Codename Angel (The Angel Chronicles Book 1) Read online

  Chapter 2

  Ministry of Defence – Whitehall – 12:32pm

  Sir Malcolm Chambers stood up and stepped out from behind his desk to greet Frederick. ‘Ralph, how are you, it’s been too long old boy, how’s the family?’ The World War One veteran smiled broadly at Frederick shaking his hand.

  ‘I’m very well thank you Malcolm, Elizabeth and Susan are fine, how’s young William I’m afraid I haven’t had time to pop in on him yet at Cambridge.’

  ‘He’s settling in, he did mention he has yet to see you, but he’s been a little busy himself, he’s already been accepted by the Apostles.’

  ‘Really, didn’t take him long to jump into your shoes did it.’ Both men laughed.

  ‘So how have you been since last year? ‘Frederick’s tone indicated concern for his friend who he had first met at Bletchley Park. ‘Elizabeth was extremely worried when Agnes telephoned and told her about your heart attack.’

  ‘I’m fine, blasted doctor has got me taking all kinds of pills, can’t enjoy as much of the good stuff as I used to.’ Chambers returned to his seat.

  ‘Well I’m sure it’s for the best.’ Frederick remarked.

  Chambers nodded. ‘I take it the Prime Minister briefed you on what he wants.’

  Frederick sat down. ‘Yes he did, I’m still a little puzzled as to why he wants a separate team working on this, when Henry Tizard has already been assigned with the task.’

  Chambers took a deep breath. ‘Henry doesn’t know that our team exists, and we’ve been given strict orders not to reveal ourselves. Which means we have to do a lot of sneaking around. We also feel that Henry’s ship has a leak.’

  ‘Leak?’

  ‘A steady stream of Newspaper articles is being fed to the press. Most notably the Sunday Dispatch and The London Evening Examiner.’

  ‘You think someone from Henry’s team has being going to the newspapers?’

  Chambers nodded. ‘It’s a possibility, there are a lot of high ranking people gossiping about UFOs, including Hugh Dowding and Lord Mountbatten. There are rumours that The Duke of Edinburgh has an interest in Flying Saucers. The Prime Minister also feels that the American’s haven’t been very cooperative sharing information with us regarding captured German installations during the war. Quite frankly Ralph I’m inclined to agree. Intelligence reports suggest that they’re busy improving on the V2 rockets they snatched from Germany. The Russians are also well into their atomic weapons development. Churchill feels that we’re dragging our heels a bit even though we’re doing a lot of research.’

  Frederick nodded. ‘So what’s all this got to do with Flying saucers?’

  Chambers leaned back in his chair. ‘We’ve been receiving reports of these flying saucers for years. Since we first used radar technology these things have been showing up constantly and quite frankly we are puzzled. The Americans have also had their own little research projects running. As a matter of fact flying saucers have been in the Washington Post this week, something about a mass sighting over the nation’s capitol in the last few days. The Air Ministry is abuzz with rumours. The Prime Minister is pinning his hopes too much on American or Russian experimental aircraft, but to be honest Ralph given the evidence these things have been around for a lot longer.’

  ‘How much longer exactly?’ Frederick asked.

  ‘There have been reports of strange objects in our skies stretching back to the First World War, and before that. But these accounts were either dismissed or destroyed; no one really took these reports seriously.’ Chambers took a deep breath. ‘As radar continues to advance we’re finally realizing that there is substance to all this so called flying saucer nonsense. If we can get one scrap of evidence to prove that these flying saucers actually exist it may give us an edge.’

  Frederick nodded. ‘Well it will be quite a large undertaking of resources. Any ideas who we should recruit for this research team?’

  ‘I’ve compiled a list for your approval, feel free to make any changes.’ Chambers passed a piece of paper to Frederick.

  Frederick looked through the list. ‘I’m familiar with all of these men, but I’d like to add my own choice, Professor Richard Wilks of Greenwich. I’ve known him for years, and he’s a former apostle.’ Professor Frederick looked back at the list. ‘Kim Philby is in Washington you won’t be able to pull him away.’

