by J. A. Kerr
“She forgot to wear gloves in the hire car but put them on once she was inside the house?” said Evan.
“It’s possible. She slips up earlier and leaves her prints on the hire car keys. Then puts on gloves to conceal her identity when she enters the house and car. Why then would she leave her coat at the scene?”
“When people panic they make mistakes. I doubt Katie would have left evidence behind on purpose,” said Evan his tone neutral.
Benedict tensed at Evan’s words, ‘left evidence behind on purpose.’ The hairs at the back of his neck stood on end. “I think the evidence recovered by the police could have been planted by Waters,” he said slowly, warming to his idea. “It’s the only thing that makes sense. Footprints taken at the scene are now believed to match a pair of boots found in Katie Burns’ wardrobe. Why would she leave evidence that would link her to a crime scene at home for the police to find?”
Evan leant forward. “You believe she is being set-up?”
“Yes,” said Benedict, relieved Evan believed him.
“I will not dismiss physical evidence,” said Evan. “It’s real and, unless we can find a link to Nick Waters, it’s probably enough for the police to charge Katie Burns. But there is still a lot we can do.”
“There is one direct link,” said Benedict. “A pen was recovered at the burial site. Only Nick Waters’ prints were on it. The police aren’t treating it seriously because they say Katie Burns could have taken it with her and dropped it at the burial site. Nick Waters was at her home. They think she took it from him.”
“But you don’t?”
“No, I was there when it was found and bagged.”
“You think Nick Waters dropped it?”
“Yes, although proving that is a different matter.”
“Physical evidence is physical evidence. The police can’t ignore it. They aren’t dismissing the physical evidence against Katie Burns. This is no different. We need them to take this evidence seriously.”
Benedict’s hopes soared, “Good.”
He spent the rest of the meeting updating Evan with all the case developments. Evan assured him he would get to work straight away. Although he would be out of the country he had several routes of inquiry he wanted to explore.
When Benedict got back to the suite he was drained but more hopeful. Evan said he’d be in touch. Benedict updated Siena and they talked about it at length that night until they had gone to bed. Benedict closed his eyes. He was awakened by his mobile ringing. He glanced at his watch. Who the hell was calling at this time in the morning? When he saw it was Guy he immediately became alert. He grabbed the phone and answered.
“Guy,” he whispered not wanting to wake Siena. “Give me a minute.” He pulled on a robe and moved through to the lounge. The two bedroom suite was the biggest they had but, at times like this, Benedict found it small and oppressive.
“Are you still there?” he asked, moving to the small kitchen area.
“Yes,” said Guy, his voice strained.
“What’s wrong?” asked Benedict.
“Anna’s missing,” said Guy.
Benedict’s mouth fell open. “What?”
“Anna is missing,” Guy repeated grimly. “We’d had an argument. I thought she’d booked into at a hotel but discovered all her things are here. I’m on my way to the police now.”
“Now? Will there be anyone there?” said Benedict.
“I’ll wait,” snapped Guy.
“Yes, sorry, Guy,” said Benedict in a rush. He had never heard his friend like this.
“Are you sure Anna is missing?” he asked.
Guy hesitated. “I wasn’t at first.” He took in a sharp breath. “I’ve been working a lot and, well, I thought...”
Benedict could hear his distress.
“I stayed at the club after we fought. When I got home yesterday, I assumed she’d gone to a hotel to prove a point. I should have noticed her toothbrush and overnight bag were still in the flat but I was angry and preoccupied.”
“Has she done anything like this before?” asked Benedict.
Again he heard Guy hesitate. “Not to my knowledge but Anna can be...unpredictable.”
“You think she’d do this to get your attention?” asked Benedict.
“Maybe...but she wouldn’t leave her things behind. That’s not Anna’s style. She likes to be obvious.”
“Right,” said Benedict, confused. “So you’re thinking something else?” he ventured.
“Yes. She’s not been at work; that’s a major red flag. I’ve called everyone close to her and no one has seen her. Look, I’m at the station now. I just wanted you to know what’s happening. I may not be around today.”
“Keep in touch, Guy,” said Benedict worriedly.
“I will.”
