The Secondment: Andy Blackmore Police Constable, #2

Prologue

I

n the early years' Police Constable Andy Blackmore's sole aim was to complete his probationary period as a police officer in a successful manner and learn as much as he could about his new profession from experienced colleagues he had on the shift that he was allocated to when he arrived at Bankvale Police Office. Bankvale was a world apart from his home patch in the east end of Glasgow. He quickly adapted to the village way of life and became a popular figure with his colleagues and the local community due to his down-to-earth manner that he had brought from the building sites and his no-nonsense approach with the local criminals.

Andy was popular with the ladies and during his early years in the job, he had become involved with Catherine, a nurse at a local hospital. When he became part of a team investigating an enquiry involving members of her family that ended in tragedy, their relationship ended.

While on an enquiry at a local high school he met Susan Berger an old school friend. His relationship with her was to lead Andy into enquiries and secondments to other departments, unheard of given his length of service. As Andy's relationship with Susan deepened disturbing information started to surface about her family, meanwhile, he was trying to cope with his debt-ridden brother who was a friend of the Bergers and the deteriorating health of his mother.

Chapter One

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As the bells approached Andy and Susan made their way to the local pub. The place was full of regulars who had secured a ticket to bring in a new year with their family, as well as friends, acquaintances, and strangers. Andy and Susan had seats reserved beside their friends. Large chandeliers from a bygone age hung from the high ceiling complimenting three large arched windows with its frosted and stained glass that leads into the archway giving the lounge bar a unique atmosphere. Patrons had their tickets checked before they entered the lounge by two burly doormen. Large speakers blasted out loud music from the resident rock band. Handshakes and hugs were the order of the evening as Andy and Susan made their way to the table occupied by the boys who were long term mates of Andy's, their girlfriends, and their wives. Andy looked around scanning the lounge as he had always done even before his police days. Many known faces were in this evening. Tables surrounded the dance floor which led to a large standing area at the bar. The access to the ladies’ and gents’ toilets was getting rather crowded.

At ten o’clock the doors were closed as the pub reached capacity, the only exception would be ticket-holding latecomers, the atmosphere was electric as the clock headed towards midnight. The band belted out cover versions of big rock music hits, the beer pumps were churning out pints of lager and beer. The glass measures on the gantry were going as fast as they could filling glasses with whiskey, brandy, vodka, and everything else that was available. The temperature in the lounge was rising with all the bodies in there. The talk at Andy's table was football and rugby orientated among the guys as the girls were more interested in what was handed out by their menfolk at Christmas. It was obvious what the guys had received as presents as it smelled like the aftershave counter at Boots the Chemist.

Hey, Susan what did you get at Christmas from Andy and keep it clean, asked Sally.

A diamond bracelet as you can see swinging her arm about in the air showing off her glittering gift.

Oh my god that is stunning, anything else? asked Sally.

Susan looked over at Andy and he nodded his approval. 

Susan... Tell-all shouted Grace.

We are, em.... oh hell where do I start, she said putting her hands on her cheeks.

Okay, we are living together now, and we are engaged!

Everyone at the table cheered loudly over the music. Congratulations were the order of the day to Andy and Susan. They should have known better to announce that in the pub with the crowd they sat with.

The band finished Smoke on the Water, a Deep Purple classic, the lead singer took to the microphone, Ladies and Gentlemen a huge congratulations to Big Andy Blackmore and Miss Susan Berger who have become engaged! So, from us to you guys congratulations on your engagement and the band went into You are so Beautiful the 1974 classic song by Joe Cocker.  The table where they sat with their friends were overjoyed with the news that they had finally got together. That announcement cost Andy a round of drinks but to him, it was worth it, he had his girl.

We are Crash, we have 60 seconds left of this year see you all next year shouted the lead singer down the microphone.

The big television screen behind the band flickered into life as the clock went into a countdown. The television cameras turned towards Big Ben. Strangely, the pub started to go quiet as the seconds of the old year ticked away. As the bells started to chime welcoming in the New Year, BBC Scotland's Hogmanay show went into full swing only to be drowned out by the cheers in the pub that 1982 had arrived. Bar staff and customers greeted each other with hugs and kisses, strangers hugged and kissed strangers. 

Andy turned to Susan and wrapped his arms tightly around her. Happy New Year Susan I just love you too bits and I, you also Andy, Happy New Year she replied. She said that just in time as the band blasted out Auld Lang Syne that sounded like it was being played at a hundred miles an hour, probably not what Mr Burns had intended for his poem, but everyone in the lounge, standing and seated joined in.

In the Blackmore household in the east end, the atmosphere was slightly subdued given recent events.

Happy New Year Alice, said Ricky as the bells rang out, signalling the New Year in their house.

I hope so Ricky. For you too she replied in a low voice with her mind elsewhere.

Alice found it strange that he did not attempt to approach her to shake her hand, hug her or even kiss her.

Happy New Year Mum, whispered Ricky giving his mother a hug and a kiss on her cheek before he sat down.