  Chambers nodded. ‘Kim Philby is rather a sore subject at the moment in the midst of the recent MacLean and Burgess fiasco. I’ll replace him with this Wilks you’ve recommended. I will preside over the committee deciding which case files are worthy of our attention. You have been appointed both lead scientist and front man on this committee; you’ll be assigned with investigating the cases we receive.’

  ‘As long as it won’t interfere with Cambridge or attract attention from the press. I am a Nobel Prize winning physicist, and Norman Hinshelwood at the Royal Society would take a dim view of me chasing after little green men. I was going to turn the Prime Minister down but I didn’t want to ruffle the old man’s feathers.’

  Chambers nodded. ‘That’s what he was counting on. He holds you in the highest regards, that’s why you were picked, you have a no nonsense attitude. Any investigation you do for this committee will be under wraps you won’t be appearing on the front pages of any newspapers. We’ll hold our first meeting in just under a week at Highclare House.’

  Frederick nodded. ‘So how long will this committee run for?’

  ‘The Prime minster and I feel that six months should be enough to get to the bottom of this phenomenon. With any luck we should be finished by Christmas. He’s disappointed in the progress that Tizard and his team have made, despite the timescale they have had to investigate these flying saucer reports.’

  ‘Six months is plenty, most of these flying saucer sightings are most likely hoaxes or have a more down to earth explanation. But I am interested in looking over some of the radar data you have.’

  ‘Of course, I’ll have to get in touch with Tizard about that.’

  ‘Tizard?’ Frederick said. ‘Didn’t you just mention something about sneaking around behind his back.’

  Chambers shook his head. ‘I’ve been acting as go between for Tizard’s group and the Prime Minister. I’ll make sure your paths won’t cross. Most of Henry’s research comes through me anyway. There’s quite a bit of paper work to trawl through. In the meantime I have your first assignment. I take it the Prime Minister showed you this article.’ He held up the newspaper Churchill was reading.

  Frederick nodded. ‘Yes, the mystery of the missing wife. If you ask me she just got fed up and buggered off, you know how it is with young married couples these days. Probably easier for this man to come up with a flying saucer fairy story than face the truth.’

  ‘You’re probably right Ralph, but the night this woman disappeared radar stations in the North of England picked up a number of unidentified contacts, they just seemed to appear out of nowhere.’

  ‘I see.’ Frederick said thoughtfully.

  ‘So I need you to go and interview this man, and log everything he says to you. As you say, it’s probably a load of old cobblers.’

  ‘I’ll certainly look into it, looks like I’ll be gone for a few days.’

  ‘You think Elizabeth might start asking questions about your absence.’

  Frederick shrugged. ‘She does get curious sometimes, and she does know I met with the Prime Minister earlier today. In the war years she became quite fond of the old man.’

  Chambers nodded. ‘I’m sure you’ll think of something to quash any interest Ralph from what I know of Liz, she’s very understanding.’

  Frederick took a deep breath and looked out of the window. ‘Flying saucers, what is this world coming to?’

  ‘You’re not a believer I take it?’ Chambers asked with a wiry smile.

  ‘I like a good story like the next man, but some of these tales of encounters with beings from other worlds are just too farfetched. Besides as a N
obel Prize winning physicist I wouldn’t have got where I am today by believing in such nonsense.’ He looked back at the newspaper. ‘All this flying saucer invasion paranoia could be nerves left over from the war.’

  ‘Well let’s hope you’re right, I have to admit I want this investigation over and done with quickly.’

  Frederick nodded before standing. ‘Likewise, I’ll see you soon, old friend.’

  Emneth – Wisbech – Cambridgeshire – 8:48pm

  Elizabeth stood in front of her husband with her hands on her hips. Frederick had been home for an hour, but had revealed nothing about his meeting with the Prime Minister earlier that day. He had eaten his evening meal without saying a word. ‘How did it go with the old man?’

  Frederick looked up from his armchair. ‘He says hello to you and Susan.’

  ‘And?’ Elizabeth pursued.

  ‘And he said you were a fine woman and a valued member of his wartime staff.’

