Chapter 4:
"In this preliminary stage, we are sending in 6 undercover police officers to investigate the racket further" Kowalski explained, turning back to the small crowd in front of him, the bright smile he has given Millie still lingering on his lips. "Each will be in pairs- assigned together to infiltrate this organisation".
Millie felt her stomach jump, she scanned the room wondering who she was going to be paired with.
She blanked as DI Kowalski began reading out the pairs. She watched as Will Fletcher and another young man stepped up towards the front, taking a manila folder from Neil. Two more men, unknown to Millie also followed suit.
"PC Millie Brown" Kowalski called. Millie felt her guts jolt as she snapped out of her haze and walked uncertainly to the front of the room. Kowalski gave her a small acknowledging nod and handed her the thick manila folder.
"PC Brown….meet PC Elka Nowak" he told her, sweeping his arm towards the tall late-twenties brunette Millie had noticed talking to Stuart before the start. Elka smiled warmly at Millie and gave her a small wave. Millie couldn't help but reciprocate the smile and walked over to the young woman, taking up her position next to her new partner.
"Alright everyone" Neil called, settling the room down again. "Thanks for coming, we'll keep you all updated on the undercover progress…..we're gonna nail these bastards" he added with a smile.
The room nodded and murmured in agreement, before turning and beginning to slowly shuffle out. Millie turned to follow suit, feeling a tap on her shoulder.
"You and Elka stay behind" Neil told her. Millie stood and watched as the room slowly emptied, she saw Max glance at her. They locked eyes across the room. Millie stood and held his gaze, her face blank as she watched him through the crowd.
"Please tell me you're as nervous as I am" she heard a voice say behind her shoulder. Millie broke away from Max's gaze and turned, finding Elka standing behind her.
Millie turned back for a second and found Max gone. She watched his retreating figure return to his desk in the next room. Millie turned back to her new partner and smiled.
"Yeah" she answered "this is going to be massive. I've never done anything like this before" Millie explained nervously.
"Me either" Millie was surprised to find that Elka had a perfect British accent, not a hint of the Polish ancestry both her names suggested. "But I'm glad that we've been partnered together, I'm sure we'll learn a lot from each other".
Millie beamed "yeah it's going to be really exciting".
"Exciting doesn't even begin to cover it" Neil interrupted them, a small smile on his lips. "So I see that you've met and done the introductions. You're going to be partners for minimum the next 6 weeks, so I'm glad to see you two getting along. The last thing I need is a catfight." Both Millie and Elka turned and grinned at each other.
"We'll do our best not to get to that stage, I don't think I will want to be ripping out her hair" Elka laughed.
"Glad to hear it" Neil replied "now Millie," he turned to her, pulling out some papers from his manila folder. "We've managed to get one of Adamski's right hand men onside. He's decided that he wants out of this whole organisation and he knows the only way to really do that is to shut it all down. You're going to be portraying his sister".
Millie's eyebrow rose with slight worry as she pulled out the papers from her own manila folder and scanned the page.
"Don't worry, the guy, Henry North, he's actually British and he has got slightly ginger hair, a perfect match actually" Neil chuckled to himself. "You will have no problem fitting in and being able to integrate into the story. Now your angle to try and get close to the other workers: couriers, bodyguards, fall-out guys, anyone and everyone connected to this. You need to work, worm even seduce your way into the top ranks of this organisation". Millie's eyebrow raised even further.
"And Elka" Neil turned towards the brunette "we've got another guy lined up, a Pawel Ostrowski, you're going to be playing his girlfriend. Pawel is actually Adamski's, lawyer".
"Adamski's very corrupt lawyer" Elka scoffed, scanning her own papers in the folder.
Neil just nodded in agreement. "You have to basically also integrate yourself into this organisation. Pawel has been instructed to keep playing ball like nothing has changed, so you have to play it cool and just play along with whatever he give you. Your Polish language skills will come in useful in passing us information. But you have to make it very clear to everyone that you don't speak Polish, they might withhold information if they become suspicious of us- can you do it?"
"Oczywiście" she smiled. She glanced at both Millie's and Neil's confused expressions. "It means of course" she explained quickly.
Neil just nodded curtly. "Alright, well you girls start tomorrow. Millie you're going to be meeting your "brother" and he'll tell you everything you need to know. Elka, Ostrowski is going to give you a call and I'm sure that he'll want to meet up. Why don't you girls go downstairs and get a coffee, get to know each other, build the friendship, you're going to need complete faith in each other during these next few months".
Both Millie and Elka just nodded and gathered up their papers. "Bit too hot for coffee" Elka laughed, "how does a lemonade sound?"
"Make it a Coke and you got yourself a deal" Millie grinned in reply.
The two girls entered the cafeteria and walked over to an empty table in the corner of the room. Elka bought two cans of soft drink and returned to the table, placing one in front of Millie.
