Tammy: Flying High Part 10: Reunited Shiraz Turvey & Alecia Snowfall

 
This story follows on from Tammy: Rank Stupidity and Snowfall's Butterflies, Asphalt & Insanity

Part 10: Reunited
 
Tammy had finished one report before lunch and did a second after eating with Suzie and Dave, but there was still no sign of Joan.

Tammy next had a session with John Smith, and hadn’t looked forward to it.

“You look pensive, Miss Smart?”

“I’ve never left meetings like this with the sense that I’ve won, only that I have barely survived, Mr Smith.”

“So it’s a challenge, survival of the fittest?”

“No, more like a battle for mental health, can I satisfy you that I’m not about to betray myself, or anyone else, and that I’m not going to be a liability.”

“That’s heavy thinking, Miss Smart. What do you think I’d doing here?”

“Scaring Suzie was my first thought, how did she do?”

“You could ask her yourself?”

“I did, but she wouldn’t tell me.”

“I think you just answered that question, but what about the next question?”

“Why am I sat here, when I barely have anything to do with the Security Service at the moment?”

“Correct, Miss Smart, so what is the answer to that?”

“Let’s see: I’ve just bought a large property that will employ a substantial number of people and all of them will need to be cleared. I’m guessing that at least one agency will want to use the site for intelligence gathering?”

“Yes, there is a steering group being formed to co-ordinate ways to exploit the site, the Security Service will act as the lead agency.”

“I guess I don’t get a say?”

“Sure, but you have just bought a place that will cost you personally a mint in local authority fees unless you have money coming in to offset the standing costs. I think you’ll find our terms reasonable.”

“And you can be the clearing authority for any civilian employees?”

“Subject to a few exclusions, yes. Remember that the clearing process requires the subject to be open with us, their co-operation is essential if we want to clear them to be able to handle anything close to Secret.

“Very basic clearance really isn’t worth the paperwork in your environment. If, somehow, an employee or helper doesn’t need to be cleared, we’ll say so, but if a potential employee refuses to complete the online security questionnaire then it’s down to yourself to remove them as soon as possible if they are already on site. Please be careful and use us, it’s a two way street Miss Smart.”

“Even Maisie’s gym?”

“Especially Maisie’s gym. Can I suggest you find another army PT instructor if you need backup for Maisie?”

“Sure.”

“And keep your wedding low key please.”

“How do you ….? Yes, Sir.”

“Excellent. I’d like a report on your current living arrangement and your future arrangements, plus numbers and types of staff that you may have to employ? That gives me an idea of how big the task will be.”

“Yes.”

“Miss Smart, work with me please, I can help you, I can help you protect your assets, protect this country’s assets, but I can only help if you supply me with the information I need.”

“It sounds like I’ll need an administrator?”

“Correct, and I may be able to help you.”

“Okay?”

“We have staff members leave us all the time because they have to move, because of family and so on. Where we can we find them other roles but that isn’t always suitable. When you are ready, send me an email.”

He handed over a card.

“Thank you, Sir.”

“You’re welcome, Tammy. Oh, and you passed your security review.”

Tammy smiled for the first time that session. “Great, two passes today!”

“Two?”

“I renewed my range certificate.”

“I’d like a copy.”

“I’ll email it to you.”

“Thank you. We will need a security survey of the site done?”

“I’ll get the purchase doc to my solicitor and let him process the sale, so let’s say four weeks from now?”

“That sounds reasonable.”

They shook and Tammy walked back into the lobby of the house.

“Tammy!”

Maisie ran up for a hug. “I’ve missed you!”

Richard Smart walked up to her. “Is this the house you’ve mentioned a few times?”
Tammy sensed someone else was close, and blushed. “Yes, Dad.”
“Mr Smart, could I have a word with you? My name is John Smith and I look after security matters here. I promise we won’t be long as I need time to speak to Miss Staines as well.”

Richard shrugged and followed the MI5 man into the study.

Maisie watched Richard walk away. “Why does this John Smith need me, Tammy?”

“He wants to make sure there aren’t any problems brewing, that’s all. I’ve just finished my interview and it was okay.”

“Interview?”

“Well, it was really just a conversation. Let’s have a coffee?”

“Sure.”

Cake was delivered with coffee.

“I was asked to bring your laptop with me, plus clothes for a few days. The housekeeper took them away, I suppose they’ve been taken to my room?”

Tammy sighed. “That will be our room now, I guess I have some more reports to submit? There’s no peace for the wicked, Maisie.”

