Under Surveillance

Mark Hall was an inconspicuous man in his early forties. He had what could best be described as a forgettable face and an unimposing physique. This ordinary man just blended into which ever background presented itself before weighing up the odds, assessing the situation, then retreating to plot his next move. He lacked beef but more than made up for this lack with one of the most brilliant and intuitive minds found anywhere on this planet. His past was a mystery to everyone and he kept a tight lid on his previous life being ex MI6, a foolhardy pursuit of revealing that to anyone, if one valued life on this side of the grass. He ran a small detective agency called Total Vision, a naff name he knew but it somehow worked, with Maeve White, an attractive thirtysomething, who really managed everything bureau related, because brilliant he may have been in problem solving, organising was not his forte.

Mark returned to his little bureau on a wet blustery Tuesday night. He could see the light casting its weak beacon as he approached number nine Corrig terrace thus knowing Maeve was still working. Perhaps a new case needed attention – that would be welcome, things had been a bit too quiet lately – he thought putting his umbrella in the base of coat stand and quickly removing his damp coat. He walked through the small hallway and knocked before entering the third door on the left marked Total Vision. Maeve was just finishing a call and had her hand up gesturing to Mark not to make a sound.

‘Yes Mr Wells I’ll do that. He’s just arriving now – would you like to speak to him.’ Maeve almost begged.

‘Half an hour.’ Mr Wells said and ended the call. Maeve seemed shaken.

‘Anyone we know?’ Mark proferred sensing a spot of levity may be required.

‘No. First time talking to him, a very abrupt man – uncouth I’d say.’ Maeve said suddenly smiling. ‘So definitely...........’ and Mark joined in ‘’LOADED’’

‘He’ll be here in,’ looking at her watch, ‘twenty minutes. He wants surveillance on someone but didn’t go into any detail.’

‘Young old big small?’

‘No details.’

‘Very mysterious. Hope the subject is old, my knees are acting up.’

‘You’re not done yet. I can always help if needed.’ Maeve added empathetically. There was a loud knock on the door.

‘Come in!’ Mark shouted authoritatively.

A tall thin man entered the room and immediately sat down. He had a well worn, not unhandsome face, but his steely gaze portrayed a man who expected and often received respect. He looked Mark up and down. Mark and Maeve stayed silent allowing the new customer to open proceedings.

‘Alone.’ He said directly to Mark while tilting his head Maeve’s direction.

‘Maeve will you give us a few minutes? I’m sure Mr Wells will be brief.’ Mark replied with an answer designed to gain the upper hand. Maeve grabbed her cigarettes and left without saying a word.

‘She’s a bit cheeky.’ Mr Wells said promptly without a smile.

‘That what makes her special. Now what can I do for Mr Wells?’ Mark replied seriously. Mr Wells leaned back in his chair and looked briefly out the window that was behind Mark. This unnerved Mark a little, in fact, Mr Wells was totally unnerving from head to toe.

‘I want you to observe a man for me. Is this something you can do?’ Mr Wells asked abruptly.

‘Of course. How many hours do you want him under observation?’

‘Just his daily routine – What time he leaves his flat in the morning and what time he returns. I don’t want him to be followed. Possibly he returns at lunchtime but this is why I need you to map out his daily routine.’

Mark considered the proposal carefully.

‘Yes that’s no problem. Anything I should know?’

‘Like?’

‘Is this dangerous? Will my life be in danger?’

‘No and no. One thing that’s necessary however. This man should only be observed by a woman.’

‘Why would that make a difference?’

‘His sexual preference is for men you see. Women are invisible to him. Will this be a problem?’

‘Not at all.’

‘Splendid. I want this observation to take place next week and I’ll pay €10000, €5k upfront,’ Mr Wells said tossing a wad of cash on the desk, ‘and €5k on completion. I don’t need to add that complete discretion is required. I’ll be in touch with the man’s details.’ Mr Wells gave Mark a perfunctory handshake and left abruptly.

Mark jotted down a few salient points that he would have to go over with Maeve. The main stumbling block of course where would he find a suitable woman to carry out this surveillance. He was hoping Maeve would come to the rescue, she often did.

Maeve breezed in and flopped down in her chair. She seemed a little out of breath and sighed to herself as if relieved to be back in the safety of their bureau.

‘How was he? Mr Wells. Creepy if you ask me. Plain weird.’ Maeve asked smirking.

