Tower Thirty Four: The Collectors Book Three (The Collectors Series 3)

by Sewell, Ron

  “Right in one,” said Bear. “The treasure, did you find where Ding Lang’s people took it?”

  Wang smiled wryly. “But of course. The president will arrive and both of you will receive China’s highest honour for foreigners. The Friendship Award. The medal has a picture of the Great Wall. Under the circumstances, most fitting. Tomorrow you will return to your own country.”

  “After the ceremony, can we go sight-seeing?”

  “You are free to do as you wish. I understand you will be dining at your embassy tonight. I nearly forgot ...” From his briefcase he removed two white envelopes. “Mr Kyriades, Mr Morris. Each envelope holds a cheque made out to you from HSBC to the sum of one million pounds. I imagine this may help add a few more properties to your portfolio.”

  * * *

  Dressed in their new clothes, Bear and Petros waited outside two large, ornately-decorated doors leading to the massive conference room. Maria and Jocelyn stood and smiled at their manager who paced back and forth.

  The doors opened and a senior army officer beckoned Petros and Bear to follow. A female officer motioned for Maria and Jocelyn to wait.

  Both men followed the officer until he stopped in front of the Chinese President and the British Prime Minister.

  At the rear of the Prime minister stood Ms Carter who stared, smiled and bowed her head.

  Petros and Bear gave a court bow.

  The interpreter spoke after they received their medals. “The president thanks you for your honesty and integrity in the matter of the missing treasure. He assures you the display in the Forbidden City will be magnificent, but until a secure zone is constructed, it will stay in the vault of a Chinese bank. Men with courage strengthen the ties between our two countries. With the cooperation of your prime minister, we agreed many profitable transactions. Please, time for the official photographs.”

  The interpreter waved. Maria and Jocelyn, in their new outfits, walked toward the podium. The President nodded and smiled while the army photographer shuffled everyone, except the president, into position.

  “Mr Kyriades and Mr Morris,” said the Prime Minister, “On behalf of our country, I thank you.”

  The army officer grabbed Petros’ arm and pointed to the door.

  Ms Carter followed the group out and waited for the doors to close. “Mr Kyriades and Mr Morris, the prime minister has intimated the possibility of your names being included in the New Year’s Honours List for services to your country. If this were to happen, an OBE for Mr Kyriades and an MBE for Mr Morris.”

  “Ms Carter. Why the disparity?”

  She allowed herself a smile. “Officers OBE, other ranks, MBE.”

  Petros shrugged. “We are civilians and equal partners.”

  She nodded, conceding the point. “I’ll inform the prime minister. An OBE for both of you. A mere stroke of a pen, Mr Kyriades.”

  “And what do you judge will be his answer?” said Bear.

  “Wait and find out. With reference to dinner, an Embassy car will collect you at seven. Do not be late.”

  “Then we’ll have the pleasure of being with you again this evening,” said Petros. The four of them walked away.

  Ms Carter returned to the conference room.

  “And where are we going?” asked Maria.

  “Simatai.”

  * * *

  The clouds had dispersed and the sunshine warm, despite a chill breeze from the north.

  Their taxi pulled up outside the Simatai guesthouse. Petros paid the driver, turned and stared at the building with a stern expression.

  “Bear, I’ve been contemplating my navel.”

  “Makes a change.”

  Petros took a deep breath. “The Chinese government rewarded us to keep our mouths shut. George gave us half a million as a retainer and we still have a few pounds remaining.”

  Bear winced. “Stop going round the houses. What’s on your mind?”

  Petros scratched his chin. “The two boxes we left with Sheng. I’m going to give mine to Nathan so he can fund his dream.”

  “I didn’t want to rock the boat, but you’ve stolen my thunder.”

  “What are you two discussing?” asked Maria.

  “Donating money to a hospital,” said Bear.

  Maria appeared surprised.

  “Come and take a gander at the Empress Yehonara’s treasure.”

  “You never mentioned this,” said Jocelyn.

