by John Holt
Leaving the car park he continued westward towards Placid Drive, where Governor Reynolds lived. Three hundred yards further on, he slowed as he approached the junction. The lights were still at green. He gradually increased his speed. As he past the signals he noticed that the light had changed to red. He continued to drive wondering whether or not he had actually jumped the lights. As he did so he suddenly heard the police siren blaring behind him. He cursed himself for being so careless. He slowed down, and pulled over. The police car drove past at speed, and turned into the next road on the right. Gradually the sound faded. Duncan checked his mirrors, signaled, pulled out slowly, and resumed his journey. He turned to the right, on to the main highway. There was no sign of the police car.
One mile further on, he turned off the main highway, into Lakeside Avenue. Five minutes later he turned into a private roadway, Placid Drive. As he did so he noticed the first of many CCTV cameras. Another hundred yards along the driveway, and he arrived at the main gate to the house. He stopped.
The Security Guard came out from the gatehouse, and walked up to the car. He shone his torch at the car, then up at the driver. He immediately recognized the driver, and lowered the torch. “Good evening, Mr. Duncan,” he said.
Duncan lowered his window. “Good evening, Ed,it’s a nasty night. Don’t you get too wet will you? How’s your good lady?”
“Oh she’s fine, thank you, sir,” Ed replied. “It’s good to see you again, sir. The Governor is expecting you. You are to go right up.” He flashed his torch giving a cursory glance into the back of the car.
“Hey Ed,” Duncan called out. “Give it a good look back there won’t you.” He laughed.
Ed smiled. Search Mr. Duncan’s car, you must be kidding. It was unthinkable. He liked his job too much. Besides he had known Mr. Duncan for, what was it, three years? Nearer four he decided. He had first met Duncan shortly after the Governor’s election. That was four years ago.
“Yes sure thing”, he said, as he gave another quick glance at the back seat. “You’re clear, sir, on you go.” Then he waved him through. “Open the gate, Charlie,” he called out to his colleague. “Have a pleasant evening, sir,” he said as Duncan drove through.
“You’re a good man, Ed,” Duncan called out as he drove past. The gate closed silently behind him.
The guard watched for a few moments longer, and then hurried back inside. He put in a call to the house to advise them that Duncan had arrived. He checked his watch, and then made an entry into his logbook.
Duncan drove up to the house, and stopped close to the garage area. He looked across to the garage. The doors were closed as he had expected. He looked towards the house. There, at the first floor level, was a CCTV camera. It was directed towards the center of the three garage doors. He stopped in line with the last garage door, switched off the engine. He looked back at the camera. It was positioned just right. It would pick up the front of the car, and part of the right hand side only. The rest should be in darkness. Satisfied he opened the car door, and got out. He started to walk towards the house. As he did so the main door opened and Governor Reynolds was standing there with a huge grin on his face. “Come on in, Ian,” he yelled. “Quick as you can, you’re getting soaked.”
“Okay Frank,” he called back. “I’m coming.” As he arrived at the entrance portico he stopped and looked back towards the garage. “Why don’t we look at it now?” he asked. “I mean what’s the point of going in, and getting comfortable, and then coming out again.”
“Okay, you win,” Reynolds said. “Let me just get my coat.” He went back inside the house, emerging a few moments later. “Come on then. Let’s go.”
The two men quickly walked over to the garage. As they passed by Duncan’s car he glanced over to the rear seat. It was quite dark, but he could see that the blanket was still in place. Brady was still there. He hadn’t moved.
As Reynolds approached the garage he de-pressed the small fob that he was holding. The left hand garage door slowly began to rise. He quickly walked through and went over to the light switches. He flipped on the first two.
“Well, there it is,” said Reynolds proudly, as they walked over to a gleaming sports car. “1926 Bentley Roadster Coupe,” he announced proudly. “4-litre engine, 16 valves, 190 brake horse-power. Whatever that all means,” he continued. He paused to allow the knowledge to sink in. “Did you know that there are only ten of them left in the whole world?”
