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| K - The Yellow Jacket; An early 90s Sun Hill fanfic | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 19 2017, 11:23 PM (238 Views) | |
| Trystan | Aug 26 2017, 09:28 PM Post #16 |
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PC
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PART 8 Statement by Joanna Wylie, witness. Taken at Sun Hill Police Station, 09:35, 15th November 1992: I was in the third car in line at the broken traffic lights on Lassa Street yesterday. I saw a policeman directing traffic in the road near the lights. He was about ten metres from my car and I had seen the policewoman further back up the road on the kerb, warning us to slow down. I had just stopped when I heard the revving of an engine and a screeching of tyres behind me. I looked in the rear view mirror to see a red Ford Sierra coming up behind me. The driver looked very young and there were about four others in the car with him. The officer in the road saw them and had to take a few steps back to avoid being hit. As the car came up beside me, I again looked in my rear view mirror and saw the policewoman half turned away and on her radio. The next thing I knew, I heard a crack and I thought that the red car had backfired, but when the car had sped on, I saw the policeman lying in the road. END STATEMENT. Cathy knew she was in for an interrogation when she arrived at work the next morning. She didn’t mind, knowing that the others would be very worried about Barry, she just wished she actually had some news to tell them. “I’m sorry, all I can say is that he’s going to pull through. They wouldn’t tell me or Sophie anything until they had spoken to his family.” “What…they wouldn’t even tell his girlfriend?” There was something in Steve Loxton’s tone that disturbed Cathy and she looked at Tony Stamp. “Sorry Cath’, but they would have found out soon.” “It’s ok, Tony,” Cathy sighed. “Look Steve, Sophie wasn’t really in any kind of state to hear about Barry’s condition yesterday and even if she was, they wouldn’t…” “Feeling guilty, was she?” “And why would she be feeling guilty, Steve?” Cathy countered. “Just what do you think she could have done to prevent Barry from getting shot? She couldn’t see inside the car as it passed her, it was going too fast, so how was she to know they had a gun? Kids, Steve…how would any of us had known they had a gun?” “How’s Sophie doing?” Polly asked gently, trying to calm Cathy. “Sophie’s doing fine as Sophie does. She still hasn’t talked about what happened, but she was awake with nightmares for most of the night. She’s probably on her way to the hospital as we speak. I think she feels responsible somehow.” “So she should,” Steve muttered. Cathy ignored him. “She feels responsible for the fact that she wasn’t in Barry’s position.” “What on Earth for?” June was incredulous. “It’s just the way she is…it’s the way she’s been since she was a kid. Deep down she knows it wasn’t her fault, she just wishes she had been able to do more.” “How do you know all this?” Steve sniped. “You said she wasn’t talking.” Cathy rounded on Steve. “How do you think I know, Steve? I’ve only known Sophie since she was five years old. What is your problem with Sophie? Why has it always got to be her fault? You’ve been on her case since she arrived here and for what? Not for that incident in the pub when she first arrived her and she humiliated you, surely? You deserved it, so get over it!” “Shut it, Marshall, you…” “Steve!” Everyone turned to the front of the room to see that Sergeant Cryer and Inspector Monroe had entered the room. “Everything all right, Cathy?” “Fine Sarge,” Cathy muttered. “Good. Look, I know it’s hard on you all having to be back here today like nothing’s happened. Barry’s a good mate to a lot of you and it’s hard having to carry on as normal, knowing nothing of his condition. Inspector Monroe is here to enlighten you a little.” “Thank you, Bob. I’ve just heard from the hospital and while the first few days are going to be touch and go, the doctors are confident Barry will make a full recovery. The bullet hit him in the chest, but it missed anything vital, so the doctors are just going to watch him closely over the next few days to make sure he doesn’t develop any blood clots or other complications. Now, he won’t be running around Sun Hill for a while, but we can expect him back here with us in a month or so,” Monroe paused to let the news sink in, then he continued. “Right, SOCO didn’t pull anything useful from the car, so we still don’t know if it’s the same car that was used in the jewellery robbery yesterday, but it seems too big a coincidence not to have been. We just have to hope that a witness comes forward with an index number matching the one Sophie gave so we can tie the car to both incidents. A sixteen-year-old boy was brought in in the early hours from the Jasmine Allen following a domestic. His father found a gun stashed in the laundry cupboard. The gun has been sent off for testing and CID are preparing to interview the boy as we speak,” Inspector Monroe waited for the noise to die down. “I don’t want you lot traipsing through custody to have a gawp at the boy. He might not even be connected to the case. You’ll be more useful out on the streets, trying to find out anything you can about yesterday’s incident. As soon as CID have any useful information, you will know about it.” “We won’t hold our breath,” Tony muttered. “They know this one’s personal, Tony. Right, those of you who took statements yesterday, I want them written up and delivered to CID ASAP. Over to you, Bob.” “Thank you, sir,” Bob Cryer consulted his clipboard before handing out the day’s duties. END PART 8 |
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| Trystan | Aug 27 2017, 10:22 PM Post #17 |
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PC
