by M A Comley
“Yes,” she muttered quietly as she descended into the wooden hole.
Warrior slammed the doors shut and applied the bolt. In the distance, he thought he heard something but had trouble distinguishing what the noise was. Angry, he stormed back into the house and picked up the phone.
***
Lorne snatched the ringing phone from her pocket and answered the call.
“Simpkins, where are you?”
Lorne paused her running to speak to the kidnapper. “I’m almost there now. What do I look for?”
“I’ll give you another two minutes to get there.”
Lorne looked at the phone then quickly tucked it in her jacket pocket as if to avoid it burning through the palm of her hand. The crowd was thick in front of her, so Lorne left the pavement and ran in the kerb of the road. Traffic had virtually ground to a standstill anyway, so she didn’t have to contend with the extra worry of a speeding car knocking her over.
Moments later, she reached the steps of the incredible building that housed all of London’s past under one roof. She waited outside the front door for Warrior to ring. Her foot started to tap, and she anxiously checked her phone.
Finally, he rang.
“Hello.”
“Are you there?”
“I’m here.”
“Right, I want you to make your way inside the building and head for the Crime Museum. Lucky this was one of the places you picked out earlier, because I’ve ‘planted’ something inside for you to find.”
A cold, sinister laugh rippled down the line. “Sounds ominous. Care to give me an extra clue?”
“Nope. Just get in there and go towards the Jack the Ripper exhibit. You have ten minutes.”
He hung up, and Lorne joined the small queue at the door, waiting to gain access to the museum. When it was her turn to step through the doorway, she shuddered at the sense of history the building held. Stay focused! I haven’t got time to linger. She rushed past all the ancient Roman artefacts close to the entrance and tried to locate the signage that would lead her to the appropriate area she needed to conclude her quest. Perplexed, she studied the signs but found no mention of the Crime Museum. Lorne walked over to the reception area.
The woman sitting behind the desk greeted her warmly, “Hello there, how can I help you?”
“I’ve been told to, er... meet someone at the Crime Museum. Only I can’t find any mention of it on the signs.”
“That’s because it’s still being created. The exhibition is due to be opened to the public in October 2015. You’re a few months early, I’m afraid.”
Panic forced Lorne’s mouth to drop open.
“Are you all right? You look as though you’ve just seen a ghost.”
“Yes, I mean, no. I’m sorry. Is it possible to point me in the direction anyway? I’ll take a look around for my friend there.”
“Of course. Here, take one of these. It’ll give you a better idea of where you’re going.” The receptionist handed Lorne a glossy brochure opened up to a map of the museum. On it, she had circled the area designated for the Crime Museum.
“That’s brilliant. Thank you so much for your help.”
“It’s a pleasure. I hope you find your friend.”
Lorne smiled and walked swiftly through the corridors of history, promising herself that she would bring Charlie and Tony for a visit one day in the near future—if she got out of the situation alive.
After arriving at the sectioned-off area, she paced the hallway, until finally, Warrior called back.
“You lied,” she said, instantly regretting her outburst.
“I told you I would keep you on your toes, Simpkins.” He laughed, imitating a dastardly villain from a 1930s horror film.
“I’m glad you think torturing people and messing with their heads is a fun exercise for you. I have to inform you that I’m finding it all a tad boring.”
“Oh you are, are you? Okay, I’m sure you’ll find your next trip far more exciting. Oh, and by the way, you know I mentioned this would be your last stop? That huge mouth of yours just extended your little adventure.”
Lorne’s shoulders slumped, and tears of frustration pricked her eyes. Keep your trap shut, girl!
Refusing to let on how disappointed she felt, she stretched, pulled her shoulders back, and said, “Bring it on, buster. Bring it on.”
Warrior growled, forcing a smile to break out across her face. “Get on a river cruise,” he said.
“What? You need to give me more than that.”
“Go to the Thames Circular Cruise. You’ve got thirty minutes.”
