Street and Race Crime

By Terry Penny

The Case clear up team start investigating a few murders that are very similar, this leads to a couple of race crimes. After this CS Mason picks up on a few crimes that are not in his remit, but with the approval of first his team and then the Commissioner of police, the C-Cut team investigate these crimes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Vine Press
• Release date: Nov 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959450269

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 1

On entering the C-cut office unexpectedly on the Monday, after giving seminars, the week before, all over the country, Chief Superintendent Leo Mason was met with clapping, cheers and surprised looks from all the others in the office.

Susan, his PA put a cup of coffee on his desk before he sat down. Picking the cup and saucer up Leo put it on the coffee table in the middle of the office, then said Good morning all, and I thank you for your support, but we will start this day as any other, Frank, Gwyn, chairs please, ladies sit, I will get the biscuits!

When everybody was seated Leo asked What cases are we working on at present Dawn?

A suspicious death in Truro, body found in surf with a plastic cord around his neck replied Dawn.

Do we have all the details and pictures? asked Leo.

Yes, but they are a little vague I’m afraid replied Dawn There has been no formal identification as yet, and so no post mortem, you know the Cornish, no post mortem until body is Identified.

Right that will be my first call, said Leo how far have you got with it?

Gwyn and the girls have trawled through the missing persons, but have come up empty! replied Dawn.

I tried facial recognition but that was no good either said Gwyn. Fingerprints? questioned Leo.

Also no go! replied Frank Not on record.

Now I can see why it has fallen in our laps said Leo this one could prove to be most tricky. But why are the Cornish police treating it as a suspicious death, rather than murder?

We are not too sure about that, said Dawn but when I spoke to the DI in charge of the case, one DI Oliver Brown, he stated that the person who found the body in the first place, said that it looked as though the plastic cord had caught around the deceased’ neck, was just like gulls had been found."

Ah so it could have been an accident, stated Leo but if the cord was knotted then surely it’s a clear case of murder.

Looking at the pictures, we think it is knotted, but can’t be sure said Susan the pictures are not that good.

But what about the pathologist’s photo’s, asked Leo surely they are better.

He hasn’t taken any because he is not doing the PM until the victim has been identified! replied Susan.

Oh my goodness, how obstructive can these people be? questioned Leo to no-one in particular. I must have a word with Ken about all these different area codes of practice.

What I can’t fathom is why this DI Brown has not got down to looking, for himself said Frank.

Maybe he’s got a plethora of other cases said Gwyn.

In Cornwall? asked Leo I hardly think so. Right if you have all finished your drinks, we will get to some work.

They all moved to their desks and started to get down to work. Dawn, when did you get this case? asked Leo.

Friday morning, replied Dawn Dick came over about eleven, he had three cases for us to look into. One was a burglary that was a one off in the area, so I could not see us being of any use, unless more were reported. Another one was a murder, but it seemed that there was only one possible suspect, so we agreed that this one was the one we would look into further!

Gwyn put up all the files on this case, complete with the pictures, onto the big screen please said Leo.

As these files came on the screen Leo speed read them, and then picked up his phone. When the phone was answered he said DI Brown please, CS Mason calling from C-Cut pause Yes, you heard right, C-Cut, now put me through before I come down there and remove you from that desk and put you on foot patrol. Leo was put through to DI Brown and asked Oliver, it is Oliver yes, pause Good, now I want you to take a digital camera down to your morgue and take some pictures of the deceased, and in particular every angle around the neck, then get back to your office and send those pictures to my office, without delay. Pause no, I did not say for you to find another officer to do it, I said for you to do it, do you understand, if not say so now, so that I can get a helicopter to bring me to you, so that I can bloody well take the pictures myself. Pause Good, I will speak to you shortly after I receive the pictures, in say an hour. Goodbye for now. Leo put the receiver back on the cradle saying in a low voice why is it, when I know I speak English, no blooming police officer can understand me.

Frank, go and check on the mobile office please said Leo make sure that it is totally ready to roll, I am thinking we are all going to Truro in the next twenty four hours!

Frank rose from his seat and went to check the mobile office, even though he knew that it was as ready as ever.

Do you really see us going down there Leo? asked Dawn.

Not of necessity, but a trip out would do everyone some good, and it will give the mobile office a run replied Leo It needs justifying after all.

And will we all be going? asked Gwyn.

I don’t see why not replied Leo you can all work from there just as well as here in this office, and it is not as though we will be incommunicado.

But have you no plans for the next few days? asked Dawn.

Nothing that a phone call can’t defer to a later date, you replied Leo.

The same, I can ring Philip and put our date back a few nights! replied Dawn.

I hope we won’t be there for more than a couple of days and nights. Alison, will you be coming with us, or do you need to be home with Jim? asked Leo.

I would like to come, but I need to call Jim first, I’ll let you know in a few minutes. Alison got up and walked out of the office to call Jim. As she walked out Frank came back in saying Everything in order Leo, she’s ready to roll.

Good, then Dawn you will take Rachael and Sarah, I will take Gwyn and Alison, and of cause Susan will travel with Frank in the mobile office said Leo we will review the new pictures and then have a good lunch before we head off. That should give you all time to get your packing done for this trip.

