“That’s a shame, I was hoping to hear from him what the SRI’s thoughts are about an early raid.”
“He’s been tight-lipped on that and has a very good poker-face,” Nat said. “Despite a lot of questions from us, he hasn’t given anything away. All we know is that a lot of discussions are taking place.”
“That’s good to hear!”
“I get the impression that the SRI doesn’t want to commit one way or the other without preliminary results from their surveillance,” Laura added. “I took him through David’s report on the chemicals again and he certainly appreciated why we want to move on this immediately.”
“What did the SRI say when you asked them about the SAS becoming involved?” Nat asked.
“Oh, as I expected. They appreciated the offer to avoid casualties of their own, but said that would be highly unusual, so would have to consider it. Has there been any effective surveillance?”
“How effective it’s been, I don’t know, but they have installed some surveillance. All that Cezar has said is that the majority of buildings on the site are unused. They are fairly confident they know which building is operationally active and a couple of others are being used for other purposes, stores, loading etcetera,” Laura informed him.
“That sounds like excellent progress, though.”
“Only up to a point,” Nat commented. “There is only one building suitable to be operational!”
“Ah, so your…”
“Steven,” Laura cut across him, “Cezar has just joined us, so I’d suggest we let him brief us on progress.”
“Apologies for being late, some briefings seem to drag.”
“We are used to that!” Nat joked.
“Well, my superiors do not want your SAS involved, but appreciate the offer and the seriousness in which you take the matter. It has been decided to go in tomorrow evening.”
“That’s excellent,” Gurning replied, imagining Nat’s excitement at an impending operation, but disappointment that his former Regiment would not be involved. “Are we going to have any involvement?”
“Limited. We are sorry, but it is considered too dangerous and our special forces don’t want extras. We can follow them in, however, as they make areas safe.”
“That appears reasonable,” Rob commented, jumping in before Nat could. “None of us speak Romanian and I’m sure the men going in won’t be speaking English!”
Well done, Rob, Laura thought. You’re a darling! Nat wanted to say something to get himself involved, but you’ve just closed that option down!
As Nat sat back, Gurning spoke again. “Thank you, Cezar. This is very helpful and much appreciated. Do let us know if there is anything at all that we can do to help.”
“Thank you. Yes, I will.”
“Good. Oh, before we close the call, something of more relevance to Laura, Nat and Rob is that tomorrow we are hoping to capture our friend’s lead drug lord in the UK.”
“Wow! That will be quite something. How have you managed to arrange that?!” Laura asked, as Rob and Nat looked at each other expressing wordless, wide-eyed approval, understanding Gurning’s cryptic word to refer to Burak and Siggerty without giving names away to Cezar.
“Our friend has brokered a meet to seek a truce to their turf wars. We are hoping that the American will be involved, but I’m not convinced,” Gurning responded, referring to Nikki Williamson.
“That would be excellent!” Laura exclaimed.
32
Burak had been on edge all night. So far, although he had been involved with dismantling parts of his network, he had avoided instigating the direct downfall of any of his people. However, this was different. He was actively making arrangements and passing the detail on to Gurning – and he felt dreadful as well as exhilarated at the same time. That Siggerty dealt drugs and had developed a fearful ruthless streak made it easier.
“Morning, Steven.”
“Good morning, Burak. Before we discuss the details, I just want to remind you that all conversations today will be listened to so that we get the full impression of Siggerty’s mood.”
“Understood. I’ve already had a call from him and he’s nervous.”
“I’m not surprised,” Gurning said, relieved that Burak had volunteered the fact. Gurning had heard the strain in Siggerty’s voice thirty minutes earlier having listened to the recording. “All you’ve told us about him suggests that he likes to be in control and plan everything. I’m amazed he is willing to go-along with it.”
“He knows he doesn’t have a choice if he wants to live, retain his credibility and get his work back. It’s a risk, but one he has to take.”
“I presume he’s already in Leicester?”
“Yes, arrived last night. As you know, he wanted this to be in Liverpool, but understands why the other side refused that idea! Are your teams in place?”
“Oh yes,” Gurning said with feeling. “Will he be on time?”
“Yes, he’s too jumpy not to be. His men staked the place out yesterday evening and have kept watch ever since. They haven’t found any other surveillance and his team think they have the upper hand.”
“Does Siggerty accept that?”
“Not for a minute. If anything, it has made him even more jumpy. He has assumed that the other side are watching and if no trace of that has been found, there is no way of knowing what he could be facing. And what about your teams? Have they identified anything?”
“Burak, you know I can’t discuss that.”
“I know. But it was worth asking.” He paused a moment before continuing, “Is there any news on my re-housing? It is so claustrophobic here.”
“Yes, but it is early days. We are currently doing some renovations at a place that Rob has bought – he is paying for the works as well. It was the only way we could obtain approval to move you. It will be pleasant enough, but a far cry from what you ran away from. I haven’t said anything before in case the permissions fell through.”