“Is that right”, Duncan said, sounding impressed. No he hadn’t known that. “Ten,” he repeated. “That’s truly remarkable.” He slowly walked around the car, stopping every few moments to examine some feature or another. “There’s not a scratch on it,” he remarked. “The bodywork looks immaculate.” He opened the driver’s door and got in. “You don’t get that luxury anymore, Frank,” he said. “That’s real craftsmanship at its very best.”
Duncan took hold of the steering wheel, turning it slightly one way, then the other. He leaned forward and tapped the dials. “Open up the hood Frank,” he said beginning to get out of the car. “Let’s take a look at the engine.”
“It’s that lever there”, Reynolds replied, pointing. “That green one. There on the left.”
Duncan looked down to where Reynolds had indicated. He found it. “That one”, he said, giving it a slight tug. There was a muffled clunk, and the hood opened slightly.
Reynolds placed his fingers into the gap, and then lifted the hood. He placed the support arm into place. “There you are,” he said, as Duncan joined him at the front of the car. “It’s all beyond me though. I’m no mechanic.”
“Neither am I,” Duncan said. “But it’s a magnificent piece of engineering, you have to admit that.” He placed his hands on to the engine. “Magnificent. There’s no other word for it.” He then moved away from the car. “You can close it up now Frank,” he said. “I’ve seen all I need to see.”
Reynolds released the supporting bar, and lowered the hood. When the lid was only one inch high he let it go. There was a low hiss as the lid dropped down gently. Then there was a muffled thud indicating that it was securely closed. “Well what do you think?” he asked.
Duncan looked at Reynolds. Then he looked down at the car. “Okay,” he said. “I’ll take it. How much do you want for it?”
Reynolds looked at the car, then back at Duncan. Now that the moment had actually arrived, he wasn’t absolutely sure that he wanted to sell after all. He laughed. “If you have to ask the price, then you can’t afford it.” He looked at the car once more. Okay, I’ll sell it, but it won’t be cheap. “Five hundred thousand dollars,” he said. “And that’s a bargain.”
Duncan looked at Reynolds for a moment, and let out a slow whistle. He knew that the price was far too high. He knew that Reynolds was trying to pull a fast one. But he also knew that the deal would never actually go through. The events that were to come later would see to that. “Done,” he said, and offered his hand. Never try to con a con man.
“You strike a hard bargain, Frank.” Reynolds grasped the outstretched hand. Duncan took out his wallet and opened it. He looked inside. “I don’t have that much on me right now,” he said, and returned the wallet to the inside pocket.
“I’ll take a check,” said Reynolds and laughed again, all thoughts of the previous night long gone. “Come on. Let’s get a drink.” He switched off the lights. The two men walked back into the house. The rain had now stopped completely, but there was a slight chill in the air. As they reached the door Reynolds looked back towards the garage. The door was still open. Reynolds took out the key fob, and de-pressed it. Nothing happened. He tried once again. Still nothing happened. It was too far for the remote switch to operate.
“I’ll have to go back and close that door,” Reynolds announced.
Duncan moved closer and placed his arm around his shoulder. “Do it later, Frank,” he said. “I’ve just spent five hundred thousand dollars of my hard earned cash. I need a drink and I need it
now,” he laughed loudly. “I feel quite overcome.” Reynolds continued to look at the garage. “It’ll be all right,” said Duncan. “Come on before I pass out.” He moved towards the door, pulling Reynolds with him.
“Sure. Sure thing,” said Reynolds, turning reluctantly towards the house, glancing back at the garage. Duncan was probably right. It will be okay. I’ll get one of the servants, or Jarvis to deal with it later.
They entered the house, and went into the west wing. Jarvis, Reynolds’ secretary was waiting for them. “A scotch for Mr. Duncan”, Reynolds instructed. “Make it a double and bourbon for me.” Both men sat down. Shortly after Jarvis brought over the drinks and left the room.
Reynolds watched as the door closed. I should have told Jarvis about the garage door, he murmured. It was too late now. Later would have to do. He turned to face Duncan. “So that’s that,” he said. “Not a bad evening’s work.” He took a drink. “What will you do with her?” he asked. Duncan wasn’t listening. He had other things on his mind. He looked at the large clock on the mantle shelf. Just after nine twenty. He wasn’t planning on staying too late.