Thank you, son and you Alice.... you are so special to me.

The scene was repeated in the Berger household, as Brian and Sandra celebrated the occasion without Susan for the first time since her birth.

Happy New Year, Brian,

You also, if you want to call Sheena that is okay he replied. There was no sign of affection from him whatsoever as he looked at his wife.

I shall leave it; she is with June tonight but thank you for the offer replied Sandra, turning her attention to the Hogmanay Show on the television.

At one o’clock in the morning, with the New Year an hour old it was time to head for home with or without friends, the bouncers began the unenviable job of having to clear the pub. The prolonged cry of Ladies and Gentlemen start drinking up and making your way towards the door please was the cry from the bouncers you must have parties to go onto somewhere we are sure, so have we, so goodnight and a Happy New Year but as everyone knew each other they had an easy task on this occasion as the revellers spilt out onto the street. Patrons drifted off to pre-arranged parties, some stood around looking to be invited to parties, most being unsuccessful, others stood leaning against the exterior wall having had a little too much drink to move. Taxis were at a premium despite their double fares policy after the bells. Having said their goodbyes, Andy and Susan walked slowly back to the flat, arms wrapped around each other and inseparable. As they walked along the road, lights from houses were beaming onto the pavement, sounds of loud music coming from within.

They climbed the well-trodden concrete stairs up to the flat, Susan watched as Andy inserted the key into the lock. Miss Berger, please be the first to enter our abode this year requested Andy.  As Susan crossed the threshold, he followed her in, and the door closed behind them.

They curled up on the couch each holding a crystal brandy glass. 

Happy New Year Miss Berger.

Happy New Year to you Mr Blackmore.

Bedtime? asked Susan.

Yes, why not we have to go to your parent’s tomorrow.

Yes, but I want to go see your mum, she said.

Just after midday on the first day of 1982, Andy and Susan drove to the Berger household. Andy being brought up a traditional Scot was armed with whiskey and shortbread. Deep down he was praying that the animosity between him and Brian would be laid to rest for the sake of Susan, deep down he knew there was little chance of that. In his head, Andy always decided not to rise to the bait cast out by Brian, therefore he would remain respectful, he knew he had Sandra onside. The information she had given him about their life was priceless, it would be as a last resort for him to use it.

On their arrival at her parents' house, Susan opened the door and burst into the living room shouting, Happy New Year, mum and dad.

Happy New Year darling, said Brian standing up from his chair and hugging his daughter and kissing her cheek. Happy New Year Susan, said her mum rushing out the kitchen, hugging her tightly.

Andy took the initiative, held out his hand, Happy New Year Brian he said in a low voice staring into Brian's eyes and you Andy briefly shaking his hand.

Hey Sandra, you little devil Happy New Year, said Andy almost lifting her off her feet in a bear hug.

You also, she replied laughing.

Hey mum behave he is mine she laughed.

Yeah.... see if I was thirty years younger you would have competition replied Sandra jokingly.

Dinner is on shouldn't be that long, Brian, pour the kids a drink and me one also, said Sandra.

Andy and Susan sat on the couch, opposite Brian as he sat watching the usual New Year television rubbish that only the broadcasters could churn out, repeated programme after repeated programme. The only new thing was the evening news even that had some old news to pad it out to its ten-minute slot.

Andy broke the silence in his usual fashion, Hey Brian I take it at three o’clock we shall be watching Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the second of the United Kingdom, Great Britain Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith delivering her speech to the nation.

Brian looked at Andy. That is at Christmas he replied in a terse tone.

Awe Susan.... I missed the Queen's speech this year again, said Andy jokingly.

When was it on?

A week ago,

Okay, you missed it then she replied laughing.

well ah just thought that he started to say, as he felt an elbow go deep into his ribs from Susan.

You thought what Andy? asked Brian failing to see the funny side.

Nothing it doesn’t matter.

Right as this is my first New Year here, I shall assist Mrs. Berger in the kitchen, said Andy.

Good idea and next year we shall make dinner for everyone, said Susan.

Oh, are you planning to stay there that long, said Brian.

Dad, no is the answer we intend buying a flat or house together, you know as a couple, she said looking at her father then pausing

Dad, can we get today over without any crap from you? see your days of ruling over me and mum they are over, new day, New Year, a new beginning. Get used to it warned Susan staring at her father who was taken aback by Susan’s remarks and tone.

Andy returned to the living room having heard the raised voices and looking at both Susan and Brian, asked: What's going on?

Nothing, said Susan as she dipped her eyes avoiding looking at Andy.

Okay, right, fine, your mum and I were having a cooking moment in there.

Maybe I should join you both.

Boiled eggs are not on the menu Susan.

Cheeky cheeky Andy not a good move laughed Susan.

Oh, if you say so.

I do, now get back in there and help mum.

As he went back into the kitchen Andy stood close to Sandra looking at her. Closing his body down he folded his arms and crossed his legs as he leaned back against the worktop.

What? asked Sandra.

Nothing just watching you cooking, learning from your expertise.

