Authors: David Lowe
‘My hunch was right then,’ David said.
‘If my sources are right, that nose for trouble you have is still as good as ever Davey. I know you’re going to ask when and my answer is I don’t know yet. Once I find out, you two will be the first to know.’
‘Do you reckon this ex-PIRA man operating businesses in the Cheshire area is the financier behind whatever it is they’re planning?’ Steve asked.
‘He could be, but the problem is the old network’s disintegrated since the ceasefire. Jesus, it’s donkey’s years since the Good Friday agreement. For fuck’s sake, we’ve even got Derry’s former Provisional IRA commander as deputy leader of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The problem the Real IRA’s got is setting up a solid network of safe-houses, suppliers and sympathisers here on the mainland. That’s going to take both time and money. So it’s not just the money that’s the problem, its finding sympathisers to their cause to build up a decent support network. Even then, when they do, they will need some decent financial muscle to pay for their services. Many of the old backers have gone now.’
‘If that’s the case, they’re going to struggle to carry out a campaign on the mainland. It’s unlikely they can do anything soon,’ David said.
‘That doesn’t quite fit with my information. That leads me onto yer man, Sean McCrossan. Apparently he never took to the quiet life and was active with Continuity IRA after the Good Friday agreement, but swapped his services over to the Real IRA after falling out with one of the commanders. While he was living in south Armagh he helped set up small cells in Ireland and has been one of the Real IRA’s main administrators. That’s widely known back home, even by some of the boys you met yesterday at Reilly’s. Once you told me you saw him in London, I asked around if anyone knew what Sean was up to. Word has it he’s planning something over here to put the Real IRA on the map. I checked this out with my contacts back home. As usual, I didn’t tell them what I learnt and they came up with the same information. He’s been busy setting up a small network in London to conduct operations. From what I heard it’s only a small network. As you know, Sean’s quite a marksman and for starters apart from having a shot at you two, it’s believed he’s down there to take out a prominent target. I could be wrong, but apparently one of the names on his list is the judge that turned down his appeal and some senior politician that’s a Cabinet member. Who the minister is, I don’t know yet. As much as you two pissed them off killing Pat Quinn and injuring Sean, you’re not the sole reason they’re over here.’
‘That judge you mentioned is Lord Trevelyan and we’d be grateful if you can find out more on the minister they’re targeting. As it sounds like they’re still carrying out their preparations, with luck, time’s still on our side. That’ll give us the chance to stop them,’ David said finishing his coffee. ‘Still on me, do you two want another coffee?’
‘Please mate,’ Steve said.
‘Make mine a tea, but none of that herbal crap,’ Jimmy said. As David went back to the counter to order more drinks, he said to Steve, ‘Your man looks a little relieved by my news.’
‘He’s not the only one. We really thought after all these years they’d finally decided to come over to get us two.’
‘Davey’s always was that bit more intense than you, you know, serious.’
‘Are you saying I’m just a joker?’
‘Don’t get me wrong Steve. I’ve always thought that out of the two of you, you were the one I wouldn’t want to upset. I can see it in your eyes. Just like some of the Provisional boys I knew, you’re the more ruthless one. He’s the thinker and that puts him one step ahead of his enemies, whereas you’re the doer.’
‘No offence taken. I know what you mean. That’s why he’s the DS and I’m not. Between us, he should be at least a DI by now, but that would put him working more closely with the bosses. That’s why he’s doesn’t want to go any higher. They just seem to rub him up the wrong way.’
‘That’s because he’s probably cleverer than most of them. Did he ever finish that degree of his?’
‘Yes and he got another one after that. He’s finishing off a PhD now. He’s definitely one of the more enlightened DS’s in the office. I’m not just saying that out of loyalty to my friend.’
‘I know what you mean. You two’ll have to keep your wits about you from now on. Coming across the old Provo boys, you’re no more than target practice for the likes of Sean McCrossan. Davey’s right about one thing. They don’t forget and they certainly don’t forgive. Regardless of any ceasefire, they’ll have no second thoughts about putting away a couple of peelers that got their own. They’ll see that as a bonus to what they’re really planning.’
