“Thanks a lot mate; I really appreciate this,” he said pulling open the door.
“I’m just glad you’re off the hook.”
“You can say that again. I really thought I was going to prison; it’s a terrifying thought.”
“Where did you say you’ve left your car Pat?” Ben asked.
“It’s not far from here. Turn right at the next roundabout and it’s a couple of miles down the road.”
The journey continued in silence until Pat recognised where he had left his car.
“Pull up in front of those gates and I’ll see you back at the hotel, and thanks again mate.”
Pat got out of the car and Ben drove away. Fifteen minutes later both men arrived back at the Lotus. Kate was waiting in reception with an anxious look on her face. Realising something was wrong, Ben rushed over to her.
“What’s happened now?” he asked.
“I just got a call from Alex’s brother Sebastian; the police must have told him about his death, he’s on his way here.”
“What’s wrong with that; he’ll want to be here for the funeral?” Ben pointed out.
“He knew Emma and Charles Lewis,” Kate continued. “They met when The Lewis’s went to the States for a holiday. Charles helped Sebastian’s wife Bernie set up an internet business selling cosmetics. From what Sebastian was saying, Emma confided in him about her doubts concerning her son’s father. He wouldn’t tell me over the phone, but he did say she was uncertain whether he was Leo’s.”
Ben was unusually quiet, and avoided Kate’s stare.
“I don’t understand what you’re getting at Kate,” Pat was confused.
“Emma couldn’t be sure that Leo was George’s father,” she repeated.
“Do you think she told Charles?” he asked.
“I don’t think so.”
“No, he would have put it in the letter,” Ben added.
“What letter?” Pat asked.
“It was in Alex’s jacket; I found it before the police arrived.”
“Do you still have it?”
“Yes; it’s here,” Ben took the envelope from his pocket.
Pat snatched it from his hand, and quickly read it.
“If Charles knew that Leo Marshall wasn’t the father, he would hardly have written this letter to him, would he?” he pointed out.
“What do you think Ben, you’re not saying much?” Kate stared at him.
“I don’t really know,’’ he replied vaguely.
“We could try contacting this Leo Marshall,” Pat suggested.
“There’s an address on the front of the envelope, we could soon find his number.” Kate suggested.
“We should have done that as soon as we found it,” Ben said.
“Let’s do it now then?” Kate picked up the envelope, and made a few phone calls. With Leo Marshall’s number stored in her phone, she called him. After a long conversation the call ended and Kate turned to face Ben and Pat, who stared expectantly at her.
“He’s been kidnapped.”
“Who’s been kidnapped?” Pat asked.
“The child you idiot; who do you think?”
“Are you serious?” Ben asked
“No I’m becoming bored with murder, so I thought I’d invent a kidnap to liven things up. Of course I’m serious,” Kate snapped.
“Christ, this is bloody awful,” Pat paced up and down.
“I know, and the kidnapper is a woman who claims to be part of an animal rights group,” she looked up at Ben.
“Surely they wouldn’t hurt a kid?” Pat was astounded.
“Leo has forty eight hours to close down some animal testing lab and produce two hundred thousand pounds, or his son will be killed. Do you think she’s capable of killing a child Ben?”
“I don’t know what she’s capable of anymore.”
“So what do we do now?” Pat asked.
“We should wait for Sebastian to turn up, he might know more than he’s letting on.
I still can’t believe Alex is dead; he was a really nice person when you got to know him,” Kate said.
“I’m going to take a shower. I’ll see you two later,” Pat left Kate and Ben alone. Not wishing to engage in conversation about the man he had accidentally killed.
“Is there something you want to tell me Ben?” Kate’s expression was cold.
“Why should there be?” he shrugged his shoulders and walked away.
“I haven’t finished talking yet.”
“Well I have, I’m going to bed,” he called over his shoulder.
Kate sat alone in the lounge. She knew Ben was hiding something, but she was uncertain as to what it was; but she would find out and if it was what she was thinking, it was definitely the end of their marriage forever.
CHAPTER 22
SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER
Kate realised it was pointless to pursue the previous evenings conversation with Ben. His face was drawn from lack of sleep, and he was uncommunicative. Pat on the other hand was in high spirits, and chattered incessantly to her. His turn of fate and good night’s rest had obviously rejuvenated him, but this was about to change as three unexpected guests decided to pay a visit to the Lotus Hotel. In reception, the phone was ringing once again.
“Do you think we should answer that?” Kate asked as it continued to ring.
“I’ll go,” Ben stood up.
He returned a few minutes later with a troubled look on his face.
“Who was it?” Pat asked.
“I need to speak to you; can we go outside?” Ben glanced at Kate who could sense something was wrong.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“We’ll be right back,” Ben walked away with Pat in tow.
“I’ll come with you.”
“Stay here please Kate, I’ll explain when we get back.”
When they were out of ear-shot Pat spoke.
“What’s wrong mate?”
“That was Anne Parish on the phone demanding to be let into the hotel. She’s in the lower basement car park; I told her to come to the side entrance. She’s got a gun and she says she’ll use it without hesitation if we try anything. I agreed to let her in.”
