Gangs and Drugs

By Terry Penny

After a restful holiday in America, CS Mason of C-Cut is thrown into work-related things, but is also kept busy with the team's other many projects. Yet he sets up even more projects as well as being tasked with a major gun shootout in Birmingham. Whilst the C-Cut team works cases, CS Mason starts to discipline officers of all ranks that are rude,

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Vine Press
• Release date: Nov 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959450351

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 1

On the Monday after returning from his holiday in America, Leo Mason, Chief Superintendent in charge of C-Cut, met his first team as usual, at eight am and held a Chinese court.

Well, now we are all comfortable, and have these coffees, how about filling me in on things? asked Leo.

As you can see Leo, all the team are here replied Chief Inspector Dawn Grange at present we do not have any cases to work on, but I suspect that will change now that Frank and Kevin have now returned to the fold, after getting two gun runners put away in Essex. For the rest of what we have been doing, you have all the reports on your laptop.

I’m happy to hear all that said Leo But we do have a case to look into. I went to the Yard on Friday and saw Dick personally. He has given us a murder case in London to look into.

That must be the report that arrived just moments before we sat down here this morning, then! said Gwyn Michel the IT director of the team I have not had time to look at my laptop yet though.

As soon as we finish these coffees, we will look at that report said Leo I have time to read all the other stuff afterwards, as I have been keeping abreast of it all, and I must just say well done everyone for all you have done whilst I have been away.

On another tack, the foundry have emptied two and nearly emptied a third of the containers we have sent them said Sarah, one of the three researchers.

Alison another of the researchers said And on to another thing, the amount raised for the new Lab equipment, after this weekend, stands at nine million four hundred thousand five hundred pounds and change. Also there are more competitions than ever scheduled for next weekend and onward for the next two months. And more arranged for after that!

I too have some good news, said Frank Mills the DC of the team the garage has completed the repairs and restoration of the limousine, and are this evening going to start on the Hearse.

Also keeping it good news said Rachael the senior researcher all the criminals you knew we had put behind bars, before you went away, have all been to court and all received maximum sentencing.

Very good replied Leo now what have you to tell me Kevin?

Tom Warren passed his sergeants exam only last Thursday replied Kevin the uniformed sergeant of the team plus Heather Mercier up in Morecambe rang on Friday to say she is happy to say that she is taking her sergeants exam later this week.

Susan, you have news too and I hope that is good too? asked Leo.

Yes I have replied Susan, Leo’s PA Andrea Frost has moved to Rochdale to be near Kyle, and has taken a position in the station there as temporary filing clerk, until after the baby is born, and then hopes to work there full time as PA to the superintendent. Also I have arranged to have all the people for the new lab meet with you, next week on Wednesday, along with Heather and the builder, this meeting will take place at Twickenham rugby ground. Oh and Helga has got the girls that will be decorating the lab and hotel to be there also.

Staying with good news said Leo Duncan and Mrs Tinder flew back home last Monday, and I’m glad to inform you all, Duncan will regain all mobility in his arm again. It will take a month or two, but as of leaving the hospital there in New York, he could not only move his fingers and wrist, but also lift his arm slightly. He will be under a team of therapists arranged by Dick with the welfare people.

Mrs Tinder sent us a card from New York, thanking all of us for what we did for Duncan said Susan.

Right, if there is no other news, I suggest we get to work said Leo.

Oh, there’s lots more news, but we can tell you later said Dawn.

Gwyn, put up that report from Dick said Leo as he collected some crockery and took it to the kitchen area. Susan followed Leo with more of the cups. You look a million times more relaxed Leo said Susan.

Lana made me have steam bathes and saunas, plus massages for four days straight. And she took my I pad away so I could not see what all of you were doing. We swam every day we were there, the last five days in the sea. I feel one hundred per cent better than I did before I left here replied Leo.

Walking back to his desk Leo saw the report on the big screen.

Dawn said Gwyn, can you get us the PM report please?

Why the Pm report Dawn? asked Leo It looks like one shot to the head killed him?

I have a feeling there is something these detectives missed out of their report, that’s all replied Dawn.

The report came on the screen. There said Dawn the victim had Heroine in his system, and lots of it by my reckoning!

Total background check on the victim please Rachael said Leo.

A minute later the screen changed and the victims details came on there alongside the other reports.

So, not only did he take drugs, he also sold them said Leo good call Dawn!

May I chuck a theory out there? asked Kevin.

Yes, that is why you are here, after all said Dawn.

Then, if our Victim, Tyrone Simms, was selling drugs, maybe his habit got the better of him and he skimmed some off the top of what his supplier gave him. His supplier found out and executed him for it said Kevin.

It’s happened before replied Leo so is feasible, but Simms would have to have been doing so for some time, to make his supplier kill him for it.

I think Kevin has at least given us an avenue to investigate said Dawn.

True, so get all reports of Simms arrests and questionings please Rachael said Leo Frank, the officer that wrote the report on the murder, here tomorrow morning without fail!

I’m going to call Peter Novac, he’s still investigating the drugs trade in London, is he not?Said Dawn.

Call him and see if he can give us a heads up on Simms supplier replied Leo.

What should the rest of us do, Leo? asked Frank.

