Chapter 6
They finished their meals, and got back into the car. June was right, it was fantastic food. She was a fascinating person to talk to. Music, philosophy, literature, art, travel, fine food and wine, and even sport she could converse about freely. She spoke French and Spanish, played piano, sculpted, cooked and enjoyed watching rugby because it reminded her of American football. John thoroughly enjoyed her company, and her approach to the case.
"Where are we off to now?" John asked.
"My flat, I need to change my clothes." June said, smiling at him.
"Why?"
"Because, if I'm going to play the role of a junkie, I can't go in dressed in Ralph Lauren, wearing gold jewellery."
"What?" John was surprised and didn't quite follow her.
"Listen, John. We can get to Spire through Bryant. I'm going to pay Mr. Bryant a little visit and get the connection made. You can't do it, as Bryant knows you, however none of them know me. I'll get things set up. Do you follow?"
"I guess, but we need to let Mr. Meadows know so he can arrange suitable back-up in case your cover is blown."
June smiled at John, "No need. Area's covering me. Someone will be dropping by to give me a wire, and we'll make contact and swap cars closer to the Bronte."
June pulled into the driveway of her house. It was an old Victorian, converted into apartments. She unlocked the front door, letting both of them in. Pausing to pick up her post, she made her way upstairs. Opening the front door, she keyed off her alarm.
"Welcome to my humble abode. Make yourself comfortable. Want a drink? Water, wine, something harder?"
"Do you have any beer?" John asked.
"But of course, sir. Do you like Stella?"
"Oh yes please." John regarded his surroundings: the walls and carpet were white. She had a large green wool rug in the centre of the room, with a coffee table on top of it. Her sofas were covered over with hand-made throws. A large piano took up most of one of the walls, with a candelabra on top. She had a nice sound system and TV.
June's flat was actually a maisonette. "Come on upstairs, we can talk up there. She had the whole top story of the house, two bedrooms and a bathroom. A large built-in bookcase was absolutely bulging with books, classic literature, source materials, history texts, strange binders marked 'FBI Confidential', and an entire shelf devoted to Jane's military guides.
She told John to wait in the spare bedroom, which she had converted into an office with three computers. One of which was on, making clicking noises. The other two appeared to be off. She went into her room, across the hall, and grabbed some clothes out of the wardrobe. Going into the bathroom, she pulled the sliding door across and spoke to him.
"Here's the plan. I am going to get us a contact with Spire. We'll go in together, infiltrate his gang, but then I'm afraid I'll have to leave you to it then. My accent would give me away to anyone higher up than Spire. I will be monitoring you closely throughout, on the other end of your wiretap, at the other end of your mobile. I will follow you wherever you go, and at the first sign of trouble, I'll be there with plenty of backup. You have nothing to worry about. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is going to harm you."
June seemed more concerned about this point than John himself was. He knew procedure for undercover work and was not afraid of being harmed. He figured June's paranoia must have came from her past experience dealing with Escoverda.
"June, I'll be fine, I know what I'm doing."
"I know you do. And so do I. That's all that matters. We're going to get him."
June stepped out of the bathroom looking like something else entirely. Gone were the silks and wools of her tailored suits and demure jewellery. Ripped jeans, stained T-shirt, denim jacket, greasy hair, heavily kohled eyes, and a bizarre shade of purple-pink lipstick.
"Do I look the part?"
"I don't know if I want to be seen leaving with you." John laughed. "Whatever will your neighbours think?"
"The little old lady downstairs already thinks I'm some sort of tom. She told me that I live a 'shameful' lifestyle; that coming and going all hours of the day and night is not fitting for a lady. How can I afford such nice clothes and such a nice car when I don't seem to hold down a tangible job?"
John started to laugh. "What did you tell her?"
"I told her that my lifestyle was really none of her business, just as the fact that she smokes marijuana for her 'cataracts' is really none of my business. That shut her up."
John was practically howling by now. "Do you want me to have a word with her?"
"No. At least she's making sure nothing suspicious is going on when I'm not around. I need that sort of security, and she's more vicious than a guard dog. Besides, no one here knows I work for the Feds, and that's how I want to keep it. Having a copper on her case might make her a bit more suspicious, and I don't need that. Anyway, let's go, it's getting late."
