by Karen Moore
Sergio was working on a feature story for that week’s edition of the paper, while Ceri attempted to tidy up. Few words were spoken between them. The tense silence hung in the air like a noxious gas. The kitchen clock provided the only audible reminder of time passing.
Just before noon, the shrill ring of Sergio’s phone shattered the quietness. He listened to the caller, only adding the occasional word to the conversation, before hanging up.
“That was Pietro. He’s not quite there yet, but he’s gone through each file and made some adjustments so they won’t revert to their encrypted form. Just one or two that he’s having problems with, but he’s confident he’ll be able to crack it and have it all finished by tonight.”
“Thank God for that,” said Hanna, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease slightly. “Maybe, this time, we really will get Eva back.”
The rest of the day passed quickly in contrast. Hanna felt more optimistic and jumped at Ceri’s suggestion that they go for a walk along the harbour if her leg was up to it. Being out and among other people would take her mind momentarily away from her ordeal. Sergio stayed behind to finish his feature, but promised to call the minute he had any news.
Just as they reached the far end of the harbour, Hanna’s phone rang. She fished it out of her jacket pocket with trembling fingers, relieved to see from the screen that the caller was Rhys.
“Hi Hanna, it’s Rhys. How are you? How are things going? Have you managed to get Eva back yet?”
“Hi, Rhys. Good to hear from you. Eva’s still missing, I’m afraid.”
She moved onto the beach to avoid being overheard speaking English by people passing by, and gave Rhys a brief summary of where they were up to. He listened without interrupting until she’d finished.
“Probably for the best that you’ve got police back-up. Is there anything I can do? Would it help if I came over?” he asked.
“Thanks for the offer, but I think we’re doing everything we can.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Hanna caught sight of a lone, burly man approaching along the beach. He looked out of place somehow and she hastened to finish her conversation with Rhys. “Just hope it goes well this time and we can get Eva back. Sorry, but I’ve got to go now.”
“Okay. Well, good luck with everything. Keep in touch and let me know how it goes. I’ll be thinking of you.”
Hanna watched the man as he changed direction and headed away from her. She was struggling to focus on the conversation and keep her emotions in check.
“Thanks, Rhys, much appreciated. Talk soon.”
“Give my love to Ceri.”
“Will do. Bye.”
Ceri was looking at her with raised eyebrows as she ended the call.
“What is it? What are you thinking? Don’t let your imagination run away with you.”
“You forget that I know Rhys inside out. He’s my brother, after all. Beneath that tough, rugged exterior, he’s just a sentimental soul at heart.”
Hannah shook her head. “He’s only being supportive, Ceri. No more than that. Anyway, in the circumstances—”
Their conversation was cut short by Ceri’s phone ringing. Hanna could hear Sergio’s voice but couldn’t make out the words. As Ceri listened, saying little, she gave Hanna the thumbs up. “That’s great news. Fingers crossed this time that it’ll be enough,” she said into the phone. “See you later.”
Ceri put her phone back in her jacket pocket. “All set,” she announced. “Pietro’s finished with the memory stick and all the files are there, so Sergio’s gone to pick it up. He’s meeting him in a bar on the outskirts of town. Should take him about an hour or so. Enough time for us to get back and start getting dinner ready. You hungry?”
“A little,” Hannah admitted. “I suppose I should keep my strength up. I’ll be needing it.”
Everything was in hand for the drop-off the following day. Sergio had collected the memory stick, and a copy, from Pietro, having first checked that all the information was there as it should be. He’d then alerted his father, who’d arranged for the police to stake out the drop-off point.
After dinner, feeling more hopeful but still anxious, they settled down to watch a light-hearted film that Ceri had chosen to try and take their minds off the following day. The film turned out to be a perfect choice and was serving its purpose well until just before the end, Hanna’s phone rang and broke the spell.
Another short video of Eva. This time, she was sobbing and wailing, “Mamma, ho paura – I’m so frightened. Where are you? Come and get me! I miss you, Mamma…” Then it cut off and a curt message flashed up:
Remember what’s at stake. No tricks. Come alone.
Chapter Forty-Four
Sicily, Tuesday 5th – Wednesday 6th December, 2017
The rendezvous the next day went smoothly. For Hanna, it felt strange, like reliving a habitual dream or replaying a familiar scene from a film, but somehow less threatening than before. Maybe it was knowing that the police were on hand should something go amiss.
They repeated the same steps as before, with Sergio driving, then hiding in the back of the car while she made the drop-off on foot. The same eerie silence, except for the birds chattering in the trees. No gunshots this time. She made her way back to the car at a steady pace, and they drove away calmly as if it was just a normal outing into the countryside.
Once back at the wheel, Sergio shot her a sideways glance.
“So?” he asked. “How did it go?”
“Straightforward. I made the drop, didn’t hear anything or see anyone. No gunshots, no threats of any kind.”
“Good,” Sergio replied, although from the incredulous expression on his face it was clear that he thought it almost too good to be true. “Let’s get back and wait for them to contact us again.”