We have not finished with the gun crime yet, there are still more out there replied Leo and reading his kindle notes went on and I have three names for you to look into regarding the selling of firearms. The first is one Andrew Salford of Nottingham, the second one is Gerald Robinson of Liverpool, and the third is John Wigan of Cardiff. Full background checks on those three please.

Where did these names come from Leo? asked Frank.

My own sources was all Leo replied.

Andrew Salford has a few minors on his record but nothing to infer weapons of any sort, Leo said Gwyn.

Well I am led to believe he is selling pistols, real ones that kill people replied Leo so keep checking into him please.

Gerald Robinson has two convictions for GBH and is suspected of furnishing a gun for one Derek Baldwin. Baldwin was convicted of killing Martin Green back last April, but would not admit where he got the weapon from. All avenues were checked, but none led to Robinson. In fact they could not place the two together in one place at the same time said Frank.

Word in the underworld is that if you require a gun, and you are anywhere near Liverpool, you need to contact Robinson, so Gwyn, when you have the Salford life in print, do the same for Mr Robinson please.

John Wigan has a long record of crimes escalating from shoplifting at the age of ten, slowly getting worse until four years ago when he was arrested and charged with malicious wounding, but he only got two years because of mitigating circumstances. It seems that his victim provoked him into the fight said Kevin.

Frank, are we three still being protected? asked Leo indicating Dawn Frank and himself.

Yes, you were kept under close protection all the way from the airport last Thursday morning replied Frank.

The screen lit up with the calendar for the week. Ah, there, we have nothing on this week so we have time to arrange some things. Ladies, two of you make coffees please.

Peter has Tyrone Simms buying drugs from more than one supplier Leo said Dawn as she moved over to sit on the sofa next to Alison. Simms it seems was sourcing his drugs from different contacts, one type of drug from one man and others from other suppliers. He had been in possession of a legal amount of marijuana, for his own use, on two occasions. But previously had been convicted of having Cocaine, he got only two years for that because the amount was not high.

And does Peter know or suspect who these suppliers are? asked Leo.

Yes, he gave me two names he was confident about, and another that he has suspicions about, but he can’t prove any one of them replied Dawn.

Names to Alison and Sarah, you two research those names thoroughly and have the reports on the screen tomorrow morning said Leo if you get stuck have Gwyn help you out. Now let’s enjoy this coffee, shall we.

Susan put coffees on the table, then passed them out to everybody. Rachael put a plate of biscuits on the table as everyone sat down around the tables. And as these two sat, Frank asked Are we now investigating more than one crime then Leo?

No, not as a rule, but there are still guns on our streets replied Leo so until we can go no further with that problem, we keep finding the sellers, and putting them away. As for this murder, and any other major crime, we look into them as and when we can!

After the posters went up in the stations throughout the country, Dick had the TV do a piece on it in the news as well as talk shows said Sarah.

That was the Thursday before last said Rachael and it has been repeated twice since, on the news.

It has had the desired effect, Leo said Alison gun crime is steadily falling, not fast but it’s falling.

Yes, it seems that the --- should I say random, shootings are right down said Susan only those attributed to gangs are similar to what they were. Here in London and in Manchester, those are the same it seems, but everywhere else even those have fallen off.

Ken is going to arrange a week in March to have an amnesty on all weapons said Rachael where these weapons can be left in libraries and recreation centres.

That would better be left until April, to my mind replied Leo.

We have one container going into the foundry today, and that is only half full said Gwyn the fire arms division have another load nearly ready, and Stephen has a container on it’s way to Hereford now.

This is all good news said Leo but what of the foundry, are they still running at capacity?

At present, but they are stocking the metal until things slow right down replied Gwyn then they will separate the different metals, use the steel to fashion the things like sinks, toilets and water tanks, then use the other metals for the bed frames and table legs, things of that nature.

Oh and your friend Brigadier Hammond has said that he has arranged for two container loads of de-commissioned weapons to go to the foundry said Susan these are old forces weapons that have been stored somewhere until they could find a way of getting rid of them.

So the foundry will not be short of work for some time then said Leo.

If everybody follows my plan, then the foundry will still be running in two years, if not three! said Gwyn.

Oh, and what is this plan of yours? asked Frank.

The weapons containers will stop going there after Stephen has sent his replied Gwyn then when that one has been emptied, the foundry will start separating the metals and producing the hardware for the emergency containers. This will go on until they get low on the metals, then the Army ones will be sent in there, and possibly more from the police stock.

That is good thinking Gwyn said Leo "now though we have other things to do, if you have all finished your coffees!

The team got down to work. Leo walked out the door.

At five minutes to one Leo came back into the office. Ok team, get your coats on, we are off to lunch.

At one fifteen the team entered the Chinese restaurant in Richmond, where they saw Philip (Leo’s son) and Inspector Graham Swinger sitting at a long table awaiting them.

Everybody said their greetings and sat down to a good meal. As was usual there was no shop talk over the meal. Graham asked about the holiday in America, and Leo told them about parts of it.

So you did not like New York then Leo? asked Susan.

Not in the least, too many people by far, and police sirens going off continually replied Leo at one time when Lana and I were looking in the store windows, we heard shots, and then sirens so close that I pushed Lana into the nearest store, just so we could hear each other speak. The very next day we were headed for the west coast, and only too happy to leave New York.

