by JJ Franklin
‘None of that. Or he won’t be pleased.’
He pulled her up the grassy bank, leading her to one of the smallest boats and pushed her onto the deck. ‘Go down into the cabin,’ he ordered.
Tilly had no option but to do as she was told. Inside it was dim and she stumbled down the last few steps. Someone caught her roughly and pressed her down on to a small bench. The man towered over her and his raw sweat made her want to heave. Now her eyes were becoming used to the dimness she recognised him.
‘Mr James.’
‘Yes, I’m glad you know me, saves the introductions. How about my boy, Jonathan, do you remember him?’
‘Of course.’
He bent over her, arms on the table.
‘Yet you couldn’t be bothered to go to his funeral, could you?’
‘I couldn’t get there – don’t drive.’
‘You didn’t care for him at all, did you? Just leading him on, weren’t you?’
‘No.’
Tilly backed away, but Vinny came closer; his hand reached out to grasp a handful of her hair to pull her towards him.
‘I see your type all the time. Little users. Well now you are going to help me, and my boy, by telling me all you know. You see, I’m going to enjoy making whoever killed him pay, and pay big. This is where you come in. You’re going to tell me all about his so-called mates.’
‘I don’t know them, not anymore.’
‘Oh you’ll have to do better than that, girlie. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to that little worm in your belly now, would you?’
He dropped his hand to caress her abdomen. The very touch of him made her want to retch. Tilly tried to push his hand away but couldn’t.
‘Whose is it? Young Nick’s? Now he’s certainly in my sights. Getting his life back together, consorting with Jon’s girl. Maybe he wanted to get rid of the competition. He’s definitely someone I should look closely at. And his mate, Harry. Maybe they did it together?’
‘No. Please, let me go.’
‘You know. I’m sure of it.’
‘I don’t know anything, honest.’
‘Oh, you’ll have to do better…or this little bastard…’
His hand pressed deep and she felt her baby kick against it. She had to make him stop. It burst out: ‘Harry knows.’
‘What?’
‘Who did it.’
Tilly squirmed as his fingers bit into her belly. She had to make him get off her. ‘Please.’
‘Who killed my boy? Tell me, you stupid bitch or I’ll rip this brat from you with my bare hands.’
‘It was Kathy Wylde.’
At last, Vinny stood back.
Hearing footsteps on the deck, Tilly opened her mouth to scream. Vinny clapped his hand over her mouth, forcing her head back against the bulkhead. The man from the car shot down the steps into the cabin. He had a look of urgency about him.
‘He’s here. Says you’re to let her go. Right now.’
‘Calm down. I give the orders.’
‘He says if you don’t, he’ll phone the police himself.’
‘He can say what he likes. I’m paying him. Here, stay with her. I’ll sort him out. Keep her quiet.’
Vinny left and Tilly wanted to wipe away the touch of him. Instead, she took a deep breath and tried to think. She had to get out of here. This man didn’t seem frightening at all after Vinny. Trying for a smile, she faced him. He seemed embarrassed and turned his head away. This gave her a chance to look around, try to find a way out or a weapon. There was a heavy black frying pan on the little stove. She noted that as a possibility, if she could get a swing in this tiny place. Aside from that, there was nothing. Attempting to get her jumble of thoughts in order, she remembered watching the narrowboats when she was small and was sure most of them had two entrances.
From outside came the sound of voices raised in anger. She shifted slightly and tried to see but only caught a glimpse of two pairs of legs. ‘Please can I go to the toilet?’
The man looked at her as if she had asked to go to the moon. ‘Can’t you wait?’
‘No. I’m pregnant.’
The man glanced outside. ‘I guess it can’t hurt. There, on the left. And remember, I’ll be right outside.’
‘Thank you.’ Giving the man a shy smile, Tilly squeezed past him into the narrow corridor. He followed her. The cubicle was small, especially with her baby bulge. The tiny window offered no way of escape. She hadn’t thought the man would follow and stand outside. How could she get rid of him?
