Chapter 55
FRASER
Fraser feels tense. Three key team members – Mike, Alan, Chris – are now having to lie low, leaving Fraser to execute tomorrow’s operation alone.
Now that CTU have taken ownership of the murder investigation, Fraser no longer has access to the HOLMES file, so he can’t see if other persons of interest have been identified.
Should he bring in Carrie, or steer clear of her?
Before he leaves for work, he retrieves his burner phone from behind the bath panel and sends a quick reply to Mike’s question about Christmas.
A few more presents to wrap, Fraser types.
Shame you can’t celebrate with us, but best to stay out of the way for now.
Remember: no airports. He sends the same reminder to Alan and Chris – the passport details of all three men have been widely circulated – then replaces the phone and clips the panel back into place.
On the way to work, Fraser goes over the plan for tomorrow.
He had planned to be in the company of other police officers when the explosives were being laid – the ultimate alibi – but that won’t happen now.
He tells himself it’s because it’s too late to brief other members of New Dawn, but the truth is simpler.
Fraser wants to be there.
Being on scene is a risk, but Fraser’s appetite for risk increases daily. He is consumed by New Dawn – by the righteousness of the cause – and it is slowly crowding out everything else. When he’s on New Dawn business, he feels powerful. Invincible. No one can stop him.
At the station, Craig Whitfield is in the yard, cigarette in hand. He looks as though he’s slept in his clothes and Fraser wonders whether the vibe is intentional, or if the guy just doesn’t give a shit. ‘All right?’ Fraser says.
‘Can’t complain.’ Smoke curls from Whitty’s nostrils as he speaks.
‘Anything fresh on New Dawn?’ Fraser keeps his voice casual.
‘I can’t tell you that, mate.’
Mate. Was there an edge to that, or is Fraser imagining it?
‘Course not. Sorry. Shouldn’t even have asked.’ He nods towards the nick. ‘Lauren’s pissed CTU have taken over.’
Whitty shrugs. ‘That’s the way it goes sometimes.’ He draws on the cigarette. ‘You guys are getting married, right?’
‘Day after Christmas.’
‘Rather you than me.’
‘You not married?’
‘Divorced.’ Whitty flicks his cigarette end over the wall and walks off. ‘Enjoy your final days as a free man.’
Fraser watches him leave, eyes narrowing. Something’s off. Whitty can’t know – if he knew, he’d arrest him – but does he suspect? Has one of his sources been talking? Fraser’s always been careful not to use his real name, but a few members of the chapter know he’s a copper. Carrie included.
Has Carrie been nicked?
Fraser’s pulse picks up. If they’ve got Carrie, he’s in trouble. She’s not good under pressure; it’ll be obvious she’s lying. She could tell them everything and all Fraser’s hard work will have been in vain.
He steadies his breathing. Makes a decision. Too much can go wrong in twenty-four hours. If he waits until tomorrow to carry out the operation, he risks losing it all.
They’ll go early.
They’ll go today.