Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 12:05:01 +0000 (GMT) From: Steve Rose Subject: Martin's First Case - Chapter 9 DISCLAIMER: This is my first story for quite a while. Here is the final chapter. I hope you feel it is worth the wait. Please not that none of the characters in the story exist and the events that take place are purely imaginary. This is a detective story with sexual overtones. I hope that you like this as a piece of writing. WARNING: Do not read this story if you are in any way offended by acts of a homosexual nature. Do not read this if you are under the legal age for accessing adult sites. Always indulge in safe sex. Chapter 9 In the early hours of the morning and some time before Martin and Gary had awoken from their night's sleep, a small number of Police vehicles had moved slowly into the small village where PC White had seen the stranger the previous day. During the night groups of Police Officers had visited each of the sites that Martin had suggested could be hiding places that the assassin might use to make good his escape. Although they had drawn a blank at the first two of these, there was enough evidence from each of them to suggest that someone had recently been in the caves. Taking this information into account and adding it to the report from 'Snowy' White, DCI Bob Prior sought, and obtained, permission to bring his forces and extra resources from neighbouring Police districts into the area. After consulting with Senior Officers from these adjoining areas the DCI had arranged a full briefing for the assembled forces for 6 a.m. Early in the morning, various Police Officers gathered together in the local Village Hall and waited for Superintendent Brian Calder, the local Commander, to call the meeting to order, "First of all, welcome to you all and thank you for volunteering for this operation. For those of you who don't know me, especially those of you from the Surrey and Metropolitan Police Forces, let me introduce myself. My name is Brian Calder and I am in charge of policing in this area of Kent. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank PC Tommy White for passing on his valuable information. He will be sharing with you his local knowledge after a more detailed briefing on the purpose of today's operation by DCI Bob Prior from the Metropolitan Police. So, over to you first, Bob." Bob Prior smiled at the Senior Officer, nodded and then began his briefing, "My name is Bob Prior from the Metropolitan Police and I'd like to thank Superintendent Calder and other personnel from Kent and Surrey for releasing people to take part in this operation. We are looking for a man called James Bryant, who we believe to be responsible for at least two murders. We suspect that he killed an unknown foreigner in a London park and then a second man in Soho a few days later. As it happens we think that the second killing was a case of mistaken identity and the intended victim was a PC serving in my Station and who had been working on the case. You may conclude from this that our suspect is a potentially dangerous, unstable and violent man. He has killed at least two people that we know about and maybe more. As a consequence, I have received authorisation to issue firearms to those Officers trained to use them, but ideally I wish to have this man arrested and taken into custody alive. As a result of our own investigations and the information from PC Tommy White we believe the man we are seeking is hiding in the nearby woods that are at the edge of this village. In a moment I will ask PC White to show you on the map where the likeliest hiding place is. With your help I intend to surround the area and cut off all our suspect's lines of escape. Now, I will ask PC White to outline the details of the locality." PC White stepped forward, rather nervously. Pointing to the enlarged map on the board by his side and gaining in confidence, the Constable spoke clearly about the area and indicated where the Officers would disembark from their vans and the paths they would have to follow to ensure that the whole area was cut off and the fugitive was completely surrounded. The plan 'Snowy' White had agreed with the Senior Officers was that there would be two circles of Uniformed Officers spaced close together in the first rank and then more widely apart in a second outer ring. In addition, a few Officers would be deployed on each of the paths and entrances to the wooded area where James Bryant was believed to be hiding thus blocking any attempt he might make to elude arrest. When the local Officer had finished, Superintendent Calder took over again and wound up the meeting, "As you know DCI Prior will be in command at the scene and I will operate a headquarters from this village hall. Please take a copy of the artist's drawing of the suspect, check which area you are to cover and, when you get there, take up your position as quickly and quietly as possible. I don't want our man to know we are there until the DCI announces our presence. Hopefully we can surprise him and take him into custody without too much trouble and without resistance. Let me reiterate DCI Prior and I want this man arrested, not dead, but also remember to be careful out there and don't take any unnecessary risks." The combined group began to file out of the briefing room and those Officers that had firearms qualifications were issued with their weapons. After a brief interlude, all the Policemen walked back to the vans and were driven to the dedicated drop-off point. From there about thirty Police Officers followed the directions they had been given and deployed into the woods and the moved stealthily towards the area where their quarry was holed up. Quickly and quietly the group of Police Officers took up their designated positions and waited until DCI Prior was satisfied that all was ready. Once he was assured that everything was ready, the Senior Officer on the scene prepared to announce the Police presence over the megaphone. Despite their best