The Hideout

By Terry Penny

A number of criminals of all types are seemingly vanishing whilst on the run in Britain. A detective superintendent in Scotland Yard is tasked with the job of finding out where they have been hiding, DS Leo Mason from the serious crime squad puts together a small, unusual team to do this and is supplied with whatever he requires to do the work. T

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Vine Press
• Release date: Nov 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959450290

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

Detective Superintendent Leopold Mason of serious crimes, sat with the Chief Superintendent of New Scotland Yard, they were discussing the arrest of a bank robber known as ‘the charming thief’ by the press.

Leo, where has our ‘charming thief’ been for the last four months? He has not been on the streets for that long, or he would have been picked up before now.

Well sir. That is the second question we have been putting to him for the last two days. But I’m afraid we have no answer to that, I am almost convinced that he does not know. That is what he keeps telling us. And as for the money, which is the first question we asked, he says that one third of it is spent and the rest is hidden away until he is released.

And how is he, is he still playing the role of ‘charming thief’?

Sir, I am of the mind to dispel the theory that it is an act. He seems to me to be every bit as polite and holding his hands up and displaying the palms, charming as the witnesses all say he is."

"But apart from all that, we need to know exactly where he has been for these last months. He is not the only one to seem to disappear off the face of the earth after committing a crime. Looking back six years now, we have discovered no less than nineteen criminals that seem to have not only gotten away, but have not been heard of again.

Yes sir, but I have been checking every one of their files, and did you know that in each and every case, these criminals never used a weapon, not even to the extent of threatening to use violence of any sort. And sir, not one of them had any dealings with drugs, at all?

Are you implying that there is some sort of connection here?

DS Mason looked at his superior for a few seconds and then said I believe there is, yes.

Explain this connection.

Well sir, you must understand this is only my take on it. But if you go back nearly six years, one of the first of these criminals to disappear was Robert Dolan; he escaped from the holding cells in the court and was never heard of again, if you remember? Well he has a brother; this brother runs a pub in the worst part of the east end. But his pub has no record against it as far as drugs or violent behaviour is concerned. Not even a pub brawl in all the time he has had his licence.

And you think this is relevant to these ‘disappearances’?

In a way sir, yes, you see Bob Dolan was charged with fraud, he was so well known to us that I can honestly say that he never touched a gun and had a well known hatred of anything drug related. The man did not even take prescription drugs. His doctor told us that he had given up on Bob as he put it, Bob only used herbal medicine that he got from his aged aunt, and would not even take pain killers of any description, even aspirin.

The Chief Superintendent looked at DS Mason for a long minute and then said And you believe that a person, or persons, approving of these criminals is offering them sanctuary because they do not have anything to do with drugs or violence, is that your theory?

In short sir, yes replied Leo but I cannot figure out how these criminals would know where to go to get this help.

In that case I am going to ask you to drop every other case you have and pursue this theory in every way you can. You may use two other officers of your choice to help you and if you need extra help just ask me, now, or when you need it.

Thank you sir replied Leo but what I can see at the moment will not need two officers, but one officer and one computer wizard.

You obviously have someone in mind, so I will authorise whoever you want to work with you. And I will see to it that they have nothing else to do except that. Now get some results, quickly.

Leo Mason looked surprised but stood up to leave saying Thank you sir. As he got to the door the Chief Superintendent said Leo, look after the expenses, I want results but I need to justify the cost. And one other thing, keep me informed all the way, I will tell my secretary to make you an appointment here in this office every Monday morning.

Clear! said Leo as he closed the door behind him.

Leo went back to his own office after first stopping at his admin desk. He picked up the phone on his desk and dialled three numbers, when it was answered he said John, come in here and bring inspector Grange with you, now.

John Rivers was the second in charge of the serious crimes unit, his title was Chief Inspector but it was known by all in the unit that he would be excepting a promotion any day. He entered Leo’ office and behind him came inspector Dawn Grange, a blond, blue eyed, tall, and very attractive young woman of twenty-six, dressed smartly in a dark grey trouser suit and white blouse.

Sit down both of you, I need your help said Leo.

The two of them sat opposite him and then John asked How can we help you sir?

Firstly, you John are as of now in charge of the unit until I inform you otherwise. Secondly I need young Dawn here to work with me on a special project, and that means exclusively. Dawn, you are to drop everything else, regardless. Now as for you, John, and this is no slight on you or any other person in the unit, but Dawn and I will be working on a top priority case, but I cannot tell you what it’s about. Only that it is not an I.A matter. So if you tell the others there should be no one looking over their shoulders. Leo sat back in the chair and looked quizzically at the pair of them.

Then does this mean that you too are dropping everything else to pursue this enquiry? asked John.

Yes, the ball is now in your court John, and good luck with it.

And sir, may I ask what it is that you need me for? asked Dawn If it is just admin then I would prefer you to pick someone else please!

