Janice and Chief Superintendent Ian Holt always enjoyed lunching together. She had yet to broach the issue of Davy Jones and timed her moment over coffee. "Ian, what do you know about the witness protection programme?"
The question startled him. "That's an Americanism; we have something similar. There's not much to tell. For the most part, we help those who help us. The authorisation for such help begins with a recommendation from a senior officer. Why do you ask?"
She was uncertain where to begin. "Do you remember a bank robbery involving three sailors, and I found one of the men?"
Ian nodded.
"Good God, Ian. You must. The information was on those floppy discs I gave you. Janice told Ian everything, omitting nothing. David Jenkins, now calling himself Davy Jones, is one of the missing men. Now he's working for Ronald Harman-Smith as an undercover agent. They promised him a clean slate and a new start if he co-operated." What are your thoughts?"
Shaking his head, he said, "It's beyond my pay grade, but I can talk to a few people. I can't promise anything, and from what you've told me, most will say the agency doesn't exist." He paused. "Are you staying in town tonight?"
"Yes, at the Hyde Park Hilton. I'll be there until tomorrow morning. You can contact me on my mobile. I've promised myself some retail therapy."
"Rather you than me, I hate shopping."
They left the restaurant, and he gave her a lift to the hotel. She kissed him on the cheek and vanished into the crowd waiting at reception.
Ian had a lot to consider. What Janice told him was a time bomb primed and ready.
***
Harry contacted Angie and informed her Harman-Smith was shutting down David's operation. The news did not surprise her. She was aware he used people and exploited the art of brinkmanship to perfection. He was also a bastard of the first order. She knew without a doubt that if Harry promised to do his best on Davy's new identity, she could trust him.
Angie waited for Davy to call. He telephoned late in the evening. Although always happy to hear from him, she was between the devil and the deep blue sea. Whatever she did or didn't do, he was in trouble. She remained cheerful as they chatted about their future and other silly things. After an hour, he said goodbye. Unhappy, she replaced the receiver and lay back on the bed, but sleep was the last thing on her mind.
***
Ian Holt planned to meet with the Assistant Commissioner at ten that morning. While in his office, he thought long and hard about the Jones saga. He was and always had been a stickler for doing the right thing. He had a few years left before he could retire, and, with a bit of luck, he would make Commander. His career had been by the book, and some man he didn't even know had changed everything. If the media found out about any of this, they would have a field day. He could see the headline: "Human Rights Disregarded by Government Agency". The prime minister and the home secretary would go mental.
This whole fiasco was higher than simple politics. To make matters worse, awkward questions in Parliament would not go down well. As soon as the word was out, drug barons would run for cover. The phone on his desk rang. He listened for a few seconds. "On my way, sir."
***
Assistant Commissioner Paul Adams, responsible for specialist operations, shook his head with disbelief. When Ian finished, he placed his head in his hands and said, "It's a bloody mess. The truth is those police officers are human beings, a fact not appreciated by the public they serve. Government-sanctioned crime is not acceptable! The politicians control most things and are the first to scream blue murder, but we'll have to clean up this mess. This damned Porter woman has uncovered far too much. To make matters worse, Harman-Smith has cocked up."
