Friday's Child

by Clare Revell

  “I need back up...now.” Patrick raced to the lounge, as Abbie’s scream pierced his soul.

  “Nooooooo. Patrick….” Elle’s cry struck him in the heart.

  He pulled his gun from its holster, as he ran. “Elle…”

  Abbie screamed again.

  Elle’s voice echoed. “Don’t hurt her. Leave her alone.”

  The anguished cry had him pounding the hall and bursting into the lounge, gun drawn and held in front of him in both hands.

  Two masked men stood in the middle of the room. One held Abbie, the other Elle. Elle had a gun pointed at her head. Rain and wind poured in through the shattered front window.

  Adrenaline and terror filled him. The personal and professional sides of him battled it out for an instant before the professional won.

  “Put the gun down,” Patrick ordered.

  “I don’t think so.”

  There was a swift arm movement.

  A flash and a bang.

  Pain spun him around, as he got off a shot of his own.

  “Patrick…”

  As he fell, he saw the men back out of the room, dragging the two girls with them. He struggled upright, gripping the gun in blood soaked fingers. “Elle…”

  He ran into the hall, turning his ankle. He cried out involuntarily, getting to the door in time to see a car pull off the drive and screech off into the darkness, leaving a cloud of exhaust behind. He memorized the plate. Lord, God, please protect them. Forgive me for failing.

  Where was Nigel? Why hadn’t he stopped them?

  He limped over to the car on the grass, his stomach plummeting as he registered Nigel slumped over the wheel, covered in blood.

  Pain, guilt and stomach turning nausea churned inside him. He clutched his arm and limped towards the front door. He needed to get to a phone and call this in. Salt burned his eyes. He’d failed them.

  Screeching rubber and brakes came from behind him. He spun around, gun up and ready to fire. They weren’t going to take him without a fight.

  23

  Elle clutched Abbie tightly as the car swung away from the house. Images of Patrick caught by the bullet and spinning around before falling, played over and over in her mind. He was hurt and it was her fault. Please, don’t let him be dead. I need him. Abbie needs him. Now he’s back in my life, I want him to stay.

  Abbie whimpered as she clung to Elle.

  “Shut her up,” hissed the tall man. He clutched his arm. Perhaps Patrick’s one shot had hit him after all. “Or I shut her up permanently.”

  Abbie screamed.

  Elle hugged her. “Shh, it’ll be all right. Just sit quietly.”

  “It’s not OK. We’ve been kidnapped.” Abbie’s words struck deep into her core.

  The man with the gun turned around in his seat. “Listen to your mother and be quiet.”

  “She’s not my mother. She’s my sister.”

  “I said shut up.” He waved the gun at them. “You do know how to shut up, don’t you?”

  Abbie nodded, her face white and pinched. “Yeah,” she whispered.

  “Then obey your mother and be quiet.”

  “Where are you taking us?” Elle asked.

  “Mr. F wants to discuss a breach of contract with you.”

  “Like I told Zeke, I quit. There is nothing to—”

  “Mr. F doesn’t like being told no. His patience has run out.”

  “So why bring Abbie if he wants to see me? He doesn’t need her. Please let her go, she’s sick.”

  “She doesn’t look sick to me. She stays as insurance.”

  Elle looked down at Abbie, holding her tightly. The beginnings of a plan formed in her mind. “I guess we’re going to head office in Wokingham, then?”

  “Of course.”

  She nodded and leaned down to whispered in Abbie’s ear. “When I tell you to jump, I want you to get out of the car and find help.”

  “While it’s moving?” Terror flickered in her eyes.

  “If you stay here, they’ll hurt you and I don’t want that.”

  “Jumping out will hurt, too. And they’ll hurt you if I leave.”

  “Hush up all that whispering.” The man glared at them. “Or else.”

  “They won’t hurt me.” Elle hugged her. “We need to work together here. I need you to go and get help while I pretend to do what they want.”

  “I’m scared.”

  “Me, too.” She kissed her forehead. “When I get home we need to have a long talk. But God will keep us both safe until then.”

  “You promise?”

