First Response

BIGGIN HILL AIRPORT (7.40 p.m.)

Inspector Adams walked into the hangar and went over to Sergeant Hawkins. ‘The nine men who were wearing the vests are to be transferred to Lambeth Central Communications Command,’ said the inspector.

Hawkins nodded. ‘So I gathered,’ he said. ‘I’m to offer you any assistance you need.’

‘First of all we need to split up all nine. Make that eight. I’ll take care of Kashif Talpur. The other eight need to be separated and taken to Lambeth. The police can handle that. It does appear that they were acting under duress, which means they’re not regarded as a direct threat. So it looks as if your job is done. Thanks. Much appreciated.’

Hawkins faked a salute. ‘Happy to be of service.’

Adams went over to Talpur, who was sitting on the floor with his back to a stack of sandbags, drinking from a plastic bottle of water. ‘Inspector Biddulph is on his way,’ said Adams. ‘He can take you to Lambeth.’

‘Lambeth?’

‘The Central Communications Command. SO15 is using that as a base for the time being.’

‘Am I being treated as a suspect?’

‘You’re providing intel,’ said Adams.

Two SOCO officers came over. One was holding a plastic bag containing a paper suit and another with paper shoes. ‘I’m going to need your clothes,’ he said.

Talpur sighed and got to his feet. ‘It sure as hell feels like I’m being treated as a suspect,’ he said.