by Bill Ward
“I don’t play poker because I am rubbish at bluffing. You used me, which I could tolerate but you used two young children, who deserved better so please trust me when I say, I am not bluffing.”
“Even if I wanted to help you I can’t. My boss would never allow it a second time.”
“Your boss is not going to burn all your good work with Baz for the lack of having your people drive me out of the country.”
“I don’t know if our contact is even working.”
“Then you better find out quickly. We need to leave tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest. We are going to need visa stamps for the kids, which show they entered yesterday with me.”
“My boss won’t like this. He might decide the best answer is simply to get rid of you once and for all.”
“Are you really trying to threaten me? I have personally nothing to lose. As you are aware, I have no important other and no children. My sole focus in life is getting those children back to their mother. I won’t allow anything or anyone to get in my way. Not even a beautiful woman who I was developing strong feelings for and would have liked to stay in touch with in the future. And my friends are not the sort of people who can be intimidated. They will publish for sure if something happens to me.”
CHAPTER FIFTY TWO
The timetable was driven by the fact the contact at the causeway was working the day shift. The plan was to set off from Lara’s at six in the morning and arrive at the causeway about ten thirty. Unlike the previous trip, if they were subject to a random stop at any checkpoint, they would be in trouble as the children’s papers were not in order. It was a risk Powell was prepared to take. He had to get out of the country as soon as possible.
Powell had barely slept and he certainly wasn’t surprised that Lara didn’t join him in his bed. It seemed even she had limits on when and with whom she took her pleasures. He woke the children at six and offered breakfast but neither of the children were hungry. Despite their young age they seemed to understand the seriousness of what lay ahead. Karim, in particular, had reason to fear being returned to his father.
“I have some good news,” Lara anounced, joining him in the kitchen. “They located the car at three this morning. Given the close proximity to the airport and the fact both the driver and guard were convinced you were catching a plane, the authorities believe you have already escaped the country.”
“Good news indeed but I’m not counting my chickens.”
“Speaking of cars, what am I supposed to do with your hire car?”
“I’m sure you can work something out. I paid for four days.”
“I’m sure I can.”
Powell had a coffee and stayed in the kitchen waiting for Ben to arrive while Lara remained in the lounge. They had nothing further to say to each other.
When Ben did arrive, Powell sent the children out to the car so he could speak to Lara.
“Thanks for your help,” Powell said, sincerely.
“I didn’t have much choice.”
“In the same way you didn’t give the children any choice when you decided they had to go back to their father.”
“Just promise me you will destroy all copies of the video as soon as you are back in England.”
“I promise and I really am sorry it was necessary.”
“I hope not to be seeing you again, Powell.”
He couldn’t find the words to make things better between them so he said nothing and headed for the car.
Ben drove within the speed limit and the journey was uneventful. As they approached the causeway, Powell was even more nervous than the last time. This really was the last chance saloon. Ben parked in the same services area and phoned his contact.
Powell had a feeling of déjà vu as they waited. He was pleased to see Ben looked relaxed. This was something he had done many times before without any problems. Ben had a diplomatic passport though and the worst he faced was being thrown out of the country.
They had to wait only ten minutes for the man who held their lives in his hands to arrive. He went through the same routine as the last time and seemed completely at ease with the presence of the children.
Powell remained alert for any signs of danger but there were none. At least no more than the last time they made the trip. A single guard collected their passports and they were returned after ten minutes with the necessary stamps.
As they approached the last checkpoint he glanced behind and smiled at the children, who were sitting very quietly. He handed over the passports to the guard and they were returned within a minute. Powell could barely believe everything had gone so smoothly as they accelerated away towards Bahrain and safety. Thank goodness the idea of two men travelling with two young children and no mother didn’t seem strange to a Saudi. He was sure there would be far more questions asked in England.
Ben dropped them at the Hilton where Powell had reserved two rooms once they were physically across the Bahrain border. He walked into the hotel reception, casting his eyes around for signs of danger until he reminded himself there was no reason to feel threatened. They took the lifts to the third floor and Powell suggested the children join him in his room for a few minutes. He was then going to take them for the burgers and milk shakes they were craving.
Powell phoned Angela Bennett.
“Hello Powell, how are you?”
“Never felt better. I’m in Bahrain again and I have somebody who wants to speak to you.” He handed the phone to Karim.
“Hello Mum,” Karim said.
Powell heard the scream of pleasure from the other end of the phone. It was the best feeling he had experienced in a very long time.
CHAPTER FIFTY THREE
Powell arrived back in England exhausted by the events of the previous few weeks. The flight arrived at six in the morning and the children had slept the whole way but despite being worn out, Powell had slept only fitfully although he wasn’t entirely sure why. Perhaps there was still too much adrenaline circulating in his body.
Angela Bennett was at Heathrow to meet her children and he was surprised to find Jenkins also waiting in arrivals. Watching the children run into their mother’s arms had been as rewarding as he had expected. Jenkins explained he had come to see the children as he had never had the chance to say a proper goodbye to them in Saudi.
