by J. A. Kerr
It was imperative Nick Waters didn’t know he was being watched. They had to be careful and now there was this urgent development with Anna Dunbar’s abduction. Guy was convinced it was linked to the same man and Evan took his concerns seriously. The more he read about Nick Waters the more he feared for Anna Dunbar. He sensed time was of the essence. This man had tried to kill twice before and this might be third time lucky. Usually they learned from their mistakes. He suspected Nick Waters would kill Anna Dunbar if Evan didn’t find her...but at this moment he had to believe she was still alive. Evan knew evil when he saw it and there was something particularly disturbing about a potential child killer. If Nick Waters had planned and executed the abduction of Benedict’s children then he was an extremely dangerous adversary. Evan felt better knowing his POI’s movements.
He read through the detailed file, taking his own notes where necessary. There wasn’t much information on Anna Dunbar unfortunately but Evan could see a sinister pattern emerging. He sent a quick text to Nicki.
Evan: What’s our POI up to?
Nicki: He’s been clothes shopping.
Evan supposed that he had limited clothes after his time in prison.
Evan: Keep me informed, Nicki. This guy is dangerous. Do not under any circumstances approach him.
Nicki: Understood.
Evan still felt uneasy. This guy, Nick Waters, was a predator and, from everything he had read, he was clever, manipulative, resourceful and, worst of all, appeared to have no conscience. Lastly, he pulled the photos from the back of the file and went through them. The picture of the pen found at the scene caught his attention. Startled, he did a double take. It looked the same as his own but he couldn’t be sure until he saw it in the flesh. Taking his pen from his pocket he placed it beside the picture—identical. His pulse quickened. If he was right, this piece of evidence was no ordinary pen—it was the break in the case Benedict had been looking for. Did the police realise what it was? No, they thought it was a pen, and why wouldn’t they? It could be a dead end but if there was anything stored on the pen then it might just incriminate that slippery bastard Nick Waters. His fingerprints suggested it was his pen. He made a note in the file and stood up. He retraced his steps and knocked lightly on the conference door. Guy Walker’s face was strained as he opened it and ushered Evan inside. He could sense his anxiety and fear. He sat down.
“Thank you for your patience,” he said. His gaze rested on the whiteboard. He got up and studied it again. It confirmed his own assumptions.
“Guy, I think you are right to assume Nick Waters is involved in Anna’s abduction. From your notes it would appear her disappearance is completely out of character. Also, the similarities between the two cases is too significant to ignore. I don’t believe in this many coincidences.”
He saw Guy’s face tighten and Benedict grimace.
“I think your whiteboard is pretty accurate. Nick Waters is experienced in arranging surveillance. Let’s assume he was watching Anna’s flat and saw an opportunity to grab her. I would go with the drugs and the wheelchair because he’s used this method before and it was tried and tested. He takes her somewhere. That’s what we know to date. Nick Waters is the key to finding Anna.”
Guy stood. “Shouldn’t we be there with the surveillance team?” he asked, not hiding his annoyance.
“Let me finish, Guy,” said Evan, “and, no, absolutely not. If Nick Waters recognised you it would jeopardise the whole operation and scupper any chance of finding Anna. If he’s got her, we can follow him. Eventually, he’ll lead us to where he’s keeping her. It’s vital my teams are not compromised. I intend to plant a tracker on him. This allows us to monitor him from a safe distance and provides us with a backup if he gives us the slip.”
“How long will it take?” said Guy.
“I need to make a few calls but, before I do, there is something else I discovered.”
“What?” asked Benedict.
“The pen you recovered at the burial site…I can’t be one hundred percent until I see it for myself but I think it is has digital storage.”
“What does that mean?” asked Benedict.
“The pen looks like a pen but can be used as a voice recorder with file storage.” Evan removed his own pen from his jacket pocket and showed Benedict and Guy the photograph of the pen bagged at the burial site.