No Dawn it is not admin replied Leo you have demonstrated to me, and John here, that you can match and out think every other officer on this team, and to John’s detriment I am taking you and he has no say in it what-so-ever. However if you don’t want the job, say so now and I will have Eric instead.

"If I knew what I would be doing it would be a lot easier to give you my answer sir!

You will be pleased to know that what you are going to do will possibly clear up a lot of outstanding cases for this unit, but, not necessarily only the ones that have already passed us by.

Then if you are sure that I can help, I’ll be glad to sir!

Right then, Dawn you stay seated said Leo you John go back to the others and insert your new authority.

John got up and left the office saying I’ll come back later for any files you have on my cases sir! and shut the door behind him.

Inspector Grange looked at her boss and just sat waiting for him to fill her in on what they would be looking into.

Leo sorted through some files and then said Dawn there will be one other person working with the two of us and you will meet him in a few minutes, he’s on his way here now. But while you are here I would like you to get to know these files, one at a time, and thoroughly. Now I must just make some calls before our friend gets here!

Shall I go somewhere else sir? asked Dawn while you make the calls I mean.

No sit there, they are not important or secret. Leo picked up the phone and asked to be put through to public relations. When the call was answered he asked for the manager saying that it was urgent. The manager was put on the line and Leo said I am after an office for eight officers in an empty building or the nearest you have to it, I need it yesterday and I need it fully equipped and running. Now tell me where it is and how to get there, and before you ask, the Deputy Assistant Commissioner has authorised it, in fact he demanded it!

After saying yes a few times, Leo said Ok, if that’s the best you can do so be it, now when can we move in? a little listening and then he said Very well then tomorrow, now as for the equipment I will let you know in say half an hour, is that ok? Good now where is it and how do I get there.

Leo listened and wrote a few notes then said thank you very much and disconnected the phone. He then released the disconnect button and asked to be put through to the I.T. department. This time when the phone was answered he asked Mr Swinger please, tell him its Superintendent Mason, and hurry its urgent. This time he waited for a whole minute before the connection was made. He said Graham, you made me wait on purpose, for that I am going to report you too my lady wife, and don’t think I won’t. Now in a few minutes there is going to be a request from a civilian by the name of Gwyn Mitchell, you will give him what he asks for, and if you don’t I will report you to the Commissioner myself. Yes he has given me the green light, but of cause if you wish to check with him, be my guest. Oh and Graham, don’t quibble, this guy will know exactly what he wants and I will see to it that you give it to him, whatever the cost got it? As he said this his secretary showed a young man wearing jeans and a plaid shirt into the office. The young man walked over to the chair next to Dawn and sat down saying Hello, I’m Gwyn and you are?

Inspector Grange replied Dawn curtly, and I never heard anyone say you could sit down.

I’m not under arrest, so I could just leave, but as your boss there and he pointed to Leo asked for me to come here, politely I might add, I thought it would be ok to sit.

Then sit and be quiet said Dawn the Superintendent, as you can no doubt see, is on the phone.

Leo said goodbye to Graham and turned to the other two in the office and said I can see you two are going to work well together. If I insist upon it that is!

Is this the other person you told me about sir?

Yes, now let me introduce you both said Leo This lady is detective inspector Dawn Grange, and Dawn this brash young man is Gwyn Mitchell, and he I’m told can make a computer speak. Is that correct Gwyn?

That is now one of the easier things to do with a computer, but if you wanted to log onto the White house or number ten Downing Street, that’s a little harder, not much though!

There will be none of that, but you say you can make a computer speak, does it understand someone speaking to it asked Leo.

If that is all you require then you should have said replied Gwyn any of our techs could have done that for you. No need for you to have the best of the lot.

That is not all I need from you, but it is a start said Leo how long would it take to get this one on my desk to understand my voice and to talk back as it were.

With the right software it could be installed in hours if you were here so that it would be able to hear your voice.

Do I understand you correctly asked Leo this voice software can be activated by one voice only?

Oh no, if you want it too it can be run by any number of different people. But most people have it installed to activate as you call it, to one voice only. That way they have a password and voice control.

Ok, now I’m going to get you to set up some computers for us three, and I would like for you to get the one for me working off of my voice, is that a problem?

No problem, as long as you can get it, it is rather expensive you know. I would like it myself but I don’t suppose you would run to that would you?

If we crack the task we have been set, I will personally see to it that you get it, whatever it is?

It’s called voice recognition software, if you must know. And if that was a promise you just made, I will do my damnedest to crack your task.

Right now to business, you have to set us three up with a network, is that the right word? Just us three you understand, and protect it much better than the White house or number ten Downing Street. It must have everything any system could possibly need and a few more bits at your own discretion and that of inspector Grange. But this whole network must be connected to the police network so that we can get information into and out of it. Now Dawn is there anything you would like on your system?

Not that I know of as yet sir, if it is linked to the police net, then I can access anything I need, as far as I know anyway.

If I get your meaning super, you do not want other cops to be able to see into your files, is that right?