“Why are we here, again?”

“Because of me, I guess. Joan is also here somewhere but I haven’t seen her since last night.”

“Oh, Angela was also with us, but she’s disappeared. She wasn’t a good colour when we got off the plane.”

“Okay, Maisie, she’ll find us later. Did you speak to Angela on the plane?”

“No, I sat up front and she kept to herself. Jim flew us down here in the Epic.”

“I see, who told you you were needed?”

“Sir Thomas. He said something about a deal had been done? What did he mean, Tammy?”

“I’ve bought the farm, the whole site.”

“Wow! Hey, can you, can WE, afford it?”

“Firstly, yes, and secondly, Maisie, please keep this news to yourself.”

“How much was it?”

“Cheaper than I thought … don’t worry.”

Suzie now arrived and flopped into a chair.

“That was tough.”

“Where were you?”

“I had a medical but I need to go back tomorrow.”

“After skipping breakfast?”

“Yeah.”

“Same with me. Maisie, I suggest you also skip breakfast and join us in the nurse’s room tomorrow.”

“Why?”

“So you don’t have to go back there in the morning. I guess you’ll be given a pass on the VO2 test?”

”Maybe, but I can still push myself hard at the moment.”

Suzie looked worried. “VO2 test?”

“It’s a measure of how much oxygen your body needs, don’t worry. Anyway, I don’t think the medical will have taken all afternoon?”

“I got a session with someone else, a shrink, over at the medical building.”

“Oh, how was it?”

“I don’t know, she was asking loads of questions about when I was younger, why I left home, my relationships … that sort of thing. John Smith had warned me that would take place.”

“So not difficult?”

“Not really, I get another session tomorrow, apparently. What day is it?”

“Wednesday.”

“What is it about this house? I seem to lose track of time.”

“Yes, Suzie.”

“What’s Maisie doing here?”

“She arrived with Dad and Angela.”

“Oh, I thought I saw Angela in the medical unit?”

Suzie had opted for tea and this arrived a few minutes later, alongside another coffee. Richard walked over to claim the caffeine.

“Maisie, you’re next.”

John Smith was waiting for her so Maisie gave Tammy a kiss before slowly walking across towards the MI5 senior officer.

Angela now appeared on the patio, looking lost, until she saw the group.

“Feeling better?”

“Err, yes thanks. I forgot to take my iron tablets this morning. They got a few for me.”

“Have you been told why you needed to be here?”

“Only that everyone else was coming here, oh and that nice man Mr Brown suggested I could do with a change of scenery for a few days. The weather is certainly better down here!”

“It is. What course are you doing?”

“Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare. I have another three month module to do starting in September.”

“So what are you doing right now?”

“Nothing, I just finished a six week module in a children’s home.”

“Would you like to do an advanced first aid course whilst you’re off?”

“Would I get a certificate?”

“Yes, definitely.”

“So, Tammy, why should I do it?”

“Maisie is pregnant and we might need a crèche.”

“Oh. When is she due?”

“Not until February but we will need a first aider as well, a chief first aider.”

“Where?”

Richard was listening intently.

“Yesterday I signed the purchase order for a large site just outside Thurso, a former farm. I could end up with a number of employees or visitors there so will need, by law, first aiders. I know Maisie can do it but I need someone who is reliable to take charge of that.”

“Then why do you need me?”

“We’ll probably need to run a crèche regularly, you will be qualified to do that?”

“Manage a crèche? Yes, you know I can do that. So it’s children and adults acting like children when they cut themselves?”

“Yep, you got it. Plus phlebotomy so you can run the drug and alcohol screening.”

“Is this paid?”

“Absolutely, with a pension scheme – that’s where Dad comes in!”

“When do I start?”

“Not before you finish your course, and Maisie can cope with minor medical issues until December.”

“Where is this place?”

“Behind Tesco.”

“Could I get there on my scooter?”

“Yes, but what about learning to drive a car?”

“I can’t afford to.”

“What if I paid you a retainer to give us advice and that covered driving lessons?”

“Really?”

“Yes, Angela.”

“I was really worried I wouldn’t get a placement after my course, or that I would have to move away? It’s not easy for some of us women, Tammy.”

“Sorry, I haven’t been there when you needed help, when you had your surgery. I was in this house when you were in the operating theatre and I couldn’t get out.”

“You’ve been here before?”

“Plenty of times.”

“She has her own room here, Angela.”

Tammy stared at Suzie for a moment before laughing. “It’s true, most of the time.”

