The Paderborn Connection by William A. Newton Page A

stairs, along the corridor past the picture of Rydal water which he particularly liked and went into his father’s room.
    â€œMorning dad,” he said cheerily.
    There was no response, Bernard Joyce was sitting up in bed drinking a cup of tea, but didn’t look up.
    Mick tried again “Morning dad.” His father looked up and struggled to focus on his sons face.
    â€œOh it’s you Mick, how are you.”
    â€œI’m fine dad, more to the point, how do you feel?”
    â€œTired son. Tired.”
    *
    Bernard Joyce was once a fine figure of a man, not particularly tall but athletically built and still very active until well into his seventies. His skin was now pale and drawn and his hair was thin and grey.
    Mick sat with his father for an hour but it was impossible to have a proper conversation, they sat in silence. Bernard drifting off into sleep and Mick looking out of the window at the rain. Mick stood up, said “bye dad” and left.
    He called into Hatfield where Bob and Matt were working and he made a list of any documents that would be useful, bank statements, credit card statements hire purchase documents and the like. Oh, and any documents relating to share purchases. He made a note to take extra copies of the two photos, one of Captain Austen and the one of the Major, he would show the one of the major to everybody he came into contact with in Paderborn, somebody must know her. He would also take the loose leaf folder with the coded letters and numbers, Lieutenant Jordan might know what it means.

    *
    After chatting with the other two for a few minutes he left and drove home.
    He pulled onto the drive and went in.
    â€œHow is he?” said Sue.
    â€œSeems about the same,” replied Mick as he went into the lounge, settled into his armchair and reached over to the coffee table and picked up a pen and note pad. His mind was now back on the case and he made a list of the people he wanted to talk to, the people he wanted to know about, the neighbours, and the people Captain Austen knew or at least had contact with.
    They had a quiet day together, Sue made a late lunch about three and they chatted about Micks father, his trip to Germany and whether or not they would get a holiday in the autumn. Mick packed his overnight case, checked that he had his passport and the various papers and photos he was taking. About ten Mick said “I’m off to bed sweetheart, I want to be up before five in the morning, I’ll try not to disturb you too much.”

CHAPTER TEN

    Mick set off for Stansted at five fifteen and got there just after six, parked and hurried to the check in desk. He checked in and went through security and placed his overnight bag on the conveyor belt together with his shoes, belt, watch, mobile, wallet and small change in the tray but as he passed through the scanner the security guard waiting at the other side stopped him and indicated for him to stand still with his arms out. He ran his arms expertly down around Micks body and then said
    â€œWould you turn out your inside pocket of your jacket sir.”
    Mick looked slightly puzzled and then realised what the Security guard had felt. “Sorry,” he said as he took out his warrant card and handed it over, the guard examined it and without any further comment, nodded and handed it back waving him through.
    Mick replaced his watch, belt and shoes, collected the remaining items in the tray, picked up his bag and headed for the departure lounge.
    He bought a hot chocolate and an almond croissant and sat down where he could see the departure board. Air Berlin flight to Dusseldorf came up and Mick was pleased to see that it was on time. The flight was called and Mick proceeded to gate eleven. The plane was pretty well full and Mick found his seat, put his bag in the overhead locker and sat down in the seat next to the aisle. The seat near the window and the middle seat were occupied by an elderly couple. Mick