by M A Comley
“I’ve just had one, thanks.” She smiled and left the room.
Sara busied herself making the drinks and turned to see Carla staring at the wall behind her. “Something wrong?”
Carla shook herself out of her daze. “Sorry, no, drifted off there for a moment. Did you say something?”
“I asked if you’re okay.” She switched the kettle on and returned to her seat.
“No. I’m fine. It wasn’t personal, I swear. I was thinking about the case. Why would the abductor contact Sasha? Why take the risk? Why not leave well alone?”
Sara sighed as she thought. “Maybe his intention was to scare the crap out of her, keep her from immediately running to the police.”
“Why?”
“To give him, or them, time to carry out their audacious plan, whatever that might be.”
Carla puffed out her cheeks. “Sounds bloody ominous if that’s the truth. What are we up against here?”
“I wish I knew.” Sara lowered her voice and added, “Unless we figure out who that limo belongs to, I have a sinking feeling we’ll never find out.”
“God, don’t say that. The thought of Amber being in this madman’s hands…” Carla shuddered. “Shit! What if something like this had happened to me, you know, after I’d been attacked?”
“Try not to think about it, love. You’re safe, injured but safe, that’s the main thing.”
“I wish I knew why and who carried out the assault. None of it makes sense to me.”
“Nor me. I haven’t forgotten about you, we will find out who did this and punish them, I assure you.”
Carla waved a hand to dismiss the claim. “I’d rather leave it well alone, for fear it might stir up more trouble if we find out who’s responsible.”
“I get that, surely you want to see them punished?”
“Of course.” Her gaze dropped to the table. “But after knowing what’s happened to Amber, I’m just thankful I’m still around and able to do my job.”
The kettle switched off, and Sara patted Carla’s hand and leapt out of her chair to make the drinks.
The back door opened and a woman with long blonde hair entered and stopped dead. “Who are you and what are you doing in my kitchen?”
Sara produced her warrant card. “DI Sara Ramsey and my partner, DS Carla Jameson. We’re waiting for Sasha…”
Before Sara had the chance to say anything else, her daughter entered the room. “Come on, Mum, upstairs, I’ll explain everything while I help you pack a bag.”
Sara smiled at Sasha, grateful to see she’d obviously had second thoughts about wanting Sara to pave the way for her.
“What?”
Sasha grabbed her mother’s hand and pulled her out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
“She didn’t seem too happy,” Carla noted.
“She’ll come around. She has to.”
They finished their drinks and for the next ten minutes continued to bounce some ideas around about where the case might lead them, until they heard footfalls on the stairs.
Sara and Carla stood. The two women, carrying a holdall each, entered the room. “We’re ready. Shall we take our car?” Sasha asked.
“Yes, that’s probably a good idea.”
They left the house and secured the back door. Sara and Carla jumped in Sara’s car and Sasha and her mother followed them in theirs. Fifteen minutes later they arrived at the cottage, out near Creddenhill. A member of the witness protection team was already there, waiting for them.
Sara scanned the area, checking to see if they’d been followed to the location and then ushered everyone inside the cottage.
“It’s cold, dark and horrible,” Sasha’s mother hissed through gritted teeth, obviously not warming to the idea they would need to stay here for the next few days, at least.
“Stop complaining, Mum, what’s the alternative? Do you want what’s happened to Amber to happen to me?”
“Don’t be so absurd. Am I not allowed to voice my opinion now?”
Sasha hugged her mother. “I get that you’re scared, I am as well, but we need to do as the officers say. That way, hopefully, we’ll keep safe.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m struggling to get my head around all of this. It’s not right that people should be abducted, people I know. It’s hard to take in, love, that’s all.”
“It’s not ideal, none of this is, Mrs Minnow. We’re doing our very best to keep both of you safe while we search for Amber. Hopefully, you’ll only have to put up with the inconvenience for a few days, maximum.”
“I hope so. Sorry for being such an idiot.”