Richard wanted to ask questions but a nurse arrived and he disappeared across the lawn with her.

“What’s going on, Tammy?”

“Mum had an MRI earlier, beyond that I don’t know. If I knew I would tell you, Suzie, both of you.”

It was another fifteen minutes before Maisie returned.

“All okay?”

“Yeah, he’s a good man.”

Suzie snorted. “Maybe.”

Angela was confused. “Who are you talking about?”

“Angela Smart? I’m John Smith. Could you come with me please?”

Tammy nodded. “You’re quite safe, Angela.”

Suzie laughed. “Safety is a relative term, Tammy!”

It was gone five thirty so there was still plenty of time before dinner.

“Maisie? Come with me, please?”

“Where to, Tammy?”

“The armoury. Suzie, want to join us?”

“I’m a liability, remember?”

“Things change.”

“Not that, Tammy, not that.”

Tammy was aiming to book Maisie a testing session but the range officer had the time to test Maisie there and then, using the same Glock Tammy had tested with.

She scored good enough for a pass.

“Miss Staines, I would like to see you again soon but please practice.”

“We don’t have a range within 100 miles.”

“I see, perhaps you can build one?”

“Tammy?”

“I’ll add it to the list, Maisie, under fitness centre and nursery.”

The range officer made a suggestion.

“If you are going to build somewhere new, build the range into the basement. Put it on the drawings as a wine cellar.”

“Thank you. Maisie, let’s get changed for dinner, did you bring a dress?”

“Yes, of course, this isn’t my first time here.”

Dinner was a little delayed so the family reconvened in the Conservatory. Suzie was freshened and in a dress whilst Angela hadn’t yet changed. Richard was looking tired.

“What’s up? Mum?”

“She had an MRI this morning and it found a cyst pressing on a bundle of nerves at the back of her skull. That’s the main cause of her irritability recently. They also confirmed there’s a narrowing of the arteries supplying the heart.”

“Oh, can they operate here?”

“They have already operated to remove the cyst with keyhole surgery and a laser. That should remove the stress on the nerves. She’s in recovery now and needs to spend a few days in the unit to ensure there’s no complications.”

“That takes us to Friday, or Saturday probably. What about her heart?”

“She’s being given a referral to The Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.”

“So she can come home with us?”

“Yes, the medical team don’t want her to fly by herself.”

“Where’s the Epic, Dad?”

“At North Weald. Jim had the spare keys for your CzechSport so took that back. I have the keys for the Epic. Now, tell me again what you are thinking of doing with this site you have bought?”

Tammy loosely explained about the site, ignoring the subterranean facilities but adding the fitness suite.

“Would a swimming pool be useful, Maisie?”

“Yes, but I really just need a large plunge pool that can be warmed up like a hot tub for muscle therapy.”

“Oh, not a standard 25 metre pool?”

“Maybe a 3 lane 25 metre pool but I would still need a separate pool for therapy.”

“I suppose we could do scuba diving training in that pool?”

“Sure, Tammy.”

Richard was getting confused. “Those are sound business ideas but I thought the idea was about helicopters?”

“Yes, but the whole site has to pay for itself somehow.”

“Oh, so you won’t be earning money from the helicopters?”

“Dad, it was established several months ago by various people that I needed a fast response vehicle. The suggestion then was that I was provided with a helicopter for exactly that purpose.”

Tammy paused, but there were no questions.

“I work with some very strange, you could say deranged, people and the only objection to the helicopter plan was that I had nowhere to keep it. Please don’t get me wrong, I appreciate that I could use Wick Airport and Smart Air but not at three in the morning on a Sunday. This plan would put me in the air fifteen minutes from a call, and that might be the difference between life and death.”

“You don’t have a helicopter licence?” Offered Angela.

“I do, but it’s a military licence so I can’t currently fly any normal commercial helicopters.”

“So,” said Richard, “you would be supplied with a military aircraft?”

“Yes, a Puma probably. But I’m booked on a commercial course at Aberdeen airport starting Monday – oh. I guess I should see if I can change it?”

“Drop them an email, Tammy. How long is the course?”

“Three weeks as I already have a military helicopter licence and a multi-engine PPL with bells and whistles.”

“What about site occupancy?”

“Not before the month is out and maybe even a month later. My solicitor doesn’t know about this yet but now I have my laptop I can sort that, What I will need it to get the foundations of the fitness suite down by September. That means a survey and architects next week.”

“Oh, That’s two months to get plans approved?”