“They look the same,” said Benedict. Evan reached down, picked up his pen and brought out a cable. He unscrewed the middle of the pen and plugged the cable in. There was a controller at the end of the cable. Next, Evan inserted a set of headphones and handed them to Benedict. He watched as he inserted them into his ears. Once ready, Evan pressed a few buttons on the controller. Benedict’s face changed to a look of astonishment. He handed the earphones to Guy.
“Did you listen?”
“Yes, it was our conversation from earlier. You recorded it?”
“Yes, I often do that; it helps me when I’m detailing the case. I didn’t say because I prefer people to be candid. That doesn’t always happen if people know they are on tape.”
Evan saw Guy’s panicked look.
“After I detail everything down, I destroy the recording.”
Evan knew Guy was unhappy his confession was on tape. But his secret was safe with Evan. He’d deleted that conversation already.
Neither of them knew Evan’s pen was recording; it had no obvious signs. Black with a silver band around the centre, it looked like any normal pen.
“The silver in the pen caught my attention,” said Benedict. “It glinted when my torch flicked over the ground.”
Unplugging the headphones, Evan showed then both how the pen could be inserted into a laptop like a pen drive.
“I knew that pen was important,” said Benedict excitedly. “If you’re right, Evan, this is a real breakthrough.”
“Take these headphones and, yes, we need to speak to the case officer…”
“DI Clark.” Benedict interrupted.
“Yes, DI Clark, but first things first, I must update my team. Anna is my priority. I’ll be with you in a minute.”
Evan experienced a rush of adrenaline. It was always like this when they watched a POI and his people were in place. The next few hours would be crucial. With Nick Waters out of the hotel it was safe to call Penny. She answered quickly.
“Where are you?”
“I’m in room 211, I’m all set up. Nicki is on the POI.”
“You’ve planted the tracker already?” said Evan impressed.
“Yes, first thing this morning, as soon as Nicki gave them to me.”
“Just one?”
“Yes.”
“I’m leaving now to come to the hotel.”
“Okay. I’m about to go next door but I will keep you posted. Use the app on your phone. I’ll text Nicki to tell her you are coming.”
“Are you sure he’s alone?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, Penny,” said Evan. “Keep me informed.”
Evan felt the usual calm follow. His team were doing what they were trained to do and were in control. The hunt had started. Planting the GPS trackers had been critical. Penny had done so without arousing suspicion. This was often the most delicate part of the operation. A second GPS tracker must be planted in case the original devise got dislodged or discovered. From experience it was best to plant the tracker on the shoe or back of a jacket under a collar. Somewhere a person rarely looked. Normally, there was several things they could do. Spy ware nowadays was very diverse. They had software that cloned hard drives and telephone data but working off the bat, like this, meant they had to improvise. He clicked into his mobile phone and smiled when he saw the red dot. Nick Waters was in his sights.
Chapter 48
The Braille Club Reborn
Nick
During breakfast, Nick formed a new plan and it had nothing to do with Siena. The sudden awareness his pen was still missing had him re-evaluating his options. With the turn of
events with Anna Dunbar, it had slipped his mind. Since he’d been unable to access Katie’s flat, he had no way of knowing if it was still there. She wouldn’t know what it was, he wasn’t worried she’d use it against him but at the same time he needed to get it back. What if it wasn’t at Katie’s? Where could it be? If it fell into the wrong hands… It didn’t bear thinking about. It would finish him. How could he have been so careless? He returned to his room and opened his laptop. It was perhaps time to get out while he still could. He’d had a productive morning. He had sent encrypted files to his contact regarding the surveillance of Guy Walker but learned it would not be operational for few weeks. Nick had been impatient, hoping it could be implemented immediately but his contact had refused.
What, with a full-scale police investigation ongoing? Do you think I’m stupid? He had written back.