‘I’m sorry, but there doesn’t seem to be any toilet paper.’ Ear pressed to the door, she prayed he would go to look for some. There was a pause and she could almost hear his brain ticking, then the slow thud of his footsteps moving back into the cabin.
Knowing she would only have seconds, Tilly slid open the door and turned away from the cabin towards the rear of the boat, waiting for the shout telling her to stop. She came to the end of the corridor and opened the door. Inside a double bed filled most of the cabin and she looked about frantically for a way out, stopping when she heard heated voices. Looking out one of the windows, she realised she was closer here to the two men and sank down out of sight. She couldn’t see the other man as Vinny was in the way, but his voice sounded more refined.
‘I cannot tolerate this constant disobedience. You have carelessly put my associates and me in danger. Despite offering you my help─’
‘At a price.’
‘Despite offering you my expert advice, you choose to ignore it. I’ve passed at least two patrol cars in this area. The police will be tracking the Escort and could be here at any minute.’
‘That’s it?’
‘Besides putting me at risk, I cannot countenance the kidnapping of a young, pregnant woman.’
‘Ever the gentleman. What about the cop? The one you bumped off. It was on the news.’
‘That was an unfortunate occurrence and not planned.’
‘Try telling the cops that. You’re forgetting what you owe me?’
‘Not by any means.’
‘If I get caught, I’ll take you down with me.’
‘That wouldn’t be wise. If that happened, I may be forced to appropriate certain funds you have entrusted to my care.’
‘You filthy sodding crook. I should wring your rotten neck.’
‘You certainly have that choice, but it might be wiser to let me get you out of your immediate dilemma, thereby reducing the risk to both of us. I am willing to arrange return to your safe haven, as this would protect both of us. However, if I am to do this safely, it might take a little time. For now, I have arranged a safe house where you will stay until I can arrange to get you back to Spain. If you agree, I will gladly refund your fee, taking out only my costs.’
‘Big deal.’
‘I’ll take that as a yes. Fetch your things and lock the girl in – that will give us a head start. Dan knows what to do with the boat.’
Tilly couldn’t hear much after that as the men moved away, but she saw Vinny’s legs moving back towards the boat and looked around for somewhere to hide. There was nowhere and for a moment, she felt like crying. She could hear the man who had brought her here still rummaging about in cupboards. What would they do with her? Realising that she may have to fight her way out, she picked up a large glass ashtray from beside the bed and stood trembling by the door. The smell of stubbed-out cigarettes was close to her nose and she didn’t know how long she could hold it at the ready.
Tilly could hear a mumbled conversation. Then the engine started up and there was a loud clang. For what seemed a long time she held the ashtray aloft, before putting it down and listening to the silence before gathering the courage to open the door a crack. There was no sign of life and she crept out to make sure, checking the bathroom on the way.
&nbs
p; Weak with relief, she sat down by the table, wondering why the little cabin looked different before realising that the doors out to the deck were closed. Jumping up she tried to open them, but they wouldn’t budge. She had to get out of here before the men returned. It was then she heard the trickle of water.
Chapter 68
After leaving the Golden Acorn, Matt picked up PC Charlie Baker and set off for the A46 where a dark green Escort had been seen taking the Warwick exit. From there the Escort may have gone into Warwick or turned left to Henley-in-Arden. With the help of all available patrol cars, Jane would check the Warwick side while Matt took the route towards Henley.
Charlie reminded him of the presenter on Crimewatch but Matt couldn’t waste time thinking about that now; he was thankful that he was quiet and intense as he wanted to concentrate on finding Tilly.
They raced towards the A46 bypass but once they reached the road to Henley, Matt slowed down, looking for any sign of the green car and woefully aware of the hundreds of places it could have turned off. Reaching the traffic lights at Henley, Matt decided to turn left towards Stratford. By the time they reached Wootton Wawen, Matt was convinced they didn’t stand a chance in hell of finding Tilly. Then, just past the Navigation Inn, Charlie called out.