* * *
The wiretap was hidden in a package under the driver's side wheel of her car. She told John to drive while she secured it on herself under her clothing. She sang along with the U2 CD some more:
"One man come in the name of love, one man come and go, one man come he to justify, one man to overthrow..."
John joined in for the chorus, "In the name of love, what more in the name of love?"
June waited to see what John would do at the guitar solo... there it was...
John shouted, "The Edge!"
June dissolved into a sea of giggles, "Yes, the Rattle and Hum live version of Pride is better than the album version, don't you think so too?"
John blushed, turning as red as his hair, "Leave me alone, I can't help it."
"Tell you what, next time they tour, I'll get in touch and we can go together, what do you say?" She grinned.
"Yeah, that would be fantastic. Sure!" John grinned. 'I wonder if that qualifies as being asked out on a date', he thought to himself. 'Must check if U2 are touring at the moment.'
John could hardly believe how much fun this assignment was turning out to be. For police work, which was usually dull and tedious, this was a blast! Driving a fast car, good tunes, in good company with a beautiful, intelligent woman, John almost felt like James Bond. It would be really easy for him to forget the whole thing. June didn't operate like he did, or anyone else at Sun Hill. She was an entity all her own. John suspected that whoever her governor was, he probably had a hard time controlling her.
"Go to Ashdowne Road, on the edge of the Bronte, John. We want the alley behind Pete's Tyres."
"I know it."
"We're almost there, are you ready?" June glanced over at him.
"Yes, whatever happens, good luck."
"Cheers, John."
There was a white van sitting behind Pete's Tyres, a shop long-since closed down. As they pulled around the corner, the doors of the van opened up. John parked the car beside the van and they both got out.
"Heyup, June, how's it been?"
"Not so bad, Paul, how about you?"
"Eh, you know, bit of this, that and the other."
"Paul, this is DS John Boulton, Sun Hill CID, he's my partner on the case."
Paul outstretched his hand. "Nice to meet you mate, I'm Paul"
June said, "John, Paul is the best surveillance operator in England. I always request him on big assignments."
"Ah, right, Paul Hewsin. I've heard of you. Nice to meet you." John was duly impressed. His natural cockiness towards insubordinates was tempered by Paul's reputation.
"Right, June, let's get your wire working." Paul tinkered around with the controls on his console and on her wirebox. "Say something," he said, as he stuck on his headphones.
"Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country."
"Loud and clear, June." They heard a car pulling in behind them. "Looks like your chariot's arrived."
They opened up the back door to see a ratty old Ford Fiesta. "Oh joy. The pinnacle of automobile design." June rolled her eyes. "I love these company cars."
"Right, boys, keep an ear out, and if anything happens, call in the calvary. Back in a bit." June jumped out of the back of the van. She gave the delivery driver a hand-slap, "Cheers mate. Keep an eye on my baby, will ya?" The driver walked over to her Alfa and lit a cigarette.
June jumped in the Ford and gave John and Paul a quick wave. "Bye bye!" she exclaimed through the microphone, and sped off. Paul put the console onto speaker, and they heard through June's wire, her tuning the radio. "Come on you sodding thing," she cursed.
"So, how well do you know June?" John asked.
"Pretty well, we've worked on a lot of operations together. She's very professional, but knows not to take the job too seriously. She loves every minute of it. June's one of the nicest people I've ever worked with, and I've never seen her not get a result. She always comes out on top."
John thought back to what June told him in the cafe. "She seems to be very driven."
Paul said, "She is. She demands the best staff, the best equipment and the best performances out of her team. Do you know Sir Steven?"
John said, very surprised, "Sir Steven Croft? I'm afraid not."
Paul smiled, "That's her governor. I'm sure you didn't know that. She doesn't exactly advertise it, as she says that people get uncomfortable around her when they realise that she's one of his officers."
John couldn't believe it. June Gowan took orders from Sir Steven Croft? It wasn't surprising that an FBI agent would be under his command, just that the FBI agent he happened to be dealing with was. Officers who work for Sir Steven often go on to join the MI5, although he was sure they didn't take foreign agents. Still, it was very impressive, and spoke volumes about her ability.