“Wait!” she cried, but it was too late. Crap! I have no idea where that sets off from.
She retraced her steps back through the corridors to the receptionist.
“Any luck?” the woman asked, smiling.
“No. I rang her, and she’s been held up. She suggested that we meet at the Thames Circular Cruise. I have no idea where that is. My friend’s phone died before she could give me directions. Can you help at all?”
The woman left her seat and walked over to a large display rack housing an abundance of tourist leaflets. She picked one off the top row before returning to Lorne and placing it on the counter in front of her. “There you are. All the information you require should be in there.”
“You’ve saved my life for a second time today. I’m extremely grateful. Thank you.”
“No problem. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
If only you knew what I’m up against!
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Katy and AJ returned to the station after their disappointing trip to the crime scene. Sean greeted them with a raised eyebrow and a twinkle in his eye.
“Sir? I take it you have some good news.”
“I think so. It’s yet to be confirmed, but I think we might have located the gang’s hideout.”
“Are you sure? That’s excellent news. Where?” Katy’s heart pounded against her ribs.
“The chopper is circulating the area now, discreetly of course. Looks like a disused farm. One of the crew thinks he spotted a four-by-four poking out of one of the barns. Seems strange having such a smart vehicle at a farm no longer in use, doesn’t it?”
“I agree.” Katy followed Sean over to the whiteboard. He pointed at an area on the map close to Epping in Essex. “That seems pretty remote, although definitely feasible. What’s the next step?”
“I’ve asked the chopper to come back and pick me up. I want to get out there and see for myself what we’re up against before we contemplate sending reinforcements out there. I’d hate to look foolish if it turned out to be a mistake.”
“Makes sense. Do you need anyone to go with you?”
“No. You stay here and man the phones in case Lorne or Tony make contact. I’ll assess the situation thoroughly then call for back-up.”
“Okay. Can I tell you to be cautious, though? The last thing we want to do is alert them. Don’t forget there are hostages at stake here.”
“Thanks for that reminder, Sergeant. I have all the necessary teams on alert. Once I get the clarification I need, I’ll contact those teams direct, and we’ll hit the location en masse. Is that how you would play it if you were still in charge?”
Katy’s cheeks heated up under his glare. “Yes, boss. That’s exactly the route I would have taken if I were in your position. What news of Lorne? Anything?”
“Nope. Nothing at all. I haven’t heard from Tony since his last call, either. I’m hoping he’s in contact with Joe and that Joe has eyes on Lorne.”
“It’s certainly a logistical nightmare. I have a feeling that was this Warrior’s intention from the word go. What about the husband of the latest kidnapped family? What’s he had to say about things?”
“He’s distraught, of course, and is trying to secure the funds he needs for the expected ransom demand, which by the way, still hasn’t been made.”
“I take it you told him it would be ten million?”
“I hear you. When’s the chopper due back?” Katy asked.
“Anytime now. I’m going to head up to the roof and wait for it to land. Keep on top of everything here until I return, okay?”
“Yes, boss.” Katy watched Sean dash out of the room, envious that she hadn’t been asked to go along for the ride. Have I done the right thing, accepting a demotion? My head says yes. However, my heart says no.
She felt a hand rub her arm and smiled when she found AJ looking down at her. “I know what you’re feeling, the doubts you’re having. It’s for the best, Katy. Your talents are required at this end. This part of the investigation will benefit immensely from your leadership skills.”
“You’ve done it again.”
He frowned slightly. “What?”
“You’ve made me feel wanted, appreciated, when I was beginning to doubt myself.”
“That’s what partners are for, and there’s no need for you to ever doubt yourself. You’ll adjust to your predicament soon enough. Lorne won’t treat you any differently. You know that.”
Katy sighed and looked him in the eye. “What if she doesn’t return, AJ? What if this time she really has put her life in jeopardy?”
