Devil's Crossroads: No-one said it would be easy. Read online

  On arrival at the compound the gates were unlocked, their van was driven in and parked up in the compound, Sarah was relieved at not having to wear the helmet. They stepped out of the van into bright sunlight, the cars on display shining and reflecting the blue sky and wispy clouds in the sunshine. All of the cars on the compound had been opened and the bonnets of each vehicle had been raised on their supporting rods. Several officers in black overalls were busy examining the cars in turn, recording chassis and engine numbers. They walked into the showroom and were met by Sergento Alexandre Moreno who was also in black overalls. After a brief conversation they walked through the showroom passing gleaming cars, VW Golf GTi, Seat Leon Cupra, BMW Series 5 coupe, Audi Q5, Mercedes Executive, Porsche Macan 3litre, they entered the workshop where more officers were busy searching vehicles, cabinets and work benches. Alexandre stopped, next to a Citroen Berlingo converted into a small camper van, the rear doors were open showing a raised small bed, there was a small storage area with a wooden sliding door near to the wheel arch which was empty, Alexandre pushed the rear of the compartment, it clicked and opened, showing a package wrapped in black plastic. It had already been photographed and video recorded in position, again the recording commenced, he was wearing evidence gloves as he pulled the package from the hiding place and placed it on the floor of the workshop, he used a small pen knife to cut through the plastic covering and a white substance could be seen. It was estimated to be 5 kilos of cocaine.

  They moved on to the vehicle examination pit and walked down the steps, the pit was 10 metres long, the walls were painted deep red, the floor was coloured light grey, the surfaces were very clean. There was strip lighting along the length of the pit, two red metal tool drawers had been fitted into the wall about halfway down the length, they had been opened, they contained various tools that would be required by the mechanics and a torch. Alexandre pulled the top drawer fully out and placed it on the floor, then the second drawer which he placed on top of the first. Like a stage magician he asked them to have a look into the empty void, it was 30 centimetres in height, 60 centimetres wide, 60 centimetres in depth, it was bricked at the back, red metal plate sides with metal runners for the drawers. He placed a hand on each runner on the right-hand side of the void and pushed upwards, the side came away, he lifted it out and placed it on the floor, more plastic coverings could be seen, this was all being recorded as Alexandre pulled 4 similar packages, then another package of a different shape and weight. They were placed on the floor photographed then lifted up on to the workshop floor. He continued, using the same method he removed the left side from the void, again 6 similar packages were recovered and a bag containing a large amount of mixed currency, these were photographed on the floor in the pit and then lifted out of the pit onto the workshop floor. Sarah was finding the whole thing amazing and exciting, Alexandre picked up an ultra violet lamp from the ledge of the pit, the pit lights were switched off, turning the lamp on he told the group to stay in their position, he moved forward a couple of steps and stretched out his right arm, the lamp illuminating the walls and floor at the end of the pit. Black splash marks could be seen on the end wall, the walls at the side for a distance of 2 metres from the end and on the floor, there were also signs of pooling liquid visible. The sudden realisation of the marks hit Sarah hard, her imagination showing images she did not want to see. Alexandre, “We believe this is blood, some person or persons have been badly beaten or tortured here. I have requested the scientific officers to attend to take samples and we may get a DNA identity.” They left the pit and examined the other packages, there were 10 packages of what was believed to be cocaine, an automatic pistol, and a large amount of currency, Trigger had a lot of explaining to do.

  Ivan congratulated Alexandre and his team on their findings and urged them to keep up their good work. It was now time to return to police HQ, it would be hours before the searches would be complete but there were plans to be made.

  Chapter 9

  Wednesday 1st February 2017

  After returning to Malaga Police Headquarters, Steve and Sarah took the opportunity to have a light lunch in the on-site restaurant, whilst Ivan was giving the operation command room and Senior Officers the update on their successful operation.

  One of them was going to have to make a call to Madrid and update the liaison team on what they had witnessed, they started to talk over the events whilst eating their serving of pork fillet with sliced potatoes in tomato sauce, followed by a generous helping of fruit salad and ice cream and washed down with sparkling water. Sarah retrieved a note pad from her document folder and started to make notes during their after-meal coffee. After the meal they had access to an office which was unoccupied and Sarah made a phone call.

  Bert Ingham, the Senior Liaison Officer was at his desk and answered, the caller was identified on the screen.

  “Hi Sarah, how has the operation gone this morning, did it live up to your expectations?”

  “Yes Bert, operation wise, but to say it wasn’t what I or Steve expected is an understatement. Ehm.” (Sarah paused briefly) “The subject of the operation was our newly found informant Trigger.”

  “Were there any problems for you or Steve at the operation with the Guardia?”

  “No, not at all, Ivan was great. We only found out when they did the briefing and we decided to just go along with it, we didn’t say anything then but when Ivan invited us into the property, Steve told him, again there was no problem, in fact Trigger was no problem when he saw us.”

