Tested by Fire by David Costa (brene brown rising strong .txt) 📕

they can keep you up to date with anything I see fit. The operation code name is Longshot. If that word goes out over your network, everyone should be aware that Special Forces are on the ground and they’re to hold fast and wait for my instructions.’

‘I’m happy with that. Here, you better have these as well.’

Lockwood handed Reece two key fobs.

‘There are two black, unmarked, Range Rovers fully fuelled and ready to go outside for you and your team.’

‘Many thanks, sir, now we can get out and about right away.’

‘I must warn you, Mr Reece, my men will be especially alert anyway so please ensure that your people don’t bring themselves to their attention unnecessarily. Your organisation is unknown to us. London told me not to ask questions, throwing the Official Secrets Act at me, so I’m not asking any questions. I’m just going to assume that you’re part of the Security or Secret Service. I’m not happy. I don’t like secret soldiers in the middle of my operation and I told them so. But there it is, I’ve been told I have to accept it. I only ask that you keep me informed and in the loop as much as possible.’

‘You don’t have to worry about anything that’s my job, just do what I tell you and we’ll all get along nicely.’

Lockwood looked shocked at being spoken to this way but decided not to make an issue of it. He turned left.

Reece knew Lockwood wanted to know who Reece and his people belonged to. Lockwood didn’t need to know, nor would he ever know who SG9 and the Department really were. The MI5 cards were for such an occasion; giving Reece and his team the freedom of movement they needed. Anyway, the names on the cards were false though the cards genuine, a gift from MI5 to Jim Broad for use in just such an operation.

‘Geoff, are your team familiar with the general area of the operation and how to get there quickly?’

‘Yes. From the maps and aerial photographs, but the city roads can be busy at times, so we’ll be out in vehicles at different times checking routes and traffic. We have the Puma on standby, so we can rope down if needs be and the Commander has allocated us a room in the Conference building itself where I’ll move some of the team when the PM is in the city.’

‘Good, I’ll have one of my team to come in and establish comms links. Now, we’ll get out on the ground ourselves then I’ll get back to you later.’

Reece went back to the SG9 team who were now settled into their section of the hanger. They were sitting round the small table where he joined them. After bringing them up to date on his discussion with Lockwood and the SAS team he told them what was next.

‘Right, let’s get out and see the lay of the land. April, you’re with me for now. Joe and Steve, you take the other Range Rover. First stop for me is a decent coffee shop, I need a fix. Joe, can you link all our comms before you go, including through London?’

‘Not a problem,’ said Joe.

The mobile phone in Reece’s pocket came to life. Looking at the screen he saw Mike.

‘I have to take this,’ he said as he walked outside the hanger putting the phone to his ear. As he pressed the answer button, his heart raced a little.

‘Hello!’

‘Oh, Joseph, I’m glad I got you.’

‘I told you, I’m always free for you.’

‘I’m in Belfast and I’m hoping to catch-up with Kevin O’Hagan. I have a few questions I need to ask him. In the meantime, I needed to bring you up to speed with something I’ve just found out.’

Reece listened as Mary continued to speak, telling him of her trip to Newry and her conversation with Maguire. Reece, like Mary, was concerned about Costello having a face change.

‘That’s very interesting. Do you think O’Hagan will know more?’

‘Possibly, it’s worth a try, you never know.’

‘OK, but be careful, don’t put yourself in any danger.’

‘I didn’t know you cared.’

‘You know I care, Mary, maybe more than you think.’

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone before she spoke again.

‘I care about you too, Joseph, maybe more than you think.’

His heart took that wee jump again and his mouth was dry all of a sudden.

‘Well, just be careful. Call me back when you catch-up with O’Hagan.’

‘I will do, bye.’

Reece stood for a couple of minutes after the click ending the call. His mind was racing through all the times he’d been with Mary McAuley. He knew he was trying to be professional, trying hard to keep her at arm’s length, but even without seeing her or hearing her voice he knew she’d found her way into his soul and he didn’t want her to leave.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-four

Mary McAuley was having similar thoughts. She’d wanted to hear his voice and see his smile, but for now that would have to wait, she had to find Kevin O’Hagan.

It turned out to be easier than she thought. When she called his number, he answered at once and informed her he was in the Belfast City centre shopping. They arranged to meet at the Castle Shopping Arcade in the Starbucks Coffee shop in one hour. This gave her time to get home and change into something a little more casual. Unlike with Paddy Maguire, this would be more business than seduction, so the clothes would reflect that. A dark blue trouser suit with a white blouse and now that the Belfast sky had turned grey, a casual, lightweight, waterproof jacket.

She found O’Hagan already sitting at a table, ordered a latte, and sat facing him.

‘What’s happening