From the sound of things on the wire, June found herself a radio station that was suitable. She was humming along to The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony, after assuring them that she wouldn't sing for them, as she didn't want their ears to bleed. Paul laughed and said, "She's all heart, that girl."
"Right, I'm going in now. Bryant's light is on." June said, turning off the engine. "Stay tuned."
John and Paul were quiet, listening to the sound of June's breathing in the microphone. She knocked on a door. They heard the hinges of the door squeal as it opened.
"Yo, who are you then?"
"Are you Ben Bryant?"
"Who's askin?"
"Dude, I hear you're the main man on this estate."
"I said, who's askin?"
"My name's Leap. I need a bit, man. I'm gettin' ill, please."
"I ain't seen you around before. Who do you normally go to?"
"I get from a geezer named Rourke. He was supposed to be at the club last night but he wasn't there when I showed up. Man please, do you got gear?"
"You're shakin' pretty bad. Come on in."
They heard a door slam.
"What you want then, Leap?"
"I need some smack, man. D'ya have any smack?"
"That be 300. What's a pretty thing like you doing taking this stuff?"
"Long story man. I can't afford no 300 for smack. Rourke would sell me it for 50."
"That fool. No wonder he got wasted!"
"Whatcha mean, he got wasted, man?"
"He got pulled by the filth last night. Damn pig named Boulton. Ever hear of him?" Bryant spat after saying John's name.
"Yeah man, he's one nasty mutha. He nicked my brother for shopliftin'. Ginger haired little tossa he is."
Paul shot a glance over to John whose cheeks were reddening back to his hair colour again.
"That's your man, Leap. He be harassing me all the time. I'd love to stuff a cap up his a-"
June interrupted Bryant, "Man you gonna give me that stuff or what, man, please?"
"I can give you some weed for 50 but no smack for that. 300 for smack."
"Where am I gonna get the money, man? I need money. I ain't got no job, man."
"It may be your lucky day, Leap. I gots a man, right, who can give you a little sideline if you're interested. Takin' over Rourke's patch. Are you interested?"
"Yeah man. I've got a mate of mine who can help as well. Two heads are better than one when it comes to filth like Boulton on your trail."
"True, Leap. True. Whas your mobile number?"
"07591 326 012"
"My man will be in touch. His name's Charlie. And here's some smack, on the house, alright love. See you round' Leap."
"Ah, cheers, man. Thanks!"
They heard the door open and slam again.
Nothing but June's breathing until she got back in the car. "Well, boys, that went well, and we've got some evidence to use on Bryant later on. I'm on my way back. Break open the bubbly."
John swallowed hard and looked at Paul. "She's quite an actress."
* * *
"Cheers for your help, Paul. I'll be in touch soon. Probably tonight or tomorrow, as soon as I know when Spire wants to meet. Have your man deliver two wires next time."
John and June got back in June's car. "What did you think?"
"Well, you're very good. I'm impressed at your result. I guess Sir Steven would demand such abilities."
June shot John a sideways glance, "Did Paul tell you who my governor was?"
"Yes."
"Looks like Pauly and I will be having a little chat then. Listen, John, don't be intimidated. Who I work for shouldn't matter. It's irrelevant. We're partners on this case, we're working together. As far as this operation is concerned, I may be in charge but I don't see you as an insubordinate. We're equals."
"Did I say I felt inferior to you? No. I'm just surprised that I would get picked, that's all." John wasn't usually subject to inferiority complexes, however he was feeling rather confused about his role in this whole situation.
"And why would you be surprised? You're a good copper. You've got a fine record, and you get results. You are, without a doubt, the best DS I've ever worked with. I have faith in you. Mr. Meadows and Mr. Brownlow have faith in you as well, or else they would have never recommended you. You'll do fine."
June pulled into John's block of flats. "Listen, John. Get your kit together, as you're staying with me tonight. We need to be mobile within a few moment's notice, as soon as we hear from Spire. I know it's short notice, will it be a problem?"
"Not at all. Give me a few minutes."
"Alright. I need to nip these drugs over to the Yard anyway. I'll give you a call when I'm on my way back to pick you up."
