Alex left the room in search of Tony, and discovered him lounging around the bar area.
“I thought I might find you in here,” he spoke as Tony leapt to his feet.
“I’m sorry, I was just on my break Mr. Lawton,” he apologised
“In future, take it in one of the Staff rooms,” he paused momentarily.
“I want you to bring the Bentley to the front of the hotel at 10.30 and drive Mr. Lewis to the police station; when he’s concluded his business there, drive him back.
“Yes Sir.”
“Now you must have noticed the lack of guests in the hotel?” Alex continued.
Tony nodded.
“Unfortunately, we’ll have to close for a couple of weeks, or at least until the police have finished their enquiries. I’ll make sure you’re all paid, but it will have to form part of your annual leave. Mrs. Harrington is covering reception; if you have any queries speak to her,” he turned to leave, then paused.
Oh, before I forget, Inspector Salt needs to question the staff about Joseph. Will you make sure everyone is available before they leave?
“Yes Sir,” he grinned widely at the prospect of driving the coveted Bentley.
“And don’t forget, 10.30 prompt outside the hotel.”
“I won’t forget, and I’ll drive very carefully Mr. Lawton.”
“You’d better do or you’ll have no wages for the rest of your life; and make sure you wear driving gloves, there’s a spare pair in the door pocket.”
Alex knew he could trust Tony, but he was not going to be complacent. He was a good driver and could be trusted impeccably, so he had no qualms over his beloved car being damaged. He had more important things to do, phoning the hospital was one and visiting another.
Mrs. Harrington connected him directly to the ward where he was informed that Simon had spent a restless night, but regained consciousness in the early hours of the morning.
“Will it be possible for me to visit later this afternoon?” he asked tentatively.
“If you can get here about two o’clock, it should be alright. Would you like me to tell him you’ve phoned Mr. Lawton?” the nurse asked.
“No, I’ll surprise him thanks, goodbye.”
Alex headed to the reception area to inform Mrs. Harrington of the imminent closure of the hotel.
“I want you to lock the main doors after I leave this afternoon. Type out some sort of notice for the door; put what you like on it, but make it clear that it’s only a temporary measure; we don’t want the public to think it’s permanent. Can I leave it to you to tell the rest of the staff, and make sure they know they’ll all receive holiday pay?”
“Yes Sir, and by-the-way Mrs. Gilroy won’t be coming back; she says there’s more murders here than in Midsommer! She thinks she’ll be the next victim,” Mrs. Harrington replied with a smirk.
“I don’t think we could ever be that lucky,” Alex muttered as he walked away.
He paused in the dining room doorway, and caught sight of Kate and Ben eating breakfast together, albeit in silence, but at least they were in the same room. Trying not to think about Simon, he wondered if Kate would eventually forgive Ben. He had been very foolish and Kate was a very amiable person, but her temper and jealousy were relentless; it would be a long hard battle for Ben.
Returning to his office, Alex closed the door and sat in silent contemplation. He was certain of his feelings for Simon, but he was uncertain if he could cope with such a devastating disability. After half an hour of soul searching, he left his office and made his way to the reception area, where Tony rushing was along the corridor towards the foyer.
“That’s what I like to see Tony; an employee hurrying to carry out his duties!”
Tony laughed and disappeared around the corner as Charles Lewis came out of the second floor lift.
“Your car awaits you Sir,” Alex smiled at him knowing he must be dreading the task ahead.
“It’s very good of you Alex. I really don’t want to do this. Everything Emma had on her stuffed into a plastic bag. A number, that’s all she is to them, a number not a person anymore.”
Tears of uncontrollable grief rolled unchecked down his face, which now looked older and haggard. His eyes, red from crying and over indulgence in alcohol, stared up at Alex like a pitiful child.
“I’m so sorry Charles you really don’t deserve this.” He attempted to console his grieving friend.
