Gun Crime

By Terry Penny

After receiving information on a man with a gun from a young boy that CS Mason knows, C-Cut start to investigate gun sales in Britain. This task takes time but C-Cut solve other crimes and puzzles at the same time. CS Mason also leads a major operation in London involving over a hundred police officers.  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Vine Press
• Release date: Nov 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959450740

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

Chapter 1

The New Year dawned in the C-Cut office with the whole team answering the phones. The books they had sent out as Christmas presents were the subject of these calls. On the second of January Leo Mason, Chief Superintendent of C-Cut, said Enough, if that phone rings again, and it is about the book, tell the caller we are busy, and not to call again. And every time it’s about the book, do the same. I’ve had enough thanks to last me until I’m dead and buried!

The C-Cut PA, Susan, replied I know how you feel Leo, I wish just one call was to ask us for help, even though I fear what may come of a call like that.

Right, Gwyn, See what we have on the calendar for this week please said Leo.

C-Cut has nothing on there for this week or next replied Gwen but you have two interviews on Friday, remember.

You may have to re-arrange those, I’m afraid Leo said Dick Johnson as he walked through the office door. Good morning to you all by the way.

Good morning Dick, you have something for us then? said Leo.

Yes, I have two cases that I think you may be interested in replied Dick one is a straight forward murder, but no motive, and hence no suspect. The second one is a short series of burglaries, Dawn I talked to you about the first one back in November. Now there have been three more, in the same area, and they have similarities.

Then leave them both with us said Leo I know Dawn will be wishing to clear up the burglaries, as she did not take the first one on. And the rest of us are really looking for something to do, other than answer the phones.

Don’t I even get a cup of coffee and a biscuit asked Dick.

Yes you do, sorry, I will make us all one now said Leo.

Do you know, I’m missing Barker said Rachael he at least learned how to make coffee for us all.

Oh he learned a lot more than just that said Leo I have recommended that he be returned to duty as of yesterday.

Yes he did behave differently before Christmas said Alison he became very polite, and was not having to be told to do things, he just got on and done what needed to be done.

He has a changed attitude, that I know said Frank he shook my hand with a firm grip and said ‘thank you’ before we left here Christmas eve.

So you believe he will make a better job of Superintendent than before then, Leo? asked Dick.

I know he will, and to make sure, I told him I had a spy within his ranks, and he would never know who it is replied Leo.

And do you? asked Dawn.

Sort of replied Leo there are three officers there that have my mobile on speed dial, and if he reverts to any of his old ways, they will call me.

I’m glad to hear it said Dick I have put forward three Chief Inspectors for promotion to Superintendent, but I can use them elsewhere. I was thinking I might have to use one in place of him, and another instead of Robins at Nottingham. But Sean has said that Robins has had a complete change of attitude as well, now he sees all the benefits that come from the restaurant and the uniformed officers using the new equipment alongside those in CID.

Here you are Dick, one cup of coffee just the way you like it said Leo as he gave Dick a cup and saucer.

Thank you Leo said Dick now to something other than work, how are the wedding plans coming?

Oh, they are progressing replied Leo we will be getting married on the sixth of June, and don’t worry, you will get an invite. Dear me, talking of invites, I have yet to order some.

Plenty of time for those Leo said Gwyn I’ll come round one evening and show you what are on offer out there.

Of cause you would have those covered! stated Leo.

I just want to make sure I get one! laughed Gwyn.

Don’t you worry, Lana has said this wedding is going to be like a state wedding, there will be more people there than at Posh and Beck’s wedding, whoever they are! replied Leo shrugging his shoulders.

To this the room burst into laughter. Oh Leo, you really need to keep up with the times said Dawn.

Don’t you all start said Leo I was made to watch the idiot box two days straight over Christmas, just to see a lot of idiotic things. Even the news on one channel has an Australian man giving news on financial matters, and he giggles all the time, and thinks he is funny. I found him so annoying that I switched channels as soon as I saw him.

I have also seen that buffoon and refuse to watch when he is on said Kevin.

Now here you are, biscuits for everyone said Leo as he passed around the tin. Then went back to finish serving the coffee’s.

Oh by the way Leo, Tom rang me this morning said Kevin he has put his papers in for the sergeant’s exam.

Good, he deserves to make rank said Leo from the kitchen area he might just go further if he passes this one.

He’ll pass, he was better than me at answering the questions I had said Kevin.

You have been an inspiration to a lot of officers Leo said Dick I heard from Swansea and also Chester stations that two people that worked with you and the team have put in papers for promotional exams. And their reason for applying is the same, working with C-Cut has given them the incentive.

I’m ahead of you there Dick said Susan I know of three other such officers that are going to apply for promotion. And don’t let’s forget Sean.

Maybe you should be in HR Leo, said Sarah you would be getting every officer wanting promotion

I might just put in a transfer request for that said Leo "if I have one more call to thank us for the book.

You dare said Dawn.

He can’t don’t worry said Gwyn.

Why not? asked Alison.

