Mike looked puzzled. 'Can’t see how you can live in a place for three years, and not one of your neighbours knows anything at all about you. Even the old biddy next door, who was prepared to tell me anything I wanted to know about everyone in the whole of bloody Berwick, knows nothing about Maria. Only that she’s been here for three years, and comes and goes at odd hours.'
'Yeah, doesn’t sound like she has a regular job to pay for all of that. She’s certainly not a copper, that’s for sure.'
Mike laughed. 'You got that in one. OK, let's get back. This note has me puzzled.'
CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
Smiler got off the bus in the middle of Berwick. The town was full of holidaymakers who seemed to have descended in swarms. He had to see Mike. He couldn’t think straight – the pressure of knowing only so much was torturing him. Both girls, who were somehow linked to him, were in grave danger. He had to make Mike realise there were less than two days left. They had to find out where the girls were before it was too late. But all he could see was blood, blood and more blood.
Somehow he had to make Mike believe.
The girls were in some sort of fortress, perhaps a castle. He knew this from the rough cold stone he had felt through their hands, and the vast empty spaces above them. They were together, but not together; in the same place, but unaware of each other.
But where? This coast was littered with castles.
It was all so frustrating. He knew, and he believed. This wasn’t just something he was imagining, it was real. He knew he could really see things, but Mike could be so stubborn.
Lately the flashes he’d been getting had been terrifying, more intense. It seemed the older he got, the more he was able to see. And the more it was frightening him. He wished to God they would stop, go away, leave him in peace. Aunt May had said it was a gift, and he should be thankful.
He only saw it as a curse.
Arriving at the police station, he was told by the blonde PC that Mike was out. Disappointed, and anxious because time was running away at an alarming speed, he went back into the town centre. He would grab a ham and cheese sandwich somewhere, then go back and wait.
The café he chose was The Baguette in Hide Street. Further down the street, on the other side, he spotted The Flower Room. He would take Aunt May a bunch of flowers. Last night had been so special. He had found out, for the first time ever, how good it felt to really laugh, so much that it hurt. His eyes misted up just remembering. He supposed any flowers would do, she seemed to love them all.
He counted the change in his pocket without taking it out, a trick you learned early on when your life was the streets. Mike had sorted him out with Social Security and now, thank God, he got money on a regular basis.
No more selling himself just to eat. To be honest, though, it wasn’t just to eat. The depraved things he’d let happen to himself had been to feed his drug addiction. And the things that happened before he was addicted were done to him to feed his mother’s addiction.
He sighed. So much to be sorry for.
So much to be thankful for.
So much to lose.
CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR
Danny watched one of the monks and the gunman walk round the tables, giving out little white pills. Eager hands reached towards them, the pills greedily snatched and swallowed at once.
Shit! he thought, wondering exactly what deadly poison the monk was giving out.
How the hell do I get out of this?
Once, when they were teenagers, he and Evan had been tempted to try drugs by a beautiful girl they both fancied like mad. That once had been more than enough. All he remembered about the experience was being chased down the street by every horrific monster fiction writers had dreamed up, and many more of his own creation. Hell, there were even Space Invaders from the actual game bloody well chasing him, with their own special sound effects. He shuddered at the memory.
If Evan, who had seemed untouched by the drugs, apart from being a little hyper, hadn’t finally caught him, God only knows what might have happened to him. He was heading directly for the motorway at the time, like a homing pigeon, his way home across two- and three-lane motorways. They had both sworn off it the next day, and had never been tempted since.
This stuff that they were feeding the work force seemed to have a different effect though, he thought, sort of keeping the poor sods like zombies.
He looked at the tablets he was packing, noting with relief that they were coated and probably, he thought – he hoped – would only dissolve in the stomach. He glanced up at the new girl, who was still shaking, and wondered what her story was, what had led her to this hell. Waiting until the monk and the gunman were furthest away, and thanking God that they hadn’t started with his little corner, he hissed quietly.
