“My name’s Bunty,” she said and took Grace’s hand. “I’m really hungry, are you?”
Grace nodded and smiled, quite happy to be led by a new friend.
Sarah smiled, reassured that her daughter seemed at ease and accepted Bunty as a companion, clearly seeing her as someone close in age.
The dining room had paneling, pictures and a chandelier in keeping with the manor. A big log fire burnt at one end. Bunty led Grace to a large round table and sat beside her, Scamp at their feet. John and Laura sat also. Sarah recognised Marilyn, both smiled as they sat. Blonde angels served the food.
Laura spoke first.
“Sarah, I might be an MP but I’m also a member of the CIA and our mission here is to help the British Government to secure the safekeeping of Silverman’s billions. In the wrong hands it could cause widespread destruction and death. Are you with us?”
Sarah raised her hands.
“I’ll do all I can but my first loyalty is to Britain. Can I borrow a phone to call Sean Fagan?”
“Certainly.” Laura took out her mobile and passed it across. “But I warn you, the signal here is very bad. Much depends on the weather and where you are.”
“I don’t know his direct number. It was on my phone which Jerak stole. I’ll just try 999, maybe they’ll put me through.” She dialled the number but got only the sound of static. “Nothing.”
“In the morning it’s usually better. I heard Sean tried Silverman’s account but got nowhere. There is a second code, do you have it?” Laura asked, eyebrows raised.
“I think it’s on the back of my brooch but I’m not certain.”
“Please,” Laura held out her hand. “Can I have it? I’ll investigate tonight ready for tomorrow. The sooner we can close this case, the safer we’ll all be.”
Sarah looked to Grace, who whispered to Bunty. Yes, she thought, the sooner they were home and this affair closed, the better for everyone. For God’s sake, Laura was an MP. Someone had to be trusted. She poked fingers into her hip pocket and pulled out the brooch, handing it over as the meal arrived.
“Let me examine it and I’ll give it back at breakfast,” Laura said, and smiled.
Sean and Victoria sat in a small office in the back rooms of MI5.
“Do you think I’m safe?” Sean asked. “The Witch allowing me onto her premises?”
“So long as you behave yourself.” Victoria smiled at him. “Otherwise she’ll eat you.”
Rattling keys on her computer, the drawing of a male face appeared. “Photofit of the guy Sarah and Grace went off with. Not very good but the best our artists can achieve considering the quality of the photos.”
Sean stared at the screen.
“No one immediately springs to mind but, there is something familiar. Print me a copy please. I got to think about this.”
“The VW Estate car was rented out to Silverman. The address being the penthouse flat. CCTV showed the Ford they swopped to and part of the number plate. No fingerprints for the driver I fear. We lost sight after it left the carpark. With closing darkness, the drones stood little chance.”
“One thing I’ve heard from our guys, is that the wounded said they were working for Jerak and that Jerak was Silverman’s son. They believed some dispute had arisen between the two and I guess that concerns the twenty billion.”
“Let’s try a long shot,” Victoria said. “Silverman is Italian and if he acknowledged a son there might well be an Italian birth certificate. I suggest we have our people search the relevant files. Jerak, not a common name, sounds more like something made up.”
“OK, have nothing to lose.” Sean placed a hand on her upper thigh.
“Beware the Witch. She protects her girls from male marauders with the deadliest of spells known to make men’s balls drop off.”
Sean removed his hand.
“Wait till we get to our bedroom. There I have my own spells.”
“Still not so powerful as mine. When the time comes you will stand no chance.”
“Can’t wait,” he smiled.
“This is an incredible house.” Sarah looked to John who sat beside her. “Do the CIA own it?”
“Belongs to my family.” He smiled and nodded his head. “They’re currently on an extended holiday.”
“They must be well off.”
“Bankers. It runs in the family.”
Sarah felt it prudent not to enquire further. “Will we be here for long?”
“Till the authorities think it’s safe,” he shrugged. “A day or two. We’ll find out more in the morning.”
“Mummy, is it bedtime yet? I’m tired.”
“Soon as we’ve finished our meal,” Sarah answered.
“You have a TV up there,” Laura said. “If you need anything just press the buzzer. Breakfast from nine.”
Sarah finished the last of her chicken and rested knife and fork.
“That was delicious, thank you.” She stood and held her hand to Grace who came running round the table.
“Let’s play tomorrow,” Bunty said. “I’ll show you my castle.”
Tucked in bed Sarah cuddled Grace while Scamp burrowed between folds in the quilt. Grace’s breath soon took the sound of sleep and Sarah smiled her love. She felt safe, though uncertain about handing over her brooch. Still, she thought everything seemed positive, everyone had been friendly and helpful. So different from her time with Jerak. The house now lay still and silent. What point in worrying?
CHAPTER 25
John Kirkwell left the manor early and headed back to London. Rush hour travel slowed his progress but he made the offices and vaults of the trust company just after 9am. The receptionist looked him over with an element of uncertainty.
“Several attempts have been made to gain access to Mr Silverman’s deposit box in the last week or so but none had the full code. Have you been trying on the Internet, sir?” She read the letter.