“Ian,” Reynolds called out. “Are you with me?”
Duncan was startled. “Oh, sorry, I was day dreaming,” he said. “Just thinking of the Bentley and being out on the open road, and putting my foot down.” He took a drink. “What speed would she do?” he asked.
“Oh I don’t know,” replied Reynolds. “One hundred and sixty, one hundred and eighty, I suppose. Something like that I expect. I don’t really know.” He had never really driven the car, not at speed that is. “Way over the legal speed limit anyway, I would imagine. Faster than you will ever need, Ian.”
Duncan looked at the clock again. Nine thirty. He checked his watch. It was the same. Time was dragging. He was anxious to be on his way, but it was far too early just yet. He sat silently for a moment. Reynolds stood up and walked over to the side table. “Another drink?” he called out. There was no reply. Duncan continued to stare at the floor. “I said would you like another drink?” Reynolds asked again. Still there was no reply. Reynolds moved closer to Duncan, and gently tapped his arm. Startled, Duncan quickly looked up. Reynolds moved away. “Are you all right, Ian?” he asked. He looked around at Duncan. “You seem a little, I don’t know.” Reynolds hesitated for a moment. “Pre-occupied.”
“I’m fine,” Duncan replied quickly. “I’m absolutely fine.”
Reynolds was not completely convinced, but he decided to drop it. “That’s good, now what about that drink?” He walked over to the bar.
“Sure,” said Duncan, quickly draining the glass.
“Not changed your mind?” Reynolds asked. “I mean about the car. Not thinking of pulling out are you? Not too expensive for you, is it?”
“Certainly not,” Duncan replied emphatically. “We’ll draw up the papers tomorrow, and I’ll give you a check, all right?”
“That’s fine with me,” Reynolds said as he poured the drinks. “In fact, it couldn’t be better.” Five hundred thousand dollars, he thought smugly. That money would certainly come in handy. After all he was thankfully no longer part of Duncan’s foolhardy scheme.
* * *
Brady heard Reynolds and Duncan walk away. He waited a few more moments, and then cautiously peered out of the rear window. He saw nothing. He heard nothing. The area was deserted. He pushed the blanket off and over to the other side of the seat. He looked over towards the house. There was no one in sight. He could see the soft glow from the lights in the portico area. Over on the left, high up, he could just see the security camera pointing in his direction. He was in total darkness. The car lay between the camera and the garage. He judged that there was no possibility of being picked up by that camera.
He looked around once more. Then he opened the offside door, and slid out, keeping low. He reached back into the car and withdrew the black attaché case. He then quietly closed the door. Looking from side to side, and keeping as low as possible, he slowly made his way over to the garage. The garage was in darkness, apart from a few scattered shafts of moonlight that penetrated a little way passed the open door. He entered the garage, and quickly moved behind the doorway. He moved in between two of the cars, and down to the back of the garage. Here it was almost completely dark, except for the moonlight coming through a high level window. Between the two cars he was completely hidden from view.
He sat down, and placed the attaché case on the floor in front of him. He flicked the catches and took out the gun. He then connected an ammunition clip. Lastly he took hold of the silencer. He looked along the barrel. He attached it to the gun and turned it slightly, securing it into position. He then carefully wiped the whole assembly, and laid it down on top of the case. He was ready, and all he had to do now was to wait. He checked his watch. It was a little before nine fifty-five. He had at least another hour and fifteen minutes to wait.
* * *
Duncan looked at the clock for the umpteenth time that evening. It was just after quarter past ten. “I guess I better be making a move,” he said. “Feeling a bit tired. Probably won’t get home till eleven thirty. I’ve a busy day tomorrow.” He stood up and started to walk to the door.
“Okay,” said Reynolds, standing up. He looked at the wall clock. It was still quite early, Duncan normally stayed much later. It wasn’t like him to be tired quite so early. Nonetheless, he had to admit that he would not be sorry to see Duncan leave. He rang the bell. Shortly afterwards Jarvis knocked and entered.
“Mr. Duncan is leaving now, Jarvis. Would you fetch his coat?”