Alison came back into the office with a broad smile and said Jim says he will be glad to get rid of me for a few days, so it seems I will be with you!

Will he be Ok on his own? asked Sarah can he manage to get in and out of bed by himself.

Ah that is taken care of, he has asked the two girls if they will stay there with him, and they have agreed replied Alison.

Ok then, now off you lot go, get all your stuff together, and when you get back, Frank will put it all in the mobile office, in that way we don’t have to load the cars up said Leo.

I have a bag packed in the car said Gwyn.

And I have mine along with Leo’s in the mobile office said Frank. And mine is in the back of my car said Dawn.

Ok, that leaves you Susan, Alison, Rachael and Sarah, get off home you four, and be back by ten to one, and we will have lunch at one.

The four girls left the office.

Gwyn, can you check and see if any new names have been added to the missing persons lists overnight asked Dawn.

And if I do find this man on there, you will disappoint so many of us! replied Gwyn. I know, but we have to check said Dawn.

Leo collected all the crockery from the coffee tables and proceeded to wash them up. As he was doing this he shouted to Gwyn, Have you got enough coffee to hold us for this trip, or do you need to get some more?

I have enough, and there’s some in the mobile office as well, so we have more than enough for us, but should I be taking some for the station in Truro?

Take some more just in case, but they don’t get it unless they start to improve their working practices, right.

Dawn, could you follow me home at lunch time so that I can leave the car and grab the extra coffee please? asked Gwyn.

Yes of cause I can! replied Dawn.

Leo made coffee for the four of them and Gwyn said Only two more names on the missing persons list this morning, one young lady of twenty, and a child of ten, but both of those are up north.

Get pictures of both please Gwyn said Leo as he put a coffee in front of him.

Why Leo, you’re not thinking of trying to find them at the same time as looking into the case in hand, are you? said Dawn.

In a way yes! replied Leo as soon as you get those pictures, send them to the security firms and the „CCTV’ operators in the areas, that the two were last seen. Along with a little note from me asking that they help all they can, and that I will be most grateful if any one of them can help in any small way, and a small reward will be forthcoming to any of them with information.

Got yea boss, good thinking said Gwyn You are getting stuck into them nice and early. And if any of them do help find either or both of them, then you will have your justification for those seminars founded.

And this is only a missing persons problem! said Dawn Wow, now I know I have to go all the way with Barbara’s CI’s.

Did you get another ten names last week? asked Leo.

Yes, and I have seen each of them, and they are now on board. Still in London? asked Leo.

No, those ten were in Surrey. But Barbara gave me another ten yesterday, and they are in Kent! replied Dawn.

Is there only ten throughout Surrey? asked Gwyn.

No, that ten are only just outside the M25, but the way Barbara has said she is giving me the names, they will fan out so to speak replied Dawn do you know how she recruited them Leo?

Yes, each one of them were witness to a crime, or in a few cases were accused of a crime but were found innocent, replied Leo and she turned a few lesser criminals around and has them on her lists now.

In the near future I can see that, between the two of you, and your contacts, this country will be under constant surveillance. No-one will be able to get lost or go missing, and as for the criminals out there, they will not know how they are caught, and so crime will drop too said Frank.

Yea, with CCTV cameras and all the contacts these two will have, there should not be a place for anyone to hide said Gwyn.

Just imagine, we could go on holiday for a fortnight and when we come back, have no new cases to resolve remarked Frank.

And that would make my life so much easier said Dick’s voice from the speakers. Leo, I must ask you about this small reward you mentioned, what have you in mind?

Good morning Dick replied Leo I was thinking that if we get one or both of those people found, by one of the security firms, I will personally give that firm or firms two I-pad’s and two digital cameras each.

If that should be the case said Dick I will make sure that every other security firm knows about it, and in the future will also be rewarded in the same way, if they help us in similar ways. And that will come out of the police budget.

That could become very costly Dick said Gwyn.

Not nearly as costly as you think Gwyn mate replied Dick you see Ken and I have been in contact with the manufacturers of the two items in question, and they have both agreed to lower their prices if a code word is given by the purchaser, to inform them that the purchaser is either with the police or with a security firm here in Britain. Ken explained about their sales raising exponentially because of Leo’ seminars, and what we are proposing for the force.

You and Ken are copying a leaf from Gwyn’s play book it seems said Frank.

Yes but we did not try to do so like Gwyn said Dick we are police officers after all. You heard that we are off to Truro this afternoon, I presume? said Leo.

Yes, a good idea replied Dick and from there, when you have finalised that case, onwards to Swansea, where there is another case for you to look into, if the police there haven’t solved it by then. I’m sending you the details now. And Leo, congratulations on the seminars, they were a big, and I mean, big hit. The contact line for all those people hasn’t stopped ringing all week, and is still doing so now. It would seem that most, if not all of them are on board, well done.

Thank you Dick, most appreciated, but I could not have done it without my team, and all the support that I had said Leo.

The files on the Swansea case just came in Leo! said Gwyn it’s a doosy by the looks of it.