They finished their meals, and got back into the car. June was right, it was fantastic food. She was a fascinating person to talk to. Music, philosophy, literature, art, travel, fine food and wine, and even sport she could converse about freely. She spoke French and Spanish, played piano, sculpted, cooked and enjoyed watching rugby because it reminded her of American football. John thoroughly enjoyed her company, and her approach to the case.
"Where are we off to now?" John asked.
"My flat, I need to change my clothes." June said, smiling at him.
"Why?"
"Because, if I'm going to play the role of a junkie, I can't go in dressed in Ralph Lauren, wearing gold jewellery."
"What?" John was surprised and didn't quite follow her.
"Listen, John. We can get to Spire through Bryant. I'm going to pay Mr. Bryant a little visit and get the connection made. You can't do it, as Bryant knows you, however none of them know me. I'll get things set up. Do you follow?"
"I guess, but we need to let Mr. Meadows know so he can arrange suitable back-up in case your cover is blown."
June smiled at John, "No need. Area's covering me. Someone will be dropping by to give me a wire, and we'll make contact and swap cars closer to the Bronte."
June pulled into the driveway of her house. It was an old Victorian, converted into apartments. She unlocked the front door, letting both of them in. Pausing to pick up her post, she made her way upstairs. Opening the front door, she keyed off her alarm.
"Welcome to my humble abode. Make yourself comfortable. Want a drink? Water, wine, something harder?"
"Do you have any beer?" John asked.
"But of course, sir. Do you like Stella?"
"Oh yes please." John regarded his surroundings: the walls and carpet were white. She had a large green wool rug in the centre of the room, with a coffee table on top of it. Her sofas were covered over with hand-made throws. A large piano took up most of one of the walls, with a candelabra on top. She had a nice sound system and TV.
June's flat was actually a maisonette. "Come on upstairs, we can talk up there. She had the whole top story of the house, two bedrooms and a bathroom. A large built-in bookcase was absolutely bulging with books, classic literature, source materials, history texts, strange binders marked 'FBI Confidential', and an entire shelf devoted to Jane's military guides.
She told John to wait in the spare bedroom, which she had converted into an office with three computers. One of which was on, making clicking noises. The other two appeared to be off. She went into her room, across the hall, and grabbed some clothes out of the wardrobe. Going into the bathroom, she pulled the sliding door across and spoke to him.
"Here's the plan. I am going to get us a contact with Spire. We'll go in together, infiltrate his gang, but then I'm afraid I'll have to leave you to it then. My accent would give me away to anyone higher up than Spire. I will be monitoring you closely throughout, on the other end of your wiretap, at the other end of your mobile. I will follow you wherever you go, and at the first sign of trouble, I'll be there with plenty of backup. You have nothing to worry about. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is going to harm you."
June seemed more concerned about this point than John himself was. He knew procedure for undercover work and was not afraid of being harmed. He figured June's paranoia must have came from her past experience dealing with Escoverda.
"June, I'll be fine, I know what I'm doing."
"I know you do. And so do I. That's all that matters. We're going to get him."
June stepped out of the bathroom looking like something else entirely. Gone were the silks and wools of her tailored suits and demure jewellery. Ripped jeans, stained T-shirt, denim jacket, greasy hair, heavily kohled eyes, and a bizarre shade of purple-pink lipstick.
"Do I look the part?"
"I don't know if I want to be seen leaving with you." John laughed. "Whatever will your neighbours think?"
"The little old lady downstairs already thinks I'm some sort of tom. She told me that I live a 'shameful' lifestyle; that coming and going all hours of the day and night is not fitting for a lady. How can I afford such nice clothes and such a nice car when I don't seem to hold down a tangible job?"
John started to laugh. "What did you tell her?"
"I told her that my lifestyle was really none of her business, just as the fact that she smokes marijuana for her 'cataracts' is really none of my business. That shut her up."
John was practically howling by now. "Do you want me to have a word with her?"
"No. At least she's making sure nothing suspicious is going on when I'm not around. I need that sort of security, and she's more vicious than a guard dog. Besides, no one here knows I work for the Feds, and that's how I want to keep it. Having a copper on her case might make her a bit more suspicious, and I don't need that. Anyway, let's go, it's getting late."
