The Bill: Corruption
Chapter 11: I'm Not Late.
At CIB headquarters John and Claire were sat in the office making notes on the case.
"You know, when I called the gov, he sounded like he'd just woke up." Claire commented.
"He probably had. He probably sat up all night or forgot to set his alarm clock or something. I've done that millions of times."
"Yeah I know. It's just odd that's all. I've never known him late before."
"Who's late Claire?" said Hodges walking into the room.
"Gov? Didn't know you were here yet."
"Of course I'm not late Claire," said Hodges, "I just didn't unlock the office and went out early." hope she falls for that.
He doesn't honestly expect me to fall for that does he? Thinks Claire; "Well how come you sounded half asleep on the phone?"
"I was tired. Didn't sleep very well last night that's all."
Sure it is. thinks Claire; aloud she says nothing and they all settle down to work
They decide the best way to catch Beech is to do a raid and so they start putting together a plot
"About that little discussion we were going to have," starts Stephen, "Let's just forget about it OK. I think I just got the wrong end of the stick."
*Cough,* *Cough,* chokes Claire. Has he lost his mind or something? I wonder what happened to make him change his mind like that?
Just then Marion Raye walked into the room with a doughnut in her hand. "I've cracked it. I know how to catch Beech."
"How," asked the others in unison.
"Well, I overheard him talking on his mobile a couple of days ago. He was arranging some sort of meeting for the day after tomorrow."
"You sure about that Mar?" interrupted Stephen.
"Yes. I thought nothing of it at first; Beech wasn't even a prime suspect till I spoke to you the other day, but now that I think about it … You know what I mean?"
"Yes so what exactly did you have in mind?"
"Well I thought we could follow him to this meeting, see what it's all about, then if there is anything the slightest bit suspicious about it, we raid the place and arrest him," explained Marion.
"And if there isn't anything suspicious about it?"
"Well I hadn't thought about that bit yet but from what I heard that won't be a concern."
"On speculation, that's not a bad idea. Let's try it then."
After all agreeing to give the plan a shot, they set about planning everything and gathering all of the resources.
"You know John," started Stephen, "You've been cooped up in here for over a week now. I think it should be safe to let you out for a bit. As long as one of us stay with you at all times you should be safe. What do you think?"
"It isn't such a bad idea actually but I wouldn't go home yet. That would be the first place Beech would look;" said Marion.
"I agree," added Claire.
"I tell you what then, let's all have a night out, somewhere off the patch where we're less likely to be recognised. If we all go it should be quite safe. What do you think?" suggested Stephen.
"That's a new one. What's got into you today hey gov?" said Claire.
"I … I … just need a night out that's all. I am capable of having fun you know."
"Ok then but where?" asked John joining in the conversation, "and where am I gonna stay?"
"Hmmm," pondered Stephen, "Good questions but I ain't got no answers. I'm open to suggestions."
"How about that little wine bar down by the river?" suggested Marion.
"Is that place still open Mar?"
"I think so. It was last time I checked and there's a B
& B just up the road from there. It
kills both birds with one stone."
"Lacey's you mean?" asked John.
"Yeah, I think so; Why? You know it?"
"Yeah, a nice little place."
"Well if no ones got any objections then it's settled," said Stephen, "Better be more careful this time hey Mar? don't wanna end up in the same mess as last time."
"Umm."
"What mess?" Questions Claire totally confused.
*Gulp* She's got better hearing than I thought. thinks Stephen, "It's a long story that you don't want to hear about." Forget it, please just drop it. I'm not telling that one.
"Oh come on, tell."
"NO."
"Spoilsport."