Leo looked at the screen as Gwyn put the files up there. Contact the other four, please, get them to pack a bigger bag, we may be away for a week at least said Leo Computer, print five copies of this file please.

The printer started and Frank added paper to the tray. Why five copies Leo? asked Dawn.

Because we can all read them through whilst being driven from Truro to Swansea replied Leo.

But with the ear pieces in, only one of us needs to read out what’s on the file, Leo said Dawn.

True, but I like to read them a couple of times as you know. Computer, cancel the request for five copies and only print two please.

First request cancelled, second request completed in five, four, three, two, one. There you are Chief Superintendent, two copies printed said the voice of the computer.

Leo who had picked up his receiver said I am ringing Alison. Dawn said Ok, I have called Rachael and I will now ring Susan! No need Dawn, I have rung her already said Frank.

And I got Sarah, so we are all done! said Gwyn.

Alison, Leo, pack a bigger bag we may be away for at least a week, if that’s Ok with you and Jim. If not I can have you bought home sooner.

Putting the phone down Leo turned to Dawn and said Alison is with us until we come back, unless she hears from the two girls that she is needed sooner.

Good it keeps the team in-tact replied Dawn.

We will eat locally today, I need a few extra things in my bag, what about you others? asked Leo.

I can grab a few things from home when I take Gwyn home, and he can grab what he will need then! said Dawn.

I’ll pick up a few extra things at the same time you do Leo said Frank. Now is there anything we have forgotten asked Leo.

No, I don’t think so said Gwyn the calendar is clear this week apart from court cases, and we are not involved in them.

I’ll pop down stairs and tell Sean that we won’t be here for a week or more, you three get everything ready to take. Oh what is that? asked Leo as an alarm sounded on the office computer.

That should be the pictures from DI Brown! said Frank. Ok put them up please Gwyn said Leo.

Ten shots of the corpses neck and shoulders came on the screen. Gwyn then put each picture on the screen separately and blew them up to actual size.

There said Frank as the second one came on the screen that is a definite knot, tied not tangled, this is a murder!

I had no doubt about it being a murder Frank, now look at the knots from every angle please people said Leo I want to know your thoughts please.

I would hazard a guess that that knot is a rather elaborate slip knot, and then it has been tied off, when at its tightest, so that it does not slip loose said Dawn.

I think I have seen a knot like that before, but I can’t remember where or when! said Gwyn.

I know someone that knows more about knots than any boy scout you can think of said Frank and picking up his receiver, I’ll call him and see what he says.

Five minutes later putting the phone down Frank said Tony says that without seeing it for himself, he can’t be sure, but it sounds like it could be a knot that the American OSS used in the last world war.

That’s it exclaimed Gwyn I saw a documentary on the OSS activities in the war, and that knot was used to kill Germans in France and Italy. You slip the noose over the head and pull it tight, then tie it off. The victim is killed but he has no chance to scream. And just to make sure, the victim is left with it round his throat.

So either someone that watched that same documentary, or was taught how to tie that knot and use it, is our culprit! said Dawn.

From the documentary that I saw, I don’t think you could learn how to tie that knot replied Gwyn it is too complicated to just see it and then be able to tie it. A good deal of it is tied before the noose is put in place.

I was just thinking the same, said Leo looking at these pictures, I just can’t fathom how the noose can be tightened or how you tie it off afterwards.

I’ll blow a few of these pictures up a little said Gwyn we may get a clue from a bigger picture!

Good boy said Leo make two copies of each please!

And if you can think of the name of that documentary, I’d like to see it! said Frank.

Well you’re in luck Frank! replied Gwyn I recorded it, so when I pick up my extra bits, I’ll grab the DVD.

I’m now going to speak with Sean said Leo, and he got up and walked out of the office.

I must say Leo looks a lot better than before he left to do the seminars! said Dawn but I don’t understand why he never went to the James’?

He did go, replied Frank he went directly after Fridays seminar, but I think I should leave it to him, to tell you why he didn’t stay. He arrived home about one this morning.

Did Helana come back with him? asked Gwyn.

No, she is staying the full week, I believe! replied Frank. Trouble in paradise? said Gwyn.

Not by the way Leo looks today! exclaimed Dawn.

It will do you no good to speculate, and I do not know the ins and outs of it, so don’t think I’ll tell you. Leo spoke to Philip this morning when he got home, but I went back to bed, as it seemed they wanted a little privacy said Frank.

Well seeing as he looks a lot better than before, I suggest we wait to find out from him, like Frank said said Gwyn.

He’s got to say something soon, or I’m going to ask him outright! said Dawn.

He will probably tell us tonight over dinner in the hotel, we will all be together and not talking about work said Frank.

Right then said Dawn I have a few appointments to cancel, so I’m going into the small office to make calls and e-mail some people. Dawn got up and walked into the small office.

Philip first and then her CI’s remarked Frank.

I’ve been thinking about them, remarked Gwyn do you think many of her CI s will be on Leo’s list of contacts from the security and CCTV firms?

Yea, probably a few here and there replied Frank but if so Dawn will have a greater pull than Leo, as she will know them personally.