“My father,” John said. “He’s a very elderly man and I’m afraid somewhat gaga. Here is the full code.” He handed her a sheet of paper with numbers and letters both from the inside and engraved on the back of Sarah’s brooch.
The receptionist entered the code on her computer, nodded and went to a series of safes at the back of the counter. She returned with a key.
“Security will take you to the vaults.” She pressed a buzzer and pushed a form over for him to sign, along with a key.
John took the offered pen and signed as asked. A security guard came behind and took a slip of paper from the receptionist.
“Vault 662,” she said to him.
John followed security to the lift which took them to the second floor down. They passed a number of doors before the guard stopped and unlocked one from a bunch of keys. Inside the room the walls were embedded with dozens of small safes.
“Vault No 662,” the guard pointed. “I’ll wait in the corridor.” He left the room.
John used his key to open the safe. Inside lay a box and inside that a slip of paper with yet another code and password. Below that was written D B Securities. Using his Smartphone he input the website then logged in with password and code from the brooch. Silverman’s account immediately came on screen containing lists of different bank accounts.
“Yes!” he shouted.
“You OK, sir?” the guard asked from outside.
“Fine, fine,” he said, thinking this no place to start further investigation. He pocketed the paper with the codes and passwords then left the vault. Upstairs he returned the key.
“As of now, I’m the only person who has access, understood?”
The receptionist nodded and watched him leave the building before picking up the phone and dialling. The answer came quickly.
“Madam, the deposit box 662 belonging to Mr Silverman has just had a visitor.”
“I’ll send someone immediately to fingerprint and take a description,” the Witch answered.
“We can do better, give you a full image from our security cameras.
”
“Thank you. I appreciate the risks you’re taking with your employees.”
“Madam, for Nation, MI6 and the Police I will do anything. I also vote for the DJP.”
John left the building with a spring in his step. He now had access to billions but his smile faded when he saw Laura with Aguzzi standing beside her.
“Hi John, thought we’d give you a surprise and a ride back. Any luck with the brooch I gave you and the deposit box?”
“No, just more codes.”
“My men will help you investigate,” Aguzzi said.
“I’m sure.” John smiled while his anger raged inside. Laura had betrayed him, but why? “I’ll have my own car, I’ll drive that,” he told them. “Can’t leave it here.”
“John, use your loaf. Today you used the same Ford as yesterday, you’ve compromised yourself. If it’s parked nearby the police are probably waiting for you. They probably got the licence number when you drove from the carpark yesterday. CCTV cameras are everywhere.” She pointed to a limousine parked behind, a number of Aguzzi’s men stood beside it.
John knew if he ran all would be lost. He stood so close to his objective; he could not afford any chances.
When Sarah and Grace finally got up it was past 10am. After showering they tried on their new clothes, all seemed to fit.
“Mummy, can I play with Bunty? She’s my best friend.”
“Certainly, my love, soon as we’ve had breakfast.”
Breakfast came with everything Sarah could have hoped for.
“Where’re John and Laura?” she asked Marilyn.
“They had business to attend but she asked me to give you this.” Marilyn handed her the brooch.
“Oh, thank you.” Sarah pocketed it and felt her main worry over, her trust had not been misplaced. “Do you know when they’ll be back?”
“Can’t say but she’ll phone and let me know.”
“Could I please borrow your phone for a call?”
“Sorry, it’s charging,” Marilyn shrugged.
After breakfast Sarah took Grace and Scamp for a walk in the grounds. Just outside the main door Bunty came running up.
“Want to see my castle?” She grabbed Grace’s hand.
“A real castle?” Grace asked.
“It’s my den.”
Sarah almost ran to keep up with the pair, Scamp darting between them. They passed through trees and emerged on open ground where a single stone tower stood in isolation.
“I know how to get inside,” Bunty said and started running, followed by Grace and Scamp. Sarah quickened her pace, watching them disappear round the tower. But when she arrived, they were nowhere to be seen.
“Grace,” she called. “Where are you?” No answer.
John sat in the back of the car between Laura and a giant of a man who had a domed head and a face without expression. He remained immobile, staring forward while the car passed through traffic. Aguzzi sat in front looking at his Smartphone, but listening to the conversation behind.
“What did you actually find in the deposit box?” Sarah asked John. “There must have been something.”
“I found a sheet of paper with several passwords and codes. I used my phone to input the first. That in turn came up with more codes and passwords. Silverman clearly has his money spread over more than one account. I need a decent computer and a quiet place to investigate.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll do that,” Aguzzi butted in.
“We’ll all do it,” Laura said. “It will be quicker. The sooner that money is in safe hands, the better.”
“Let me decide where it goes.” Aguzzi turned in his seat.
“Government is the safest,” Laura said.
“Look, if you don’t trust me, why let me go to the vault first?” John looked at her.
“Because I’m an MP. I couldn’t possibly get I involved in something so shady.”
“You don’t have to,” Aguzzi said. “I’ll do that. Just give me the codes.”
John smiled. “Sure will, once we get back.” He closed his eyes and feigned sleep, not opening them again till they arrived.
Once alone in her room, Laura phoned Joe Carver.
