by Deorre, Iris
‘Come on, do tell.’
‘It’s luxurious and you can do whatever you want. You don’t have to be squashed into a plane with others like cattle. It’s pretty amazing.’
‘Gosh I can imagine.’
‘Anyway I’m going to have to go. We’ll be taking off soon.’
‘Okay. You have a wonderful time with that lovely man of yours and don’t worry about a thing at the office. I have it all under control.’
‘Thank you. I’ll speak to soon. Call me if you need me.’
‘Will do.’
Freya hung up.
‘All sorted?’ he asked.
‘Yes.’
‘Good.’ He put his hand across so she could take it. ‘We’re going to have a lovely time.’
‘I don’t doubt it.’
‘We’ll see Thomas tomorrow at twelve, everything is set, just the way you want it. He’ll be at the coffee shop from about eleven thirty. Someone has been watching him like clockwork.’
‘What if tomorrow he decides not to do what he does every day?’
‘We are creatures of habit. He will. ‘
‘What if he gets ill and doesn’t show up?’
‘He will. If not, we’ll wait. He won’t be sick forever, but a far as I’m aware. He’s doing fine.’
‘Okay.’
‘Don’t worry it will all turn out fine.’
‘You think so?’
‘I know so.’
The drinks arrived and soon the captain announced that they would soon be taking off.
‘Here we go,’ he said.
‘Here we go.’
The private jet began to taxi off the runway and up into the air. Thomas had no idea what was coming for him.
****
There had been another call reporting a missing person. Marvin’s sister had called because he hadn’t answered any of her calls or texts. The detective took the details and told her that they would get right on it.
‘What if we never find the bodies?’ asked Roy.
‘If we find the people who did this, then we’ll find the bodies or at least have an idea where the bodies are.’
He nodded, but not convinced. They worked until the late hours of the evening and finally there was a full profile of Freya and Ferguson. They stood watching the board both tired from all the work, but determined to get to the bottom of this.
‘So we know Miss Johnson has mental health issues. She’s been admitted numerous times. We also know that the problems started around the end of the first year of university.’ Murphy was recapping.
‘It means that a trauma happened and even though the hospital won’t release why yet, we think it’s rape. Gang rape.’
‘Most likely. How else could we explain it?’
‘We also know that as soon as she met Mr Banks, things began to take a turn for the worst. We also know that not so long ago his father died. The hospital claim illness, he was on his way out, but Mr Banks had visited his father the day he died.’
‘You think murder?’
‘The more I learn about Mr Banks the more I think so. We can’t prove it, and I think it’s going to be pretty hard. He’s an upstanding man with influence right at the top. He’s a billionaire who thinks he can get away with murder. Literally.’
‘He probably can. He has no family we know of, he doesn’t hang out with friends, the closet person he has to a friend is his assistant Gary Moore.’
‘Yes. Then he attaches himself to a woman who is not only vulnerable, but is looking for a way out of her misery. So he puts all of it together and that’s when things start. I think we might have our killer.’ Murphy seemed happy about it.
‘Tread carefully,’ the chief of police walked in.
‘Sir, didn’t hear you come in.’
‘I hear you’ve been investigating the very prominent Mr Banks.’
‘We have sir. We think that he’s the one committing all the murders.’
‘I see. Can I have a word with you in private,’ he said to Murphy.
‘I’ll go grab us some coffee,’ said Roy.
‘You do that,’ said the chief. ‘Now… I think that you’ve bitten on a little more than you can chew.’
‘But sir. This is all pointing to one man. If you look at the evidence, its clear that he’s done it.’
‘But you have no real proof. You don’t have any bodies to back it up. You can’t accuse a man of doing something out of nowhere.’
‘It isn’t out of nowhere. If you let me get a hold of him and ask him, we can get to the bottom of this.’
‘I’m going to say this to you in the nicest of ways. You need to drop this one.’
‘What about the families of all these people? What about them?’
‘Our financial interests are more of a priority at the moment. The way I see it, these men on the board all did something wrong. I’ve been following this investigation.’
‘Just because they’re bad, doesn’t make it right.’
‘Listen to me very carefully. You will drop this. Tell the families that it’s an ongoing investigation and that you’re doing everything in your power to find their missing family members. As with most missing people, we rarely find them. Days will turn into weeks and then months and then years. They will soon move on.’
‘I can’t believe you believe that. You can’t do that.’
‘I can do whatever I want. I’m the chief of police, now wrap this up.’ He nodded a warning then left him.
Murphy couldn’t believe his ears. He believed in justice. This was why he became a cop. Now his chief was telling him to drop it all for the sake of money.
‘Is everything alright?’ Roy entered.
‘No. It’s not. I’ve just been told to drop the whole case.’
‘What? With everything we have?’
‘Yes.’
‘What are you going to do?’
He stood up and pulled Freya’s and Ferguson’s picture off the board. ‘Something you shouldn’t do.’
‘Should I come with you?’
‘That will be at your own risk, because what I’m about to do now will cost you your job. With your young family I don’t think you can do that.’
