El Pantera: No-one said it would be easy.

  El Pantera

  No-one said it would be easy

  Gabriel Lee

  Kmaccab Publishing

  Copyright © 2022 Kevin McBride

  All rights reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  ISBN-13:9798447589370

  ISBN-10:

  Cover design by: Art Painter

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2018675309

  Printed in the United States of America

  I dedicate this book to the Police Officers, Worldwide, who continually attempt to maintain law and order in increasing difficult and dangerous circumstances.

  I would like to thank my friend and ex colleague, Steve Howe, for his excellent insight into the methods used to conceal drugs on ships and the underwater search methods used by British and other police forces.

  Also many thanks to my friends Maria Harris and Alan Pearson who have helped throughout the writing of this book.

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  introduction

  Forward

  chapter 1

  chapter 2

  chapter 3

  chapter 4

  chapter 5

  chapter 6

  chapter 7

  chapter 8

  chapter 9

  chapter 10

  chapter 11

  chapter 12

  chapter 13

  chapter 14

  chapter 15

  chapter 16

  chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  chapter 19

  chapter 20

  chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Afterword

  Books In This Series

  introduction

  Steve Bond was a Detective Sergeant in the Newcastle upon Tyne Crime Team. He was sent to Panama, to liaise with the NCA (National Crime Agency) officers based in Panama, to investigate the murder of Filipe Lopez, a young man from the town. It started a series of events that culminated with the police in the UK, Panama, USA and Venezuela working together, combating a serial killer, a Columbian drugs cartel and large-scale drug dealing.

  Steve developed a relationship during the investigation and also a desire to work in different countries after his Latin American experiences.

  Following the Newcastle Crime Team’s closure, he began working as a Liaison Officer with the NCA. He was due to be posted to a Latin American country, when something happened which shocked Steve immensely, his posting was changed to Madrid, Spain.

  After a short time in Spain, working with his friend and ex colleague, Sarah, from Newcastle Crime Team, a chance meeting started their investigation into the Organised Crime Teams who were operating in the Costa’s. Working with the Guardia Civil and Policia Nacional they began the operation known as the ‘Devil’s Crossroads.’

  The operation was a huge success for those involved, dismantling three OCG’s, however, it had only a small impact on the constant wave of people, drugs, and weapons entering Spain illegally.

  There was little time to enjoy this success however, as whilst back in Newcastle upon Tyne, celebrating with his old colleagues, a phone call from someone unexpected, ensured there was more work to be done and big decisions to be made.

  No-one said it would be easy.

  Forward

  Thursday 30th March 2017

  Steve and Sarah had left the office in the Embassy in Madrid and had walked the short distance to The Covent Garden pub. They were welcomed by the staff, who knew them so well, as they walked through the open doors into the bar area. They took a seat in a small section where three tables had been reserved. It was a bright afternoon and the sunshine and warmth flooded through the open doorway. Steve again checked his wristwatch as the first two pints of Stella Artois were carried to the table and placed on beer mats by one of the bar staff. They sat facing the open doorway.

  Their second pint had been placed on the table when they heard them, before they saw them. “Hey man, it just looks like a proper pub. Billy, do you want an Estrella, boss what do you want?” Alan walked through the doorway blocking the sunlight.

  They stayed in their seats in the segregated corner, watching and smiling as Alan walked to the bar, he only had eyes for the beer pumps. Facing one of the barmaids, he tried, slowly, “Hola, have you, any Estrella or San Miguel, por favor?” He heard the laughter coming from the corner and looked in that direction. “Whoa!” he shouted and walked quickly towards Sarah and Steve who were now out of their seats. He went to Sarah first, obviously, he gave her a tight hug, cuddle, and a kiss on her cheek, then a big handshake and buddy hug with Steve. “How man, this is great, do they sell nowt Spanish like?” They were all laughing as Billy entered the bar pulling two flight bags and the boss followed carrying his document bag and pulling his flight bag.

  They all embraced each other then took the seats around the tables, they were promptly attended to by the bar staff. The boss, Detective Superintendent Colin Tinkler, had travelled to take part in the debrief of Operation Devil's Crossroads. Alan and Billy had hoped to be involved in the debrief but had not been included on the required list. They had taken some time off and by chance, had booked the same flight as the boss and by chance, Sarah had managed to obtain match tickets for Real Madrid against Alaves on the Sunday afternoon. Alan and Billy were stopping in the accommodation used by Steve, who would share with Sarah for the weekend. The boss was on expenses and had his hotel and flight paid for; the conversation flowed about everything, apart from the operation, that was for tomorrow. The two lads were excited and determined to enjoy themselves, the pints of Stella were coming very regularly. Steve, Sarah, and the boss were more conservative in their drinks, they needed to be sober in the morning.