“Yes. Or we don’t build until the spring.”

“I understand, Tammy. Look, you have my full support when we get back.”

There was a call for dinner and Angela suddenly realised she was under-dressed.

Thursday morning, 21st June, found four girls heading for the health centre before breakfast. Tammy and Maisie were in army green PT sets whilst Angela and Suzie were in leggings and long sleeved tops.

“Okay for two of you it’s the full set and for Tammy and Suzie it’s just the bloods and the VO2.”

Another nurse arrived to take Maisie and Angela to a separate station.

Bloods were done in a couple of minutes and the nurse moved them to a pair of running machines. Suzie didn’t look happy.

“What’s this for?”

“To test your oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output. Tammy, I guess you’ve done this before?”

“As has my partner, she’s an army PT instructor.”

“Thank you, we won’t be gentle.”

“She’s pregnant.”

“Oh. Your partner?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, no cervix?”

“Yes, I’m transgender but the babe is mine.”

Suzie decided against keeping quiet.

“And Angela used to be my little brother until he was tempted over to the dark side? Eh sis?”

“So, Suzie, of the quartet are you the only one who isn’t pregnant and isn’t transgender?”

“Yeah, but I chose not to be pregnant, you don’t choose to be transgender, do you Tammy?”

“That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me today, Suzie.”

“I’ll deny it later! Let the torture begin!”

Tammy was done first as Suzie stayed for a smear test, against her initial objections. The nurse gave both of them a HPV jab and promised that all four of them would get the same.

“If the test results show anything up then we’ll come and find you, otherwise consider yourselves free of here.”

“We’d like to see mum.”
“Oh, Joan Smart?”

“Yes, she’s our mum, and Angela’s.”

“Come with me.”

The observation ward was one floor up, Richard was already there.

“Morning girls. Mum’s asleep.”

“No, I’m not!”

“How do you feel mum?” Asked Suzie.

“I don’t know, they have me on a mild painkiller apparently, but I’m calmer than I was a few days ago!”

Tammy held off asking anything and suggested to Suzie they withdrew.

“We can come back later.”

“Yeah. Breakfast.”

Maisie and Angela joined them in the breakfast room about ten minutes later, and Maisie had survived much better than Angela.

“Who told them I was pregnant, Tammy?”

“Oops, guilty as charged.”

“If it had mattered I would have told them myself.”

“Yes, Maisie.”

Dave Brown arrived but onto served himself a coffee.

“Not having breakfast, Dave?”

“I did that before I left home. I might stay tonight though.”

“Okay, what do we all have today?”

“I need Maisie to draft a report and I need you to type up the ones you did yesterday, ready for distribution. Angela and Suzie, you both get turns with a counsellor and then you are getting gun safety 101.”

“I don’t need that!” Tammy couldn’t work out which of them had said it.

“Sorry girls, you need to be safe. Let’s put it simply, Suzie you need to get over your issue before you cause an incident. Angela, if you are working with Tammy and Maisie then you will probably see a firearm and you need to know whether you should be concerned and what to do. It’s common sense that might prevent an incident, or worse.”

Tammy was a little confused, Suzie knew Tammy had used a weapon but didn’t know she had one at home, whilst Angela probably knew nothing about weapons.

“The range officer will see you now, Maisie could you show the girls where to go?”

“Sure.”

“Tammy, you’re with me.”

They settled into comfortable chairs.

Tammy had an idea. “Burgess?”

“Correct, Tammy.”

“He was here, but obviously isn’t. Last I know, I talked to Heather about going to the High Court for a reverse Habeas Corpus application – if that exists?”

“Nearly correct, Tammy. Our shrinks determined he was psychotic but his lawyers were applying to get a second opinion. We applied to the High Court for a Protection Order to prevent any harm to him. He was moved to HMP Broadmoor for further investigation.”

“So he’s done, out of the game?”

“For now. His lawyers have gone to the Court of Appeal unsuccessfully as another mental health assessment has now been completed. They are considering an application to the Supreme Court or the Privy Council.”

“I can’t see the Queen or the Prime Minister agree to hear that application in the Privy Council?”

“Correct, and the Supreme Court hasn’t yet received an application. So, for now, things are settling regarding Burgess.”

“I sense a But?”

“Indeed, his lawyers are searching around how Burgess came to be here and only have that he was admitted by private ambulance following a request from the military.”

“The Colonel?”

“Yes. So the lawyers are searching for a military vehicle or aircraft that may have delivered him. You weren’t a military flight?”