“There’s no need for you to apologise. Do you two want to go with Carla and take your bags upstairs while I have a word with the officer?”
The three ladies left the room. Sara smiled at the tall officer. “Sorry, I should have introduced myself when we arrived. Sara Ramsey.”
“No problem, I understood the need to get inside quickly. Drew Mitchell, at your service.”
“Thanks, Drew. All this is new to me, I feel for Sasha and her mother. We’ve got this place for two days, is that right?”
“Yes, but give us a shout if you’d like to extend their stay.”
“I will. Hopefully, that won’t be necessary and we’ll have caught the bastard by then.”
“Any news on that front?”
“No. I’ve got my team working on the intricacies of the case. We put out an appeal in the media yesterday and received some important leads to sink our teeth into. Nothing has come of it so far, though.”
“Well, good luck. Here’s my card, I need to shoot off now. Tell the ladies to make themselves at home, use the heating as and when they need it. I put some essential food in the kitchen. There’s a Co-op store in Bobblestock they can use to stock up, although my advice would be to keep their heads down for the next forty-eight hours and not to leave the cottage.”
“I’ll pass the message on. Thanks again for all your assistance.”
Sara saw him to the front door and put the chain on after he left. She wandered into the galley kitchen with its exposed beams, matching those in the living room, and opened the fridge to see what supplies he’d left them. For a man, he’d chosen well. Carla joined her a few moments later. “How are they?”
“The upstairs is a bit tight, a few complaints from the mother about how dirty the bathroom was and that it wasn’t up to her high standards. I left them to it.”
“Typical of a house-proud mother, eh? It’ll give her something to do during their stay.”
They both laughed.
“This place is quite cute. Different to what’s usually on offer, a flat in the centre of Hereford.”
“It is. I wouldn’t mind staying here for a few days myself, if the opportunity arises.”
“Let’s hope that doesn’t happen,” Carla said, shaking her head.
“Okay, I’ll tell the ladies we’re going to leave now. I’m eager to get back to the station, see if the team have uncovered anything new.” She made her way back through the cottage again and shouted up the stairs. “Ladies, we’re going to make a move. Is there anything you need before we go?”
Sasha appeared at the top of the steep stairs. “I don’t think so. Umm… are there any rules we need to follow about living here?”
“Not really, I’ve got Drew’s card, I’ll leave it on the side-table by the inglenook. He’s put a few essentials in the fridge, more than a few, actually, they’ll see you through the next day or so. He also told me to tell you there’s a Co-op at Bobblestock. My advice would be to limit the time you spend away from the cottage, just to be on the safe side. I’ll leave you one of my cards as well, don’t hesitate to ring me, all right?”
“Thank you, you’re so kind. Are you going to try and find Amber now?”
“Of course. Oh, I almost forgot, Drew also said to tell you not to be afraid to use the heating. I felt the radiator, it’s on, please be patient, it might take a little while to h
eat up an old house like this. Stay safe. I’ll be in touch soon.”
Sasha nodded and smiled. “I can’t thank you enough for believing me.”
Sara smiled. “We’re in this together. See you later. Make sure you put the chain on the front door after we leave, just in case.”
She collected Carla, and they left the cottage. Outside, she sucked in a lungful of crisp fresh air. “I hope they’re going to be all right here.”
“They should be, provided they follow the rules and remain tucked up inside.”
Sara turned the radio on once they were back in the car. “It’s almost time for the news, I’m hoping they’ll still be running the appeal.”
A couple of tracks later, the local news came on. Sara frowned when she heard the announcer say they had an update on the case they’d been following closely. Sara shot a quick glance at Carla and turned the radio up.
“We were contacted by a young lady who possibly witnessed Amber Rowse’s abduction in the centre of Hereford on Monday. This is what mobile hairdresser, Davina Harding had to say…”
Sara listened to Davina give the same account she’d given her about Amber getting into the limousine and cringed. “Jesus, what is wrong with people? Why go to the damn press?”