Leo came back into the office as Gwyn was putting the pictures into a file folder. Following Leo into the office was a uniformed inspector from the station. Gwyn, lay those prints out on the coffee tables please, Harry, sit there on the sofa, look at the photo’s and Frank will get you a coffee, please Frank! said Leo

As Gwyn laid out the pictures Harry looked at them, and then picked one up, looked closer, and then looking up said This is most definitely the knot in question, but as to the tier, he has to have practised this a number of times to get it right. There were an awful lot who practised this knot but never mastered it, I being one of them sir!

Not sir, Harry, Leo, remember replied Leo as Frank put a coffee down in front of Harry.

Thank you Frank said Harry this plastic cord would make the job easier than what we had to practice with in the old days. It is slipperier you see, when we were being trained some of the guys used to put a little grease on the hemp cords we used, but even then it did not always slip as easy as it should. And apart from that the instructors told us not too because we could be trying to do this in wet conditions, so the grease would work against us.

Tell me said Frank How did you tie the end off after the noose was tight, that is the most baffling thing?

Oh, no said Harry, you didn’t have to tie it, you would never get enough play from around the neck, to make another knot replied Harry The cord was already tied with two slipping parts, and then a knot tied in it about where you see what you believe is a second knot. When you got the cord tight around the neck, you pulled the other slip knot to fasten the cord by trapping the big knot! The knot comes through the slip knot in the noose, then you pull the other end of the cord and it fastens the cord by trapping the knot, you see.

Not really no! said Leo.

Wait, have you a piece of paper and a pencil? asked Harry.

Gwyn passed Harry these, and Harry drew a crude line in the form of a noose with another loop about half way round, then added a scribble to represent the knot in the cord. He then looked at the three faces that were watching and said Now you put the noose around the victims neck, pull tight on the main noose, until the knot in the cord passes through the other slipping loop, you pull that loop tight and wall ah, you have the victim, if not dead already, dying of strangulation, and the cord is so tight that there is no way to release it or cut it without taking most of the victims neck with it. And whatever they pull to release it just makes it all the tighter, you see?

Now I do, yes said Frank. Me too said Gwyn.

I can’t say I do, but if these two do, that’s good enough for me Harry. Sit there and drink your coffee said Leo by the way where is Dawn?

In the small office, contacting all the people she was to meet this week, to inform them the meetings would have to be put back! replied Frank Thanks Harry, you have cleared that little problem up for me at least.

Leo walked over to the window of the small office and attracted Dawn’s attention, signalled that he wanted a word, and Dawn indicated that he should come in. Putting her phone down Dawn asked Can I do something for you Leo?

When you are finished with what you are doing Leo replied I would like you to try and understand the knot, Harry out there has explained it to us three indicating Frank, Gwyn and himself, but if you could get a grip on it, it may just help us, you see!

I have two more calls to make, if I could just do that, I’ll be all yours! replied Dawn.

Very well, I know you are calling to cancel your appointments for the week. Leo went back to his desk, and putting his hands behind his head, leaned back and shut his eyes.

In the early days of the SAS, they were taught to use this same configuration of knot. But to their honour they never used it to kill. They used it to restrain captives, feet and hands. Now of cause they use the plastic ties said Harry.

Then there are a good number of ex SAS men that would know how to tie and use this knot? queried Leo.

Why yes, I believe they even teach them today, just in case replied Harry but the use of the plastic ties and cuffs have meant that the knot in rope or plastic cord is not called for you see!

Thank you Harry, you have been most helpful, sit and finish your coffee! said Leo Frank, get hold of some cord like that used on our victim, there’s a hardware shop just along the high street. Pick up three metres of it if you can. Gwyn, use your talents and get me and Dawn an appointment with the commander at Hereford for this afternoon. We will detour there on the way down to Truro.

Chapter 2

The whole team were packed and ready to leave, after a good lunch in an Italian restaurant near Leo’s house. The team all met back in the station car park and left from there with Leo leading, Dawn behind and the mobile office bringing up the rear. They joined the M4 a little after two in the afternoon, it was raining and the traffic was light. They made good time to Hereford and were shown where to park inside the gates. A land rover appeared as they were getting out of the vehicles to stretch their legs. An MP jumped from the land rover and said Chief Superintendent Mason, and Chief Inspector Grange, you will come with us. You others are to stay here, and please do not attempt to leave this car park for any reason!!

Sergeant, my team may wish to use your facilities, we have come a long way, you understand! said Leo.

I do sir, but you see if any one of them move from here, they stand a better than good chance of being shot by the guards. I’m afraid that is standard orders. I will tell one of my men to come back and escort any of your people to the facilities that wish to go said the sergeant but they must be escorted!

Good enough sergeant! replied Leo as he and Dawn got into the land rover.

Leo and Dawn were escorted to an office in a building on the grounds, where they met with Brigadier Hammond the group commander. Leo asked about the knot and was informed that it was still being taught, but that it was now never used, and would probably never be again.

After a few more questions that Leo got the answers he expected, he asked Are there any names of ex SAS soldiers that you can think of, that may not be as honest as you would like.

Well frankly you would be in a better position to find out that information than I, Chief Superintendent! replied the brigadier.

