C.P.T.F - 1. Chapter 1

He poured himself a glass of scotch whiskey, a single malt, his favourite and usually reserved for special occasions. But was this day a special occasion? Or was it a day he'd rather forget......

Six months ago Michael Lingard, Mike to his friends, not that he had many of them, had bean on the beat as a Neighbourhood Police Officer for the West Midlands Police Force. Since then he has been transferred to C.I.D (Criminal Investigation Department) and had been promoted to Detective Sergeant. Quite an achievement for anyone in that space of time, more so since he was only 28 years old and had only been on 'The Force' four years.

The last year had taken it's toll on him and he felt tired and weary, more than any man of his age should. His marriage was on the rocks, and things were only getting worse. It ended in divorce as he threw himself into his job, he felt that he had to, there was a lot riding on it. His wife couldn't handle the long hours, long nights sleeping on her own and a husband who was always so tired he had no time for her.

Mike looked at his glass, it was empty, he got up and poured himself a second scotch. Tasting the unique flavour, rich and slightly smokey, as it warmed the back of his throat and slid down to his stomach.

He tried to get comfortable in the high-backed leather arm chair, but somehow tonight he just couldn't. Thoughts were flitting through his mind wondering what the Chief Constable wanted to see him for the following day. He'd heard rumours that there were going to cutbacks on the force and wondered if he was going to be part of those cutbacks. There had also been rumours that a new task force was being formed and they were looking for someone to head the new task force. But nobody new what this new task force was about or what it was to be responsible for. There had been a lot changes due to many terrorist attacks here in the UK and in mainland Europe. Maybe it was something to do with that.

What he did know was that his last case had taken a lot out of him. It took a lot of hours and was very harrowing with the sensitive content. Travelling around the country following leads had meant many days away from home.

He looked at his glass again to find that it was empty, got up and poured another drink.

It had been an intense investigation taking taking nearly two months to reach it's conclusion. The ring leader had managed to get away. One of the 'perps' had hung himself rather than face court and a long prison sentence. But they had managed to make three arrests.

The trial was quick for the British courts. He'd had to attend on most days to give evidence. That had been harrowing and invaded his dreams most nights.

All three had been convicted with lengthy sentences. Two had been given thirty years each without parole. One was sentenced to life without parole. It was likely that all three would die in prison. There was a time that they would have faced the gallows. But in it's 'wisdom' the UK has abolished capital punishment.

The emotions unveiled today had taken a lot out of him. The weather had been dull with that fine rain that penetrates everything and chilly, nothing unusual for November, and the chapel was freezing. He was one of three Police Officers to attend the funeral, all passing on their condolences to a grieving family.

Mike had finished his third glass of scotch and decided against another. He was feeling tired, deciding that he needed some rest before his meeting the next day he went to bed.

Getting up at 6am he had managed to get a few hours of fitful sleep which helped a little. Mike followed his shower with his usual mug of tea and some toast, then dressed ready for his meeting.

When he arrived at Lloyd House, police headquarters, he underwent a security search including going through an airport style metal detector arch and made his way to reception. Before he could introduce himself he was greeted, “Good morning Ins... Sergeant Lingard the Chief Constable is expecting you, if you make your way to his office on the fourth floor his secretary will look after you.”

Mike made his way to the lifts and pressed the call button. Once in the lift his heart started to race and his head was almost spinning wondering what the meeting was about, why was he greeted in that fashion and how could they possibly know who he was, he's never seen them before. On reaching the fourth floor he made his way to the Chief Constables office and was greeted by the secretary who offered a drink and invited him to take a seat.

A few minutes later the Chief Constable called him into his office and greeted him shaking his hand and smiling at him. This had Mike on edge with so many thoughts going through his head it was like his brain was going a mile a minute. The Chief Constable took his seat behind his desk and asked Mike to take the seat opposite.

After a minute or so, which felt like hours to Mike, the Chief Constable started “Good morning Sergeant Lingard, Mike, may I call you Mike?”

“Of course sir, you may.” replied Mike.

On receiving the desired response the Chief Constable continued, “Mike I've asked to see you personally for a couple of reasons. First I want to congratulate on the results of your last case, it hasn't gone un-noticed by myself or many of your colleagues and superior officers.”

'That's the pleasantries over with, now what's all this about.' Thought Mike.

“Now to the main reason I wanted to see you,” said the Chief Constable “we want to create a new task force, to be known as the CPTF.... It's been suggested to me, and I agree, that you head the new task force.... If you agree you take on the rank of Inspector, with all the usual benefits of course.... You would be responsible for all of the cases referred to and undertaken by your team, as well as any others that fall with the remit.... Your team will comprise of you, naturally, two Detective Sergeants and six Detective Constables, we will give you as much say in picking your team as we can.... You will also be authorised to commandeer any other man power that you need from time to time.... What do you say?”

Mike was overwhelmed with the offer but wanted to know what the task force would be investigating. “Sir I appreciate the offer and the confidence that you have in me, but what exactly would I be responsible for?”

“Here's the files for the first case Mike, it's a serious trafficking case.” A brown folder was slide across the desk to him. “I don't want to rush you Mike but I need an answer by the end of the day. This case is as important as the last one you worked on and there may even be a connection.”

Mike glanced through the file, it made him tense and sit rigidly in his seat. His last case nearly ripped his heart out. With a look of steel on his face he gave his answer. “Sir I'll do it. I may need to come to you for advice occasionally as I feel that I still have a lot to learn, I will give each case my all. I also know who I would like on my team if that's ok with you sir.”

The Chief Constable smiled saying “I knew we'd made the right choice, thank you Mike. Now I'd like to see you again tomorrow morning so that you can give me the names of your team and we can start making plans. Make sure that you inform your team who they are and that you will be based here at headquarters. The task force will be operational from this coming Monday. Thank you again Mike and I look forward to working with you and seeing you tomorrow.”

On that note the meeting was brought to an end and Mike got up to leave the office.

Mike was shown to the new office for the CPTF, which was already kitted out and ready. He took a seat behind what will be his desk and looked around the office. Saying out loud as if speaking to his team for the first time “We lost two victims in the last case, but we did save four innocent souls. We can do this, we will do this and we will succeed.”

Monday the second of December the Child Protection Task Force went into full swing with its first case.