And did you find San Francisco any better? asked Philip.

A little quieter, and we saw less people replied Leo but put that down to staying with your boss, he lives outside the actual city!

A little later they left the restaurant and apart from Philip headed back to the office.

When they were all seated in the office Leo said Graham, I have asked you to come here as I need your advice, Gwyn, you and Graham, follow me into the small office please.

The three went into the small office and Leo closed the door. He sat behind the desk and said Ear pieces off please and turned his off. As they did this Sean Davies the station Chief Superintendent walked in the door to the main office. Good afternoon all said Sean I see Leo is in the Small office, so I will see you all later. Sean walked into the small office.

Leo told Sean to turn off his ear piece also. The four sat there for over an hour before all coming out again.

Leo told everyone to stop what they were doing and to arrange the seating for a Chinese court. Then said Now everybody, turn off your ear pieces please. Coffee biscuits and cake please, then we will have a little chat. Leo, Susan and Dawn made the coffees and prepared the biscuits and cake.

They were all seated around the coffee tables that had all the refreshments on them.

We are going to have this little chat, because whilst relaxing in the states, I had a sudden realisation. As you are all aware, when we celebrate the success of a case, we invite all those that had a part in it. Well, I suddenly realised that we, meaning I, never invited four individuals that have been helping with all the tower block raids. These four individuals are not police officers, so were totally overlooked, by everyone, not just me! Gwyn has apologised for his lack of realisation in this matter, now that I have informed him of it. You see, the four persons I speak of are the four friends of Gwyn’s that controlled the drones that flew over those tower blocks and gave us vital information on the targets.

Leo took a sip of his coffee and looked from one to the other of all those sitting there with him, then said In order to put this oversight right, I intend to invite the four of them to a celebration dinner. Now I have been told by Philip that the La Cabana is closed for another month, whilst their premisses is being extended. So, Susan, you will book a table for Sunday evening in the restaurant we have just had our lunch. You need to wrangle a table or tables for more than twenty persons, I think to start with, twenty eight, at my reckoning.

Here Leo drank the rest of his coffee, and took a bite of a biscuit.

Now to the reason you are all sitting here, listening to this. When laying on the beach in Florida, I also considered how I thought those little drones could be of use again. And this is what I came up with, and with a little help from Gwyn and Graham, we should be able to implement. I will ask one of the four, that Gwyn tells me is at present out of work, to come here and take up a desk in the other large office. He will be here for next week only, but may be here again soon after. I am going to ask him to help Gwyn set up a unit come special squad to run a drone unit out of this station. Sean has said that they can occupy two small rooms on the third floor that are empty at present.

Leo stopped and looked at them all then asked Any Questions?

Are you intending to do this without Ken or Dick knowing anything about it? asked Dawn.

For one month only, yes replied Leo you see it may not work, so no harm done. But if it turns out that it is useful on a day to day basis, then that is when we will inform them.

And to that end, you are getting the equipment for these trials, and footing the bill? queried Frank.

Only partially, you see Graham is donating a laptop and a big screen replied Leo he has a used laptop that has been serviced and updated, and he has said how he would like to pay for a big screen for this project. Sean has said he will pay half towards the operators pay for up to two months. And three of the officers from down stairs have volunteered to work on it in their spare time, although they know nothing of what they will be doing as yet.

What about all the rest of the equipment? asked Kevin.

I will be paying for the actual drone, but Gwyn has offered to pay for the camera replied Leo.

But you will need other equipment as well as these things? asked Susan.

Yes, there will be other things we must get, and the fuel and spares for the drone replied Leo.

Then I will put some money towards this whole scheme! said Dawn.

As will I said Frank.

Hold on just a minute! said Leo firstly, you all have to agree to me arranging all of this?

That Leo, Is a foregone conclusion! said Rachael and I will also help with the money needed.

We all will, I believe, is that not so Sarah, Kevin? said Alison. Sarah nodded her agreement.

Too true replied Kevin I see a unit such as that being a great help to the police in the future!

Good, if you all agree, then I will get the ball rolling said Leo.

I will call the four and invite them for Sunday evening then said Gwyn.

I will have the office’s cleaned and decorated, before Monday said Sean.

Gwyn, have the four check with each other and decide between them the best drone on the market, money no object said Leo today Gwyn, I need to buy one before Monday.

I will have the Screen and laptop here tomorrow for you Gwyn said Graham so that you can let us know what else we have to get hold of.

Now, put the ear pieces back on, before the phone starts ringing said Dawn and if you have all finished the drinks I will make us all a fresh one, seeing as mine has gone cold.

Not for me Dawn said Sean I have work to do, and office’s to arrange, thank you all the same. See you good people on Sunday if not before. Sean left the office.

Gwyn moved over to his desk and made calls. Leo sat at his desk and made one call.

As Dawn put a cup of coffee in front of Leo the office phone rang. C-Cut office, Susan speaking, how may I help pause Oh, sorry Dick, our fault entirely, we asked Leo about his holiday, and didn’t want you or Ken bothered listening, in case you thought we were not doing any work. Pause Oh, well never mind we are all fine, thank you for the concern. Bye then.

That was Dick, he was concerned because he could not hear any of us speaking! said Susan.

I knew one of them would call! said Leo.