‘I believe in justice like you do.’
‘I’m afraid there is no justice. Not yet, but I will do my best to prove this. To bring those families some peace of mind.’
‘Be careful.’
‘I’ll do my best.’
Chapter Sixteen
Ferguson and Freya checked into the luxury hotel. They then headed for the restaurant to have dinner. Freya was on top of the world. It was the last kill and she was a little high on cocaine. Ferguson had found contacts in Italy before leaving. He always made sure to plan ahead. He wanted her at ease and he knew that having some cocaine would do the trick.
‘I can’t believe we’re here,’ she said.
‘Believe it darling. You’ve achieved so much since we met.’ He took her hand and brought it to his lips. ‘You’ve managed to stay out of the hospital.’
‘I have. It feels pretty good.’
‘And tomorrow you’ll put the final nail in the coffin.’
She nodded. ‘He will be surprised to see me.’
‘Yes he will.’
‘Are you ready for it?’
‘I am. I don’t think I’ll sleep tonight.’
‘Oh I’ll makes sure I tire you out.’
‘Your naughty boy.’ She giggled.
They wined and dined and Freya drank quite a bit through it, but as usual there was no judgment from him. He just wanted her to be happy. And she certainly looked it.
Ferguson helped her upstairs to their bedroom. She fell into the bed laughing. He took time to slide of her heels. She giggled some more.
‘What’s so funny?’
‘The room is spinning…weee!’
‘Right young lady, I think you’ve had too much tonight.’ He lifted her so he could pull down the zip to the dress.
‘Ooo,
what are you up to there. Taking off my clothes.’ She laughed more.
‘I am getting you into bed. You’re in no position for anything else.’
‘Oh yes I am. I’ve always been like this.’
‘Yes, but tonight you’ve gone overboard. I think you’re nervous about seeing Thomas, aren’t you?’
The smile was quickly faded off her face.
‘I’m sure it couldn’t have been easy for you. He as supposed to be your friend. He betrayed you and then he fucked off to another country like nothing happened.’
‘Yes, you’re right. I’m nervous and also very angry. I was so hurt that someone who was supposed to love me hurt me that way. I didn’t deserve that.’
‘No you didn’t. And tomorrow we’ll make it right.’ He kissed her forehead and she leaned into his shoulder. ‘The room still spinning?’
‘Yep.’
‘Okay, let’s get you into bed.’ He kissed her again and then began to undress her. Once she was ready for bed, he guided her into bed and pulled the covers over her.
‘Are you coming to bed?’ she asked.
‘I will be soon. I just want to make a few phone calls.’
‘Okay.’ she smiled. ‘Don’t be long.’
‘I won’t. I promised.’
He moved into the other room of the penthouse and gave Gary a call. He’d been given some disturbing news about a detective Murphy. Murphy wanted to bring him in for questioning about the disappearances that were happening around the county.
The phone rang a couple of times before Gary picked up. ‘Boss.’
‘What’s the latest on this detective.’
‘He’s been dealt with. The chief of police has told him to step down and stop this investigation.’
‘Do you think he’ll listen or is he one of those rebels?’
‘I don’t know sir. But I do know that the chief knows what’s at stake so he won’t leave anything to chance.’
‘Okay I hope you’re right. Keep your ears opened. I need to make sure I don’t become a person of interest.’
‘I’m on it so don’t worry.’
‘Okay, great. I have faith in you. Make sure you keep it that way.’
‘You have my word, sir.’
‘Good. Now I must get off.’
‘I will keep you updated as things happen.’
Ferguson ended the call and headed back to the room. Freya was fast asleep. He smiled. She looked so peaceful. All he wanted to do was get into bed next to her and hold her tight. Keep her safe forever. She’d definitely changed his life. He couldn’t see a life without her. He felt complete with her, she was his family now.
He began to get undressed, then slipped into the bed with her. She moved slightly as she felt his arms wrap around her waist.
‘Hey,’ she said sleepily.
‘Hey darling. Get some sleep.’ He kissed her shoulder. ‘I love you.’
‘I love you too,’ she said as she drifted back to sleep.
‘I know you do.’
*****
Detective Murphy walked into the dark alley and waited. It was another five minutes before a tall bald man approached.
‘This better be good,’ said the man.
‘I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t.’
‘Okay, hand it over.’
‘You need to make sure I’m not connected to this in anyway.’
‘I will do that. Hand it over.’
Murphy looked around him as if to see if anyone was watching. He hoped that no one had followed him. He handed over the envelope of all the information he’d collected about Ferguson.
‘Everything you need is in here. You’ll find it interesting and I’m hoping you’ll let the world know that there are wolves dressed as sheep among them.’
‘It’s my job.’ He took the envelope. ‘It was nice doing business with you. Take care.’ He walked back into the night.
Murphy waited a while just to make sure everything was okay. What he didn’t know was a dark van picked up the man he’d just handed the information to.
‘What the hell is this?’ asked the man.