AJ threw an arm around her shoulder and hugged her to his chest. “She’ll be fine. Your fears will turn out to be unfounded; I know they will. Have faith in her abilities. She’s been in worse scrapes than this over the years.”
“I know. Just blame my hormones for me wearing my sentimental head. Right, back to it.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Carry on with what you were doing before we left, I suppose.” Katy followed AJ back to his chair then made a detour to speak to Karen. “I’m assuming that DCI Roberts asked you to look into this farm?”
“He did, boss. I’m doing the background checks on it now. The records show that the farm was last owned by a Donald Fryatt, who sadly died at the beginning of 2014.”
“I see. Any living relatives?”
“As far as I can tell, just the one—Jamie Fryatt, who lives in Waltham Abbey.”
“Good. Have you rung him?”
“No, boss. I’ve only just uncovered the information. Would you like me to do that now?”
“I’ll do it. Do you have the details?”
Karen slipped a piece of paper into Katy’s outstretched hand. Katy stepped over to the vending machine, thought about buying a cup of coffee, then veered off at the last moment and headed towards the water container on the other side of the room. Water in hand, she settled behind Lorne’s desk in the office and dialled the number.
“Hello,” an abrupt voice answered.
“Is that Mr. Jamie Fryatt?”
“It is. If you’re selling double glazing, we had it installed last year. And I’m not interested in solar panels, so do one!”
Katy chortled. “I’m not. I’m DS Katy Foster from the Met police. I’m ringing up to see if you can give me any information on the farm that used to belong to Mr. Donald Fryatt. Was that your father?”
“No, it was my uncle’s place. What about it? Do you want to buy it? It’s for sale at a knocked-down price. I’m still willing to take an offer on it.”
“Sorry to mislead you. No, I’m not interested in buying it. Have you visited the place lately?”
“No. Why? Damn, has it been vandalised? Is that what you’re working up to, Sergeant?”
“Not as far as I know. I repeat, have you been there lately?”
“I haven’t. I don’t see how that would be of concern to the police, though.”
“Just bear with me, if you will. Does anyone else in your family have access to the farm?”
“Not at all. I’m the sole beneficiary,” he replied quickly. “Lady, you’re getting me worried now. What’s going on?”
Cagily, Katy said, “That’s the problem—we’re not sure if anything is going on up there or not. I’m just making general enquiries about empty properties on our patch.”
“Ah, I see. Well, that makes sense, what with the level of today’s crime statistics.”
“Exactly. Thanks for your help, Mr. Fryatt. No doubt we’ll be in contact again in a few months. Hopefully, you’ll have sold it by then.”
“Here’s hoping.”
Katy hung up then rang Sean on AJ’s mobile that he’d borrowed. Katy heard the noise of the helicopter and shouted, “Boss, I’ve contacted the owner of the farm.”
“And what did he say, Sergeant?”
“I pretended we were checking up on vacant properties in the area, and as far as he’s concerned, no one should be out there.”
“Okay, thanks for the heads-up. Standby; I’ll contact you when I get there.”
“Roger that,” Katy said.
***
Tony was searching the immediate area around the tube station, mainly checking to make sure Joe hadn’t received a bump on the head from one of Warrior’s goons, when his mobile rang. Without looking at the number, he answered it. “Thank Christ, I was worried. Where are you?”
“I’m at the house, Tony.”
“Sorry, who is this? Carol, is that you?”
“Yes. Something has happened.”
“Such as?” His head swivelled as he surveyed the area.
“She’s gone... they came and took her... I couldn’t stop them.”
Tony ran his free hand through his greying hair, and fear tightened his chest. “What are you trying to tell me, Carol?”
“Charlie. Two men turned up... oh, I don’t know, about thirty minutes ago and took her.” Carol began to sob.
“Calm down, love. You need to give me all the facts.”
“We were out in the kennels, seeing to the dogs, and fancied a cuppa. When we came in the back door, two men were sitting at the kitchen table. We tried our hardest to fight them off, Tony. Even Sheba got kicked out of the way when she tried to prevent them from taking Charlie.”
