Missing Presumed Lost

by Fred Lockwood

  Jack paused to regain control. He was angry at the accusations but realised he needed to cooperate with the police.

  'Sandro and I simply hung in the water and waited for Will to return. We hoped he would be quick so we could get out of that place. I don't think we even spoke but you can check that from the audio recording.'

  The policeman returned the file of papers to his briefcase and retrieved another sheet.

  ‘What time did you phone Mrs Kovačić?' he asked.

  'You can get the precise time from the log of our satellite phone. I will get you the number and service provider. You can check,' replied Jack.

  Jack knew that the comment "you can check" was abrasive but didn't care.

  'Thank you for all your help,' replied the policeman.

  'I will send a colleague to collect the original… er… storage device for the digital photographs and the audio file. Perhaps you could give me your satellite phone number now so I can confirm the various times.'

  Jack rose from the bench seat by the table. This phase of the exchange with the police was over.

  'No need to send a colleague,' said Jack. 'I'll ask Kev Donnelly to show you a few extracts from the audio visual search record and ask him to give you all the data and information on the software to play it,' he added.

  Whilst Jack was retrieving the satellite phone and number Sandro explained to Kev what the policeman wanted. When the policeman had what he wanted he thanked Jack and Sandro for their help and with his colleague, who hadn't said a word, left the ship. Jack and Sandro were shaken.

  'What was all that about?' asked Sandro. ‘The police obviously think we ransacked the boat because we are the most likely candidates. Who else knew where the boat was? Who else had diving gear? Who else had the time to get to the site and search the boat?' he asked.

  'Let's think,' replied Jack. One, we phoned through the GPS coordinates to Mrs Kovačić. She obviously knew where the boat was and she contacted the authorities. We don't know when she phoned them but it would be pretty soon after we told her. Two, the manager at the marina knew we were looking for the sailboat but I guess others may have been looking as well. Three, it was the marina manager who deduced the likely anchorage of the boat. But if he could do so then so could others. Marco could have alerted someone to the site of the wreck, but why? There is always the outside chance of a group of divers coming across the wreck but I can't believe anyone would go through the pockets of bodies floating in the water or through their bags,' he concluded.

  Sandro continued:

  'The skipper and mate will be able to confirm our version of events and the timescale,' said Sandro. 'I know it is unsettling, but I'm sure the police will soon realise we had no part in the ransacking of the boat. However, what will it look like if we take the contract to raise the Pharmaco and return it to the marina? Part of the job would be to clear any loose items from inside the boat. Any salvor knows that you don't want debris blocking pumps, especially at a critical point in the salvage. But what would the police think?’

  'I reckon the best thing we can do is share all that has happened with the others, with Shaun and Patrick, Kev and Will as well as Marco. If the insurers accept the contract they will need to know. My guess is that Marco is in the frame for providing the support boat so nothing lost in keeping him in the loop,' said Jack. 'If the contract is accepted we can always inform the police and ask if they have any objection.'

  It didn't take long to bring the others up to date and to confirm the kit they would need to raise the Pharmaco should the contract be confirmed. It was agreed that Marco was the person to ask about the pumps they would need as well as various air bags and lifting straps. Jack said he would phone Lesley, the Company Secretary in Manchester and get sheets of ArmourTech sent from Belfast to Split via high speed courier service.

  On reflection it was interesting that Shaun was the most indignant at the veiled accusation by the police. Kev and Patrick thought it was an odd way to obtain their cooperation. Will didn't say a word. It took a little longer to track down Marco and to bring him up to date. Marco was unable to identify the policeman from the description Jack and Sandro gave him. However, he reassured them that the skipper and his mate would contact the police to give them a statement. It would be one that would support all that Jack and Sandro had said. He also confided that the insurers had approached him about providing a support boat to salvage the Pharmaco – he was keen to do it. He also had contacts who could provide all the kit they needed. It was a case of doing all they could to complete the fitting out of the Sultano and waiting for a reply from the insurance agent.

