by ammyford1
She put her arms around me. “Any news?”
The police officer’s radios had crackled to life a number of times since I had arrived but nothing significant had been reported.
I closed my eyes and shook my head, tears spilling over onto my cheeks. Who was I fooling? Toby was long gone.
Bennie addressed the policemen. “Is there anything we can do?”
“We have officers combing the area and we have sent alerts to police forces in the surrounding areas. Is there anywhere that you can think of that Toby might have gone?”
“The only place he would go to is his friend Adam’s, but I can’t imagine he would have gone there because Adam’s in school.” I took a shuddery breath. “The only other place would have been my friend Audrey’s, and she’s in hospital at the moment.” I knew I had to carry on with the pretence. All I could think about was getting back to Ramia and to Ahran and the King. They would have a plan, I was sure of it.
One of the police officers looked at his notebook. “Ah yes, Audrey Goodfellow. Am I right in thinking she was assaulted in your coffee shop yesterday afternoon?” I felt like slapping him. Of course you are right and that is all the more reason why I should be in Ramia, I yelled in my head. “Yes that’s right,” I replied.
“Do you think there could be any connection between the assault on Ms Goodfellow and Toby’s disappearance?” Yes there’s a bloody connection! “I can’t imagine what it would be?” I lied.
“Maybe there is somebody who has something against you Ms McAllister, a debtor or a jealous ex-boyfriend perhaps?”
It didn’t take much for them to put two and two together and come up with five, it looked too much like a coincidence.
“I can’t think of anyone,” I said shrugging. “Are you suggesting he has been kidnapped?” I asked, keeping up the pretence.
The Head teacher looked aghast. It would not be good PR if it got out that one of his pupils had been kidnapped from the school playground during lunchtime under his teacher’s noses.
“We just want to make sure we have considered all possibilities,” the policeman said noncommittally.
I didn’t have to pretend to look devastated by the suggestion that Toby had been kidnapped; I was already tearing myself into pieces wondering what had happened to him. I sobbed into my hands.
Bennie stepped in. “I think perhaps, I ought to take Sophie home.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” the Head teacher agreed, relieved I would be taken out of the picture.
One of the policemen spoke. “We have your details Miss McAllister, we will contact you immediately we hear anything.”
I was relieved I could finally leave. I hoped I appeared too distressed to join in with the search. I nodded and Bennie and I walked out to her car.
“They’ll find him Sophe, he can’t have gone far.”
I felt dreadful not being able to tell her what had really happened but I knew I couldn’t utter a word.
“Do you think he has been kidnapped by that woman Ahran warned you about?” Bennie asked once we were in the car.
I shrugged tearfully, the less Bennie knew the better.
We drove back to my house and I looked at my watch. How much longer would Ahran be? My stomach was in knots and I felt completely powerless. Every minute that went by was another minute Toby was being taken further and further away into a world he never knew even existed.
The tears streamed down my face as I opened the front door and Mungo came bounding towards me. I knelt down and wrapped my arms around his neck. It was surprisingly comforting nestling my face into his thin coat. Somehow it made me feel closer to Toby. I sat back on my heels and looked into the dog’s eyes. He looked quizzically back at me sensing something was wrong.
“Where is he Mung?” I asked quietly. I would have to find someone to look after him if I was going to return to Ramia.
Bennie followed me in.
I didn’t want her to overhear my conversation with Sandie. “Can you put the kettle on? I’m just going upstairs to get changed.” I had been crying steadily since we had left the school and I could sense that Bennie had no idea what to say or do to comfort me.
“Yes of course,” she called after me.
I closed my bedroom door and dialled Sandie’s number. I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. “Hi Sandie, I’ve got another favour to ask.” I tried to sound as bright as I could and hoped she hadn’t heard about Toby’s disappearance yet, it wouldn’t be long before it was all over the village.
“Fire away,” she prompted.
“We’ve got to go away for a couple of weeks and I wondered if you wouldn’t mind having Mungo. I’d obviously pay you.”
