10 Downing Street
6 p.m.
April 19th
Tarquin Robinson sat in the chair opposite Gary Braine, across the table in the cabinet room. The building had been swept, the small dining room sealed off and security was at maximum. Mr Braine had a folder with a report in front of him.
“So we’re sure it was lucky the device didn’t properly explode, the orange smoke was due to the chemical mixture. I’ve not got a full report from the bomb experts at MI6, they’re handling it for us, they’ll be able to tell the origin and so forth. Stanton is being searched for. He must have had help. He disappeared, but we’ve put out alerts at all exits.” Robinson’s voice was a mixture of concern and efficiency.
“DIC can deal with that.” The Prime Minister replied.
“I’m not sure that’s best Prime Minister. It was DIC and that man McKie that gave Stanton the best possible method of entry. DIC have been appalling in this. That’s two of their passes stolen and used. Stanton used them and in a way McKie led them to you. I have to say that there must be a review of DIC and their role.”
“McKie risked his life to try and save me Tarquin.”
“I know Gary, but they’re not experts, they’re just people trained to watch and the duty team members haven’t distinguished themselves on this matter. I’m not saying that we don’t need full CCTV surveillance of that kind, but maybe it’s time to pass it to the Home Office to run, fully and properly. It was a good idea for nearly fifty years, but the world has changed and we need proper security experts, under the guidance of MI5, MI6 and the Home Office.”
“Jack Fulton’s a good man, nearly died over that nuclear business in the eighties.”
“Yes of course I’m not saying he’s not good, but a separate and independent civil service branch with armed people, bearing diplomatic immunity on UK soil isn’t what’s needed. They’re seriously compromised and let’s be honest, when it came to the ultimate test they failed. They failed you very badly. It’s just luck that you weren’t killed and DIC led them here.”
“I do see what you mean Tarquin. Well we’ll have a review and a full investigation of the past three days. I suggest you head it and perhaps the head of MI6.”
“Can I suggest Nigel Sternway? He’s very well thought of.”
“Okay.”
“Oh and I suggest even if DIC continue work whilst we hold the investigation and review that their duty teams be suspended?”
“Yes. That would be a good idea.”
Robinson got slowly to his feet.
“Thank you Prime Minister. I’ll start on that first thing in the morning.”
He left the room and went to his car, joined by a security operative, who sat in the front with the driver.
Robinson checked the glass between himself and the two men in the front, knowing he was secure he pulled out the cheap orange coloured Bic cell phone. He rang the one number in the contacts list. The voice at the other end levelly answered ‘Okay’ in a monotone voice when it was told.
“Job done, complete delivery of last requested item.”