‘Sir, there’s a green car there, further back.’
Matt put on the turn signal, ignoring the motorist who sounded his horn at his late decision, and turned into the disused forecourt of a gas station. He could see the Escort now and it looked like the car that had been at the crematorium. Pulling up to block the Escort, he jumped out, shouting to Charlie as he did. ‘Good work, Constable. Let everyone know we’ve found it.’
The car was empty and, holding his breath, he moved to open the boot, praying that it would be empty. It was locked, and with frustration building, he called to Charlie. ‘Find something to open this.’
Charlie went to the boot of Matt’s car and came over with a tyre lever, applying pressure until it sprang open. They both sighed in relief at the empty space.
‘She could be around here somewhere or they might have just switched to another car. Let’s get SOCO onto those tyre tracks and have a good look around.’ Matt started back towards the pub, leaving Charlie to check out the canal. He’d only gone a few yards when Charlie called out.
‘Sir, over here.’
Recognising the urgency in his voice, Matt ran to join him, finding him standing beside a narrowboat, one of several moored along the canal. But this boat looked different from the others, lower in the water and listing to one side.
‘I thought I heard someone inside.’
‘Call the fire brigade. I’ll check it out.’
The boat was listing away from him so Matt couldn’t see anything through the windows. Taking off his heavy coat and jacket, he stepped onto the sloping deck only to find himself skidding down the icy deck towards the water. Grasping onto the tiller, he managed to right himself and began to drag himself up to the cabin doors.
‘Tilly, are you there?’ Listening, all he could hear was the gurgling water. ‘Tilly!’
There was a faint voice from inside. ‘Help me.’
‘Coming. Don’t worry, we’ll get you out of there. Charlie, the tyre lever.’
Tugging frantically at the frozen lock made his fingers bleed. Matt stood back to get the balance for a kick, but found himself in another sickening slide down the slippery deck. Scrabbling madly for something to hold onto, he fought against the shock of the arctic water before managing to lock his fingers around the deck rail.
Hauling himself up, he saw Charlie’s anxious face; he’d taken off his heavy gear and was ready to come after Matt. For a moment, Matt wanted to laugh at his relief, then seeing the rope in his hands, to cheer for such a practical PC.
‘Tie this around you, sir.’
The rope landed at Matt’s feet and he risked letting go with one hand to catch it. Fumbling with deadened fingers, it was difficult knotting the rope around himself, as he daren’t let go with both hands. The boat was now on its side and, after tying the rope, he manoeuvred his way to the top where he could see through the murky panes down into the cabin. The water was pouring in. He couldn’t see Tilly and knew he had to act fast. The quickest way in would be through the window. He shouted just in case.
‘Stay back, Tilly!’
One kick shattered the window and Matt plunged through feet first, ignoring the jagged pieces that tore into him. He seemed to have landed on something that kept him out of the deepest water. Adjusting to the gloom, he glanced around, relieved to see a pair of terrified eyes looking back at him just above the waterline opposite.
‘Thank God. Tilly, I want you to reach out and grasp my arm. You’re safe now and we’ll soon have you out of here.’
Tilly nodded and stretched out her arm. Although he had spoken to reassure her, Matt was far from certain that they would both get out alive. It would only take a sudden settling of the boat and they could both be lost, yet he knew the calmer Tilly remained the easier it would be.
‘Great, I’ve got you. I’m going to pull you towards me, tie a rope around you and get you out through the window, okay?’ There was no time to wait and Matt pulled hard and felt her bump into his side. He shifted sideways so she could find a footing beside him, but she began to sink and panicking, pulled him down. Covered in the icy, muddy water, Matt fought to control his fear as he grabbed her under the shoulders and pushed her upward. Breaking water, he was relieved to see that she held firmly on to the window ledge.