  Chapter 10

  Almost an offer you can't refuse

  Prior to the last forty-eight hours Jack thought Split and the Croatians drifted along at a leisurely pace. However, starting with the search for the Pharmaco, and gearing up for a possible salvage operation, Jack was impressed by the speed at which things were happening. Marco had arranged for one of his workers to take the signed contract to the insurance agent in Split. What he wasn't expecting was for it to be countersigned by the agent, contract confirmed, and returned with the same messenger! There was even a hand-written note on the bottom of the contract that asked the Marine Salvage & Investigation Company to "proceed with the salvage at all speed". Also delivered to the ship that afternoon was a hand-written note to Jack and Sandro inviting them for a meal that evening with Mrs Kovačić. It was to be a gesture of her appreciation. The note also said the car would collect them at seven p.m.. Sandro made an excuse not to attend, he had a date! Jack was amazed how he could find the time, energy and opportunity to chase the girls. Jack phoned to say he alone would be coming.

  Jack was wearing his cleanest trousers and least creased polo shirt as he climbed the steps to the main deck of the Sultano. He glanced at his watch as he approached the ship rail and then to the dock side. It was two minutes to seven and the white Mercedes was coming to a halt next to the walkway. Jack smiled because it seemed like synchronised transport. As Jack approached the car the driver got out and leisurely opened the rear door. No rush, no hurry just perfect timing. Jack said "hello" and remarked on the driver's punctuality. It was acknowledged with an almost imperceptible nod of the head.

  The Mercedes cruised through the dock yard, negotiated the narrow side roads and settled on the coastal road out of Split towards Trogir. Jack could smell the leather upholstery, appreciated the quiet, comfortable ride and sat back to watch the world go by. They drove through Trogir and shortly afterwards turned onto a narrow road that wound its way up the hillside. Sometime later another turn had them driving on a narrow lane before they slowed for electric gates. The driver must have pressed a remote switch because the car simply cruised through the gates as they swung open. The car crunched along a gravel track, twisted and turned through trees and bushes as they steadily climbed up the hillside. After several minutes they exited the trees and continued in a majestic sweep along the gravel to the side of a partly concealed building. Jack sat for a moment trying to disentangle the house from the trees, scrubs and rocks from which it emerged. It seemed Mrs Kovačić enjoyed her privacy and had expensive tastes!

  The driver hadn't said a word during the entire journey. As he stood by the opened rear door he gestured that Jack should climb the steps and presumably head for the house. The steps and twisting path led Jack upwards through well tended shrubs. The house gradually took shape ahead of him because it blended so well into the surroundings. The synchronisation continued because as Jack approached large double doors one of them opened and Mrs Kovačić was waiting for him.

  In the soft light of early evening Jack’s immediate reaction was that Mrs Kovačić had been transformed and looked wonderful. Earlier she had appeared severe and business-like in formal clothes and with her hair drawn back and high on her head. However, tonight her hair was different, cascading around her face and onto her shoulders. She was wearing a pale cream coloured dress that set off her tan. He co
uldn't help noticing how low cut the dress was and how she filled it! However, his musing was interrupted as he was swallowed in an embrace and kissed on both cheeks. It was only then that he noticed the subtle perfume, her body pressing against him and the warm touch of her skin. It was a heady mixture.

  ‘I'm so glad you could come,’ she said with big smile on her face. ‘Please, come in,’ she added as Jack was led by the hand into Mrs Kovačić's home.

  Jack hadn't given any thought to what the home would be like, but it was like nothing he could have imagined. The pale pastel walls of the spacious entrance hall and white marble floor tiles led to a short, broad, series of white marble steps that dropped into a large open living area. There were several garish pictures on the pastel coloured walls and the white marble floor flowed onwards into other rooms. As Jack was led down the steps and across the room he could see into a large dining room where a table had been laid out with plates and cutlery, wine glasses and flowers. 'Who else was coming?' he asked himself. They walked through a broad corridor and out onto a veranda. Jack could feel the warm onshore breeze as he looked out over the hillside towards the sea. Mrs Kovačić stood by him before a waist high glass screen as they both looked into the distance.