I don’t think so Brigadier said Leo you keep better records than even we do, and it would be quicker for you to give me that information than it would be for me to get it through channels!

I see you know your trade Chief Superintendent said the Brigadier I will get the information you requested! raising from his chair the Brigadier went to the door and spoke with the Colonel sitting outside. Then coming back in said Now all formalities over, my colonel will furnish you with the information you require, can I order you both a cup of tea?

That would be nice, but could you make mine a coffee please replied Leo Dawn tea or coffee?

Oh, tea I think, thank you Brigadier said Dawn. Hammond picked up the phone on the desk and requested two coffees and a tea brought in.

Can I be a pain asked Leo I would very much like for your instructor to show me how to tie this particular knot, would that be possible do you think?

When you have had your drinks I will take you to see him myself! replied Hammond He is taking a group at present, through another exercise, but he will be finished in about ten minutes. Now I have something to ask you both. What the heck is sea cut and how does it fit in with the police force?

My team is called C for Charlie C for Charlie, U, uniform, T, Tango. This stands for Case Clear up Team said Leo my team sort out UN-solved cases, and help other police with hard cases.

And your team can do this, why is that? asked Hammond.

Because the team I have, have unique abilities and state of the art equipment, plus we work as a team, thinking alike and communicating everything all along the way replied Leo.

Also the team consists of more than just police officers remarked Dawn. Oh, and in what way do these civilians help you? Hammond queried.

We have one man that shall we say, can use a computer to its limitations, replied Leo and researchers that know the law back to front and sideways. With this team Dawn and I can get into things that would take other officers months of work and endless paperwork to do. Let me be quite frank here, if I had wanted too, I could have pulled the information out of your files without informing you, and if I am correct in my thinking, you would never have discovered that we had done so! But I am of the opinion that, coming to you and asking politely was the best way. And if you had refused to give me the information, our IT director would have got it for us before we reached Truro, I assure you.

I doubt that, our security is top notch! exclaimed Hammond.

Our man would look at it and say „useless’ then show you how easy it could be breached said Leo.

Hacked, is the right word Leo remarked Dawn.

Yes, sorry replied Leo these new terms are somewhat harder to remember!

Don’t hold me too it but I think you are way out on a limb there! exclaimed Hammond. Gwyn, send Brigadier Hammond an E-mail please! said Leo.

Who is Gwyn, and how are you communicating with him? Look at your screen, and find out! said Dawn.

Brigadier Hammond looked down at his computer screen and said "I’m afraid that I have not logged on yet, so it will not show--------

Before he could finish what he was saying, his screen lit up and went through to his in box for mail.

Gwyn had written „Chief Superintendent Mason has in his ear, as all of C-Cut do, an ear piece that is better than even your comms, and your so called fire wall on your systems is useless.’

This is unbelievable exclaimed Hammond.

That took my IT director less than a minute! exclaimed Leo "Now, if you would like a better deterrent, if you ask Gwyn nicely by replying to his E-Mail, I’m sure he would find time to instruct your IT guys in how to go about it.

Hammond replied to Gwyn’s E-Mail, there and then while Dawn and Leo drank the drinks.

The three of them left the office, collecting a sheaf of papers from the colonel as they passed him. Hammond led them to what could only be described as a gym. There he introduced Leo and Dawn to a sergeant major Derek Jenks. Jenks instructed both Leo and Dawn how to fashion the knot, and then using the Brigadier, he showed them how to pull the ends of the cord, in order to secure the Brigadiers hands and feet. Then after letting the Brigadier loose, he told them all how it could be used to kill, explaining that he never told any of his students this. But of cause, they may have easily worked that out for themselves said Jenks. After this both Leo and Dawn were given more instruction and a few minutes later Dawn could fashion the knots and tie both hands and feet of Jenks. Leo took a good deal longer to learn but eventually did as well as any other novice.

Twenty minutes later the C-Cut team were loading up ready to leave the base. Having given Gwyn the papers that the colonel had produced, Leo asked Gwyn, get us all the details on these men, up to the present day, could you please.

I’ll have it on your laptop before we reach Truro Leo! replied Gwyn getting in the car. It had ceased raining but it was getting darker, the rain clouds were still overhead.

On the way from Hereford to Truro, Susan read out the files on the case, so that everybody could hear. Leo asked Did DI Brown even see the body before taking the pictures to-day, I wonder?

Are you thinking he may be another Cooper, Leo? asked Dawn.

No Brown is only a DI, but he may have just been waiting for the PM and identification, before proceeding! replied Leo.

The team arrived at Truro police station just before half past six. After parking up and finding somewhere to put the mobile office, Leo walked into the station and asked the desk sergeant DI Brown please, Chief Superintendent Mason of C-Cut to see him, and also the station Superintendent, as a courtesy.

DI Brown left at five as usual sir, but I will tell the Superintendent you are here replied the sergeant as he picked up the phone.

Two minutes later Leo was shown into the Superintendents office. As Leo walked in the Superintendent stood up and proffered his hand saying Superintendent Wilson, or just Peter to you, chief Superintendent.

Then you should call me Leo, Peter replied Leo shaking the hand Peter proffered, I was hoping to meet with your DI Brown, but I hear he left at five!