He has received his new contract said Gwyn as all of us have, he can no more leave C-Cut than you or I.

Ah, yes that was one Christmas present that had Jim smiling! replied Alison.

Right, now shall we get down to the cases Dick has for us? said Leo Gwyn put the murder case on the big screen please.

After reading through the file for five minutes Leo said Gwyn, do your stuff on the victim, please, we have a motiveless crime if we can’t figure out why he was murdered, it must be somewhere in his past.

Gwyn went back to his desk and started to tap on his keyboard.

Leo then said We have two bullets in the body, so how about you checking those out Frank, please, they must be in forensics by now.

I’ll get on to the detective in charge to see if he has the information back about them, and if not I’ll rush things along with forensics replied Frank.

This man was shot at close range, said Leo and he was not at home or in work at the time. Kevin, read the report again, and if you can’t find out from that, what he was doing where he was shot, search and find out if possible, please. Now Dawn, your burglaries, let’s have a look at them please.

The burglary cases came up on the screen and Dawn read through them with Leo.

Now I see the correlation said Leo all of them happened between the occupants leaving for work, and coming home. All of them sustained a broken window in the rear door, and nothing was touched but the things taken. Dawn, have you any ideas?

I am perplexed, I’m thinking there is something odd here, but I can’t say exactly what replied Dawn.

I had the same thought said Dick when I read the reports.

I too am of the same mind said Leo I need to get a little more information.

I have finished my coffee so I’ll leave you people to it, have a good day said Dick as he walked out of the office.

Dawn get onto Sergeant Fisher, and ask him for all the forensics on all of these cases please asked Leo Rachael, could you please note everything that these burglar’s took from these premises, and get me all the information on the items please?

Do you want Alison and I to do anything? asked Sarah.

Yes, look into the people that were robbed, everything you can please replied Leo.

Leo, sorry to disturb your train of thought said Gwyn but our gunshot victim has no record, that is to say he doesn’t from up until ten years ago until now. He is thirty three years old, and I can’t find a thing on him before he was twenty three.

OK, now here’s a little trick we should all remember said Leo Gwyn, get his date of birth, then go back ten years and look in the death records for a man that died in that year with the same date of birth, and a similar name. I think you will find your man that way.

You think that he would keep the date of birth the same, but take someone else’s name, that died that year, with the same date of birth as him, is that it? asked Gwyn.

Yes, you see if you take a dead man’s name, and keep the date of birth the same as yours, then you have one less thing to remember, when talking to people, or filling out forms replied Leo It may not be so, but try it just the same please.

I’ll start with deaths in the area the present birth certificate gives said Gwyn that way he may not have to have changed his accent too much, either.

Now I’m teaching you something, for a change said Leo as he went back to reading the files on the burglaries again.

Dawn put down her phone and said Fisher is sending everything about all of the cases, by e-mail, Leo.

Good, as soon as it’s in, put it up on the screen replied Leo.

The forensics have only just got the bullets from the pathologist Leo said Frank they will send us the results as soon as they have them, and I have put a feather where it tickles the most, so they should put a rush on it. All they could tell me was that it was from a nine millimetre hand gun. And as you know there must be hundreds if not thousands of them out there.

That is a most worrying thought, Frank said Susan.

Leo sorry said Kevin but the victim works from home and has no relatives and seems to be something of a recluse in the respect that no-one has ever seen him with a companion of either sex. He was shot on the opposite side of the city to where he lives, and there is nothing to say why he was there.

Very good said Leo.

Why is that very good, Leo asked Susan.

That is very good because, we have what seems a motiveless murder replied Leo yet our victim is in a place miles from where he should be, and the killer has shot him twice, the first shot may have been the one to kill him, but the killer used another to make sure. So you see we now know that there is a motive, we just have to find out what it was.

What should I be doing now? asked Kevin.

You tell me! replied Leo.

I could get hold of his telephone records if I knew how said Kevin they could lead somewhere.

Right, get on to BT and ask if he had a land line, then check up and see if he was carrying a mobile phone said Leo.

There was no mention of a mobile being found on him said Kevin.

No, but that does not mean that there wasn’t, only that it was not logged as being his said Frank Sometimes the obvious is overlooked in the reports, and now-a-days mobile phones are more obvious than change in ones pockets.

The reports from Fisher are on the screen said Dawn.

So I see replied Leo now let’s just see how thorough his forensics people really are, shall we?

They say only the occupants finger prints were found in three of the houses, and the forth one, two other friends prints were found, but that is not unusual, the burglar wore gloves. So they lead nowhere, there were no other marks left by the burglar, like foot prints or smudges around the window, in fact they are sure that there is and was nothing to be found said Dawn.

That is no more or less, than I thought there would be said Leo.

What are you saying, asked Susan is this burglar so clever as to not be seen in broad daylight, or leave a print of any sort behind. And as I see it from those reports, they even checked for fibres and dirt the burglar could have left behind.

Alison, Sarah, have you anything yet at all? asked Leo.

Not quite yet, give us a few minutes though, please said Alison.

Rachael, what do you have my dear? asked Leo.