“Yeah, no problem. Where are you going?”
“Oh, I’ve just got a last minute deal,” I said, wincing at the deceit as it rolled off my tongue. How quickly I was becoming accustomed to lying.
“Can you come and collect him tonight? I’ll leave his food out and put the key in the usual place.”
“Okay.”
“Great, thanks very much.” My finger hovered over the hang up button.
“Sophe…Sophie?”
“Yep?” I put the phone back to my ear. Please don’t ask any awkward questions.
“What about the shop? You know and my wages?”
“Well, I’m going to close the shop temporarily, what with Audrey being so ill. I could do with a break. Don’t worry about your wages, consider it a paid holiday.” I knew as soon as Sandie found out about Toby she would wonder what the hell I was playing at but I had to clear the way so that I could get to Ramia unimpeded.
“Thanks Sophe, that would be fantastic.”
“Alright then Sandie, thanks again, see you when we get back,” I said, praying that this would be sooner rather than later.
“Yeah bye Sophie, have a good time.”
I hung up. If only we were going on holiday. I hated myself. Why hadn’t I just taken Toby to the safety of King Halsan’s palace when Ahran had first told me about Bazeera? I had been too wary of the wrong people. I angrily wiped my tears away. It was no good sitting here feeling sorry for myself. If Ahran didn’t return soon I would go there myself, even if it meant travelling through the portal on my own.
I had to hurry before Bennie came up to find out if I was alright. I grabbed a holdall from under my bed and went through my drawers. Without too much thought I selected a few clothes before stuffing them into the bag. I dashed into the bathroom and grabbed a spare toothbrush and some deodorant and threw them in on top.
“Sophe, are you alright?” Bennie called up the stairs.
“Yeah, I’m coming.” I went back into my bedroom feeling frantic. How could I possibly pack for a trip that held so many uncertainties? I did a quick scan of the room to see if there was anything else I might need. My eyes came to rest on the photo of Katie and Toby on my bedside. It could be useful to have a picture of Toby, but there was also a part of me that felt I needed it with me, anything that would help me to feel close to them right now. I grabbed the photo frame and put it in the side pocket of my bag. As I passed Toby’s room I paused briefly wondering if I should get anything together for him. No, it was better that I travelled light. I started down the stairs and changed my mind two steps down, spinning around I dashed back into his room. I grabbed his well-loved teddy and stuffed it in my bag. If...no, when we found him he would need it. I fought back more tears and pulled his door shut. My phone buzzed. Oh God, please let that be Ahran saying he’s on his way.
To my relief it was a text message from him.
Leave by the back door, go through your back gate and meet me in the wood. The police are on their way round the front.
I had no time to waste. I ran downstairs and into the kitchen.
Bennie was sat at the table with her hands wrapped around her mug, looking distractedly out of the window.
“What’s wrong?” she said when she saw my face.
“I’ve got to go
Ben, I’m really sorry I haven’t got time to explain,” I said breathlessly.
“What’s going on?” she asked, looking utterly confused.
“Please just stall the police. I will explain I promise.” My voice was pleading and urgent.
“Okay,” she said, looking concerned. “Be careful, won’t you?” she added.
I hated doing this to her but I had to, for her sake and for Toby’s sake. It was better that she didn’t know any more than she absolutely had to.
“Yes of course and thank you,” I said, giving her a quick squeeze.
“I’m sorry, I’ve got to go.” I left by the back door and sprinted to my back gate. I gingerly poked my head out to check that the coast was clear and then ran as fast as I could in the same direction Ahran and I had gone this morning. He was leaning against a tree as he spoke quietly into his phone. I ran down the track towards him. He looked up as I approached and put his phone in his pocket. Without even thinking, I threw my arms around his neck. I couldn’t have been more pleased to see him. He wrapped his arms around me and briefly hugged me back. His arms were strong and reassuring and I drew what strength I could from him in that brief moment.
