‘Hiya Darling, Yes, it’s terrible. Are you ok?’
‘Yeah, I’m fine. Would’ve phoned to let you know, but I just didn’t have time. We went to the blast site, it was awful.’
He stopped to try and cross the road, the traffic heavier due to the lockdown in Soho and diversions being in place.
‘I understand Sam, at least you’re okay. Do you have any idea who’s doing this?’
Sam decided to keep walking up Millbank, use the zebra crossing at the roundabout that connected Millbank with Horseferry Road.
‘You’re not going to believe this, and I really shouldn’t be telling you, Jules, but we think it's a bloke who was in the Mills the night before I went to Tidworth. He was on the train too, the next morning.’
He stopped. Halfway across the road. A London Taxi driver, patience wearing thin, beeped his horn, Sam jumped back to reality.
‘Sam, are you still there?’
‘Yeah, sorry Jules, look, I think you should go and stay with your Mum for a few days, maybe a week. I’ll explain when I get home, but start packing for you and Jack’
‘What’s going on Sam, you’re scaring me.’
‘Nothing to worry about, love. But I’m not going to be home much while this investigation’s ongoing, so I thought it’d do you good to go to Wales for a week or so. And jack would love to see his Nana.’
‘Okay, Babe, I’ll start packing some stuff. Be nice to get away for a bit.’
‘That’s sorted then. I’ll get the next train and see you when I get there.’
‘See you soon. Love you.’
‘Love you too Sweetheart.’
Sam hung up and immediately dialled another number. It was answered on the second ring.
‘Virani.’
‘Jay, it’s Sam. Raynor knows where I live.’
Chapter Sixteen
‘What sort of problem?’ The digitised voice asked.
‘MI5 have ID’d me.
‘I don’t see how this would change anything, it was always a risk. Anyway, Raynor has only existed for fifteen years, and the Roper connection is meaningless. You’re quite safe, proceed as agreed.’
Raynor continued to stare out of his bedsit window. The grime on the glass seemed to be getting thicker. It was early evening, a cloudless sky, a golden glow settled across the rooftops as the sun made a slow descent. He wondered about alerting his employer about Sam. Was it worth it? He was going to continue as planned, Sam was just one person in a huge team of people who were looking for him. But Sam still worried him. Something about Sam, a fighter's instinct maybe, Raynor couldn’t place it. He continued.
‘I have every intention of proceeding, don’t doubt that for a second. I just thought it prudent to let you know they were on to me.’
‘Well you’ve done that now, anything else while I’m here?’
‘Yeah, I met a bloke on a train.’
‘I’m very pleased for you both, I hope you’ll be very happy.’
‘Stop fucking about. His name’s Edwards. Sam Edwards. He works for Five. He worries me.’
‘Worries you? Elaborate.’
Raynor moved to his kitchenette. He craned his neck, holding his phone to his ear with his shoulder. He picked up his kettle and started to fill it up. Once full, he placed it on its stand and switched it on.
‘He’s sharp. It’s mainly just a gut feeling, but I overheard some of his conversation on the train the other week. He sounds fairly junior, but he was the one they sent to Salisbury Plain.’
‘Interesting. I’ll sort it. Do you have an address?’
‘The Avenue in Andover, don’t know what number. Big white dual-aspect place. I recce’d it the other night.’
The water in the kettle started bubbling as the boiling process got going.
‘You did what?’
‘Just a quick look. He’s got a summer house that’s been converted into some sort of martial arts Dojo.’
‘Look, don’t worry about this Edwards guy, we’ll sort it. The termination order’s going out as we speak.’
Raynor suddenly felt a pang of guilt. He didn’t want this. Sure, Sam might end up being a fly in the ointment, but assassination? He’s got a wife, a young son.
‘Look, I don’t want you to… hello?’ The line was dead. Steam rose from the kettle as the water bubbled inside of it.
‘Bollocks!’ Shouted Raynor, as the water in the kettle continued to boil.
He was torn. He had to complete his mission. Should he warn Sam? Should he just let his paymaster get on with it? He didn’t know Sam, it’s not as if they were friends, but he felt a connection. That of warriors. They were both fighters. Different types of fighters, granted, but they shared a code.
Shit, I can’t tell him. It would jeopardise the mission. If I called his mobile or left a message at Five, then what?
He paced his bedsit like a caged animal. Deep in thought.
Sam turned onto his driveway to see Julia trying to lift a suitcase into the back of the family estate. Jack was sat in his buggy, watching his Mum. He spotted Sam and threw his toy car across the gravel. ‘Dada!’ Sam rushed up to him and took him out of the buggy. A massive hug ensued, accompanied by the giggles of a delighted child. Julia dropped the case went to Sam and planted a kiss on his lips.
‘All set?’ Sam asked.
‘Yeah, just about. Will be good to see Mum, she’s thrilled that we’re going, but I’m going to miss you so much.’
She tickled Jack, he giggled some more.
‘And so will this little fella.’
‘I know, I’m going to miss you too, but I think this makes sense. I’m going to be so busy I’ll hardly be home anyway.’
He handed Jack to Julia and lifted the suitcase into the car for her.
‘Cuppa before you go?’ He asked.
‘No, it’s a long way, probably take the best part of three hours, what with stopping for nappy changes, food and whatever, so we’d better be going.’
‘Okay Sweetheart. Well you drive carefully, and let me know when you get there.’
Sam picked up Jack and put him into his car seat. He strapped him in and kissed his forehead.
‘And you be good for Mummy and Nana, Little Man.’
Jack blew a raspberry at Sam, followed by a proud and delighted laugh. Sam shut the car door and walked around to the driver’s window. Julia lowered it and said ‘Give Dave and Mickey a call, go for a pint. You haven’t seen them since this whole bombing thing started. I know you’re busy, but don’t forget your mates.’
‘Wise words indeed. Your wisdom is just another in a long line of reasons why I love you, Mrs Edwards.’
They exchanged a passionate kiss before Julia replied, ’And I love you Mr Edwards, just don’t go getting your arse blown up.’
She started the engine and Sam took a step back. He smiled and waved as they reversed out of the gates onto The Avenue, but inside he was fearful. Raynor knew where he lived. It was best to get Julia and Jack away from here. However unlikely it was that Raynor would turn up unannounced, it just wasn’t worth the risk. He went inside and shut the door. He then spent a few minutes ensuring that every window and door was locked.
Once happy the house was as secure as it could be, Sam decided to take Julia’s advice.
Chapter Seventeen
'So, the tall bloke, with the silly red hair? He's on his way up. He's trying to take over the turf.'
Sam sipped his pint, pretending to be interested as Dave continued with his explanation. The ceiling fan hummed as it took another lazy rotation, a vain attempt to move some of the warm summer air. The heat outside could almost be heard banging on the windows wanting to be let in to cool itself down.