Yes, but never again call a policeman of any rank a cop, or fuzz or anything other than policeman or officer, or by the rank he or she holds exclaimed Leo I do not approve of slang, and before you try it, if you should send me a text message on the phone or an e-mail on the computer, I will disregard it if you do not use English in its proper form.

At this Dawn looked up towards Leo and her mouth was dropping, as she remembered a message she had left for her boss that contained a lot of abbreviated words.

Leo looked at Dawn and said Yes I remember that e-mail very well, and I hope now you know why you never got an answer.

I’ll remember in future sir, don’t you worry!

And as for me, you can be assured that if I send you either I will not forget. But now back to the present, where do I get all this equipment and where exactly do I install it?

I will put you through to our I.T. department and you can talk to them, they know already that you will be contacting them. Can you drive and do you have a current licence?

Yes to both replied Gwyn.

Good you will pick up the equipment and you will take it to this address and Leo passed Gwyn a slip of paper.

Wow, are you out of your mind, I don’t think they will let me through the door, if I get that far!

They too are expecting you, so you will get through the door and also into the rooms that have been allocated to me. Now hold this phone while I ring the number then ask for Graham Swinger. Tell him who you are and what we want, and don’t forget the voice recognition software. He will try to talk you out of it but just tell him that I am sitting here listening on loud speaker.

And you say that I can order what I would like to use for us all, is that right?

You get what is best and do not compromise. Leo started to dial then said Graham Swinger.

The phone was answered and it was Mr Swinger that answered, Gwyn talked to him in what Leo thought was a different language then said that he was on loud speaker and that the DS could hear every word. After about ten minutes Gwyn said that he would be there later in the day to collect the things plus all the cables needed. To this Graham could be heard to swear out loud. Leo called out that if it was not ready to be collected by three O-clock he would bring the deputy assistant Commissioner to Graham’s office to ask why personally. To this Graham shouted IF HE CAN GET HALF THIS STUFF THEN BRING HIM ALONG. I CANT DO IT BY THAT TIME.

Ok, I give in this time, when can you have all the things Gwyn has asked for ready for collection?

I will give you the systems and most of the software this afternoon, give me until four thirty though. As for the voice recognition software and the printer with its software they will have to be tomorrow lunch time, will that suit you?

Gwyn was nodding and Leo said Ok Graham, we will compromise, we will collect the bulk of it this afternoon at four, and collect the rest of it at nine in the morning!

Ok ok, you will have it all by nine in the morning, now do you need someone to set it up with your man, or will he be doing it all himself?

Leo looked at Gwyn who mouthed he would not need help. Leo relayed this to Graham and was informed that he was glad as he did not know if any of his men would know how to install the voice recognition software.

Gwyn rang off and then asked Can I get a van from somewhere to cart all this stuff this afternoon, or am I going to have to make a few trips in my car?

I will get an unmarked van for you from the pool, but I’m afraid that Dawn will have to drive it because you are not in the force.

And where will I be taking him and the equipment sir asked Dawn.

The Meridian hotel at Heathrow, we will be working out of there for as long as it takes, but there will be no mini bar, that is being taken out. There will still be a bed in one room and I am of the mind to use it only when one of us has to.

Can I ask you sir, how long do you think this task is likely to take, weeks or months?

Well I don’t know for sure, you see we are not looking for a known criminal, and I have no idea if I am even in the right ball park, as our American friends would say. But here is the outline of what we are after. Well behaved criminals. That is criminals that do not use weapons or scare tactics, and those that do not have anything to do with drugs. Well these criminals seem to disappear into the nether world never to be seen again. But as one of these men has turned up, by chance I might add we now know that they are not dead or off abroad, on holidays that last a lifetime. Our task is to find out where they are being hidden, it may be over the water in any direction, but I don’t think so. I believe there is a hideout here on this island, and I intend to find this hideout.

Chapter 2

The following afternoon found the three of them in the meridian in front of Leo’ computer. Gwyn was showing the others how it worked, but he had to tell Leo what to say to the computer, in order for it to understand what was wanted. Leo was getting the hang of it and after a few mishaps, he said I have it now, but am I the only one who can use it like this or can someone imitate my voice and get it to work?

Only you boss, however close to your voice someone can get, the computer can tell the difference. Not even the best recording device in the world could fool this baby, others like it can be fooled but not this one I promise you that on my life. Now as for these three systems here I have put in every security device going but as you may know, as fast as one comes on the market it is broken by hackers within hours. So if your passwords are not put in correctly you have three turns at getting it right. But on getting it wrong the second time a message will come on the screen. Let me show you.

Gwyn put in a password on Dawns computer and it said error on the screen, he did it again with another password and a message came on the screen. In big bold red letters it said If you try again and a wrong password is used, be aware that you may be blinded. This may be temporary or permanent depending on your own eyes.