“My god; this is going to make an unbelievable story,” Pat rubbed his hands together.
“This is real life Pat. Anne Parish is a very dangerous and unpredictable person. She’s killed in the past, and won’t hesitate to do so again.”
“There’s something I should tell you Ben, but don’t mention it to Kate. I’ve hidden a gun inside the clock in the lounge. I had to hide it from the police; it would only have made matters worse.”
“Where the hell did you get it from?”
“It’s a long story, I’ve had it for years,” he didn’t elaborate.
“You’d better get rid of it. Come on let’s get back to Kate.”
As calmly as possible, Ben explained the situation to her.
“You can’t let her in here; she’s insane and dangerous. Have you lost your mind Ben?”
“I don’t think we have a choice; get the gun Pat.”
“You’ve got a gun?” the colour drained from Kate’s face.
“It’s for our protection; I don’t intend to kill anyone with it.” Pat spoke as he removed the gun and turned it over in his hand.
“Don’t point it at me,” Kate shrieked as he checked it over.
“Sorry, I was just seeing if it was loaded,” he grimaced.
“And is it?” she asked taking a step backwards.
“Let’s go Ben,” Pat ignored her question and strode towards the door.
The two men made their way cautiously to the lower basement. It was dark and the wooden stairs creaked, threatening to give way under their weight. The roof was missing some tiles and in parts, let in the rain which collected in small puddles, adding to the dank murky atmosphere.
“It’s bloody cold down here Ben,” Pat shivered.
“Too right mate. Come on, stay close Pat a
nd be careful,” Ben warned.
An old metal door, secured with a grill and padlock barred their way.
“We’ll have to get this off Pat, give me a hand with it,” Ben pushed against the solid metal door, but it didn’t budge.
“It’s useless, it’s rusted into place,” Pat grimaced as he attempted to move it.
“Stand back,” Pat took his revolver from his pocket and aimed it at the grill.
The sound of the bullet hitting metal echoed in the darkness, as the lock burst open and fell heavily onto the concrete floor.
“Nice one Pat. Let’s get this grill off; and put the bloody gun back in your pocket before you open the door.”
Five minutes later, Pat peered cautiously into the darkness in search of Anne Parish.
“There’s no one here; are you sure this is the right place?” he scanned the area again.
A woman’s voice coming from the direction of a nearby shrubbery startled them.
“We’re coming in; stay exactly where you are. Don’t attempt to make any movement until we’re inside, do you understand?” her voice was strained and surprisingly anxious.
“Yes we understand,” Ben called from the door-way.
Anne, gun in hand emerged from the shrubbery followed by a man carrying a child. The trio approached the side door and brushed Ben aside. The little boy looked terrified, and it was obvious from his red eyes that he had been crying. Ben studied his innocent face and was struck by the similarity to his mother, Emma.
“Close the door and make sure it’s locked,” Anne ordered.
“I can’t do that; I had to smash the lock off to get it open,” Pat informed her.
“Just make sure it can’t be opened then idiot.”
“Don’t call me an idiot.”
“Why; what are you going to do?” she waved the gun menacingly in his direction.
“Forget it Pat. What exactly do you want Anne?” Ben turned to face her.
“For a start I want to get out of this dirty hole; and I could do with a shower and something to eat. We might as well make the most of the facilities on offer. The boy will want feeding, perhaps your mistress could rustle something up, and then we’ll talk business. Lead the way Gerry,” she prodded his back with the muzzle of her gun.
“It would make things easier if you called me Ben.”
“Just move,” she prodded Ben again as he led the group up a flight of stairs and back towards the main hotel area. Anne followed closely behind Pat watching his every move. She could sense this man had taken an instant disliking to her, and she didn’t trust him.
The little boy was crying again and Anne turned round.
“I’ve told you to shut up.”
“I want to go home,” he continued to snivel and squirm in Glen Meadow’s firm grip.
“You can go home, but you have to stop crying,” Glen tightened his grip.
“Leave the boy alone; he’s frightened can’t you see that? Pat spoke out
“Shut your mouth,” Glen warned him
“Shut up the pair of you. Where are you taking us Gerry?” Anne glanced nervously around.
Ignoring her, Ben continued to lead the group to the top of the stairs where he opened the door for them to pass.
“We’re in reception; the lounge is on the left through that door,” he pointed. “Go ahead I’ve got something I need to do.
“You’re going nowhere I’m not letting anyone out of my sight,” Anne pushed the muzzle of the gun into his back again, forcing Ben forward.
Kate jumped to her feet as the lounge door opened, horrified at the sight of a gun pointing directly at her husband
“Get over there all of you,” she waved the gun in Kate’s direction, “that includes you.”
Kate glared at the woman, but refused to move.
“I’m not taking orders from you.”
“Really; what if I were to put a bullet in your husband’s head?” she replied, changing the position of the gun to Ben’s temple.
“What have you got to say now?” Anne asked.
“Just do as she says Kate; please,” Ben pleaded with her. “Now’s not the time to be a rebel.” Kate moved to the back of the room and sat down on the sofa. Ben and Pat followed.
