The Phoenix Project

by Chrissie Loveday

  She began to feel sorry for herself again, and to cry, just a little. She worried that they, whoever they were, had tried to kill Drew and in all probability murdered the farmer next door. Were they about to kill her? What would happen to the bungalow if she wasn’t around? She really should have made a will – she’d never thought to make one before. She’d have liked Drew to inherit the place. She loved him and he’d said he loved her. Sadly they’d made no progress on that front, because of his accident.

  Suppose she didn’t survive? He’d never know how much they had missed and all because of these bastards. She wiped away her tears and became angry again. She bashed the sides of the van and yelled, louder this time. But none of it seemed to work. She somehow knew it was Jimmy and his brother who were behind all this but she could do nothing about it.

  Back at the bungalow, Drew was beginning to feel concerned little uneasy. He glanced at his watch and decided there was little point worrying. Rosie’s having a good time shopping, he supposed. He put the television on for company but there was nothing he fancied watching. He did some of the exercises the physiotherapist had given him, then slumped down again. He thought he’d call Rosie and ask her what she wanted to eat later. He could make a start on preparing something. He dialled her number but it went to answering service.

  ‘Hi. Only me. Wondered what you fancy for supper? I could make a start on it. Hope you’re enjoying your day out.’

  He switched off his phone and wondered why she hadn’t answered his call. Perhaps she was trying on some clothes and would call him back soon. He smiled at the thought. What’s she bought so far?

  He looked forward to her return and being shown all the treasures in her bags of shopping. He went into the kitchen and looked in the freezer. There was nothing very inspiring but he took out a pack of mince. He could make something out of that, he felt sure.

  ‘Where are you, Rosie?’ he muttered, impatient for her return.

  Chapter 14

  It was now five-thirty and Rosie was still sitting hunched in the back of the van, deprived of light and sound.

  She knew Drew would be really worrying about her now and took out her phone again. She tried to dial the number but it was pointless. She tried to send a text but it failed to go. At least there was a bit of light when she switched it on and it gave her the chance to look round her ‘prison’. It was the usual sort of van with white interior panels and a wooden floor. The panel behind the driver she had tried earlier was solid wood with a partial break that allowed it to slide, but it was obviously bolted from the other side. She could see no way of escaping and just had to sit there.

  It was after six o’clock she heard someone coming. She stuffed her phone into her pocket, hoping nobody would search her. The rear door was unlocked and a gruff voice ordered her to get out. She wriggled along to the gap and blinked as she encountered light. She looked to see who had let her out, but he was wearing a balaclava. She felt sure it must be Jimmy and asked him why she had been held a prisoner.

  ‘Why, Jimmy? Why?’

  ‘Shut it. Move along there,’ the kidnapper said, pointing at a door. She staggered towards it, feeling distinctly wobbly and held on to the frame. He prodded her from behind and she almost fell through into a large room. It was sparsely furnished, holding only a desk and a couple of chairs.

  ‘Sit,’ the man ordered.

  She did as she was told. A second man came in, also wearing a balaclava and spoke to her in a slightly more polite way.

  ‘I’m sorry we had to keep you for so long.’

  ‘Why? What on earth have I done to deserve such treatment?’

  ‘We need your house and grounds. I have a document for you to sign, giving it all over to me.’

  ‘Get lost. I wouldn’t sell it to you for anything you’d offer.’

  ‘Oh, I’m not offering money. It’s your life and that of your companion. He was never supposed to survive that fall but, miraculously, he did. He won’t survive again. I can promise you that. You have the choice. Sign my document or Drew will be killed.’

  ‘I won’t sign.’

  ‘Then you’ll have to accept the consequences.’

  ‘You wouldn’t dare.’

  ‘Oh, but we would. You don’t take a hint do you? We always get what we want. Nobody knows where you are. Oh, don’t worry, this isn’t a property associated with me at all. We can keep you here for as long as we choose. Nobody will ever find you.’