Now this is the only thing that will make a hardened hacker think twice about trying again. No real hacker will ever want to be blinded, temporarily or not. No one has used this sort of deterrent before and so there is no one out there that knows if this can be done or not, so you see no hacker in his right mind will ever try a third time, just in case it works!

Are you saying that every other system in the world can be hacked? asked Dawn.

Not can be but is. It is estimated that ninety-six percent of the computers in the world are or have been hacked, and the other four percent have a new security device and firewall installed, but given just a few hours they too will be hacked.

Wow, no wonder no-one has secrets any more. Is there no way of stopping the hackers?

No, I’m afraid not replied Gwyn you see a good hacker will consider it a challenge to his abilities to get into a new device. And he won’t stop until he does!

Then these three systems now linked together are as safe as you can make them right? asked Leo.

That’s it, but if someone does get as far as the passwords they will come up against this message. Now I will tell you something else. Most people including you two use a given word or name as a password. Wrong. From now on you will use a jumble of letters, numbers and also signs to act as a password. And not less than thirteen digits, you will not write them down, ever, not even today, but you must remember every digit, dot, comma or number you use so here is a little test for you.

Gwyn wrote a thirteen digit note, showed it to them both and said Can either of you remember this if I take it away now? Gwyn put the paper in his pocket.

Dawn looked at him and said Not a chance, I did not even see all of the digits.

Leo looked at them both and said I’m afraid not, I got the first three and the last two but the rest was just a blur!

That is pretty good boss, most get the first two and the last two but can’t remember any more than that. Now will you remember all five of them correctly after a hour has passed, I think not, unless you have a way to remember them, like a poem or numerical rhyme?

You have just destroyed my memory a bit more, I can only remember three digits now and I am not sure in what order they appeared. And what is a numerical rhyme for heaven’s sake?

I will explain all that, but first if you pick your own password, do not use birthdays, anniversaries or dates that mean something, it would be best if you could use a password such as mine. Let me show you. Gwyn picked up a pen and piece of paper and wrote (%&=!397**+\?65). This he showed to the other two and then said leave out the brackets and you have my password for this week.

And you remember this every time you need it? asked Dawn.

Yes, but as I said, that is for this week only, I will change it every Sunday morning.

Yet you can remember the new one even though you have used others before? asked Leo.

Do you see the numbers 397, well they tell me that I have changed my password 397 times before. And each one of those passwords I have used, is different in every character, so you see if some bright spark was to get into my computer this week, well he could not use the same password to get back in again after Sunday!

After another hour Gwyn had shown them how to remember complicated passwords and how to change them if they wanted to. He then set about adding a lot of software to all of the computers. Leo called down to reception and asked for teas and coffees to be sent up with sandwiches. He then said from now on we will only be having teas and coffees sent up, one of us will go out to get any food we require. Now Gwyn I want to know why on earth, when I said three computers, you have got four.

That will capture all incoming data, leaving our three to sort the relevant stuff so that we do not get what we don’t want. Whatever is put onto the police network will come in here but that system will sort it through before it transfers the good stuff to our three.

Good thinking, replied Leo now tell me, how long will it take you to put all these files, there are twenty of them, into our system network?

Not as long as you think, the scanner will do most of the work for me, I will have to write a program so that each file is shifted as it is finished but that I can do in about an hour. So if you two disappear for an hour after we have had the sandwiches I can get started.

Very well then that is what we will do. Dawn you pop off home and collect a change of clothes and anything else you may need, I will do the same. I see us being here late tonight, is that mucking up any plans for you two?

Not me sir replied Dawn.

Nor I boss said Gwyn but when do I get to go and fetch my stuff?

Oh, seeing as you seem to be wearing the same clothes as yesterday I did not think you changed them that often.

My wardrobe has five sets of these clothes replied Gwyn all exactly the same, so I don’t have to waste time thinking what I should wear each day. As for my off days, I sort through other clothes at my leisure.

And in these other clothes you possess, do you have a suit, good shirt and tie, plus a good pair of shoes?

Yes I do, I have three suits and a lot of shirts, ties and shoes that you would approve of, why?

I’m glad to hear it, bring one of each when you get your stuff replied Leo I will not keep you in this room for the duration of this case.

That evening Leo, Dawn and Gwyn were hard at work on the computers. Leo was feeding the scanner, Dawn was checking through each page to get each file into her memory, and making notes on her system so that she could find anything relevant easily. Gwyn was writing a program for Dawn so that she could cross reference anything in any of the files by just typing one word.

At midnight Leo turned to the others and said Stop what you are doing now, I’m hungry so we will go and eat, after which Dawn and I will go to our homes, but if you wish Gwyn you can stay here the night. As I see it one of us should stay tonight as the systems are not fully operational.

I’ll stay replied Gwyn but where are we going to eat at this time of the night?

Leo told them that he would take them to a restaurant that he knew would still be open and they locked the doors and left the hotel. Leo took them into a gentlemen’s club in St James’s in London, persuading the doorman that it was ok to let Gwyn in although he was not dressed according to the standards of the club.