Strange things only replied Rachael "In two of the cases three things were taken, in the others, four things were stolen. But all of them were valuable items. One watch in particular, the cheapest, was worth over two thousand pounds.

When you have the complete list, would you bring it in here please asked Dawn.

I have the complete list of goods stolen, but have three more to research the value of replied Rachael.

OK, when you have that information, bring it in here said Leo and we will all stop and have coffee, my alarm has not been re-set, and I see it is after our break time.

Susan took Leo’s mobile phone and re-set his alarms for him. Thank you Susan, I could have done it myself though said Leo I have been taking lessons from Lana and Philip, on all the things you can do with one of these mobile phones, it is really amazing.

I’ll make this coffee said Gwyn it’s been a long time since I made you all one.

Gwyn collected all the cups and saucers and took them into the kitchen area.

The victim did not have a mobile phone on him when the police got there Leo said Kevin and he did not have a land line either, which seems odd because he ran a marketing business from home.

Did the detective get his laptop from his home? asked Gwyn.

I don’t think so, I got the impression that they have not been there even replied Kevin.

Then get back onto them and have them search his home for goodness sake! said Leo.

Wait ten minutes to do that Kevin said Gwyn in fact wait until you finish this coffee.

What are you thinking Gwyn? asked Dawn.

Our victim has a mobile phone, but he doesn’t take it out of his home, because it is linked to his lap top, and in that way he need not have a land line as such replied Gwyn but if he were to take his mobile with him, he could miss an important e-mail, you see.

Why would he not have a land line though? asked Rachael as she entered the office.

Because he wants no trace of his name on the contract replied Gwyn as he put a coffee in front of Dawn, and another in front of Susan. He need not go to a lot of trouble to have a mobile connection though.

Is that really that simple asked Sarah.

Oh you would never believe how simple he could have made it replied Gwyn with the right equipment he could have used a pay as you go SIM card even, then there is no trace whatsoever.

There has to be bills to be paid surely! said Leo.

No, you just go into any local shop and top up the SIM card you have, replied Gwyn as he handed Sarah and Rachael their coffee’s If you pay with cash then there is nothing to trace.

When we finish this coffee Gwyn, would you look into the deeds of his home please said Leo.

Already did, he rents it, and if he pays cash, I’m betting he gave a false name and references to acquire it replied Gwyn I have e-mailed the owner for the details.

Wow, maybe you should have been a detective said Kevin.

Na, lousy pay and long hours quipped Gwyn I’m learning all that stuff from Leo and Dawn, not to mention Frank. And anyway, could you see me smartly dressed every day?

You have a point there I suppose! said Leo as he took a coffee from Gwyn.

I think you should have seen him in France said Dawn shorts and tee shirts, and sandals on his feet, nearly the whole time.

Stop exaggerating, I wore suits and smart shoes to the police offices there replied Gwyn.

Yes, and as soon as you left the front doors, you were back to shorts and tee shirts said Susan.

Well it was warmer there! rebuked Gwyn.

I’ll give you that, it was nice said Dawn.

How about you Leo, did you dress down whist you were there? asked Kevin.

He did, and he was nearly as bad as Gwyn, if you can believe it! said Frank.

I even donned bathing trunks at one beach we visited, and only had a towel around me for a little while said Leo.

You should have seen Graham, he was just as bad as Gwyn! said Susan.

Well, I wouldn’t go that far said Rachael Graham at least wore more than shorts and tee shirts.

Oh yea, he had on long socks and shoes said Gwyn can you just imagine that sight?

I’ll bring in the photographs I took tomorrow, and then you’ll see said Dawn.

Yes, lets all bring our photos in tomorrow said Susan that will lighten the day whatever happens.

OK, you asked for it said Frank then we’ll see some red faces, I know.

Have you printed those pictures of us girls in our bikinis? asked Rachael sharply.

Of cause, did you think I wouldn’t replied Frank.

Not fair Frank! said Dawn they were not meant to be shown around.

If Frank doesn’t show us his set, I’ll bring in mine, so there! said Gwyn.

This is one set of holiday snaps I’m looking forward to seeing said Kevin.

OK, play time over, we need to do some work now said Leo as he swallowed the last of his coffee Rachael, what have you for us please.

Unfair said Gwyn I’ve only just started my coffee.

Hard luck, now get some work done said Leo.

I have a list of items stolen from the four houses said Rachael and the rough estimate of their worth, plus what they should have been insured for.

Put it all up on the big screen please Rachael said Leo.

The list came up on the screen, and next to each item two figures. The first figure is what they are estimated to be worth today, the second figure is what they should have been insured for said Rachael.

There are just fourteen items up there, and they add up to over thirty five thousand pounds, but the insurance quotes tally forty thousand two hundred said Frank.

What is more astounding is that they are all small items in their selves, nothing big or heavy said Leo.

Most of them are jewellery or watches, apart from a carriage clock and a gold picture frame. Solid gold that is said Rachael oh and the biggest item, a silver tea caddy. But it is not the fact that it is silver that makes it so valuable, it’s that it was a rare antique piece known to have belonged to Churchill’s family, for over a hundred years.