“How many other people are in the hotel? Anne asked Ben.
“Just us; all the guests have left, obviously.”
“Where’s Lawton?”
“He was killed in an accident,” Pat informed her.
“What kind of an accident?”
“One involving a gun.”
“Do you mean he was murdered?”
“No it was an accident,” Pat was vague. “And that’s all you need to know; but we are expecting his brother to arrive sometime this evening. He’s flying in from America for the funeral.”
You’ll have to turn him away; he can’t stay here.”
“We can’t do that; Alex was his only living relative and this is his brother’s hotel.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Sit the kid over there Glen, and keep your eye on him.”
“Why don’t you let him sit with me he needs to be comforted; can’t you see how scared he is?” Kate was sorry for the child.
“Alright but don’t think I’m not watching your every move; if this is a ploy you’ll be sorry,” Anne warned.
Kate scooped the boy into her arms and sat down.
“Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you; what’s your name?” she asked quietly.
“George Marshall and I want to go home,” he wiped tears from his eyes.
“Try to be brave George; you’ll be able to go home soon. Would you like something to eat?” she asked
“When you’ve finished playing mother hen, we’ll all be able to go home. If you could listen to my instructions, it’ll be sooner rather than later. I want each one of you to put your mobile phones onto the table.”
Kate and Ben obeyed, but Pat held back.
“I don’t have one,” he replied bluntly.
“Search him Glen.”
Pat stood up, took his mobile form his pocket and placed it on the table fearing a search would reveal his gun.
“The next time I ask you to do something, do it,” she glared at Pat.
“We’ll be staying here for a couple of days and no one will be allowed to leave the hotel; and I mean no one.”
“What are we supposed to eat; there’s hardly anything left in the kitchen?” Kate informed her.
“I don’t really care; it’ll be your job to make sure there’s enough for everyone. You can make a start now, but the boy stays here. Glen you go with her,” she dismissed Kate and turned her attention to Ben and Pat.
“While we wait for your wife-I don’t really think I should call her that- do you Gerry?”
“Give it a rest Anne you’re becoming boring. Why don’t you just tell us what you want,” he replied without bothering to look at her.
“All you need to know is what I’ve already told you. Do exactly as I say and we’ll be out of here on Sunday.”
“The boy you’ve kidnapped is Leo Marshall’s son, isn’t he?” Ben asked.
Anne thought for a while before answering.
“I didn’t know you knew him?” she replied.
“I never said I did; but be careful Anne, you’re not as vigilant as you think you are.”
“What are getting at Gerry?”
“My daddy’s a policeman and he’ll put you in prison,” George shouted at her.
Ignoring the child, Anne repeated her question to Ben.
The answer never materialised as Kate and Glen returned to the lounge with a plate of sandwiches and a dried up salad. Kate appeared to be upset as she laid the plate of sandwiches onto the small table. Ben attempted to catch her attention, but she seemed nervous and preoccupied. George wasn’t deterred by the stale bread, and grabbed a handful of sandwiches as soon as the plate was placed before him. Kate sat deliberately close to Ben, but stared vacantly at the
ground. Sensing her agitation, Ben attempted to find out what was bothering her.
“What’s wrong love?” he asked.
“Nothing, why do you ask?”
“I can tell something’s wrong.”
“I’ll tell you later,” she whispered.
Pat, who had been unusually quiet, stood up and headed towards the lounge door.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Glen asked.
“I need to pee?” he replied bluntly.
“I’ll come with you; you’ve got exactly two minutes.”
Pat walked out of the room and along the corridor to the nearest bathroom, with Glen following closely behind. As he was about to open the door he turned round.
“You’ll never get away with this; why do you let a woman push you around?” he goaded him.
“Just shut up, you’ve got one minute and thirty seconds.”
In less than a minute, Pat re-appeared and walked back down the corridor. Glen re-joined Anne and whispered something in her ear, while Pat stood by the sofa.
“Sit down,” she ordered him.
Pat could sense an atmosphere of tension developing and took advantage of the situation.
“No I’ll stand, but thanks for asking.”
“I won’t tell you again,” Anne gripped the gun with both hands and pointed it towards Pat’s head. He kept his nerve and glared directly into her eyes, where he detected a flash of uncertainty. In a split second, he drew his gun from his pocket and held it at arm’s length.
“Put the gun down,” she spoke slowly, but Pat detected a hint of fear in her voice.
“Or what?” Pat challenged her.
“Bring the boy over here now,” she called across the room to Kate.
“Put the gun down Pat before someone gets hurt,” Ben jumped to his feet
“There are three of us Ben doesn’t listen to her, leave the kid there.” Pat began to inch his way towards her as beads of perspiration pricked his brow.
“Please Pat, put the gun down. You don’t want the boy to be hurt do you?” Kate begged him to listen to her.
“Nothings going to happen to him I promise you,” he assured her.
“Get the boy Glen,” Anne repeated her order as Glen took a step towards the sofa, but Ben barred his way.
HIDDEN SECRETS Page 23