“Shit! Carol. She was supposed to be safe with you. Sorry, that wasn’t meant to come out like that.”
“It’s okay. I tried to protect her, but they knocked me out, Tony. I’ve just come round, and you’re the first person I thought about ringing.”
“I’m glad, love. Are you all right? Do you want me to come back to the house?”
“No! Don’t you dare! I’m fine. I’ll take care of Sheba and me. You stay out there. How’s Lorne doing?”
Tony tutted. “I’ve lost her, Carol. We got separated, and the kidnapper made her dump all communications she had with us.”
“Oh no! So, these men have both Lorne and Charlie now? What will happen? Is Katy aware of this? Sorry, of course she is.”
“Yes, everyone is aware. Don’t worry. I’m hoping that Joe is still on her tail; we also got separated.”
“Have you tried to contact him? He has got a mobile, hasn’t he?”
“Yes, I’ve tried. His phone is either switched off or on silent. I’m sure he’ll realise soon and get in touch. I’m hoping that’ll be the case anyway.”
“I hope so, too. I better get off the phone in case he’s trying to get in touch. Will you call me if you hear anything?”
“Of course. You sit there and take it easy. I’m sorry you were hurt, Carol. Let me get in touch with Katy now, all right?”
“You do that. Take care. Bring my girls back home to me, alive.”
“That’s the plan, love.” Tony ended the call and immediately dialled Katy’s mobile. “Hi, Katy. It’s me again. Carol’s just rung me. Charlie has been kidnapped.”
He heard a chair scraping across the floor.
“Holy shit! How?”
“She was at the kennels with Carol. Two men attacked them, knocked Carol out, and took off with Charlie.”
“When was this?”
&nb
sp; “Carol thinks it was around thirty minutes ago.”
“That’s around the same time we lost all contact with Lorne.”
Tony slammed a fist into his thigh. “Yes, Christ! What do we do now, Katy?”
“Hang tight, mate. Sean’s just taken off to check a possible hideout where we think the kidnappers might be holding the hostages.”
“That’s brilliant news. Where?”
“It’s a fair way out in Epping. We have the response teams on standby. We’re just waiting for Sean to give us the go-ahead before we instigate any form of attack. Do we know what car they used to pick up Charlie?”
“No, Carol didn’t say.”
“That’s going to make it difficult to pinpoint the vehicle, then. Although, my guess is that these men will probably end up back at the farm with Charlie.”
“I’m inclined to think the same. Shit, I feel so damn useless. On the one hand, I think I should remain out here in case Joe rings, and on the other, I think I should be there with you guys when things kick off.”
“You’d be welcome here, Tony. You know that, but maybe it would be better if you remained out in the field for now, eh?”
“Agreed. I’ll keep ringing Joe. He’s gotta pick up some time, hasn’t he?”
“I would have thought so. It’s a shame you didn’t think about putting some form of tracking device on either Lorne or Joe.”
“The thought crossed my mind, too. Don’t worry. We never anticipated the kidnapper telling her to dump her phone. We should have factored that into the equation, and I’ll be kicking myself for not anticipating that forever more.”
“We don’t have time for recriminations and self-admonishment. Let’s do what we can to bring Lorne and Charlie back home, unharmed.”
“I’ll shoot off and try to contact Joe again.”
“You do that. Keep in touch.”
Tony hung up and dialled Joe’s mobile. It rang once and then went into voicemail. What’s wrong with his damn phone? Is it because he’s on the underground? He left an urgent message for Joe to return his call, then put his phone in his pocket. He rubbed his aching leg, fearing that his stump would show signs of blistering before the day was out. But that was the least of his worries. His wife and child were missing, and he didn’t have the slightest idea how to find them. Maybe it was time to call in reinforcements. The next call he made was one that he thought he would never be forced to make again.