  ‘You can see the sea from here. But it's just a narrow strip between hills and the sky,’ she explained. ‘I like being here in the early evening,’ she added. ‘I find it relaxing after a hard day and I love the scent from the jasmine in the garden.’

  ‘What a beautiful home you have, Mrs Kovačić,’ said Jack as he looked around and savoured the surroundings.

  ‘Please, call me Petra,’ she replied as Jack caught a movement to his side and turned to find a woman holding a tray with two glasses of wine sparkling upon it.

  The woman didn't speak but merely offered the wine with a gesture.

  ‘Oh, this is Anna. Anna runs the house and looks after me. I doubt I could survive without Anna,’ she added. ‘Come, sit and tell me about yourself and your salvage company.’

  Petra led Jack across the veranda to two large cane chairs with even larger cushions. Jack took a sip of his wine and began to recount his first meeting with Sandro and forming the Marine Salvage & Investigation Company. He went on to describe their decision to search for the wreck of the SS Rockingham Castle as verging on reckless. Finding it had secured the company financially but it could have bankrupted them. Similarly, their gamble to refloat the freighter Patricio Giton had been foolhardy but had paid off. For some reason Jack decided not to mention the sheer luck of discovering the wreck of the Spanish Carrick beneath the hull of the Patricio Giton. Jack was drawing his account to a close when Anna reappeared, in the fading light, to top up their glasses and to announce that supper was served. Petra stood, grasped Jack's hand and led him to the brightly lit dining room.

  Pointing to the array of place settings Petra remarked:

  ‘I invited several people for a meal this evening but I suppose it was short notice. I'm afraid it's just the two of us. We will have to keep each other amused,’ she said.

  Petra peppered Jack with questions as he tried to savour the tangy seafood starter that was set out for him and to sip his wine. She asked when he was planning to leave Split for the UK. Could she have a conducted tour of the Sultano? How could the Pharmaco be salvaged? The questions came thick and fast. Eventually he managed to scrape the last of the delicious sauce from the dish and was about to ask questions himself when Anna came to clear the table. As she picked up the plate, knife and fork Jack turned to thank her. In the subdued light on the veranda he wasn't able to see her clearly. He did so now. Jack guessed she was late twenties or early thirties, had a nice tan but an unflattering short haircut. The baggy black trousers and loosely fitting white cotton shirt weren't particularly flattering.

  Maybe she was feeling under scrutiny because as Anna turned the fork slipped off the plate and tumbled onto the floor hitting it with a clatter. In a smooth motion she sank into a crouch and retrieved the fork. Automatically Jack turned his head and eyes towards the clatter. A new image of Anna formed instantly. The trousers had tightened to reveal a shapely backside and thigh. The now tight shirt showed a muscular shoulder and arm. However, it was the bulge in her waistband that gave Jack a jolt! It was unmistakable. Anna was carrying a concealed weapon. The smooth shape of a holster was as clear as the angular form of the butt of the gun. It had taken one or two seconds for Jack to realise that it wasn't some frumpy housekeeper next to him but an athletic and powerful woman who seemed out of place clearing a table. As Anna disappeared from the room Jack turned to Petra and asked with some alarm:

  ‘Did you know that Anna is carrying a gun? It's stuck in her waistband in the small of her back.’

  The expression on Petra's face changed immediately. The movement of the wine glass in her hand seemed to be frozen as she gazed downwards at the table place setting in front of her. Slowly she put the wine glass down and turned to face Jack.

  ‘Anna is my bodyguard and she has a permit to carry the gun at all times. Anna looks after me and looks after the house.’

  Petra paused and breathed in deeply.

  ‘Luca is also my bodyguard. He also carries a weapon and looks after me when I am travelling and when I'm at work. It was Luca who drove you here this evening.’

