Chapter 19
A Matter of Authority
2030 – Undisclosed Location
Metro Counter-Terrorism units deployed throughout the area worked alongside local police to further investigate the crime scene. Dave Warner and Jason Speers arrived from London to personally inspect the carnage and obtain a personal debrief from Elvis and his team.
"Warner say if they received any calls?" Spanner said.
"Not at the time we spoke," Elvis replied, peeling a wrapper from a stick of chewing gum. He watched forensic specialists who were photographing the carriage and engine compartment.
"This was just one cell," Spanner said taking an offered stick of gum.
"Yep. And it will be interestin to see wha' they extract from the target."
They both began to chew thoughtfully.
"You reckon the hostage overheard anything?" Spanner said.
Elvis sniffed. "Now 'at's the trick innit?" he said and walked away.
Spanner watched his captain make way towards the ambulance where Avery Bowers had been taken. He pulled his mobile from a deep pocket and swiped the screen open. Staring back at him was the photo of his wife. He felt drawn into her image and knew she was worried, as would be Georgie. He looked up at Elvis, then his thumbs sped over the keyboard.
Xxxx
"Harte!"
Elvis spun around to see Dave Warner approaching, suit jacket and necktie rippling in the breeze.
"Alright," Elvis said with a grin.
Both men clasped arms and shoulders touched.
"Impressive captain. Active as ever I see." Warner chuckled.
"I ain't active Dave. I'm supposed to be inactive."
"We'll see about that," Warner said, chuckling again.
"No way. No, you won't. I was just in the right place at the wrong time. Now I need to get on to London and see to my daughter."
"She's fine Elvis. Safe and sound."
"You know this for sure Dave?"
Warner shuffled his feet on the concrete. "Yes. She is with her mother. We have had eyes on her the entire time since the rescue."
Elvis sighed more than a breath of relief. "Wha' about Spunks?"
"No word there, sorry. Should be able to find out something during the military debrief though."
Elvis rubbed the back of his neck and stepped away. "Debrief, yeah. Fuck."
"Thornton is flying in for a front row seat," Warner said.
"Is he now?" Elvis said thrusting his hands into his jacket pockets.
Warner stepped in closer. "This isn't over mate."
"It is for me," Elvis said turning to face him. "My work is done 'ere. After the debrief, it's back to Hereford."
"This was an act of terrorism."
"Meaning?"
"You are already involved," Warner said planting his hands on his hips.
"No, no, no. The military action that took place 'ere is over. That's wha' I was involved in." Elvis said sweeping a finger in the air around them.
"Command may have a differing opinion," Warner said in a tone that ruffled Elvis' hackles.
"Look Dave, I don't work for you. You 'ave a perfect witness inside 'at ambulance. She can probably give ya some extra intel to sort this out. I'm done."
"You will stand down when your CO gives the order."
"Whatever!" Elvis snapped, walking away, but had to add over his shoulder, "Regards on the witness interview. She's quite the pill."
Warner stood motionless. It was true, military involvement ended, except for the debrief. His lips thinned out into a grim line. He had never seen Elvis Harte this disengaged following an action. He wanted Elvis on this case, but pressing the issue now would be a mistake.
Xxxxx
Spanner re-read his message: "Can't talk. Just know we are safe. Need to wrap up with a debrief. Not certain what, if anything will follow. Elvis doesn't have his mobile, so let Georgie know. Love you."
When his thumb pressed down, sending the message away, a part of him wished he was leaving as well. He had a feeling he could not quite explain.
Xxxxx
Warner walked up to the back of the ambulance and tapped his knuckles against the door. Twisting his torso around, he inspected the surrounding area. No response. He tapped again, harder this time. He pounded with his fist next.
"MI5. Can I have a quick word?" he shouted.
He tried to peer through the disrupted glass on the doors and was about to pound again when one door opened ever so slightly. A male medic's face was partially visible.
Warner tried to see past him as best he could as he said, "Agent Warner with MI5. Time estimate as to when we will be able to question her?"
"Not possible agent. She has taken a turn and we need to get her to hospital straight away," the medic said.
"A turn? How so?" Warner said, trying to hold the door open when the medic began to draw back,
"Can't say. Need to get scans done."
The door slammed shut before Warner could continue… He found himself saying to himself, "Where….are you taking her?"