  It was 5:20pm when the last of the seats at the tables would be filled. Leon entered and joined the group, his widening smile showed he was happy to be back with them, especially Steve and Sarah. He hugged Sarah and gave her kisses on each cheek.

  “Hiya candy features, are you still keeping Lauren happy?” She gave him a smile and a wink.

  “I try my best, she seems happy.” the grin widened.

  Leon threw a light punch into the right ribs of Steve, who gave a little wince and they both laughed and hugged, their small reunion was now complete.

  Friday 31st March

  Sarah had collected the paper documents that were required to be circulated to those present at the debrief, they were placed in the document case, along with the tablet that would be used for visual displays. The debrief was being held at the Guardia Civil headquarters on Calle Alcalá. Sergento Primero Ivan Fidel Sanchez would lead the debrief, the Senior officer in charge would be Brigada Cuéllar. The British officers attending along with Sarah would be the Senior Liaison officer Bert Ingham, Steve, Leon, Rajid Badia from NCA, and Detective Superintendent Tinkler. Policia Nacional officers would also be present.

  At 11:00am they were all present in their seats in the conference room, having already exchanged pleasantries over coffee or cold drinks in the reception area. Ivan had taken the chance to kiss Sarah on both cheeks and give her a small hug whilst smiling towards Steve, who had returned the smile and both men shook hands warmly.

  Brigada Cuéllar was wear
ing his dress uniform, an exemplar of immaculate appearance. He opened the debrief by extending a warm greeting to all of those present, then expressed his pride and gratitude to all the officers, who had contributed in the excellent result obtained by those involved in Operation Devil’s Crossroads. He was stood on a raised platform next to Ivan and Sarah who were sat at a table with the computer and tablets. He paused and then indicating the two officers continued, “I cannot speak highly enough of the tireless work, constant liaison and communication these two officers performed throughout the entire operation, to maintain everyone with up-to-date intelligence and information, wherever, in Spain or England.” He took two rolls of paper wrapped in red ribbon from a box at the side of the table and indicated for Sarah and Ivan to stand. He then handed one roll to Ivan, shook his hand then saluted him. Those seated, stood in unison and applauded. Ivan stepped back as the Brigada stepped towards Sarah, he handed her the roll, shook her hand gently, kissed her on both cheeks then stood back and gave her a salute. Ivan was leading the applause for Sarah with those present, as her cheeks flushed tears of happiness and embarrassment began to fall down her cheeks. The presentation had been filmed and photographed. Sarah for once was lost for words, for a short time anyway.

  The Brigada took his seat in the front row facing the two, now embarrassed presenters. Ivan regained his composure and started the debrief. He commenced by giving an update on the Spanish arrests, all of the persons were still in custody and the evidence files were mostly completed. Kevin Wilson was now housed in the Malaga Penitentiary, having been moved from the hospital wing. The girls Anwuli, Nneka, Sade and Isioma were still in safe care and being looked after, they had indicated during welfare discussions that they wanted to return to Nigeria. The deaths of the Montenegrin clan at the villa had been closed with no new evidence forthcoming. He then gave some surprising information. Sarah was already smiling, as she knew and had known for a few days, ‘Trigger’ whose name was Colin Ball, was to be released with no further action on his next appearance at court. The prosecution had accepted, (had been persuaded by CITCO, the Intelligence Centre against Terrorism and Organised Crime) that he was coerced into his actions through fear and intimidation of his family, Ball was not aware of this. Steve was also smiling when he pointed his finger at Sarah and shook his head.

  Sarah took over, she updated the audience that those arrested in East Lancashire and those connected with the collection and deliveries from the Birtley locations were still in custody. James Arrowsmith had subsequently been arrested when attempting to leave the country in Hull and was also in custody, the CPS were confident of convictions. The Albanian was still in custody awaiting trial for the murder of Mawson; the girls rescued from the house in Gateshead had been taken to an illegal immigration centre awaiting their applications to be heard. The police officer who shot and killed the armed Albanian, was still suspended from duty; Ivan was shaking his head in disbelief.

  The boss, Superintendent Tinkler, added his thanks to everyone who took part in the operation as did Bert Ingham and Rajid Badia.

  They all returned to the reception area where non-alcoholic drinks and snacks were available. Ivan and Sarah received plenty of good wishes and gentle pats on their shoulders, this was always a good time to develop relations and friendships after a successful completion to a difficult operation. Slowly, the officers started to drift away to return to their offices, home, or in the case of the UK group, The Covent Garden.

  Sunday 1st April

  It was a late Sunday morning breakfast in Steve’s apartment. The boss had left early from his hotel for his flight back to Newcastle, nobody was sure where Leon was, Steve hadn’t bothered ringing him but had sent a message “Breakfast at mine 11.30”. Sarah had showered and was dressing for breakfast, grey sweatshirt and black training bottoms. Alan and Billy were out for a walk to help clear their heads while Steve was preparing the breakfast.