  “What you don’t know doesn’t hurt you.”

  Maria kissed Bear on the cheek and then Petros on the lips. “You two are angels without wings. What hospital?”

  “Nathan’s. You remember I told you he helped us find the girl with the beads.”

  “Mr Petros and Mr Bear,” shouted Sheng Su and Xiao Hong. “Ding Lang arrived and told us you were dead and removed your belongings. His gaze moved to Maria and Jocelyn. “These are your fine-looking wives?”

  Petros made the introductions.

  “A great excuse for a celebration,” said Sheng.

  “Was everything taken?” asked Bear.

  Sheng pressed his finger to his nose. “Come, come inside, and warm yourselves.”

  He led them into the dining room and ordered the young girl preparing tables to leave.

  “Sheng,” said Petros, “did he take everything?”

  He motioned with his right hand for everyone to follow. For the first time they entered his private accommodation. Sheng opened a door to the basement. He operated the light switch at the bottom of a stone staircase, and waited. “Your boxes on bench under cover.”

  “You are aware what’s in these.”

  He nodded. “When you not come back, I look.”

  “Bear and I want you to send both of these to Nathan Davenport. You have the address. But first …” Petros lifted the lid of one and then the other, “choose three stones.”

  Sheng shuffled over and peered at the mix of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and other stones. “Why?”

  “Because you are an honest man,” said Bear.

  He selected three medium-sized diamonds. “For my wife - her pension.”

  Petros called Maria. On seeing the array her jaw dropped.

  “One stone, my love.”

  “The pear shaped ruby.”

  “Jocelyn?”

  “I love sapphires. This is gorgeous. How it sparkles in the light!”

  Petros replaced the lid. “For Nathan, Sheng.”

  “You come with me, so you know I post,” said Sheng.

  “Not necessary. I trust you. Can I use your telephone?”

  With Sheng leading they clattered up the steps. “Please.” Sheng picked up his mobile.

  “The number of the general hospital in Kunming. Could you get it, ring the number, and ask to speak to Nathan?”

  Sheng jabbered away for a few seconds. Again, he pressed the keys and spoke. “Mr Nathan, Mr Petros.”

  “Hi, Nathan – Petros. Give me your mobile number and I’ll ring you back.”

  Petros rang the number. The receiver was lifted straight away.

  “Petros, thanks a million for my gift and Ling’s. You’ll never fully appreciate how much it means to the people in this district.”

  “Nathan, I’m sending two more gifts so you can build your hospital.”

  The silence lasted for a few moments. “What can I say? Thank you.”

  “How’s Ling and her son?”

  “She’s an intelligent woman. Now she’s studying to be a nurse and works part-time in my surgery. Her son and mine attend the same school. He finds a few subjects more difficult than others, but, like his mother, he works hard. She lives in an annex adjoining our house.”

  “Oh, one more favour. The Green Lake Hotel. Could you pay our bill, collect what we left and give it away to anyone who needs it?”

  “Paid a couple of weeks ago. We’re square.”

  “Thank you. Must dash. Doubt if we’ll meet again.”

  “Next year, both families are going to Di
sneyland in the States. I managed a refund on the cancelled flights.”

  “I’m sure your son will be gobsmacked. Take care, Nathan. It’s been a pleasure.”

  “Give my regards to Bear.”

  “Will do.” Petros ended the call.

  Xiao-Hong entered with a full tray. “I bring tea and beer. You choose.”

  Maria and Jocelyn settled on tea while Petros and Bear each picked up a bottle of beer.

  Sheng waited, eager to find out what had happened to his two guests. “Why they say you dead, when not.”

  Petros, weary, leaned back in his chair. “Ding Lang believed we were. Thanks to the Chinese Navy, we came back.”

  “The crap about sea air being good for you,” said Bear. “Load of rubbish.”

  Puzzled, Sheng said, “I not understand.”

  “In the end, it worked out for the best and the Emperor’s treasure is where it belongs.”

