fool will be in collage for longer, he has to pass tests before they sign him off. said Leo.

Leo, you still haven’t said how the weekend went, and although we were with you and Ollie last night, we didn’t hear how it went yesterday in the store said Rachael."

Saturday went really very well, I expected some resentment from the builders, but no, they agreed to everything, and it will all be completed by the beginning of may. replied Leo and the two girls are going there this weekend, and stopping there until it is finished. The ramp will be installed as soon as it arrives, and putting the ramp on a wall was a great idea, the builders will have that up by tomorrow I think.

And did you find out about a Sauna and massage place, there? asked Susan.

No, completely forgot that after having the massage at Graham’s before we left. replied Leo But on Monday I had words with six hoteliers on the front, and two of them say they will have a ramp, and make the first floor doors wider. Two more of them are seriously thinking about it. And Frank, they like your new register idea, and the same two, as are having the renovations done, say as soon as they are complete, they will order the new registers.

What did the staff say about all the changes, Leo? asked Dawn.

Most of them were very happy, a couple of the housemaids had a little moan about the changes of bedding, but when I explained it all to them they relented, and then yesterday, when they saw the new outfits they were getting, they were over the moon, and said it would all be worth it. replied Leo.

And last evening, your waiters and waitresses got a lesson in how to serve from the staff at La Cabana. I saw Marcus giving them a lesson in only serving from the left side, and how to hold two plates with one hand, and another in the left hand, to do so. said Sarah.

I was telling them all sorts of things over the last five days, like only give a steak knife when they actually serve the steak said Leo and to offer a clean napkin when one is stained, that sort of thing.

Do the table cloths and napkins make a lot of difference, Leo? asked Gwyn.

Indeed they do, I heard other diners say that the restaurant was so much better, for those and the new table settings. replied Leo and I taught the waitresses and waiters how to fold the napkins into flowers, and fans.

Anything else need doing there? asked Gwyn.

Yes, I’d like small bars of soap, and other toiletries, can you look out for them? said Leo.

I have a supplier for those already, I have some on the way to Bexley replied Gwyn Any particular fragrances?

No, get a mixture, say a hundred of each, four hundred in total replied Leo.

What about towels Leo? asked Alison.

Ollie is having some embroidered for me, also in four colours and all sizes. replied Leo.

You don’t do things by half do you Leo! said Jessica.

Only one thing, I only drink half what I would like to drink. replied Leo.

Are you taking the two girls there on Saturday, Leo? asked Susan.

No, as a matter of fact, you and Frank are tomorrow evening said Leo but be back for Sunday evening, OK?

Why us? asked Frank.

Because Alison and Jim can’t go until the ramp is installed and working replied Leo and that won’t be until it is made and delivered.

How did the manager take to all the changes, Leo? asked Kevin.

Stunned, but very pleased replied Leo he said some of them should have been done long ago.

And the staff, no problems? asked Dawn.

No, in fact I have employed one more replied Leo he is going to be in reception, but will be acting as porter and valet driver, to take the cars from in front to the back. Now if everyone has finished, we need to get back to work. Any more questions can wait until afternoon break.

Twenty minutes later everybody was sitting at their desks. Leo was reading the report on the robbery that had been solved the day before. Dawn was detailing the murder case for Susan, who was writing the report. Gwyn was searching the web. Frank and Kevin were reading old reports to get information on how the crimes were solved. Rachael, Alison and Sarah were together. Rachael was showing Sarah and Alison how to track a mobile phone.

Ten minutes past before the office phone rang. Answering it Susan said Leo, Detective Superintendent Summerfield for you. and she put him through. Ah, Summerfield, I thought you were going to call me last Thursday said Leo, pause That is so, and maybe now you and Reg can keep a tighter hold on your officers pause yes pause Oh well in that case, go with Reg on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and when you have completed that course, ring back here and ask my PA to give you a number to ring. We cannot give you one yet as it is not installed pause you are welcome, have a good day. Leo put the phone down.

Eva, a moment when you are not busy please said Leo.

If it could wait until break time Sir? asked Eva.

Yes of cause, you have pupils, break it will be. replied Leo and scribbled a note on his pad.

Chief Constable Lionel Jefferson for you Leo said Susan as she put him through.

Lionel, what - - -pause yes but - - - Pause Oh good, I thought you were ringing to complain pause no, just be a little more vigilant Lionel pause no, but I may have in a day or two, give me until Tuesday, and I’ll ring you pause Yes ok I got that, now I must ring off, I have someone here with me, Bye.