Either she hadn’t heard him, or she was ignoring him. He looked at the other girl, her brown hair tied up in bunches which fell halfway down her back. Her eyes behind her glasses were as far away as they could possibly be. Danny felt a stab of pity. She only looked about fifteen years old.
He tore his eyes away from her, knowing in the state she was in there was nothing he could do. She would take the pill with great joy, and probably claw his eyes out if he attempted to stop her. Looking at the new girl, he hissed again. This time she looked up. He used his eyes to get her attention to what the monk and the gunman were doing. She stared at them, puzzled, for a moment then, noticing the delight on the workers' faces as each was handed a tablet, froze in fear.
His heart pounding, anxious not to be heard, Danny hissed again, knowing it was probably the last time he would be able to make such a noise without drawing attention to himself, as the monk and the gunman came closer.
She swung her head towards him. Danny opened his mouth and lifted his tongue up. Keeping his hand on the table, he turned it palm up and pointed with his middle finger towards his mouth.
Misreading his intentions, Cassie stared at him in horror.
Seeing her expression, and understanding what she was thinking, the look on Danny’s bright red face was no less horrified.
My God, she thinks I’m a perve!
No no, no, he mouthed, slowly shaking his head. Don’t swallow the tablet… Do… not… swallow… the tablet.
He looked furtively round. The gunman and the monk were two tables behind, with their backs to him. Swinging his head back to face Cassie, he did the same mime again, raising his hand to his mouth this time and putting his finger under his tongue.
To Danny’s immense relief, a moment later she gave a quick nod before dropping her head and getting on with her work.
Thank God, Danny thought, as the monk reached his side.
The monk handed Danny a pill. 'Oh, thank you so much.' He beamed at the monk, then switched his smile to the gunman, who rolled his eyes as he walked away.
Cassie was handed her pill, and did what Danny had said. Both of them took the pills out of their mouths as soon as the monk and the gunman disappeared through the door.
Quickly, Danny opened one of the plastic bags they were packing and dropped the pill inside. Watching him, Cassie did the same. He nodded encouragingly at her, and received a wan smile in return.
Danny risked a quick smile, then mimed, look dopey.
She got it right this time, and looked at the other girl. She tried a few faces out on Danny, who chose number two. Catching sight of the door opening again, he put his head down and got on with his work.
CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE
Mike and Kristina walked into the station, to be told Mike had a visitor waiting in his office. He was about to ask who when the desk sergeant, a small, pretty, heavily-pregnant Asian woman, who Mike had never seen before, ducked out of sight and bobbed up again a moment later. Throwing a large brown handbag strap over her shoulder, she said quickly, 'Sorry, got to go… Ante-natal class this afternoon.' She ran round the counter, stopped at the door and gave them a wave.
Mike threw Kristina a look of total disbelief a
s the regular desk sergeant walked through the door behind the counter.
'Jenna gone then, has she?'
'Oh yeah,' Mike replied with a smile.
'She’s a canny enough kid. Been here about a year or so. A bit excitable at the moment, but that’s to be expected.' He laughed. 'If you’ll pardon the pun.'
'God help us,' Kristina murmured, as she turned and headed down the corridor, followed a moment later by Mike.
As she reached the door, Mike caught up with her. Stretching his arm, he got the handle just before she did. She looked up at his face as the door swung open. For a few brief seconds, they looked into each other’s eyes. Then they were disturbed by a low cough.
They both looked to see where the sound had come from. Kristina smiled while Mike, for a brief moment, was shocked.
'Hello, Tony.' Kristina moved first. 'It’s been a good few years. When did you get here?'
Tony stood up to greet Kristina with a kiss on her cheek. 'An hour or so ago. You look really well, Kristina. You certainly suit your hair like that. If you want my opinion, girl, you shouldn’t ever get it cut again.'
Kristina looked at Mike with one raised eyebrow. Mike rolled his eyes. Over his shock, he walked over and clasped Tony’s hand. 'Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would have met you at the station.'