efforts the deploying policemen had made some small noises as they took up their assigned positions and, high above them, James Bryant became aware that something strange was going on, but he could not work out quite what it was. By the time he did realise what might be happening, it was too late for him to do anything about it. Full realisation came just as the telltale whistle of a megaphone told the assassin that his hideout had been discovered. A moment later, the voice of Bob Prior broke the silence, "James Bryant, this is the Police. You cannot escape. You are surrounded and we have armed Officers present. However, I'm sure none of us wants anyone to get hurt, so do not attempt to resist. Come out from your hiding place with your hands up and surrender to my custody." The fugitive was tempted to try to find a way out but and edged forward to the entrance of the cave to get a better view. However it was obvious that he had no chance of escape because there was a close circle of policemen surrounding his hideout and he could also see several guns trained on the entrance to the cave he was hiding in. Without saying a word, James Bryant slowly emerged from the cave with his arms high above his head. He looked down at the ranks of Police Officers, some of whom were armed, staring up at him and half smiled. Suddenly the suspect's face changed and a look of surprise and shock passed over his face. To the horror of those standing below and looking up at their man, the assassin suddenly lurched forward and fell, landing on the ground with a loud crash. As soon as he saw James Bryant start to fall, DCI Prior rushed forward in a vain attempt to get to him before he hit the ground. It was obvious, however that, having fallen more than twenty feet, the fugitive had little chance of survival. As other Officers gathered around, Bob Prior felt for a pulse but found none. Nevertheless, he ordered one of the PCs to summon an ambulance. For a short while there was chaos as officers gathered around the body and it was several moments before anyone realised that the dead man had not jumped as they first thought but had been shot. In the confusion none of those present noticed a young man, dressed in what looked like a police uniform, slip away and into the woods before making his escape. Once the bullet hole was discovered, DCI Prior turned and glared at the six Armed Officers that had been covering the fugitive and angrily shouted, "I didn't give the order to shoot so why did you open fire? Bryant patently had no gun and he didn't look to me as though he was doing anything other than surrendering, so why shoot him?" The group of Armed Police Officers looked at each other before the most senior of them, Sergeant Collins, finally responded, "None of us shot anyone, sir. I didn't even hear a shot, did you? Whoever shot this man used a gun with a silencer and none of us have been issued with that sort of equipment. Also, sir, may I say that the bullet hole looks as though it came from an automatic pistol bullet not from a rifle like the one's we have" The Senior Officer quickly realised that what the Sergeant had said was almost certainly true but he still insisted on each of the guns being checked. DCI Prior also ordered other Officers to conduct a search of the surrounding area but to act with caution in case there was another gunman hiding out somewhere in the woods. By the time the search began, Superintendent Calder had arrived and had taken over command but by then it was too late. The young man responsible for killing James Bryant had already shed his disguise and was making steady progress away from the scene of his actions. The second assassin returned to the old hut where he had left his regular clothes and changed back into them, As the young man continued his journey he discarded his disguise in isolated areas of the woods and threw his gun into a deep clump of undergrowth and then walked calmly out of the woods and down a quiet lane until he reached a lay-by a mile or more from where James Bryant had been hiding. Exactly where he had left it several hours earlier, there was his motorcycle and donning his leathers, gloves and helmet, the gunman rode away from the area long before anyone had seriously started to look for him. At about the time that Martin was arriving at his home Police Station and reporting for duty, first news of the disastrous attempt to arrest James Bryant was filtering in. Nobody was sure what exactly had happened but what was certain was that the suspect was dead, apparently shot during the attempt to detain him. Martin did not feel any great remorse at the news that the man that had killed his lover was dead, nor did he feel particularly concerned that things had gone wrong. He was no longer officially working on the case and, although it was his work that had led to the identification of possible hiding places, he could not see how any blame for what had happened that morning could possibly fall on his head. Once again Martin had again been allocated to the Reception desk and was going about his duties when the phone rang and PC Tom Cross answered it. After he put the phone down the older Officer said, "That was the Superintendent, he wants to see you in his office right away." Martin went upstairs and knocked on the door to Superintendent Alan Buxton's office. After a moments pause, he was invited in. Any hopes that the young PC might have had that the summons had been to congratulate him on the work he had done in identifying possible hideouts where James Bryant might be hiding were quickly dispelled. The Superintendent looked up from his desk, but did not invite the Constable to sit. After giving Martin one of his most steely looks, Alan Buxton began to speak coldly, "Ah, PC Roberts, thank you for coming so quickly. I understand that you were the person who told CID where they might look for James Bryant, is that so?" Martin gave a slight smile and said, "Yes, sir." The Superintendent nodded but did not smile back as he