Chapter 2

Tuesday morning started with the C-Cut team all assembled around the coffee tables in a Chinese court. Leo started by saying Now firstly, what do we have on the three gun runners?

We have everything there is known about each one of them replied Alison but there is not much about them we did not know yesterday, I’m afraid.

A list Susan, all the senior officers we know in those three areas please said Leo now how about the murder here in London?

I obtained a picture of the victim said Dawn Frank and Kevin are going to get the CCTV footage from the scene of crime, then work backwards to see if we can get a shot of his killer or killers.

Good Idea said Leo but I fear there will be no CCTV cameras where we need them to have been.

We are looking to find as many as we can near the site in each direction said Kevin I have two from the street just off the road where the site is, and Frank has one actually in that road, as well as two on a street in the other direction, to the ones I have.

Yes, I’m going to start with the one in the actual road, but it is in one direction only! said Frank.

You two keep watching those films. Start twenty minutes before the victims death said Dawn he had no other bad wounds so he was not tortured before he was shot."

Make that thirty minutes before said Leo the amount of stuff in his system says they may have used that on him before the bullet. Then watch them again for twenty minutes after his time of death, you may catch them leaving the scene.

There are no other cameras in that vicinity for a half mile said Gwyn I checked again earlier.

What time did you tell the detective to get here Frank? asked Leo.

If he is on time, he will be here in about half an hour replied Frank I told him eight thirty.

Then that is twenty minutes said Leo looking at his watch not thirty. Let’s see if we can find something in that time. Put a map of Woolwich and surrounding area on the big screen please Rachael.

Leo, that would have been in Leeks neck of the woods? said Dawn.

You are right Dawn replied Leo so it would have been one of his outlets, but it looks like it has now been split up. This Tyrone Simms got drugs from different men, that would not have been the case had Leeks gang been around.

Then we may have three or even more new drug barons working the East end said Kevin.

You could be right Kevin said Dawn.

And if you are right, we have a bigger problem finding them said Frank for they might not be affiliated, or even know one another.

It is more likely that they do know each other, and have split the drugs rather than the patch said Leo in that way they would each sell a different drug, but still work the same patch as Leeks had his hold on.

Are there any of Leeks associates left out of prison? asked Dawn someone we didn’t get for one reason or another?

Two, a Mr Tony Jackman, and a Mr Simon Priest, both were questioned but nothing could be pinned on them said Susan looking in the file on her laptop. Jackman was out of the country at the time of the shooting at Philip Long, and Priest had a clean record and could not be linked to Leeks directly.

Complete files on these two said Leo let’s get to work now!

Everyone moved to their desks. The first thing to come on the screen was a map of Woolwich and surrounding areas. As Leo looked at this map an arrow pointer came on it in the centre. That is the murder site said Rachael.

Leo got up and walked to Rachael’s desk. He stood behind her and pointed at the map and said Fill in this area in a separate colour, please Rachael. He then moved his finger around the map to show the area he meant. Now enlarge that area until that is all you have on there. There, that is Leeks old ground. Leo moved back to his own desk. Now where is that detective. By the way, what is his name and rank, Frank?

Detective sergeant Martin Church, Leo replied Frank as there was a knock on the door followed by Sergeant Needham showing a man into the office DS Church to see you Chief Superintendent said Needham.

Thank you Sergeant, we were expecting him, sorry we forgot to inform you, you may get back down to your desk said Leo. Church come in and take a seat there and Leo pointed to the sofa. Computer, Simms case file on big screen please said Leo Church, that is your report, now tell me, what is wrong with that report?

I can’t see anything wrong Chief Superintendent. In fact because it is a new report form, there is more information on there than there would have been previously, sir replied Church.

By that confession, you make it clear that this report is more comprehensive than you would normally write. And that is because you ran foul of a little additive to the computer in your station, is that not so Church? asked Leo.

It is sir, you see when I typed in that a weapon was used, a message came on the screen asking for details of the weapon and bullet. the computer would not let me finish the report without putting these details in, and I had to get the information before I could finish it replied Church.

Do you have any objection to the computer programme making you do that? asked Leo.

Not really sir, I can see that in some cases it would be useful to have that sort of information there replied Church.

There Gwyn, your little trick is working, Church, see the young man in the plaid shirt, well he put that little message in the system, and made it impossible to mention any weapon on a report and not fill out all the details said Leo "Now to the report again, you say you are unable to see anything wrong with it. Well, let me tell you what I see wrong with it. Number one, You have your name on there, but where is your rank and number? MISSING! Number two, I see no mention of SOCO or the lead Scene of crime officers name even. Thirdly, there is no reference to the PM report not even a number. And the final item missing from your report is, and I am most upset about this one, No follow up report mentioned, no names of other officers involved and also no mention of the senior officer you passed this report to in your squad."

I was never instructed to put these things in my reports sir replied Church.

Well, in future, put everything in your reports! said Leo and that is not a general instruction Church, that is a direct order from me to you. Now, I will inform you, why you should do all this. Computer, put up any report written by any member of C-Cut please.

One of Dawn’s reports came on the screen. Now, Church, read that and tell me your thoughts please.

Church read Dawn’s report and then said Sir, this report is the most comprehensive report I have ever seen, but if we all wrote reports like this, there would be no time to investigate crimes.