OK, now we need to discover what insurance they did have on these items, and who the insurers were said Dawn.

Alison, Sarah, what have you on the victims of the burglaries? asked Leo.

Actually, before Rachael told us of the stolen items said Alison I would have said ordinary, for all four of the couples. But there must be something we are missing, because two of the couples both work, but in the other houses only one works at present. The first couple that were robbed have menial jobs, he is a cleaner for the bus company, National Express, she is a file clerk in the local school. Total salary’s amount to just over twenty thousand a year after taxes. Yet the things stolen from them amount to six thousand one hundred pounds.

The second couple said Sarah are not both working at present, he lost his job about a year ago and hasn’t worked since, and the wife works as a teacher’s assistant. Yet, the items stolen from them have a total value of over eight thousand five hundred pounds. Couple number three are also living on one salary only, the man earns his living as a washing machine repairman in a small factory ten miles from his home, I checked this because there is no record of them owning a car or motor cycle. So you see they too are living on a low income. And as you can see, their goods stolen, total eight thousand seven hundred pounds.

And the last couple to be burgled said Alison Both working, he is a fitter for a tyre company, and she is a hairdresser. Yet they have recently acquired a loan to buy a second car, yet it seems can’t keep up with their mortgage payment every month. Their stolen property totals ten thousand nine hundred pounds. So now with those amounts of the stolen property, I’m thinking there is nothing normal or ordinary about any of them, you see.

How much was the loan for, Alison? asked Dawn.

Five thousand pounds replied Alison.

OK, now over to you Gwyn, we need to know who was insured with what companies said Leo.

On it as you speak, and couple number one---are with Royal Halifax replied Gwyn They are to be paid seven thousand four hundred and sixty pounds.

That is what the insured sum was for, is it? asked Dawn.

Not quite, they had the total insured for eight thousand two hundred, but with depreciation and costs, they are short the rest replied Gwyn.

"Typical insurance people, they only think of depreciation, not appreciation" said Frank.

Second couple were insured by the same people, Royal Halifax said Gwyn and it seems as though their payout will be Ten thousand two hundred and twenty pounds, again with depreciation and costs taken out.

Keep going Gwyn said Leo.

Two minutes later Gwyn said Low and behold, Royal Halifax were the insurers for couple number three, they will be receiving eight thousand two hundred and thirty pounds.

Number four is going to be the most interesting! said Leo.

Why is that Leo? asked Kevin.

Because of the tea caddy, I’m willing to gamble that their insured sum is in excess of fifteen thousand pounds replied Leo if not a great deal more.

And that gamble will have paid off in spades said Gwyn raising his fists above his head in a mock salute. Royal Halifax again, and this time the insured sum was sixteen thousand five hundred pounds. They will be getting a check for fifteen grand straight.

It’s an insurance scam! stated Frank.

Yes it is, but we have a way’s to go to find out what sort of scam said Leo These people do not seem to be well off enough to afford the items stolen, in the first place!

And if they had them all along, surely they would have sold them by now! said Susan especially the couples that are living on one income.

My reasoning precisely said Dawn.

Hold up everybody! stated Gwyn each of the policies was taken out or I should say renewed, around one year ago, and these stolen items were added to the existing policy in each case. Just the stolen items nothing more nothing less, in all four cases.

Dawn, get onto Royal Halifax and get us an interview with the claims managers in these cases, a conference with all of them would be best said Leo.

Dawn got the number from Gwyn, who started to research Royal Halifax.

Five minutes later, Dawn put the phone down and said Tomorrow morning at eleven, here. And it is only one man, his name is Roland Hightower, he is the claims manager for all four, as they all reside in the same area it seems.

Then the next thing we need look at is a map of the area said Frank I’ll stick it up with flags for each house.

Two minutes later a map of part of Bradford came on the screen. The map depicted each house with a number 1 to 4.

Very good Frank, thank you said Leo I would like to show that map to this Mr Hightower tomorrow, can you print me a copy please, Frank.

The printer turned on and started to print the map before Leo had finished asking for it.

Gwyn, is there a chance you can get copies of the renewed policies please? asked Dawn.

Your wish is my command ma’am said Gwyn coming right up after the map finishes printing. Oh look here is the landlords e-mail with an attachment containing the contract for our gunshot victim’s house.

Put that up on the big screen please, Gwyn asked Leo.

The contract came on the screen. As I said Gwyn commented paid in cash and sends cash each month.

Rachael, check each of the references please, especially the private one, with a full background if you happen to find that one is legitimate asked Leo.

Sarah, could you access the police records going back say three years asked Dawn in the Bradford area, I want to check and see if there were any similar burglaries in that time frame please.

Dawn, get onto Fisher again, ask him if the---- yes, the Porter’s, had a document of any kind listing the provenance of the tea caddy, and if so have they still got it asked Leo.

Dawn picked up the phone and contacted Fisher.