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PART 9 Transcript of an interview between CID and suspect James Thompson, Sun Hill Police Station, 07:45, 15th November 1992: DS Roach: Interview commencing at seven forty-five. Present in the room are DS Ted Roach, DCI Jack Meadows, James Thompson and Daniel Thompson, father of the suspect. DCI Meadows: Right James, I take it you know why you’re here? Thompson JR: No. DCI Meadows: When uniformed police officers were called to your place this morning a gun was found on the premises. Thompson JR: Weren’t mine. Thompson SR: James! Thompson JR: Shut it! Look, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I ain’t got no gun, I never ‘ad no gun and I don’t know who put it there. DS Roach: Well it could only have been you or your father and your father says he’s never seen it before. Thompson JR: Trust you to believe him over me. The gun’s not mine! DCI Meadows: We could always check for fingerprints. Thompson JR: Go ahead. Thompson SR: Come on, son, just tell them the truth. If one of your mates gave it to you to keep for them, then just tell them that. You won’t get into trouble. DCI Meadows: He’s right, James. If you haven’t used the gun or if someone’s making you keep it for them, then all you need to do is tell us who it is and that’s the end of the matter for you. Thompson JR: I ain’t no grass and I ain’t never seen it before! DS Roach: One of our PCs was shot yesterday while he was directing traffic. We have witnesses who say they saw a gang of youths in a red car. Now, if that officer dies… Thompson JR: Then it’s a better world with one less pig. Thompson SR: I’m sure James wouldn’t have been involved in a shooting. I know he’s a bit wild, but he’s never been into anything serious. DCI Meadows: Look, I don’t believe it was James either, Mr Thompson. All we’re interested in is who gave James the gun. Thompson JR: I ain’t seen it before, it ain’t mine and you can’t prove nothin’. DCI Meadows: James… Thompson JR: No comment. DCI Meadows: (shouting) Listen to me and listen to me well! If the officer you shot dies then you’re looking at a murder charge. We’re now having the gun tested and if the bullet matches the gun then it’s all down to you…the person in possession of the gun. Are you prepared to go down for murder on someone else’s behalf? Thompson SR: James, please! Thompson JR: No comment. END INTERVIEW Sophie was aware of Tom watching her as she stroked Barry’s hair. Barry looked so pale and Sophie couldn’t help but to notice the drip easing blood back into his body. Tom smiled when Sophie looked up. “I know it looks bad now, but he’ll be fine,” Tom assured and Sophie smiled for the first time. “I know. He’s a strong bloke.” “Always has been a quick healer, our Barry…even when he was a lad.” “He told me he was always in trouble as a lad.” Tom laughed. “Yes, but to be fair I think he took the fall for his brother a lot. Terry was a right little…still, he’s a successful barrister now.” “Yeah, Barry told me,” Sophie smiled at her unconscious boyfriend. “He’s very proud of Terry.” “He’s proud of you too, Sophie. His letters have always been full of you. He remembered you from Hendon, you know.” “I know…he told me. I only vaguely remembered him as we had a different circle of friends while we were there and so we didn’t talk much. Barry’s a good man, Tom. You must be proud of him.” “We are, Sophie.” “I hope he…” Sophie stopped as another woman entered the room. She stood, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Tom smiled at Sophie before going over to the other woman and putting his arm around her. “Joy, this is Sophie…Barry’s girlfriend. She was with him when he was shot.” Joy approached Sophie and smiled at her before she hugged her. Sophie looked over Joy’s shoulder at Tom, a little surprised and Tom gave her an encouraging smile. “I want to thank you for saving my son’s life, Sophie.” “Saving his life?” Sophie was confused. “They said that if you hadn’t have acted as fast as you did then he would have lost too much blood to have survived,” Joy stood back. “Are you all right, dear?” Sophie wiped a tear from her cheek. “Sorry, it-it’s been a long night. They couldn’t really tell me anything about his condition until they had spoken to you.” Joy smiled, understanding. “I have to say, I’m glad to finally meet you after hearing so much about you. Barry has never had a serious girlfriend before and I think you are the first we’ve ever met.” “We all tease Barry about his…” Sophie stopped, remembering whom she was talking to. Tom laughed. “It’s all right, Barry’s always been a bit of a lad, we know that.” Sophie relaxed and the three sat around the bed. Taking Barry’s hand, Sophie held it against her cheek. “So…you and Barry are close then?” Joy asked. “Yes we are,” Sophie looked at Barry as she spoke. “We’ve only been together for about six months, but we were close friends for a year before that. We just…I don’t know…we hit it off right away and have always gotten along well, even when I was a frosty little cow. I just found I couldn’t be like that around him.” “He has always had a bit of a gift with people,” Joy remarked. “Anyway, he said he never thought of you as frosty. He said you had problems.” “He had inside information there. My best mate is also a copper at Sun Hill and she must have told Barry about me before I arrived there. I wanted to keep my distance, but I couldn’t with him.” “He’s always found it easy to make friends, even with those who don’t normally find it easy themselves. Barry tells me you’ve changed a lot since your arrival at Sun Hill.” “Yes, and it’s mainly his doing, Joy. I love Barry and-and I would have done anything I could to stop this from happening.” “We know, Sophie.” A short silence followed. “What sort of policeman is Barry? He’s never really talked about his work with us, except about his friends.” Sophie smiled, stroking Barry’s cheek. “The thing that makes Barry different is that he’s sympathetic. We see a lot of bad things in this job and after a while you just end up tuning things out. I know I’ve been guilty of forgetting that victims of crime are people with real feelings and that they’re not as desensitised towards crime as I am. We tend to lose patience if someone can’t give us a clear description of someone or they can’t give us a whole car registration number…or whatever. Your son is not as jaded as the rest of us. Sure, he has his bad days like the rest of us where he gets fed up…and he’s even yelled at me on the job…which I thoroughly deserved if I remember correctly. I fully understand it if someone’s pratting him about, but he gets over it. What makes your son different, Joy, is that he has time for everyone and is interested in what they have to say. That makes him a good copper and that’s why we wanted him as Federation Rep. at the nick. He’s well liked and well respected and you can be proud of him for that. He’ll go far when he’s ready to.” “He’s said exactly the same about you, Sophie,” Tom told her. END PART 9 |
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| Sazzy | Aug 28 2017, 07:04 AM Post #18 |
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Administrator
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Thank you for adding these, it is like having an extra episode of The Bill playing out, I am really enjoying it.