Problem Leo? asked Dawn.

No, only that man likes the sound of his own voice, and would have kept me on the phone for ages replied Leo. Then scribbled another note.

I’m making the coffee for break now said Sarah.

Good, I must sit and think for a minute said Leo. And he leaned back and closed his eyes.

A few minutes later all the others came in from the other offices.

Oh, is Leo asleep? whispered Jessica.

No, I’m not, I am just thinking. said Leo.

Sorry to disturb your thoughts said Tomas.

Leo scribbled a few more notes before saying That is fine Tomas, I also need a coffee, please all find a seat.

When everyone had the drinks and were seated Leo said Now I know you all want to know more about my few days off, so ask away.

What did you think of Veronique Leo? asked Dawn.

I liked her, very pleasant lady, and intelligent as well, she will make Ollie a good companion replied Leo.

I think he knows now, he was nervous in the park, but last night he seemed a lot more relaxed with her said Susan and I think that had something to do with you talking to her as a friend, Leo.

I also found her very attractive said Gwyn.

She is very attractive, but she doesn’t flaunt it! That I liked said Frank.

Did Trevor tell you when everything will be ready, Leo? asked Alison.

Ollie told me last night that he would have Trevor put a rush on all of it, and it should all be ready about the same time as the renovations of the hotel, so Lana and I are going there the first weekend in May replied Leo.

What else are you having done there Leo? asked Eva.

The whole front fascia is being repainted, and most of the back walls. replied Leo.

Have you told the two girls what you want in the reception? asked Rachael.

No, they know the area has to be kept a little clear for wheelchairs, but apart from that, they have complete reign, after all what they did to Feltham was fantastic. replied Leo.

Whilst on that subject said Gwyn I could not get anywhere with the lazy Susan registration stands, so if you tell me what colour wood the desk is, I am having some made, and you can have them matching.

I do know, the desk is being changed, it is dark at the moment, so I told the girls to have one made lighter said Leo Frank, see if you can get an idea from the girls, so you can tell Gwyn on Monday please. The desk in Feltham is light oak Gwyn.

The soaps, shampoos, hand lotions, hand washes and toothpastes are on their way. said Gwyn.

Did you stick to a Maroon for the staff Leo? asked Alison.

Yes, one set in Maroon and another in royal blue replied Leo. They change every week you see, but always the same for all of them, each week.

And the shirts and blouses? asked Rachael.

All white, and they will all have five replied Leo Royal blue Trousers and skirts for the royal blue Jackets and waistcoats, but black for the Maroon outfits.

Very smart, what did they think though? asked Rachael.

They all liked the outfits, and the housekeepers were most pleased, because they were wearing their own clothes before.

Your concierge, what of him? asked Kevin.

The same outfits, no different. replied Leo No morning coat and top hat, if that was what you were thinking.

How about your apartment? asked Susan.

Being decorated now, Lana has put her stamp on it, and is ordering the bedding, curtains and chairs. replied Leo.

Was the bed she chose Ok with you? asked Gwyn.

Yes thank you, but now back to work please said Leo Eva stay a moment please.

When everybody had got back to their own desks Leo said Eva, you and Michael need to get Diaries, and keep track of pupils, please.

We have that on the calendar Leo? replied Eva.

I know, but you will be travelling to other stations and venues, and need to keep strict records, for expenses and such. replied Leo.

Oh, yes, I had not thought of that, yes I will get us one each when I leave later replied Eva.

Susan, get six diaries please, they will all need them! said Leo Eva, tell Michael what they are for please. And now get back to work on the fool downstairs please.

A few minutes later Leo asked Alison, Sarah, I have a job for you I’m afraid.

What is it Leo? asked Sarah.

I want you to see how many libraries have someone teaching keyboard skills, like Rachael found in Wembley. Then check to see if anyone else does the same, like schools and collages, throughout the country. List every one down as you go. said Leo Then find the nearest police station to them as you find them please.

Anywhere you want checked first? asked Alison.

Yes, please check Devon and Somerset first if you would. replied Leo. Then south Wales.

Sarah talked to Gwyn and he nodded. Then Sarah and Alison went to their desks and started the search.