continued, "Tell me, Constable, did you tell anyone, anyone at all, outside of this Station's CID what you had discovered?" The line the Superintendent had taken surprised Martin, who had still held out some hope that he would get some form of congratulatory remark from his Commanding Officer. Nevertheless he replied immediately and firmly, "Of course not, sir." The Superintendent narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "I see, you categorically deny talking to anyone about this matter? Well I have to say that I am not at all convinced and I'll tell you why. This morning, DCI Prior and other Officers cornered the fugitive, James Bryant, in one of the hideouts that you had identified. However, before he could be arrested, he was shot dead. Now the DCI has checked all the firearms that were issued to Officers at the scene and none of them had been fired, so he has come to the conclusion that the fatal shot must have come from another gun possibly fired by some other person dressed to look like a policeman. Now, I ask myself, how could anyone know where Bryant was hiding and where we were looking, unless somebody in the know had given them that information? Furthermore, I wonder who had a possible motive for having Bryant killed and, guess what, Constable, I came up with your name. Bryant killed your 'friend' and the moment of his arrest would be a perfect way, and a last chance, to gain revenge. I'm assured by DCI Prior that nobody knew the locations except himself and a few senior CID colleagues, so who else is left? You, Constable Roberts, you!!" Martin was momentarily left speechless and it took him a few seconds to think carefully about how best he could respond to the Superintendent's verbal attack. Finally, trying to take the shocked tone out of his voice, he spoke, "I can only repeat, sir, that I told nobody outside CID what I had found out and, while I accept what you say about the armed Officers, on the question of who else might know about these hideouts, I do believe that there may be other people who did indeed know a lot about James Bryant." The Superintendent gave a grunt of disbelief and interrupted the young PC before he could go further, "Other people, such as who? This is clutching at straws, Constable. I simply don't believe that there were any leaks from the CID and, although I haven't any proof against you yet, the circumstantial evidence points in your direction. I am therefore ordering you to take one week's leave at the least while this matter is cleared up. During this coming week I shall expect you to be available to answer any question I or my fellow Senior Officers may have, is that clear?" All Martin could do was nod before he was immediately dismissed by the Commanding Officer. The young PC left the Superintendent's office reeling from the accusation that had been levelled against him. Without speaking to anyone, Martin went into the Locker room, changed into civilian clothes and left the Police Station, uncertain what the future would hold, uncertain indeed whether he had a future in the Police Force at all. Although he had been intending to travel home, Martin absent-mindedly turned the wrong way and found that he was walking through the local park. As soon as he realised where he was, the young PC came up with a plan. Walking swiftly, Martin arrived outside the gates of the large house at the far end of the park and boldly walked through them and knocked on the large imposing front door. After a brief moment, the door opened and a middle-aged lady stood looking the stranger at the door up and down before speaking, "Can I help you?" "Yes, I'd like to speak to Sit Monty Isaacs please." Sir Monty's personal assistant did not move, but asked in a disdainful tone, "And do you have an appointment, sir?" Martin shook his head and the lady went on, "Sir Monty is a very busy man, he doesn't see people without an appointment. I'm sorry, if you wish to speak to him, write to him and then maybe he'll give you an opportunity to hold a meeting with him in a week or two." Martin was watching helplessly as the door was being shut in his face and he shouted desperately, "I believe he will see me! My name is Martin Roberts and my late father and Sir Monty were friends and colleagues. I need to speak to him urgently, it is very important!" The personal assistant was just about to say 'sorry' when, as luck would have it, Sir Monty, who had been walking downstairs and had overheard Martin's last few words, appeared beside her and said, "Did you say that you are Martin Roberts?" When the young man nodded enthusiastically, Sir Martin continued, "OK I will see you for a few minutes. There's nothing urgent for a while. Come on in and Sarah, my personal assistant here, will show you to my study." Martin followed the PA into the house and was shown into an oak panelled room with a large desk at one end. The desk was covered with documents and Sarah made a point of going behind the desk and covering over several of the papers so that the young man could not see what they were about or who they were from. As soon as this activity was completed the personal assistant indicated the chair where Martin should sit and then left the room. A second later, Sir Monty reappeared, smiling and walked over to Martin and shook his hand, "So, you are David Roberts' boy? I understand that you are a policeman, is that right?" Martin, slightly overawed, replied quietly, "Yes, that's right on both counts. My local Station is just across the park. I'm still in my probationary year, but I hope that if all goes well I will eventually transfer into CID work." If the significance of what the young man had just said registered with Sir Monty, he gave no indication of it, but did make it clear by his next remark that, nice though it was to see his old friend's son, time was of the essence, "I'd love to spend more time with you and maybe we can chat on another occasion, perhaps over dinner, but I do have another meeting starting very shortly. I understand that