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| Trystan | Aug 29 2017, 02:17 AM Post #19 |
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PC
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Glad you are enjoying it. I think I've watched it so much that I have their voices in my head when I am writing. I hope I do the existing characters justice. PART 10 Statement of Anna Steele, witness. Taken at Sun Hill Police Station 10:47, 15th November 1992: I was first in line at the broken lights on Lassa Street yesterday morning. I remember being annoyed that the lights were out because I was running late for a meeting, but when I looked out the window, I saw that the policeman who was in the road directing traffic looked more annoyed that I did. He was standing quite near to the left side of my car, but more towards the back. I looked in the rear view mirror to see if he was any closer to moving us on when I saw a red car swerving down the road. I didn’t see who was in the car, but I saw the policewoman further up the road jump back up onto the kerb to avoid being hit, then I saw the policeman do the same. I think he had seen the policewoman do it and so thought he had better do the same. As the red car came closer, I saw it swerve towards the policeman and I heard a crack before it sped on past us. I’m sorry, I only managed to get a partial index…W eight seven…something. I got out of the car to see the policeman lying in the road his colleague running towards him as she was calling for help. She then dived down next to him, trying to stop the bleeding. END STATEMENT. Cathy Marshall knocked on Inspector Monroe’s door. “Come in.” Cathy entered, closing the door behind her. “Take a seat, Cathy.” Cathy obeyed. “How’s Sophie?” “I’m not sure, sir. She won’t talk about the shooting and she had a sleepless night last night, but…” Cathy shrugged. “I expect she’s at the hospital now.” “Yes she is. Barry’s father rang to give an update on Barry’s condition and he mentioned she was with him. Do you think she’ll be back tomorrow?” “Knowing Sophie, yes…now that she knows Barry’s going to pull through. She will want to get out there to find those responsible.” “I thought that might be the case, though I think everyone on the relief feels the same. If she comes back tomorrow, I want her to go out with you. A close friend nearby might help and I think it’s best that she doesn’t get too involved in the investigation.” “I understand, sir. Has there been any word from CID about the interview this morning?” “Not good, I’m afraid. He’s keeping his mouth shut, even with the threat of a murder charge hanging over him.” “Do they think he’s the one who shot Barry?” “No, they think he’s keeping the gun for someone else, they aren’t even sure if he was one of the boys in the car. Right, best get out there. You won’t catch the culprit lounging around in here.” “Sir,” Cathy smiled faintly and left. END PART 10 |
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| Sazzy | Aug 29 2017, 03:34 PM Post #20 |
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Administrator
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eagerly waiting for the next instalment.
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| Trystan | Aug 29 2017, 09:59 PM Post #21 |
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PC
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PART 11 Statement by Bradley Healey, witness. Taken at Sun Hill police Station, 13:50, 15th November 1992: I live next door to the Thompsons in Bevan House. I woke up some time after four in the morning to hear shouting next door. It’s just Dan and his son, the mother died a few years back. I’ve heard them argue before, the boy’s gone a bit wild since his mother died, but I’ve never heard it this bad before. Dan was going mental and I thought I had better call you lot before it got out of hand. It never occurred to me until I heard something about the shooting on the radio this morning, but I remember seeing James being picked up yesterday, early, by two lads in a red Ford Sierra. One of the lads was wearing a Chicago Bulls cap. I didn’t recognise either of them as they weren’t James’ usual mates. END STATEMENT. After Cathy Marshal had left his office, Inspector Monroe had a meeting with Chief Superintendent Brownlow and Chief Inspector Conway. He wasn’t looking forward to it, but he really couldn’t get out of it. “Have we heard how Stringer’s doing?” Brownlow asked. “His father rang from the hospital this morning, sir,” Monroe replied. “If he makes it through the next few days without complications then he will make a full recovery. He will be off work for a time, but we can definitely expect him back. He was very lucky by all accounts.” “Yes he was. Have there been any developments with regards to catching who did this?” “Nothing concrete yet, a few small leads to follow up. Early this morning CID interviewed a boy in possession of a gun. We’ve sent the gun for testing to see if it was the one used in Stringer’s shooting. CID haven’t learnt anything from the interview so we might have to wait for the results of the ballistics test. We can’t tie him to the car either as yet.” “Oh?” “SOCO have been over it and they haven’t found anything useful.” “I see. Was it the same car used in the robbery?” “We don’t know that either, sir. No one at the scene of the robbery has been able to give us a registration…or the make of the car, for that matter. We have to wait and see if someone else comes forward. It’s too big a coincidence for it not to be the same car as one of the kids at the robbery had a gun with him.” “Yes, but juries don’t convict on coincidence, Andrew.” “No sir,” Andrew Monroe mumbled. Brownlow continued. “And what about Butcher? When can we expect her to be back?” “Most likely tomorrow,” Conway spoke for the first time. “Good, we’re short of people as it is.” Conway and Monroe exchanged a glance and Brownlow went on. “How do you think we should deal with