No Stranger To Disguise

Jim then made a lunge at Ivor, who was now intent on kicking the living daylights out of Jason. But Jim was topped dead in his tracks, and let out a strangled cry as he felt a sharp pain. Something cut into his neck and ears. He tried to pull the offending cord away from his neck. Lights flashed before his eyes, and he felt himself beginning to lose consciousness. Suddenly the cord went slack and his face was being none-too-gently slapped. Gulping for air, he coughed as he inhaled a lung-full of cigar smoke and stale garlic. 

And I would now like you to meet a new member of Stan's team who will be joining us. May I introduce you to Miss Jessica Pearce, who, before joining our department, worked as a linguist for a business agency. I think, for now, that's all you need to know as time is moving on, and we still have a number of details on the agenda to sort out.

'Vincente, will you start, please.'

   A short Spaniard with a scar which ran from the left side of his forehead and disappeared into his shirt-collar, picked up a pile of papers before addressing the room, 'I have a plan of the routes,' he said, 'which we have been led to believe, by reliable sources, will be taken by the drug runners . This vital information was compiled at great risk, and unfortunately ended with the murder of an officer. Eduardo de la Serna was one of our bravest men, and was totally dedicated to our cause.'

   A gasp came from the dark-haired woman. 'When did this happen? And why wasn't I told?' She let out a cry of pain.

   'The reason we couldn't tell you, Juanita, was because you were still recovering from your vicious attack in Malaga Hospital. We wanted to tell you, but the specialist was against it. He said that you were still in shock, and that bad news would only hinder your recovery,' Vincente explained, pushing his chair back. He then began handing out the route plans.

   Jessica looked at the plan. It was a neatly set-up map. And at the bottom of the page were written the words, "Enjoy walking with us in Spain". Jessica looked at John Paul, who raised his eyebrows at her.

   'I do hope that you are fit,' John Paul remarked, 'because I think that we are about to be taken on a route march!' He grinned.

   Jessica looked horrified. 'I do hope you are joking!' she exclaimed.

The Priest clapped his hands. The men looked on in surprise as The Priest translated the conversation to them. All five of them then just fell about laughing.

   'What's so funny?' Josh questioned, keeping a sharp eye on the five armed men.

   'Well, I do believe that you are Detective Inspector Joshua Dayland of the London Drugs Squad!' Priest laughed.

   Josh dropped to the ground as Emilio shot Priest through the head. Before the surprised men had time to raise their rifles, a volley of shots rang out from the surrounding mountainside, killing all five men instantly.

'And this is a condensed summary of these papers.' He tapped the pile of papers on his desk. 'It  relates to "The Clarence Operation", and I only possess the one copy,' he said, handing it over to Monty. 'I will leave this for you both to read through. When you have finished, would you place it in this envelope, seal it, and hand it to Nina before you leave. I think that's all for now, gentlemen. But I'll take this lot home with me.' Sir Peter packed the important documentation into his briefcase.

   'Do you require any written comments on the paper, sir?' Monty asked.

   'Not at this stage, as I have this to attend to first.' he replied, patting his briefcase. 'I can lock myself in my study and read it without fear of being interrupted. So, I bid you both goodnight, gentlemen.'

   'Goodnight, Sir Peter,' they replied in unison.

   'Would you like to read it with me, or would you rather read it afterwards?' Monty asked Roger.

   'After you. Meanwhile, I'll go and see if I can rustle-up some more coffee,' Roger replied as he picked up the tray of empty cups.

   'Afetr sitting in that bloody traffic jam, I really could do with a nice, cold lager, not blasted coffee!' Monty moaned.

   'Well, I'm afraid that you'll have to make do with coffee. So stop moaning,' Roger replied.

   As Roger returned with the coffee, Monty looked up from the notes. This is a real eye-opener!' He whistled. 'But I'd really like to read what Sir Peter has in his briefcase,' he said, handing the summary over to Roger.

   'Jessica Pearce? Is that Stan's new protege? And who is this guy, John Paul Marsh? Do you know him, by any chance?' questioned Roger.

   'Yes to Jessica Pearce. Max recommended her to Stan. Jessica worked with Max at the secretarial agency, and, if you recall, Max went under the name of Tina on Operation Clarence. John Paul Marsh is with A.S.U. And drugs is his speciality. He can smell them a mile away. He worked with the Spanish department about four months ago,' Monty explained.

'Come on, don't hang about. You never know, the caretaker may decide to put in an appearance,' Stan said, slipping a plastic card down the doorframe of flat number five.

   'Bloody hell! This place is minute,' Monty exclaimed as he looked around the flat.

   'Let's not waste time, Monty,' Stan advised as he looked into the kitchenette.

   'Nothing in the bedroom,' Monty said.

   'That just leaves the bathroom, then,' Stan said as he opened the door. 'Bloody hell, Monty! I've found her! She's in the bath with her throat cut. Call MIT while I find the caretaker. And make it quick!