This time, the kidnappers wasted no time in getting back to Hanna. Early the same evening, back at the apartment, a short cryptic message pinged through on her phone:
All files received. Handover will take place tomorrow afternoon. Location will be confirmed in the morning. Don’t do anything stupid.
Hanna’s eyes filled with tears. It seemed like an eternity since she’d last seen her precious daughter. Although it had only been just over a week, they’d never been apart for more than a few days before. She’d do anything just to hug her again. The thought of Eva filled her with anguish and her body ached as if a part of her had been torn out. She agonised over how the tot was coping with her ordeal. She must be terrified. Hopefully it would soon be over and they’d be reunited at last.
Ceri put her arm round her. “That’s great news! At last!”
Hanna smiled through her tears, overcome with emotion, but she could see that something was troubling Ceri.
“Did you talk to your father about tracing these messages?” asked Ceri, turning to Sergio.
“I did, and I’ve even tried myself, but they’re obviously using some form of blocking device to hide both the number and the location of the calls,” said Sergio. “Even if we manage to track their location, it’ll change every time they contact us, so the information would be pretty useless. Anyway, it looks as if it’ll all be over soon.”
“Kidnapping children is pretty low, even for organised criminals,” Ceri continued.
Sergio sighed. “You’re forgetting that this is Sicily, cara. There’s a different code here, a different set of rules, and even that keeps changing. I think we’re going to have to be satisfied with getting Eva back, and forget about retribution.”
Hanna nodded in assent. “I just want Eva back safe and sound, that’s all. That’ll be more than enough.” She tried not to think of all the misery and danger the migrants were facing.
“You’re right, of course, but it seems so wrong that these people can get off scot-free,” said Ceri.
“Well, that might not be the case,” said Sergio. “Dad didn’t give any details but I got the impression that the police investigation into the people trafficking
is close to making a breakthrough. There could well be further arrests. Plus, I know from our own sources that the rivalries between clans are gaining momentum. It may only be a matter of time.”
“Can we change the subject?” asked Hanna wearily, the last of her emotional and physical energy ebbing away.
“Sorry, you must be exhausted,” said Ceri. “I think we all deserve a little aperitivo, then I’ll make a start on dinner.”
“Good idea!” said Sergio. “I’m famished!”
The two girls smiled at each other. It would take a lot to put Sergio off his food.
The ruined farmhouse comes into view, this time in brilliant, blinding sunshine. She has to shield her eyes as she thrashes through the undergrowth, approaching the building from a different route. Shouts come from within. Gunshots ring out. A child’s shrill cry pierces the air. She breaks into a sprint. Shadowy figures flee from the building. Inside, Eva lying on the ground, a pool of blood forming underneath her. She flings herself on Eva’s body, desperately looking for any sign of life. But there is none. A bloodcurdling scream escapes from her throat. Her little girl has gone…
Hannah’s phone buzzed and she awoke with a start, trembling and sweating, terrified by the vivid images. Then a gradual flood of relief as she realised that it was only a nightmare, quickly followed by a sudden feeling of dread that it could be a premonition.
She reached for her phone. One new message. The kidnappers, this time with a different location for the handover. At least that part of the nightmare couldn’t come to fruition. But the ending still could.
The nightmare had left Hanna feeling groggy. Bleary-eyed, she stumbled into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and let its soothing jets revive her. After dressing quickly, she went into the kitchen where Ceri and Sergio were deep in conversation.
“I’ve got the location for the handover,” she blurted out, skipping the usual morning pleasantries. “A message came through this morning. Seems like they’re keen to get Eva off their hands now that they’ve got what they want.”
Ceri raised an eyebrow. “Well, they probably are. She’s served her purpose, I guess.”
Hanna felt a sudden flash of anger. “It’s my daughter we’re talking about, not some some sort of unwanted present.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. I only meant…” Ceri looked mortified.
“I know, I’m sorry, too. It just touched a nerve, that’s all. I’m a bit overwrought, I guess.”
“That’s perfectly understandable in the circumstances. Sit down and let me get you some breakfast.”
Hanna flopped onto a chair, remembering the final images from her nightmare. Should she tell them about her fears that it could be a premonition? Even relating it might somehow give it credence and prove too painful. She decided to keep it to herself.
“Let me see the message,” said Sergio.
Hanna handed over the phone. Without another word, he took a note of the GPS co-ordinates and started to scour his laptop to pinpoint the location of the handover.
Minutes later, he said triumphantly, “Got it! It’s up in the mountains again, about an hour’s drive from here. The maps of these areas aren’t always very up-to-date or detailed. Just as well we’ve got the GPS co-ordinates. We’ll need to leave about 2pm to get there in time. I’ll let my dad know so he can arrange to get his team up there in advance.”
Sergio moved out onto the balcony to make the call as Ceri brought a pot of fresh coffee to the table and a plate of warm croissants.
“Sorry for earlier,” she said. “I only meant—”
“I know,” Hanna assured her quickly. “I’m a bit agitated, wondering how it’s all going to work out.”
“I can imagine. Sergio and I both feel for you, you know that. I shouldn’t have been so insensitive.”