‘He was fine. I want you find out what you can about this Mr Wells particularly his criminal record which I hope is clean. We don’t want to land ourselves on the wrong side of the law. One more thing Maeve. I need a woman....’

‘Mark dear all you had to do was ask.’ Maeve was laughing out loud.

‘I’ll rephrase, didn’t realise I work with a brat,’ Mark replied smirking, ‘Mr Wells wants a woman to do the observing. Your job is to find me one.’

Mark arrived around ten the next morning. Maeve greeted him warmly as he took his seat.

‘Mr Wells?’ Mark asked as he stretched in his chair. Maeve was used to Mark’s directness.

‘No record that I can find anyway save a few parking tickets.’

‘A good sign. Shows he’s been an average Joe.’

‘True. Oh my friend tipped me off regarding a possible surveillance girl. It appears a rather smart lady regularly visits the library where my friend Janice works and she said that this lady, em, Heather Jones, could be just the type you’re looking for.’

‘Why does this Janice think she may fit the bill? You haven’t divulged any details to her have you?’

‘Certainly not Mark. Janice says it’s her whole demeanor, is secretive yet controlling. She said she has never encountered a person like her.’ With that last sentance Mark took stock of this new detail – could she really be an ex MI6 operative Tina Shaw whom he once knew.

‘Any distinguishing features?’

‘She has a beauty spot just below her left cheek and she’s taller than average.’

Mark knew it was Tina Shaw. He breathed in deeply but didn’t give anything away.

‘Ok. Sounds promising. Does your friend know Heather’s routine?’

‘She goes to the library every night around seven. That any good to you?’ Maeve said jauntily with a cheeky wink.

‘I’ll pay a visit to this library then. Never been since they upgraded it.’

‘Any word on our subject yet?’ Maeve asked suddenly becoming serious.

‘Not yet. Later if we’re lucky.’

‘He’s cutting it a bit fine don’t you think?’

‘He’s paying so it’s up to him. You could ask around and see if there’s anyone new in town raising eyebrows.’

‘I’ll get on it.’

The library was cavernous and surprisingly not a dusty dim place as Mark assumed but rather extremely well lit. He headed to the drama section and immediately saw Heather crouched over a small paperback. She hadn’t changed a bit, still hauntingly beautiful. He sat opposite her. She glanced upwards and exclaimed, ’My mentor. Well I never.’ A smiling Heather blurted out uncontrollably. A passing librarian tut-tutted, ‘Shh.’

‘Let’s get out of here.’ Mark said straight away. Heather agreed.

In a local bar Mark and Heather surveyed each other before getting down to business.

‘I have a job for you. You’d be doing me a favour. It’s just a spot of routine surveillance. Are you free next week?’ Mark asked expecting an affirmative response.

‘How long has it been? I’ll tell you how long shall I? Fifteen years. No calls, no letters. Then out of the blue you show up offering me a job. Incredible Mr Will Pringle. However I’m intrigued and not exactly busy so I’ll take you up on your offer Will.’ Heather replied with her controlled manner.

‘Good. It wasn’t easy you know how these eventsplay out.’ Mark said lowering his voice, ‘The incident was too much to take. I had to get out and, you know the training? Cut all ties, no room for sentiment. It was necessary, nothing personal. You know well that you leave you heart outside the service. It’s just the way it is.’ Mark replied equally controlled.

‘But I loved you.’

‘Well you shouldn’t have. You know the rules.’

‘I did. We’re not drones Will.’

‘Stop with the Will.’

‘Did you feel anything for me?

Mark paused for a moment considering his reply. He needed her to do this job so thought against being totally truthful.

‘Of course I did. Different time, different circumstance then yes there was a chance for us but everything on the line, too much for both of us to lose. Here’s your contact mobile. It’s encrypted, you know the drill.’

‘Perhaps you’re right. Yes I know the drill.’

‘I’ll be in touch shortly.’ Mark said getting up to leave, ‘We’ll talk again.’

‘You can count on it.’ Heather responded watching Mark making his way towards the exit and disappearing into the night.

‘Found a possible Mark. He’s a one Peter Blythe, fresh off the boat. Puzzling enough though, this Peter Blythe has no criminal record nor can I find any mention of him being a homosexual.’ Maeve said rather excitedly.

‘No criminal record. That’s interesting. Any of your contacts throw up anything on him?’

‘Nothing. I have his address though.’

‘Great, we’ll be needing that. Clean record eh?’

‘As a whistle.’

‘Did Mr Wells contact you?’ Maeve enquired just as Mark’s phone rang. He answered and waited for the click. It was Mr Wells.