Church, you were told to bring your note book with you, pass it to DC Mills Leo pointed to Frank. Church gave Frank a note book. Frank read through it and said Chief Superintendent, there is nothing more in here than is in DS Church’s official report. No names or numbers, and not even a sketch of the scene.

Just as I imagined said Leo Now here is the crux of this interview Church! Leo got up from his desk chair and sat next to Church on the sofa. As he sat his alarm sounded. That is break time said Leo as he switched his alarm off. Church, I will now start to use your first name, Martin. Martin, in this office we stop for a break, we do not work and drink at the same time. Therefore, Dawn and Frank will make us all a cup of coffee. Dawn is Chief Inspector Grange by the way, and Frank is DC Mills, the man that took your note book. These others now sitting here are Susan Sharp my PA, Rachael Smith our lead researcher, Alison Summers there is another researcher and also the same applies to Sarah Morris there, and the last ones are Gwyn Mitchel the IT director, and last but by no means least is Sergeant Kevin Healey our uniformed man. I am known in this office as Leo, unless a suspect is present. So Martin, use our first names from now on, OK?

Is it right that you stop everything to have a break, I’ve never seen that before? asked Martin.

Yes, you see we find it beneficial, as when we restart we are refreshed and more alert replied Susan saying that though, if we are on a case that requires a lot of work, then we have been known to have no breaks, not even for lunch or dinner.

Sometimes not even sleep said Gwyn.

Enough shop talk! said Leo Gwyn did you find out what I need to get for what we discussed yesterday?

Oh yes, I will show you at lunch time replied Gwyn.

And the cost? asked Leo.

Four hundred and fifty pounds replied Gwyn.

Then you will tell me where I have to go to get one.

No need, I ordered Two, plus some spares replied Gwyn they will be here tomorrow.

Then I must give you the money for them said Leo remind me at lunch time and I will pop into the bank.

As she put coffees on the table Dawn asked Gwyn, did you work out what other equipment is needed?

Yes, Colin and I had a conference call last evening, and with the others, we got a list written up, Sarah has it, and will show you all at lunch time replied Gwyn.

Graham, are you having lunch with us today, and if so your suggestion for a venue please? asked Leo.

The voice of Graham came on the speakers as well as through the ear pieces I had better have lunch with you all, and I will bring the things I promised for the project. As for the venue, the Italian at the end of our road would be good.

Italian it is then, see you there my friend.

You all have those little ear pieces in, why is that when you are mostly all here in the same office? asked Martin.

You are not wearing one because you have been summoned here today, but do you not wear it when in your office asked Frank.

No, only when out on the job replied Martin. not any use in the office after all.

Mistake, you see we sometimes have someone contact us via the ear pieces rather than by phone said Susan.

Oh I never thought of that replied Martin I’ll relay that to all our squad.

Ok, now drink up, we have work to do said Leo.

They all drank their coffee and then Leo said Martin, I am now going to explain why every little detail should be in your reports. You have the new equipment in your station I know, because that report is in a style that we all use. Use that equipment to the fullest and you will save yourself time, and not only yourself but others too. You see, after reading your report, Dawn had Gwyn get the PM report, but it took him a couple of minutes longer than if you had put the number on your report, because he had to look it up by the victims name, then find the lab that did the PM. Do you see now, why each small detail would save time, you yourself would have had the same time lapse if you needed to get that PM report, but if it were in your report you would have the information there in front of you. The same goes for the SOCO team and their findings. Frank and Kevin are at present looking at footage from CCTV cameras in the area, these too should have been noted in your report. It took my team time to find these cameras, SOCO probably had that information but it was not available to us because you never had any information regarding SOCO or CCTV cameras. From the PM report we established a time of death so that we could watch the footage from before and after that time, in order to hopefully see who committed the deed. We also found out that Simms had a quantity of drugs in his system, a larger quantity than normally found, so a theory emerged from that, that he was using drugs that he had skimmed off of his dealers, pretending to be selling more than he was. This led Kevin to suspect the dealers or at least one of them to be responsible for the killing. Leo Looked at Martin and seeing as Martin was taking notes went on This led to Dawn getting his file from the drugs squad, which in turn led to us to knowing that Simms obtained different drugs from different dealers. Onward, this led to us believing that the area the Leeks gang were prevalent in, is now split between three or four suppliers, each selling a different drug. Now maybe, you see why it was important to complete your report to a standard that any officer of whatever rank, could and should have been able to draw the same conclusions my team have come to. What do you say to that?

Firstly let me just apologise for my lack of understanding replied Martin I see now that I should have put a lot more in that report and also others before it. I can only say I will do my utmost to fill out any further reports to a higher standard than I have done before. If I may I would like to have a copy of the report that you showed me that was submitted by Dawn, so that I can refer to it in the future. And once again, I’m sorry Sir.

Computer, print out DCI Grange’s report, leaving out references and names please said Leo You will have that copy Martin, but please learn how to do it quickly, make your notes just as comprehensive. And here is a little extra tip, when handing off a prisoner or any sort of evidence or report to another officer, of any rank mind, take a note of that officers name and number, and also what you hand over to them with a time and date. In this way you may just save your career. Keep not just good, but excellent records of everything you do and say.

I will do as you say Leo, it sounds like very good advice replied Martin.