“I have a task for you. Aguzzi turned up and is demanding the money. As it seems we have found Silverman’s horde, Aguzzi is obsolete. Kill him, tomorrow.”
“Fine,” Joe said. “Where is he?”
She gave him the country house location,
“Does he have men?”
“Eight of them. They all sleep in the back servants’ quarters along with Eleanor Baxter’s girls.”
“Where does Aguzzi sleep?”
“In the master bedroom at the front. It has a balcony where he can do his exercises every morning. His car drops and collects him at the main entrance.”
“Tomorrow is pushing it, but I’ll see what I can do.”
“You won’t regret it.”
When Laura hung up, Joe immediately phoned Sean.
“Good news. I have the location, also Laura might have found the money.”
“Then we must move fast.”
“I need the best sniper rifle you can find. One that can’t be traced.”
“I won’t ask what for.”
“Public enemy number one, also a rapid-fire pistol for self-defence.”
“OK, let’s meet. Can your car take a cello case?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Handing high velocity weapons and ammunition over in public needs to be done with discretion.”
“Point taken, where do we meet?”
“Top of Hampstead High Street, in one hour.”
“OK,” Joe smiled. “I’ll walk along till I meet my musician friend.”
“Roger that, out.”
Joe switched off his phone, then from his bedroom cupboard took a small backpack, camouflage combat fatigues, rubber boots and wool hat, all gear rescued from his days in the Army. Once his car was loaded, he bought six chocolate bars and some bags of crisps. Thirty minutes later he parked behind Hampstead High Street and fed the metre to the maximum. With five minutes spare he left the car and walked to the rendezvous.
Sean stood by Hampstead pond; a cello case slung from one shoulder. He nodded as Joe approached.
“Who do you intend to use this on?” Sean asked. “Colonel Fox insisted I find out before I hand it over. It came from CAT’s own stores.”
“Aguzzi, and any who get in the way.”
“Good luck.” Sean passed the case over. “Fancy a pint?”
“Got work to do I’m afraid. Next time.”
“Also need to warn you”, Sean said as they walked down the hill. “We got a surveillance team on the way there. It’s best you liaise with them via Headquarters otherwise you might end up shooting each other.”
“Understood. Is it the same number you gave me in Paxos?”
“The same.”
“When there, Aguzzi told me to kill a guy called Jerak. You know who he is?”
“We’re working on it. All I know, he’s Silverman’s son but stay cool, no more than one victim a day.”
“I’ll do my best and look forward to that pint on another day.” Joe shook hands and turned off into a side street towards his car.
CHAPTER 26
“Grace,” Sarah shouted but no voice came back. She continued round the stone tower until a tangle of branches prevented her from going further. Immediately she re-traced her steps back the other way until the same branches again blocked her path. All the time she called for Grace.
No sound save the birds. Second time around she saw a narrow, low hatch rising barely twenty inches from the ground. She pulled back an outside bolt and pushed but the door did not budge.
“Grace,” she called again. “Grace, where are you?” Silence.
Then from within the tower a faint voice.
“Mummy, Mummy, help me.”
Sarah heaved on the door but nothing moved.
“Mummy, Mummy.”
On her back, Sarah placed both feet against the wood and kicked. She kicked a dozen times, then finally the door shifted a crack. Grace’s voice grew louder and Sarah kicked harder, kicking, kicking until the door burst open. Immediately she twisted over and thrust her head through the opening.
“Mummy,” Grace shouted from somewhere above. Scamp whined then barked.
Shuffling on her stomach, Sarah eased herself into the darkness.
“Grace, where are you?”
“Up here. I lost Bunty.” Sarah heard the voice from above as she stood. Little light came through the tiny door but it threw a beam across the stone floor and onto the lower step of a staircase.
“OK, I’m coming, my darling. Mummy’s here.”
Hands in front searching in the dark, Sarah crossed the floor and felt for the staircase handrail. Slowly she began to mount into pitch blackness. Below her the beam of light disappeared as someone scrapped the door shut and threw the outside bolt.
Sarah shivered as she realised they were trapped.
“My darling,” she whispered. “I’m coming.”
Victoria sat at her computer going through Italian birth records, then translating whatever she thought relevant. Fortunately few born in Italy were named Kirkwell.
Alice knocked on the door and entered.
“I have a mission for you my dear. I want you to visit Laura Manning at this mansion house. Find out what her connection is with Aguzzi.”
“That will give our operation away. We’re not supposed to know she’s there.”
“Then simply tell her for security reasons, MI5 keep track on all MP’s mobiles. We don’t listen to calls, just monitor the mobile’s position so in an emergency we can immediately send Security to protect them.”
“Will she swallow that?” Victoria wrinkled her nose.
“Why not? It’s true. I want you to go immediately.”
Aguzzi, John and Laura sat before a computer screen in the principal drawing room of the mansion.
“These are the numbers from the brooch,” John said, while entering them on the keyboard. Immediately a list of accounts came on the screen. He went to the first and again entered the two sets of numbers, one as log-in, the other as password. The account opened revealing its contents.
The Black Rose Conspiracy Page 18