"So I guess we could start by telling each other about ourselves?" Millie started, aiming to fill the awkward silence that engulfed them.
"Sounds good" Elka smiled, taking a sip from her can.
"Ok" Millie started "prepare yourself for a short story. My name is Amelia Brown, I was born here in London, grew up with my parents, sister and brother. I've been a cop for 5 years. Before joining, I had been doing psychology and I just decided that wasn't for me. I joined the police because I always wanted to work here, it was actually a passion, it just took me longer to realise it. I was at one other station before they posted me here to Sun Hill, but when I think about it, I wouldn't want to leave, all the PC's here are like a family, yes, slightly dysfunctional, but still really close. When I found out that I was chosen for this undercover thing, total shock! But I think that it's a really exciting and different opportunity".
"Ok, well my name is Elka Nowak. I was actually born in Poznan in Poland, but my parents brought me over to England when I was still a baby, hence bring brought up with a perfect British accent. But I was taught Polish from an early age and I've always spoken it around family and other Poles. It's just a huge part of who I am. I've been a police officer for just under 6 years. I was raised in Liverpool, so it was only natural that I was part of the force up there. The station where I'm at is pretty big. All the PC's know each other, and aren't afraid to have a friendly chat, but we are not as close. As soon as we finish our shifts, everyone just goes back to their own lives and friends. I was actually quite surprised to see just how friendly people here are with each other. Everyone from both CID and your uniforms get on so well, and DI Manson is really nice".
"Well what's DI Kowalski like?" Millie asked, resting her elbows on the table and folding her arms.
"Oh he's great" Elka nodded "his first name is Thomas, he was born here but of course has Polish parents. He is super friendly and nice. I've probably only worked with him once or twice, but he knows everyone's name and is really supportive. He is only 35, but he is almost like a father figure to everyone, you wouldn't be worried about placing your life in his hands, he wouldn't let you down. He always gets a good result. That's probably why he was chosen for this- the brass know he's the best for this job, especially with undercovers going in".
Millie smiled, reassured that the new DI was a kind and supportive character, she had one less thing to worry about.
"So you're a lawyers girlfriend" Millie laughed, leaning back in her chair, propping the manila folder on her stomach and scanning through the information. "Sounds good" she added sarcastically.
Elka chuckled and nodded "yeah, I gotta pretend to be all corrupt and evil- kinda hard when you've spent your whole life following the rules and are in the law enforcing business".
"Yeah well I gotta pretend to be some guys sister!" Millie exclaimed "that's going to be even harder, gotta learn some random's whole family tree. Oh and you heard Neil- I supposed to 'seduce' my way into the organisation. I'm not much of a 'seducer'".
"Oh come on!" Elka exclaimed with a dismissive way of her hand "I'm sure you could have any guy, you just gotta put yourself out there! Be…spontaneous!".
"Yeah, spontaneous is not an adjective I would use to describe me" Millie rolled her eyes cynically.
"We'll see" Elka grinned at Millie, a hint of mischief gleamed in her eyes.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Millie asked, her eyebrow arching higher.
"Nothing" Elka dismissed, avoiding Millie's eye as she scanned the cafeteria.
Millie opened her mouth to protest but instead Elka cut in "Millie" she started, keeping her eyes trained on something behind Millie "who is that?".
Millie turned, following Elka's eyes to see where the young women was staring. It was directly at Max.
"That's DS Max Carter" Millie replied monotonously, turning back, trying to avoid the topic.
"Who's stuck the pole up his bum?" Elka demanded with a smirk, her eyes still trained firmly on Max. Millie turned back toward Max, who had just entered the cafeteria, the permanent frown stuck firmly on his face.
"He's always like that" Millie waved her arm dismissively.
"Wow!" Elka replied, leaning back into her seat, her attention now back on Millie. "What's he like to work with?" Elka asked.
"Um….." Millie couldn't help but let her thoughts return to the kidnapping and before that the Jankowski case. Max has always been a….challenge. His thirst for success and constant lack of emotional perspective was a massive flaw in the way Max conducted his work. But Millie had to commend him, he usually did get a result, even if it usually meant that he needed help along the way.
"Well…..?" Elka asked "he can't be that bad can he?" she grinned, glancing beyond Millie, sneaking another glance at Max again "can he?"
"Well the least I can say is that he is…methodical".
Elka simply laughed and nodded. "Gotcha" she smiled.
Millie just beamed at her new colleague. She knew that Elka was going to become if not a great partner, a wonderful friend too.
….
Millie sat in the conference room with Elka, silently reading the information in the manila folder Kowalski had handed her. Her alias was Millie North, she was born in London and lived alone in a flat in the western suburbs. She was coming onto the scene because she had just come back from a backpacking trip to Australia and was looking for work. Her "brother" Henry was happy to help her get work doing book keeping for the "shipping business". Millie sighed and dropped the folder, rubbing her temples with her fingers.