The phone went dead. Benedict stood with the phone in his hand. What the hell was going on? Where was Anna Dunbar? The click of the door made him glance up.
“What’s wrong?” said Siena, her face etched with worry.
Benedict ran a hand through his hair. “I’m not sure.”
“Who was on the phone?” she asked, moving towards the coffee machine. “No one calls this early with good news.”
“Guy,” he said. He watched her slot the coffee pods into the machine and reach for two cups.
“It must have been something,” said Siena. “Guy wouldn’t have called otherwise.”
Benedict didn’t want to worry Siena unnecessarily but knew she wouldn’t be fobbed off. He sighed heavily. “Guy thinks Anna is missing.”
“What do you mean—thinks?” said Siena. “She is either missing or she isn’t.”
“He’s pretty sure she’s missing. He thought at first she was annoyed with him; they had argued and he’d presumed she’d booked into a hotel to cool off. But she hasn’t taken anything with her.”
“Is she at work?”
“No, she hasn’t been there either. Guy is at the police station now. He might have to wait a few hours but I think he’s right to be worried.”
Siena gave him the coffee and sat down. “I don’t like the sound of this, Benedict,” she said. “Why would Anna go missing? What would she gain from that?”
Benedict didn’t answer his wife. He was thinking. “Let’s wait and see what Guy says when he calls. Hopefully, this will all be a silly misunderstanding.”
Siena looked doubtful.
“I need to get changed. We have new Braille members arriving today and, if Guy isn’t back, I must take-over.”
“Let me do it,” said Siena. “Benedict, I’m going out of mind being cooped up in this room. Lizzie can take the twins swimming in the pool and then into the playroom. Please.” Her eyes pleaded with him.
“Okay,” he exhaled.
The suite wasn’t big enough for Lizzie to live in with them but she came to the club to help Siena most days. Benedict needed to get a new home for his family. However, the club was the only place he felt they were safe. That didn’t mean he wasn’t on his guard—he was—but he was happier after his meeting with Evan Radley. The surveillance would be in place. Just knowing they had tabs on that bastard made Benedict feel better. The tables had turned. Benedict’s biggest fear was Waters disappearing but, if there was any sign of that, then he’d know. The call from Guy had thrown him and his instinct was to keep Siena and the kids where he could see them.
“When can Lizzie get here?” he asked Siena.
She glanced at her watch. “I’ll get changed and call her, she’ll not mind,” said Siena getting up and disappearing into the bedroom.
Benedict was troubled by Guy’s call. Was this a lover’s tiff or something more sinister? His mind jumped to Nick Waters but he had no connection to Anna...still the thought persisted. He sat feeling tense and anxious as he waited for Guy to call. Siena showered and changed before he did the same himself. Not wanting to miss Guy’s call, he left his mobile with Siena. He rushed his morning routine, getting showered and dressed quickly.
His trousers stuck to his damp skin as he tugged them on. He could hear the twins in the lounge and their excited chatter made him smile. Siena handed him his mobile, no call from Guy but it was only 7.30am, still early. He joined his children and they ate breakfast together. Benedict picked at his food before pushing it away. He leapt up as his mobile rang.
“I’ve just spoken to Anna’s boss,” said Guy, his voice panicked. “Anna’s not arrived. She has a breakfast meeting this morning at 8.00am. Normally he said she would be in the office early to prepare.” Guy’s anguished words tumbled out.
“There’s still time, though?” said Benedict, trying to keep Guy calm. “She could still arrive.”
“Yes,” he paused, “but I’ve got a bad feeling she’s not going to show.”
“Call me back when you know more,” said Benedict.
“What now?” said Siena.
“She’s not at her office but her meeting is scheduled for 8.00am so she might still show,” said Benedict.
“You think she will?” asked Siena, turning the television on so the twins could watch cartoons. They bolted from the table and sat inches away from the screen.
“Don’t sit so close,” Benedict barked, startling them and Siena.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, walking towards them. He rubbed his hand on their heads.
Leo ignored his father—his eyes glued to the screen—but Reeva gave him a reproachful smile.
“This isn’t working here,” he said to Siena.