  It had been a fun weekend. They took the tourist bus which Steve and Sarah had never been on, they saw so much which was new, so many different tapas bars in different squares, it had been non-stop, fun, laughs and drinks. The door opened with Alan, Billy and Leon walking in together much to Steve’s surprise. They were followed a minute later by Sarah who brought some fresh orange juice and a large pot of fresh coffee. Steve had heated up some local supermarket tortilla, cooked a mixture of tomatoes, red peppers, onions, mushrooms and ham, and fried some eggs. There was also fresh warm bread and butter on the table, “Help yourself guys.”

  After breakfast had been eaten and cleared away, Sarah, Alan, and Billy got dressed for the match day experience. At least it was warm and sunny and they had plenty of time for the 3:15pm kick off. Leon and Steve arranged to meet up with them after the game. Sarah was wearing her white Real shirt and the scarf was tied around her wrist. Billy had brought his Sunderland shirt but at the last minute decided not to wear it, both lads deciding they would buy a Real shirt at the club shop, they decided to leave early to do some shopping.

  The apartment was quiet, which was unusual for Steve and Leon until Leon broke the ice, “Okay, I’m not hearing anything. What is it you want to say?”

  Steve shrugged it off, “What do you mean? What makes you think I want to say anything?”

  Leon pointed his finger towards Steve, “You have something on your mind, something is bothering you.”

  “What gives you that idea, where does that come from?”

  “We’re never quiet. In the short time we have been working together, mates together, fight partners together, there has never been silence.” He paused, but there was no reply from Steve.

  “What is it mate, what’s up?” He was looking straight at the face of Steve. He knew how Steve could look in different moods, it was in his training, but this was different. He stayed silent and waited.

  Steve spoke slowly, “I’ve had a phone call from Maria. You know, the murderer from Panama.”

  Without showing emotion, he was looking at Steve, “Yes, I know of Maria, how did she get your number?”

  Steve was thinking before his reply, he knew there was no need to say keep this quiet, “A friend of Jessica’s, and mine I suppose.” There was silence again.

  Leon asked, “And?”

  “She wanted to meet.”

  Leon reacted in surprise, looking directly at Steve, “The murderer, who is an escaped prisoner, who is probably responsible, no, is responsible for the murder of Jessica, wants to meet you? What did you say?”

  “I told her it would be a bad idea.”

  Leon’s mouth opened in shock, “What the fuck did you say that for?”

  “I wouldn’t be able to control my anger, I’d, I’d, want to kill her.”

  “You have to ring her back, get in touch with her. Me and you, we can sort this out.”

  Steve was shaking his head, “I don’t want to involve anyone, not a mate anyway.”

  “Okay, okay,” Leon held his hand up for Steve to be quiet, “I think I can understand that, what I can’t understand is why she would want to meet you. She must know that the least you would do, would be to lock her up. That’s proper life in jail, why the fuck would she do that?”

  “She told me she knew who killed Jessica, that it was the same guy who killed Greg Simons the cop in L.A. I think I told you about him.”

  Leon, “You do know how much time we have spent together? We know more about each other than we do ourselves. Who is it then?”

  “I don’t know, I started asking questions and she went off the phone.”

  “Sometimes you’re a better bad guy than old bill, what did you start asking questions for?”

  “Look,” Steve paused for thought, “I wasn’t happy about it but she did say she would tell me where this guy was and what was happening.”

  Leon was being sympathetic, “Again, I can understand losing your rag. Imagine, a big-time criminal, informing on murderers and drug dealers, what’s new in that? It’s what we live for. Seriously here,
can you get back in touch? We don’t have to tell anyone about it, not yet, maybe not at all, just make some inroads, find out what she has or wants? She must want something. She can’t get immunity, disappear maybe, did she say what she wanted?”

  “Just revenge. She says she liked Jessica which I believe, that’s why Jessica went to Panama, she says she tried to stop the gunman. But honestly, I’m scared about Sarah.”

  “Why Sarah? Is she threatened, what has she got to do with it?”

  Steve was thinking hard, “How would she react if I did anything unlawful or went after the killer of Jessica for revenge?”

  “Okay, okay, I can again understand that but it’s simple, don’t tell her. What would be unlawful if we are acting in self-defence, protecting ourselves?”

  Steve “I never said you would be involved in anything, that’s nowt, whatever I do is down to me, what I decide, my decision. You are not invited.”

  “Sorry mate, but I am involved now. You are doing nothing without me, you make the decisions but they better be better than the one to end the call. Get back in touch, I’ll have your back 100 percent, I’m in. Just make inroads, like I say, then call in the locals wherever that may be and if they don’t come, we have a decision to make, don’t we?” Leon held out his right hand.