  “I promise.” The car slowed down as it approached a junction. “Soon as it stops get out. Run to the nearest shop…”

  “Everything’s closed. It’s too late.”

  “Do you still have your phone?”

  Abbie nodded. “It’s in my pocket.”

  “Then ring Patrick or dial 9-9-9. Find a policeman. Get help. Scream if you have to.” The car stopped. Elle opened the door and pushed Abbie out. “Go. Run.”

  Abbie glanced at her and cried out as she hit the ground. Then she pushed up and ran away from the car, screaming.

  “You stupid—”

  Elle shut the door. “Let her go. I’ll do whatever you want, just, please, let her go.”

  The two men hesitated. The car behind sounded its horn several times. “What do I do, Rick?”

  “Go, leave her. I can always pick her up again.”

  Elle turned as the car drove off. She could just make out Abbie limping into the darkness, heading back the way they’d come. She had no idea where they were. Please, God, keep her safe. Let her find Patrick or someone who’ll keep her safe. As long as she and Patrick are OK, it doesn’t matter what happens to me.

  ****

  Patrick winced as the nurse bandaged his arm. He had gone to the hospital under sufferance. All he wanted to do was find Abbie and Elle. The longer he sat here, the colder the trail was getting. Shay and DI Nemec had arrived at the hospital shortly after he had, and he was also desperate to talk to the American. But the nurses had prohibited it while he was being treated.

  The bullet hadn’t done any major damage and having it removed hadn’t been as bad as he’d thought. He’d refused pain medication of any kind, not wanting his brain dulled and his thoughts addled. He glanced up at Mr. Brown, the transplant surgeon. “Is this going to affect the surgery on Friday?”

  Mr. Brown looked up from the notes. “It shouldn’t. So long as you keep the wound clean and keep out of any more trouble. I will want all the tests to come back clear, however.”

  “Good.” Relief filled him. Now all he had to do was find Abbie and Elle. “You still want me to book in at four tomorrow afternoon?”

  “I’m tempted to make you stay in now.”

  “I can’t do that.” Patrick paused as Nahum pushed through the curtains. “Did you find them?”

  “No. Every cop in town and the rest of the county is looking for the plate you gave us. Nigel’s fine. They’re keeping him in overnight.”

  Patrick pulled down his shirt sleeve and buttoned it. “So, Doc, as staying in isn’t an option, can I go now?”

  “You need to wait here for the prescription meds. I’ll see you at four in the afternoon for those tests. You and Abbie can share a room tomorrow night.” He nodded and left the cubicle.

  “Assuming we find her,” he muttered. He winced again as the nurse fastened his arm into a sling.

  “I’m sorry?” The nurse looked at him.

  “That’s how I got shot.” Patrick ignored the black look Nahum gave him. “Trying to prevent her and her mum from being kidnapped. But that comes under patient confidentiality.”

  “Of course. I’ll get you those meds.” The nurse said and vanished.

  Shay and DI Nemec came in. Shay looked at him. “Patrick, you need to hear this.”

  Luke Nemec held out a hand. “Nice to meet you at last, Agent Page. Shame it’s like this.”

  Patrick shook his ha
nd. “Likewise, Inspector.”

  Nemec nodded. “Agent Williams brought me up to speed and we compared notes. Your PJ or Mr. F is my guy—Philip Joseph Foster or Phil Baines. He was responsible for the kidnap of his sister-in-law along with helping run one of the biggest drug cartels in the country.” He drew in a deep breath. “He and his brother killed their parents in a house fire when they were twelve. They went into care.”

  Patrick went cold. What had Elle said? After her mother died in a fire... “What were the parents’ names?”

  “Rachel and Daniel Foster.”

  Patrick closed his eyes. “Rachel Foster was Elle’s birth mother.” He filled Nemec in on what Elle had told him a few nights earlier. “So this is revenge pure and simple. Mr. Harrison just took his daughter, leaving the Foster boys to social services.”

  Shay looked at him. “The sins of the fathers. Elle and Abbie have to pay.”

  The nurse came back in. “Here are your meds.”

  “Thank you.” The phone vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out.

