Enrique gathered his work groaning. Nothing was making sense. The photos went back over thirty years; very few were local. With the images in his mind, he shuddered at their mistreatment.
“Mal wants to see you, Enrique,” said Duggan popping his head round the door.
“Good, I need to offload. I hate this shit,” he growled.
Locking the room down behind him, Enrique entered Mal’s office.
“Need an update Enrique,” Mal said without looking up.
Enrique sat down. “An update, shit Malachy those women,” he shook his, head taking a deep breath. “Those women, they’re…” still not able to finish.
“You ok Enrique, we’ll get the bastards who did this to them.”
“Fuck how can we, some of the women are old now. Those photos date back thirty years.”
“Enrique, I know who’s responsible for hurting these women.”
“Why the hell didn’t you say so,” he glared at Mal.
“I wanted you to find them, so their families can have some closure,” he sighed. “Do you want Sylvia to help?”
“Help, yeah that would be good.”
“How many have you found dead or alive?”
“I widened the database search to the whole country yesterday. It’s flicking out occasional matches. It would be good if Sylvia can help me write up the info.”
“Call her into the office Enrique, get this sorted now.”
Moments later Sylvia walked in scowling. “I’m busy, what’s going on?”
“Change of assignments Sylvia.”
“Why,” she demanded.
“Enrique needs your assistance. He’ll show you the details shortly. Just one thing Sylvia don’t have a tantrum, what you’re going to see is not…”
“Crap, abused women I suppose.”
“Yes, along those lines. We’re trying to find out who they are and whether they’re alive or dead. Enrique, you fill Sylvia in with details. I have another appointment shortly.”
They exited the room. Mal settled his paperwork on his desk closing his eyes monetarily wishing he could just leave. A knock on the door made him sigh wearily.
“Come in.”
“Mr Haier is here Malachy.”
“Fine, see him in.”
Phillip Haier walked in looking around the office a small smile on his face.
“Good afternoon Malachy. Thank you for seeing me,” he smiled.
“Well, as Fletchers attorney, you need to know a few things, Phil.”
“Yes, you made a curious statement at the hospital the other day.”
“The statement is correct. I am Fletchers half-brother.”
“I don’t understand how that can be Malachy. He was an orphan.”
“As an attorney nothing I say goes beyond these walls. I will know if you have betrayed my trust, Phil.”
“Is that a warning, remember I’m not your attorney.”
“Fletcher knows everything; you betray this information then you betray your client.”
“Fine, I’m sure I can deal with it.”
“Fletcher and I share the same mother, though different fathers.”
“Yes, you mentioned that.”
“I presume you’re the money behind Truit & Haier?”
“My father was, and yes, I now control the money. Why?”
“What do you know about the company and its origins?”
“My father, Mr Truit and a friend of theirs started the company. Why.”
“Do you know who the other friend was Phil?”
“Yes of course I do. Mr Joseph Garrett,” he replied. “Hang on that’s your surname,” his eye widened.
“Yes, Joseph was my father.”
“Ok, so what’s this to do with Fletcher and you?”
“One of the test subjects was our mother.”
“What test subjects? They only use animals, not humans.”
“Well, that was a secret you and possibly your father never knew Phil. Several women, in fact, lots of women were used to produce special babies. Fletcher is one of those babies.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Mr Truit was playing about with genes and DNA, making babies in petri dishes and replanting them into their mothers. There were two successful babies.”
“You have to be joking! My father would never approve such a plan.”
“As my father protested,” Mal sighed. “He took our mother with him and married her. I arrived a year later.”
“How did your father die Phil?”
“Of natural causes, a heart attack,” he said sadly.
“Truit murdered both my parents to keep them quiet. Sadly, it was a waste of life.”
Phil sprang out of his chair. “That’s an outrageous accusation Malachy.”
“Maybe. However, it’s real Phil.”
“Well, Blaze Carrington runs the company now.”
“No, he doesn’t, he just thinks he does.”
“Mr Truit retired and left his nephew in charge.”
“He left Blaze as a figurehead, Phil. Blaze does as he’s told, he just doesn’t realise.”
“What do you mean?”
“Phil, Truit is Blazes grandfather. He still controls things on the quiet. Truit is also the father, at best guess of Fletcher, which makes Blaze our nephew, not his.”
“God, how twisted can this get,” Phil asked angrily. “Can you prove this Malachy?”
“Yes.”
“What do you want me to do?”
Malachy passed him a file. “Here’s a copy of what Fletcher read. Keep it to yourself, if you don’t, you could end up dead.”
Phillip blanched. “By who’s hand?”
“By Truit’s hand, he won’t stop until he’s dead, or I am.”
“Why would he hurt you?”
“I’m Joseph’s son; he hates me. I’m an irritation in his side.”
“I still don’t understand?”
“Truit and Blaze are into some unsavoury business. Fletcher used to be.”
“Unsavoury! How so? What do you mean Fletcher used to be?”
“I won’t answer the first as for the second,” he sighed tiredly. “Fletcher was shot by Carrington’s henchmen.”
“Ok, I think I’ve heard enough,” he gulped.