The next day the three of them started to go through the files one at a time. They worked until six in the evening and then Leo bought them dinner in the hotel before they left for home.

It was two and a half weeks later that Dawn saw a brief note relating to an officer in Feltham having spotted someone that looked a lot like one of the first criminals to disappear. She showed Leo and then checked with the officer by phone. He remembered that he had seen this man getting off a bus, but when he got near him the man jumped on another bus just departing the stop. The officer then said that he was quite sure that the person he saw was the one on the wanted list, as he had the same birth mark on his right cheek.

Leo checked the dates and found that they tallied with what they knew. Gwyn then said that he had checked out one of the newer files and it showed that the criminal mentioned had been recognised, in a shopping precinct in Birmingham two days after he went missing. This time it was a member of the public that had seen him but as she had known the man before, she was certain that it was him.

Check out all the others for the same thing Gwyn!

Gwyn replied Sorry boss, no others have been seen or not at least been reported as such.

How can you be sure, I only just asked you to look?

I installed a search program two minutes after Dawn said about the first sighting. That is how I came up with mine.

Then we have a dead end then sir said Dawn.

I know, but these two sightings were so far apart distance wise, I have a feeling that our, how shall we call him, our good Sheppard, has moved his base of operation.

If that’s the case we will have an even longer search, and more so if he moved more than once.

Let’s start with the first sighting, which was in Greater London. Let me see, Feltham that’s not too far from here, lets you and I go have a chat with the officer and see if we can get just a bit more out of him.

And I do what boss, sit on my hands asked Gwyn.

No you check out the man we are going to talk about and find out exactly, if he knew anyone in the Feltham area at all. Family, friends or even his insurance man, anyone, got it.

Leo and Dawn left Gwyn in the hotel and Dawn drove them to Feltham police station. There they were lucky enough to find Pc Kevin Healy just knocking off after his shift. Leo asked him if he had eaten or was hungry. When Kevin said he was looking forward to getting something to eat in the local cafe Leo suggested that the three of them go there rather than sit in an interview room at the station.

Having ordered three all day breakfasts they sat in one corner of the cafe and chatted about the man Kevin had seen. I saw him get off the number 285 bus from Kingston, but as I approached him he jumped on a local bus that was just pulling away said Kevin.

And this local bus as you call it, would be going where exactly? asked Dawn.

From that stop it would only be going to the station and then on to the Butts estate where it has two stops before turning round and going back over its rout in reverse.

Then it’s a good bet that the man was going to this Butts estate right? asked Dawn.

Yes, you see the station is only fifty yards from where he got on, so he could have walked that.

You have a good memory Kevin, this all took place some time ago said Leo.

I can even tell you what he was wearing and that he was carrying a large holdall, a dark blue one, plus an old fashioned briefcase, a brown one.

Did you do any sort of follow up on your sighting, like try to find out where he got off that local bus?

I did, when the bus came back I made sure that I was there waiting for it. I asked the driver about the man but I’m afraid he could not remember the man, the bus was full before the man got on and the driver could not place him replied Kevin but as I knew he would not get off at the station I followed through and went to the Butts estate. I talked to a few people there but got nowhere I’m afraid.

Just one more question Kevin said Leo are there any guest houses or bed and breakfast places on this Butts estate.

Yes, there are quite a few now, but back then there were only about five or six. You must understand that that estate was originally council houses and flats, now though a good number of them, are owned by the residents.

Thank you for your time Kevin and this meal is on me. You get off home for your rest, I understand you are back on duty in eight hours said Leo.

Kevin said his goodbye’s and left the cafe. Dawn asked And we are going back to the hotel?

Oh no, wait for me exclaimed Leo and dashed out of the cafe after Kevin.

Dawn was outside the cafe when Leo returned and as they walked towards the car Dawn asked What did you find out from Kevin, when you ran after him?

The whereabouts of that estate, we are going to have a quick look around it, come on you drive I’ll give directions.

Dawn drove around the estate and then Leo said Just on the off chance, stop over by the shops there, I will go in both and show the mug shot of our man. You never know he may have been in there a few times.

Dawn parked and Leo went into the two shops on the estate. When he came out he informed Dawn that it was a false hope, and no-one could recognise the man. Dawn relinquished the wheel to Leo and he drove back to the hotel. When they got to the room Gwyn was sitting on one of the arm chairs with a file on his lap, but he looked to be asleep. Dawn told Leo that she would wake Gwyn up, but Gwyn, not opening his eyes said I’m not asleep, just trying to picture myself on the run from you police in a town like Feltham. You see there were no people in that whole area that I could link to your man. So here I am thinking why I would go there if I knew no-one there, and the only thing I can imagine is there is someone there, that I do not know, but will put me up for however long I want.

And has your thinking resulted in the enlightenment of how you as a criminal would know of this person who is willing to give you sanctuary? asked Leo.

Afraid not boss replied Gwyn that must be down to the criminal grapevine!