“Have you heard anything?” I asked.
He pulled away and gave a slight shake of his head. “Come on, let’s get going before anyone sees us.” He took my bag and grabbed my hand. We ran as fast as I could but on more than one occasion I tripped or got snagged in a bramble, so he lifted me clean off the ground and carried me effortlessly towards the portal, moving much faster than I could have run.
“Hold on,” he said.
I clasped my hands around his neck, screwing my eyes tight as he ran into the gateway. There was that same sinking feeling although the nauseating sense of motion wasn’t quite as bad as before, I felt safer in Ahran’s arms.
I clung to him as we stepped into the light and warmth of Ramia and I buried my face in his chest to protect my eyes from the sun.
“Are you okay?” I felt the rumble of his voice. My mind flashed back to our kiss before we had left Ramia this afternoon and my stomach clenched at the memory.
“I think so.”
Ahran handed me his sunglasses again, and I put them on. I needed him to put me down.
He made no move to let go.
“You can put me down now,” I suggested as I cautiously opened my eyes and looked up into his face. I felt a little embarrassed in his arms. He hesitated before lowering my feet to the ground.
“Do you think you are going to be sick?”
“No, I’m okay.”
His expression was doubtful.
We started to make our way down the hill. I still felt a little woozy from the change in atmosphere.
“I’m sorry. How is Elaya?” I’d forgotten all about her in my hurry to get here.
“Nothing too serious, she was lucky, just some bruising, she will heal quickly.”
“Thank goodness for that,” I said, relieved that she wasn’t in the same condition as Audrey.
Chapter 11
How differently I felt coming here now, compared to how I had felt this morning. Then, I had been reluctant and full of trepidation, and now, I couldn’t get here quick enough, my trepidation replaced by ice cold fear.
I glanced up at Ahran. My feelings for him had changed in the last couple of hours. After he had kissed me I had wanted to distance myself from him as far as I possibly could, now I wanted to stick to him like glue. This was no good for my own self-preservation but I knew he was my best chance of finding Toby.
The big wooden gates opened slowly and Sulaan jogged down the front steps towards us as we entered the courtyard, his expression sombre.
“Ahran, Miss Sophie, the King and Queen are waiting for you in the drawing room.”
He ushered us into the building and took us to a large room with comfortable chairs and a large screen on the wall. Beneath it was a modern fire place. The King was pacing and talking to someone on his phone. Leylana was sat in one of the chairs staring out of the window twisting a handkerchief in her hands. When she heard us approaching she jumped up and came towards us, her eyes were red and puffy and devoid of any mascara. She opened her arms and hugged me tightly. Seeing her grief unleashed a sob from me and she responded with more of her own tears. For a few moments we cried together unified in our misery.
“I just can’t believe this has happened,” Leylana said, wiping her eyes as she pulled away. “Just when we were getting so close to meeting Toby at last, that hexrina snatches him right from under our noses.” I was a little taken aback by the venom in her voice, she had been so calm and poised at lunch.
“I thought he was safe enough whilst I made the arrangements for us to come and stay…” my voice trailed away.
“You must not blame yourself Sophie, we had no idea she would be so bold and snatch him at school, the woman is pure evil.”
In her grief, she reverted to Ramian and spat out a flurry of words.
The King finished his phone call and walked towards me. I had expected him to shake my hand like before, but this time he leaned in and kissed my cheek. It was a tender gesture which brought a fresh rush of tears. I was so touched by their grief and it made me feel more confident that they wouldn’t stop until Toby was found.
“My dear, I am so sorry this has happened. I should have done more to protect him. Come and sit,” he gestured to one of the large sofas. “I will explain what has happened so far and what our plan is.” He looked towards Sulaan. “Can you arrange some tea for us all?”
Sulaan nodded and left the room.
I sat down. The Queen came and sat next to me taking my hand in her lap. I was grateful for the contact.
The King sat opposite and Ahran took the chair the Queen had just vacated.