our little problem?” “Problem, sir?” Conway raised an eyebrow. “Butcher and Stringer’s relationship.” “I wasn’t aware that it was a problem,” Monroe was confused. “Surely you can see the implications? Every time one of them gets hurt in the line of duty, the other has to have time off also. We can’t afford to be two officers down all the time. Distractions cost lives.” “But sir…” Monroe started to protest. “Andrew, the Met has a no relationship rule for a reason.” “Yes, but…” “One of them has to be transferred, I can’t see any way around it.” “Surely there’s some way around it?” Conway interceded before a full on argument ensued. “Stringer and Butcher are too valuable to lose. No one knew of the relationship until now, did they?” “What’s your point, Derek?” “They have been seeing each other for six months and no one was any the wiser apart from those the pair told…meaning that their relationship in no way affected their work. Now, statistically, a police officer is bound to get injured in some way in six months of duty, so which one of them was hurt last?” “Sophie, three months ago at a riot, I believe,” Monroe answered. “She had a fractured cheek and a sprained wrist sustained while she was pulling an officer from another nick to safety. He had been hit in the head with a brick. I don’t remember Barry reacting any differently to Sophie than he would to any other colleague who sustained the same injury.” “And there’s my point,” Derek continued. “They have never done anything at work to give away their relationship. I really don’t think it will be as bad as you seem to think.” “It got in the way this time, Derek.” “Under exceptional circumstances, yes. Stringer was gunned down in front of Butcher and even if she hadn’t been emotionally attached to him, she would still have been in shock. The whole of A Relief have been affected by this and you can bet they aren’t the full quid today either.” “All right, but I’m not happy about this. The minute it looks like their relationship is getting in the way of work, one of them is transferred.” “Understood,” Monroe mumbled. END PART 11 |
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| Trystan | Aug 30 2017, 06:53 AM Post #22 |
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Two in a row because I will miss tomorrow... PART 12 Transcript of a call to CAD, Sun Hill Police Station 12:16, 15th November 1992: SO363: Sierra Oscar from three six three, receiving? CAD: Receiving, Steve. SO363: I’m at number twenty-nine Melton Road, talking to a Mrs. Sheila Dawkins. It’s confirmed that the red Ford Sierra used in the shooting was stolen from this address in the early hours of yesterday morning. The index is confirmed as foxtrot eight seven three gulf lima whiskey. CAD: Did she see who took the car? SO363: No Sarge, she and her husband were asleep and they didn’t hear a thing. CAD: Right. I want you and Reg to start knocking on doors in the area and see if anyone heard or saw anything. I’ll send someone down to help you. SO363: Right Sarge, out. END TRANSMISSION. Steve Loxton leant on the horn and swore at the driver who was taking a little too long to turn the corner in front of him. Reg Hollis frowned and turned to Steve. “She’s just a learner, Steve. It’s behaviour like yours that cause learners to have accidents, not actually their lack of skill. I was…” “Shut it, Reg!” “You’re in a fine mood today, I must say,” Reg muttered. “Women shouldn’t be allowed behind the wheel.” “Statistically men have more accidents.” “Only because women cause them.” “And how did you work that one out, Steve?” “It’s their slow, aimless driving.” “I’ve never known Sophie Butcher’s driving to be slow and aimless.” Steve said something entirely uncomplimentary about Sophie at the mention of her name. “I don’t understand your bad attitude towards Sophie, I really don’t.” “Then don’t mention her name and we’ll get along fine.” “So…what’s she done to deserve this treatment?” “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be stuck with you, Reg.” “She’s not even here today.” “Exactly! I wouldn’t be doing her job if she were here. She had to go and get herself attached to a colleague, then have time off because he went and got himself shot. Now, the rest of us are stuck running around after some unknown kids, an unknown car…not knowing if one of our mates is going to live or die…and it’s all because of her!” “Welcome to the world of policing, Steve. You’re hardly being fair.” “How come little miss perfect…” “Steve, I honestly don’t see where this is going,” Reg cut in. It wasn’t often that Reg Hollis retaliated, but like the rest of the relief he was still shocked and upset over the previous day’s events. “You can’t tell me this is all because Sophie’s off sick today?” “It’s no one’s business, Reg!” “You seem to have made it everyone’s business. It’s not like you keep your dislike of her to yourself, Steve. It’s plain to see you can’t stand her, but no one can understand why.” “I just don’t like coppers like her. Ever since she arrived at Sun Hill she gets away with everything. She just has to bat her eyes and she’s let off. I bet they won’t even transfer her now that they’ve found out about the relationship she and Barry have. Everyone knows that the Met doesn’t allow relationships in the same relief.” “And everyone knows it happens, Steve. You can’t put people in a dangerous job and not expect them to bond, whether it’s a relationship or a friendship. You can’t guarantee you won’t meet your soul mate on the job.” “Soul mate? What are you on about? All I’m saying is that I can’t stand the type who use their looks to get what they want. It makes me sick.” END PART 12 |
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| Sazzy | Sep 1 2017, 05:53 PM Post #23 |
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Administrator
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Thank you so much for sharing this, I really enjoying it. I shall look forward to the next instalment.