“Come now, you know the bloody answer to that. Everyone wants their fifteen minutes of fame these days.”
“Seriously? I would rather do without it. This isn’t good, it could hamper our investigation now that she’s mentioned the limo. Sod it, sod it, sod it.” Sara bashed the steering wheel with the heel of her hand.
6
Harvey was out on his own, a specific target in mind this time around. He parked his car outside the designated address and waited. As soon as the woman’s vehicle showed up, he prepared to swoop. Gloves in place, he picked up the rope from the passenger seat and wrapped it around one hand. Then, he reached for the vial and needle. He worked rapidly to fill the needle with the clear liquid. All this was done within seconds of the woman’s arrival. She exited the car and went to the boot. She retrieved a large bag and approached the front door of the house.
He made his move. Crouching behind the hedge outside the property until he stepped onto the path. “Hi, are you waiting for someone?”
The woman jumped, turned to smile and said, “Yes, I was told the owner of the house wanted a haircut. Do you know Henry?”
“I do. Here, I know where he keeps his spare key, I’ll let you in.” Harvey approached the woman; she seemed grateful for his assistance. He lifted up the front mat and showed her the key. “Told you.” He stood and she inched back to allow him access to the front door.
Swiftly, he jabbed her in the neck and released the contents of the needle. Her legs instantly gave way beneath her. He caught her and slung her over his shoulder, grateful that the nights were drawing in early now. “That’ll teach you to keep your mouth shut, bitch. Thought you’d stir up trouble for us, did you? Well, that didn’t work out well in your favour, did it? Fame seekers are the pits.”
He threw her onto the back seat of his car and jumped behind the steering wheel, his eyes darting around the area, making sure no one had seen him. Then, he drove out to the airfield at Leominster where his brother was waiting for him.
“You’re an idiot, grabbing another one so soon,” Daniel slated him.
“When I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it. Now give me a hand.”
Together, they bundled the woman’s body into the plane. Harvey bound her hands and feet, and Daniel prepared the plane for take-off.
Harvey sat in the executive chair and poured himself a celebratory glass of whisky. He downed the contents in one gulp and leaned back against the headrest, satisfied his latest acquisition had gone so smoothly.
The plane landed, and together, they transferred the girl’s unconscious body into the waiting vehicle and drove to the cottage.
“I’ll check the other one is okay.”
Daniel nodded, and Harvey left his brother arranging the girl in the chair in the kitchen.
Harvey opened the damp room and strained an ear in the dark. He detected a slight sniffle in the corner and switched on the light. Amber shielded her eyes from the sudden glare lighting up the room. “Hello, pretty lady. How are you?”
“Please, let me go. You’ve punished me enough now.”
“Have I? How do you know that?”
“I want to go home.”
“This is your home for the foreseeable future, until the next part of the plan slots into place. We have company for you.”
“Who?”
He laughed. “Eager bunny, aren’t you? You’ll find out soon enough.”
He left the room again, the door wide open, knowing that she was still chained to the bed and unable to escape.
Daniel was standing with his arms folded at the sink, staring at the girl. “She’s pretty in an elf-like kind of way.”
Harvey laughed. “How many pretty elves have you stumbled across in the past?”
“All right, smartarse. What now?”
“Help me get her in the same room as the other one.”
“Is that wise?”
Harvey frowned. “Meaning?”
“What if they get talking and come up with a plan to escape?”
Harvey laughed. “Like that’s going to happen. The bitch will be chained to the bed, like the other one. They ain’t going anywhere soon. Not until we’re ready to hand them over. Wait until I contact Shipman, he’s gonna be rubbing his hands when I tell him we have two girls already. He might even bring the pick-up time forward a little, so we get our hands on the dosh earlier.”
“That’ll be good. The sooner the girls are off our hands, the better.”