“One thing at a time,” she said calmly. “Lizzie will be here for 9.00am. I’ll join you when she arrives. Go to the office, it’s quieter there.”
Benedict pulled her into his arms. “Thank you. I love you,” he said.
“I love you, too. Call me when you hear from Guy.”
“I will.”
He turned, kissed the twins goodbye, and left. In his office he pulled up the diary. As 8.00am came and went he tried to call Guy several times but his line was busy. Benedict tried to tell himself this was a good sign. Worried, he sat staring into space, unable to concentrate. Guy had been there for him. Events had made them close. Benedict would do anything for him. When his phone eventually rang he answered immediately.
“She’s missing.” His voice was broken.
“What are the police doing?” he asked.
“They’re looking into it now. Anna’s disappearance is out of character and they are taking it seriously but no news yet. I’ll call you later.”
Benedict was shaken. Anna’s disappearance was not a coincidence. He looked up as Siena came into his office.
“What’s happened, Benedict? You look terrible.”
“Guy has confirmed Anna is officially missing,” he said. His words sent a deep shiver of horror through Benedict. He knew first-hand the terror and despair Guy would be experiencing.
“Oh my God,” Siena whispered. “Will he never stop? This is because of me. Everyone I am close to is in danger.”
Benedict crossed the room and held his wife. Her face was deathly pale.
“This isn’t about you, Siena. We don’t know what’s happened.”
She pulled out of his arms. “I wish I could believe that but I don’t. This has Nick written all over it. What are we going to do? Surely the police can do something?” she asked, close to tears. “We were supposed to have dinner. I only spoke to Anna a few days ago.” Siena put her hands over her face. “Will this nightmare ever end?”
“Guy could call Evan Radley. He’s back in the country in a day or so,” said Benedict, his voice controlled.
“And what can he do that the police can’t?” exclaimed Siena bitterly. “It’s only been a matter of days since the twins were snatched and now this.”
“Catch the bastard red-handed,” said Benedict. “We’re watching his every move. If he’s involved with Anna, we’ll get him.”
Siena turned her eyes full of tears, “I can’t live like this anymore.”
“I promise you we’ll get him,” said Benedict, his voice belied a calm he didn’t feel. He looked Siena straight in the eye. “No matter what it takes...”
Chapter 42
The Braille Club Reborn
Siena
Siena knew what Guy Walker was going through and felt sick to her stomach—Anna Dunbar was missing. There was no doubt now and the police were mounting an investigation. Siena hadn’t exactly bonded with Anna but she didn’t wish her any harm. Guy would be devastated by her disappearance. From what Benedict had told her he had moved in with Anna only recently. He had opened up to Benedict saying the abduction of the twins made him re-evaluate his life. He wanted it to work with Anna; do whatever it took to make her happy. He also said he didn’t want to end up alone and work wasn’t everything.
However, Benedict confirmed he was just as obsessed as him about nailing Nick Waters. Although they both told him repeatedly to go home, Guy just shook his head. Now, Siena guessed his guilt at neglecting Anna was eating away at him. Siena understood only too well how that worked. Since the abduction she’d barely been apart from the twins. When they had been missing all she could think of was how she had taken them for granted. How she had complained how tired she was and how the twins drove her to distraction.
Her fear and guilt had been unbearable. She knew she wasn’t being fair. Every parent had gone through those feelings. But not every parent had had their children taken from them. She found it hard to let the twins out of her sight but knew it was driving her crazy. As long as they were in the club she felt safe. Lately, she couldn’t bear for Benedict to leave the safety of Harrison’s. Her biggest fear was that Nick would still come after him. However, Benedict was just as anxious as she was and stayed close. It was ridiculous, thought Siena. Their fear was stopping them leaving the club and having a normal life. No, Nick Waters was responsible for that. No matter what Siena did it always came back to him.