you want to see me on an urgent matter, so please tell me what you need and I'll try to help if I can. I expect you've been sent to ask for a donation to the Police Benevolent fund, If so, you should know that I always do make a donation to that worthy cause." Martin shook his head and, realising that time was not on his side, gave a quick summary of the murder of the tramp in the park and his own involvement in the investigation. He could see that Sir Monty was following the story but he could also tell that the entrepreneur was unaware of where it was leading. The final part of the narrative brought events right up to date and the killing of the suspect and Martin's own enforced leave. It was at this point that the young PC finally came out with his theory that James Bryant was a serial killer, possibly employed by some person or group to kill people to order, although at this point Martin left hanging his suspicion that Sir Monty might have something to do with the crimes. When the young PC had finished the summary, Sir Monty looked at him with a slight smile on his lips and said, "That is all very fascinating, but I still don't see how I can help." Martin spoke again reminding the businessman that it was he that had brought a dossier that had helped identify the killer, but added that he had quickly discovered that the cover story Sir Monty had given about how he knew James Bryant did not hold up. The young PC said innocently that this had caused him to wonder why. The conclusion he had reached was that obviously if Sir Monty did know Bryant then it was not for the reason he had told the Police. If the theory he had put forward earlier about killing to order was possible, this had set the young PC wondering whether Sir Monty knew anything about it or even whether he might be involved in some way. As Martin spoke, the smile had slipped from the older man's face but, as he responded, he looked straight at the young man, "As I expect you have anticipated my response is that I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about and I am certain that you have no proof for your fanciful theories, have you?" Martin looked down at the floor and shook his head. Sir Monty walked towards him and offered his hand in a conciliatory gesture and the younger man stood up and took hold of it, standing as he did so. Embarrassed, Martin stammered out a response, "You are quite right, of course, Sir Monty. I have absolutely no proof but I do have a gut feeling, a hunch, if you like, about this case. I'm sorry if I offended you, I did not know what else to do." The elderly businessman smiled, "You sound just like your father when you talk like that. I can assure you that I really took no offence and I do mean it when I say that I'd like to see you for dinner and a longer talk but I have to get on." The younger man nodded and together the two men walked to the front door, which the businessman opened. As they parted, Sir Monty again shook hands with Martin and said, "I hope today has taught you a lesson: what you think you know and what you can prove are two entirely different things. I remember that your father used to say something similar to me when I was young and learning the ropes. Goodbye, Martin and I do really hope we meet again soon." Martin mumbled a response and then walked slowly away. After he had returned to his study, Sir Martin removed one of the letters that was on his desk and quietly reread it. When he had finished, he picked up the telephone, held a brief conversation and then buzzed through to Sarah, who came through to the study immediately. As soon as the middle-aged woman sat down, Sir Monty spoke, "Sarah, events are spiralling quicker than I had expected. I need to bring forward my plans. I will leave tonight. Get everything ready and cancel my future appointments for the foreseeable future. Thank you." After Sarah had left, the businessman took some paper and hand wrote several letters. Then Sir Monty went to the safe hidden behind one of the panels and retrieved a small file, picked up a letter from his desk and made a photocopy of it, found an envelope, addressed it and placed all of the paperwork he had collected together inside before putting it into the tray for outgoing post. It was some time before Martin finally arrived home, feeling extremely depressed. If his prospects in the Police had been poor before he went to see Sir Monty, they appeared to the young PC to be even worse now. Even if the entrepreneur did as he said he would and kept in touch, once news got out that Martin had tried to beard him in his den then the young PC's days in the Police Force could be numbered. Martin's mood was lightened slightly by the fact that there were several messages on his answering machine. The first was from Holly Wilson who had heard what had happened and had left a message to say that hardly anyone at the Police Station believed that he had anything to do with the death of James Bryant and thought that the Superintendent was completely off his head in suggesting it, even DCI Bob Prior was highly dubious could be involved in the killing of James Bryant. The second message was also from the Station, this time from Dave Powers who confirmed Holly's opinion that the Superintendent was out on a limb by saying that he thought the Station Commander was 'fucking barking mad' and that this opinion was even shared by Inspector Jock Duncan and Sergeant Eddy Smithers. The third call was from Gary Scott who had also somehow heard what had happened and left a message offering support, while regretting that he could not get round for the next few nights. The next message was from Freddy Eversley who proposed that he should call round later that evening as he had heard that Martin was not feeling too good. Martin paused the machine in order to call Freddy back and tell him the latest position and asking if his old friend would mind postponing the visit. Finally after several moments of haggling, Freddy agreed and Martin turned to the last