* * *
The wiretap was hidden in a package under the driver's side wheel of her car. She told John to drive while she secured it on herself under her clothing. She sang along with the U2 CD some more:
"One man come in the name of love, one man come and go, one man come he to justify, one man to overthrow..."
John joined in for the chorus, "In the name of love, what more in the name of love?"
June waited to see what John would do at the guitar solo... there it was...
John shouted, "The Edge!"
June dissolved into a sea of giggles, "Yes, the Rattle and Hum live version of Pride is better than the album version, don't you think so too?"
John blushed, turning as red as his hair, "Leave me alone, I can't help it."
"Tell you what, next time they tour, I'll get in touch and we can go together, what do you say?" She grinned.
"Yeah, that would be fantastic. Sure!" John grinned. 'I wonder if that qualifies as being asked out on a date', he thought to himself. 'Must check if U2 are touring at the moment.'
John could hardly believe how much fun this assignment was turning out to be. For police work, which was usually dull and tedious, this was a blast! Driving a fast car, good tunes, in good company with a beautiful, intelligent woman, John almost felt like James Bond. It would be really easy for him to forget the whole thing. June didn't operate like he did, or anyone else at Sun Hill. She was an entity all her own. John suspected that whoever her governor was, he probably had a hard time controlling her.
"Go to Ashdowne Road, on the edge of the Bronte, John. We want the alley behind Pete's Tyres."
"I know it."
"We're almost there, are you ready?" June glanced over at him.
"Yes, whatever happens, good luck."
"Cheers, John."
There was a white van sitting behind Pete's Tyres, a shop long-since closed down. As they pulled around the corner, the doors of the van opened up. John parked the car beside the van and they both got out.
"Heyup, June, how's it been?"
"Not so bad, Paul, how about you?"
"Eh, you know, bit of this, that and the other."
"Paul, this is DS John Boulton, Sun Hill CID, he's my partner on the case."
Paul outstretched his hand. "Nice to meet you mate, I'm Paul"
June said, "John, Paul is the best surveillance operator in England. I always request him on big assignments."
"Ah, right, Paul Hewsin. I've heard of you. Nice to meet you." John was duly impressed. His natural cockiness towards insubordinates was tempered by Paul's reputation.
"Right, June, let's get your wire working." Paul tinkered around with the controls on his console and on her wirebox. "Say something," he said, as he stuck on his headphones.
"Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country."
"Loud and clear, June." They heard a car pulling in behind them. "Looks like your chariot's arrived."
They opened up the back door to see a ratty old Ford Fiesta. "Oh joy. The pinnacle of automobile design." June rolled her eyes. "I love these company cars."
"Right, boys, keep an ear out, and if anything happens, call in the calvary. Back in a bit." June jumped out of the back of the van. She gave the delivery driver a hand-slap, "Cheers mate. Keep an eye on my baby, will ya?" The driver walked over to her Alfa and lit a cigarette.
June jumped in the Ford and gave John and Paul a quick wave. "Bye bye!" she exclaimed through the microphone, and sped off. Paul put the console onto speaker, and they heard through June's wire, her tuning the radio. "Come on you sodding thing," she cursed.
"So, how well do you know June?" John asked.
"Pretty well, we've worked on a lot of operations together. She's very professional, but knows not to take the job too seriously. She loves every minute of it. June's one of the nicest people I've ever worked with, and I've never seen her not get a result. She always comes out on top."
John thought back to what June told him in the cafe. "She seems to be very driven."
Paul said, "She is. She demands the best staff, the best equipment and the best performances out of her team. Do you know Sir Steven?"
John said, very surprised, "Sir Steven Croft? I'm afraid not."
Paul smiled, "That's her governor. I'm sure you didn't know that. She doesn't exactly advertise it, as she says that people get uncomfortable around her when they realise that she's one of his officers."
John couldn't believe it. June Gowan took orders from Sir Steven Croft? It wasn't surprising that an FBI agent would be under his command, just that the FBI agent he happened to be dealing with was. Officers who work for Sir Steven often go on to join the MI5, although he was sure they didn't take foreign agents. Still, it was very impressive, and spoke volumes about her ability.
