by Jack Hammond
“It’s not like you to have trouble sleeping,” Sarah continued.
“No, you’re right,” Edward admitted, “but this week has been far from ordinary.”
“True,” she replied. Something didn’t feel right here. There was something different about Edward, he wasn’t tired. He looked like he always did. His eyes were not bloodshot, his face not drawn. He had got a good night’s rest, so why was he lying to her?
A few more twists and turns down side streets and alleys and the pair had made it to the coffee shop. Sarah rode the escalators to the third floor deciding to give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, this week hadn’t been run of the mill for them. Sarah took a seat while Edward ordered two coffees before joining her.
“There you go.” He said putting down the large bowl like cup.
“Thank you,” Sarah said as she added sugar to her drink.
Edward blew softly onto the froth on top of the coffee and for a split second Sarah thought he was going to take a sip. “What time is it this afternoon?”
“Around three. Will that be a problem?” Sarah enquired.
“No, it’s perfect. I have a few other things to attend to today.”
“Really, what?” she asked with interest.
Edward wasn’t expecting that, he needed to think up something on the spot and for the first time he could remember he felt a little flustered. “I have a meeting,” he began, “with an old associate of Maximus’. I’m hoping to gain some insight into where he might be.”
“Really?” Sarah was unconvinced, “I thought we had vetted all his associates. Who is it? No point wasting a morning on something we have already put to bed.”
“I don’t think she would be in the files, at least not classed as an associate.”
“She?” Sarah pressed taking a casual sip of her coffee. He was lying; she could see it in his eyes. But why? For what purpose?
“Sandra.” Edward found the name hard to say. The mother of the child the Associates had taken, she would not have been vetted in Maximus’ file.
“The mother? Are you serious?” she asked astounded.
“Yes.”
“You’re going to see the mother,” Sarah lowered her voice to a whisper. “Of the child Max is accused of taking, and hope she will tell you his whereabouts?”
Edward just nodded.
“If she knew anything, don’t you think she would have informed the police and they would have followed up?”
“Possibly. But I don’t like taking chances, I would rather see for myself. Ask my own questions. They spent a lot of time together.”
Sarah’s eyes darted around the cafe as she took note of who was in earshot of their conversation. “I understand that, but seeing her now doesn’t make sense.”
Edward knew it didn’t, but her name was the only one he could think of that would not have been checked and double checked, by the vigorous investigation Sarah would no doubt have performed, before their first meeting. “I just have a hunch, a feeling she has something, some knowledge we can use.”
“A hunch? Is that worth investigating now? We have an image of the boy. I expect a name later today.” This wasn’t like Edward. The other night he'd opened up to her and now he was lying straight to her face and she wanted to know why?
“I understand that, but isn’t it worth covering all the bases?” Edward seemed desperate.
“What if the lead doesn’t pay off?” she took another sip of her coffee.
Edward cursed himself for this mess. A few choice words, spoken at the wrong moment could completely wreck everything.
“The two boys obviously know each other. Most likely attend the same school. We can easily identify the chosen one, without letting anyone know we have.” Sarah explained. “This will pay off.”
Edward knew she was right; the boy’s friend would lead him to Maximus and more than likely the person behind everything. But that would put an end to Edward’s side project. “Yes, you’re right.” He agreed, “The boy is without a doubt our best play.”
Sarah took another sip of her coffee; she saw something dim in his eyes. “You know what?” she said placing down the cup, “Do it.”
“What?” Edward looked stunned for a moment as he heard the words, but could not comprehend them. “Do what?” he asked.
“Meet her; ask the questions you need, see where it leads.” She smiled, “Covering the bases might be a good idea.”
Edward nodded in agreement, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“Of course it is.” She replied turning her gaze to the busy street below.
Edward looked at her, she was most definitely smart and the web he had just spun was poor and frankly beneath him. He was up to something, the only question was, would she trust him enough to allow him the meet with Maximus? Or would she have him hauled in before he had a chance?
The silence was uncomfortable, they were both aware something was wrong and yet neither of them was willing to press the other for anything more. This was the way of their business. Everything was lies, deceit and facades. Even so it hurt Edward to be untruthful with Sarah, but he had made a promise to someone else all those years ago. Someone more precious to him and he intended to keep his word no matter what.
“I was considering collection.” Sarah said out of the blue.
“Collection?”
“Yes, once we have the boy’s name, I thought I'd have him taken.”
“I would think that was a bad idea,” Edward said. Collection was a nice way of saying kidnap and under the current situation another kidnapping of a minor would draw unnecessary heat.
“I would ordinarily, but time may be a factor now.”
“Why?”
“Whatever’s going on will happen soon.” Sarah replied not looking away from the window.
“What makes you think that?”
She turned to face him, “A hunch,” She smiled.
The tram pulled away from the stop as Max found an empty seat. He looked at his watch and then folded his arms across his chest. There were fewer people on the tram at eleven, the school and work rush had ended now, it was a more peaceful ride, at least until midday. The low hum as it navigated its way towards the city was comforting. Not roaring, just a mild humming, the only uncomfortable things were the jolts as it changed tracks. The clunking noise really bit into Max’s nerves, he missed his car so much.