Susan picked up her desk phone and made a call. Gail, Susan, I need eight diaries, and reserve the same for next year please. And can you get five boxes of pure white printing paper up here as soon as possible please pause thanks, your great, and a ream of light green paper when you can. pause that will do, and Gail three lots of ink for our printer please pause thank you bye.

Dick walked in the door and said Good afternoon all, Leo I have a case for you.

Now I never thought I’d say this but, I’m glad to hear it, Dick said Leo What is it and where?

A series of rapes, in Coventry and Nuneaton, I’m afraid replied Dick seven in all, and getting the reports from Nuneaton this morning, I saw that the two places are linked by these rapes. I had three reports from Coventry on Wednesday but with the four in Nuneaton I thought you should look at them.

Give Susan the reports Dick, and she can stick them in the scanner said Leo.

How far apart are the rapes Dick? asked Dawn.

First two were a month apart, but they escalated until the last two were only four days apart replied Dick.

The last one first please Susan said Leo.

On the big screen as soon as you’re ready Gwyn. said Dawn.

Make us all some coffee please Rachael, Kevin. said Leo.

The report came on the screen and everybody read it, as usual Leo read it twice before saying Forensics report.

We don’t have it or any for the others! said Gwyn.

Oh, why oh why, can’t we get these things done properly? said Leo. Look Dick, not a name or even a number for either Forensics or even SOCO!

What do you suggest? asked Dick.

The same as Gwyn did for weapons, have a programme that as soon as a report is made, an officer has to put these details. said Leo.

I’ll write one tonight! said Gwyn in the mean time give me five minutes and I’ll have all the info on these seven cases.

Dates with days of all of them please Rachael! said Leo.

Ah, now I see. said Leo as the days and dates came on the screen. Thirty one, Twenty four, twenty four, sixteen, eight, four. No set pattern, the first was the only one committed at the weekend.

If they strike again it looks like being tomorrow, because they never struck yesterday. said Dawn Or it is random, no set pattern as you say, but we could not hope to get them by then.

No, but we can make it harder for them! said Leo Susan, Station Superintendents please, Nuneaton first please. Rachael maps of the two places and arrows for each attack please, on the screen ASAP.

Arthur Worcester Nuneaton Leo, putting him through said Susan.

Superintendent, this is Leo Mason of C-Cut pause Yes, now how many officers are patrolling in Nuneaton at any one time? pause Good but not good enough, now here is what you are going to do pause "I could not care, this is what will happen as from tonight. Each of your officers will be paired with an officer from elsewhere, I will see you get the number you need pause no, you will put every available officer out on the streets, and tell them to make their presence known. This will go on until we catch the rapists pause as I said, I will sort it. Now listen, my PA will give you my mobile number, ring me whatever the time day or night, if you get them before Monday morning. If I do not hear from you by then, you can expect to see me at ten on Monday morning. Good day Arthur."

Brice Cliffton Coventry Leo. said Susan as she put him through.

Superintendent Cliffton, this is Leo Mason of C-Cut, pause Yes Brice, now listen, I will send you a number of officers to beef up your force for a while, I want you to pair your officers with those I send you, and Brice, I mean every available officer, out on the streets making their presence known, understand. This will go on until the rapists are behind cell doors. If by chance you get them before Monday, call me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will be seeing you Monday afternoon pause yes, bye for now, the DAC is here in my office.

Leo, where are you going to get all those extra officers? asked Dick.

I’m not, you are Dick replied Leo Start with all the nearest stations to Coventry and Nuneaton, then get volunteers from wherever you can. We have proved this can work in Newcastle, so you should have no real trouble. Susan, how many cameras have we?

Forty, but they don’t work Leo! replied Susan.

Dose not matter, if they are seen they deter. replied Leo Get on the phone and have twenty installed in each place, first thing in the morning please.

Dick, any chance you can get media cover in those areas to let people know the cameras are going up? asked Frank don’t tell them why just that CCTV cameras are being put throughout those towns.

Yes, I can get that organised replied Dick as he made a note on his Ipad.

Jessica, Tomas my office now please said Leo.

When these two came in Leo said Look up Coventry and Nuneaton, then surrounding stations, find every ex officer you can in that area and the ones that are coming back to us have report to Nuneaton tomorrow in uniform, please. You have only half an hour today, but tomorrow morning to get the rest done.

Will do! replied Jessica as she and Tomas walked from the office.

