Knockout! A Passionate Police Romance (10 page)

“Let’s walk and have a chat about your mission - and I’ll get a couple of smokes on the way” Prompted Christine, taking her arm.

Looking at her, Anna found a warmth and compassion in her eyes that was not entirely unpleasant. Within herself she was beginning to discover a calculating deviousness that she didn’t like, but which gave her a sense of power that almost thrilled her. In contrast with this moment, her time with Freddie left her powerless and swept away on a wave of desire. She smiled at Christine, wondering what she knew of helpless love and the shortness of life and its seasons.

The day was bright, slightly autumnal. The sunlight shone through the polished luster of her hair. Her red lips added a tantalizing sensual splash to her beauty.

“You’re a lovely talented young woman,” declared Christine as if to a thoroughbred filly as she powered across Vauxhall Bridge. “You have a wonderful career ahead.”

Anna desperately tried to keep up in her high heels which were no match for the older woman’s burnished black brogues.

“Thank you Ma’am.” Said Anna.

“Stop that bullshit... to you I’m Chris.” She ordered, taking a deep pull on her second Marlboro.

“And thanks for your help this morning at the meeting.”

“No worries - that Beaumont is such a pompous ass. I first met him when he was a bobby at Tottenham. Absolute jargon and paperwork jockey - very modern. They used to call him the Olympic torch - because he never went out,” she laughed. “Wasn’t there some kind of thing between you two?”

“There was - I was foolish but I’ve learned from the mistake believe me. I didn’t know what I was or what I wanted.”

“And do you know now?”

“I’m beginning to see I think.” Replied Anna with a deliberate note of ambiguity, sensing just a little of her power and letting her eyes stay on Christine’s face.

“Just be careful with that La Salle. He’s a bit of a charmer and Interpol has not issued chastity belts since the crusades” Warned Christine.

“I’ve never met him - I’m only going to pose as the boss’s daughter and try to sell him a boat.”

“Be careful my dear. We all felt for you after the crash - but you are damaged - you need time to repair.”

They reached the restaurant in Strutton Ground, just a short trot from Scotland Yard and took a pavement table. Chris ordered a meat feast pizza and a large lager. Anna went for a Mozzarella salad and a bottle of mineral water.

“I want you to find out who contacts La Salle and who he contacts. Does he want to win this fight? He’s been wandering about in London, so he’s obviously not in training. Then there’s Mom - she’s hauled herself up from trailer trash to loadsa cash and looks like one tough cookie.”

“What do you know about Mom?” Asked Anna, trying to sound professional.

“Just what I read when Beaumont was droning on. Looks like she met Monsieur La Salle when she was a student at the Sorbonne. She’s from a poor but aspirational family who turned their back on her when she married this French poet hippy and ended up with a baby. I guess the marriage didn’t work out and she ends up back in the States.”

“Quite a story.” Commented Anna.

“The story we want is some evidence on these hoods that are muscling in on sport. These gambling scams can wreck the credibility of sport all together. If these guys are still running around when the Olympics come to London, our political masters will not be amused. To be frank my sweet gal - I don’t care how we get our evidence.” Said Christine flatly as if she were talking about a trip to the seaside.

“I’ll do my best.” Nodded Anna, beginning to feel the weight of what she had undertaken.

“You can go to the top from this case but don’t think this is a walk in the park. This fight is in New York and our old Mafia friends will be in the shadows. You’ll be undercover without a safety net. They’ve already killed and some odd girlfriend could get caught in the crossfire. We’re talking millions and millions of dollars, pounds, euro and yen.”

Anna looked into the other woman’s eyes. She had nerves of steel and had seen it all.

“Report in as and how you can but don’t compromise your role. You’ll be out there alone. Provided your cover is intact, you shouldn’t be at risk.” Added Christine, calling the waiter and paying with a large tip, waving away change.

“When you get back we must have a chat about your future and how you could develop.”