And while I consider this criminal grapevine, you my lad will get on to the local council in Feltham and get all records of bed and breakfasts and guest houses on the Butts estate, that’s b-u-t-t-s, six years ago and then see if you can get details of any that have been sold, say three years ago.

Ok, but do I have to do it on the phone, it would be much quicker on the computer?

You have my permission to go straight into their system, ok? Dawn you and I are going to have a small Chinese council. And Leo and Dawn went into the other room where Dawn made coffee and after taking one through to Gwyn returned and sat with Leo.

After twenty minutes Gwyn came into the room and said Boss I think I’ve cracked it, at least as far as knowing who and where, until they moved that is.

Spill, what do you have? asked Dawn.

Two guest houses were sold between the relevant dates, and one owner I have found living in a residential home for to aged. The other was a husband and wife, but they seem to have disappeared from any records anywhere.

Leo jumped up and said Show me what you have, Dawn come on, we may have the answers to a few questions here.

They all went back into the other room and Gwyn told them to sit at their own computers and he would transfer the documents over one at a time to both of them. Leo logged on and as his computer booted up he saw that although he touched nothing, a document appeared on his screen. Gwyn told him that it was he that was in control and that Leo and Dawn were not to touch anything until he had sent all the files.

Leo was amazed at the speed and the discovery of this information and said so to the others. After all the documents had been sent to the others Gwyn said As you can see, by the first sheet, between three and six years ago there were no less than five guest houses on that estate, and only two bed and breakfasts. Now disregarding the guest houses, the two others are still there and the owners are the same. So on to the guest houses, one of them is no longer in operation, now just a private house, but with the same owners. Three are still in operation with the same owners. Now on to the other two, Mr Holmes lost his wife and went downhill from there, I checked it out; anyway he is now in a home for the aged. The last one was owned by a Mr Thomas and Mrs Elizabeth James, they sold it in two thousand and six and moved out, taking not a stick of furniture with them I might add, this little nugget I got from talking to the present owners. The James’s got lost after they moved out, there is no record of where they went or how, it would seem that they just got in the car with all their clothes and papers and disappeared.

Very good work Gwyn said Leo Now onward and upward, we have to find where they are living now. Firstly check to see if they left the country, moved abroad. The passport office being the first step, but this time Dawn you telephone them, we can’t allow this young man to hack into their system can we?

Dawn picked up the phone and made the call. Leo turned to Gwyn and said you can check with land registry to see if they purchased another property, try a few months either side of the sell date.

And you are going to do what may I ask? said Gwyn.

I my good fellow am going to get permission from above to have you under my wing permanently, I am that impressed with this little bit of detective work, so there!

And I have no say in this?

Of cause you do, if you do not like the idea say so now and I will make the call anyway but ask for them to make it an order, now do you have anything to say or not?

Yes I blooming well do. I may have other plans; you are being too big for your boots, telling me what I must do. But saying all that, I must just tell you that I would be glad to take up your offer, I was beginning to feel stuck in that place you found me. And this is much more exciting than the stuff I was doing.

Is that ok with you Dawn asked Leo.

Why should I mind, will he always be working with me?

Primarily yes, with you and me, but I may be getting ahead of myself!

Leo picked up the telephone and dialled. When the phone was answered he asked for the chief superintendent and waited just a minute to be put through. Leo then said sir we think we have a breakthrough, could I come and see you soonest. Leo listened for a few seconds and then said As you wish sir, we will expect you around seven then! Leo then turned to the others and told them that the chief superintendent would be coming to see them that evening.

Chapter 3

When the chief superintendent arrived that evening there were tea things on a rolling table brought in by a waiter. Leo explained that that this was not usual but was laid on only because the CS was there. The chief superintendent thanked them and said that he approved.

Leo introduced the three of them and then poured the teas. He gave the chief superintendent his written report and explained whilst he was reading it.

At the end of the report the CS congratulated the three of them on a speedy outcome, and then asked how they intended to continue.

Leo stood up and paced the room saying Well sir that is the question, you see we have hit something of a dead end. We know the couples name but can’t find them, they seem to have disappeared as well; we have come to a dead end, we know that they never left the country on their own passports. Quite frankly I personally don’t think they have left the country, I think they have moved their operation somewhere else in this country; but we haven’t a clue where this can be, we have tried the local council offices but have come up blank so far.

Right replied the CS keep trying, and as long as it takes you have the use of these rooms, but that does not mean you will be here forever; I will give you a month at the outside. Now is there anything you need, now or in the future?

Well sir said Leo I have a proposal for you that I would very much like you to give considerable thought!

Yes, but first I am going to ask you to do something for me

If it is within my power sir all you have to do is ask!

Then start to organise a team of your choice to do exactly what you are doing now, but on a permanent basis; I will give you whatever equipment you need and also manpower, within reason!

That sir is the proposal I was going to put to you!

Then think it through as soon as you have time!