From the sound of things on the wire, June found herself a radio station that was suitable. She was humming along to The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony, after assuring them that she wouldn't sing for them, as she didn't want their ears to bleed. Paul laughed and said, "She's all heart, that girl."
"Right, I'm going in now. Bryant's light is on." June said, turning off the engine. "Stay tuned."
John and Paul were quiet, listening to the sound of June's breathing in the microphone. She knocked on a door. They heard the hinges of the door squeal as it opened.
"Yo, who are you then?"
"Are you Ben Bryant?"
"Who's askin?"
"Dude, I hear you're the main man on this estate."
"I said, who's askin?"
"My name's Leap. I need a bit, man. I'm gettin' ill, please."
"I ain't seen you around before. Who do you normally go to?"
"I get from a geezer named Rourke. He was supposed to be at the club last night but he wasn't there when I showed up. Man please, do you got gear?"
"You're shakin' pretty bad. Come on in."
They heard a door slam.
"What you want then, Leap?"
"I need some smack, man. D'ya have any smack?"
"That be 300. What's a pretty thing like you doing taking this stuff?"
"Long story man. I can't afford no 300 for smack. Rourke would sell me it for 50."
"That fool. No wonder he got wasted!"
"Whatcha mean, he got wasted, man?"
"He got pulled by the filth last night. Damn pig named Boulton. Ever hear of him?" Bryant spat after saying John's name.
"Yeah man, he's one nasty mutha. He nicked my brother for shopliftin'. Ginger haired little tossa he is."
Paul shot a glance over to John whose cheeks were reddening back to his hair colour again.
"That's your man, Leap. He be harassing me all the time. I'd love to stuff a cap up his a-"
June interrupted Bryant, "Man you gonna give me that stuff or what, man, please?"
"I can give you some weed for 50 but no smack for that. 300 for smack."
"Where am I gonna get the money, man? I need money. I ain't got no job, man."
"It may be your lucky day, Leap. I gots a man, right, who can give you a little sideline if you're interested. Takin' over Rourke's patch. Are you interested?"
"Yeah man. I've got a mate of mine who can help as well. Two heads are better than one when it comes to filth like Boulton on your trail."
"True, Leap. True. Whas your mobile number?"
"07591 326 012"
"My man will be in touch. His name's Charlie. And here's some smack, on the house, alright love. See you round' Leap."
"Ah, cheers, man. Thanks!"
They heard the door open and slam again.
Nothing but June's breathing until she got back in the car. "Well, boys, that went well, and we've got some evidence to use on Bryant later on. I'm on my way back. Break open the bubbly."
John swallowed hard and looked at Paul. "She's quite an actress."
* * *
"Cheers for your help, Paul. I'll be in touch soon. Probably tonight or tomorrow, as soon as I know when Spire wants to meet. Have your man deliver two wires next time."
John and June got back in June's car. "What did you think?"
"Well, you're very good. I'm impressed at your result. I guess Sir Steven would demand such abilities."
June shot John a sideways glance, "Did Paul tell you who my governor was?"
"Yes."
"Looks like Pauly and I will be having a little chat then. Listen, John, don't be intimidated. Who I work for shouldn't matter. It's irrelevant. We're partners on this case, we're working together. As far as this operation is concerned, I may be in charge but I don't see you as an insubordinate. We're equals."
"Did I say I felt inferior to you? No. I'm just surprised that I would get picked, that's all." John wasn't usually subject to inferiority complexes, however he was feeling rather confused about his role in this whole situation.
"And why would you be surprised? You're a good copper. You've got a fine record, and you get results. You are, without a doubt, the best DS I've ever worked with. I have faith in you. Mr. Meadows and Mr. Brownlow have faith in you as well, or else they would have never recommended you. You'll do fine."
June pulled into John's block of flats. "Listen, John. Get your kit together, as you're staying with me tonight. We need to be mobile within a few moment's notice, as soon as we hear from Spire. I know it's short notice, will it be a problem?"
"Not at all. Give me a few minutes."
"Alright. I need to nip these drugs over to the Yard anyway. I'll give you a call when I'm on my way back to pick you up."