Two minutes later Dawn put her hand over the mouth piece of the Phone and said Leo, Fisher says the Porter’s had a letter of Provenance, but he did not ask if they still had the letter.

Tell him---no wait, inform him he is not to contact the Porter’s, and that we will be there to see him and them, tomorrow afternoon said Leo.

Dawn told Fisher and then rang off.

A knock on the office door heralded Sean entering. Good morning all said Sean.

Good morning Sean, and what brings you to our door this morning? asked Leo as the others all said Good mornings.

Firstly, to thank you, one for the book, and secondly for the promotion, I suspect you had something to do with that also. Secondly I have a short film for you to watch, of the restaurant in Nottingham, as it was just yesterday lunch time.

Sean put his laptop on Gwyn’s desk and asked Gwyn, could you put this film up on your big screen please?

Surely, for you Sean replied Gwyn as he tapped keys on Sean’s laptop. As the film started Leo commented The place looks a thousand times better than when I saw it in person. As they watched the film Leo went on You have done one great makeover there Sean. And wait a minute, I can see at least three officers smiling, and there are some members of the public present, I can spot at least three, no four. This is marvellous, you are right to be proud Sean.

Not all my doing Leo! said Sean You and the meeting in December did a great job on those two superintendents Oh by the way, did you also get cards from that pair?

Yes, I did, and Robin’s even expressed his thanks for having you sent there, and the wonderful job you did replied Leo look it’s up on the wall by the door. Ah now there is something, that sergeant there being served, he told me he could not remember when he last felt good in work, but there he is laughing and joking by the looks of it, with an inspector no less.

When I left there that Friday, I overheard comments like ‘it won’t last’ and ‘back to the same old regime after a week, you watch’ but now it’s been three weeks and it seems to be going well said Sean.

How are they getting the public going in there, Sean asked Alison.

At present, they have been in contact with the council, as I suggested, and invite people that live alone, but that doesn’t mean they are all old, some are students even replied Sean.

Good, I only hope they keep up the good work said Dawn how about the staff in the restaurant.

The first day I was there, I called every officer there, in two groups mind, and asked them to speak to their spouses, just like I did here when we first got the restaurant going replied Sean I told them how we run ours on a tight budget, and how my officers found having their spouses working here and eating with them here. Then told them to speak with their spouses and see what they could come up with. By the third day I was there, there was a full complement of volunteers, and as here two of the wives are being paid for a few days each week, but most are not paid.

And the food? asked Susan.

All sourced locally and fresh every day replied Sean it’s easier there than here, more rural you see.

Well by this film you did a wonderful job there Sean said Leo did you tell them you were going to keep looking in to check up on them?

No, I said you would be doing that, as well as Dick replied Sean.

Just another ball to keep juggling, I suppose said Leo sarcastically, arching his eyebrows.

Don’t worry Leo said Gwyn It will be my pleasure to eves drop on the stations every now and again by accessing their cameras. With Sarah’s help when we get busy.

Are you working a case now? asked Sean I saw Dick leaving.

Two actually replied Kevin a murder without motive or suspect, and a string of burglaries that appear to be fraudulent insurance claims.

Picking up his lap top from Gwyn’s desk Sean said In that case I will leave you all to it, and thanks again, for everything.

You are most welcome, now buzz off and do your own work, and leave us to ours said Leo humorously, smiling.

That is just it said Sean I find I have very little to do, this station is running so well, I could come in and sleep here in my office, and not be disturbed once. And that is a fact.

Then get out of here before I give you some work said Leo see you in an hour for lunch, OK?

You’re on said Sean as he walked out the door.

Right, let’s recap on these two cases, said Leo the murder first I think.

The report came on the screen again.

It still seems a motiveless crime! stated Kevin.

"No, it is not motiveless, we just don’t know the motive yet!" retorted Frank.

True, but we do not even know the victims real identity yet said Dawn.

That is true said Leo Gwyn, how is that progressing?

I have not tried to uncover his true identity yet, I have been busy doing everything else.

Then you my lad, concentrate on that until you come up with the answer, said Leo and Kevin, you help him and try to learn a few sneaky tricks from him at the same time.

Kevin moved his chair over to sit beside Gwyn, then got his own laptop and put it on his lap.

We now jump to the area of the shooting said Leo a rough area I believe, is that not so Dawn?

Looking at other crimes in the area, that seems to be the case replied Dawn in the last year alone, there more than any other part of Bristol, there have been twelve muggings, three small riots, two rapes and this is the third shooting, plus a stabbing in August.

OK, pull up the other shootings, let’s see if they resemble this one in any way, please said Leo.

Two more reports came on the screen side by side. They all started to read them.

After reading both reports twice, Leo said Right, that leaves just this one unresolved, and nothing but the calibre of the weapon is even similar. Hence a new criminal and I believe we will not get a ballistics match to the other two, so new gun as well.

If only the new lab was up and running, we could have had the bullets rushed there and had the answers by now said Frank.

Let us hope that the people that have those bullets now do a good job! said Dawn.