“Don’t worry, no damage done.” Hanna forced a smile, helping herself to coffee and a croissant. After a couple of mouthfuls, she felt too nauseous to continue. That final image of Eva from the nightmare continued to plague her. She was deep in thought when Sergio came back into the kitchen.
“It’s all arranged,” he said. “I just need to pop out and pick something up before we go. Won’t be long.” He disappeared before the girls could question him further.
Chapter Forty-Five
Sicily, Wednesday 6th December, 2017
The front door of the apartment slammed shut, announcing Sergio’s return. He came into the kitchen, his arms laden with plastic-covered garments which he dumped on the table. He launched into an explanation for his rapid exit and the reason for the garments.
“You want us to wear what?” Hanna asked incredulously.
Sergio shrugged apologetically. “It’s on my father’s advice. Personally, I think he’s right to be cautious. These are the latest models – lightweight, and specially designed with the female form in mind.”
“Small consolation,” said Ceri, examining the bulletproof vests more closely. “But your father must think there’s a need, otherwise he wouldn’t have mentioned them.”
“Well, there’s a heightened risk with the recent surge in gangland activity. To be honest, he’d rather we didn’t remain involved at all and just let the police handle it directly.”
“Is that what you think, too?” asked Hanna, worried by this latest turn of events. The police were obviously expecting trouble. Or was this just a normal precaution?
“He’s probably being a little overprotective in the circumstances, but it pays to be vigilant. I sometimes wear a vest for work. Not in the office but when I’m out on a story,” said Sergio.
Ceri looked horrified; this was obviously news to her.
“It’s fine by me, as long as I can breathe and move in it,” said Hanna, looking at the cumbersome vests with resignation.
“Okay. It’s a deal,” Ceri said with a sigh, “as long as we can all fit in the car wearing them.”
Sergio laughed at her attempt at humour. “That shouldn’t be a problem. Let’s go through the logistics so we’re all prepared.” He moved the bulletproof vests to a chair and spread a large-scale map out on the table.
“This is where the handover will be, according to the GPS co-ordinates,” he said, pointing to a large X marked on the map. “It seems to be an industrial location of some kind, but what I don’t know. I can’t find any images online. There appear to be several buildings in the same location, which might pose a problem as we can’t be sure which one they’ll use unless they send further instructions. I’d say they’ll probably pick the largest, but I could be wrong.”
Both girls nodded.
“We can only get so far by road, then there seems to be a track, but I can’t manage to trace it online so we’re going to have to play it by ear. The police team are going up in advance and will position themselves out of sight. They’ll keep in contact with me by phone.
“Once Eva has been handed over and we make a safe getaway, they’ll try and apprehend the kidnappers, if they can. But only once we’re well out of the way. Ceri, you stay in the car as before. I’ll follow Hanna on foot and keep out of sight. It’s hard to anticipate whether the kidnappers will put in an appearance or whether they’ll leave Eva in one of the buildings for us to collect her. Hanna, once you have Eva, the police will cover your journey back to the car. If anything else happens or something goes wrong, the police will intervene. I’ll give you their number if you need to call them directly. Chiaro?”
“Clear enough, thanks,” said Hanna, with a shiver of trepidation. She was overjoyed at the prospect of seeing Eva again but so scared that something would go wrong and prevent this from happening. The final image from the nightmare rose before her eyes like a spectre.
Hanna helped Ceri prepare a quick tuna salad for lunch, although no-one was really hungry. After several strong coffees, they went through the arrangements again, then checked and double checked they had all the relevant numbers stored in their phones.
Finally, they donned the
ir bulletproof vests. Sergio slipped his on in no time at all, then helped each of the girls in turn with theirs, as they were struggling. For Hanna, it felt like a straitjacket, bulky and restricting, but she’d just have to get used to it. But what about Eva? They all had protection but she’d be exposed and vulnerable. A worrying thought.
In the hallway as they were about to leave, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror and almost didn’t recognise herself; she looked at least two sizes bigger. In another situation, they would have made a joke and laughed about it. But not today.
Sergio went to retrieve the car from a nearby street and picked up the two girls outside the apartment shortly before 2pm. They soon left the town behind and headed inland under an overcast sky. Sergio explained the route as he drove, and went over the arrangements again. The girls said little, their concentration totally focused on Sergio. The atmosphere was strained, the tension palpable.
As they turned away from the coast towards the mountains, the winding road passed first through groves of walnut and hazelnut trees, then climbed up through pine forests. Hanna shifted in the front passenger seat, uncomfortable and sweaty in the bulletproof vest, feeling nauseous from the constant bends. She opened the car window to get some air. Sergio negotiated the bends with ease, slowing down a little at the girls’ request.
About halfway through the journey, Ceri asked, “Can we stop a minute? I’m feeling really queasy in the back.”
“No problem,” Sergio replied, pulling off the road.
Hanna got out of the car and stood up slowly, her legs stiff and unsteady. She leaned on the car to get her balance while Sergio disappeared into the woods for a pee. Ceri was standing by the roadside, bent over, her chest heaving.