Another piece of advice Martin said Gwyn carry and use a small digital camera with you at all times. You will be surprised at how handy it will be, and not only for work.

I have the top of the range mobile phone, so when I think, I use the camera in that said Martin.

Good, but not good enough, get a good digital camera, a small one, and use that. The benefits will out-way the inconvenience and the cost, I assure you said Gwyn.

Oh, I must tell you all something interesting said Leo Ken, Dick I hope you two are listening. When I and Lana were away, I spoke to a police officer in Florida and whilst talking to him, it was out on the street by the way, we were just chatting. Anyway I happened to mention the tablets we have with all the pictures on. After this he asked who could change all the pictures and I told him to see his photographic department. Anyway he contacted me a couple of days after and told me that he had explained what I had said to his captain, and the two of them had been to see someone in the photographic department, and then had agreed that the two of them would buy a tablet and have that department put the same sort of pictures on them, then if they worked, the three of them were going to ask the top policeman to authorise a statewide programme, so that every policeman has one!

Good for you Leo said the voice of Ken Gwyn, how about you and I do the same with those in France and Germany, and also Interpol.

That should bring the price of them down, replied Gwyn but saying that, I will buy some shares for the Lab fund, if you let Liz know Ken.

Who was that, and what is this lab fund thing? asked Martin.

I will get one of the team to update you at lunch said Leo.

Oh, I have just realised, you are THE C-Cut team exclaimed Martin I thought I knew the name from somewhere. My goodness, It’s your team Leo, this team here, oh my goodness, what an honour to be here with you all!

Oh shut up! said Leo "we don’t need these praises, we only do our jobs."

"But--but---

Stop before Leo throws you out of the station head first said Kevin he hates the attention almost as much as he hates bent policemen, remember Murphy!

Now shall we get back to what we were doing said Leo abruptly Martin, working as you do in the east end, I hope you knew of Leeks and his gang, and more to the point, the area he had a tight control of, when it came to drugs, prostitution and protection rackets. That area is, computer the highlighted map of the east end of London, on the screen please, here.

The map came on the screen. See, now here is that area as I know it. Do you know any different?

That is the area as I understand it replied Martin I do know a couple of his clubs in that area, and one of them is no more than two miles from the crime scene.

I think I know the club you mean, said Leo Susan get Sean to recommend one of his armed officers for undercover work, for us to have seconded to us for a week please.

Leo looked again at the map and then said Computer, the records of the three people DCI Grange gave to Alison and Sarah, on the big screen please.

Three reports came on the screen side by side.

Now here are three names we acquired from the drugs squad said Leo Ah now I know one of them, Raymond Driscol, known associate of Leeks, and his record shows he has been arrested before for distributing heroine, out only fifteen months now. I had him in once for GBH, he’s a nasty piece of work, and I would not for one second, put this murder past him.

Then there is Patrick Doonan, said Dawn and I know of him. It says there that he was questioned in conjunction with a similar murder three years ago. So we should look further into his life. I know he has been charged with drug offences, but there is nothing on this report about it.

Another one down to Murphy no doubt! said Leo Look into that please Gwyn, and finally Dennis Griffiths. He it seems has no record, but Gwyn check that out along with Doonan please.

I have three men nearing the crime scene twenty minutes before time of death, Leo said Kevin and it looks like one of them is drunk or stoned on drugs. Bother, I have no good shot of any of them. Too far away and they were weary of the camera I think.

Back it up a bit and see if you can see where they first come into view said Frank then we will check on one of the other films to see if we can see them or a vehicle they may be getting out of.

The office phone rang, answering it Susan said C-Cut office, ah Sean pause Oh ok see you in a minute. then putting the phone down said to Leo Sean will be here as soon as he can get up the stairs, Leo.

Leo picked up his mobile phone and pressed a couple of buttons to make a call. Karen, it’s Leo, could you spare an hour to change a face for me? pause OK, that will do fine, thank you. I’ll see you then, bye for now. pressing a few more buttons after disconnecting from that call, Leo made another DS Callen please, it’s DCS Mason calling pause Jim, any chance I can second July Sanders for an operation pause Oh, then ask her to be here this afternoon about four please. Leo said goodbye and put the phone down.

As Leo put the phone down Sean walked in the door with a young man dressed smartly in a suit. Good Morning all, this is DS Ryan Andrews, some of you have no doubt seen him about the station.

Ryan walked in the door Good morning all, Leo, you need to have words with me I believe?

Yes, if you can be spared for a time that is replied Leo Meet DS Martin Church from Woolwich, Martin, this is CS Sean Davies, the station Chief Superintendent, and DS Ryan Andrews as Sean informed you.

You have Ryan for as long as you need him said Sean apart from that is, Two days, that he has to be in court the week after next.

Hopefully we will only need you for this week, Ryan said Leo sit down here, Sean I will let you get back to your own work, and thank you for this!

Sean left the office. Ryan sat with Martin as Leo got up saying Read the report on the screen then I will outline what you are to do for us.

Ryan and Martin read the report together from the sofa. Whilst they were doing this Leo went over to Frank and asked quietly Have you found what you were looking for?

No Leo replied Frank Kevin is looking at another cameras film, but this one I have has nothing on it, apart from a lady of the night picking up a punter.