Another ten minutes, a short walk and Max could scout out the meeting place. He knew the place well and double checking exit strategies was the smart thing to do. If he noticed a sudden abundance of suspicious individuals or vehicles it would be safe to say it was a trap. Max had learned to be cautious since the Associates plan to have him arrested failed. He had done some unsavoury things, but the worst was convincing Paul Ruben to hand over those pictures. That didn’t sit well with Max at all, he had made promises he couldn’t keep. Assurances that were out of his hands. Hopefully today Max would have some of the answers he wanted. The most important being, was he safe. Until now Max had not realised just how strong his self-preservation was and prison or death were not options Max wanted to explore.
As the doors parted, Max stepped out into the freezing cold of the city centre. Nottingham Playhouse stood opposite, the large white building had billboards of current and upcoming shows that were visiting. The building hadn’t seemed to have changed much in Max’s eyes, but the truth was he had paid little attention to it. The Playhouse had been there since the 1950’s apparently converted from an old cinema but that was long before Max’s time. He had noticed the sculpture Sky Mirror that now had pride of place outside of the building. Max had recalled reading in the Evening Post it had won an award a few years back but the name escaped him.
He headed down the road towards the square; it was busy with lots of people and traffic. That was a good thing plenty of places to hide and individuals to get lost between if he was followed. Max cut a path between the groups of college students and doddering
old age pensioners as he headed towards where he needed to be. The irony had not escaped him. Max was early to a meeting with Edward, which was something he hadn't managed in their time together. This was different, if he'd been late before he would've received a discerning look, maybe a snide comment. If he was late now he would be captured and possibly killed and he wanted to avoid that if possible.
Max looked along the road leading up to the church as he positioned himself. A few cars were parked on either side of the road, none of which caught his eye. The street was no busier than he had seen before. Mostly it was students travelling along the road from the local college into the city centre. No police, no company men he recognised and most surprisingly, no Edward. Max was early but still he had expected to see the fedora and black coat he was so accustomed to. With another quick glance up and down the street he moved away from the meeting place, choosing to find another point where he could double check its security.
Cars whizzed up and down Maid Marion Way, along with buses and trucks. The diesel engines coughed out smoky fumes and from Max’s position he could see a cloud of smog rising from the road as the hot exhaust emissions met with the freezing cold air. The top of the parking structure allowed him the chance to get as much of a bird’s eye view as he could. Now able to see all the roads, leading to and from the church Max felt more secure. Also being able to see if anyone else was observing the meeting place was another positive and from this vantage point he could see the office windows from three directions.
Max looked at his watch and decided it was time to leave, Edward wouldn't be far away. In fact by the time he arrived he would most likely already be waiting for him, Max didn’t mind him thinking he had once again beaten him to a meet. Max’s safety was far more important than a childish race that no doubt only existed in his head. Max left the parking complex, crossed over Maid Marion Way and headed down passed two public houses on his left, before moving into the small graveyard at the back of the church.
Empty wine bottles and discarded beer cans were strewn across the steps at the rear of the church. Obviously it had been used in the evening and at night by drunks wanting a peaceful drink. Max was shocked that anyone would venture out to sit in a graveyard in the harsh weather of the last few nights. Whoever it was, they would most definitely need the alcohol in their system, to fend off the freezing temperatures. Max’s attention was drawn swiftly to the office windows adjacent to his position. Slowly he scanned the windows one by one, carefully ruling each one out of possible observers.
“No one is watching you Maximus,” Edward said. “We are alone.”
Turning to face him, Max for some reason expected more. More of what? He couldn’t say, just more than an old man wearing a fedora and black coat. “You gave them the pictures.” Max began.
“What pictures?” Edward was intrigued as to how Max had learned of the photos so quickly.
“Don’t play dumb with me.” Max snapped. There was a time when Max felt threatened by what Edward represented. Not anymore, Max no longer feared him. He'd seen the expanse which was something to fear. “We both know what I’m talking about, but what I don’t know is my role.”
“You think I do?” Edward was unsure how to play this, he didn’t want to go in too quick. He didn’t want to show his hand too soon.
Max pointed at him, his stare steely and unwavering. “You do know,” he growled. “You always know more than you say. Now I want answers.”
“We all want answers Maximus.” Edward replied.
“Don’t give me that Politician crap, answering my questions with a question.” Max said jabbing his finger at him. “Am I being set up, like before? Did you give them the pictures to have Wesley abducted and pin it on me, again?”
Edward raised an eyebrow; Max had furnished him with the name of the boy that was causing a stir. “I can’t say, Maximus.”
“Rubbish!” he yelled. “You are in deeper, you always know more than you let on.”
“So you want me to tell you if you’re being set up again.” Edward asked.
Max just nodded his head.