  ‘I don’t believe you. Besides, my car is left in the car park. Someone will notice it there.’

  ‘Not at all. We have brought it here. It’s parked round the back of the van.’

  ‘I didn’t see it when you let me out.’

  ‘Round the other side. I’ll leave you for a while, to think about signing. I’m afraid you’ll have to be tied up – or shall I put you back in the van? Yes, I think that might be best.’

  ‘You can’t leave me in there all night,’ Rosie protested.

  ‘Oh but we can.’

  ‘It’s cold out there. And I’m starving.’

  ‘Perhaps it will help you to make the right decision. I promise you, we won’t injure Drew any more tonight. But, in the morning … well, if you choose not to sign, it’ll be goodbye to him. And you’ll never see him again.’

  ‘I can’t believe you’d do that. Not just for money. You can’t seriously think you’ll get away with it?’

  ‘You’d be surprised at what I can get away with. I’m a well-respected businessman. Nobody would ever credit the lengths I’m willing to go to.’

  ‘Don’t you believe it. The police are looking into your business right now. I’m surprised you haven’t been visited by them.’

  Rosie spoke with conviction and he stared at her.

  ‘I don’t believe you. You have no idea who I am.’

  ‘Oh but I do. Mr Harrison.’

  He snorted with laughter.

  ‘Oh really? You think I’m Harrison do you? You’re wrong. He works for me. As does his brother. You’ve caused a lot of trouble to us, you know. Pigheaded, that’s what you are. Take her away.’

  The man who she believed was Jimmy, seized her by the arms and forced her back towards the van. She fought him all the way but he was so much stronger than she was. With her strength waning, he easily pushed her inside and slammed the door.

  She still had her phone and her handbag was lying on the floor. She sobbed quietly, not wanting anyone to hear. When she felt she was alone once more, she switched on her phone and looked in her handbag. She never carried much in there but rummaged for anything that might help her. Nothing. She slumped down, wondering what to do next. Then she realised, my keys are still here! Unless they broke into it, the car must be in the car park! That at least gave her a crumb of comfort.

  Drew was starting to panic. He’d tried to call her several times and left umpteen messages for her. He decided to call Damian Hargreaves.

  ‘Look, I may be worrying unnecessarily but Rosie hasn’t come back. She went to Truro this morning. I’ve tried to call her mobile but it just goes to voicemail. I thought you should know.’

  ‘I’m not sure how we can help. Do you know where she was going?’

  ‘Not really. I suggested she should go and buy something new to wear, but I’ve no idea where she might have gone.’

  ‘Leave it with me. I’ll get the local chaps to look for her. Do you know where she might park?’

  ‘Usually the multi-storey. The one near Lemon Street.’

  ‘OK. We’ll look there first and see if we can spot her car. What’s the licence plate number?’

  Drew told him, along with the make and colour.

  ‘Thanks. I know it’s a bit difficult but I’m really scared. I feel these men are capable of anything.’

  ‘Are you all right? Physically, I mean. Apart from being worried?’

  ‘I suppose so. I’ll go and lock the doors. I just hope to god she’s all right.’

  His voice showed exa
ctly how concerned he was.

  ‘Me too. I think we’ll go and check on the Harrison offices next. Don’t worry. We’ve got a good team on the case.’

  Drew went and locked the doors. He checked that all the windows were locked and put the burglar alarm on. He then went and cooked some supper. There was no point starving himself and if Rosie did come back, she would appreciate a hot meal.

  An hour later, his phone rang. He rushed to answer it, praying it would be Rosie. It was Damian.

  ‘Hallo, Drew. I’m just keeping you up to date. We’ve found Rosie’s car. It’s still in the car park where she obviously left it this morning. No sign of her, though, and it doesn’t look as if there’s any shopping in it.’

  ‘So where can she be?’

  ‘I really don’t know. Look, I don’t want to alarm you but please look after yourself. They might come and try to … well, injure you some more.’

  He paused for a moment.