Yes, the shift changes at five replied Peter.

Well we, that is the C-Cut team, are here to help Brown out with a murder case! said Leo.

Well we are not sure it is a murder yet, it could have just been a fatal accident replied Peter.

No, it was a murder said Leo Strangulation by plastic cord tied around the throat! You’re sure it was tied?

Oh yes most certainly! exclaimed Leo. And you found this out, how? asked Peter.

I ordered Brown to take pictures of the victim’s neck this morning, and then send me those pictures by E-Mail. These pictures when blown up, quite clearly depict a rather elaborate knot, that in no way could be an accidental tangle.

Chief Superintendent Mason, you do not have the authority, to order my officers, to take pictures of any sort, that should have been done through me! exclaimed Peter.

If that is your only comment about this matter, I must inform you that I have another case to look into, and will leave you and your incompetent officers to sort out this mess for themselves, but before I leave this office I wish you to converse with someone. Ken are you listening?

Yes, I am listening, Leo, tell that twit to pick up his phone on the first ring, or suffer more than a telephone call from me! exclaimed Ken.

The Commissioner wishes you to pick up the phone on the first ring, or suffer more than a call from him! exclaimed Leo to Peter. As he finished saying this the phone on Peter’s desk rang. Peter looked at it with amazement written all over his face and then picked it up saying "Superintendent Wilson of----

Stop talking and listen carefully Wilson said Ken’s voice. Leo heard this through his ear piece. This is police Commissioner Kenneth Smyth-Jones, and Chief Superintendent Mason there with you now has my complete backing, and anything he says you will take as coming from me, do you understand? I will be talking to you again soon Superintendent, but in the meantime take your orders from Leo. Now Leo, if you have any trouble down there with men such as Wilson, let me know right away.

Wilson looked at Leo and said Now I understand, if there is anything I can do for you, you only have to ask. But can I just ask you something first?

Ok. I know what you are going to ask, and the answer is this and Leo pointed to his earpiece. This is one of many, and the Commissioner is also wearing one of them, they are two way communication devices! He has heard everything you or I have said in here this evening!

Well I never! exclaimed Peter Now what would you like me to do Chief Superintendent!

Stop calling me that, my name is Leo, and whilst it is just us here, that is what I would prefer. Now as I see no way of proceeding this evening, could you direct me to one of the best hotels near here with rooms for me and my team, there are eight of us by the way!

I will ring the Warren hotel and see if they can accommodate you all said Peter as he picked up his phone. A few minutes later Peter put down the receiver and said They have rooms for you if a couple of you can share twin rooms.

That will do nicely, now where is the Warren and can I commandeer a vehicle please?

The hotel is just three blocks down the road, do you still need a car, and only one? asked Peter.

Ok, but yes, we need one more car for our luggage and my team! replied Leo. Ten minutes later Leo and the team were on their way to the hotel.

After booking in and getting the luggage up to the rooms, the team met back in the dining room for the evening meal.

Sitting waiting for the dinner to arrive after ordering, Leo called the waiter and ordered a couple of bottles of wine, „by name and date’.

Sipping the wine first, Leo said Not bad, now we have a lot to talk about. You are no doubt wondering why I am here with you, and not in Wales with Lana. Well, you see when we got there on Friday evening we had a meal with Thomas and Beth, then we two went to the other house to go to bed. Lana went into her room after using the shower, and then I used the shower and went to my room to go to bed. I changed into my pyjama’s and got into bed, turned out the light and was about to nod off to sleep when the door opened and Lana came over to my bed. She pulled the covers back and got into bed with me. She did not wait for me to ask why she was in my bed with me, she just started to kiss me and hug me tightly. Now you can work out for yourselves just what that led too, suffice it to say, we were still there together in the morning. Nothing was said between us about it on Saturday, but again on Saturday night the same thing happened, with the same consequences. So on Sunday morning I broached the subject with her, and to cut a long story short, we have become engaged, I have left her there so that we can both think about this, and so that I could tell Philip, and get his thoughts on it. But I must also buy a ring, just in case Lana agrees to become my wife, after thinking it over for a week. Leo looked up and saw seven smiling faces.

That’s wonderful Leo, Congratulations said Dawn. Yes, congratulations Leo said the others in unison.

The plates were being put in front of them and Gwyn said to the waiter putting his plate down My good man we need two bottles of the very best champagne you have, and flutes to drink it, and indicating Leo carried on My friend here has just told us he has got engaged.

The waiter looked at Leo and said Congratulations sir, may you be very happy!

We must have a proper engagement party, when we get back home said Gwyn And I will host it at my house.

And you must have a holiday from work Leo said Dawn and stay with Lana then. I don’t know about that replied Leo Work may pile up!

That will not stop you, I will have words with both Dick and Ken, and make sure you get at least a week off said Dawn.

You are all jumping the gun said Leo after all Lana may not agree, after a week to think about it!

Don’t be such a pessimist, of cause she will say yes said Susan after all it was her that came to you, not the other way round!

Helga told me the other week that Lana was rather taken with you Leo said Rachael it seems you made her feel as though she was special. That’s how Lana explained it to Helga!