Andy, she said quietly You are a tease and, you are my daughter’s' fiancée.

And your point is what Mrs. Berger? he said with a raised eyebrow.

Nothing, leave it please.

Certainly he replied with a wink and a smile.

Go and find out what they want for starters please, she said looking into his eyes.

Andy lifted a dishtowel, placed it over his arm like a waiter in a restaurant.

Okay, I have been elected as head waiter, Soup or Prawn Cocktail for starters.

Soup for me please, said Susan.

Same here, said Brian.

Sandra Andy called out, do you have a starter called same here.

No soup or prawns only she replied.

Sorry sir same here is off the menu today, he said with a touch of sarcasm.

Soup, Brian said aggressively.

Good to know the New Year has not changed you, soup it is.

Prawn cocktail for me please Sandra I love prawns! I may have two starters.

Two starters Andy?

Maybe even three.

How can you have three, said Sandra.

Soup, Prawns and You he whispered into her ear then laughing, winding her up.

You are out of order Andy, she said flustered pushing him out of her way with her elbow and laughing.

Dinner time he shouted as he carried through the starters laying them on the table.

Two hours later coffee was on the table, the soup and prawns, the steak pie with its accompaniment of roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables, the lemon meringue pie and ice cream had been devoured. Brian drinks please, said Sandra.

Susan what are we doing asked Andy.

Well I was thinking of that, we can have a drink here then go see your mum then come back here by taxi.

And where do you think you will be staying here? Brian asked Andy it will not be in Susan’s’ room that's for sure.

Oh, for god's sake Brian do you think they have separate rooms at Andy's? asked Sandra

Can I clarify something please? asked Andy.

It is no longer Andy’s place it is now Andy and Susan’s place, or even Susan and Andy’s

Okay, Brian your turn to get to work, said Andy.

Two Brandies for Susan and I and a vodka and coke for your good lady.

There is a bottle of Whisky in my bag so I shall pour one for dad, Andy said to Susan as he rose from the table.

The word ‘Dad’ did not go astray with anyone as Brian’s face reddened with anger.

I have shortbread also for your mum to wrap herself around.

Thank you, Andrew replied Sandra with a broad smile kissing him on his cheek as he laid it on the table beside her.

Ohhhh.... Andrew, now? said Susan sarcastically as her mother had used his full name. You do have your feet under the table right enough.

With Susan and Andy having been served by her father with their Brandies, Sandra having her Vodka and Brian receiving his large glass of Whisky courtesy of Andy, Andy stood and proposed a toast to the health and well-being of everyone present during 1982 and that he was looking forward to spending his life with Susan. Glasses were raised and the contents sipped slowly as Andy sat down beside Susan. Andy knew that deep down Brian was not happy with the situation.

Andrew, I was thinking, how about you and I having a clear the air night out at an exclusive club I belong to, said Brian.

Well as long as Susan and Sandra can come along and enjoy the evening also that would be great.

I shall have to think about that he replied.

Andy immediately locked onto Sandra staring at Brian. 

That is a bit off Brian, not inviting your wife and daughter along, said Sandra pausing.

Is that the club you and I used to go to? she inquired.

Brian was seething with anger and did not reply, as he lifted his drink to his lips consuming the remainder of his whisky in one gulp. 

Andy knew exactly ‘the club’ Brian was referring to from what Sandra had told him.

Fiancée Susan shall we head up and see your future in-laws.

Yes great.

Are there any prawns left Sandra.

Yes.

Good, prawn cocktail for supper.... see you guys about eleven o’clock?

That would be good Andy you two enjoy your evening, said Sandra as she watched them leave the house in search of a taxi.

Within fifteen minutes they were standing at the door of the Blackmore villa awaiting a reply as Susan rang the doorbell. 

Happy New Year Alice and Happy New Year to my very favourite children, said Andy as she opened the door with the kids right behind her.

Happy New Year to both of you as they hugged each other.

Happy New Year Aunty Susan we love you, said Alfie.

Awe that is so lovely thanks Annie and Alfie and I love you guys also as she hugged them both.

Ricky is in the living room, said Alice.

Andy and Susan walked into the living room to see Ricky sitting there watching television, they were followed in by Alice and the children.

Ricky, Happy New Year, said Andy echoed by Susan.

Yeah, thanks, to you also he replied without standing or taking his eyes off the television screen.

Alice nodded to Andy and Susan to follow her into the kitchen which they did.

"Mum, Happy New Year said Andy kissing her cheek and wrapping his arms around her.

Happy New Year Mrs. B, said Susan.

You also Susan, and I hear that you two have become engaged.

Yes, we have and, I love your boy to bits.

I am so pleased Susan, for you and both of you.

Andy looked at his mother and Susan, it was as if the years had been turned back as his mother remembered everything about them. 

Mum it is New Year what would you like to drink.

Now let me think, I used to like vodka and orange, but I think a little sherry shall do this year please, she replied being alert to the celebrations.

Susan I will be back, two minutes, said Andy leaving