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| Trystan | Sep 2 2017, 12:53 AM Post #24 |
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PC
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PART 13 Statement by Police Constable Sophie Butcher (SO477), witness. Taken at Sun Hill Police Station 14:30, 16th November 1992: PC Stringer and I were assigned to point duty on Lassa Street when the traffic lights were damaged due to an incident in the early hours of November the fourteenth. The morning was foggy and visibility was poor, so PC Stringer elected to go into the road to direct traffic while I was to stand a few metres back to warn people to slow down. I was at the corner of Brinton Road and Lassa Street, so I was about thirty metres away from PC Stringer. I couldn’t see PC Stringer clearly because of the fog, but I could make out his yellow jacket well enough and I am sure he would have been able to see mine, had we needed to attract the other’s attention. Things were quiet for half an hour or so, then a red Ford Sierra sped around the corner from Brinton Road. I was a little surprised as I hadn’t heard them coming and I had to jump back on the kerb to avoid being hit. They were travelling fast and they ignored my signals to slow down, so I radioed the registration to Sun Hill. I hadn’t heard anything about a stolen vehicle, but I thought it had better be checked out anyway. I hadn’t heard about the robbery by then either. There were five youths in the car and one of them was leaning out of the passenger window. He was wearing a dark anorak, but the car was going too fast for me to get a good look at him. I can’t say whether PC Stringer had noticed the car as I was calling in the registration. I turned away from the car and that’s when I heard the shot. I turned back to see that the red car had disappeared and that PC Stringer was lying in the road. I ran to him, while calling for help on the radio. When I reached him, I could see he had been shot, but I couldn’t see where as there was so much blood. I commenced first aid. END STATEMENT. “Are you sure you’re ready to be back here. Sophie?” Inspector Monroe asked gently. “Sir.” “Sophie?” Sophie looked up from the floor. “Yes sir, I’m fine. Barry’s holding up well and-and so am I.” “You were in a terrible state when I saw you last.” “With respect sir, I think anyone in my position would have been.” “Yes, but being his girlfriend does rather change things, doesn’t it?” Sophie stared at Inspector Monroe and he continued. “Cathy had to tell me about your relationship. You were in a…” “I know, sir. I expect everyone would have found out soon anyway. I promise nothing like that will happen again, sir.” “Nothing like what, Sophie?” “Me not being here yesterday and-and my display the day before.” “Sophie, you know that’s a promise you can’t keep and as for your display, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. Let me assure you that I have no problem with yours and Barry’s relationship. No one here knew of it until the shooting, so it’s never affected your work until now. The only measure we are going to take is not to pair you up where we can help it. I take it this is not a problem?” “Not at all, sir…and it won’t be s problem for Barry either.” Inspector Monroe smiled, amused. “All right, off you go. Chief Superintendent Brownlow wants to see you after parade.” “Sir?” “I suspect he wants to grill you over yours and Barry’s relationship.” Sophie smiled faintly before turning to leave the room, nearly bumping in to Sergeant Cryer at the door. “Parade in five minutes, Sophie…don’t be late.” “No Skip,” Sophie returned as she hurried down the corridor. Bob Cryer entered Inspector Monroe’s office. “So?” he inquired. “So what, Bob?” “Do you think she’s fit for duty?” “That remains to be seen, doesn’t it? We need her, Bob, we’re undermanned as it is. Sophie knows there’s counselling available should she need it and she has friends plenty enough to watch out for her on the relief, so she should be fine.” “I just hope Steve Loxton doesn’t try to make things worse by having a go at her.” “Do you think he’s likely to?” “He was mouthing off about her yesterday and I’ve been told that he blames Sophie for Barry’s condition. Then again, Steve’s not the sort to say something to people’s face, so let’s hope that today is no different.” “Keep an eye on them and try to keep them separated for now. I know it’s not an ideal solution, but it’s all we can do for now. Sophie might not be able to take the extra aggression right now, but remind them that they still need to work together. Just what is the problem between them, Bob?” “I don’t think it’s between them as such, I think it’s all Steve Loxton. I don’t know, personality clash? Neither will say much on the matter.” “You can’t get along with everyone, I suppose. Now what was that you were saying to Sophie about not being late for parade?” Sophie was aware of Steve Loxton sitting against the wall and staring at her while her colleagues gathered around to ask of Barry’s condition. Sophie had done her best to answer their questions, but it was getting a little difficult for her, though she could well understand their concern. “Oh give it a rest, yeah?” Cathy could see the strain on Sophie’s face. “She’s told you as much as she can about how Barry is and what happened.” “Sorry Soph’, we know it’s not easy for you.” “It’s ok, Dave, I know you’re all worried about him as I am.” “It’s harder on you, being his girlfriend and all,” George Garfield winked. “I take it everyone knows now?” Sophie asked. “Sorry,” Tony Stamp held up his hands. “It’s ok, Tone. You would have all found out soon enough anyway.” “You’re a bit of a dark horse, aren’t ya?” Polly teased. “How do you mean, Pol?” Sophie feigned innocence. “Well, we had no idea. You can usually spot these things, but not with you and Barry.” “Polly, it’s not like Barry and I pop into an empty office every five minutes for a quick snog,” Sophie quipped. “We couldn’t have our Sophie being unprofessional, could we?” “Steve…” George warned, but Steve ignored him and continued. “How unprofessional do you think it was leaving us to do all the running around