“I can’t tell you, I really don’t know. But what I will tell you, you’re not safe.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Exactly what I said. You’re not safe, none of us are.” He explained, trying his hardest to be a vague as possible.
Max moved a few steps closer to Edward. “Are they closing in on us?” he asked, this time his voice a little softer.
“I’ve heard rumours,” Edward said. “We live dangerous lives Maximus, someone, somewhere is always closing in on us.”
“Is it Mather?” Max enquired bluntly.
“Mather?” Edward retorted.
“Yeah, Sarah Mather. I saw her the other day. She must be pretty high up now, is she the one hunting for me?”
“I don’t know.” Edward lied. Maximus knew much more than he expected him to.
“You don’t know?” Max paused. “How could you not know? You’ve been meeting with her.”
Max realised something didn’t feel right and looked nervously around. Max’s abrupt change of manner spooked Edward.
“We’re alone Maximus.” He said trying to calm Max.
“Really? How would you know?” Max snapped. “I mean, how would you know if we’re being watched? You don’t even know if Sarah Mather is looking for me and you have been dealing with her.”
Edward remained silent as Max continued.
“It has just dawned on me, you really don’t know anything do you?”
“That depends Maxim...” Max did not allow him to finish.
“Give it a rest will you old man. I’m tired of your crap, this was a mistake.” Max quickly took his leave moving around the side of the church out of Edward’s sights.
Edward rubbed his face with his hands and realised he had to salvage something from this meeting. He decided to give chase as he turned the corner he saw Max sprawled out on the ground. A tall bald headed man in a business suit stood over him, holding a taser in his right hand and mobile phone in his left. Edward froze for a moment and looked at Max and then up at the man before contemplating what to do next, considering running back, and to a lesser extent rushing Maximus’ attacker. The man looked at Edward, his eyes were cold. The man was clearly a professional. He put the phone to his ear and nodded a few times before saying, “It’s for you,” and then handed the phone to Edward.
Edward didn’t know who to expect as he put the phone to his ear. “Hello?”
“I think we need to talk, Edward.” Sarah said curtly before hanging up the phone.
Edward handed back the mobile. “Thank you.” He said. “Can I help you with him?” he asked looking at Max on the floor.
“No, I’m good.” The man said bluntly.
“I was just wondering.” Edward said kneeling next to him. “Will he be okay?”
“Yeah, I only tasered him. I didn’t shoot him.”
“Well, you might want to tell them.” Edward said pointing behind the man.
As the bald man turned, Edward quickly reached down and ripped the necklace from around Max’s throat and stuffed it into his pocket. The man could only see a young boy crossing the road, he had attracted no attention. He glanced back as Edward walked away, his eyes flicked between them both. With a shrug the man knelt beside Max and secured his hands behind his back with a plastic tie.
The taxi drove Edward across town. He was not meeting Sarah in a cosy coffee shop this time; he knew it was a far more formal meeting. He had misled his friend Sarah, but he had also misled his superior Miss Mather which was who he was meeting. The car pulled up outside the large building, tipping the driver Edward stepped out. The building was newly bought, having been a government building a few years previously and sold off under the current administration. Tinted windows lined the first two floors so no one could see inside, which suited the Associates a lot more than the government building it used to be.
A gush
of warm air met him as he opened the door. He headed straight to the young lady who manned the reception desk. Edward didn’t really pay much attention to her; he didn’t even have time to make a mental note of her wearing too much make up. He was far too busy trying to think just how he was going explain today’s meeting with Max. Edward needed to keep her on side. He needed access to the archive, and this conversation was not going to be easy.
“Miss Mather is waiting for you.” The girl told him as he approached.
“Thank you.” Edward replied stony faced as he passed by and into the office behind her.
The room was bare, except for a desk, two chairs and a box full of files. Sarah sat behind the cheap flat pack desk, a white mug, laptop and an empty photo frame sat on top. She looked angry as she held out a hand gesturing for Edward to take a seat. He was too wise to speak; he had played too many games like this before, to stumble into that particular pitfall.
“You know why I asked to meet you here.” Sarah said.
“Indeed.” Edward replied taking a seat. Hard and uncomfortable, it was clear why Sarah preferred to do her meets outside of the office. It was a makeshift work area, in her line of work Edward was aware she moved around. He couldn’t help but notice the empty frame, he was certain it contained a picture moments before he arrived.
Sarah looked at him hard, she knew something had been wrong earlier this morning but not telling her about the meeting with Max had been a shock. “I had you followed,” she began. “Because I knew you were lying to me this morning.”
“I had guessed, it has been a long time since I’ve had anything to do with the cloak and dagger business. I didn’t even consider covering my tracks before the meet, never entered my head.” Edward admitted. “But as for lying to you, yes. I admit I was untruthful with you.”
“You were.” She reiterated.
“But it was for your own good.” Edward explained. “If I'd told you where Max was going to be, you could've easily picked him up.”
“You mean like I did?” she confirmed.
“Yes.” Edward smiled. “Like you did. But you need to let him go.”
