Page 47 of End Game
‘Unfortunately, just before kick-off, a video was played which showed the players of the North Korean team standing in front of a South Korean flag.’
William tried to keep a straight face while he continued to listen.
‘The North Korean team have marched off the pitch and are refusing to return until someone in authority makes an official apology on behalf of the British Olympic Association and, frankly, Commander, I don’t know anyone in authority except you.’
The smile returned to William’s face.
‘The North Korean coach, not an easy woman,’ continued Inspector Stuart, ‘is saying to anyone who will listen, including the local rag, that we have insulted the People’s Republic of North Korea and caused a diplomatic incident.’
‘But if I remember the rules of the competition,’ said William, ‘should a team fail to turn up, they automatically forfeit the game and the three points are awarded to the opposing side.’
‘But that’s the problem, sir. They did turn up, even shook hands with the referee and the Colombian players moments before the wrong national anthem was played.’
‘Why don’t you put the coach on,’ said William. He tried to think while he waited.
‘Who is this?’ demanded the next voice to come on to the line.
‘Commander Warwick,’ said William, hoping he sounded suitably pompous. ‘I’m the senior officer in charge of policing the Games,’ he added, just as Rebecca walked into the Gold Suite. ‘Please allow me to apologize on behalf of the British Olympic Association for the unforgivable mistake someone has made and assure you that I will personally track down the culprit and punish them.’
Across the room, Rebecca looked suitably impressed.
A long silence followed, which William took advantage of. ‘However, I have to point out that under Law Seventeen of the Olympic code, if a team holds up the start of a game for more than fifteen minutes, that side automatically forfeits the match, and the three points will be awarded to the opposing team.’
Another silence followed before Inspector Stuart came back on the line. ‘That seems to have done the trick, sir, because the North Korean coach is ushering her players back onto the pitch and the two captains are once again shaking hands. I’m only sorry to have bothered you.’
‘Not a problem, Inspector. Enjoy the game.’ William put down the phone.
‘Forgive me for asking, sir,’ said Rebecca, ‘but is there a Law Seventeen?’
‘As the head of the policing operation,’ said William with conviction, ‘I make the laws.’
‘I only ask, sir,’ added Rebecca, ‘because North Korea are unlikely to beat Columbia, let alone win a medal.’
William managed a smile.
But the smile slipped from his face as a new thought occurred to him: what if the switching of the national flags hadn’t been a mistake? After last night, there was no doubt the Russians, in league with Miles Faulkner, were attempting to sabotage the 2012 Olympics. On the one hand, the incorrect national flag might be a trivial mistake. On the other hand, nothing that could give the North Koreans cause to complain was ever trivial – and it was possible that this, like the cyclists the previous evening, was just another distraction.
The fireman who tried to put out the eternal flame. Olympic tickets that didn’t exist. Were they all part of a bigger picture, and was Van Gogh the artist? They had always been one step ahead of him, but that was before William knew about the triangle of the Russians, the Chinese and Miles Faulkner. But how could he break that triangle?
•••
Detective Inspector Paul Adaja was walking around what he expected would be his regular beat of the Olympic Stadium when his mobile rang.
‘Good afternoon, Inspector Adaja. It’s Commander Sinclair calling.’
‘Good afternoon, sir,’ said Paul, who was taken by surprise, as Sinclair was the last person he’d expected to hear on the other end of the line.
‘You may or may not have heard, Inspector, that the Commissioner has just appointed me to head up the murder squad.’
‘I hadn’t heard,’ admitted Paul. ‘My congratulations, sir.’
‘Thank you, Paul. The reason I’m calling is to offer youthe chance to be my second in command, with the rank of Chief Inspector.’ He emphasized the wordChief.
‘I’m presently working with Commander Warwick in Public Order and Operational Support for the Olympics,’ responded Paul, ‘as I feel sure you know, sir.’
‘As you have been for the past seven years, Paul, but as the Olympics will be over in a few weeks’ time, I thought you might be interested in an even bigger challenge.’
‘It’s very generous of you to consider me, sir,’ replied Paul, ‘but I enjoy working with Commander Warwick, who I feel sure will be offered an important new role once the Games are over.’