But what about you Leo, are you in love with Lana asked Frank.

I’m not sure really said Leo I only know that having her on my arm, or in them, makes me happier than I have been for a long time. I love her, but I’m not sure I’m in love with her, if you know what I mean.

I know what you mean Leo said Alison but I can tell you this, being away from her for seven days, you will know when you next see her. And the same will go for her feelings for you!

I know I’m missing her now, but I can’t believe that I will feel the same, this time next week replied Leo.

We will see! said Rachael.

Here’s the champers, let’s just drink a toast to Leo and Lana said Gwyn I have a feeling in my waters that they are going to make a great couple. By the way Leo, what does Philip think of you two getting hitched?

Well, it seems he expected it, and is pleased for us both replied Leo he was not in the least surprised.

The champagne was poured and the rest of the team toasted Leo and Lana.

I wonder what Helga will say about this turn of events asked Susan and young Harriet. I have a suspicion that they will both be over the moon when they hear.

I should think they know by now! said Sarah Lana would have rung Helga before Leo got on the train, I bet.

Ok, now can we change the subject please? asked Leo. Oh no, we need some details! exclaimed Gwyn.

When hell freezes over, then you will get details, not before! replied Leo Now change the subject, and while you are at it, eat some of the food in front of you. You girls have hardly touched it.

Ok said Dawn loading her fork that subject is closed, now I want to ask you lot, especially you Gwyn, how on earth did you manage that trick with the faces of the people at the seminars? If I hadn’t been on the stage with Leo, I would have said that he must have known every person there by name.

Neat wasn’t it replied Gwyn but impossible without all the help we had. You see, as everyone came into the lobby, one of our helpers sat them in front of their computer, as they sat there one of us took their picture, whilst asking them details of who they were and what they were employed as. That information was recorded along with their photograph. Then as each one stood up to make a comment or ask a question, I or George put all the information on the screen along with the picture. These girls indicating Rachael, Alison and Sarah helped me get all the information that you saw on the screen.

I’ll tell you said Alison I was most amused, at the same time as shocked when I saw the first one last Monday morning, but not half as shocked as the first person on the screen. You should have seen his face, when Leo said „Yes Mr Denton, what is your question?’ the man could not speak for a few moments, and as he was sitting near the back, only a few rows from the back, he could not see Leo that well, and obviously thought that Leo could not see him well enough, to identify him.

I saw his face too said Frank and I’ll bet he has a few more lines on his forehead now, his frown doubled I’m sure. It was so funny to watch all of those that stood up and spoke.

The same thing happened at every seminar said Alison Jim could not stop laughing about it, all week. He would get into the hotel room and start, straight off. He said most of those people will wonder their whole lives, how it was that Leo knew so much about them, and how he could identify them, seeing as he had never met them before.

The bit I really liked was I think the second seminar said Frank This woman stood up and asked „How do you suppose we can afford these new pieces of equipment for our employees’. Leo looked at her and said Miss Lyons, or would you prefer me to call you Mrs Pope, I believe you should think along the lines of how well your operatives can work without them, and if your firm will suffer and how much, without the backing of the police and the SIA.’ And the woman sat down screaming that no-one knew she was divorced, and the man with her said „I didn’t know, so don’t look at me like that’."

Yea, that was funny, but I liked it when we showed the mobile office on the big screen behind Leo said Gwyn one bloke shouted out something to the effect of, I hope we aren’t expected to have one of those at each site’.

What happened after that? asked Dawn.

Leo looked at the Guy and said „no Robert, this is our mobile office, it is parked outside if any of you are really interested to have a better look, but you could be here all day and all night, if all of you wish to see it, in the flesh as it were. Be content to just see the film please.’

You should have seen his face turn red, when Leo said that said Alison.

By what I saw, when I came up to see it, you had nothing to worry about the speaking part of it all Leo said Dawn.

Oh, you were not there at the first one said Leo I froze when I saw all the seats full, and more being provided by the staff of the place.

When Leo stood up to speak that first time said Gwyn Frank had to prompt him from his notes. But as soon as he started to speak and that Mr Denton stood up and asked a question, Leo came into his own. From then on it was plain sailing all the way. And he carried everyone else that spoke from the stage, including Frank and I.

I just remembered advice someone gave me before, I didn’t look at the faces, I looked above them and visualised only a few people sitting there! said Leo the screen behind them became my focal point, throughout each seminar.

Do you know asked Alison Sarah has the figures of the attendance.

Yes I do said Sarah You spoke to over two thousand five hundred people, over all five seminars Leo.

That many, oh my goodness replied Leo I hope they all could hear me clearly.

We made sure of that Leo, you could be heard outside each of the venues, said Gwyn we used Dolby surround sound speakers, and they were staggered in volume so that the people at the back could hear you just as well as those sitting at the front.

How was it that I could hear the ones sitting at the back just as clearly as if they were sitting next to me, that is what startled me? asked Leo.

Yea, how’d you manage that Gwyn? asked Dawn.

We placed microphones on chair arms at the end of every other row, and I turned each one on, at the same time I put the information about the speaker on the screen. Oh, and I also recorded what was said, and not only by the one that was speaking, I also got rather a lot of good remarks, by a lot of people that didn’t get up to speak.

