Ogilvie wanted me to protect Ashton and his family, so early next morning I was in the office making my plans.
i went to Ogilvie and told him that the first thing I needed was a list of all the people Ashton was in contact with.
Ogilvie smiled and pushed some papers across the desk
"It's all there, ready for you.' In return I gave him my list. "
That's what I need,' I said. He looked carefully at what I had written.
"What's this? Six men, six cars, radio telephones He stopped.
"Who do you think we are the CIA? Why do you need all these?
I have to watch three, perhaps four, people, twenty-four hours a day.
He stopped me. Which three or four people?
"First Ashton and Penny Ashton. Then Gillian Ashton. And Benson. "Why Benson?'
Ogilvie demanded. Well, the computer has them all, even Benson, kept under"Top Secret'. I put all the names through the computer until I lost them in Level Purple.
' "OK. But you can't keep an eye on four people with six men.
I'll let you have eight. And I'll arrange for Ashton's telephones to be tapped.' He looked at the list again.
"But what the devil do you need a gun for? Is it really essential?' "Well, Benson's carrying a gun in his pocket, and Ashton'sgot another under his arm.
If they're expecting that kind of action, then we should be prepared.
' Right, I give you permission to take two guns.
Get your men together and I want a tape-recording of what you say to them.
called together all the men l wanted for my team and told them what they had to do.
Larry, who shared my office, was one of them.
It was going to be his first job in the held, away from the office. I took the tape-recording back to Ogilvie. "I've got another question,' he said. Did you can a request made to Inspector Honnister for s of his reports on the Ashton case?'
"Yes. It seemed to me a waste of time, especially if I'm going to be there watching Ashton.
Honnister wasn't very happy about it, and I think it's important to keep him happy.
We want him to co-operate with us.
You're perfectly right, of course said Ogilvie.
"Except for one thing. This department did not request those copies.
The request came from another department, and they're not very pleased that their request has been cancelled. Oh,' I said. ho wanted the reports?'
Do you need to ask?' said Ogilvie sharply.
"The gentleman you met yesterday is making sure he knows everything that happens. All right, Malcolm, go and look after Ashton. But don't do anything without talking to me about it first. ls that agreed?'