“I suggest you and your family go on a short holiday.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Just do it Phillip, better safe than sorry.”
“Fine, I have a house on Martha’s Vineyard. We’ll head there in the morning.”
“Before you go there can you make a quick trip as GIBs Attorney to Conway, New Hampshire, please?”
“What, but my family Malachy,” he said in outrage.
“Will be under my security until you get back unless you want to take them to Conway with you instead, look I really need this Phil.”
“What’s going on?”
“Just call at this hotel for me, at ten in the morning and have this file,” passing him a sealed envelope, “ready to give to the named person.”
“All right, and yes, I’ll take my family; we can go on to Martha’s Vineyard later.”
“Thanks Phil, it’s much appreciated.”
Malachy’s phone rang as they shook hands. “No rest today.”
“Is there ever,” Phillip replied as he left the office shaking his head.
“Yes Anastasia?” he drawled.
“Are the meetings over coz I need to get out of here.”
“I’ll be over within the hour Ana. How’s it going over there?”
“Good here, Fletcher’s sleeping and I’m bored.”
“Poor Ana, I’ll be there soon.”
“Ok, I’ll let the guys know.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Blaze Carrington was in an excellent mood. He enjoyed sex with his favourite whore. Josie was incredible. Smiling, he sauntered to his car racing off home Bruce Springsteen blasting from the speakers. He wouldn’t be smili
ng for long.
Walking into his study, he found two of his henchmen looking seriously uncomfortable.
“What’s happened now?” he demanded.
“We made a grab for Anastasia and failed,” looking miserably down at their feet. “She sent you a message.”
“What the fuck, you’re meant to find my sister you idiots,” he yelled.
“Sorry boss, we thought…”
“I don’t pay you to think. I pay you to find Maggie you morons.” They shuffled their feet. “So what’s the message?”
“She said ‘If you want me come and get me, don’t be a coward’ sir.”
“Fuck, that woman’s so dead. I don’t take crap from anyone, let alone a woman.”
“What you want us to do now sir?”
“Go find Maggie you stupid maggots before I shoot you both.”
Blaze slumped into his chair pouring a whiskey. Sipping it, he wondered how he’d managed to employ such idiots. Closing his eyes relaxing, calming before his phone rang making him jump, spilling his drink down his shirt.
“Fuck, can’t I get any peace. Yes?” he said tersely.
“I’ve just seen the late news about Haven Pharmaceuticals. What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” ranted his grandfather.
“Getting you the fucking vial you wanted.”
“You didn’t have to kill Fletcher you stupid bastard.”
“I didn’t. He’s alive and well at Eastchester Hospital.”
“Good. I don’t want him dead just yet.”
“Why the fuck would you want him dead?”
“Tell you all about it one day Blaze,” he laughed.
“What the fuck is going on granddad,” he drawled softly.”
“You’ll find out in a couple of days. Have you found your sister yet?”
“No, the fuckwits went after Anastasia at the hospital instead.”
“What,” he bellowed.
“She left me a message. If I want her, I have to be a brave little boy and get her myself,” he replied sarcastically.
“That may be a good idea.”
“Hell no, she’d stamp on me.”
His grandfather laughed uproariously at the image of his grandson on the floor.
“Get her Blaze. I’ll tell you how. Then you can bring her to me.”
“What the fuck do you want with her?”
“She’s a tasty morsel Blaze or haven’t you noticed.”
“You’re sick old man.”
“Now here’s what I want you to do.”
Malachy finally arrived at the hospital. Fletcher was sitting up in bed re-reading the file. Ivan was on the door, of Quin and Ana there was no sign.
“I presume Ana let you know you’re coming back to Trengrove with us Fletcher?”
“Yes. Told me earlier,” he sighed. “Not that I feel like moving just yet.”
“Safer Fletcher, remember we have medical staff.”
“Okay fine. What did the doctor say?”
“Anxious more than anything, though he signed you into our care.”
“When do we leave?”
“We leave in an hour.” Mal shoved his hands in his pockets. “How are you coping with the news, Ana said you’d taken it quite well.”
“I’m confused; angry and pissed off. I’ll deal with it.”
“Where’s Ana?”
“No idea she left five mins before you arrived.”
Mal went to speak to Ivan. All was quiet. “Ivan where’s Ana?”
“She went for a walk, didn’t say where.”
“What about Quin? I see he’s not here either? I suppose Tallon’s sleeping?”
“Bathroom boss and yes Tallon is sleeping,” he grinned just as Quin turned the corner.
“Have you seen Ana on your jaunt Quin?”
“No, can’t say I have.”
“Don’t worry boss, she’ll be back shortly.”
“Ok,” he sighed. “We’re taking Fletcher back with us. Quin, you organise our car. Ivan, you organise Fletcher and wake Tallon while I ring Ana.”
“Yes boss,” they both grinned.
“Don’t you to start,” Mal muttered, “Yuri’s bad enough.”
Smirking,they went about their work.
“Come on Ana. Answer your bloody phone,” he paced this was the third time he’d rung her phone.
“Hello,” asked a female voice.