“That would be nice - I wouldn’t want any favors Chris.” Replied Anna, feeling very aware of herself.

“Who said anything about favors? You are very special you know. Advice and friendship is all I can offer. Now I must dash. Meeting at the Yard on Terrorism and then the BBC want an interview on sex trade trafficking from Asia.”

As they parted, Anna was surprised to find herself embraced by her superior. Standing cheek to cheek she let herself soften a little, as Christine held her slightly too firmly.

“Sisters are doing it for themselves you know - we can really crack this case.” Said Chris.

Anna returned her embrace for a second and then stepped back.

Christine took a business card from her pocket and handed it to her. “This is my personal mobile.

Never give it to anyone else or tell anyone that you know it. If ever you need to talk personally or need help never hesitate.”

Anna thanked her, watching her light a cigarette and stride away towards Victoria Street on her way to her meeting at the Yard. Now that she had gone she felt a surge of warmth and emotion for the woman. She was a brilliantly talented but unfulfilled human being. Just a few days ago Anna would never have been able to know the burden of Love by its absence. What longings lay buried in the heart of Deputy Assistant Commissioner Christine Jones, she could only guess. Now she must turn to her own quest and follow it through regardless of cost.

“What should I take to wear?” She asked Judy excitedly when she got back to the office.

“Will you be out on the boat?”

“Of course, I’ll need to be sexy and smart for Paris.”

Her mind swam with all the conflicting aspects of the next few days. The thought of his body, the scent of his skin, his broad massive shoulders filled her. How to uncover his contacts? Could she just take his mobile? Would she be able to betray him – the only man who had ever made her feel this way –the only man she had ever loved?

The desk phone was ringing. Judy mimed that it was Beaumont and hung up.

“His master’s voice - he wants to see you.” She said with a weak grin.

“Deep joy.” Said Anna. She was not surprised and he would be smarting after the meeting. Nothing he could do or say could stop her now. She threw back her head and walked down the corridor.

###

“Sit down Inspector.” He sneered with a languid flourish of his hand towards a chair in front of his oversized executive desk. He had always rejected issue furniture and moved around with his own fittings.

“Quite a little triumph this morning.” He continued.

“Let’s just get on shall we.” She hissed.

“Ah, yes forgive me. Let us do just that.”

His words slithered out like snakes as he opened a desk drawer and tossed a copy of the Evening Standard at her. “Page seven - the London Ear gossip column.”

“Is this a game?” She asked angrily.

“That’s what I want to know Anna...”

Anna flicked through the pages. Her eyes fell on a photo of Freddie outside his Chelsea restaurant. The girl by his side was partly hidden by a chance swirl of dark hair across her face.

Her heart leapt. She had been in some tight spots and she had to keep her nerve.

“So - he’s got a girlfriend.” She shrugged.

“Girlfriend!” He exploded, “girlfriend - Do you think I don’t know who that is?”

She stared back at him. The gloves were off and she had nothing to lose.

“So what are you going to do?”

“I’ll start by making a call to your mistress and champion Christine Jones.”

“Will you - and say what? Tell her that Freddie has a girl?”

“Tell her that her little favorite is a lying conniving bitch who set up an intelligence briefing so that she could shag some thug in the South of France at the taxpayer’s expense.” He thundered.

“Are you saying I can’t do a professional job on La Salle?” She retorted.

“I’m sure you’re a pro in the bedroom!”

“Look Beaumont - let’s keep to business. If you think you can prove that’s my photo you had better go ahead. Christine Jones may not care - she might think I’m a hero for getting so deep undercover- except it’s not me! And believe me mister - I’ll deny it. I’ve never revealed how you scrambled away from me when you thought I could go to jail. If you interfere with me I’ll make sure your name stinks.”

“How dare you speak to me like that Inspector? You will address me as your superior officer.”

“I’ll make your name stink Sir!” She shouted.

He stood up and paced the room. “I can convince anyone that it is you.” He fumed.