  Sheng shook his head. “Am I not worthy?”

  “Petros and I hold you in high esteem. Your trust is well proven by your actions but we have been sworn to secrecy.”

  “I am happy to have helped in some small way.”

  “Time to go,” said Maria, “We girls need time to buy new dresses for tonight’s dinner party.”

  “So nothing changes,” said Bear. “We make the money and you spend it.”

  “Makes the world go round,” said Jocelyn.

  “Farewell, and may your God protect you,” said Sheng.

  “We might come back for a proper holiday,” said Petros. “And I’d stay in our favourite hotel.”

  “I am honoured,” said Sheng as he shook their hands. “You brought excitement into my life.”

  Xiao-Hong hugged them in turn and followed the group to the pavement.

  Sheng hailed a taxi and waited silently until it departed. He turned to his wife. “Those are good men with strong women.”

  Chapter Forty-Six

  The embassy car drove through the open security gates and stopped.

  Petros and Bear, dressed in their one-and-only suits, escorted Maria and Jocelyn up the well-worn stone steps leading to the main door.

  The door opened. “Good evening. Stuart Gardner, Head of Security. Please follow me. Your host is ready to receive you.”

  They followed Stuart into an ornate room. “Prime Minister, you met these guests this morning.”

  “Hello again. Did you enjoy the ceremony?”

  “I don’t believe we had a choice,” said Bear, wincing as the toe of Jocelyn’s shoe hit his ankle.

  “The things we do for our country. Why half the world believes we’re having a great time, I haven’t a clue.”

  “Another medal to add to the collection,” said Petros.

  A waiter held a tray of canapés in front of them. They helped themselves and the man disappeared as silently as he had arrived.

  “Hope there’s more food than this,” said Bear.

  “Roast lamb with seasonal vegetables, so I’ve been told,” said a woman in evening dress.

  Stuart intervened. “Madam Ambassador, these are the two men who met the Chinese president this morning.”

  Her eyes studied both men. “My husband is away touring China. These gentlemen and their gorgeous wives will sit on my left and right. The prime minister will be retiring after dinner.” She smiled. “He has many papers to read.”

  Somewhere a gong boomed. “Dinner,” said Stuart. “Follow me and I’ll show you to your seats, now that I’ve rearranged the table for madam. Please stand until the boss and the prime minister are at their places.”

  With the meal over, the prime minister offered his apologies and left with Ms Carter snapping at his heals.

  The ambassador’s wife had the unique ability of asking the right questions. The result, a minor debate among those who remained. At midnight, the four of them returned to their hotel.

  “Lady What’s-her-name is okay,” said Bear. “You always picture a frumpy stuck-up bitch.”

  “She’s lovely,” said Jocelyn. “I can’t imagine having to be pleasant to people the whole time.”

  “You mean people like us?” said Maria.

  “Yes.”

  “Anyone fancy a night cap?” said Bear.

  “They don’t and neither do you. It’s time for bed,” said Jocelyn.

  “Your wish is my command.”

  Epilogue

  Dream Chaser, her anchor dug into the Thames silt, rocked. Petros, his right arm still in a cast, sat back in the white leather seat and sipped his beer. Alysa and Charlie were playing in the lounge.

  “Why is it Alysa comes on board and Dog follows? I prefer to relax in the company of good friends,” said Bear.

  From below deck, Maria shouted, “If you two want hot burgers, you’d better come and get them.”

  “Can’t get good wives these days”, said Petros.

  “Training,” said Bear. “You must train them.”

  “Where are you sleeping tonight?” said Jocelyn. “You two are washing the dishes.”

  “Two seconds and your lunch is in Charlie,” said Maria.

  “On our way,” muttered Petros. “Bear, stay where you are. I’ll get yours.”

  “Cheers.” The band of the Royal Marines, playing Colonel Bogey, reverberated around the sun deck from Bear’s mobile. “Yes?”

  “Am I speaking to Mr Morris?”

  “Yes.”