'It’s good to see you, too.'
Mike tutted. 'You know what I mean. Aunt May will be thrilled you’re home.'
Kristina didn’t see the slight change in Tony’s face, but Mike did. He knew him too well not to notice.
Suddenly the room was filled with tension. Kristina felt it, but didn't know the reason -- four years was a long time to be out of someone’s life, anything could have happened between them. Feeling that they needed some space, she said. 'I’ve got some phone calls to make, OK? See youse guys in a mo, right?' With a sideways wink at Mike, she walked back out the door.
Gently closing the door behind her, Mike turned to face Tony. 'OK, what is it?'
'Look, Mike, I’m only here for a day, two at the most. There won’t be any time. I’d rather you not tell her that I’m up here than have her upset that I don’t visit.'
Mike stared at him. He knew there was something wrong, but he couldn’t quite put a finger on it. He also knew if he pushed too hard, Tony would close his shell. Tony could be as stubborn as hell when it suited him. Shrugging, Mike said, 'OK, if it’s that important.'
Tony was about to thank him when, unable to resist, Mike went on, 'She was very upset that you didn’t make Christmas, and what? A couple of phone calls since? Nearly half a year later.'
Tony held his hands up. 'Guilty as charged, but I will make it up to her, I promise. As soon as this business is finished.'
Grudgingly, Mike nodded. 'OK. So what really brings you back home?'
'Sorry, that’s classified.'
'For fuck’s sake, Tony! Has it anything to do with what I was working on down there?' Mike’s exasperation showed as he frowned at Tony.
'Mike, you know how it works. Let’s just forget it, eh? A flying visit, that’s all. And please don’t tell Aunt May I was here. I feel guilty enough as it is.'
Mike relented. 'OK.'
Relieved, Tony went on, 'I’ve heard about the two murders you have on your hands. Any progress?'
Shaking his head, Mike moved to the window. He needed space to think. There was something odd about Tony, something in his eyes. Something that perhaps only two other people in the world would pick up. He’d noticed it in London, but had been unable to put his finger on the problem.
Instead of answering him, Mike turned and asked a question of his own. 'Have you heard from Dave lately?'
There was a tiny breath of a pause before Tony answered. There it is again, Mike thought. As well as noting the pause, he registered the faint haze over his eyes, as Tony replied, 'Er, yeah, a few weeks ago. Not quite a month. He said he was well… Have you heard from him? He usually writes to us at the same time.'
Mike gave a flat, 'No.'
'Oh. Right then. This business of the march to bring the Gospels back home. Tell Aunt May to keep away.'
'Why?' Mike frowned at the swift change of subject.
Tony sighed. 'That’s all I can say, don’t let her get involved. And now I have to leave.'
'Talk about a flying visit.'
'Sorry, Mike, it’s work. I only took time out to see you, and warn you to keep her away from that lot.'
'But why?'
With a sigh, Tony stood up. 'Later, Mike, OK? All I can say – and believe me, I shouldn’t even say this -- they aren’t what they seem. Just keep her away, will you?'
Mike moved to stand in front of the door. Physically, Tony was no match for Mike. He never had been. He’d tried, once, when they had only known each other for a few weeks. Mike had beaten the shit out of him. Again when they were teenagers, Aunt May had forced her way between them, stopping a second beating just by her very presence. They had settled their differences, with Dave as the peacemaker, and six months later they had become inseparable.
Mike folded his arms across his chest, a gesture Tony knew well. 'If something’s happening on my patch, I want to know about it. And I want to know now.'
Tony had the lie ready. It spilled quickly from his lips. 'All right, but you must keep it to yourself.' He raised his eyebrows in a question.
Mike gave a quick nod.
'It’s all a cover-up. The lot in charge are using the march to get most of the people off the island----'
'Why?' Mike snapped.
'They’re staying at the castle, and plan to rob the place during the two hours everyone’s at the meeting. And you know Aunt May, if she takes a dislike to them… Well, I’m worried in case she stands in their way. Anything could happen to her. This particular bunch of art thieves have killed before.'