Leo picked up his phone and made a call Clive, Leo, pause This time I need a favour pause No, I need as many men as you can spare to go to Coventry and beef up their force, oh and Clive, have them take body cameras please pause Good enough, and thank you pause No more than a week, OK? pause No, I thank you, bye.

As he put the phone down he said There Dick I have got you some, now in the morning, see if you can match what I have done.

Drink your coffee Leo, you have done enough. said Dick.

Leo sat there and drank the coffee.

Dawn picked up her phone and made a call. Brice, Dawn Grange, pause Yes but now C-Cut, pause yes I know, but Brice how many Drones do you have patrolling around Coventry? pause I see, in that case I will see if we can borrow a pilot from somewhere for you, bye.

Putting her finger on the button Dawn disconnected and then made another call. Clive, Dawn, pause yes I know, but could you send them a drone pilot as well, I believe you have three? pause no, just the pilot, they have two drones pause Thank you Clive, bye.

Frank was doing the same with Superintendent Worcester in Nuneaton. No, just have him flying none stop around the town. pause well that would be better than sitting on his backside doing nothing pause No, I’m telling you, but if you like I have the DAC here, and he can tell you? pause DC Frank Mills of C-Cut pause Good, then see it’s done please.

It would seem we need some strong worded memos sent out from your office Dick said Gwyn. "Leo, the forensics from Coventry have not been checked against those from Nuneaton yet, in fact I have told them to see to it, as no-one else had."

And the ones in Coventry show what? asked Leo.

Two men each time, but three separate samples, mixed up replied Gwyn Nuneaton the same for the first two. They have not done the others yet!

Have we got statements from the victims, or are they not attached to the reports? asked Dawn.

Not attached, but I have two for you, one from each town said Rachael.

Are the maps any use Leo? asked Dawn.

Not really, they have no set pattern of places, just like the dates. replied Leo.

Put the two statements up please Rachael. asked Dawn.

Now we are getting somewhere, three man team, one dressed the same in each place. said Leo as he speed read the report And one holds the victim down, and never lets her go until the other two are finished. Then all three run off together.

The other statements say the same things Leo said Rachael.

Lets have a look at all of them in order please. said Leo First the three from Coventry.

Ah, they do read the same Leo. said Dick.

With little differences said Kevin. The first one states that a man in a baseball cap held her. Yet he was one of the actual rapists in the other two cases.

We can’t be sure of that, any of the three could wear a baseball cap, just swap it between them. said Dawn.

Unlikely, I would never wear one that had been worn by anyone else said Frank.

Read them all again and you will see that it is the same man in the cap said Leo you see, he is light haired, the other two are dark haired and younger. One victim says a young man raped her first, and then an older man in a cap.

The older man is balding, that is why he wears the cap! said Kevin I know two older men that are balding, one wears a trilby, but the other says a baseball cap not only hides the baldness but implies he is younger.

Yes, that looks to be the best bet said Leo so two younger men one older in a baseball cap. Other clothes change from time to time, but going by dates and changes, one of them changes his clothes regularly but the other two don’t, or they wash them more often and like them more than the other things. Now we have a bit of a description for them. Now the four from Nuneaton please Rachael.

The reports changed. Ah, you see, the cap held the first and last victim, so they are taking it in turns to hold the victim down said Dawn. But these give us nothing more in the way of a description.

Yes, the third one there does, it states that one man, not the one in the cap, but one of the other two, is taller. said Frank.

Taller than the man in the cap, yes said Leo but we don’t know that the third man is any shorter than him.

I’ll tell you something else said Gwyn going by these statements none of them wore trainers or jeans. Casual trousers or cargo pants, shirts of different colours, but all of them smart, no tee shirts or plaid shirts. So not labourers or blue collar.

They could have changed to go out at night? said Alison except one girl was raped before five in the evening.

And that rape was on a Friday, so could indicate an early finish from work said Frank so office workers because they would not have had time to change.

Right, now do we know anything about the victims? asked Leo do we have pictures?

No said Gwyn and if there are any they are not listed.

Dick, do you see now what we, that is C-Cut, are up against? asked Leo if every officer was IT savvy we would have so much more to work with.

Yes, I can see the problem, and yes I also know you are trying to sort it out! replied Dick Now I am going to leave you all to it, I need to think on these things, and ask some advice. Good day to you all.

Dawn was on the phone. No, Brice, get Detective inspector Curtis Brown to send or better still, bring us everything on the rapes, but we must have all pictures here at eight thirty tomorrow morning pause Hammersmith, bye again.

