The Naval & Military Club
The Naval & Military Club,
St James’s Square,
London
Lat = 51 degrees, 30.4 minutes North
Long = 0 degrees, 8.4 minutes West
The Naval & Military Club, is one of London’s oldest clubs, founded in 1862.
Located in St James’s Square, the beautiful Grade 2 listed building has retained all of the original features in its staterooms.
The Naval & Military Club is universally known as The In & Out. This nickname heralds from the famous lettering found on the gateposts of its former home at 94 Piccadilly, which existed to guide London cabbies in and out of the Club.
Strayker was sitting in the coffee lounge reading a newspaper when Commissioner Dawson entered.
Strayker stood up smiled extending his hand. “Commissioner Dawson it’s good to see you.”
Dawson extended his hand and shook hands with Strayker, both men stood at equal height their eyes locked on each other’s for a moment.
Strayker was the first to speak. “We meet in not the best of circumstances Commissioner, I have taken the liberty of doing my homework, and you credentials are impressive.”
Dawson looked at Strayker and for the first time found himself lost for words.
Strayker continued. “You have many allies and friends within the community I hope I can be counted as one of them!”
Dawson whilst on his way over had decided he was going to tell Strayker that he was not happy with the working arrangement that the PM had spoken to him about and was also going to tell him that the Police could deal with the incident without Strayker’s help.
How do you take this line with a man that had paid you a sincere compliment?
Dawson now spoke with a smile. “I can see that we will be able to work together.”
Strayker had been apprehensive about the meeting; he did not want to be stepping all over Commissioner Dawson’s back yard.
“Can I get you a drink Commissioner?”
“Call me Robert and I’ll have an Earl Grade tea.”
“In that case I’ll join you, everybody call’s me Strayker my first names Mick.”
Strayker beckoned a waiter over and ordered the tea.
“I suppose we had better pool our information on this matter Robert.”
Well at the moment we have very little to go on Strayker; but hopefully by tomorrow morning we will have some information to move on.”
Strayker sipped his tea, he was aware that his people had slowed the Police’s evidence gathering at the scene, he did not want to come over arrogant or sounding conceited.
“My people were responsible for slowing your progress down Robert otherwise you may have been a little further ahead, however; we know the make-up of the bomb and we have a photo of the bomber.”
“That’s remarkably fast work Strayker.”
Strayker reached down to a black attaché case on the floor, he withdrew a brown manila envelope and handed to Commissioner Dawson.
“Details of the explosive device and a photo of the suspect bomber.”
Dawson opened the envelope and studied the contents.
“What’s the game plan?”
“Well Robert; I have a team of people going into the Paddington area first thing tomorrow morning in an endeavour to track down the suspect.”
Commissioner Dawson stroked his chin, picked up his cup of tea and took a sip. “Who’s leading up the team and can I help?”
Strayker had also took the opportunity to drink his tea, “The point man is Lieutenant Colonel Max Storm they will be in plain clothes with two way radio’s and will also be posing as Police officers with Warrant cards.”
Dawson took a few moments to evaluate what he had just heard. “I would like one of my men to join this Lieutenant Colonel Max Storm tomorrow morning.”
“An excellent idea Robert.” Strayker pulled out a card from his breast pocket.
“He can meet up with Max at this address at 05:00 hrs. can I have his name?”
Commissioner Dawson removed a note pad from his tunic pocket and jotted a name down handing it over to Strayker he said, “Superintendent Attlee is my personal liaison officer.”
“Robert; once we have located the suspect we will need surveillance I would like your people to handle that, I have a gut feeling this matter evolved outside the United Kingdom.”
“If that’s the case that’s where my area of responsibility ends and within your remit.”
Strayker stood up. “Well I have enjoyed our meeting Robert, on that card you will find a number you can reach me twenty-fours a day, feel free to contact me.”
Commissioner Dawson stood up. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you Strayker and thank you for the information.”
Both men shook hands and left the club together.