'She already has.'
'What?'
'Taken a dislike to them.'
Tony’s face dropped, and Mike started to believe that his main concern was Aunt May.
'She hasn’t been making her mouth go about them, has she?'
'Just to me and Smiler. And,' Mike shrugged, 'probably a few friends of hers. So just how bad are these creeps?'
'We’ve been chasing them for a good few years. They’ve pulled quite a few scams, but this time I think we have them. It’s cleared with the powers that be. We have temporary jurisdiction over the island.'
Mike was quiet for a moment. Seeing the stubborn set of his chin Tony said quickly. 'It just came through about an hour ago, if you’re wondering why you haven’t been informed.'
Why don’t I believe him? Mike wondered, but said, 'OK, I’ll do my best to keep her away.'
'And you’ve got to promise me you’ll keep out of it. The whole business is cleared by the big guys. It may be on your patch, but trust me -- it’s sorted.'
'Right, whatever.' Clearly unhappy about it, Mike held his hands up.
Tony sighed his relief. 'Right, gotta go, Mike. Take care.' He gave Mike a hug, something he hadn’t done for a long time. Surprised, Mike hugged him back. But his mind was working overtime. Far from allaying his suspicions, the hug had intensified them.
As they walked to the outer doors, Tony in front, Mike stared at the back of his head, wondering if Tony was in some kind of trouble. The bit about classified information he didn’t buy, not one little bit. Tony was a good cop and hot on protocol. No way would he let slip information like that.
CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX
Mike was rummaging around his desk when Kristina came in, followed by Smiler. She motioned with her thumb over her shoulder. 'Found your mate here, sitting outside.'
'Mike, I have to talk to you.' Smiler stepped to the side of Kristina so that he could be seen.
Frowning, Mike looked up, his hands still amongst the rubbish on his desk.
'What are you looking for?' Kristina asked.
'That scrap of paper.'
'For God’s sake, Mike. I put it right
there.' Kristina poked the middle of his desk with her finger. 'How could you miss it?'
'Mike,' Smiler said, watching Kristina having a rummage of her own.
'Just a minute, sunshine.'
Both Smiler and the paper were forgotten a moment later, when the phone rang. Snatching it up, Mike gave his usual prologue. He nearly dropped the phone a moment later, shouting, 'What? How?'
Kristina stopped rummaging. She and Smiler stared at Mike, as he went on. 'OK, Jill, calm down. I’m sure there’ll be a good reason.' He listened again, then said, 'Give me Billy’s address, and I’ll send a car for you.'
Kristina handed him a pen and a sheet of paper. He threw her a grateful smile, then listened intently as he scribbled the address down. 'Right, Jill, now that’s only about four or five minutes away. See you in a bit.'
He strode out of the room. Kristina and Smiler frowned their puzzlement at each other. A minute later he was back.
'What the hell’s going on?' Kristina demanded, as he came back through the door.
'Jill’s youngest girl. She’s gone missing.'
Before Kristina could say anything, both she and Mike were startled by a loud thud. Smiler had fainted.
'Jesus Christ,' Mike said, rushing to pick him up.
Together they got him into a chair, then Kristina went for water as Mike tried to bring him round. Gently he patted his face. Smiler blinked. A moment later, his eyes shot wide open. 'You’ve got to help her, Mike.'
'Help who?' Kristina asked, holding the glass of water to Smiler’s lips.
Smiler shook his head. 'I don’t know, it’s all confusing.' He took a sip of water and looked up at Mike. 'It’s gone. But I think they, she… They are in a castle, or something like one.'
'Something like one, eh?' Mike tutted. 'Have you any idea how many castles there are in Northumberland? Or even how many buildings that look like a castle?' Answering his own question, he went on. 'Bloody twenty-five of them, that’s how many. And that’s not even counting the look-alikes, nor the ones in Durham, for God’s sake.'
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