“No, but I had spoken to Military Air Traffic Control to get clearance directly across the country. I signed off from them about fifty miles out and was a fully civilian flight inbound to North Weald.”

“So, unless they gain access to a complex high security system, your involvement may be kept out of sight?”

“That’s my hope, Dave.”

“Now, I’d like to talk about that family conversation that you had last night in the conservatory?”

“When I told them all about the plan.”

“Yes, very well done, but now you need to build that fitness centre.”

“I know, and the range officer wants Maisie to have access to a firing range, so that needs to be included.”

“You will have to pay for those works, they are outside of the secure area.”

“Yes, and those facilities, those businesses will form my cover, our cover.”

“Correct, but I hope you won’t promote the range as a business?”

“Why not, police from the islands can fly to me for their practice and certification? I won’t open that to the public though.”

“Indeed, but hydrotherapy does seem to be a good idea.”

“Yes, Dave, but as you say I will need to fund it.”

“Tammy, I guess you’re aware of the steering group that is running Spinnaker?”

“Yes, I was told yesterday that the Security Service is the lead agency. I guess Sir Thomas is in the chair?”

“He is. They were expecting to need to advance you the purchase fee but Sir Thomas managed to bypass the usual channels.”

“That was sweet, Dave, I never expected it would be that simple?”

“Quite, so how about a gift of £250,000 to establish the cover businesses and staff training. That includes Angela’s first aid and maybe a few more courses?”

“Very generous. I’ll probably sell the house and shop we currently have but that money will pay for improvements elsewhere.”

“Why not move Smart Properties up there?”

“Isn’t Joey better where she is?”

“No, and don’t leave her on the outside. Can you build an office and apartment next to the farmhouse and have Joey be the premises manager as well as your PA maybe?”

“That will take time. I was going to take the upper floor of the reception building as my private office. She could have a desk on the ground floor?”

“That would work, just find somewhere for her to stay, to live?”

“I think she’ll stay exactly where she is, but I’ll ask.”

“Joey will need to come here for induction. Can she get the sleeper tonight?”

“I’ll ask, Dave.”

“Now, you will need an office sub-accountant and administrator for the secure site.”

“And you just happen to have a name for me?”

“No, because I haven’t asked the lady if she fancies coming out of retirement.”

“Fair enough.”

“Okay, this is how it’s going to be, you aren’t leaving here before Monday, so scrub those helo courses.”

“I sent the email last night.”

“Good. Angela and Suzie have some issues to explore but you will take both with you on Monday.”

“What about Suzie’s job?”

“She’s being put on sick leave and that will be managed by John Smith.”

“Is there something here that I’m not aware of?”

“No, in fact you have given us the clues and the shrinks, plus John, are establishing the facts. Both of the girls will be upset later, please don’t dig.”

“They only have two things in common, their mum Joan and their dead dad, George Small. Oh, Suzie left when she was sixteen? I was told all this nearly four years ago. She didn’t get on with her father, Oh, oh, oh, damn.”

Tammy started to cry. “I never knew.”

“Don’t jump to conclusions, Tammy, because that’s exactly what you’re doing right now.”

“Okay, but never-ending sick leave? How the hell is that justified?”

“She isn’t very effective at her job, she’s become a security risk and this morning, in the medical unit, outed her sister.” Something is causing that and the current belief is that it’s medical related. Hence sick leave whilst this is resolved.”

“Okay, that justifies Suzie’s interrogations and one way trip to Thurso, but what about Angela?”

“Same story, a different viewpoint. Joan will also be interviewed.”

“What about me?”

“That’s this afternoon.”

“I never knew Suzie well before 2015 but she wouldn’t tell me much. She was suspicious of me and Angela knew even less.”

“That’s the sort of detail your inquisitor will ask.”

“Great. Will I have to out myself?”

“Sorry, Tammy, but your transition and that of Tim Small who became Angela are relevant.”

“I kept a diary back then, I might have it on my laptop.”

“That would be incredibly valuable.”

“So who will my inquisitor be, Dave?”

“Me. We start after lunch.”

Tammy’s call to Joey happened at a bad time.

“I’m soaked, I need to go home to change.”

“What were you doing, Joey?”

“Checking that shop near the bakery, the painters have been in there and that work needed to be signed off before I paid them. I walked and got hit by a squall.”

“Okay, but I need you in London. Can you get the sleeper down to Euston?”

“What?”

“Joey, I’m in this lovely house ….”

