Chapter I
Introductions
Superintendent Martin King supervised the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) for Hampshire Constabulary which included all of Hampshire County as well as Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight. The man stood 5’ 10” tall and weighed closer to 230 Lbs (104Kg) at 50 years of age. Decades of consuming alcohol caught up to him, with a red bulbous nose and bloodshot eyes that would never go away. He stood at the podium in front of a crowded briefing room in his white police uniform. Every other person in the room was dressed in gender appropriate plain clothes. Representatives from every CID unit in the constabulary were present including DS Diara Decker, DS Andrew Hunt and DI Ransom Hill.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Superintendent King and you have all been called here to form an anti-narcotics task force.” The superintendent began his briefing at the Operational headquarters on Tower Street in Winchester. “We have received credible intelligence that a large shipment of Cocaine has entered Southampton by way of the shipyards. It is estimated, the narcotics have a value in excess of ten million Euros or nine point two million Pounds Stirling. We believe the Freemantle Vipers is the buyer and they will not sit on their product for very long. We believe they have shipped this product somewhere here in Winchester, but may also have storage sites in Southampton and Portsmouth. They are also shipping illegal firearms into the country and are prepared to use them. It is reported they have several Kalashnikovs from the Russian Federation as well as other Russian built sub machine guns and handguns. These weapons are fully automatic and pose a threat to you and your colleagues. Due to this alarming event, you will be authorized to carry sidearms. I will need you all to visit the pistol range to refamiliarize yourself with our handguns.” British law enforcement officers do not typically carry firearms in the day to day conduct of their duties. “Tactical Support Teams will be on high alert during the conduct of these operations and made available in the event an arrest is imminent or a search of private grounds is required. You will carry the department issued Glock 26 subcompact chambered in 9mm.”
“The Freemantle Vipers, Intelligence tells us is lead by Rupert Hawthorne. This man should be considered armed and dangerous if dealt with. Also, even if unarmed, he is not someone you will want to have a row with. He is suspected of killing five people with his bare hands and would not think twice about killing any one of you. In fact, he would probably perceive you as a welcome challenge. Be prepared for the worst. Your job is investigations and I want you to travel in groups of three. Your assignments are posted. Get to know who you are working with and come up with a viable plan for your assigned sector. If there are no questions, I would like to see DI Hill, DS Hunt and DS Decker in my office. Dismissed.”
Detective Inspector Ransom Hill gave his partner, Andrew Hunt a knowing look, then searched for DS Decker. She was the small blonde near the front of the room. “I used to work the streets with her when I was a uni.” Ransom spoke quietly to his partner. “My money says she is with us. Let’s go see what the Super wants.” Hill and Hunt made their way to the Superintendent’s office to answer that question.
They arrived about the same time as DS Decker. Andrew Hunt held the door for the other two, “ladies first.” The young British Detective of African descent smiled at the female police investigator. His family had been in the UK since the mid 19th century after slavery was abolished. No one in his family line was ever a possession, a fact he was proud of.
Superintendent King took a seat at his desk and motioned the others to take seats around his desk. He knew Diara was a Klaustreich and Ransom was a Grimm, but wanted them to find each other on their own time. He wasn’t willing to give that bit of information up at the moment. Both also knew Superintendent King was a Blutbad. Detective Sergeant Andrew Hunt was not aware the Wesen community existed. All of this would be a complete surprise to him. When he eventually would find out, it might shock him. The Superintendent was worried about that and wanted Hill to update him on the subject.
“Do you know each other?” the Superintendent of CID asked the detectives.
Ransom Hill looked at Diara, smiling, “DS Decker and I worked together downtown in uniform when she was fresh out of training. I will admit we are familiar with one another, but it has been a few years.” Ransom looked at his new partner, “how many years has it been?” Once she responds, the Superintendent would introduce Detective Sergeant Hunt to Diara Decker. Diara Decker is also familiar with Hawthorne's Wesen connection.