You never seem to stop amazing me! said Leo by the way, Dick told me today, that the phones dedicated to getting the calls from those that attended the seminars, have not stopped ringing, and all of them were to affirm that those firms would be doing as we suggested.

We heard Leo, we were all wearing the earpieces said Susan tapping her ear. Oh goodness, you are not wearing them now, tonight are you?

No Leo we all took them out as soon as we got to the hotel said Dawn.

Looking around Leo saw that they had all finished the food, he asked Pudding or coffee people?

Oh coffee I think replied Dawn. Everyone agreed with this. Gwyn waved to the waiter and said Could you bring me a small cup of coffee please.

As the waiter walked away to get this Frank said We are all going to have coffee Gwyn, you selfish so-an-so.

I know, but wait and see what I get said Gwyn.

A small cup of coffee was put in front of Gwyn a few moments later. Gwyn said Thank you, could you just wait a moment please?

Yes sir, as you wish replied the waiter.

Gwyn sipped the coffee and then said I must be blunt I’m afraid, this so called coffee is atrocious, please could you bring us all cups and saucers, and some jugs of hot water, and some milk please, my friends and I will make our own.

The waiter looked shocked and went back to the kitchen. A few minutes later a well dressed man came to the table and asked Did you not approve of the coffee we serve sir addressing Leo.

Well my friend over there indicating Gwyn tried what your waiter called coffee, and said that it was atrocious, so asked if we could make our own.

Well ladies and gents, I would be glad to make you a coffee that is to your approval but I’m afraid that I only have the one type replied the man.

Then take this bag of coffee into your kitchen and make our coffees from it said Gwyn handing the man a small bag and make yourself one at the same time and bring it back here to drink please.

The man took the bag and left the table.

Was that really necessary Gwyn asked Frank or are you just pitching a sale?

You did not try that coffee I was given, would you like to? replied Gwyn with a smile, handing the cup across to Frank.

Frank took a sip, then putting his hand over his mouth, swallowed hard, then picked up his glass that had a little wine left in it, and swallowed that. You were right, that was awful, I would have sent it back also.

Two waiters appeared and put cups and saucers on the table, then took away the dinner plates. The well dressed man came back with another waiter. They were both carrying coffee pots. The waiter put the pot down and then proceeded to put the coffee from one of them into the cups, starting with the ladies. The well dressed man did the same with one of the pots he had brought to the table. As he finished this Frank stood up and grabbing a chair belonging to another table and placing it next to his own, that he had moved towards Susan’s, said Please sir sit to sample the coffee!

Thank you very much said the man by the way, I am the manager of this hotel, and you are all my guests, so please do not feel you have to invite me to sit.

No, you sit please said Leo and when you are comfortable, taste the coffee we have found to be the best we have ever tasted!

The man sat, and as he saw a couple of the others drinking, he sipped his coffee. My word, this is a very superior blend. I must just say that I have not had a coffee in here since the first time I tried it. I will most certainly try to get some of this brand, but there was nothing written on the bag you gave me. What make is it, and where can I get some, also how expensive is it.

I do believe you will find your guests, not only compliment you on this, if you do start to serve it here, but also some of them will ask just those same questions! exclaimed Leo.

Oh, I’m definitely going to start serving this, but may have to put the prices up a good deal, this is far better, and therefore far dearer than the brand we use at present said the man.

Tell me something asked Gwyn is the coffee in the rooms, the same brand you serve down here?

Yes sir, it comes to us in two ways replied the man the little sachets that we put in the rooms, and large bags that we use in the kitchen, why?

It’s just that now we know, we won’t use the rubbish you have in the rooms replied Gwyn we’ll use our own. Now I will let you keep the remainder of the bag you took into your kitchen, under the condition that we are served that in the morning, and not the rubbish you have been using. Then later tomorrow morning, I will bring you a large bag of our brand, and a card that will tell you where to ring to purchase more. But I’m sorry, it will not be available in the sachets, well not for a while at least.

Then I will get some small jars with screw tops to put in the rooms replied the man I am so impressed with this coffee. I just hope that I can get some of it before too long!

Have another cup please Mr said Leo.

Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t even introduce myself replied the man I’m Drew Kingly, and as I said, I’m the manager here. And as Leo poured Mr Kingly another cup he said I am a police officer, as are Frank sitting the other side of you, and the young lady opposite you across the table. We are visiting here with the rest of our team, in order to solve a murder case here in Truro!

I’ve not heard of any murders here about lately said Kingly or is it the man found on the beach at Gerrans Bay?

That could be the one, although even we are not sure yet, about anything! replied Leo.

Tell me said Dawn we seem to be a good distance from the sea here, so where is this Gerrans bay?

Yes, you are correct replied Kingly Gerrans bay is about six miles south, south east, of here, but to get there it’s more like sixteen miles by road, I fear.

Dawn, you are breaking the first rule of „when socialising’ Leo admonished. Sorry, yes I must not speak of any aspects of the case Dawn explained to Kingly. My fault, really said Leo I started it, I apologize.

I see, said Kingly "so to get away from that subject,