Five minutes later Reynolds saw Duncan to his car. “It’s not too bad now,” he said, looking up at the sky. “A little chilly that’s all. We might have a frost later tonight.”
Duncan glanced at the rear seat. The blanket had been pushed to one side. Duncan glanced over to the garage. He then looked back at Reynolds. “Okay, that’s fine. I’ll see you tomorrow then,” he said. He then looked towards the house. Standing at the doorway was Jarvis. Duncan smiled. That was good, he thought. He checked his watch. “Twenty minutes after ten,” he said loudly. “Goodnight Jarvis. Don’t stand in the cold for too long,” he called out.
“Oh, goodnight sir,” a surprised Jarvis replied. He gave a cursory wave, and went into the house.
“Drive carefully,” said Reynolds.
“I will, don’t you worry about me,” Duncan called out. He put the car into drive, and slowly moved towards the gateway.
When he was out of sight, Reynolds turned and walked back into the house, closing the door behind him.
* * *
Inside the garage Brady suddenly heard the footsteps on the gravel as Duncan and Reynolds walked to his car. He stood up, the gun in his hand pointing towards the open door. He heard the car door open, and then a few moments later, slam shut. He could hear the voices calling to each other. “Goodnight, Jarvis,” called one. “Drive carefully,” came from another. Then there was the sound of the car starting, and then driving away. This was followed by more footsteps on the gravel. Finally there was the sound of a door closing, and then silence once more. Brady settled down once again. Not much longer now. He checked his watch. No more than three quarters of an hour, he estimated.
* * *
As Duncan reached the gatehouse, the gates began to slowly open, ready for him to drive straight through. The security guard stood at the doorway. Duncan drove slowly up to the gate and then stopped. He pushed the electrically operated button, and wound down his window. He called out. “Ed, are these of any use to you?” he asked as he handed over an envelope. “They are tickets for the ball game, Saturday. I can’t go, too much work I’m afraid. Perhaps you could go, and take your good lady. It should be a great match.”
Ed took hold of the envelope. “That’s mighty kind of you, sir,” he said. “Thank you very much, Mr. Duncan. We’ll certainly go.”
“That’s good. I would hate to think that they were going to be wasted.” Dun
can gave a quick wave. “Goodnight Ed, enjoy the game. I’ll be seeing you.” He put the car into drive, and slowly inched forward.
“Goodnight, sir,” the guard called out. “Drive carefully, and no speeding.” As Duncan drove through and the gates closed the guard looked at his watch. “Ten twenty five,” he called over to his colleague. “Note it down Charlie.” It was duly entered into the log. The gates slid closed, and Ed returned inside the building. He was looking forward to the game.
* * *
The telephone in the hallway rang. Jarvis looked at his watch. Eleven fifteen. Who would be ringing at this time of the night? He picked up the receiver. “Good evening,” he said, his voice indicating that it was anything but good. “The Governor’s residence.”
“Oh Jarvis,” Duncan said. “I am so sorry to ring so late, but could I have a quick word with the Governor? He hasn’t retired yet has he?”
“Oh no, sir,” said Jarvis. “I’ll get him for you.” Jarvis put the receiver down, and went into the west wing. Reynolds was sitting on the sofa, quietly relaxing. “Sorry to disturb you, sir, but Mr. Duncan is on the telephone,” he said. “He apologized for the lateness of the hour.”
“Okay,” Reynolds said. “I’ll take it in the study.” He walked towards the door. He suddenly stopped and turned. “Could you bring me my night cap?” he asked. He then walked out of the room and into the study.
He went over to the telephone. “Yes Ian,” he said. “What can I do for you? Changed your mind about the car, is that it? Decided that it was too expensive for you?”
Duncan had not changed his mind. He had merely mislaid his wallet somewhere. “I might have dropped it in the garage,” he said. “I remember I took it out of my pocket. Do you remember?”
Reynolds thought back for a moment. Yes he remembered. “Sure” he said. “You were fooling around.”
“That’s right, foolish of me really,” admitted Duncan. “I wonder if you would have a quick look for me, it is rather important.”