“The one my mum went to? When she had her trouble earlier this year?”

“That’s the one.”

“Okay, what time do I need to be at the station?”

“It’s four-ish. I’ll book your ticket and send it to you. We’ll arrange for you to be collected at Euston.”

“Thanks, I don’t know the Tubes. What’s this all for?”

Tammy decided to bite the bullet.

“To clear you to maybe work with me on other stuff.”

“Wow, sure, can I have some spending money and overtime?”

“Yes Joey, I’ll send that now. Pack for 4 nights and include a few dresses for dinner.”

“I don’t wear dresses.”

“Make an exception!”

“I’ll buy one now if you send me a little extra?”

“I’ll ask Sarah to send me the bill directly. Go down to see her.”

Sarah had been Tammy’s first employer when she was still at school, her boutique was underneath Tammy’s Smart Properties office, where Joey was based.

Her reports now beckoned.

Tammy managed to gather the clan shortly before one.

Suzie was seemingly trying to come to terms with what was going on, Tammy wasn’t yet certain how much the girl knew of her probably future.

Suzie’s voice suddenly went up a notch.

“Why are we all here? What’s this all in aid of? What’s Dave Brown’s involvement? I only know him as my former unit manager? I thought he’s retired? How comes he keeps turning up?”

“He’s also an old boy of St Andrews School.”

“That bloody school! It’s a boys club, Tammy, and you’re in it!”

Tammy tried to ignore the comment but Richard wasn’t prepared to do that.

“Suzie, that’s out of order!”

“You, you, you don’t know what my father did and he was a teacher there. They’re all guilty, all of them!”

Tammy spotted one of the counsellors and tried to attract their attention.

“Yeah, they knew what was going on but my baby brother was pretending to be innocent? He was, he is a part of the problem!”

Angela decided to get up and leave, Tammy grabbed her hand and asked gently if she would stay.

“That’s it, ganging up on me! That’s what old BOYS do!”

The counsellor now moved in and asked Suzie to go with her. Suzie stayed where she was, refusing to get up.

“Why? I’m fine! It’s these people who ruined my life!”

Tammy could see Richard’s temper rising, a rare event.

“Dad, can it! Everyone, let’s head for lunch.”

Suzie was pre-occupied and only noticed she had been left when she lifted her head.

“Bitch!”

Two of the house security now arrived to assist the counsellor, Suzie finally rose so she could be escorted away. Tammy had watched for as long as she could, as had Richard.

“What’s her problem, Tammy?”

“Dad, it’s not personal, despite how it sounded, not against us in any case.”

“What’s really happening with her?”

“She’s having a breakdown, and it’s been a long time coming unfortunately. I thought she was flying back with us on Monday but I’m not so sure at the moment.”

“Oh. Do you think Angela will cope?”

“That’s the second or third insult Suzie’s hurled at her sister, that will hurt Angela. We need help.”

“Help? Who?”

“The spirit of Elsie, we need to channel Elsie.”

“Through Cathy?”

“Yes, but not here, we need to get out of this place if it’s the last thing we do.”

“Can we do anything for Suzie?”

“Not now, but you need to be there for Joan as she’s the other part of that problem. The people here aren’t animals, not in any sense but they have a job to do and Suzie’s recovery isn’t certain right now.”

“Is Angela involved?”

“I doubt it, she would have had her blinkers up, but the shrinks will test her, regardless.”

“How long has this been planned?” He swept a hand in the direction of the lobby area.

“Probably for the past year but someone was afraid to make the arrangements to get us all here. Mum’s sudden dash across the country was the trigger. You and Angela came here because of her. Maisie came here because of me.”

“Oh, are you clean?”

“Yes, completely. Joey will be on her way later today.”

“She’s not family?”

“No, but she needs to be cleared for working with me at the new site – which she doesn’t know about.”

“How did you persuade her to make the trip?”

“Money and clothes, plus her mum was here in March and would have told her how nice this place is.”

“It certainly puts me at ease.”

“Dad, this building was once used to debrief spies and defectors.”

“Oh, hence the guards? They were armed.”

“I know. I used their firing range yesterday, in fact I was told to use their firing range, Maisie got a go last night. Suzie and Angela should have been given a gun safety course this morning. It’s a useful facility.”

“What?”

“I’ll ask if you can have one?”

“No thanks, Tammy, I’ll cope with ignorance. You’re not armed, are you?”

Tammy spun in her miniskirt and vest. “Nope.”

“Okay, I believe you, lunch?”

“Sure.”