message. This was from Rob Cotton to say that he and Anna would shortly be returning for a brief visit because Anna needed to have some medical tests and they hoped to see Martin while they were in London. Even this heartening news failed to raise Martin's spirits and he was soon feeling sorry for himself and it was in this depressed mood that the young PC took a small bottle of whisky from the drinks cupboard and walked slowly into his bedroom and prepared for bed. Unusually for Martin he overslept the next day and it was not until he heard the urgent ringing of the telephone that he resurfaced feeling less than refreshed and suffering from the after-effects of drinking too much whisky the night before. He answered the phone and groaned inwardly as he heard DCI Prior's voice, "Good morning, Constable Roberts, I thought I'd let you know that there have been some developments this morning and I and Superintendent Buxton think it would be a good idea to have you in as soon as possible to discuss them. How long will it take for you to get to the Station?" Martin tried to focus more clearly but could only mumble a response to the effect that he would be there in less than an hour. The young PC could not think what the new developments that were so urgent could possibly be, but he was anxious to know. In any case Martin had promised his Commanding officer that he would make himself available for questioning whenever required to do so. As he travelled to the Police Station, the young PC tried to analyse Bob Prior's tone on the phone and came to the conclusion that the DCI demeanour had been friendly. As soon as he arrived at the Police Station, he was immediately told to report to the main CID office and this Martin did. When he entered the squad room, the noise that normally filled this area of the Police Station reduced to almost nothing as the detectives that were there closely observed the young PC until he disappeared into the DCI's room. Bob Prior was not alone, Superintendent Buxton was also sitting ion the room and Martin waited for a moment until he was invited to sit down. The Superintendent, sounding rather more conciliatory than the day before, began the proceedings, "Thank you for coming, Constable Roberts. As I believe DCI Prior has already told you, there has been a significant development in the last couple of hours and it involves all three of us. When I arrived this morning I received a large package containing a letter addressed to myself, another for DCI Prior and a third letter and several packages, for you. The letter that I received was from Sir Monty Isaacs and gave instructions as to how we should proceed." If the Superintendent noticed Martin's face fall when he heard the name, he gave no sign of it and went on with his explanation, "Sir Monty asked us to have a meeting with you and for us to give you the letter and packages in a particular order, so here we are." With something of a flourish Alan Buxton handed over an envelope, which contained a single sheet, hand-written letter. Martin read the letter to himself before repeating the contents out loud, "My dear Martin, I still remember the first time I met you when I brought that bicycle to your birthday party and the delight on your face when you saw it. I loved your father and was proud to number him among my closest friends and colleagues. He taught me many important lessons on how to behave with honour in business. I was saddened by his death and tried to keep an eye on your career, albeit from a distance. I knew that you had joined the Police but was unaware, until you told me, that you were stationed so close to where I lived. I wish I'd known sooner because I really would have liked to get to know you better. However, after your visit yesterday I realised that I would have to bring forward certain plans that I had hoped could be delayed for a short while. I am enclosing with this letter a number of items that I hope will explain a number of matters and give you the proof that you did not have when I saw you. I am sorry that I lied to you but I hope you will understand that I wanted to settle matters in my own way, but after your visit I realised that time was no longer on my side. If you open the first package you will find out more about the victim of the murder in the park. I believe it will give you some understanding about my actions in this matter. When you have read the file, please open the second package and finally the last envelope and distribute the contents according to the instructions on the front." The letter was signed by Monty Isaacs. Martin stopped reading and DCI Prior passed over the first package. This contained a small file. On the inside front cover there was a picture of a young man in Nazi uniform, obviously taken quite some years earlier. On the succeeding pages there were typewritten pages of evidence from various holocaust survivors outlining their experiences at the hands of a man called Rudolph Schmidt and identifying him as the man in the photograph at the front of the file. In addition to the witness statements, there was a further account of the search for the alleged war criminal and the frustration of the search by national authorities. The final page contained a photograph of the man found dead in the park along with a short note, signed by Monty Isaacs, announcing that the man in the picture had been confirmed to be Rudolph Schmidt, a vicious member of the Nazi SS and a man responsible for the deaths of a large number of women and children in the various concentration camps in which he served. Finally there was a note from the entrepreneur ordering that James Bryant be instructed to eliminate the offender along the lines of his previous assassinations. Martin again read out this last statement before closing the file. The young PC was about to hand the file over to his senior officers when he saw a note on the back, this time hand written, "Please open package number 2 now, Martin." Martin did as instructed and found that it contained a