Nick didn’t answer. He’d never considered the possibility the man had a brain and read the papers. He’d linked Guy Walker with Anna’s abduction case? That was a concern. He was cleverer than Nick gave him credit for. He’d thought his money bought a service and the risks involved were covered. However, this was not the case. He resented his contact making the connection. It was another reason for him to get out. He was happy to wait until things cooled off. He could cope with that. Next, he focused on getting the drugs he needed. His dealer managed to secure him the morphine. He gave him another request. Although not his area of expertise, he assured Nick he’d sort it. Nick was happy to pay big bucks and the dealer fees for his trouble, if he came up with the goods. It was short notice but Nick knew money talked. He would meet the dealer at a pre-arranged location and they would make the exchange. The price was expensive but Nick didn’t care. He wanted to move things on quickly. Anna Dunbar had outlived her usefulness. She was holding him back but it would all be worth it to see Walker suffer. He spent time booking flights and accommodation. Nick decided he would take a vacation. After he dealt with Anna, he wanted to get away and observe Guy Walker from a distance. That was the beauty of technology.
Anna Dunbar...what had started as a promising project was now a major headache. He must deal with her then head for Spain; a country he adored and only a short flight away. He toyed with buying a property there and perhaps he still would. It would give him purpose. He left his hotel to do more shopping and bought shorts and flip flops. He splurged on an expensive pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. Nick realised he was enjoying himself. He’d flirted with the young assistant selling him the sunglasses. She was pretty and he saw her eyes widen when he placed his black Amex card on the counter. Women aren’t impressed by men, women are impressed by credit cards, thought Nick smugly.
If he travelled light, he wouldn’t need a lot. He picked up a rucksack and other bits and pieces and checked his cell phone periodically. He was still waiting on the dealer and confirmation time for the exchange. Thoughts of Anna drifted into his mind. He hoped she was dead. Stopping for a coffee, he sat enjoying the ambience of the busy and vibrant coffee shop. No one gave him a second glance because he blended in with the smartly dressed and affluent people around him. He’d put on weight. His hair and beard had grown back and he was dressed in a smart jacket and expensive jeans. For a moment he forgot his troubles and sipped his delicious espresso.
Suddenly, Nick yearned to start over; to leave this stupid vendetta behind him and start again. The thought that he could begin afresh had never occurred to him. But sitting in the pleasant cafe enjoying the simple pleasures in life, he knew that was exactly what he wanted to do. The pretty shop assistant from earlier floated into his mind. He would never get another chance with Siena. There was no point in pretending anymore. That ship had sailed but he could find someone else. The idea was shocking and yet seductive—someone new to mould and ultimately control. He looked around and noticed several attractive women, invisible to him only moments before. These thoughts left him reeling. He suddenly accepted his obsession with Siena was at an end. Nick had risked everything and failed—not once but twice, and now this third failure. An intelligent man, he knew the odds were stacked against him. But he still needed to get his revenge before he moved on. Once he’d attended to Anna Dunbar—he could. The missing pen was the icing on the cake. He needed to get things moving. His cell rang. His stomach tightened when he saw it was his lawyer. He let it go to voicemail.
Returning to his hotel, he’d stowed his purchases away in the wardrobe. He then listened to the message on his cell. He smiled and laughed. So Katie Burns had been taken into custody. This was great news. Now he was no longer the focus of the investigation, he’d terminate Katie’s lawyer. She was on her own now. His plan was coming together. He was excited by this new idea and the possibility of a new life. A confirmation text from his dealer stating he had everything sorted improved his mood considerably. They agreed a time to meet. He surfed the net until it was time to leave. When he was released from custody, Nick had withdrawn twenty-five thousand pounds in cash and stored it in the hotel safe in his room. Cash was the currency most of his contacts worked in. Opening the safe now, he counted out the money and put it in an envelope. Emptying the contents of the Hollister bag onto the bed, he placed the envelope inside. The more he thought of his new life the more he was convinced it was the only way forward. He needed to put some distance between himself and his crimes and the sooner the better. He picked up the bag and held it tightly, more shopping but this wasn’t for pleasure. No, this was business. The business of the disposing of Anna Dunbar and setting up his new life. He left his hotel room, his mood brighter.