Was Anna’s disappearance linked to him too? Benedict hadn’t made the connection but Siena wasn’t so sure. She knew he was trying to keep her calm. She was calm. She had never been calmer. Anna Dunbar’s disappearance had fucking Nick Waters’ name written all over it. Not content with ruining her life, he was branching out to other people’s. People she cared about. Well, Guy at least. She felt guilty. She and Anna had never got to know one another. Something Benedict wanted to change. He’d mentioned he’d like to invite Guy and Anna to dinner. To her shame Siena had been non-committal. Something about Anna bothered her. She couldn’t put her finger on it. Liar, she thought. Underneath she knew why. She had got used to having Guy around. She had got use to Guy being there for her...for them. Anna Dunbar had come along and changed that.
She knew very little about their relationship but someone had messed Guy around—hurt him. Guy hid it but Siena sensed it when he came to the Braille Club—he was troubled. She knew a wounded soul when she saw one but then their lives had taken on a crazy element when Nick abducted her. The thought made Siena stop what she was doing. It had been Guy and Benedict who had saved her. Fuck! The more Siena thought about it the more it made sense. He was going after Anna to get back at Guy. The way he had gone after Siena to hurt Benedict. The way he had gone after her kids to crush them both. She ground her teeth. She had to think. What would Nick do? Had he drugged Anna and taken her somewhere? She remembered the way he tried to use hypnosis to get her away from Benedict. Was that what he’d planned for Anna? Why? She knew nothing. What would Nick do when he discovered that for himself? Siena knew the answer—he’d get angry.
Siena let out a little gasp as she remembered his hands around her neck. She hoped Anna was a fighter and gave Nick no cause to lose his temper. What did he hope to achieve by taking Anna? Question after question popped into Siena’s mind. Was it a ploy to get Benedict involved somehow? Nick would understand that Benedict was indebted to Guy. How could he not be after Guy had helped find, and save, her? He was an ex-copper and his testimony in court had been powerful, believable and credible.
/> Siena was sure he was on Nick’s hit list. She knew he held a grudge. He’d stop at nothing to get even. Siena realised Lizzie would be back with the twins soon and she had not done a stroke of work apart from interviewing the new Braille members. How could she when once again Nick Waters had turned her life upside down? There was no doubt in her mind now. Guy would need her help. Benedict would try to stop her but he couldn’t stop the inevitable. Siena was tired of being frightened and she was sick of hiding. It was time to step out into the open and meet Nick Waters head on.
Chapter 43
The Braille Club Reborn
Evan
Evan let out a tired sigh as the plane banked ready for its decent into Heathrow. The work in Hong Kong had been hard and protracted. The outcome was disappointing. Sometimes, Evan hated his work. His clients expected miracles...but he was no magician. When he was instructed to find someone, the truth was often clouded for several reasons. His latest case was an example. At first glance his client had been reported missing. Foul play was suspected immediately and missing was changed to abducted. However, with some digging, it was revealed the CEO was being blackmailed. Stupidly, he’d agree to pay to keep the sensitive information from going public. Instead of involving the police, he’d met and paid off his blackmailer. They took his money but the real prize was the CEO himself. He’d walked straight into their trap. The ransom they were demanding was ten million dollars. His family had paid and Evan had got Mr Stark released quickly and back in one piece. It had all happened within a few hours of him landing. The money was wired to an account and the blackmailer provided the information of Mr Stark’s location. Evan was surprised it had been so easy. He’d found Mr Stark bound and gagged at the back of an alley.
He was shaken but alive when Evan left him. His job was done and it was up to the police to apprehend the criminals. He worked for the insurance company and had fulfilled his remit—they were delighted with the result. Mr Stark has his own security to protect and return him to his own country. Evan booked the next flight out, he could sleep on the plane. However, on his way to the airport he’d taken a call—Mr Stark had jumped from his hotel window. His abductors had continued the blackmail. They sent photos of Mr Stark with underage boys and further blackmail demands. Evan guessed his mind had snapped. Mr Stark thought the blackmail was over after he paid but it was only the beginning. These people had no conscious and no mercy. For them it was a means to an end. He must have been desperate and considered suicide as his only way out. The sad thing was the police said it wasn’t uncommon. Foreign men came to their country for sex. Mr Stark had been targeted by the blackmailers from the start and set up. Evan had done his job well but it ended in tragedy. With suicide…insurance companies didn’t have to pay out. He sighed and closed his eyes.