  ‘Look, I’m going to send someone round to keep you company. I don’t like what’s been happening. They won’t be long.’

  ‘OK. If you really think it’s necessary. Thanks.’

  ‘All right. Don’t worry. We’ll find her.’

  Drew sat staring into space, stunned. His heart was thumping and he was in a cold sweat. He got up several times to look out for whoever was coming to stay with him. At one point, he threw his wretched crutches down on the ground, feeling so sick of them. But he knew he couldn’t manage without, and picked them up again.

  ‘Damn, damn, damn,’ he almost shouted. ‘Rosie, come back to me. Please come back.’

  A car was coming along the drive. He went to open the door, but something made him stop. He put the lights out and stood peering at the car. A couple of men got out and walked round to the rear of the bungalow. Why are they doing that? he wondered. Filled with fear and suspicion, he picked up the phone again. He dialled Damian’s number and waited.

  ‘Someone’s just arrived. Two men. Is that right?’

  ‘No. Only one should be there. Where are they?’ he asked.

  ‘Round at the back. Hang on, they’re trying to get in.’

  ‘Shut yourself in somewhere. The bathroom will do. I’m on my way.’

  There was a loud crash as a window was broken. He hobbled quickly into the bathroom and locked the door. It was a flimsy enough lock, but it might hold them off for a few minutes.

  ‘Drew? Where are you? Come on out. We know you’re in. Rosie told us. Drew?’

  He felt totally helpless and stood still, clutching his crutches ready to hit someone if they found him.

  ‘Stupid bastard. Come on. Stop messing about. Where the hell is he? The boss won’t be happy if we don’t finish him off this time. She nearly had me fooled when I called round at the house.’

  ‘The boss told the girl he’d wait till tomorrow to see him off. I’m not sure why we’re here now.’

  ‘No point waiting. He’s going to meet his end, any road. So’s the girl.’

  Drew heard all this and swore. Bad enough if they killed him, but Rosie didn’t deserve it. He knew he didn’t either but rather him than Rosie. Where the hell were they hiding her? He could hear the banging of doors as they searched for him. Where was his police guard, and when was he coming? The intruders reached the bathroom door and tried to push it open.

  ‘I bet he’s in there. Drew? Are you in there?’

  He gripped his crutches even more tightly and was ready to hit at anyone who broke in. One of them hurled himself at the door and it gave way. Drew thumped the man with his crutch, managing to wind him completely.

  ‘Bastard,’ yelled the other man as he came into the small room. Drew smashed at him with his other crutch and caught him on the head.

  ‘I’ll get you for that,’ the wounded man yelled.

  Drew was helpless without support, and he stood wobbling as the two men recovered. They tossed the crutches out of the door and looked at their victim.

  ‘I reckon we’ve got you now,’ said Jimmy.

  He shoved him down into the bath. Drew bit his lip to prevent himself calling out loud. He lay there in deep pain. At the same time, he heard someone banging on the front door.

  ‘What’s that?’ asked Jimmy.

  ‘It’s the police,’ Drew told them.

  ‘I don’t believe you,’ said Jimmy’s brother. ‘In your dreams.’

  There was a loud crash the front door was forced.

  ‘Stay exactly where you are. You all right, Drew?’

  Damian came into view, along with two large burly policemen.

  ‘I’ve been better. Oh boy, am I glad to see you!’

  Damian helped him out of the bath and handed him his crutches. They were slightly bent, but still usable. The policemen took the two brothers into the lounge and sat them down. They’d removed the intruders’ balaclavas to reveal Jimmy and his brother.

  ‘Exactly who are you working for?’ they were asked.

  They refused to answer.

  ‘Come on. Don’t be foolish.’

  Jimmy’s brother spoke.

  ‘No comment.’

  ‘So where is Rosie?’ Drew asked.

  ‘No comment.’

  He stood behind the man and threatened him with his crutch again.

  ‘You’d better tell me or neither of you will get out of here alive.’

  He was furious and felt quite ready to kill the man if necessary.