“Why would anyone want to hurt her? She was young and full of life. I know she’d betrayed me, but it doesn’t take away the pain in my heart.”
Finding no words of solace, Alex put a hand on his shoulder and led him towards the foyer and the awaiting car. The engine was running and Alex opened the back door as Charles composed himself and took a seat in the back of the Bentley.
“It’ll be alright Alex,” he assured him “I’ll see you this evening.”
Alex nodded and stood on the pavement watching the car drive away. When it was out of sight, he turned around to go back into the hotel when he heard what sounded like a huge explosion. His first reaction was one of self preservation, and he dropped to the ground looking nervously around for any sign of immediate danger. A dark cloud of thick black smoke billowed into the air, followed by another thunderous explosion. Flames and smoke engulfed the scene as the sound of a siren sounded in the distance. Pedestrians, office and shop workers were beginning to gather on the street trying to discover what had happened. An eerie silence enveloped the scene, as more and more people spilled out on to the street. Alex struggled to his feet and stared in the direction of the fire. The black smoke continued to swell into the atmosphere as sparks of fire flashed and danced like fireworks at a bonfire display. Sirens pierced the silence as they wailed towards the devastation.
“Are you alright mate?” a young man rushed to his aid.
“Yes, yes I’m fine. Do you know what’s happened?” Alex asked in a dazed voice.
“I’m not sure; but someone over the road says it’s probably a gas explosion.”
“It could be, but it was a really loud blast; it sounded more like a bomb to me.”
“The emergency services are here now, they’ll soon find out what’s happened,” the young man spoke again.
“I’m going to have a look for myself,” Alex began to walk in the direction of the smoke, knowing his car had been travelling in the same direction as the explosion.
As the scene of the distant carnage loomed closer and closer; Alex knew exactly what had happened. His worst fears had materialised, and he watched in shock and horror as a team of fire fighters attempted to douse the flames that engulfed the remains of a black Bentley. Sensing his distress, a policeman approached him.
“Are you alright Sir?”
“That was my car; my friend was inside,” Alex stared at the wreckage.
“Your car?” the police man asked as he took out his notebook.
Ignoring his remark, he attempted to move closer to the blazing inferno but was dragged back.
“I’m really sorry Sir, but I must ask you to stay back, I’ll get a paramedic to take a look at you.”
“No, no I’m alright thank you. I just need to know what’s happened.”
An ambulance sped past the two men and stopped beside the charred remains of the Bentley.
“Do they really think they need an ambulance?” Alex shook his head.
“I think it would be better if you came with me Sir.”
Alex realised there was nothing he or anyone else could do. Charles and Tony hadn’t stood a chance. He followed the policeman to an awaiting car and sat down in the front seat next to the officer, who began to ask him a series of questions.
“Can you tell me your name?” he took out his notepad.
“Alex Lawton, I own the Lotus Hotel.”
“How many people were travelling in the car Mr. Lawton?”
“Two; my friend Charles Lewis and a Hotel employee, Tony Cornish.”
“Why were t
hey in your car?”
“Charles’s wife was murdered a few days ago; he was on his way to the police station to collect her effects. He was understandably distressed, so I asked an employee to drive him there.” Alex held his head in his hands.
“Did anyone else know about this arrangement?”
“What?” Alex looked up.
“I’m only asking because if no one else knew you weren’t driving the car; then it would suggest you were the intended victim,” he replied tentatively.
“Me, what the hell do you mean by that?” Alex looked up.
“We can’t be certain, but it’s highly probable that a bomb was planted under the car. In cases like this, the owner of the vehicle is generally the intended victim.”
Alex could not deny the validity of the policeman’s words, but the reality stunned him.
“Do you know anyone who has a grudge against you Sir?”
Alex turned to face the young P.C. with a look of obvious contempt on his face.
“A grudge? You call this a grudge? I'd call it an act of extreme terrorism, not someone with a grudge.”
