Red Hawk Rising

and industrial espionage. He went white as the charges were read out to him. There would be no bail. As a married man with a family, the enormity of what he had been involved in began to dawn on him. Wilson was handcuffed and led away. A similar scene was taking place at Argonaut Industries in Manchester. The two security officers had been called to the personnel office and were confronted by two Special Branch officers and arrested on charges of conspiracy to assist an enemy of the state and to aid an attempted murder. One of them started to bluster his innocence but was quickly silenced by the evidence that had been gathered. They were led away one at a time and each put in a car and driven off. A mile away a team of Special Branch officers arrived with search and arrest warrants at the cleaning company that was contracted to Argonaut Industries. They went in and arrested the owner and started a methodical search of the premises and seized records and the telex machine. Other arrests would follow as cleaning staff reported for work. In Rothbury Terrace a similar action took place. Special Branch officers arrived with search and arrest warrants. The object of their attention answered the door and was immediately arrested. After a search, they took away files and other papers as well as the prisoner.
The Brennan Transport No.5 turned up at Wensley Electronics just as the lunchtime hooter was sounding. It was accompanied by the RAF Regiment Landrover. The gatekeeper telephoned Flying Officer Goodhew’s office to let him know the arrival of equipment plus more RAF personnel. He hurried out to the gate and was met by the RAF regiment flight lieutenant. Goodhew saluted, had one in return, and then they shook hands and completed introductions. He was told that they had the correct klystron unit in the Landrover. It and the dummy klystron were delivered to the secure store. Goodhew had the crates opened to check the contents and see that they were correct. They were then sealed up again and locked in the secure area. The managing director of Wensley Electronics appeared and was briefed on the situation. He said that they would make sure there were no further problems. Later that day he would talk to all the employees and explain what had happened and that Britain’s security was nearly compromised. Later that day and after the meeting, the men were not happy at the news and the factory delegate promised that there would be no more problems if it meant the future security of the country.
The RAF Regiment team returned to their base and after the paperwork had been signed, the Brennan Transport No. 5 also headed back to their depot to report in and be de-briefed.
Hamilton and Andy and the rest of their group cleared the wood and headed toward the road. Hamilton gave Andy a look and walked a little ahead. He made an exclamation in Russian and cursed the interest in what was going on. There appeared to be at least one newspaper team there. Andy watched Vasiliy and saw the start in his eyes and a slight stiffening of his shoulders before he relaxed again. Iain had been right. As they walked across the field, other armed RAF Regiment airmen were also walking back to the road where their three-tonner was parked. They reached the road and climbed through the fence. As Hamilton went over to speak to the police inspector, a news photographer took a photo of Andy and the prisoner. A flat-top with a winch was winching the burnt-out wreck of a Consul onto its deck. All the reporter could get was a ‘no comment’ on what was happening. Hamilton told him that a statement would be given to him later and gave him a telephone number to call in an hour’s time. Hamilton then conferred with the RAF officer. He thanked them for their help and said that they would take Vasiliy with them. Vasiliy was put in the back of the car and Andy joined him. The driver of the Ford Consul was put in the front passenger seat and handcuffed to the door.
In the car, Hamilton radioed in a verbal report and was given an update on the other arrests. It was arranged that they would drive to RAF Middleton St. George where an aircraft would fly in and take both Hamilton and the prisoners to London. Andy was to drive the car back to Newcastle where it would be picked up by a local operative. Hamilton drove towards Darlington and turned off the A1 at Blackwell, driving east towards Middleton St. George village. From there he cut across to Oak Tree and on to the RAF base. Pulling up at the gates of the base, Hamilton reported in to the guard room. The corporal said that he was expected and a Flight Lieutenant came out of an office at the conversation. “I’m Flight Lieutenant Carwell, in charge of Security here. The CO received a call from Air Ministry. We are to help you all we can until your aircraft arrives. It is expected in about ninety minutes.” Hamilton gave his thanks and asked if his prisoners could be put in separate cells and given a meal.
“He is very dangerous,” said Hamilton pointing to Vasiliy, “so you need to have two men watching him. I’d like an escort to the aircraft when we are due to board. Now, can my young assistant and I get a late lunch somewhere, please?”
“Certainly,” Carwell replied, “I should be able to arrange something at the Officers’ Mess for you.”
“That would be good,” replied Hamilton. He went out to the car, accompanied by two RAF policemen. They got Vasiliy and the Consul driver out of the car and took them into the guardroom and put them in separate cells.
Carwell gave them instructions about the prisoners. “Also, call