“I can never repay you for this,” Angela said. “When I think what you risked for the three of us…” She dabbed at the corner of her eye.
“No tears,” Powell urged. “This is a day for big smiles not tears.”
“Thank you,” she said for the hundredth time. “I need to get the children home now but when we are settled, I hope you are both going to come and pay us a visit in London.”
“It will be my pleasure,” Powell assured her. “Karim and Laila are very special.”
“Count me in,” Jenkins confirmed. “Sorry about Laila’s hair by the way. I’m not exactly a trained hairdresser.”
“It will grow back and thanks to both of you, I will get to see it grow.”
Powell and Jenkins walked the family to their car and both received big hugs from Laila and a firm handshake from Karim.
“Take care of your mother and sister,” Powell said to Karim. “You are the man of the house now.”
“Remember about taking me to Arsenal,” he replied.
“Don’t worry, soon as I get home I’m going to check the fixtures. I’ll speak with your mother to see if the girls want to come.”
Karim jumped in the back of the car and the family drove away with everyone furiously waving goodbye out of the windows.
“You did a great thing there,” Jenkins said. “I’m proud to have played a small part.”
“Don’t be daft. You played a massive part. It does make me feel good, seeing them back together. I know Bella would be very proud of what we achieved.”
“I’m sure she would be… Right, I’ll drive you back home now. It’s a rather boring Volvo, not a fancy car like we’ve bee
n used to driving in Saudi but it’s never let me down.”
“I’ll only let you drive me if you’re going to stay the night and help me celebrate.”
“That was the plan.”
Jenkins drove the hour and a quarter to Brighton while Powell explained how he had managed to get the children out of the country.
“I took your advice,” Powell said. “I enlisted Lara’s help again.”
Jenkins looked at him strangely. “You mean Lara helped you? Why did she do that?”
“Well she wasn’t keen at first but I can be very persuasive at times.”
“You’re not telling me something.”
“And that is the way it will remain.”
“I can see I’m going to have to get you very drunk to hear the whole story.”
“You can try.”
They arrived in Brighton at just after nine and parked on a meter, which meant they had a two minute walk to the bar. It had started raining lightly.
They stepped out of the car and just stood enjoying the sensation of the rain on them for a few seconds.
“I’ve been looking forward to some rain for weeks,” Powell said.
“People will think we’re mad standing here like this,” Jenkins replied.
“Who cares.”
As they arrived at the bar it had just opened to serve breakfast. They walked inside and Powell immediately noticed the newly painted wall.
“Powell!” Afina exclaimed and ran excitedly towards him.
“Hi Afina,” he replied, as he was enveloped in a bear hug. “It’s good to see you.”
She stepped back and appraised him. “You look good. A suntan suits you.”
“Thank you. It’s good to be home. You remember Jenkins.”
“Hello again,” Afina said, turning to Jenkins, ignoring his outstretched hand and giving him a kiss on each cheek.
“That was worth the visit alone,” Jenkins smiled. “But Powell has been telling me this bar makes the best breakfast in Brighton.”
“What would you like?”
“The full works for both of us and two Lattes, please,” Powell answered. “By the way, what happened to the wall?”
“I’ll tell you about that later. Let me go organise the food first.”
Powell had phoned Afina the previous evening, to let her know the operation had been successful and he was on his way home. Afina had seemed very happy at the news and Powell just thought she was looking forward to seeing him but he did wonder if she was relieved as much as happy. Had running the bar proved to be a bit more difficult than she had expected? He certainly hadn’t found it easy in his early days as a novice bar owner.
Powell led the way to a table, accepting greetings from a couple of staff on the way. Afina brought their Lattes plus one for herself and pulled up a chair.
“What was Saudi like?” Afina asked.
“Hot,” Jenkins replied succinctly.
“Not somewhere I want to go again,” Powell added. “Not that I would be very welcome.”
“Well I’m very glad to see you.”
“What’s been happening here?” Powell queried, becoming a little concerned. “What happened to the wall?”
CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR
Powell listened intently to Afina’s retelling of events with growing horror. He thought he was rid of all his problems and had been planning to take a much needed holiday. Not probably a trip to anywhere hot, he’d had enough sun to last for a long time but a few days in the Lake District appealed, with plenty of long walks and great scenery. Everything he had missed while in Saudi.
“I spoke to Brian and he told me to do nothing until you got back,” Afina explained. “He said you would know what to do.”
“We could always just pay this Gheorghe a visit,” Jenkins suggested. “And help him to see the error of his ways.”
“I doubt we can intimidate him,” Powell replied.
“Then perhaps a more permanent solution is needed,” Jenkins suggested.
“I really appreciate you wanting to help but this is my problem,” Powell stressed.