Alison, take a look at my list of people for the new lab and check if we have a ballistics expert on it please, and if we do get me his or her particulars and contact details asked Leo.

Alison opened a file on her laptop and after scanning it quickly said Leo, you have one name under ballistics, but as of yet you have not contacted her, a Miss Veronica Staples, of Liverpool, her particulars are on your screen now.

Oh yes, it seems she was on some sort of extended tour of India, back when her name first came up, and we could not reach her said Leo I will ring her now before I forget to do so.

Leo left the office taking his mobile phone.

Frank, could you do me a favour please? asked Dawn and get me a list of all nine millimetre hand guns, including all makes and models.

I can do that, but why are you wanting it? asked Frank as he started to tap his keys on his laptop.

I’d like to research everything about them, like size and weight, colour and shape, that sort of thing replied Dawn.

I’ll make it easy for you then replied Frank I’ll give you all the known details on every one.

Thanks, that would be great replied Dawn and I can start studying them tonight, in bed.

Frank, if you go a little further with that said Gwyn you can find out how many of each were produced and also how many have been destroyed by controlled police methods. In that way you can see how many there are in the world that still exist. Take out all those belonging to the forces and police, also gun clubs and collectors, and those still unsold, and you will have a rough idea of how many are in the hands of people that should not have them!

I’ll get the information that Dawn is after then pass the rest on to Sarah, if that’s OK with you Sarah? said Frank as the printer started to run.

OK, Frank, if you just transfer the info’ to my laptop, I can work it from there, but don’t expect results anytime soon, after all guns are sold all over the world, so finding out how many illegal ones are in circulation is going to take a while, I’m afraid replied Sarah.

Hay, that was some long sentence, and not a stutter or squeak in there anywhere! said Susan you been practising with Leo again?

Never stopped replied Sarah I’m more confident now than I have ever been, and it’s all down to Leo!

What is all down to me young lady? asked Leo as he walked through the office door.

I was just saying Sarah’s speech has improved to the point she no longer stutters or squeaks replied Susan.

Only when she is confident of what she is saying said Leo ask her a question that she is not confident in answering and she will stutter, but then again that goes for about thirty per cent of the population, or if you are talking about Americans, about fifty per cent. Have you noticed that about Americans?

They do, but they shouldn’t said Dawn they have oral lessons and exams, where we do not!

True, but all the same if we did that in our schools there would be uproar, because of all the dialects and various regional words for the same things, and then like the Yorkshire thing about missing out the word ‘the’ in what they say said Frank so pupils would not have the same marks for their exams, would they.

That is also true, said Leo but being taught to speak clearly and precisely does not have to be taken to the exam stage. I was taught to read out loud in class, they just don’t seem to do that any more, unless the pupil is in a drama class, or similar. It should be made compulsory in every school.

In my school we read out loud, said Dawn but it was only things like Shakespeare and Dickens, so the words were old fashioned, and not used today.

I know, Philip had lessons like that said Leo and he would come home and read it to his mum or me, then ask what certain words meant, and try to get us to say the lines in modern language so that he could understand what was being said.

You are awfully quiet Gwyn said Dawn nothing to say on the subject?

If you want me to, I could recite from memory the whole of Macbeth, as it was first written, or in what my dad used to call proper English. You know posh speak! replied Gwyn.

Did you do your English GCE on Shakespeare or something? asked Kevin.

No, my father was a Shakespearian actor replied Gwyn and he used our family to rehearse his lines, but insisted we knew them as well as he! The great Bard himself would have not only turned in his grave, to hear how we had to speak the words just as he would have in his time, but he probably would have climbed out of his grave, had he heard the names my father called my sister and I, if we did not say it in the way my father thought it was to be said. Dickens had nothing on my dad, when it came to rehearsing his lines, Oliver Twist had it easy compared to us, I can tell you.

That must have helped you in your English lessons said Dawn.

When I attended senior school, the English teacher was a Brazilian born man said Gwyn and he could no more understand the words of either the Bard or Dickens. I got marked down on some course work, because I used old English words, and he was ignorant of them. I used to use them to annoy him you see.

Did you never want to follow in your father’s footsteps, and become an actor? asked Leo not Shakespearian, but a regular actor.

If you had a subject jammed down your throat day in and day out, about Law, would you have become a policeman? asked Gwyn.

I can see your point, yes I suppose it could end up with hating the thought of following in your father’s profession replied Leo.

My own father was a policeman said Dawn but he was also a less strict man in the house, he never once smacked me, or even raised his voice to me. My mum had to discipline me, whenever I was naughty.

I wish I had a dad like yours Dawn said Frank I and my brother received my father’s belt on numerous occasions, and my sister, who is older than me by twelve years, told me that she too had received that belt once, for being an hour late home one night, she was eighteen at the time.

There, you see said Gwyn you would have been called some nasty names, by my father, for putting yourself before your brother. You should have said ‘my brother as well as I’ and the phrase ‘ and my sister’ should have been ‘also my sister’ these things were drummed into me from the age of four, until I left home at nineteen!

