Rob chuckled, “Yes, I will certainly try. At this rate, I may have to consider you a surrogate father!” Demir laughed as well. “So, from the tone of your message to me, I suspect that there is something else you wanted to discuss as well?”
“Yes, I do. There’s a business that hasn’t come over to you yet that seems to be in a bit of a predicament. This could provide an excellent opportunity for you to become involved.”
“Sounds good. What’s up? Oh, and have you discussed this with Steven?”
“Not yet, no. He appears to have a lot on and this doesn’t appear to be particularly serious.”
“Oh, okay. So what’s happened?”
“Do you recall the mention of Logistics Arranged International?”
“I’m afraid not, no.”
“Oh well, not to worry. I will send details over. Essentially, as the name implies, it’s a company that manages vehicle logistics for other organisations. They cover the leasing, servicing and repairs of everything from fleet cars for your sales executive to courier vans and lorries.”
“Sounds a good business. Why hasn’t it transferred to Zouches?”
Zouches was Rob’s business established specifically to inherit and manage all businesses from Demir’s vast network, but only once all criminality had been expunged and they operated entirely legitimately.
“Simply because there are many behind the scenes activities of a criminal nature. I will send those details over to you as well. Anyway, a junior auditor, who is aware of the firm’s additional activities, has identified a series of unexplained journeys and expenditure on servicing and repairs.”
“Okay, I’m listening. Where in your network does this sit?”
“Well, it’s part of Yasuf Isler’s operations. You may remember that Yasuf has been with me from the early days, but not yet featured in any of your investigations. Anyway, the way that Logistics Arranged works is that client vehicles are used for special purposes when in for a service or repair. The costs and consequences of any additional activities are covered by Logistics Arranged so their clients are unaware. It all works really rather well. For example, for increased mileage the odometer is turned back.”
“Neat. So how am I to investigate this without stirring up a hornet’s nest? It’s not as though I can simply walk in and introduce myself as a future owner!” Rob said in a light-hearted way, knowing full well that Demir already had plans.
Demir laughed. “Really, Rob – you know sarcasm doesn’t suit you. I will introduce you as a partner who can investigate this for them. Yasuf has already agreed that I send some of my own people in and he has provided the contact details. This will also provide you with the opportunity to learn about the company and assess what needs to be done to legitimise it.”
“Sounds great. When do I start?”
* * *
The mixture of exhaustion, jet lag, excitement at the prospect of some new work and of dinner with Laura at her place all served to give Rob the jitters as he walked to her apartment that evening. As he arrived, Rob did a quick check of his appearance. He had dressed casually but smartly.
Laura opened the door and leaped out of the doorway to give Rob a huge hug and kiss. She then stood back and looked him up and down, “Very stylish,” she said approvingly. Laura took his hand and led him into her small, one bedroomed flat at the St Georges Wharf development in Vauxhall, overlooking the River Thames. “While I finish cooking, you must tell me all about what went on in Mexico. Nat was very circumspect.”
“You look wonderful,” Rob said admiringly, returning the compliment, as he followed her, appreciating how her knee-length dress hugged her body and flattered her figure.
Rob helped with the cooking and the two immediately started flirting with each other, comfortably picking-up where they had left off, just a few weeks earlier. Relaxed in Laura’s company, Rob chatted away without really thinking, about the attack and escape, about Freja, his promise to send Liberation to Stockholm and his hope to visit her there. As he spoke, Laura became imperceptibly guarded. She didn’t take all the opportunities she could to touch Rob’s hand, or arm, although Rob was completely oblivious, wrapped-up in recounting the story. Each time he stopped to ask something about her, Laura batted the request away for later, wanting to hear more from him.
Having finished Mexico, Rob went on to tell Laura about his conversation with Burak, by which time they were sitting at the table drinking wine and eating the delicious three-course meal that Laura had prepared.
Part way through the main course, Rob asked again, reaching across the table to place his hand on hers, “And how about you? You’ve been plying me with questions, I haven’t heard about you.”
Maybe I’m reading too much into this Freja woman, but I’m not sure… “Soon. From what you say about Burak’s conversation, it sounds as though there could well be more to this than he’s letting on.”
“Yes, I thought that as well and will speak to Steven before doing anything. Hopefully, he will offer me some assistance.”
“Well,” Laura started, drawing the word out. “I’m sure Steven will be happy to support you, but after an agent died following Burak’s last lead in Marseille, I suspect he will be more than a little cautious.”
“That’s understandable. Anyhow, what about you? How was your holiday and what did you want to tell me about your current work?”
Laura happily obliged and before long the two were chatting once again about non-work matters, enjoying the expensive bottle of wine that Rob had brought with him. Once they had said their farewells and goodnight, Laura leaned against the door with a deep sigh. Oh, I love him! Should I have said something? But what if he doesn’t feel the same way? And what is it about this Swedish girl? His touch is so nice, so reassuring.
As Rob walked back home, he too was in a quandary. She’s so wonderful. I love just being near her. But why did she hold back after such a great start? I don’t think I did anything to offend? Women! Maybe I should have said something? Maybe she realised she was sending me signals and didn’t want to? Bugger it! This is so complicated!
* * *
The next day Rob called Gurning to brief him on his conversation with Burak. As Laura had anticipated, Gurning didn’t trust Burak’s motivation, but the prospect of tackling another arm of his criminal network was attractive. Gurning therefore approved an investigation and, much to Rob’s delight, assigned Laura to work with him. It was clear that the chemicals investigation was going to be more drawn-out than anticipated and Gurning knew that Laura would be able to manage both. This wasn’t going to be the holiday Gurning had wanted the two of them to have together, but, he reasoned, at least they would be together.
16
While Rob met with Gurning, Samantha Wilde was busy, nervously researching the second of her tasks for Nikki Williamson’s contacts. Now that John and she had realised the criminal intent behind these activities, she was sure that her demeanour had changed and that everyone would notice. Okay, I can understand wanting the details of new cars, but why the vans and lorries being collected and dropped-off for service and repair? It doesn’t make sense.
All the same, Samantha persevered and printed the requested seven sheets of paper with row on row of cars, vans and lorries to be delivered or dropped-off over the following five weeks across the UK and Europe.
That evening, she and John walked to the nearby bar. Whenever Samantha delivered a batch of information it was at that bar. While they had dinner and a few drinks, their contact would ply them with questions. The man had, they realised, become their handler. Curiously, although it had only been recently that they had asked John to do anything, they had always appeared more interested in his job. Upon their arrival they had a surprise, Nikki herself was there alongside their handler.
“Good evening,” Nikki said, walking towards them. “I have reserved a table.”
Wow. She looks dreadful! Samantha thought. Seriously stressed.
Little did Samantha know how correct she was. Nikki Williamson’s criminal career had turned her life upside down, had become incredibly stressful and not at all what she had envisioned.
When they had sat down, Nikki looked at the couple. “I have a bonus for you and there will be a lot more in a few months’ time.” She placed a heavy brown envelope in Samantha’s lap beneath the table. “All you need to do is to follow our instructions. This will involve both of you.” Seeing the concern on their faces, Nikki continued, “Don’t worry. It’s more of the same, just that timing will be critical. Do you understand?”
They nodded.