Leo walked over to stand behind Kevin and asked Anything there Kevin?

No Leo, we know the time they should be there but there is no sighting of them on this film, and the other films are not going to show them, as they are from the wrong end of the road, I’m afraid.

Leo! said Gwyn I have two men leaving that club, that could be two of those men, they seem to be dressed the same, and Susan has said one of them is the same height and build as one of the suspects holding onto Simms. These two left the club just twenty minutes before they were caught on Kevin’s film.

See if you can get us a good picture of either of them, please Gwyn! asked Leo.

I recognise one of those men Leo, it’s Barry Williams, AKA the muscle said Dawn I don’t need a picture to see that, he was held in connection with a GBH last January. John and I questioned him, and I will never forget that man, his nose is the only one that looks like he fell on it and it never regained its shape. It’s flat to his face and always will be. He talks like he is under water all the time, or in a very deep cave somewhere near but not that close.

I too know Williams said Martin that man is built like a brick outhouse, to put it politely. Suspected of more than three bad, bad beatings, one of which resulted in death. But he could not be charged as there was no evidence, and he always had an alibi.

"Rachael--- started Leo.

Will come on the screen as soon as these two officers have finished reading what’s on there now replied Rachael.

I have read the report thanks Rachael said Ryan.

The record of Williams came on the big screen. It showed the things Dawn and Martin had said but there were three other cases that were on there. One was a conviction in 98’ for GBH, another in 96’ for taking part in a bare knuckle fight, arranged as an underground match where people paid to see it. Thirdly he had been charged with affray in 1995, but had got off due to no witnesses willing to testify. He was only twenty at that time.

Leo’s alarm went off. OK folks, that is lunch time, lets be on our way all of you.

Picking up their coats the team were heading for the door. Come on you two said Gwyn to Martin and Ryan Lunch is Italian. You two can come in my car with Sarah and I

Three cars pulled up at the restaurant and as they got out of them, they saw Graham pulling in to park directly outside the restaurant windows.

All twelve entered the restaurant together, sat at two tables that were close together and then Dawn introduced Graham to Martin and Ryan. After five minutes it had been decided that Leo would order for all of them. When the waiter left them Leo said Now, there is one rule we always stick too, no shop talk. Someone start telling Martin what he wants to know.

Sarah has given Martin the general facts said Gwyn but he needs telling how the team came to be!

Dawn started to inform Martin of this and then Frank filled in some details before Susan told him the rest. This was all done over the meal, which everyone enjoyed. Martin sat there enthralled whilst eating, then asked How many years have you all been working with each other?

Not years, the team of Leo, Gwyn and myself started only six months ago replied Dawn.

But it is said that your team have put away more than eight hundred criminals of all types said Martin no way you could have done that in such a short time.

But, I can assure you that is correct said Gwyn.

Now let us all get back to work, we have a case to clear up said Leo.

Yes, and we must keep up the hundred per cent record of clear up’s said Susan.

As they all walked out of the restaurant Graham said Gwyn, Frank and you Kevin, come over to my car and collect some stuff to take back with you please.

Frank put a long flat box in Leo’s car. Kevin put two laptop boxes in Dawns car and Gwyn put two large boxes in his car before they went back to the station, where they unloaded all of these things, and took them up to the other large office.

May I ask what all that equipment is for? asked Martin.

None of your business Martin, forget you even saw it said Leo sternly Gwyn equip Martin and Ryan with ear pieces please.

Oh goodness I forgot said Alison as she lifted a package from out of her bag, and passed it over to Gwyn Here Gwyn, twenty more ear pieces. Jim over supplied this last month, and Philip told him to send them to you. Sorry!

Is Jim doing Ok Alison? asked Leo.

Yes, marvellously now thank you Leo replied Alison and his girls have been doing well with the English lessons too.

That reminds me, Susan arrange a convenient time over the next few days for Helga and I to meet please said Leo No wait, I will get in touch with her, remind me when we have our break.

Leo, the films are not showing anything relevant now said Frank.

Now there is something said Leo Martin, in your station, is there a spare office, if not do you know of an office nearby that we can procure for a week or two?

Space is tight in the station Leo replied Martin but there is a small suit of offices up for rent in a nearby block, that I know of. But it is on the sixth floor, does that matter?

Not at all, the higher the better I would think said Leo is that right Gwyn?

I don’t think it matters that much, as long as there is access to the roof! replied Gwyn.

There are only eight floors in that block, so you should be able to get on the roof said Martin but why would you need to?

Again, until you need to know, you won’t be told said Leo.

A knock on the door heralded two uniformed officers coming in, carrying boxes. Sorry Chief Superintendent, but these things have arrived for your team, may we put them down please.

No! said Gwyn Follow me into the other offices with them please. Gwyn led the two officers back out the door.

Leo looked at Frank and said Frank, we need a small inconspicuous van I believe, see to that would you, now.

Frank pulled out his mobile and pressed a couple of buttons. Adam, Frank, get hold of a small van, something white, no markings pause tomorrow would be good but if you have one ready by Thursday that would be OK pause good man I’ll see you Thursday then, about lunch time? pause Great, oh I know it’s short notice, but can you line the back in soft material please pause that would be marvellous thank you mate. Frank put the phone back in his pocket and said Thursday lunch time Leo.