Yes sir, but these two are the first of the manpower I want; but as you must know Gwyn here is a civilian administrator?

That is ok I will have both of them seconded to you. I am going now but I will see you on Monday morning at the briefing Superintendent. Good night all, and keep up the good work. With that he left.

Leo turned to the others and said That was easier than I thought it was going to be, I must say!

Good job I didn’t say anything about the new list I have then! said Gwyn.

What new list? asked Leo?

Well why you two were tidying up this room I ran a search program of unsolved crimes in the last six years, but I added the rest of the British Isles into the mix; and I came up with another eight names to add to the nineteen that we started with. The printer is still coughing out the files now, but as you will see I did check each one out before I started to print them. All of these people match our MO.

And what else have you got for us? asked Dawn that smile on your face tells me you have more!

I have found another two of these where the criminal has been seen after the crime. Both of them are more recent cases, and both of them were seen in northern towns, Liverpool and Manchester.

Put them on our screens so that we can review them ordered Leo.

Gwyn did this and they all read through the files on their screens. Leo then said Very good work Gwyn, these match the other criteria exactly, and it would seem that our couple are now living somewhere within the north-west. Dawn have we got all the details from the council offices in that area?

There is still one outstanding that is in that area but is proving difficult because it is Liverpool itself, and as you know they have a very high turn-over of immigrants and transients.

But we are looking for someone that purchased a house or other dwelling there six years ago replied Gwyn.

And I do not think they are living in a large town or city said Leo they would require much more privacy than they would get in a place like that. Look towards the unpopulated areas that border those north-west places.

We have all the other councils about that area already surveyed sir, replied Dawn do you want me to check out Wales as well.

Oh I thought you had said Leo Yes, check them out now please, and mark the notices urgent. As he finished saying this his phone rang, he picked it up and answered it saying Mason here. Leo listened for a few seconds and then put the phone down after saying thank you to the caller.

Turning to the others he said That was the squad, they have another runner. Let’s see if we can prevent this one from disappearing shall we?

Gwyn tapped away at his keyboard and then said The file is on your screens, and the printer is coughing out a hard copy.

I am getting to like this young man sir said Dawn this is the fastest we have ever got information ever!

Leo was reading the file on his monitor when he answered That is correct and by any standards the fastest you can get anywhere. Now you see why we need him on our side?

I am on the line to Liverpool sir, I will ask them to keep a special eye out for our man, and then I will do the same for Birmingham and Manchester. Would there be any more places we should alert?

Yes, but I will get on to Cardiff and Swansea replied Leo then chase up the Welsh councils as soon as you have done that!

Already done boss said Gwyn you two were busy so I sent the notices to all Welsh councils.

See what I mean now Dawn said Leo whatever did we do before he came along.

I see alright! replied Dawn and when we stop for something to eat, I will buy it, and get him his favourite beer to wash it down.

Leo had a long telephone conversation with the police chief in Wales and was promised full cooperation in looking out for the man on the run. Then Leo told him that it was probable that the man would not be looking to leave Britain but be transported to another place on the mainland. Leo then set out his theory for the police chief, and told him that it was likely that the man on the run would be met by someone at a main line station or bus depot, and that these places should be highlighted as the best places to find him.

Dawn followed Leo’ lead and told the other police, that she was talking to, the same things.

With nothing constructive to do until they heard from the Welsh council’s the three of them went out for dinner. When they all returned to the hotel Gwyn saw that he had incoming mail on his computer, so sat down to read it. Leo asked Anything interesting Gwyn.

Three out of four Welsh councils come up blank, the forth have yet to answer.

Sir, can I suggest something here asked Dawn.

Oh yes, why do you think you are here Dawn!

Then I would suggest that we go through all the councils again just as soon as we discover the wife’s maiden name. If I wanted to lose myself in the miles of paperwork you have to go through to purchase a house, then I would use another name somehow.

And of cause the wife could buy it under her own name and it could even be classed as legal if they divorced before moving.

I won’t even wait before getting the last response, said Gwyn but can one of you look in their file and come up with the maiden name for her.

Dawn turned her system on and started to look in the files. It’s Williams Gwyn, Elizabeth Mary Williams said Dawn after just a minute.

Ok, they are off, but the councils are going to be most upset when, or should I say, if they ever find out that the two inquiries are for the same trace!

Now it’s nearly midnight so we are not going to get a response tonight, so I think we can all go home to bed, and start again, fresh in the morning. But saying that, ten o-clock here in this room will do said Leo.

Boss, would it be ok if I bedded down here tonight asked Gwyn that way I’ll be here if anything breaks.

That’s ok by me replied Leo The room is paid for, but if you want breakfast go down to the restaurant and pay for it, right?

Oh yes boss said Gwyn of cause.

Right now said Leo I want both of you to use this night to think about the proposal of mine and the chief superintendents, a new team? And before we come up here in the morning I suggest we all meet in the coffee shop downstairs to get your views on that?