“Who the hell are you? Where’s Ana.” The phone clattered to the floor; he heard a startled gasp. “I –I don’t know Ana, I heard the phone ring so picked it up.”
“Lady this is an emergency. Where are you, can you see a tall woman with long black hair?”
“I’m in the hospital kitchens, sir.”
“Stay there, I’m coming to you.”
“I have to work. I must get on.”
“Just five minutes of your time lady, please.”
“Ok, but hurry.”
“I’m already on my way ma’am.” Malachy shoved open Fletchers door. “Ivan Ana’s been taken. I’m on my way to the kitchens. Call Duggan and anyone else still at the office to get over here now,” he demanded.
“Yes sir. How the fuck did this happen.”
“I’m just going to find out. Get Fletcher out of here as soon as Quin is ready. The chopper pilot is on standby.”
“Yes sir.”
Malachy entered the kitchens at a run. Skidding to a stop, he looked around pulling out his gun. Nobody was to be seen.
“Miss, are you still here.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a young woman jump; she squealed when she saw his gun. “I’m here,” she trembled.
Replacing his gun in its holster, he slowly walked over, checking for a trap.
“Where did you find the phone?” he asked gently.
“It was over by the stove sir.”
“I’m not going to eat you Miss, apologies for scaring you,” he smiled.
“I-I’ve been here most of the evening sir. I didn’t see or hear anything.”
“Have you had a break at all?”
“Yes sir. I found this when I came back ten minutes ago.”
“Did you notice anything different?”
“There was a chair overturned sir,” she replied timidly.
“Boss you in here,” yelled out Duggan.
“Duggan, I’m over here.”
The tall and well-built Duggan moved into view; the woman gasped. Her eyes widened when she realised who he was.”
“Oh my,” she sighed. I think I’m going to faint,” she sat down quickly on a chair.
“Do you affect all women like this Duggan?”
“Only a few,” he grinned.”
“Ana is missing. I think she’s been taken.”
“Shit, how the hell did they manage it?”
“Obviously she wasn’t careful enough, I will kill the…” he suddenly remembered the woman in front of him.
“Miss; what’s the easiest and quickest way out of here if you’re in a hurry?”
“People use the double doors over their sir. An alarm goes off if opened without an emergency.”
“Thank you. Duggan where are the others?”
“They’re searching the car park and lower level corridors.”
“Thanks for organising this.” They walked to the doors which were ajar, sighing Mal opened them walking out he nearly tripped over a body.
“What the fuck.” He crouched down feeling for a pulse. “Get a medic Duggan, looks like Ana put one of them out.”
He rolled the man onto his back, loosening his tie noticing he was in uniform. The man groaned. “There again this looks like a hospital security guard makes one wonder.”
“The medics are on the way boss.”
The guard’s eyes flickered open. “What the hell happened,” he groaned out.
“That’s what we want to know?”
The guard tried to sit up. “Stay where you are, medics on the way. Do you remember anything?”
“I heard a noise,” he mumbled, “kitchen. Walked in a woman was being attacked, don’t remember anymore.”
“Can you describe the woman?”
“Slim, hair in a ponytail, that’s it.”
“Out my way let’s look at him,” said the medic.
“Duggan, recall everyone to meet out front. Need to get Fletcher out of here.”
Ana groaned her head hurt. She tried to sit up only to bang her head. Her hands and feet were tied, gag in the mouth and a blindfold. She lay back exhausted, trying to breathe deeply. Unconsciousness claimed her again.
The next time Ana woke up she found herself chained spread-eagled to a bed. Her arms above her head, her legs shackled at the bottom. Cautiously she opened her eyes, the dim light stopping her from investigating where she was. Hearing a noise, she closed her eyes evening out her breathing as a bright light was switched on.
“Fuck shouldn’t she be awake by now?”
“Yeah, how much of that stuff did you give her?”
“Enough, like I Truit said.”
“Better report back,” they left the room, locking it behind them.
“Fuck, I can’t believe this.”
“Sir we’re ready to go,” Quin said grimacing.
“Duggan check with hospital security; they may have something on camera. Search the whole damn hospital, though I know she isn’t here. You’re in charge. If you find anything, message me immediately.”
“Yes Mal, will advise as we can. Good luck.”
“Thanks Duggan.”
The car set off with the four men, a short trip to the airport and helicopter.
“So how is she,” Truit smiled pleasantly.
“She’s still out cold sir.”
Truit raised an eyebrow before smirking, “Doubtful; she’s probably having you on.”
The guard gulped shuffling his feet, “Sorry sir.”
“No worries, I’ll go and talk to her now.”
Truit left the house walking towards the river. At the bottom of the garden, there stood a boathouse; under a trapdoor was a room, where Ana was naked and chained to a bed. Flicking the light on; he looked at Ana sleeping, walking over he sat beside her.
“Anastasia I know you’re awake so you may as well open your eyes.”
No response. “Fine if you want to play.” Truit slapped her face hard; she opened her eyes glaring up at him. “That’s better isn’t it.” He smirked removing the gag, “now we can chat.”
Hidden Secrets (Garrett Investigation Book 1) Page 18