Untying the rope, he slipped it around her. Tying it seemed to take an inordinate amount of time but finally it was secure. Tilly was limp and he wasn’t sure how much she would be able to help. As he knocked the worst of the broken glass out of the way, he shouted for Charlie to pull while trying to encourage her. ‘Once you are out of this window, Tilly, you are going to be fine – my colleague is at the end of the rope. I’m going to help from this end.’
He wasn’t sure how much she took in, as her lips were blue and her eyes unfocused. Taking a deep breath, he dived into deeper water to push her from behind, forgetting all modesty. She finally cleared the window frame and he surfaced to see Charlie reaching out to receive her.
The panic over, he felt tired and would have given anything to shut his eyes. He could hear Charlie shouting and the sound of emergency vehicles arriving, but they all seemed far away and nothing to do with him. Then he felt something hit him sharply across the face. Puzzled, he realised it was the rope and knew he must rouse himself and make an effort. Imagining Eppie, he conjured up reserves from somewhere and clung on, easing himself out of the window. Warm hands reached out to help and soon he was sprawled, shivering violently, on the towpath. As a firefighter put a foil blanket around him, he sat up, turning to watch the boat give a final gurgle and sink.
Charlie knelt beside him. ‘Tilly’s on her way to hospital, sir. They think she’s going to be alright.’
‘Thank God.’
‘There’s another ambulance coming for you. Should be here any minute.’
‘I haven’t got time.’
‘You’d better listen to him, Matt.’
Matt looked up to see Jane standing by the firefighter.
‘I’ll be fine. Help me up.’
‘This is what he’s like, Ethan.’
Matt was surprised to hear her addressing the man in such a familiar way. Ethan crouched down beside him.
‘This is serious, mate. You need to listen. Your core temperature is bound to be low after taking a dip in that. If you go racing around now, you could bring on a heart attack. Believe me, I’ve seen it happen. Whatever is going on, it’s just not worth it.’
‘Matt, please go and get checked out,’ Jane added.
Ethan handed Matt a plastic cup filled with hot chocolate. He took it gratefully, glad of the warmth. Bes
ieged from all sides, Matt gave in, conscious that it made sense. While they were fussing over him, Vinny was getting further away. An ambulance pulled up behind them. ‘Okay, okay. Maybe I’ll catch up with Tilly while I’m there.’
Jane sighed and looked up at Ethan, who to Matt seemed enormous in all his gear.
Chapter 69
Vinny crouched low so that the dense hedge hid him. Just three more houses to go and he would be home. Not that it was his home anymore but he had something to collect and had a few choice things to say to Mary.
He had waited until dusk before leaving the safe house provided by Ops and had planned his route with care. Not much had changed since he’d left, except the occasional new garden shed, complete with padlock, and the height of some of the hedges, intended to hide the occupants from their neighbours. He was grateful that people insisted on privacy as they offered him greater cover.
Moving on, he stopped to peer through number six’s ten-foot monstrosity, cursing as the thorns caught his jacket. As he pulled himself free, he caught a flash of yellow and froze and watched as the patrol car slowed in front of Mary’s. He’d guessed the bastards would be keeping an eye on the place. Looking at his watch, he noted the time, five past five, and estimated their next pass would be around six o’clock. Mary should be home soon, and he aimed to be safely inside by then.
Reaching his own backyard, he squeezed through the broken fence and flattened himself against the rear of the shed. It had grown more decrepit in his absence and he hoped Mary hadn’t felt the need to follow her neighbours’ examples and protect the rusting tools and old paint tins with a lock. The house was in darkness and he needed to find what he came for before she arrived home. The first thing she would do is turn on the kitchen light and the shed was directly in its path.
Slipping around to the front of the shed, he was relieved that all was as he left it. Opening the door, he held his breath at its grinding squeak and crept inside. The smell of earth, paraffin and paint was comforting and he paused to let it wash over him, not daring to turn on the light, even if it still worked, as that would give him away. Instead, he began to feel amongst the debris, freezing when he heard footsteps approaching. However, it was only the next-door neighbour, who obligingly turned on a bedroom light that allowed a faint glow to penetrate the grimy window.