short letter, written on paper from a private hospital in London. The consultant informed Sir Monty that the results of the tests that had recently carried out been indicated that the entrepreneur's health had deteriorated considerably because the tumour from which he was suffering had not responded to treatment and the old man's condition was terminal. Although guarded in its prediction, the consultant's letter suggested that he did not expect Sir Monty's chances of survival beyond a further six months or so as very high. Without comment, Martin passed the letter over to his superiors before opening and reading the final letter from Sir Monty, "Now, Martin, you know the truth. You were quite correct yesterday when you accused me of being behind the death of Rudolph Schmidt, although I did not realise that James Bryant was so out of control until I discovered that he had killed that young man in Soho in what I now understand was a case of mistaken identity and he was really after you. This is the reason why he had to be eliminated. He knew the score. It was easy to follow him by doing what you did. I knew all about James Bryant's past before I recruited him and, like you, we just followed the trail we knew he would follow. I have to confess the police raid was wonderful cover and the perpetrator of the killing there (whose name I honestly do not know) has long since disappeared, as have other members of the organisation which I had the honour to lead for so many years. As for me, I intend to do what I always promised myself I would. By the time you read this I will have taken my private plane and flown to Israel where I expect to live out the remaining days that are left to me. Of course, you senior colleagues may try to bring me back to the UK to face justice but I shall resist and I doubt if I will live long enough for any proceedings to succeed even if the Courts here initially ruled against me. I hope your superiors will accept this fact along with my confession and drop the ridiculous notion that you were in any way responsible for the death of James Bryant. Of all the people that worked on this case you are the only one who realised what was really going on. You have the makings of a good Police Officer and I hope that your desire to join the CID sooner rather than later will be realised. Scotland Yard has need of people like you! I have written separate letters to your superiors to inform them of my opinion about you and I would ask you to give them these letters when you have finished reading this. Finally, my only regret is that I will not now have time to get to know you better. Again the note bore Sir Monty's signature. As requested, Martin hand over two other notes, one each for DCI Prior and Superintendent Buxton, who read the contents in silence. After a short delay, the Station Commander spoke, "First of all, let me say that I am sorry that I doubted you but your theory seemed so implausible. I hope that you can see it from my point of view. I felt I had no choice other than to do as I did." Martin was tempted to dispute the point but decided instead to accept the apology with good grace. DCI Prior smiled broadly and added to what his superior had said, "I absolutely agree with the Superintendent but I do have a couple of questions that are puzzling me. Why did you visit Sir Monty yesterday and why didn't you share you theory with anyone else?" Martin looked squarely back at the DCI and replied, "The answer to the second question is that it was only a theory and as Sir Monty told me yesterday I had no proof and to suggest a man like him was involved in some kind of conspiracy was to go too far out on a limb, especially for a rookie Constable. The response I got from Superintendent Buxton yesterday seemed to me would have been typical of what would have happened if I had made my thoughts more widely known. As for visiting Sir Monty, I have no idea why I went there. I was being sent home, I had no idea whether I had a future in the Metropolitan Police and I just wandered off and by happenstance found myself at his gate. Realising where I was, I thought I had little or nothing to lose so I threw caution to the wind and rang the bell and, I suppose, the rest is history." Bob Prior nodded and then replied, "All cases involve an element of luck and you have had your share today. Also good detectives have to work on unsubstantiated hunches sometime. You've demonstrated to my satisfaction that you have the right qualities to join the CID." Martin thanked the DCI but there then followed an awkward pause before Martin asked the until then unspoken question, "I'm not sure that it would be a good idea to become a member of your 'firm' though. I think there is too much baggage here, perhaps I should look elsewhere after I have finished my probation?" Superintendent Buxton nodded understandingly at this comment and then said, "I know I had my doubts about you when you came, but I have been forced to realise that I was wrong and personally I would be delighted if you decided to stay here and so, obviously, would DCI Prior. However, I can understand your reluctance to do so. Think it over and, if you decide to move elsewhere, I'll make sure that you get into a CID squad at another Station and I know DCI Prior will help with that as well." Martin acknowledged the offer and said, "Thank you, sir. I will think about what you said and let you know. Before we finish, may I ask two questions? The first is a practical one. Does what we have learnt today mean that I can resume my duties and go out on the beat again? Secondly, what do you intend to do about Sir Monty? I hope we won't hound him in his last few months." Superintendent Buxton smiled as he replied, "The answer to your first question is that you are officially back on duty as from tomorrow morning. I think that, under all the circumstances, a day off today would be in order. In any case I need to make some calls to explain what we have discovered, so I will not be able to let Inspector Duncan