“And look like a small man with a big grudge. You need this squad to succeed as much as anyone. Nelson put his telescope to his blind eye and went on to be a national hero. There’s a spare plinth in Trafalgar Square for you Beaumont.” She said, - watching him calculating and weighing up his options and how it could affect his career. No one on the way up could risk any sort of trouble.

“You engineered my placement on this squad to keep your influence over me. Any hint of harassment or abuse of power and you’re finished.” She continued, beginning to relax as she saw her words cutting in to him. In truth she had no desire to ruin him. She had used him in the same way that he had used her. He knew she could very possibly get some evidence to swing this case and no one would thank him for spoiling the opportunity. There was nothing for him to gain and whether or not she was Freddie’s lover made no professional difference.

He stood motionless looking out of the window. “Just get out Anna - just get out! This conversation never happened.”

She thought for as moment. He was still dangerous. He could give an anonymous tip off either inside the police or outside. She was going to get close to some pretty ruthless characters and had no desire to die just yet.

“If ever I thought you’d exposed me, I’ll finish you Beaumont - you know that don’t you.” She said icily, looking directly into his eyes.

“Deep down you’re a ruthless selfish bitch Anna.”

“I try Sir. I really do try.” She replied almost smiling.

“I told you to get out!” He hissed with a strangled anger.

She turned and walked calmly from the room to her own office. She’d trodden on some thin ice in her time… and one day it would give beneath her feet. She had been dishonest and devious. Everything she had achieved for herself was on the line. If she used Freddie to full advantage it could slingshot her career to the top. But then the thought of his name made her repeat it over and over as if he were holding her and she was kissing him. She cupped her face in her hands as she remembered his kind intelligent eyes, the touch of his powerful hands.

“Hey - what’s up?” Judy asked.

“You startled me - you should have gone home.”

“I’ve been getting your briefing file together - it looks like you had a pretty torrid interview.”

“I’m in the Standard with Freddie - we were snapped at his restaurant, but you can’t see my face. Beaumont knows but I’ve convinced him to keep his trap shut.”

“I’ve loaded everything onto your laptop. There’s a blank SIM card in the carry case for copying the files off his mobile. The FBI is interested in a mob lawyer called Gino Scapaticci. He’s believed to be masterminding the gambling and is also Brennan’s business manager. He has booked a flight to Nice, landing on Wednesday. It might just be coincidence that Freddie will be in the area, but come on... ”

“How would some mobster know what Freddie was doing - unless from the man himself - or Mom?” Anna queried thinking out loud.

“Quite so my dear Watson,” said Judy, “it may be nothing in itself but it makes me wonder about your man.”

She stifled an impulse to defend him, but being in love with him did not mean he was innocent.

“I do have an open mind.” She assured her friend.

“Open mind - open every bloody thing. I still remember passion before it got thrown out with the cold supermarket value beans and the disposable nappies.” Laughed Judy.

Anna hugged her out of affection and gratitude for all she had done to help her. Butterflies rioted in her stomach at the thought that she would soon be with him.

“Just watch out mate.” Warned Judy.

Anna grabbed her laptop and headed for the door. She had a plane to catch.

She was anything but frilly, yet this trip posed a wardrobe nightmare. She had to fly to Paris and spend at least a day and an evening there. Then she had to travel to the South of France, go out on a sea trial and spend a couple of evenings at dinner. In the end she took deck shoes, culottes and some T shirts. She chose the regulation black number, a deep blue strapless knee length dress, a dark red satin blouse and black mini skirt and a beaded oyster top and matching trousers. For good measure she threw in her black wrap, her faithful leather jacket and a smart fitted blazer. For general wear she took some Dolce and Gabbana hipster jeans, six pairs of shoes, the whole drawer of underwear and two silk night dresses. To travel she wore her Abercrombie hoodie and Levi jeans with ankle boots. With the suitcase forced shut she phoned the mini cab and swerved to Heathrow, texting Freddie with flight details.