  “A friend of mine told me your organisation undertakes the recovery of missing items.”

  “Yes.”

  “I need a package removed from Libya?”

  “No.”

  “I’ve been told you’re the best.”

  “Important?” asked Petros.

  Bear pushed the privacy button. “I’m talking to a woman who lives in Berlin. Are we interested in a collection from Libya?”

  “Tell her we’ll ring her back.”

  “Sorry, but I didn’t get your name.”

  “I never gave it.”

  “True. I’ll call you back sometime next week and discuss this further. I need to talk to my colleague before any decision is made, but I will get back to you.”

  “I’ll be waiting.” The call was terminated.

  “Might be a long wait,” said Bear.

  Petros handed Bear two giant burgers in rolls, with cheese. “Get those down your neck.”

  “Bear. Libya, that’s different. Never been there.”

  “He hasn’t either and he’s not going,” said Jocelyn.

  “And neither are you,” said Maria.

  Petros glanced at Bear, and grinned.

  Next in the series.

  The Collectors Book Four

  Diamonds and Sand

  Part One

  Luderitz, Namibia, September 1941

  The morning sun cast long dark shadows over the dunes. A shabby dark blue truck rattled along the temporary runway and at the far end, a Junkers 252. Alongside, the flight crew dressed in khaki outfits stood and smoked cigarettes. Automatic weapons hung from their shoulders.

  The truck stopped and two middle-aged men wearing black overalls jumped to the ground. “Who’s the pilot?” said Arno Fischer.

  A tall, good-looking man, in his early twenties, with short blond hair spoke, “I am Hauptman Geller. You’re late. My plane, refuel it at once.”

  “Hauptman,” said the short, dark-haired, round-faced, overweight Arno. “I supply, I do not do load fuel.”

  Geller scowled. “I’ve flown this machine for twenty-four hours. If you believe my men and I are going to refuel, think again.”

  “Then you will stay here,” said the ruddy-faced Alphonso Schulz.

  Eyes blazing, Geller slipped his MP 38 from his shoulder, cocked and pointed the firearm.

  Arno shivered but covered his fear with a shrug. “Hauptman, two things may happen if you shoot us. We die and are no longer a problem. The fuel will burn and explode. If you want to stay in this God-forsaken place, go ahead. You can explain
to the Fuehrer why his diamonds are not in Germany. But I do not load.”

  Geller regarded the two men in silence before he lowered his weapon. “Is there anyone who can refill my plane?”

  “Hauptman. These are strange times. The Fatherland is at war but in Luderitz live a few people and no threat exists. You and your men are safe. Rest, and when you’re ready, prepare your plane. I’ll bring you food and water. My good friend Alphonso will stay with you.”

  “It’s the devil’s choice and I need rest. One of my crew will keep guard with your man.”

  “Before you sleep, Hauptman,” he pointed to the back of the truck, “these drums of fuel must be unloaded.”

  By the time Arno clambered back into his empty truck, four of the crew slept in the shade of the plane’s fuselage.

  “Hauptman, I’ll come back at dusk with the food and water.” He glanced at his watch, he noted, not yet eleven.

  ***

  The sun, split by the horizon, continued a westerly path as a steady breeze formed spirals of sand which spun across the hard-packed ground. Arno returned with meat stew and two loaves of black bread. He shifted his gaze towards the fuel drums. “Hauptman, when are you going to refuel?’

  “At sunset, for the moment, my crew can rest.”

  ‘Hauptman, is it easy flying at night?”

  “The new autopilot assists us on long straight flights. With a tail wind, our time in the air to Tripoli will be twenty hours or more. I’ll be in the cockpit and when my co-pilot is rested, I’ll sleep. My engineers work shifts to make sure the engines keep running.” He pointed to the plane. “You see the middle section where bombs are carried?”

  Arno nodded.

  “That’s a fuel tank for long-range patrols.”

  “Your package.” Arno handed over the brown leather suitcase. “Inform your commandant. In three months, I’ll have more.”