  Jack stumbled over an immediate apology.

  ‘Oh, I'm er… sorry. I didn't mean to be rude but I've some bad experiences with guns and have never seen a bodyguard before.’

  Jack's obvious discomfort and stuttering apology changed the atmosphere yet again. Petra took a gulp of wine, put the glass down, and moved to hold Jack's hand in hers.

  ‘Let me explain and you will understand. It's a long story,’ she said.

  ‘Less than six months after Mislav and I returned home from Wisconsin, the week before Christmas, his mother and father were murdered in a robbery in their own home! My father-in-law was “old school”. He paid all the workers in cash on a Friday afternoon. At Christmas time he gave everyone a cash bonus so there was a lot of money in the house. The police say the robbers took just cash and killed both of them. They didn't have to do that,’ she added, almost in tears.

  Petra composed herself and went on.

  ‘Mislav and I were devastated. He had to take over running the business and I resigned from my job to help him. Roughly six months later we thought we had “turned the corner”. We had restructured the company and were expanding. Mislav said he couldn't live in the house where his parents had been murdered so we sold it and started to build this home. Years before my father-in-law had inherited the olive grove and old farmhouse on which this house is built.’

  Petra paused to compose herself.

  ‘Mislav was coming to terms with the death of his parents. He had thrown himself into the business and was negotiating deals to sell our pharmaceutical products in Slovenia and Serbia. He was about to finalise a contract to distribute part of our range of products in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was driving his new Mercedes to Sarajevo to sign the contract…’

  Petra paused to compose herself again. She went on in clipped, short sentences.

  ‘The police believe he was killed in a carjacking that went wrong. His body was found by the roadside between Jablancia and Konjic. He was driving through the mountains towards Sarajevo. He hadn't been robbed. The police said it was a single blow to the head that killed him. They took the car. They never found it. It probably ended up in Russia.’

  Jack was saddened to hear the story and was slumped in his chair just like the woman next to him. Petra then sat up in her chair as though breaking the spell.

  ‘For weeks I couldn't think straight and sat alone in the apartment, grieving. Then, one morning I realised that there were dozens of families depending on Pharmaco for their livelihood. If I did nothing the company would go under. But I was scared. I know it sounds irrational but I thought the people who killed my father and mother-in-law and Mislav were planning to kill me. It's then
that I found Anna and Luca. They make me feel safe. With them around me I feel able to function.’

  As if on cue Anna returned carrying two plates of food and the gaiety returned to Petra. The conversation flowed easily between them. They talked about their student days and their hopes for the future, favourite places to visit and things they liked to do as Anna plied them with wine. At the end of the meal Petra again grasped Jack's hand.

  ‘Come and sit with me on the veranda for a while,’ she said.

  The relaxed and amiable conversation ebbed and flowed as the time passed quickly. It was when he was offered even more to drink that he realised he had drunk too much and how late it was. Jack sat up in the overstuffed chair.

  ‘That was a wonderful evening,’ he said with a big smile. ‘The food was excellent but the company was even better. However, it's getting late and you must be thinking of getting to bed,’ he added.

  Jack started to rise from his seat but Petra slid her hand over his and held it to stop him moving away. It caused him to pause and look down at her and into her upturned face. Even in the dull light he couldn't stop his eyes from flicking from her face to the shape of the breasts that seemed to swell in front of him.

  ‘You don't have to leave,’ she said. ‘You could spend the night with me. I can make sure you are awake early and back to your ship by breakfast time,’ she added with the same smile he had noticed on the dock and earlier.

  Chapter 11

  Delayed departure

  It was late afternoon when Shaun burst into the galley. Jack could tell immediately he was not a happy man.

  ‘Fucking idiots!’ exclaimed Shaun as he wiped non-existent grease off his hands with a rag and sat down heavily on the bench seat next to the dining table across from the galley. ‘They have only sent the wrong bloody generator. Can you believe it?’