“I have already sent out a number of my best agents to start searching for Toby.” The King said, slipping into business mode. “It is highly unlikely that Bazeera’s men will have taken him to her main residence, it’s too obvious, but she has a number of other palaces dotted around her territory. My agents will start at each of these and see if they are able pick up any trails.”
Sulaan reappeared.
“Has anyone seen or heard anything yet?” I asked, hanging on the King’s every word.
“No, nothing yet.” The frustration was evident on his face. “The one thing we are counting on is that Bazeera won’t harm Toby. She will want to use him to bargain with and we are expecting her to make contact with us soon, she won’t waste any time trying to get what she wants.”
I struggled to feel reassured by what the King had just said. The mere mention of Toby being harmed sent me into paroxysms of fear.
“Isn’t there anything more we can do?” I asked choking back my panic. I suddenly remembered the photo of Katie and Toby. I unzipped my bag and got it out. “I’ve got this, might it be helpful?” I handed it to the King.
“Yes, thank you.” He looked at the photo with interest. The Queen got up to have a look at her grandson too. The King regarded the picture thoughtfully and Leylana started to cry quietly. He put his arm around her to comfort her.
“I’ll have it copied and sent out to the relevant parties. Sulaan, would you take care of this?”
Sulaan bowed his head as he took the photo and went to do as the King had asked.
“My Lord, I am keen to take part in the search,” Ahran said.
“Of course, I am counting on you Ahran, we need your skills,” the King responded.
“I’m going with you,” I said. There was no way I was staying behind twiddling my thumbs.
“Sophie, that’s a bad idea, it could be dangerous, it’s better that you stay here,” Ahran replied in a tone that didn’t encourage any argument.
I ignored it. “I can’t stay here, I’ll go mad. I want to go with you.” I tried not to sound too hysterical. The thought of not doing anything and leaving it to everyone else was unbearable.
“My Lord?” Ahran gave Halsan
an imploring look.
“Ahran’s right. It is far too dangerous for you to go, it’s much better that you stay here.”
I continued undeterred. “With all due respect, he is my nephew and I have cared for him as if he were my own son over the last year, I cannot just stay here doing nothing. I’d rather die trying to find him than sit here helplessly.”
The King looked at Ahran. “She has a right to take her part in the search, she will be safer with you than with anyone.”
Ahran stood up and walked over to the window with his back to us as he ran his hand over his hair in frustration.
Frustrated or not I was damned if I was going to stay behind. “I could be of some help,” I said, trying to keep the pleading edge out of my voice.
Ahran turned around to face me. “You could get us both killed,” he said uncharitably.
I raised my chin stubbornly and suppressed the feelings of inferiority I felt next to these powerful superhumans. “I will do whatever it takes.”
Ahran gave a humourless laugh. From the moment we had first met I had got the distinct impression he didn’t have a very high opinion of my kind, it had been alright to kiss me when the mood had suited him, but it was clear that in this situation, he saw me as a liability.
“Ahran,” the King said in conciliation, “think of it this way, Toby is in a strange new world and is no doubt scared out of his wits, Sophie will be the first person he will want to see when he is rescued and you are the only person I would trust to take care of her.”
I liked that he seemed certain Toby would be found and I could have hugged him for supporting me. I held my breath as I waited for Ahran’s response. After what seemed like an eternity he raised his hands in a gesture of defeat. “If you insist my Lord.” He couldn’t say no to the King but if the look on his face was anything to go by, he was furious.
I breathed a sigh of relief and tried to catch his eye to express my gratitude but he refused to look in my direction.
A young man came in with a tray of tea and laid it out on the coffee table. I had never needed a cup of tea more than I needed one now. After serving the King and Queen the servant handed me a steaming cup. “Thank you,” I said gratefully. I brought it to my lips. Its aroma was nothing like I was used to, it smelt creamy and spicy. I took a sip. It was sweet and sickly and made me want to heave.