* * *
‘You’re back handy from Leeds. I take it the traffic wasn’t that bad tonight?’ David asked Debbie as she walked through the front door to their flat in Ancoats, Manchester. Getting up from the leather sofa, he greeted her with a kiss. ‘Give me your bag and put your feet up. I’ve done a casserole in the slow cooker for tea. Do you want a coffee or something stronger?’
‘I’d murder a coffee please. One of your specials. Thanks.’
‘Consider it done.’
As David went to the kitchen of the open plan living area of the flat to pour her a coffee, Debbie took her coat off, hung it on the coat rail and then flopping down on the sofa, kicked her shoes off saying, ‘That’s better. Now a little bird tells me you’ve been up to something and that something has very little to do with the doctor and dentist your team are supposed to be watching on this West Yorks job I’m helping with.’
‘Possibly,’ David said placing a mug of coffee on the glass table in front of Debbie. ‘So which little bird has been singing about me then?’
‘Never mind who told me, you should know in our game it’s hard to keep anything secret. So is it true Steve Adams will be joining you as the two of you relive your days as detective constables during the war with the Provisional IRA?’
‘No, I’m going to London for a pre-trial conference for the Chechen job,’ David said taking a couple of plates out of the kitchen cupboard.
‘You’re such a liar! You may convince Paul Edge, but if that’s the case, then why aren’t I going to this pre-trial conference as well?’ After taking a sip of her coffee, she said, ‘Come on is it true?’
‘You know it’s true and let me guess, the little bird that’s been talking to you is a certain Craig MacDonald. Am I right?’ David said switching off the slow cooker.
‘He also told me the West Yorks SIO is also in on it should Edge check up on you. Also, have you forgotten that you asked me to get some intelligence on McCrossan, O’Byrne and McElvaney? In all seriousness what’s going on?’
‘George has given me and Steve a week to go down to London as we’ve something more concrete to go on than our gut feeling. Jimmy O’Leary passed on some good information. As a result, we’ve got the green light to meet up with Ben Solaru from SO15 as well as Jenny Richmond,’ David said getting out a serving spoon from the kitchen drawer.
‘Good, at least being involved with the Irish investigation will keep you focused. Being kept on the West Yorks job, the Irish job would distract you.’
‘Both of us feel better that at least we’ve got some involvement. Added to that, we’ve got an idea what McCrossan’s up to. Jimmy O’Leary told us that he found out McCrossan’s recruited a small Real IRA cell in London and one of their main targets is George’s father-in-law, Lord Trevelyan because he was a Court of Appeal judge when his appeal was turned down.’
‘That’s positive and gives you something to work on. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not good for George’s father-in-law, but I’m sure he’ll get protection.’
‘Security arrangements are already in place and Jenny Richmond’s contacted him already. How hungry are you? Do you want a lot of veg?’ David asked draining the boiled potatoes he had been cooking.
‘I’m starving, so pile it high. So what exactly did Jimmy tell you?’
‘McCrossan sounds like he’s been busy while he’s been in London. We know he was a sniper for PIRA and he confirmed the PSNI intelligence that he’s working for the Real IRA. As well as Trevelyan, he’s also targeting a prominent politician. Because we have experiences dealing with the IRA and as Jimmy’s our snout that’s why me and Steve are going down there. Should he pass on anything else about McCrossan we’ll be there on the spot to help out.’
‘That makes sense,’ Debbie said pulling a chair from under the dining table, ‘I got some information on O’Byrne and McElvaney.’
‘So did I. Jimmy said O’Byrne and McElvaney have been recruited to the Real IRA and they’re over here to check out what security’s like as they’re planning a hit here on the mainland.’
‘That sounds similar to what I found,’ Debbie said taking print-outs out of her handbag she obtained from the intelligence MI5 had on the three Irishmen, ‘After trying their hand at pretty dull manual work, I found some intelligence they’ve been seen with former Provisional’s suspected of being involved in the Real IRA. I’ve got the names here. You can take them with you so you can familiarise yourself. I’ll email them onto Jenny Richmond later.’