“Look, you didn’t let me go back into Saudi with you but I’m sure as hell going to help you resolve this problem and I don’t want to hear any arguments.”
Powell realised he would need help if he was to deal with Gheorghe and also keep Afina, and the bar for that matter, safe.
“Okay, I surrender,” Powell joked, raising his hands. “We need to act fast before they do any more damage to the bar and we can’t just commit murder so... Any suggestions?”
“Mara has offered her help,” Afina said. “Her uncle is expecting her to start working for him quite soon.”
“Is she really going to return to her old way of life?” Powell asked, shocked.
“She doesn’t feel she has any choice. I understand that feeling of being trapped.” Afina was remembering when she returned to work as a prostitute when her family was threatened.
“I’m tired and not thinking clearly,” Powell said. “Let’s eat and then we can decide what action we take.”
He had believed that with Dimitry’s death there would no longer be any threat from Romania. He certainly hadn’t expected to return from a difficult time in Saudi to what he was now facing.
Conversation over breakfast consisted mainly of Powell and Jenkins answering questions from Afina about their time in Saudi.
“Afina, tell Mara to let Gheorghe know I am back and planning to have a party on Friday night to celebrate my return. That gives us three days to prepare.”
“You have a plan?” Jenkins asked.
“More an idea than a plan. We need to work on the detail.”
“Life’s certainly never boring around you,” Jenkins joked.
“Once Mara tells Gheorghe you are back, your life is in danger,” Afina warned.
“I think it’s this Gheorghe who should be more worried,” Jenkins suggested. “I’ve seen Powell at work and if he has a plan, nothing gets in his way.”
Powell spent a large part of the remainder of the day on the phone. He had a long call with Angela Bennett, checking the children were okay and then discussing whether she should be concerned about Baz making any attempt to recover the children. Powell found it difficult to say with any certainty how Baz would react to the loss of his children.
Baz was a very wealthy and devious man. Apart from the pain any father would feel in his position, his pride would be hurt and Powell thought that might make him act rashly. He decided to call Lara and point out it was in both their interests that she had a word with Baz and warn him off doing anything stupid.
Once she had dealt with the shock of hearing his voice, she had agreed. She didn’t want to see him travelling to England and getting himself arrested for child abduction. Powell didn’t know exactly what she was blackmailing him with but had a good idea and took some wicked pleasure from pointing out she had him by the balls, whether it was literally true or not.
Powell had a long call with Brian and invited him to the upcoming party. He then made various other calls, including his mother and mother-in-law, who he hadn’t spoken to for far too long.
Jenkins was going to kip down in the office rather than stay in a hotel to provide added security. They had dinner together and enjoyed a few long cold beers.
“Beer in the future will always taste the better for my dry experiences in Saudi,” Jenkins said.
“I agree with that sentiment,” Powell replied, raising his bottle and touching Jenkins bottle in a toast. “Here’s to many more.”
Afina was serving their table and after bringing further beers, Jenkins said, “I like Afina. She seems very capable as well as beautiful. Are you two…”
“No we’re not,” Powell stressed.
“Okay, just asking. And while we’re on the subject…”
“What subject?”
“Dating. How is it you seem to do so well with the women when I’m younger and so much better looking.”
&nb
sp; “I’m actually crap with women and until recently I hadn’t been on a date for more years than I can remember.”
“I have to say that Lara was very beautiful… and noisy!” Jenkins burst into laughter.
“Don’t know what you mean,” Powell answered with a broad smile.
After dinner Powell took Afina aside and they shared a bottle of wine. He talked through his general idea for the Friday party.
“It’s dangerous,” Afina said. “Can’t you talk to Gheorghe and try and make him see sense? Otherwise someone could be hurt or even killed.”
“He sounds very similar to Dimitry and Victor. Would you have been able to make them see sense? I don’t think so.”
“But we should try. I will go speak with him. Mara can organise it.”
“Don’t go anywhere. I’ll arrange to meet him and see if I can persuade him to go back home.”
“Thank you, Powell. I missed you while you were away.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t call more but it was difficult.”
“I understand. I think what you did was amazing.”
“You deserve some time off. Why don’t you take tomorrow off and go out with your friends.”
“I can’t leave you at a time like this.”
“You need to have some fun with people your own age.”
“I enjoy my work.”
“All work and no play isn’t healthy. You’re young and beautiful. There are young men who would love to take you out.”
“Such as who?”
“Luke for example. I know he likes you.”
“I don’t like Luke like that.”
“I’m not telling you to marry him! Just go out and have some fun. Anyway, I’m going to bed,” Powell announced, rising from his chair.
“Can I come with you?” Afina asked.
“I’m very tired. I need to get some sleep and I’m not sure you’d let me,” Powell said lightly.
The last thing he wanted was to hurt Afina’s feelings. In truth, he felt very confused about his own feelings. He definitely hadn’t gotten over his experience with Lara. He had thought she was very special and the sex had been amazing, yet it had ended in disaster.