"Oh I've had enough of this!" Elka exclaimed with a moan, also dropping her folder and throwing her head back.
"The words are making my head hurt" Millie grumbled, folding her arms on the table and burying her face in them.
Elka just laughed and looked at Millie, who was sitting face down, her puffy ginger hair only visible. "I think we need a drink", she announced, standing up, leaving the folder sitting on the desk.
"As long as it's got more than 20% alcohol" Millie smiled, raising her head.
Elka just grinned mischievously "didn't you know that the Poles are famous for their Vodka?"
"I'm in!" Millie laughed, standing up from her chair and grinning brightly at her partner.
"Excellent!" Elka laughed, clapping her hands with a small laugh.
…-…..-
An hour later, Millie and Elka was sitting at a local bar, downing shots of Polish vodka. The more Millie drank, the more she regretted allowing Elka to introduce her to the liquid. It burned like wildfire in her throat and she could feel it swimming alone in her otherwise empty stomach. Her vision started to blur and her head was pounding thanks to the bass music that the bar was playing.
"I think we might need to get some food" Millie shouted to her partner, trying to make herself heard over the loud music. "I don't feel so good" she added, rubbing her stomach.
"Yeah I think you're right" Elka nodded, rubbing her head as she gathered her handbag. "I know that there is a pizza place down the road, we can drop by for a slice".
"Sounds like a plan" Millie agreed, standing up but immediately regretting rising too fast as her world started to spin. She reached out and grabbed the bar top in an attempt to steady herself. Through her blurred vision, she noticed that Elka seemed to also have some difficulty staying upright.
"I think we took a few too many shots" Elka grinned.
"You don't say" Millie giggled as she managed to let go of the table top, the queasiness in her head starting to slowly subside. "We need to get some food into our stomachs".
"Agreed".
As the two girls left the bar, they walked down the street. Classic Friday night and other party goers had started to fill the streets, looking for clubs and bars to visit. Millie also knew that Friday meant that Sun Hill PC's were going to be on patrol, breaking up fights and driving drunk teens home- a typical Friday night shift. She didn't have to blink before she spotted PC Beth Green and PC Mel Ryder on the other side of the road.
They quickly found her too, giving her a grin and wave.
"Friends of yours?" Elka asked.
"Yeah" Millie nodded with a smile, watching the two PC's cross the road and make their way towards Millie and Elka.
"What are you doing out this late Miss Millie?" Mel asked with a bright smile.
"We've come out for a drink" Millie explained, indicating to Elka.
"Hi" Elka smiled to Beth and Mel "I'm PC Elka Nowak".
"You're a copper" Beth said curiously "how do you know Millie then?".
"Oh it's a long story" Elka laughed. Millie was relieved that Elka didn't reveal about the undercover operation, she didn't want it becoming public knowledge, would it not only compromise everything, but she wanted to be able to keep this one thing to herself. Millie suddenly felt herself starting to gag, the Polish vodka wasn't feeling very welcome alone in her stomach.
"Are you drunk?" Beth laughed at Millie, noticing her ginger friend going pale.
"A tad" Millie squeaked, looking up embarrassingly at her friend.
"You better get home" Mel giggled "you know Smithy doesn't like hangovers on the job".
Millie swallowed and nodded. Tomorrow was going to be her first day as an undercover, it was going to be tough enough as it is and she didn't want to be nursing a hangover as well.
"See you guys around" Elka waved as she lead a still nauseous Millie away. Mel and Beth returned the goodbye and walked away, resuming their foot patrol.
"Are you ok to walk?" Elka asked with a concerned smile. "I can always hail a cab to take us home".
"No" Millie mumbled, shaking her head. "I can make it". Millie grabbed her handbag and rummaged through it mindlessly.
"What are you looking for?" Elka asked with a curious laugh.
"My phone" Millie replied "I can't find it".
"Don't worry about it, you can get it tomorrow at work".
"No" Millie shook her head defiantly "I need it, I'm expecting a call first thing tomorrow morning. We are two blocks from the station, can we swing by?" She immediately regretted shaking her head as another dizzy spell came over her. Millie stuck out her arm and lent on the nearby brick wall for support.
Elka just sighed and nodded in defeat "alright" she nodded "let's go". She took Millie's arm and starting leading her down the walkway towards Sun Hill.
"How are you not as drunk as me?" Millie asked, but her voice came out a slurred mumble.
"I'm Polish" Elka replied simply "I guess we are immune to the strong effects" she grinned "I've drunk the stuff since I turned 18, it's the traditional party drink over in Poland. When we have weddings and baptisms, we drink it to celebrate".