Have you stopped looking for our victims real identity, Gwyn? asked Dawn.

No, I have a programme running that will tell me every male born in the area of the named man replied Gwyn and extrapolate from them the ones born on the same day. when I have those, if there are any that is, I will ask Susan to call her friend in the photographic department and see if Georgina can age the last picture of all of them, so that we come up with a shorter list, hopefully a list of only one, our man.

Now there is someone, that I could use in the new laboratory exclaimed Leo Susan when you speak to Georgina, would you ask her if she would be interested, and if so, she should bring those photographs here, instead of sending them.

I’ll certainly speak to her about it, but Georgina is still living with her parents in Clapham common, so I’m thinking she may not want to move to Leicester replied Susan.

Just a thought, but are there many CCTV cameras in Bristol asked Alison I’m wondering if our victim can be spotted on any, when he was on his way to the place where he was shot.

There is logic in that said Leo as of yet we do not know enough about our victim. Does he have a driving licence for car or motorbike, or use public transport. Alison, as it was your idea that sparked this line of reasoning, you have the task of finding out. But that can wait until after lunch, my alarm will go off in under a minute.

Are we all eating in the restaurant down stairs asked Sarah Leo, you said you would meet Sean there for lunch.

I did, but that does not mean you all have to, if you want to go somewhere else, please feel free to do so replied Leo.

We will all join you I think, but I will leave a little earlier than the rest of you, said Sarah we are nearly out of biscuits and there is no cake left, so I’m going to get some of both.

I’ll tag along with you Sarah said Dawn I need to stretch my legs, I’ve been sitting too long, these last two days.

The whole team went down to meet Sean and have lunch.

As they walked into the restaurant they spotted a large multi coloured banner across the room that read ‘THANK YOU C-CUT, FOR THE BOOK, and THE RECOGNITION. FROM ALL OF US AT HAMMERSMITH POLICE STATION. MAY YOU ENJOY A HAPPY NEW YEAR.’

People already in there started to cheer and clap until Leo put his hand up and shouted You all deserve both, now please, may C-Cut join you all in lunch please?

Everyone stopped clapping and cheering, and the team sat down with Sean and Anita.

As they sat down all four waitresses came to the table, one was carrying a tray of coffees for the team. Anita and Sean had one in front of them. As the one waitress put down the coffees in front of the team, she said Now, is it to be starters or puddings, if starters, please give your orders to Gloria and she pointed to a young woman they had not seen before.

Gwyn said OK, Gloria, I will take the soup please, whatever it is.

I to will have the soup said Susan.

I would like the pâté please, but with crackers not toast said Dawn.

I think I would like that as well please said Alison.

No starter, and no pudding for me thank you said Sarah.

Nor either for me, thank you said Leo.

Frank said I’ll take the soup please Gloria.

I’ll also have the soup please said Kevin.

I’ll leave both starter and pudding off my diet, thank you Gloria said Rachael.

And now, if you give your luncheon order to Karen and myself, we will have you all served before you know it said Mrs Simpkins as two of the waitresses left the table.

The team gave them their orders and the pair of them shuffled off to the kitchen.

I hope you didn’t arrange special treatment for us today, Sean? asked Leo.

I said nothing to anyone, except Anita to say we were having lunch with you all replied Sean.

And before you ask, I told no-one said Anita.

For a detective you are acting dim said Gwyn They knew we were going to be in here with Sean and Anita, simply because the two of them sat at this large table alone. All those here worked it out, now let me ask you Anita, when did that banner go up, was it before or after you two sat down?

As it happens it went up after we sat down replied Anita.

So, Mr Mitchell you are trying to outsmart me now, are you? said Leo.

No, some things are obvious when looked at in a different way, that’s all! replied Gwyn.

He looked at it in the way a trickster like him would said Dawn that’s all.

As she said this starters were put in front of the ladies at the table, by three waitresses.

Dawn, I don’t mean to pry or be rude, you understand, but you look tired, worn out even said Anita are you well?

As it happens, I feel almost worn out replied Dawn but I’m just a little tired is all.

And why is that, Dawn? asked Sean.

I managed to have Christmas day and Boxing day off completely replied Dawn but between then and yesterday, when we came back to work, I have had meetings, it would seem every hour or so, until late in the evenings, and early starts to get to the areas of those meetings. So you see, I am tired, because by the time I got home it was very late, or early, whichever way you look at it.

And these meetings were with your new contacts, is that right? asked Leo.

Yes, but you see they are getting further away every time now replied Dawn.

So you will not be meeting any in the week, from now on then said Susan.

I do have four to meet this coming weekend replied Dawn but no not in the week.

And how many have you on your list now, that you have met with? asked Kevin.

Two hundred and fourteen! replied Dawn.

I have a suggestion for you Dawn said Sarah If you go to a town to investigate a crime, and it looks like you are going to be there more than a couple of days, why not ask Barbara to give you the names of People in that town, to meet with. And so do both at once and not have to travel backwards and forwards.

Now that is a good idea replied Dawn I’ll most certainly do that.