Very good, now Gwyn, get your man here ASAP please said Leo today if possible, but tomorrow morning for definite.

Gwyn picked up the phone on his desk and made a call. Five minutes later Gwyn said He will be here before five, but it may be nearer five than four, he has a way to come.

Good, you and I will wait even if he is later replied Leo.

What have you in mind Leo? asked Dawn the same as the raids?

Yes, and it will track Ryan as well, so July will not be losing him either replied Leo before saying Sean, if you are listening, meet me on the stairs please, I’m on my way down.

Leo walked out the door.

Frank went over to Dawn and whispered What a test, we may have that little unit before we know it. Dawn nodded.

Leo walked in the door five minutes later holding his own ear piece, and signalled everyone to take theirs out and turn them off. When they had all done this Leo said Computer turn off all communication on this floor please. Now all of you follow me. Leo lead everybody out of the main office and into the other large office.

When they were all assembled in the large office Leo said DS Church, DS Andrews, I am ordering you now, you will not mention anything said or seen or even smelt in this office here, you will not make any reference to it in any way, to anybody at all. Is that completely understood? If you do you will put all of the C-Cut team in boiling water, and most probably out of the force. Now do you want to know what I have to say?

I understand and if you are willing to tell me, I will be only to happy to comply with your order sir! said Ryan.

And I too will comply with it sir! said Martin.

All these boxes and equipment you see here is for a special project C-Cut are setting up said Leo not one penny of the tax payers money has paid for any of this, and apart from Sean and Graham, no-one outside of this room knows anything about any of this, so you are now conversant with the knowledge that thirteen people in all, are the only ones that know what I am about to say.

Understood! said Martin.

Yes sir, understood said Ryan.

Ryan, I know that you helped us on at least one of the raids on the tower blocks, but what you probably didn’t know, was the fact we had outside help with those. This outside help consisted of four civilians working what are called drones, over the whole of those tower blocks. These four kept eyes in the sky as it were, and Gwyn saw what those drones filmed. So you see we were all that little bit safer because of those drones. Now to the point, these boxes here contain all, or at least I hope, all of the equipment needed to get one of these drones into the air and trialling a new unit for the force. Now we were going to set it up so that the trial would be run from this office, and then two offices on the floor below. But now if we can set it up, I intend to trial it following you Ryan, and also keeping an eye on, and filming the club in Woolwich. Ryan, you will be going into that club hopefully, and watching and listening to everything there, that is your assignment for this week, you will not only have the drone keeping track of you, but two other officers will be there, even though you will not see them. Is all of that clear to both of you?

Yes sir, perfectly replied Ryan.

I too understand it all sir replied Martin.

As Martin said this Leo’s alarm went off. That is break time, ear pieces back in before someone rings us please. Dawn you and I will make this round of coffees.

They all trooped back to the main office and turned on their ear pieces. Leo made coffee with Dawn for them all. As they sat down Susan said Leo, you need to contact Helga, remember?

Good girl, it had slipped my mind said Leo as he took his mobile out of his pocket and pressed two buttons. Ten seconds later Leo said Helga, it’s Leo, good afternoon pause yes lovely thank you, Harriet got her present then, good. Now to why I am calling pause no, I would like you to bring Harriet to stay with Lana and myself on Thursday night if that is OK, you see Lana has arranged with Frank that the whole team and you two will have breakfast with us on Friday morning pause no, completely informal, Lana is saying we should do this once a month, as it was so good last time we did it pause very well then, I will see you on Friday morning, as I will probably be working Thursday night until late. Bye for now, and give Harriet a hug for me please.

Did I hear right? said Gwyn Lana wants all of us there for breakfast on Friday?

Correct, seven in the morning replied Leo and every forth Friday morning after that, so make a date on the calendar so none of you forget.

How will you put Helga and Harriet up on Thursday night? asked Rachel.

I will tell you that said Dawn Philip now lives in the house we have bought, and has moved all but a few of his clothes to it, so Leo has Philip’s old room spare.

So will Philip be there for breakfast on Friday? asked Susan.

Oh yes, he still has his meals with us, as there is no cooker in the new house as yet said Frank.

Do you mean that Frank lives with you, your wife and son, Leo? asked Martin.

Yes Frank Lives with me said Leo but Lana and I are not married yet. And Philip, my son has bought and paid for a house that he hopes Dawn will one day share with him, as his wife.

So when are these weddings, may I ask? said Ryan.

Leo and Lana get married on the sixth of June this year replied Susan but as for Dawn and Philip, they have not set the date yet, I don’t think so anyway.

All I’m saying is, it will be this year said Dawn but Philip and I haven’t discussed it yet!

Now, you have things to do, and I’m expecting a visitor said Leo Ryan, stay here until I come back up here, then you will come with me. I will see my visitor down stairs first. Then when Ryan and I leave, you others all get home, Oh Martin, you had better come with Ryan and I, you didn’t drive here today I take it?

No Leo I got tube trains, as I did not know the way, or how long it might take by car replied Martin.

Then you will go back to the station in Woolwich with me, after dropping Ryan off nearby the club said Leo.

The office phone rang and Leo picked it up before Susan could. Mason pause yes sergeant, I’ll be right down, have an interview room ready for me please pause thank you.

Leo got up and walked from the office, He