and Sergeant Smithers know that they should expect you bright and early and ready for duty tomorrow morning. As for Sir Monty, I will have to discuss the details of the case with the prosecuting authorities but, on balance, provided we get confirmation of his medical condition, I think we won't be pursuing him through the Courts." Martin nodded and then asked one last question, I have several friends who have sent me messages of support over the last day or so, may I tell them that the matter is settled and that I will be back?" The Commanding Officer nodded but added, "That's OK, but ask them to keep it to themselves until I can make it all official." After he had been dismissed, Martin left the DCI's office. He had to work hard to prevent a look of satisfaction radiating across his face. As he crossed the squad room Martin caught the eye of Holly Wilson and gave he a very discrete nod and she smiled back at him acknowledging that she understood the private message he had sent her. The young PC also popped his head round the door of the canteen and was able to pass a short message to his beat partner, Dave Powers, who had to be restrained from shouting the news all around the Station. Martin's journey home that afternoon was in marked contrast to the one that he had undertaken just over twenty-four hours earlier. This time, the young PC was in the mood to celebrate and began to wonder how he might achieve that goal. He did not have long to wait. Martin had hardly been at home very long when he received a phone call from Freddy Eversley who somehow had learnt the news that the young PC had been vindicated. As always, Martin wondered how it was that his old friend always managed to obtain information that was supposed to remain confidential and resolved that one day he would ask him. However, on this occasion, Freddy was more concerned that he should call round for the visit that had been postponed from the day before and Martin, on this occasion readily agreed to his friend's proposal that they should meet for a drink in a local pub in central Soho. Before he left home, the news that Martin had been vindicated had become public knowledge back at the Police Station and the young PC had received a number of messages of congratulation from fellow Officers. An hour after Freddy's call, Martin arrived at the rendezvous and was surprised to see Freddy already there and sitting at a table in the company of two other young men in their late teens or early twenties. As he approached the table, the new arrival half recognised one of the strangers sitting with his old friend as being a young actor who often appeared on television. He had dark hair and also had a distinctly boyish face and was called, if Martin remembered correctly, Simon. The other young man who had much fairer hair and penetrating blue eyes turned out to be the actor's stepbrother, Paul. Freddy welcomed Martin with enthusiasm and introduced his other two companions, confirming in doing so that Martin had correctly identified one of the two. After the introductions, Freddy said, "I thought we might have a drink or two here and then perhaps something to eat and then, if it's OK with you, I thought we might all go back to your flat for a nightcap of some sort" As he said the last sentence Freddy winked at his friends and all four men smiled knowingly. Martin thought for a moment before agreeing enthusiastically to his friend's proposal. Several hours later and rather less than sober the quartet arrived back at Martin's flat. During the evening, Freddy had flirted outrageously with Paul and Martin had enjoyed the attention of Simon. Once in the apartment, drinks were served but were quickly forgotten as the foursome got down to some more serious activity. In less than five minutes clothes were being removed and soon all four men were naked and each displaying rock hard cocks that sprang smartly to attention. The group paired off as might have been expected from the earlier evening's behaviour with Freddy and Paul undertaking an oral exploration of each other. Simon knelt down and taking took the circumcised head of Martin's cock into his mouth. The room began to fill with the noise of moaning and slurping as each member of the quartet took it in turns to suck the cock of one of the others. The four men formed a daisy chain sucking and wanking each other and changing positions on a regular basis so that after a few minutes everyone had enjoyed the taste of each of the other pricks. Paul and Simon were both uncut but their cocks were still contrasting with the actor's dick being long and thin while his stepbrother's was shorter and fatter. In addition, the actor's foreskin rolled easily back off the head to expose the glans once he got hard whereas Simon's only rolled back part way and Freddy and Martin had to use his tongues to fully expose the head. After a while the group once again paired off and it was not long before Freddy was licking out his partner's hole and exploring his love channel with fingers made slick with saliva and pre cum. Martin, too, was exploring Paul's puckered hole as he sucked the young actor's cock and ran his fingers along the underside of Simon's balls and he heard the actor moan loudly as the probing fingers found the entrance to the young man's hole and teased his prostate. Martin heard a similar sigh of pleasure coming from the other side of the room and grinned across at Freddy who had already torn open a condom packet and was pulling the protective cover over his engorged cut cock. Simon was on his knees in front of the older man as he waited for his partner's long cock to enter him. As the dick slid past his sphincter Paul gave out a loud sigh of pleasure and Freddy paused for a moment before pushing deeper into the welcoming love channel. Meanwhile on the other side of the room, Simon was happily helping Martin pull on a condom and then began to guide his older partner's rock hard love pole towards the well-lubricated hole. Martin felt the tip of his cock