‘We have something better for you to report. Here.’ They took the envelope that was in his hand and gave him a different one. After they’d driven about three miles, the door slid opened and he was pushed out of the moving van.
****
Murphy fiddled for the key in his back pocket. He opened the door and stepped into the small apartment. He’d never been able to settle down so there was no one to come home to. He switched on the passage light, picked up the mail and headed for the living room. He wasn’t ready to go to bed. Too much was going on in his mind. He switched on the light.
‘Chief?’
The chief was sitting on the main couch with a gun that had a silencer in his hand
‘You look surprised,’ said the chief.
‘A little, but now that I think about it, I’m not that surprised.’ He opened his mail as if this would make things a less awkward.
‘I’m glad. I thought I told you to let things alone.’
‘I see you got to Roy.’
‘Roy knows what’s important. Some things we just have to let go.’
‘So you think it’s alright for Mr Banks to get away with the things he’s done.’
‘What things?’
‘You know what things. And the woman he’s with.’
‘Son. We’ve got to make sacrifices at times. With all the budget cuts we’ve got to think about other ways of brining in the cash.’
‘By letting rich criminals get away with their crimes. And by the way. I’m not your son.’
The chief smiled. ‘I’m sorry it’s come to this.’ He lifted the gun.
‘Me too.’
‘You were a good man.’
‘A better man than you and you will live with that knowledge for the rest of your life.’
The chief pulled the trigger. The bullet got the detective in the heart. He fell to the ground his eyes on the chief. The chief watched as the man struggled to hold onto his life. Finally, Murphy left his lonely world. The chief took a picture of the dead body and made a phone call.
‘It’s done,’ he said.
‘Send the proof,’ said Gary.
‘On its way.’ He sent the picture to Gary.
There was a moment of silence and then he said. ‘Five million has been deposited into your private account. Leave the house unlocked, the clean up team will be there in ten minutes. Good luck.’ The call was cut.
The chief had done his part and he felt no remorse whatsoever. All he knew was that he’d have a comfortable retirement in any country he chose.
****
The next morning the faces of all the missing people were shown on television but there was also a horrible story attached to all of them.
‘We cannot justify their disappearances but I will say one thing. The things they did were horrific. Would it be so terrible of me to say that each of these men got what was coming for them? But who am I to judge? Life has a funny way of sorting its self out.’ The reporter said finally. He’d used the information that had been given to him and had weaved a story that had just hurt so many families. Most of their family members didn’t even know their family members had such a dark past. It was painted so horribly that it would take a lot of time to recover.
Amanda turned up the television once she’d seen one face she recognised. ‘That’s Blake.’ She hadn’t been in the same year, but she was certain that he was in Freya’s year. He was a rapist? She rewound the news a few times and then something she didn’t want to admit hit her. ‘Oh my god.’ It all couldn’t be a coincidence. Everything was beginning to make sense. The sudden change in her sister’s behaviour. The drinking and the drugs didn’t just happen. Something had triggered it. She sat a while taking it all in. Then she thought about Ferguson. For the first time in Freya’s life, Freya seemed stable. She seemed more in tune with herself, and that had only happened once Ferguson
had entered the picture. ‘Oh my god!’ Amanda sat back into the couch. She really didn’t know what to think.
****
‘How are you feeling?’ He gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze as she gazed into the mirror.
‘Ready. I feel ready.’
‘Good. I’m ready too. So are we off to put an end to all this.’
She sucked in a deep breath and then nodded. ‘Yes I’m ready.’
They headed out of the hotel and out into the waiting car. Thomas would be going for his regular coffee and midmorning snack at about eleven thirty. They would be just on time, and the men had reported to Ferguson that Thomas was on his way to the regular coffee shop.
The journey was done in silence, but from time to time, Ferguson took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
‘It will all works out in the end.’
‘I know.’ It was her turn to squeeze his hand. She looked out into the beautiful city and watched as the world went on without her. ‘Do you think these people are happy?’ she asked without turning to him.
‘The real question is, are you happy?’
She looked him in the eye and said, ‘It’s really weird that I can say yes to that question.’
‘Then that’s all that matters.’
She nodded.
Thomas just arrived at the coffee shop he frequented. He ordered a coffee and a cheese muffin. The waiter who was on shift that day had been paid handsomely to help things unfold as they should. He took the order and then disappeared for a long while.
Freya finally walked into the coffee shop and spotted him immediately. She headed for his table and sat down. He almost choked on his spit.
‘Freya?’
‘Yes. Surprised to see me?’
He swallowed back hard. She watched him. There were mixed emotions going through her mind.
‘How’s it going? It’s been a long time.’
‘It has.’
The waiter placed the coffee and muffin on the table like he’d been instructed. He nodded at the men who were in the far corner of the room, they nodded back. If everything went to plan, then that waiter would receive three thousand euros into an account of his choice.
‘Would you like something to drink?’ he asked a little nervous.
‘I already have a coffee coming.’
‘How did you know I was here?’ He looked around.
‘I didn’t. I saw you through the window while I was taking a walk.’