Chapter 25

88 minutes had passed when panting PC Lennox came again into sight of the CI5 Controller in the cantine and the fact made the older Scot chuckle quietly. Lad had effort, and he had managed to aquire good quality garments. He still looked hung over though. Mr Cowley wasn't that perky himself either, and had tried to have a wise meal to not make himself feel sleepy, so he signalled the young man to bring more coffee to the table. Mr Cowley noticed some sneers pointed at the young copper who got visibly embarassed, and felt a little compassion. He knew from experience that fire was terrifying when it roared and danced around you, and he quickly pushed some of his own memories away.

Instead he raised his voice to the young man closing in the counter. "Oi, Constable, did you get all we need?"

Duncan nodded. "Aye sir!"

"Good lad! Well done. Have a cup for yourself too, my treat." Ach, maybe he was becoming mellow, but at least those bullies would get something to think about. Especially as mr Cowley didn't remember any of those faces from the warehouse. It's always easy to snigger when your own arse has been out of danger.

He quietly observed the young man who finally made it to the table with the coffees. There was nothing out of the ordinary about the lad really, sand-coloured hair neatly cut, open and quite pleasant features, seemingly well built and athletic but in a moderate way. Despite his obvious temporary... weakness, still the lad look strong and agile and hardy.

"You're not a city-boy, Lennox?" Mr Cowley nodded his thanks when the extra cup was passed to him.

"Nay, sir, not really, me parents also had a farm up at Cairngorms, on the eastern side, north of Braemar. We moved into city when I was 16, me Mum got poorly. I like visiting Gramp when I get the change. Got a hang of rock-climbing, great way to keep fit, and there are good cliffs around."

Mr Cowley chuckled. "Aye, cliffs and rocks alright. And what does your grandfather say about your climbing?"

Duncan took a pained look on his face. "Lad, lad, havenae ye got cleaner ways to kill yerself?" They both laughed.

They finished their cups quickly. "Your car should be ready now. Got you a Granada with good tyres, and the lads fixed it a little for you, sir. I also took some other stuff with me, map, ropes and so on."

The lass behind the counter gave Lennox a bag and when Mr Cowley offered to pay for the extra coffees, she put her finger on her lips and winked an eye towards the blushing constable. "A couple of sandwiches, and tea and coffee, as you wanted, PC Lennox."

Duncan explained: "In case you start to feel drowsy while driving, sir. Noticed earlier you were tired."

Mr Cowley raised his eyebrows but didn't say anything. Not bad. Not many were able to see through his tested facade. "Well then, off we go."

The Controller looked at the radio quite impressed. It was a very latest model, he only had got one to be tested in CI5. That wasn't from a regular copper car.

"Duncan here" the electrician winked towards the boot where Duncan was making the last check, "he said yer up to Cairngorms, sir, so we figured if yer needin' a talkie, it better be a good one an' this here is our best. If somethin' happens, ye also get to military frequences, they're in the glove box. Tank is full see the lads, oil's been checked, and this here lass got herself a new battery too."

The Controller nodded his approval and quickly checked everything was functioning. "Whose radio is it, by the way?"

The electrician exchanged a startled look with Duncan and coughed. "Ach, sir, never ye mind that... It won't be needed here today anyway."

The Controller sighed, trying to decide whether he should reproach, or thank. He settled with the latter while Duncan finally sat in his seat.

"Everything set?"

Duncan hesitated. "Would you mind stopping by my apartment, sir? It's on our route, and it takes only two minutes. I'd like to grab another piece of equipment. Just in case."

Controller shrugged and the Granada started.