yesterday? Do you think we…” Steve stopped suddenly when Sergeant Cryer entered the room. “Right, let’s get on with it shall we?” Chief Superintendent Brownlow’s secretary, Marion, smiled when she saw Sophie approach. Sophie nodded towards the door of Brownlow’s office. “Is he in a good mood today?” she asked. “What’s a good mood for him, Sophie?” was Marion’s reply. “Oh…great,” Sophie sounded nervous. “You’ll be fine,” Marion assured her. “How’s Barry?” “It’ll be touch and go for a few days, but he’s strong. He’ll be fine.” “He’s a nice young man,” Marion winked, “and you are perfect for each other.” Sophie grinned at Marion before heading over to Brownlow’s door and knocking. He called for her to enter. “Constable Butcher, how are you feeling?” Sophie stood to attention in front of the desk. “Fine, sir.” “Are you sure you’re ready to be back here?” “Yes sir.” Charles Brownlow studied the stoic young woman standing in front of his desk. Although it wasn’t like Sophie Butcher to show emotion at work, he could tell that Barry’s shooting had affected her deeply by her uncomfortable stance right now. “I want you to know that I am not entirely satisfied that you are fit for duty, but under the circumstances I’m going to have to take your word for it. Your relief is undermanned and I cannot afford to have you off sick for another day. This is one of the very reasons why the Met doesn’t allow relationships between officers. Constable, I trust we can expect your usual one hundred percent today?” “Of course, sir,” Sophie affected an offended tone. “Right…well, it’s been decided that no action is to be taken at this time in regards to yours and Stringer’s relationship. Since no one knew of it for six months it is obvious that it hasn’t affected your work until now. I want you to know that I am not happy with this, but we can’t afford to lose two very experienced officers. Just what were you and Stringer thinking? You both know you have to give the job one hundred and ten percent. I can’t have you distracted every time Stringer gets hurt or the other way around. Granted, the shooting’s an exceptional case, but surely you can see how much a relationship complicates things?” “I can assure you we never planned this, sir…it just happened.” “That has already been pointed out to me, Constable, thank you. Just let it be known that the minute your relationship affects your work, one of you is transferred…understand?” “Yes sir!” “Right…off you go.” Sophie turned on her heel and marched from the office, unaware that Marion and Chief Inspector Conway were watching her leave. “Just a minute,” Conway went over to Brownlow’s door. “Yes Derek?” “Did you have to be quite so hard on her? She’s had a rough couple of days.” “She has to learn that we don’t take this kind of thing lightly. It’s for her own good.” Derek Conway sighed before closing the door and going back to his conversation with Marion. END PART 13 |
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| Sazzy | Sep 3 2017, 03:46 PM Post #25 |
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Marion - it was nice to read her name in this, I'd almost forgotten about her - she must have been on screen in more episodes than some of the officers and yet I don't recall her ever having much of a storyline! Looking forward to the next instalment
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| Trystan | Sep 3 2017, 11:06 PM Post #26 |
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It would have been great to see more of Marion, after all, she probably held the most important position in the station for a long time. Imagine the dirt she could have dished on Brownlow ![]() PART 14 Statement of Ronald Donaldson, resident of Melton Road. Taken at Sun Hill Police Station, 15:03, 16th November 1992: I wasn’t home when the officers conducted their door knock, but when my neighbour mentioned it I thought I had better come in. One the morning of the fourteenth, I woke up to hear a car engine revving just a couple of houses down from me. Because it was so early and I wasn’t used to hearing that sort of thing so early, I got up and went to the window. I saw some lads standing with the Dawkins’ car. One of the lads was wearing a Chicago Bulls cap. I recognised another of the lads I used to teach at Canley Comprehensive…Lee Parish…a nasty piece of work. Anyway, he and the lad in the cap jumped in the car and roared off. I phoned you lot, but for some reason nothing was done at the time. END STATEMENT “You’re in uniform,” Barry muttered. “You’re smart, you should be a policeman, you know that?” “It means you should be somewhere else.” “I’m on refs, so you’re stuck with me.” “I don’t mind. I like a girl in uniform.” Sophie smiled and kissed Barry’s damp forehead. He was breathless and seemed to be in a lot of pain. “How are you doing?” “They tell me I’ll live. Hurts like hell though.” “I’m not surprised.” “Mum and Dad told me you saved my life.” “They’re exaggerating, love.” “They aren’t the sort of people given to exaggeration. Where are they?” “They said they needed a walk, but I think they beat a tactical retreat. They’re outside talking to Cathy.” “Say hi to everyone for me and give Cath’ a kiss for me to say thank you for looking after my girl?” “I will. They’re all worried about you.” “How are you? I remember you were with me.” “I’m fine, so please don’t worry about me.” Barry studied his girlfriend closely, knowing better. “There’s nothing you could’ve done, Soh.” “I know. Look, take it easy, yeah? You’ve still a lot of recovering to do.” “I know you, Butcher. I know you’re bothered by it.” “Please, can we talk about something else? I’m fine and you know Cathy’s looking after me.” Barry didn’t have the energy to argue with Sophie at the moment. In fact, every breath was agony right now. Sophie kissed him gently. “I love you, Barry. Rest now and I will be back after work.” Barry nodded and Sophie spoke again. “Be good.” “Aren’t I always?” he murmured, already three quarters asleep. Sophie kissed him again, brushing his hair back from his face. “No my love, you are always superb,” she whispered before leaving. “How is he?” Cathy asked as she and Sophie headed down the