  ‘You might as well talk,’ Damian instructed him.

  The two men were both sitting looking rather pale. Jimmy looked at his brother for support but he looked away. If either of them were to say anything, it would be Jimmy, Damian decided.

  ‘Take him out of here,’ he told the two officers. They grabbed the brother and led him out of the room.

  ‘I decided to speak to each of you separately,’ he told Jimmy very politely.

  ‘Won’t make no difference.’

  Drew moved towards him threateningly and spoke.

  ‘I’m not police. Nothing to stop me beating the hell out of you.’

  Jimmy looked uncomfortable.

  ‘I owe you for pushing me over the cliff.’

  Damian stood back, smiling cynically.

  ‘I could leave you for a few minutes, if you like.’

  ‘I think he’ll probably answer us, won’t you. Jimmy?’

  ‘I er … not sure.’

  ‘Where is Rosie?’ Drew asked him again, leaning towards him with his crutch at the ready.

  ‘Somewhere you’ll never find her,’ he snapped.

  ‘Then you’ll tell us exactly where, won’t you?’

  ‘I dursen’t. He’ll kill me.’

  ‘Who? Your brother?’

  ‘Nah. The boss.’

  Drew and Damian looked at each other. This was exactly what they wanted to find out, besides where Rosie was being hidden.

  ‘Come on. Tell us what we want to know.’

  But Jimmy had closed down and he sat staring at the floor.

  ‘I think it’s time we took him to the station. A night in the cells should bring him round.’

  ‘But what about Rosie? She must be somewhere.’

  Drew leaned over Jimmy and gave him a hard shake.

  ‘Come on, you bastard. Tell me where she is.’

  But Jimmy wouldn’t speak.

  ‘I’ll get the lads to take him in. We’ll tackle his brother and if he won’t talk, we’ll take him in too.’

  ‘But …’

  Drew shut up. He was frustrated and very angry.

  ‘Bring the other Mr Harrison in. And call for someone to collect this character,’ Damian instructed.

  The two men looked at each other as they crossed paths. Both were now handcuffed and Jimmy was dragged into the kitchen.

  ‘I haven’t said nothin’!’ he shouted as he was bundled out.

  ‘Ho, so that’s his game,’ laughed Damian. ‘That’s what he wants you to believe is it? He’s been very helpful to us.’ />
  ‘I don’t believe you.’

  ‘Think what you like. You’re both about to be charged with kidnapping, for a start. Then there’s attempted murder. Oh yes, you’re going to be charged with that too. May not have been you that pushed him over, but you knew about it. And of course, there’s the murder of Mr Danter. And burning Rosie’s caravan. Oh yes, and cyber-crime. Your dealings with Rosie’s computer. And finally, as far as we know, you’re guilty of taking funds out of her bank. We may not charge you with thieving property from the bungalow as it was being built, but then, maybe we will. How’s that for starters?’

  ‘You can’t make it stick. No evidence.’

  ‘Don’t forget Jimmy’s input. He’s told us a whole lot of useful stuff.’

  He was bluffing but hoped it might make the other talk.

  ‘Charge me then. But you won’t make it stick.’

  They heard someone else driving up and two more men came in.

  ‘There’s a customer in the kitchen. Take him and lock him up. I’ll see to him later.’

  ‘Right you are, sir.’

  They went to collect Jimmy from the kitchen and take him back to the station.

  ‘Right. Now then. Your boss. Like to keep him sweet, do you?’

  He stared at Damian.

  ‘Don’t know what you mean, so, “No comment”.’

  ‘Oh, Jimmy told us he was bully.’

  ‘What else did he tell you?’

  ‘Just about everything, I suppose. You’re well and truly implicated in everything. You won’t see the light of day again, I have no doubt.’

  ‘I’ll kill him when I see him! If Wilbury doesn’t kill him first. I don’t see why he should get away with anything. OK. Rosie’s locked in Jimmy’s van in a garage place outside Truro. But you know that already don’t you?’