  ‘But what did he want to speak to you about?’ She pressed.

  Frederick took a deep breath, summing up an answer. ‘Oh just about internal matters and going over some papers, nothing of interest dear. By the way I’ve been called away on business for a few days later this week.’ Frederick smiled before burying himself in a copy of the Times Newspaper.

  Elizabeth stared at him for several seconds, before breaking out into a smile. ‘Well at least you were wearing your best bow tie.’ She teased before walking out of the living room.

  Chapter 3

  Rivals

  Trinity College – Cambridge – 9:20am

  Tuesday 29th July 1952

  ‘Knock knock.’ A voice called out.

  Frederick looked up from his office desk to see Professor Chester Osborne.

  Frederick and Osborne had known each other for twenty years. They had studied at Cambridge together, worked at Bletchley Park and were now teaching at Cambridge. Despite the length of time they had known each other Frederick never counted Osborne amongst his closest friends. In the past both men had disagreed on many things and had even stopped talking to each other on a number of occasions. One occasion happened when they studied together at Trinity College. Frederick had become quite popular around the campus and rumour started to spread that fellow undergraduates Guy Burgess and Richard Wilks were going to make him an offer to join the Cambridge Apostles. An elite discussion group founded in 1820 by Bishop of Gibraltar George Tomlinson when he was a student. The group initially consists of twelve members and meet every Saturday evening. Topics that are discussed included Truth, God and ethics as well as other scientific debate.

  Frederick had been unwittingly invited to a series of dinners which were part of the initiation process into the Apostles. As for Osborne, although a brilliant mathematician he was never given the opportunity to join. Guy Burgess explained to a young Frederick that Osborne lacked what the Americans called spunk, devoid of any likable attributes. Frederick’s acceptance into the Apostles was a source of great jealousy for Osborne and he would constantly hound Frederick to revealing the secrets of the Cambridge Apostles. Frederick however never yielded any useful information. Despite Osborne coming from a wealthy family he couldn’t even buy his way into the secret discussion group.

  Osborne stood in the doorway looking in at Frederick who was sifting through some notes for a lecture. His six foot two frame made him a wiry figure of a man with receding blonde hair.

  Frederick could sense Osborne staring at him. ‘Something I can help you with Chester?’

  Osborne stepped into Frederick’s small office. ‘I was just passing, and wanted to know how things went with the Prime Minister yesterday.’

  Frederick looked up at Osborne. ‘How things went with the Prime Minister?’ He shook his head and shrugged. ‘Is that supposed to mean something?’

  Osborne smiled back. ‘Don’t worry Ralph I know all about it. I spoke to Norman Hinshelwood last night. The Prime Minister mentioned to him that he was forming a new research group looking into the current spate of flying saucer sightings.’

  ‘Really.’ Frederick replied picking up his satchel and putting it on the table in front of him.

  ‘Yes, but you do know Henry Tizard is running a team investigating these flying saucer sightings. It’s called the Flying Saucer Working Party.’

  Frederick glanced at Osborne. ‘This is all fascinating Chester, but why would I be interested in such nonsense?’

  ‘I was wondering if that’s what the old man wanted to see you about yesterday, after all you are one of his chief scientific advisors.’

  Frederick looked back at his notes. ‘I am indeed Chester thank you for reminding me. I’m afraid you’ll have to go on wondering. You know as well as I do Prime Minister’s briefings are not to be discussed outside number ten.’

  Osborne nodded, he knew Frederick well enough to know he wouldn’t give anything away. ‘Yes of course Ralph, but you know if you have been assigned to this task and you’re looking into assembling a team on this matter then I would be more than happy to assist you in finding suitable members.’

  Frederick gathered his notes and put them into a leather satchel which he fastened. He then stood and took his chequered tweed jacket off the back of his seat. He calmly walked towards the door passing Osborne. ‘I’ll see you for lunch Chester.’ He then walked off down the corridor whistling cheerfully.

  Chapter 4

  The curious case of Edith Jones

  RAF Yeadon - South Yorkshire – 10:09am

  Friday 31st July 1952

  Frederick walked carefully down the steps from the AS.57 Ambassador aircraft where a flight Officer was there to greet him.