  “That should be switched off,” the nurse scolded.

  “I’m on duty, sorry.” He looked at the screen. “It’s Abbie’s phone. Inspector, I assume you’d like in on this?”

  Nemec nodded. “And it’s Luke.”

  “Patrick.” Answering the call, he strode from the cubicle, heading to the exit. “Abbie, is that you?”

  “Patrick?” Her voice was faint, her breathing heavy as if she were running.

  “Yes, it’s me, honey. Where are you?”

  “I don’t know. They’ve got Ellie. They said they’d kill her. She pushed me out of the car, told me to get help. But it’s dark and I don’t know where I am.”

  Patrick looked at Nahum. “Get a trace on her phone.” He pushed open the doors into the chilly night air, trusting his boss to do as he asked. Pain ricocheted from his arm through his whole body as he and the others ran to the car. “Did they follow you, Abbie?”

  “No. They shot you.” Sobs echoed down the phone. “I thought you were dead.”

  “I’m OK. The doctor bandaged my arm. I’m more worried about you and Elle.”

  “Please help me.”

  “I’m almost in the car now, sweetheart. We’re tracing the call, so stay on the line.”

  “I’m running out of credit.”

  “Another minute or so and then I’ll call you back.” He got in the car, struggling to do his belt up one handed. “Tell me what you can see.”

  “It’s dark. There aren’t many street lights. Some big houses.”

  “Can you see a street name or a shop name?” The phone went dead as Shay began driving. Please, Lord, some help here. He redialed, hoping Abbie had the sense to end the call. “Did you get a trace?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Try again.” The phone rang and was picked up almost immediately. “Abbie?”

  “I’m still here. I’m cold, Patrick. And scared.”

  “I know. I’m trying to find you. Can you see a street sign or a shop anywhere?”

  “No. There’s something coming.”

  “Flag it down, sweetheart. Give the driver your name and then give him the phone so I can talk to him.”

  “K.” Her voice faded for a moment. “He didn’t stop.”

  “It’s all right.” He looked at Nahum. “Anything?”

  “Yes, she’s in Arbor.”

  Patrick allowed himself a slight smile. Arbor was a suburb of Headley Cross, albeit on the other side of town. “Abbie, I need you to do something for me. We know where you are, but it’ll take us a little while to reach you. About fifteen minutes.”

  “What do you…want me…to…do…?” Her voice was faint and Patrick could hear her shivering.

  “Keep walking until you find a road sign.”

  “OK.” There was a long pause. “It says Willow Hill.”

  Patrick sighed in relief. Thank You, Lord. “That’s great, honey. Now turn into that road and keep walking until you come to house number seven.”

  “Who lives there?”

  “My parents. They’ll look after you until I get there.”

  “Is it safe?”

  “Yes, sweetheart, it’s safe. You met them in the hospital, remember?” He looked at Shay. “Did you get that?”

  She nodded. “Yeah.”

  “Can I borrow your phone, Nahum?” He took the outstretched handset and dialed his parents, holding it to his other ear. He winced in pain. “Hey, Dad, it’s Patrick. Abbie is about to knock on your door. I need you to find her or if she gets there first, let her in, keep her safe. I’ll explain when I get there.”

  “OK.”

  He heard the door chime in both phones. “Dad, I’m hanging up.” He gave Nahum back his phone. “Abbie, my Dad knows you’re coming.” He heard the door open.

  “Patrick sent…” The teenager’s voice tailed off.

  “Abbie? Abbie answer me.”

  Silence.

  He caught Shay’s gaze in the mirror and shook his head. “Go faster. Abbie? Abbie, speak to me.”

  “Patrick?” A deep male voice with a familiar Irish lilt echoed down the phone.

  He sucked in a deep breath. “Yeah, Dad. Where’s Abbie? Is she all right?”

  “She passed out on the doorstep. Mum’s with her. She’s stirring now. But she’s very cold. We’ll get her warmed. Do you want me to call an ambulance?”

  He shook his head. “No, don’t do that. We’re no more than fifteen minutes away. Do me a favor, Dad?”