corridor. “Not great, Cath’. I know he’s going to be ok, but he’s still so weak and …and…” “The doctor said to expect this for the first few days, remember? He had a narrow escape, Soph’.” “You don’t have to remind me of that, Cath’.” “Sorry.” Sophie looked up and down the corridor before kissing Sophie on the cheek. “That’s from Barry.” Cathy laughed. “Now I know he’s going to be ok.” The two were silent as they headed out into the grey day. Sophie seemed deep in thought. “Are you all right, Sophie?” “I think so.” “How did you go with Brownlow this morning?” Sophie grimaced. “I got a right telling off about the relationship, but apparently they aren’t going to do anything about it at this time because we managed to keep it a secret for so long. To them, it means it hasn’t affected our work until now,” Sophie made no effort to hide the scorn in her voice. “Honestly, Cath’…what do they think we get up to there? It’s not like…” “I know what you would like to get up to on duty,” Cathy teased in an effort to distract Sophie. Sophie smirked. END PART 14 |
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| Sazzy | Sep 4 2017, 07:12 AM Post #27 |
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Excellent looking forward to the next chapter
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| Trystan | Sep 5 2017, 06:29 AM Post #28 |
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PART 15 Statement from Adam Nash, taken at Sun Hill Police Station at 09:20, 15th November 1992: I was walking along broad place at about ten past eight in the morning of the fourteenth. I work nights and was on my way home, which was just around the corner from Broad Place. I was about to turn the corner into my street when I heard a car pull up with a screech behind me. I turned to have a look and saw a red car…I don’t know the make, maybe a Ford something?...outside the jewellery shop. I wouldn’t have thought twice about it except the car had mounted the pavement so that the passenger door was close to the door of the shop. When I saw the young blokes get out, one carrying a baseball bat, I knew something wasn’t right. I couldn’t call you lot right away, as I wasn’t near a phone, so I tried to remember the registration. I can remember most of it… eight seven three…something…LW. I’d have been in sooner, only working nights puts you out of the loop a bit and so I didn’t know about the policeman being shot and the possible connection until I heard it on the radio. I thought someone else might have seen it too. END STATEMENT. DC Tosh Lines took the proffered card from Donna Harris, studied it for a moment, and then handed it to DC Jim Carver. “That’s him, Donna…a right piece of work according to his old teacher,” Jim handed the card back to Donna. “Can we tie him to James Thompson yet?” Donna asked. “Not yet. The teacher said he didn’t know the lad wearing the Chicago Bulls cap and James wasn’t with them when they picked up the car. We can tie Lee to the car though.” “But we haven’t managed to tie the car to the robbery as yet,” Jim sighed. Transcript of a second interview with James Thompson. Taken at Sun Hill Police Station, 13:55 15th November 1992: DCI Meadows: This is the second interview with James Thompson in possible connection with the shooting of constable Barry Stringer. Present are myself, DCI Jack Meadows, DS Ted Roach, James Thompson and Margery Barker of Social Services acting as the appropriate adult. Right James, there have been a few developments since we last spoke this morning. Is there anything you want to change from what you told us earlier? Thompson: No. DCI Meadows: Are you sure? Thompson: Of course I’m sure. DCI Meadows: Right…well you may as well know…we can now place you in the car. Thompson: No you can’t…you’re just trying it on. DS Roach: We have had a witness come forward to say that they saw you get in to a red car early that morning. Silence. DS Roach: We also can tie the car to the jewellery shop robbery along with the shooting on the same morning. The partial index one witness was able to give us at the scene of the shooting was enough to match the car to both jobs. It also helped that the witness who saw you get into the car could give us a full index. This also matched the index the policewoman who was with the constable you shot gave us in her statement. Silence. DCI Meadows: It doesn’t look good, James…for you anyway. DS Roach: You were in the car and the gun was found in your flat. Thompson: So? DCI Meadows: (yelling.) A policeman was shot! You’ll go down for a very long time for this…don’t you realise that? There’ll be no leniency in court for you. Thompson: I’m just a kid…you can’t do nothin’ to me. DCI Meadows: You’re sixteen, very nearly seventeen. In this case with the robbery and the shooting, the courts will try you as an adult. Thompson: I didn’t shoot no one! DCI Meadows: Then make it easier on yourself and tell us who did! Silence. DCI Meadows: This isn’t going to go away, you know! DS Roach: Just give us a name! You don’t want to go down for the whole lot, do you? Silence. DS Roach: Do you really think they are going to thank you for what you’re doing? Do you think this is going to give you ‘street cred’ with the gang? Is that what you’re hoping for? Let me tell you some home truths…I’ve seen the results of this many times…they won’t even remember your name in a few months time. To them, you’ll just be another sucker who saved them from a long stretch. Is that really worth the twenty-five years you’ll most likely get for this? Thompson: (yelling, scared.) That’s not true! Lee said on account of me being a minor I’ll get a… Silence as Thompson realises he’s let a name slip. DCI Meadows: You said Lee…is that Lee Parish? Silence. DCI Meadows: Come on, James…this is the closest you’ve been to being smart today. Were you talking about Lee Parish? Silence. DCI Meadows: Right, we’ll give you some more time to think on it, shall we? Interview terminated at fourteen thirteen. Jim Carver handed Sophie Butcher a box of tissues. She took one and blew her nose, seeming a little embarrassed. “Sorry Jim, it was just remembering the jacket with-with all the blood…” “It’s all