“I’m just trying to get to the truth Mr. Lawton.”
“The truth Constable, is staring you in the face.”
“You said your friends wife was murdered, when did this happen?”
“I suggest you contact your superior officer. In the last two weeks I’ve had more Police officers in my Hotel, than guests. Your police file on the case must be a meter thick; go and take a look at it. If there’s nothing else I’d like to leave now. I have an appointment to keep.”
“You really should come with me to the station.”
“No I really should go back to my hotel. You know where to find me.”
Alex opened the car door and walked back along the street, which was still crawling with on-lookers.
Ben and Kate were outside the hotel as Alex approached the entrance.
“What’s happened?” Kate glimpsed his ashen face.
“You’d better come inside,” he pushed open the door.
Mrs. Harrington looked up from her desk as Alex walked past her.
“Is it a gas explosion Mr. Lawton?” she asked.
“No,” he replied simply, and turned to face Kate and Ben
“Charles has been killed. He was in my Bentley; Tony was driving him to the police station,” he sank down into the nearest chair.
“A car accident?” Kate asked.
“No, the police think it was a bomb.”
“Christ,” Ben replied as Kate cupped her hands to her face.
The shock of his words silenced the group of staff who had assembled in the foyer.
“Why would someone want to kill Charles?” Kate asked incredulously.
“The police think the bomb was intended for me; when is this going to end?” Alex was extremely distressed.
No one had an answer to his question, because there wasn’t one.
“I’m at my wits end Ben. Part of me wishes I had been driving that car today; my problems would be over now. I’d be free from all this guilt that’s eating me up. I’m responsible for Charles and Tony’s deaths. Charles wanted to take a taxi, but I wouldn’t let him,” Alex turned away.
“All the victims who’ve died were indirectly connected with animal testing,” Ben pointed out.
“They haven’t died Ben, they’ve been murdered by your crazy wife,” Alex glared in his direction.
“You mustn’t blame yourself for Charles and Tony’s deaths; it was a tragic mistake it’s not your fault,” Kate tried to console him. The altercation was temporarily halted by the sound of the hotel door bell ringing incessantly.
“Will someone get that; and why is the door locked?” he turned to Mrs. Harrington.
“Well I’m not staying here a minute longer. I’m owed a week’s wages Mr. Lawton, you can send me a cheque; I’m not stepping foot in this place ever again,” Mrs. Harrington pulled her coat around her shoulders and picked up her handbag.
“Oh; and there’s another policeman here to interview the staff about Joseph’s death, Inspector Salt, I think he said. I’ve put him in the function room; let’s hope he doesn’t get bumped off before you speak to him, goodbye,” she called out as she opened the door to let Patrick Hinds in, and herself out.
“You must be mad if you want to stay in this place,” she scoffed and hurried away.
“What’s wrong with her?” Pat asked glancing over his shoulder at the departing woman, who was still muttering under her breath.
“It doesn’t matter, what are you doing here?” Alex asked.
“I’ve got something very interesting to tell you all. I think I know who killed Emma Lewis,” he announced.
“I already know, but I haven’t had chance to tell anyone.” Alex replied.
“Emma’s husband Charles and a member of my staff were killed this morning. The police think it was a car bomb, and one of my waiters was found floating in the canal,” Alex enlightened him.
“Oh, this is becoming more intriguing by the minute,” Pat replied with a little too much enthusiasm
“Intriguing? You think blowing two people to pieces is intriguing. Charles was my friend, and Tony was just twenty three years old. He was someone’s son, with all his life ahead of him. Just say whatever you’ve got to say and leave.”
“I didn’t mean to be insensitive; I was just speaking as a reporter. I’m really sorry about your friend,” Pat apologised.
“My business is in ruins, my friends and staff are being murdered. We haven’t completed all the renovation work yet, and now I’m being forced to close down.”
