Inverness to London Sleeper Train
9 p.m.
April 17th
Once on the train Spencer had held himself back from going for Mason’s booked sleeper straight away. He went and found Stanton in his sleeper. The two were friendly towards each other, yet, as men in their business were, slightly wary too. Together they had used a spare fake passport of Spencer’s and altered it using their combined skills and the resources that each carried. These items included a small roll of plastic laminate, an adjustable circular date stamp, razor blade and miniature stamp style three word printer and ink pad. Within ten minutes, working in silence, Spencer had ID good enough to fool a carriage guard in a gloomy rolling corridor.
“Meet me in the restaurant in twenty minutes, my treat.” Spencer nodded.
“I’ll expect a repayment.” Stanton added.
“Of what kind?”
“Information.” Stanton spoke with a hard factual tone in his voice.
“I’ll tell you what I know. Thanks Stanton.”
A short walk along to the next carriage and Spencer identified himself to the guard, said that he had got on the train in the last minute, having been mugged for his luggage and wallet. This also explained the state of his clothes, which pleased Spencer. When asked for the ticket, Spencer explained that the muggers had taken it, but handed over the passport, explaining that he kept it in his pants, giving the guard a good reason not to hold on to it for too long. The guard happily found the sleeper with the Townshend reservation. He let Spencer in. Spencer quickly washed and visibly freshened up went to the restaurant. His booking was overdue, but the guard, fishing for tips had already contacted the restaurant and asked them to be flexible. Stanton, already drinking a mineral water, called him over. Spencer self deprecatingly and profusely thanked the waiter and threading through the tables sat down opposite Stanton. It was nine-forty pm when they ordered food.