“You’re such a wuss. I never hear you complaining when you’re out there spending the bloody money we earn from doing this.”
“It doesn’t make it right.”
“You’re nuts. You want the spoils but baulk at the work involved achieving it.”
“Bollocks. Sod off, bro.”
“Make yourself useful. Knock up a meal for them.”
“A meal? I ain’t no chef.”
Harvey sighed. “You want me to do all the work, is that it?”
“Hardly, I fly the damn plane, don’t I? You can’t do that because you didn’t have the guts to take the lessons.”
“We both have our uses then. Just do it. There should be a can of tomato soup in the cupboard, that’ll do for them. I think there’s some stale bread next to it, they can dunk it in the soup.”
Daniel pointed at the girl in the chair. “How long before she wakes up?”
“I’ll get her settled and inject her with the reverse serum. Get on with the food. I want to be back in Hereford within a few hours.”
Harvey hauled the girl over his shoulder and wound his way through the small cottage to the cave room at the rear. “Here, I’ve brought some company for you. Budge over, you’re going to have to share the bed.”
Amber squeezed into the corner and studied the girl.
Harvey grabbed the piece of chain he had hidden earlier from under the bed and attached it to the girl’s right leg. Then, he injected her with the serum and stood back. Her head slowly rotated, and she jumped when she saw Amber.
“Who are you? Oh, God, you’re that girl I saw getting in…” she whispered. “Where am I?”
“You’re safe, that’s all you need to know,” Harvey informed her. “Dinner will be here soon.”
“Thank you,” Amber muttered from the corner. She held her hand out to the other girl. “My name is Amber.”
“Thank God you’re alive.”
“I am.”
Davina glanced Harvey’s way and asked, “Why are you doing this to us?”
He pointed at her. “You shouldn’t have opened your mouth to the press.”
“Oh no! You’re punishing me because I helped the police?”
“Yep.” He left the room and returned to the kitchen. Daniel was in
the process of tipping the soup into a couple of cereal bowls. Harvey selected a few slices of the stale loaf, picked off a couple of mouldy bits and threw the bread into the soup. “There, a meal fit for a princess or two.”
7
Friday morning arrived, and so did the torrential rain. Sara hated the rain, it soured everyone’s mood. Today, she decided to look on the bright side; at least she wasn’t driving into work battling a snow blizzard like the people in America. She’d heard the reports on the news and knew they’d be expecting the same weather front in the next ten days or so, if history was about to repeat itself.
The team were already at their desks and Carla appeared to be a lot brighter than the previous day. “Morning all, anything useful come in overnight?”
“No, nothing as yet,” Carla replied. She left her seat and walked over to the vending machine to buy Sara a coffee.
“Thanks, Carla, nice to see I have you well-trained. You’re looking so much better today, or is that the result of another bout of heavy make-up?”
“No, it’s the Arnica gel I’ve been slathering on when I get home. Miracle stuff.”
“I’ll add it to my shopping list.” Sara smiled and took a sip of her drink. “Where did we get up to with the limo yesterday?”
Will waved a sheet of paper. “I’m going through the list right now. There are fifty potentials to sift through.”
“It’s too much to ask that one of them belongs to Henry Barrows, am I right?”
Will shook his head as he cast his eyes over the list again. “Yep. Nothing on here.”
“Just as I thought. In that case, Craig, we’re relying on you to come up with the goods as usual.”
“No pressure there, then. I didn’t receive the footage until late afternoon. I’ll get on it now and give you a shout as soon as I find anything.”
“I’ll leave you to it and continue with my daily grind. Once I’ve dealt with the post, we’ll have a conflab about what we should do next. To say I was disappointed with the response from the public would be a gross understatement.” She left her colleagues to it and drifted into her office, pausing for a few seconds to admire the view of the Brecon Beacons and their inviting peaks. She took a couple of sips of coffee and then sat behind her desk, sighing at the pile of brown envelopes vying for her attention.