The starters were then placed in front of the men at the table. Thank you ladies said Leo but please treat us as you do everyone else. You need not serve us before others that have been here longer!

Today, you are to be treated as special SC Mason said Mrs Simpkins and it has nothing to do with orders, you see all these other people in here, waiting to be served, well they insisted that they would not place their orders until you at this table had been served. So you see, until now not one of them has placed an order, but now you have food in front of you, we can take their orders.

In that case, I sincerely hope that this does not hamper you and the others too much, Mrs Simpkins replied Leo.

Oh please call me Joyce, and we don’t mind at all, it means no extra work for us said Mrs Simpkins.

As Mrs Simpkins walked back towards the kitchen, Dawn said Anita, I believe you have some good news for us, is that so?

Yes, as you know I passed the sergeants exam back in October, well Chief Superintendent Davies persuaded me to reach higher, and I have applied for the inspectors exam said Anita.

Good for you! said Leo but before you start studying up for it, take a few days off, to think it through carefully, is my advice.

Anita looked at Sean and raised her eyebrow. Leo is saying, think it through thoroughly, what it will mean in the future if you pass the inspectors exams said Sean.

Yes, you may live to regret it if you don’t said Dawn it could mean moving stations, and it will mean you don’t get to drive as much as you do now, for instance.

Oh, I hadn’t thought of those things replied Anita and I suppose I would be stuck behind a desk and not get to meet the public as much as I do now.

I have some time this afternoon said Leo we are stuck in the cases we mentioned earlier Sean, until tomorrow at least. Would you both come up and see me when you get a minute, this afternoon?

We will come with you when we leave here, after lunch replied Sean.

That would be good replied Leo now let us eat this meal, and enjoy it.

They all did.

When they got back to the office, Leo took Sean and Anita into the other large office, removed his ear piece and asked Sean to do the same.

Dawn asked Frank any news on the ballistics yet?

Frank opened his e-mail and said Yes, bad news, no matches and no prints. Good news is the bullets were fired from the same gun, and they have now ascertained that that is a nine millimetre barrette, and they think that they have a model, but until they are sure, they’re not saying.

And you Gwyn, any ID on our man yet? asked Dawn.

Possibility of two, both born on the same day as the diseased, replied Gwyn I’m sending the latest pictures of them to Georgina now.

Did you speak with Georgina Susan, like Leo asked you to? asked Kevin.

Yes, and surprisingly, she sounded enthusiastic about it replied Susan I didn’t think she had any intention of leaving her parents.

I’m glad, because that will mean Leo will be that less stressed said Sarah last evening he was fretting over a list of people he still has to find for the new lab. I didn’t know just how many people were needed there!

If it is fully manned, when operational there will be upwards of forty people with different qualifications and titles there, and then they will have assistants said Gwyn and then there are the different machine operators and technicians.

Then it is no wonder Leo is getting stressed said Alison.

You are right, maybe we could help him in some way said Susan.

I know, exclaimed Rachael I have the list of names of those he has chosen already, I will get on to each of them and ask their advice.

Good idea, Rachael said Dawn and as each of them give you a name write it down, and pass it to me. I will call them and sound them out before I think of giving their names to Leo.

I’ll go in the small office now and start on it said Rachael make an excuse for me working in there please Dawn.

Rachael left the others and went into the small office, taking her ear piece out and sitting looking at the list on her laptop. She started to make calls.

Fifteen minutes later Leo came back into the main office. Have you discovered any new information?

We now have two possible Id’s for our victim replied Dawn Gwyn has sent Georgina the latest pictures of them, and is now, I believe, researching both parties.

Yes I am said Gwyn and I think I can dismiss one of them, as at present he is in the United States, working.

We’ll wait for Georgina’s results before dismissing him entirely replied Leo what else have we got, anything on the Bullets Frank?

Yes and no replied Frank there are no matches and no prints, but they have said it was a barrette that was used, and have a model in mind, but they are not sure of that yet.

At least we have something said Leo.

And I have good news said Susan Georgina is considering your offer.

I can only hope! said Leo.

The office phone rang at this point. You know what to say if that is another thank you. said Leo.

Susan answered the phone C-Cut office, Susan speaking, how may I help? pause Ah, Liz, yes he is here, I’ll pass you over. Leo, Liz for you.

Leo picked up the receiver and said Good afternoon Liz, what can I do for you today? pause please enough, I’m going to hang up! pause Oh, OK go ahead pause wait, let me put this on speaker. Leo switched to speaker and Liz’s voice was heard to say "Good afternoon, here is some news for you all. The money being raised for the equipment for the new lab has reached very close to five million pounds. In the last week alone, two point four million has been raised, and apart from this, there is another nineteen thousand pounds in promissory notes yet to be collected from the members of the government, all parties. Just thought you would all like to know. Oh and Gwyn, this is just for you. You have to get on to the publisher of your book, there will be a run on buying it I hear. The PM has told everyone in the both houses that they should buy a copy and read it. I to, have sent a memo to every Chief Constable, to do the same. So get them to print