Chapter 49
The Braille Club Reborn
Anna
It was pain Anna registered when conscious thought returned. She lay unmoving, her mind fuzzy, but she was no longer cold. The room was warm, very warm, and made her thirst override everything, even the pain. Everything ached and she had no idea why she was lying on the ground. Desperately, she tried to recall earlier events but her foggy brain would not comply. Her eyes opened to a deep darkness and her heart hammered in fright as, slowly, her eyes adjusted. Everything came rushing back. Anna gasped and rolled over. Her breath came in short bursts as red hot pain took over. She almost blacked out as she lay contorted with pain. Her body shook as she rode out the wave of nausea that followed. It was coming from her neck. Anna didn’t want move her head again. The pain was so intense she could hardly breathe. She moaned in agony.
Anna was frightened but had no tears. Something was very wrong with her neck—horror filled her. Was her neck broken? Was she paralysed? With an immense effort, she moved her stiff arm and cried out with relief. She wiggled her toes and exhaled. A jolt of adrenaline surged through her. Her right arm jerked and moved slowly. Her hand explored her body. When she got to her neck her fingers shook. She groaned as she touched the taut skin. It was painful and felt hot and clammy. Was she running a temperature? She felt the rope and remembered the man with the strange electronic voice. The bastard who had drugged her. The rope was rough and heavy. Anna couldn’t remove it because she didn’t want to move her head. Although the rope was still around her neck, it wasn’t tight. She knew Nick Waters would be back.
She shifted slightly and the pain in her neck and head intensified, but her legs moved. Slowly she straightened them, easing her cramped muscles. She let out a triumphant cry. She was so thirsty and hot why was this happening to her? Did Guy know she was missing? She suddenly thought of Guy’s employers and how they must have felt when their children were abducted. Anna had been removed, almost uncaring. She was more concerned with getting Guy’s attention. But now she understood how awful it must have been. Guy’s face swam into her mind and her heart squeezed in pain—not physical but emotional. Was he looking for her?
Anna knew she was dehydrated. Her lack of tears and those last gulps of water seemed a long time ago. She had no idea how long she’d been unconscious. She tried to remember. How had she got here? Slowly, her mind retraced her movements. She recalled leaving her office, t
ravelling home on the subway and walking to her flat. She remembered going inside. The letter containing her divorce documents flashed inside her head. She groaned, her humiliating conversation with Robert came rushing back as did her despair at her own deteriorating relationship with Guy. That was why she left the flat. Angry and hurt, she’d wanted to confront Guy and end their relationship. She’d put on her coat and lifted her mobile, locking up the flat and going outside and then… She sorted through her memories but, no matter how hard she tried, the rest was blank. She willed her legal brain to work but her thoughts were sluggish.
Why had Nick Waters taken her and what was the purpose? The Harrison twins’ abduction case floated into her head and made her rethink what she knew. She concentrated on what Guy had told her. The twins had been drugged. The nanny had been drugged. Something else, something important...but the detail eluded her. If Nick Waters had drugged her, that would explain her lack of memory. The more Anna thought about it the more convinced she became that she had been drugged. She had awoken in a wheelchair. That rang a bell in her memory as well. Hadn’t Nick Waters drugged and abducted Siena in a wheelchair? Anna wished she had paid more attention. A cold wave of fear passed through her. The similarities to both cases suddenly struck her. What had she done to Nick Waters? Why had he targeted her? Anna’s panicked mind could think of nothing—then she understood. The target was Guy. Anger ballooned inside her. No wonder Guy had been so obsessed. This man was a monster. No, she corrected—this man was deadly. Anna shivered because she knew she was hurt and no match for him but anger strengthened her.