head enter the actor's love channel and was pleased to note that his prick slid right up to the hilt in one fluid movement. Paul, who was on his back, sighed loudly as the prick inside him moved back and forth with increasing speed. Across the room Paul had been turned over by Freddy who was fucking him from the side and simultaneously wanking the younger man's fat cock vigorously. As they strained to bring ultimate pleasure to the other, both men when grunting loudly. Martin watched his old friend for a few minutes and then said something to Simon who nodded. The young actor stood up, pushed Martin to the floor and then sat back down taking his partner's rampant cock inside him as he did so. With the young actor facing him and riding slowly up and down his cock, Martin was able to wank Simon's dick in time with his rhythmic thrusting actions. Suddenly the flat was filled with a very loud shout as Paul announced his approaching orgasm. Everyone in the room paused for a moment to watch as the young man's cock spurted several gobbets of cum that flew out from his piss slit and landed on the floor some distance away from his body. The sight led Freddy to redouble his efforts and within a few moments he was delivering his own spunky tribute deep inside his partner's bowels. Martin was the next to cum. His body went rigid and Simon grinned down at him as he squeezed his arse muscles tightly so that it gripped the shaft buried inside him as tightly as he could. Martin groaned as his cock twitched and his ball juice made the shaft throb violently before shooting deep inside the young man sitting on it. As the cum splattered inside him, Simon wanked his cock and fired his own sperm all over Martin's bare chest before the two men slowly untangled themselves and joined the other couple in a group hug before finally laying back and resting. Although he would have loved to have another round, possible with Simon on this occasion, Martin realised that this was not possible because he needed to be up in a few hours time in order to get into work at 8 a.m. He forced to call the enjoyable night to a halt and all three of his guests entirely understood and Freddy called a taxi and he, Paul and Simon disappeared into the night, no doubt intending to continue their fun elsewhere. Over the remaining months of Martin's probationary year, a number of loose ends were tied up. First of all, Paul Turner, the PC that had been disgraced and tried to attack Martin, was dismissed from the service. Inspector Duncan had confidently reassured the young PC that he would never get a problem again from that quarter or from any of the former Constables friends that remained in the Police Force. This news was followed only a few days later by a party in honour of Holly Wilson, who left the Metropolitan Police to join a Home County Force as a Sergeant. Martin regarded this event as having a bittersweet feel to it. Pleased as he was for Holly and her promotion, Martin was disappointed to be losing such a good and loyal friend. Another departure from Martin's life was that of Gary Scott who also took up a promotion in the North of England. The two Police Officers had met on several occasions before Gary had been given a date for his move. Although they had some regrets both men were forced to agree that the distance between them would make it impossible to continue their relationship in a meaningful way. >From the very beginning Martin and Gary had know that their partnership would only be short term. A few days before Martin's probation came to an end, news came in that Sir Monty Isaacs had died in Jerusalem. Newspapers filled several columns with fulsome obituaries extolling the entrepreneur's activities as a benefactor of many charities, none, however, mentioned his activities as the head of a sinister secret group committed to bringing Nazi fugitives to a form of rough but instant justice. Martin was pleased tat such a great man's contribution would not be marred in death, Although he could not condone what Sir Monty had done, Martin could understand the business man's frustration at the failure of governments to act and Sir Monty's desire to administer justice on behalf of those unable to do so. On a brighter note, Bob and Anna Cotton's visit proved to be highly enjoyable and took Martin's mind off the death of his father's old friend. When they met, Martin knew that the broad grins on the young couple's faces was not just down to their reunion, but were, as he had guessed, because Anna was pregnant. Bob noted the pleasure in his friend's face when he told Martin that, outside the immediate family, he was the first person to be told their happy news. The dinner they shared also allowed Martin to catch up with news of the rest of the Cotton family and accepted an invitation to be one of the first to visit Bob and Anna after the baby was born. After mature thought, some days after his reinstatement, Martin informed Superintendent Buxton that he felt a new start elsewhere was what he really needed. DCI Prior had been as good as his word and had worked some magic in that he managed to find Martin a position in the Metropolitan Police's main CID, which operated from Scotland Yard. When the time came for him to leave, a party was held in his honour and every member of his Relief attended it with speeches being made by Martin's beat partner PC Dave Powell and Superintendent Alan Buxton himself. As he left the Police Station for the last time, Martin felt that he could look back on the previous year with a degree of satisfaction. He had learnt a lot during the year and, despite all the heartache and the tragedy, the young PC felt that he had enjoyed the experience of working on his first real case of detection and he hoped that it would be the first of many. Finally Martin believed that the good wishes of his colleagues would stand him in good stead for the trials and tribulations of the future. If you have any comments on this story please send your comments to me at cutrose40@yahoo.co.uk