  “Anything.”

  “Lock the house up tight. Turn on every single light and don’t open the door until I get there. I’ll phone before I ring the doorbell. If anyone other than me turns up, call the police.”

  The drive was an eternity. Worry for Elle gnawed at his gut. Every bump in the road sent rivers of pain coursing through him. Perhaps not taking the meds was a stupid move after all. Pain, although it usually sharpened his senses, was now beginning to cloud his judgment.

  He closed his eyes. Forgive me for failing in my duty. Please, keep Elle safe until I can find her. Thank You that Abbie is safe. Please don’t let her be harmed or too sick for the transplant to take place in two days’ time.

  “Patrick.”

  He opened his eyes. “Yeah, Shay.”

  “We’re here. I’m going to get someone to come and stay here. That way we don’t have to move Abbie again.”

  “At least until we need to take her to the hospital.” Patrick got out of the car and ran up the path as fast as he could, dialing the phone. “Dad, it’s me. We’re here.”

  The door opened. “She’s safe,” Dad said. “What happened to you?”

  “I got shot. I’m fine. Where is she?”

  “In the lounge with Mum.”

  Patrick strode down the hallway and burst in. “Abbie?”

  “Patrick…” She bolted off the sofa and ran into his outstretched arm.

  He held her tightly with his good arm, ignoring the pain soaring through him. His eyes burned with the tears he wasn’t going to let fall. He’d never realized that being a parent could hurt this much. “I got you.” He sat down, pulling her onto his lap. “You’re safe now.”

  24

  Abbie didn’t move off his lap. Despite his desire to go searching for Elle, Patrick had to comfort his daughter for as long as she needed it. Besides, right now he had no idea which way to go and where to look. Luke and Shay were making phone calls, tracking Foster’s movements and trying to work out where he’d take Elle. Abbie sipped the cocoa his Mum made and snuggled against him.

  He kissed the top of her head. “How are you doing?”

  “Better now.” She looked down at the cup. “But Ellie’s still out there.”

  “I’ll go and find her, but first I need to ask you some questions. The more you can tell me, the quicker I can find Elle.”

  “I’ll try.”

  “Did they say where they were taking her?”

  Abbie’
s face creased in thought. “I don’t know. I was scared.”

  “It’s scary having a gun waved at you.” He hugged her. “But they can’t hurt you anymore. I can find Elle a lot faster if I knew where they went.”

  “They mentioned a Mr. F. He was mad at Ellie, wanted her to see him.”

  “Did they say where they were going?”

  “Wokingham. To the head office.”

  Patrick hugged her. “Thank you, sweetie.” He glanced over. “You get that?”

  Luke nodded. “Give me a minute and you’ll have an address.”

  Abbie tugged at his sleeve. “Are you going to find her now?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  She twisted her head, her eyes wide with fright. “Can I come with you?”

  “No, it’s too dangerous. I need you to stay here in the warm. Besides, we don’t want you getting sick before the surgery on Friday.”

  “OK. But am I safe here? You said we were safe at your house. Did they find us because the man followed you?”

  “How did you know about that? You were asleep when we got in.”

  She shook her head. “I was pretending to sleep. I do that a lot.”

  He winked at her. “Don’t tell my Dad, but I used to do the same thing.”

  “Heard that,” came the comment from the other side of the room.

  Abbie smiled slightly. “You need to work on your stage whispers. For a spy, you’re useless.”

  A chuckle spread around the room, the tension lessening slightly.

  “But yes, we were followed back to my place. However, I promise you’ll be safe, this time. No one knows you’re here.” He hugged her again. “I want you to stay here until I come back. My mum and dad will look after you until then. And you see that man over there?” He nodded to Nahum. “That’s my boss. No bad guy would dare take you away with him here.”

  “OK. Does your arm hurt very much?” She lifted a cautious hand and touched the fingers poking out from his sling.

  Pain rocketed through him, but he hid it, not wanting to scare or upset her further. “A little, but you know what hurts more?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Not having Elle here with us. So I’m gonna go find her.”

  Abbie nodded. “You will come back?”