‘That’s interesting,’ David said as he stopped putting out their meal and walked over to Debbie. Taking the print-outs from her he began to study them. ‘It’ll give Steve and I something to do on the journey down there tomorrow. There are two things we need to find out as soon as we can. Who the leading political figure is they plan to assassinate? The second thing is their ability to launch a more serious attack. We need to find out if there are any Irish Republican sympathisers both here and in Ireland wealthy enough to back them. If it’s this bloke living in Cheshire, that means the Real IRA could recruit some of the quality former PIRA operatives. Just one successful attack, especially one involving civilian loss of life puts them firmly back on the terrorist map. It would instantly result in the British Government and security services having to take them seriously again,’ David said serving out the meal on the two plates.
‘I hope you’re wrong, we don’t want to go back to those days again.’
‘We can worry about that tomorrow. Come on let’s eat,’ David said placing the plates on the dining table.
Chapter Ten
Manchester—
London Train,
Tuesday, 3
rd
July, 10.55 hours
‘Ben?’ David asked calling DS Solaru from the Metropolitan Police’s SO15 department from his seat in the first class carriage of the Manchester to London train.
‘Is that you Hursty?’
‘It is. How’s things?’
‘They’re fine, but I’ve a feeling that’ll change once you get down here. What time are you getting into London?’
‘Steve and I are already on the London train. We managed to blag some first class tickets. So before the next round of drinks comes around to our table, any chance of you meeting us when we get into Euston? The train gets in at twelve forty five. Don’t worry if you can’t, we’ll jump the tube to get to your place.’
‘Forget the tube, I’ll get a car and meet you myself. I’ve learnt a bit more this morning about the three boys you have an interest in. Can you reassure me that you two are not bringing trouble with you? If I’m seen with you, will I be a target of a shooting like you two were last week?’
‘Look on it this way with us two coming down, it’s never a dull moment.’
‘You can say that again!’
‘Don’t worry, all we’ll be doing in London is simply intelligence gathering.’
‘So long as that’s all it is you intend to do. Some of my team still need counselling after your involvement with that Chechen job down here. Enjoy your trip and I’ll see you at a quarter to one this afternoon.’
‘See you Ben, thanks.’ David pressed the ‘end call’ button on his mobile phone and turned to Steve, ‘We’re all sorted. Ben Solaru’s picking us up when we get into Euston. I thought we could start looking at the files at his office and take it from there. I thought if we find out the places McCrossan drinks we could pay a visit there tonight.’ David picked up the menu card from their table. Reading through it, he pulled a face. ‘It’s only sandwiches and they’re not even proper ones. What the fuck’s this? Beef and Stilton cheese on a bed of rocket lettuce with vine tomatoes. All tomatoes come from a vine. That’s just to make it sound first class! What’s wrong with Cheddar cheese and pickle or ham and mustard?’
‘Always the sophisticate. Why don’t you read your paper and see which player Everton are going to buy with their transfer kitty of £10 now the transfer window’s opened. Then you can get your book out and colour in a couple of more pictures while I get some shuteye.’
* * *
‘David. Steve. I’m over here,’ Ben shouted out greeting the two Manchester based officers on their arrival at Euston rail station.
David was first to shake Ben’s hand and said, ‘Nice to see you again mate. You look fighting fit.’
Ben shook David’s hand firmly while looking him up and down. ‘You don’t look too bad yourself after that injury you got. That recuperation period has certainly knocked years off you or is it living with that gorgeous MI5 lady. You look at least fifty-five now,’ he said.
‘I can see you’ve got some more grey hair on you since last time,’ David replied.
‘I only get that working alongside you,’ Ben said as he extended his hand to Steve. ‘Steve, I’m surprised you’re not bald yet working with Hursty.’
‘I am. This is my third hair transplant. Looks natural doesn’t it?’ Steve replied shaking his head ‘How are you doing Ben?’
‘Fine mate, fine. Let’s hope this trip has less risk to your health than last week at the Old Bailey. We need to make a move as the car’s on a yellow line and the wardens are shit hot on giving tickets out around here. So your snout told you Lord Trevelyan’s one of McCrossan’s targets?’
‘Yes,’ David said walking across the station concourse alongside Ben, ‘him and a senior political figure, but he didn’t have any further details on who it could be.’
‘Isn’t Trevelyan your DI’s father-in-law? Ben asked.
‘Yes, George met Trevelyan’s daughter Chloe when she was a barrister representing a case he had in court. Their eyes met and the rest is history.’