Ok sir replied Dawn Coffee shop at nine-thirty. But I can tell you now, I’m in!

I took that as a given said Leo But what I need from you both is ideas on what we will need and where we should be based, that sort of thing!

The two others left and Gwyn sat at the computer for an hour, then after, went for a walk. When he got back he sat down in front of the computer and started to type.

The morning saw all three sitting in the coffee shop as proposed and discussing the future of the team. Leo opened the discussion asking Well have either of you any ideas as to what we need in the way of equipment or manpower?

Yes boss replied Gwyn very quickly before Dawn could say anything I have a proposal of my own to put to you both, but I would prefer to do it up in the room.

And you Dawn?

Maybe it would be better if we talked in the room replied Dawn tell you what, how about you two finish those coffee’s and I will get some take-away refills to take with us?

No said Leo I cannot stand those cardboard cups, as we pass through reception I will order some more on room service, let’s go! and with that swallowed the last of his coffee.

Three minutes after arriving in their room a waiter knocked and entered with the tray of coffee. On the tray were three coffee pots as well as the three cups and saucers and other things. Dawn looked at these and said Is that what you ordered sir?

Yes, I see it being a long meeting said Leo as the waiter was leaving now Gwyn any of those councils replied yet?

Six boss, all negative I’m afraid though!

Ok then to the other matter, the new department and its objectives!

Well as I said replied Gwyn I have another proposal, but first I have to ask you about the objectives as you put it boss. First question, some of these will of cause be serious crimes including firearms offences, yes?

Most assuredly my boy replied Leo.

Second question, they will be all over Britain I suppose?

Again, most assuredly!

Then would you look at your screens, there you will see that I have listed a few thoughts on the matter, and a suggestion or two!

Both Leo and Dawn saw that their systems were already on and as they looked a document folder opened and two pages were revealed. After a few seconds only Leo asked what is this about a large screen Gwyn?

Good you did not read all the way through before asking that. Now turn towards the other end of the room!

They all turned and Dawn exclaimed Where did that come from, it was not here when we left last night?

No it was not said Leo don’t tell me you have spent a great deal of money on that!

No boss replied Gwyn in fact not a penny, you see I borrowed it from a friend and he helped me to set it up. But he would like it back tomorrow, as there is a big match on in the afternoon.

On the massive plasma screen was the same documents as on the smaller ones. Leo and Dawn read through them and Dawn said I thought of a couple of these ideas but I must say all of these are good, and one or two are a must.

Yes I agree said Leo print these pages and I will show the chief superintendent on Monday, and if the budget runs to it you may find he agrees to them, now Dawn, I am not expecting you to come up with such a carefully planned and executed document, but I would like your thoughts on the subject?

Well that’s good sir replied Dawn as I have just scribbled notes. But as I said I did think of a couple of the same things, so I will just give you my other thoughts if I may. Firstly I would suggest that you need another senior officer sir, so that I do not have to come to you for everything above my security grade. And if that officer were to have a firearms certificate all the better. Now another thing is going to be the problem of incorporating ourselves into other forces throughout the country, some of them are going to be a little, put out, shall we say, if we just turn up on their patch and start to give orders. And the last thing I thought of is this, if we are going to be moved all over the country then we will need a permanent base and this will have to be manned and whomever we get to man it must be kept up to date and in touch at all times.

Now as for me said Leo I like the idea of a manned base and a driver come firearms certificated person. But as for your idea Dawn, no to another senior officer, you will have to make do with me. You see, as I see it you are not married and have only your parents to worry about; I am now widowed and only have a son in the States to worry me. Gwyn not being of the force is independent so no worries there. The criminals we will be after may very well target us if we are too successful, and bringing in another senior officer will only mean another target. No, we will try for an armed driver, and an administrator for the base of operations. That way they will not be targets.

If I may be so bold boss said Gwyn I have an idea as to how to remove you and Dawn from any target list!

Good let us hear it?

We get your files amended to say that due to some personal circumstances you are both as of now being moved to administrative posts within the Yard.

I would say that should do it, but I’m afraid not, you see we will be seen to be everywhere and not just at the Yard. And secondly we will most certainly not be in the Yard for any length of time.

Then you must both start to wear body armour every time you move outside!

This we will think about when the time comes but as for now we are unknown so are ok.

Dawn looked at the screen again and said Gwyn, in your opinion you say that the communications gear that we now use is not up to what we should have, please elaborate!

Let’s just say we get all of what we ask for replied Gwyn we are asking for a mobile office and a squad car. Well they would both have to be driven from our base to wherever we are needed yes? Then let’s say we have a driver for the office, that means one of you two will have to drive the car yes? So how do you keep operating between the two whilst on the move? The rubbish you are using now is no good, every time you move you will lose contact, also the head sets are obtrusive and easily dislodged so forget them. If you do get the go ahead for new equipment I would suggest that you ask for the best, and I’m afraid that will mean going to American equipment, that is the best.

Leo thought about