‘I’m sending his details now. The courier will be with you shortly. Did you find your female operative.’ Mr Wells said bruskly.

‘Good. Yes she’ll be in place.’

‘Bravo. Keep me updated.’ And he immediately ended the call. Mark walked over to the window and looked out as if needing inspiration.

‘All good?’ Maeve enquired.

‘I have a bad feeling about all this. Too much cloak and dagger. I think we need to re-evaluate this job. It may need more hands to the pump.’ Mark said pensively. The front door chimed.

‘That’ll be the courier. Will you go?’

‘I’ll be right back Sir.’ Maeve said giving Mark a salute.

When she returned Mark told her to open the envelope. They compared addresses –

Peter Blythe

Flat 2b

Haven road

Dun Laoire.

‘Same address as I have.’

‘At least we’re on the same hymn sheet. Next week we should be on standby.’ Mark said gravely.

‘You’re unsure about Heather? Don’t think she’s up to the job?’

‘She’s capable. I just think there’s a lot more to this than we know. It may even be too hot for us all.’

‘We could pull out?’

‘No we’ll proceed. I’ll have to talk to Heather again.’ Mark exclaimed thoughtfully.

Mark picked up his phone, ‘We need to meet. That bar, em, Hardy’s bar, can you be there in twenty.’

‘Sure I’ll just pause my life and drop everything for you.’ Heather replied unemotionally.

‘It’s important.’

‘It always is. Fine see in twenty.’ Heather disconnected the phone.

Heather arrived first and ordered a coffee. She took a table by the window. When her coffee was being served Mark arrived and asked the waitress to bring him one too.

Mark passed over the envelope to Heather and she looked it over for a minute or two.

‘Do you know the place? Ever heard of Peter Blythe?’

‘Yes I know the place and Will have you really forgotten the basics already? Not his real name.’ And with that she rubbed her index finger up and down her lips without the audible accompaniment.

‘Don’t use Will please. No I haven’t forgotten at all. The name has probably been used before, most are recycled carelessly. Ring any bells?’

The waitress returned with Mark’s coffee and he settled the bill with a generous tip.

‘Last of the big spenders. You really have changed.’ Heather quipped. ‘No bells. I’m too new in this town to have any sources. How about you?’

‘Clean as they come.’ Mark replied. He leant forward and lowered his voice. ‘Something is off about this job. I can’t stress enough – Be extra vigilant. If anything occurs no matter how small I want you to abort.’

‘You’re in charge. Won’t your boss be annoyed if I bale?’

‘Of course but I’ll handle him. Just be careful and keep me in the loop.’

‘Aw Will I always knew you cared.’

Mark gave her a neutral look and got up from their table and made for the exit.

Heather finished her coffee, took the envelope and did the same.

Monday came and went without incident. Heather sat in a cafe opposite Flat 2b and noted Peter Blythe leaving at 09:15. He didn’t return for lunch but returned later at 15:05. Heather left the cafe and went home. Tuesday’s activities of Peter Blythe were almost identical as the day before. Heather informed Mark via a short call. When finished Mark looked perplexed.

‘You look as if you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.’ Maeve said noticing Mark’s worried face.

‘It’s just I wasn’t expecting this.’

‘What did you think would happen?’

‘Thought that Heather was the target. Made sense to me, expose her and swoop. But I’m missing something.’

‘Heather. Absolutely not. Next you’ll tell me I’m the target or you.’ With that Maeve burst out laughing as she regularly did. Mark knew now that he was the target but didn’t let his guard down.

He arranged to meet Heather at Hardy’s bar around seven that evening. She agreed.

This time he ordered a whiskey, she did likewise.

‘This is going well. Easy money. What’s your take on it Will?’ Heather quipped once the drinks arrived.

‘It’s early yet. Towards the end of the week we may see some action. And enough of the ‘Will’’

‘Ok Mark keep your knickers on. You know what I think – it’s bullshit the whole thing.’

‘How so?’

‘Seems so childish. This guy Peter is just a nobody. Doesn’t add up.’

‘Maybe or maybe not.’

‘How about a little walk?’ Mark said quickly.

‘Yes that would nice.’

They left the bar and walked along the seafront. On reaching the secluded viewing point, Heather felt the unmistakable steeliness of Mark’s Glock in her side. There was no one around when the shot rang out. An inconspicuous man in his early forties left the viewing area and disappeared into the evening gloom.