Frank ordered the same of Worcester in Nuneaton. Have DS Randal Pierce bring them here to Hammersmith at eight thirty in the morning pause yes, tomorrow morning, good day.

Eva, before going home this evening, list a DS Randal Pierce and DI Curtis Brown in for lessons tomorrow here please. asked Leo.

Got that, Michael will deal with them, I am off out with the Commanders tomorrow. replied Eva.

That is fine, thank you and have a good night. said Leo right, all off home now, I’ll see you all in the morning. Good night all of you.

On their way home Frank asked Leo, do you think I might get some time for Eva or Michael to teach me some things?

I don’t see why not, and I will sit in with you at the same time, and they can teach me a thing or two, also. replied Leo.

Chapter 2

At eight am on Friday morning the Whole team, plus the fourteen others were all present, and sitting in the Chinese court, and all had drinks.

Where are you Commanders off to today? asked Dawn.

Woking and Guildford today, so we should be back before you all finish today. replied Justin.

No big problems as we see at present in either place, but they are both short uniformed officers. said Roland.

Officers leaving, or retiring, but not being replaced said Roland those leaving are not being forced out, just moving away or ill health.

I hope you are right about them moving for reasons other than needing to get away from those stations said Leo I take it you have asked them?

Yes, and they all said the stations were OK to work at but they wanted to move for other reasons. said Caroline Two had lived there almost all of their lives but wanted to live elsewhere because of that.

We are going to check on recruitment in the area, seeing as it is one County. said Justin.

Good Idea, pop into the job centres first and see what they say. said Gwyn.

What of you others. asked Leo.

I have two officers coming for lessons I believe said Michael.

Yes, but first we want them in here, so find something to do until we send them down to you said Dawn what are the secondment detail up to?

Nothing planned as yet replied Bernard.

Well, I would like Joanna and Neda to sit in with Michaels pupils said Leo you might learn something and it will look more like a regular class than just a special one for the two we have coming.

Great, I could do with some of that training! said Neda.

Me too said Joanna.

Anytime any of you are at a loose end, so to speak, sit in the class and learn what you can. said Leo the more you know the better for the stations you go to!

Do we all get the lessons then? asked Barry.

Yes, the more you go, the more you will know, and that can only help you and those you work with, and help you get promotions. said Dawn. Leo Frank and I are going to join in some of the classes, when we have time.

Now to something not work related said Leo You fourteen and your spouses or partners are to attend a dinner on Sunday evening. Cars will pick you up from home, and take you home again afterwards. There will be no excuses for not attending. Susan arrange everything please, as usual.

Formal, uniform or what? asked Bernard.

Informal, no uniforms, just smart casual. replied Leo.

And a word of advice, don’t eat much lunch said Gwyn the dinner is huge, and so are the starters.

And if we do not have a spouse or partner? asked Eva.

Then bring a friend, or come alone, it is entirely up to you said Leo. Roland, you and Marian, and you Caroline and Carl, live too far away to come from there to the restaurant and home again, so you may if you wish stop in my hotel in Feltham. But then both Marian and Carl will have to get from there to home and work respectfully. So work it out between you.

I can drive there and back home said Caroline no need for a cab.

Wrong, you see you and Carl will be drinking too much to drive! said Dawn.

Then I will take your offer of stopping in the hotel Leo said Caroline Carl can get a bus to work from there, and I can drive my new car, I can bring you to work if you stay there Roland, in that way Marian can have your car to get home.

Why so despondent Dominic? asked Rachael.

I know Leo said no excuses, but I just can’t afford it, my credit card is only worth about twenty quid at the moment, and now I have a new Bike to think of replied Dominic.

Not enough excuse said Leo in any case the place is really cheap, and I am paying for the cars.

If you insist, but I will need to borrow some money from my dad said Dominic.

Dominic, it will cost you nothing, not one penny. I pay the bill! said Leo the whole thing is on me!

"Oh, but - - -

Listen, it is Leo’s way, he takes everybody to eat there that works in this office, or for C-Cut in other places. said Kevin.

You are eating there tomorrow night as well Leo? said Susan.

That is correct, just Lana, Veronique, Ollie and I. replied Leo Lana is looking forward to it, she likes both of them.

Susan and I will be dining in your hotel in Brighton said Frank "Where will you and Philip be eating