right, Sophie, you’ve no need to be embarrassed,” Jim rested a hand gently on her shoulder and she looked at him. “If you hadn’t have acted so quickly, Barry might be dead now. He’s very lucky to have you, you know.” Sophie smiled faintly. “Look, I know this might be hard for you, but we have some photos of possible suspects. Can I get you to look at them and see if you recognise anyone?” “I can’t promise anything, the car was moving too fast, but I’ll try, Jim.” “Just humour me, ok?” Jim asked, smiling. Sophie followed Jim over to the area of CID where they had set up an incident board. Jim saw Sophie catch her breath as she saw the photo of Barry on the board as the shooting victim, but he didn’t say anything. Sophie knew everyone at the station was behind Barry, hoping he would be back with them soon. Steeling herself, Sophie looked at the other photos on the board. The first two photos after Barry’s provoked no reaction, but Jim noticed when she got to the third, Sophie stared at it for a long time. Jim couldn’t quite read Sophie’s expression, but he knew what she was going to say. “That’s him,” her voice was quiet. She was a little shocked that she remembered him. Sophie thought she didn’t get a good enough look as the car sped past her. “He’s the one who was leaning out the window.” “Are you absolutely sure, Sophie?” Sophie turned to Jim and fixed him with a steady gaze. “It’s a face I will never forget, Jim…nor Barry I would expect,” Sophie’s voice was quiet. “Right, sorry…” “It’s all right, I know you had to ask. Can I go now?” “Yes, thank you, Sophie. You did very well. Give Barry my best when you see him next.” Sophie gave Jim’s shoulder a squeeze as she left the room. Jim watched Sophie go and when she had disappeared from view he was straight on to the phone to CAD. Sergeant Boyden answered the phone. “Sarge, can you send someone out to the Jasmine Allen to pick up Lee Parish? Sophie Butcher’s ID’d him as being the one who shot Barry.” END PART 15 |
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| Trystan | Sep 5 2017, 09:32 PM Post #29 |
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PART 16 Transcript of a call to CAD, Sun Hill Police Station. 16:00, 15th November 1992: SO218: Sierra Oscar from two one eight. CAD: Go ahead, George. SO218: Tony and I have just been at Lee Parish’s flat. There was no one at home. Do you want us to wait? Over. CAD: I would love you to wait, George, but we don’t really have the manpower to spare you. Just take a stroll around the Jasmine Allen and see if you can spot him. Remember, even though he hasn’t got the gun on him at the moment, he’s still a nasty piece of work. SO218: Right Sarge, caution noted. Out. The frustrated WPC slammed her locker door before turning her back on it, then slamming her elbow against the locker almost as an afterthought. She let herself slide to the floor, her knees drawn up and her elbows resting on her knees. Sophie Butcher covered her face with her hands and let out a sob. She wasn’t sure whether she was upset or angry with herself right now, so she thumped her head against the locker. “Hey…hey, you’ll do yourself some damage if you keep that up.” Sophie hadn’t seen anyone enter the locker room, but without looking, she knew the owner of the concerned voice to be June Ackland. Sophie sobbed on, not uncovering her face. “Sophie?” June was concerned. She knelt in front of Sophie and pulled the younger woman into an embrace. Sophie didn’t resist and she sobbed into June’s shoulder. June rocked her gently and stroked her hair. “Why isn’t he getting better, June? Everyone says he’s going to be fine, but-but…” “Sophie, give it time, yeah? It’s only been a couple of days,” June reasoned. “B-but he’s still so…” Sophie gulped as she made an effort to swallow her sobs. “God June, they know who did it…why can’t they nick them!” “There’s the small matter of evidence, Sophie, you know that.” “But they have one of the boys and-and I’ve ID’d the one with the gun!” “But that’s still hearsay to the courts, Sophie. They need Lee to admit it on tape since they have no results on the SOCO from the car. No one can find Lee Parish at the moment, they’re trying, believe me. Come on Sophie, we’re all finding this hard, but we’re trying to be patient. We will get someone for this, I can promise you that, but we have to do this properly. If we pull in Parish before we have proper evidence, then we’ll lose him.” Sophie nodded against June’s shoulder before sitting back against the locker, more gently this time. June studied the younger constable’s red, tearstained face. Sophie looked exhausted, mentally and physically. June suspected Sophie was spending most of her off duty time at the hospital. Understandable, but Sophie really could do with a rest. “You should take some time off, Sophie.” “This is a pig of a job sometimes…pardon the pun,” Sophie looked at June. “I wish I could take some time off, but I can’t. I-I have to prove to Brownlow that mine and Barry’s relationship isn’t going to affect my work.” “Oh stuff Brownlow! Sophie, no one knew about you two for six months. I don’t know how much you know about station gossip in general, but for Sun Hill that’s a record.” Sophie didn’t comment, just shrugged. “Are you ok, Sophie?” “I think my break’s well and truly over.” June stood and took Sophie’s hands, helping the younger woman to her feet. She straightened Sophie’s collar, then brushed a tear from Sophie’s cheek. “Go and wash that beautiful face of yours first. Are you in CAD?” “Yeah…they don’t seem very keen on letting me out on the streets at the moment.” “Probably a good thing, Sophie.” “Yeah…probably…” Sophie sighed before leaving the room. END PART 16 |
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| Sazzy | Sep 6 2017, 08:16 PM Post #30 |
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Thanks for sharing these - I've had a headache for the past couple of days, so haven't dared to sit and read - will look forward to getting stuck into the past two chapters hopefully tomorrow - they have become a bit of a treat for me! |
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eagerly waiting for the next instalment.

12:39 AM Jul 11