"Well in London we drink wine and beer" Millie laughed "but that stuff is orange juice compared to vodka".
Elka just giggled in agreement as the pair stumbled towards the entry of Sun Hill station.
"Hey Bennie!" Millie called to her friend as he stood at the front counter.
"Millie" he smirked knowingly, he was an expert when it came to the signs and symptoms of classic drunkenness. He just never thought he would see the day when those signs and symptoms were being displayed by the stations resident goodie goodie. "Are you drunk?" he asked with a smile, glancing from Millie to Elka.
"Not at all!" Millie exclaimed. "We just went down to the bar for a few shots. Elka here was introducing me to the world of Polish vodka. Quite yummy actually."
"A few?" Ben smirked. "Looks like you downed the whole bottle! Don't tell me you were doing body shots off each other" he laughed.
"Shut up Ben!" Millie giggled, punching him lightly on the arm.
"Millie" Elka spoke up "can you please go and get your phone. I think we both need a good night's sleep" she moaned running her fingers through her brown hair.
"Alright alright, keep your pants on" Millie grumbled, a frown forming on her face as she walked off down the corridor towards the locker room.
As Millie went to open the door, it opened itself and she came face to face with a stern looking Max Carter.
"Millie" he acknowledged her, looking down at her, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "What are you doing here so late?" he asked, slinging a backpack over his shoulder.
"Um", Millie swallowed, swaying slightly, putting her hand to her head and moaning, the pounding had started again and she could feel the vodka starting to swirl in her stomach. "I…..my phone" she mumbled closing her eyes.
"Are you drunk?" he smirked, looking at her knowingly.
"I don't remember" Millie admitted, looking at him with her squinted eyes. The bright florescent lights were extremely bright for her sluggish eyesight.
"Yeah I think you had a few too many glasses of wine" he laughed gently, taking her arm "let's get you outta here, big day tomorrow".
"It was vodka actually" Millie added, allowing Max to lead her slowly down the hall. "Elka got me drinking Polish vodka, do you know it?".
"Ah" Max nodded understandingly, "that stuff is deadly, no wonder you're having trouble staying upright".
"I can stay horizontal thank you very much" Millie exclaimed, shaking herself free of his grip. However, she managed a few steps backwards before she tripped over herself. Max managed to catch her arm before she tumbled to the ground.
"No wonder you have red hair" he smiled, leading her again towards the front desk "you are pretty stubborn".
"Do you like my hair?" Millie asked, her burst of anger forgotten, for now she was enjoying the company of the man she had a slight crush on. "I once considered dying it, I always thought that the ginger was too strong- what do you think", Millie preferred being drunk at this moment, she wouldn't have had the courage to be so boastful with him otherwise. She didn't even know why she was asking him such ridiculous questions, but she couldn't help herself, the words just tumbled out of her mouth.
"I've always liked you hair" he told her gently. "I makes you, you".
They stopped in the middle of the hall and locked eyes, holding each other's gazes silently for a few seconds.
Max opened his mouth to speak as Millie suddenly gagged, her face going even more pale.
"Are you alright Millie?" he asked, looking down at her, eyebrow raised.
"I think I'm gonna be sick" she squeaked, covering her mouth and running down the hall towards the ladies toilet.
Max simply stood and watched as she ran, he couldn't help but smile, she had got so drunk that she stumbled over herself again as she ran. Max grinned and contemplated going after her but decided against it, instead he walking up the hallway and into the front foyer. There he found the new girl, Elka Nowak and Ben chatting away.
"PC Nowak" he interrupted, his stern voice returning "are you here with PC Brown?" he asked.
"Yes" the brunette nodded with a tight smile, "we went out for some drinks and she forgot her phone so we came back for it".
"Well I think Millie picked up more than her phone, she's in the ladies room now, probably spewing up her guts".
Elka sighed heavily and nodded again "thanks, I better go get her".
"What exactly did you give her?" he asked, his eyes narrowing down at Elka.
"Tylko wódkę" Elka replied mischievously. A toothy smile appearing on her lips.
"Yeah well I don't think anyone but us should drink that stuff" Max told her gruffly. "You better get her home, you're both starting undercover tomorrow" he reminded her sternly.
"Aye aye" Elka sighed, giving Max a mock salute before starting down the hall. "Oh and Sarge" Elka called after him.
"What is it PC Nowak?" he sighed wearily.
"Millie was wrong about you…..you aren't as meticulous as you seem, but don't worry, your secret is safe with me", and with a small smile, Elka turned and started down the hall towards the bathroom.
Max just lifted his backpack higher onto his shoulder, giving Ben a small acknowledging nod, turned and walked out of the station, a small smile forming on his usually closed lips as he walked into the night.
…..
"Tylko wódkę" means "only vodka" in Polish. Enjoy and please review!