  “What is the situation now?”

  “They searched the house and arrested Trigger, we spoke briefly in the house, nothing about the operation or criminal involvement, he thinks he knows why he was targeted. Steve and I believe he knew it was coming and that is why he decided to get in touch with Steve. Bert, Trigger is involved big style by the look of it, nothing found as yet in his house but his business site, cocaine, loads of foreign currency, a handgun, believed stolen vehicles and a possible murder site in the inspection well in the workshop.”

  Bert quizzed Sarah, “He wasn’t on our intelligence system?”

  “No, he is now, a bit late. He’s intimated that he will not be speaking to the Guardia, unless his brief changes his mind, but he’s very scared for his wife and children. I think he knew they would find stuff at his business place as he’s expecting a long time in jail. Again, we think that he will talk to Steve and me or one of us after the interviews are completed, whenever that is, so we were hoping to be able to stay here for a little while if that would be acceptable to you?”

  “I can’t see a problem with that, do you need to come back for anything to prolong your stay?”

  “No, we have spare clothing and can launder stuff at the hotel, Steve will turn his boxers inside out, again.”

  Bert gave a little laugh, “You never change. We can help Trigger’s wife and children if they are in fear or in danger, that is if they want help, they may have to move, possibly back to the UK.”

  “It is a consideration and would possibly put Triggers mind at ease. He’s definitely not bothered about himself and doesn’t expect favours but he must have a shit load of stuff that he could tell us now, his family being safe would help. He does not hold Steve or me responsible for his arrest today.”

  “Have you discussed this with the Guardia to find out what they want, how to progress any further intel?”

  “No, because we wanted your guidance first, you know with Steve being a mate and ex colleague of Triggers if it could cause any problems with trust.”

  “There is no opposition from me, you have declared that you both know Trigger to Ivan, it is a case of being professional about the situation. I trust you both but in reality, it is the Guardia’s decision, but they must know there is a font of knowledge in Trigger’s head which is invaluable. Any problems ask them to ring me, I’m sure it will be okay.”

  “I know, I’m sick to death of Steve saying, no-one said it would be easy, but this was my first operation, if it hadn’t been for Trigger and his family, it would have been a doddle, it was fantastic to see how professional the Guardia are, brilliant. We will keep in touch and get back to you as soon as we know what our involvement will be and any updates on their investigation.”

  Steve had been listening to the call, they both now had to wait, they returned to the restaurant for more coffee.

  After an hour Ivan entered the restaurant and took his seat at the table with Steve and Sarah, he ordered the dish of the day, the pork with potatoes in tomato sauce and a cola light. While waiting for his meal, Ivan confirmed that there was only cash found in the safe and a few drawers in the family home. The white substance had been tested and was identified as cocaine, the mixed currency totalled a value of approximately €100,000, the handgun was a Beretta pistol which would be forensically examined. There was no result from the forensic examination of the vehicle examination pit but from experience it was thought to be blood splatters by the scientists at the scene, there were also five identified stolen vehicles and fraudulent documents in the compound. The meal was brought to the table, Ivan continued the discussion while eating his meal. It had been suggested, he said, decided Steve and Sarah believed, that the Guardia would continue with the investigation by interviewing Ball (Trigger) concerning the drugs, firearm, handgun and cash found at the business premises. There would be no mention of the blood in the pit until it was confirmed later and any other searches on DNA as to find the victim. Again, it was considered, he said, decided Steve and Sarah thought, it would be beneficial if Steve and Sarah did not see Ball until their investigation had been completed, so there was no possible thought of interference by the UK officers. This is exactly what Steve and Sarah had expected, explained in a false apologetic manner.

  Steve briefly spoke of the concerns of the safety of Laura and the two children while still living in their present home. Ivan agreed about the real concerns having seen past recriminations against family members, he suggested that if they were willing, that they should be rehoused as soon as possible by the British Government, agreeing with Bert’s comments that the UK would be the better option. It was decided over the coffee, that Steve and Sarah should stay in Andalucía until the interviews would be complete and no suggestion of interference on their behalf could be implied by any legal team at a later date. It was accepted by the Guardia Senior officers that they could be involved with any intelligence gathering from Ball, after he had been charged with all of offences that had been proven against him or his involvement in those offences. Meanwhile they could assist the family of Trigger but had to be discreet in their actions.

  Ivan explained they could stand down from the operation and attend a debrief later that day or possibly tomorrow, he would give them advance warning of the time. Ivan finished his meal and left to continue to lead the operation that was still ongoing.

  Sarah and Steve returned to the small unoccupied office and Steve made a phone call.

  Laura answered the unknown number, “Hello, who is this?”

  “Laura it’s Steve, I need to talk to you.”

  Laura was angry, “You fucking twat Steve, after all you two have been through together you do this to your mate, you fucking nearly died together with the other lads, I don’t fucking believe it.”

  “Laura, it’s not what you think.”