  ‘Professor Frederick, I’m Group Captain Walter Fletcher, the Air Ministry has provided a car for you. I’ve been instructed to accompany you to the village of Ripley.’ Walter Fletcher towered over Frederick. His Royal air force uniform was immaculate and he had a grip of iron as he shook the Professor’s hand. Fletcher had piercing eyes and receding black hair.

  ‘Thank you Group Captain Fletcher, if we leave now we can get this over with quickly.’

  Fletcher loaded Frederick’s bags into a jet black 1940s Jowett Javelin saloon car. Grey clouds lined the horizon as the car made its way out of the RAF base. ‘Been up this way before have you Professor?’

  ‘I’ve been to Harrogate on a number of occasions but not the surrounding area.’

  ‘Well the hotel you’re staying at is really nice, good pint of beer.’

  ‘I’m not much of a drinker I’m afraid, and this is an official visit.’

  ‘Suit yourself, I’ll be staying there as well so if you change your mind.’

  ‘Thanks for the offer but I’m fine.’

  Fletcher nodded. ‘So you’re up here investigating flying saucers.’

  ‘That’s right, I take it you’ve been briefed?’

  Fletcher nodded. ‘Yes sir, and I understand the classified nature regarding the radar data. Do you really think this bloke’s wife was kidnapped by a flying saucer?’

  ‘That’s what I’m here to find out, although I think it’s a cock and bull story.’ Frederick glanced at the flight officer. ‘What’s your opinion on flying saucers?’

  Fletcher mused over Frederick’s question. ‘I like to think I’ve been around, I flew Lancasters over Germany during the war and saw a lot of strange stuff up there. But I dismissed it as pressure under fire.’

  ‘You never filed a report of any kind?’

  ‘It didn’t enter into our heads. Besides it was enough to worry about the Luftwaffe trying to shoot us out of the sky without having to worry about invaders from Mars.’ Fletcher hesitated before continuing. ‘I remember one night time bombing mission over Germany we were surrounded by these lights, different colours quite spectacular to look at. We nicknamed them foo fighters.’

  ‘What do you think they were?’ Frederick asked.

  ‘Don’t know, perhaps some kind of natural phenomena which occurs at high alt
itude. There’s plenty science still doesn’t know, could have been some kind of Nazi secret weapon.’

  Frederick thought for a moment. ‘Before I return to London do you think you could write an account of what you saw during your missions during the war.’

  ‘I probably could, as long as it won’t get me kicked out of the RAF. I heard a couple of stories regarding on battle of Britain pilot being locked up because he saw something strange whole out on a run.’

  ‘No, you can remain totally anonymous I’m just interested in collecting witness accounts for now. I’m not a believer in flying saucers, I’m just jumping through hoops for the Air Ministry.’

  Fletcher nodded. ‘I fully understand sir.’

  The car sped on out into open countryside, and grey clouds advanced resulting in rain. The journey took about an hour and a half. Typical of a northern village, Ripley boasted an impressive castle owned by the same family who had lived on the site for about 800 years. The original village itself was demolished sometime in the nineteenth century and remodelled after a village on the French German border. The Boars Head Hotel had a spacious bar and restaurant. Frederick and Fletcher checked in to their separate rooms and then met outside the hotel’s main entrance. The rain had stopped and was now giving way to warm sunshine which was quickly evaporating the surface water.

  The Jones’ lived in the street behind the hotel in a small terraced house. It took less than five minutes to walk to the house.

  Fletcher read from the report as the men walked along the street. ‘Mr Jones reported his wife missing on June 21st. He claims that she disappeared the night before on the 20th. After his car started he headed for the local bobby’s house but was unable to wake him. The following morning local police called Harrogate who sent out ten police officers to assist in the search. According to this, the owner of the castle Sir William Ingles rounded up all his staff and village residents to look for Mrs Jones but they couldn’t find her. Brian Jones had been questioned extensively by the police but they let him go, they had no reason to suspect foul play.’