Kate couldn’t help but feel really sorry for Alex; he didn’t deserve all this misery. It was all Ben’s fault, and she had to bite her tongue in order to keep her thoughts in check.
No one spoke, but the atmosphere was volatile, it would only take one wrong word to spark a fierce argument. Alex was understandably bitter; he was basically an innocent by-sander whose only crime was to have chosen I.D.C. to provide cleaning materials for his hotel. Little did he know what dire consequences this decision would reap on his empire?
“What’s going to happen now?” Kate asked the question.
Alex sat down, studied the three people standing before him and sensed an atmosphere of anticipation. They were looking at him, waiting for him to find a solution. Well he didn’t have one; his mind was racing with images of Charles and Tony’s horrific death. How many more innocent people would have to lose their lives before the lunatics responsible for such barbaric acts were caught?
“Our friend here says he has something to tell us, so I suggest we listen to him first,” Alex glanced in Pat’s direction.
“I don’t suppose there’s any chance of a bite to eat, I missed breakfast?” Pat winced.
“I’ll have to speak to Inspector Salt first, and then I need to make a few phone calls. If there’s any one in the kitchen to prepare food, I’ll get them to make a few sandwiches. We can meet in the lounge;” he glanced at his watch, “let’s say in an hour’s time. Is that alright with every one?” Alex suggested.
“I can make a few sandwiches if you like?” Kate offered
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“No Ben can help; we’ve got nothing else to do.”
“I wouldn’t mind a cup of tea, if it’s not too much trouble,” Pat smiled.
Alex left the room and went in search of Inspector Salt. He found him sitting alone in the function room flicking through the pages of a magazine.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting Inspector, but I’m sure you’re already aware of the morning’s events?” Alex asked.
“I’m afraid so; I believe Charles was a close friend of yours I’m really sorry.”
“Thank you. Is there any news yet?”
“It’s a bit early to be sure, but it was almost certainly a bomb. I will let you know when it’s confirmed. I had intended to interview your staff this morning, but under t
he circumstances it’ll have to wait until later.”
“I understand,” Alex nodded.
“There’s one more thing Mr. Lawton, I have to ask you to close your Hotel until we’ve finished our enquiries.”
“I’ve already decided to do that Inspector. Not many guests are prepared to book into a hotel where they’re unlikely to survive the night. Take a look around, this room was buzzing with guests two weeks ago; now I have more staff than guests.”
“It’s just a temporary closure,” Inspector salt stood up and walked towards the door to leave.
“No, wait a minute. I think you should stay; Patrick has something to tell us,” Alex spoke up.
“Oh he has, has he; what’s he got to do with all this?” the Inspector asked.
“I’m not sure; he’s covering the story, that’s all I know. We’re meeting in the lounge in about half an hour if you want to come along.”
“He used to be one of the best reporters until drink took a hold of him. Personally, I can’t stand the man; he’s arrogant but he knows his job,” Inspector salt replied.
“I don’t know anything about him, but he seems quite sober to me.”
“Right, I’ll make my way there then. I’ll see you later.”
Outside the hotel, the wreckage of the fire ravaged Bentley was eventually transferred onto a low-loader and taken away for forensic examination. Experts present at the scene had confirmed that an explosive device was responsible for the devastation. It was highly probable that the device was a Semtex bomb commonly employed by the military. More disturbing, it was a favourite amongst professional terrorists and whoever planted it, was well acquainted with explosives. It could not be ascertained however, if the bomber responsible for this callous act was connected to the other deaths at the Lotus Hotel, but time would tell. Unfortunately, together with Charles Lewis and Tony Cornish, five other people had also lost their lives. The blast had shattered the windows of a nearby office building reducing the interior to rubble and tragically claiming the lives of the occupants, who hadn’t stood a chance. Whoever was responsible for the atrocity had taken the lives of seven innocent people, and Inspector Salt would not relent until this person was no longer at liberty to take any more.
HIDDEN SECRETS Page 17