  “Think, fucking think, I fucking seen it, saw you with the Guardia and that fucking Sarah, who the fuck is she?”

  “Laura, please listen, you and the kids might be in real danger, you need to listen to me.”

  “How can me and the kids be in danger, we’ve done fucking nothing. What has Trig done, I don’t know nothing, me and the kids have done nothing. If anyone tries to touch a fucking hair of my kids, I’ll kill them.”

  “Laura, please, please listen to me, it’s very important for you, Chelsea and Frank, and Trigger also, that you listen to me and trust me, I know you might find that difficult right now”

  Laura took a deep breath and started to cry uncontrollably, speaking through sobbing breaths, “What’s going on Steve, I honestly have no idea, is it stolen cars, something like that, he’s an honest lad you know that.”

  “Laura, as much as I know your love and commitment to those kids, you alone cannot stop them or you being hurt or killed if someone decides they should be, I’m being really serious, they would scare me and I know Trig was scared for you and the kids, that’s why I’m asking you to let me help you. Trig has asked me to help you, we are still mates and always will be.”

  “Is Trig going to be alright Steve?”

  “Laura,” Steve paused, “I don’t honestly know, I can tell you I think he will be going to a Spanish jail for a long time. He is not concerned about himself, just you, Frank and Chelsea. That’s why we need to talk”

  “What do I have to do?”

  “I would suggest first of all, you and the kids get in the car and drive away from where you live and keep driving until you’re knackered. Do you know anywhere in Spain other than this area?”

  “I’ve driven up to Benidorm before.”

  “Okay, could you go there with the kids?”

  “When should I do that?”

  “I take it the kids haven’t gone to school, pack some stuff you need now, the three of you get into the car and drive off.”

  “I’ve only got a bit of cash; the fucking Guardia took what we had in the safe and they’ve took all my cards apart from the one in my name and there’s not much in that.”

  “I can give you cash, no problem, me to you, we’re mates right. Do not speak to anyone, don’t tell them where you are going. Have you had any calls today?”

  “No, it’s been switched off while the cops were here but not many have my number, just my friends.”

  “Okay, hold on I’m looking at maps on my phone,” there was a pause, “Okay, take the A7 North towards Almeria, come off at junction 272, write that down, that’s Velez-Malaga head into the Centro Comercial, there’s a Burger King, I’m sure the kids like a burger, we will meet you there, we will be there in 45 minutes and we will wait until you get there okay.”

  “Yes, I know where that is, thanks Steve, I might be a bit longer packing some clothes but as quick as I can.”

  “You have my number now, ring me if you have any problems and we’ll see you there.”

  Sarah suggested that they should change their clothing before meeting up with Laura, so as not to invoke memories for Chelsea and Frank of the police activity that morning.

  They stopped off at the hotel and changed in to more casual attire before driving to the Burger King meeting point.

  Steve parked the car in a parking bay at the side of Avenida De Vivar Tellez, a distance of 200 metres from the meeting point, he gave instructions for Sarah to walk ahead to the meeting point and wait for Laura. From his position, Steve could maintain an observation on the road to check there were no vehicles following Laura.

  Sarah was drinking her second coffee when Steve phoned and told her Laura was approaching, after a few seconds Laura drove her white BMW M3 into the car park and parked up but remained sitting in the car. After watching the road for 3 minutes, nothing had been seen by Steve to suggest that Laura was being followed and he drove in to the car park. They all met at the side of the BMW, on this occasion Laura got out of the vehicle and hugged together with Steve then went inside Burger King and took a table, Steve was facing the door.

  Sarah had been in contact with Bert at the liaison office, accommodation had been booked for Laura and the children for two nights at the La Zenia Hotel, on the beach front, South of Torrevieja. Flights had been booked to fly from Alicante to East Midlands airport on Friday.

  Steve explained to Laura that there was a real probable threat to Laura, Chelsea and Frank due to the criminal connections that Trigger had been with, that she obviously did not know about.

  Laura was sat with Steve in a booth, Sarah was accompanying Chelsea and Frank who were busy with the tomato sauce sachets for their French fries.

  Laura, “I’m not fucking naive Steve, the Guardia don’t come at 6 in the morning armed like a fucking Marine assault team for fuck all. I know Trig has been edgy as fuck lately, he’s had some bother with some dodgy Albanians, Cretans or something like that, wanting cars on the cheap, I thought they was just laying on heavy to get cheap fucking motors. Honest, he says he was packing in with the motor trade, getting too much fucking hassle, they fucking called him out of bed to go to the fucking compound two weeks ago, something needed cleaning up. He was in a right fucking state when he came back home. I told him to fuck them right off, not worth it, he says it was good money but he was going to leave it, he had enough mate.”

  Steve, “He’s out of it now, I can’t tell you what’s going on Laura, as much as I would like to, but it’s going to be tough for Trig, it will be a lot easier for him knowing your safe. Do you still have a home in the UK?”