Deception (Powell Book 3)

by Bill Ward

  “You okay Mara with everything?” Jenkins asked, once David was out of earshot.

  “Absolutely. He looks quite cute.”

  “He’s okay,” Jenkins confirmed. “Just a bit lonely and he couldn’t believe I could get my girlfriend to meet up with us and bring a hot friend.”

  “I haven’t had anyone call me a girlfriend for a very long time,” Afina laughed. “It sounds strange.”

  “We’re going for a meal after this drink and then he’ll probably suggest a club. We’re both pretty pissed already so I’m going to watch what I drink for the rest of the evening but Mara, keep his glass filled up.”

  “No problem.”

  “Afina, when he gets back I’m going to explain how we met through a mutual friend in Brighton, who owns the bar where you work. He fixed us up on a blind date.”

  “How long have we been together?”

  “Just over a year.”

  “And are we planning to get married soon and have babies?”

  “What…?”

  “Only joking.” Afina burst out laughing. Then added in a serious voice, “We haven’t even had sex yet.”

  Mara laughed out loud. “Jenkins, you should see your face.”

  “Very funny,” Jenkins smiled. “You make a right pair. Did Powell explain how we want the evening to end?”

  “Just that we should try to end up back wherever he lives,” Afina answered.

  “Are we going to be having a party back at his place?” Mara asked.

  “Not the sort of party you’re thinking about,” Afina replied, just as David returned with the drinks.

  “What was that about a party?” David asked.

  “I was just saying I hoped we were going to party later,” Mara answered.

  “That sounds an amazing idea, Mara.” David’s eyes looked as if they would pop out of his head at the idea. “First though we need to get a Chinese and there was a club I was going to take Jenks to but it’s not really suitable for girls.”

  “You make your club sound interesting,” Mara said. “Is it a lap dancing club by any chance?”

  “Actually it is and the best in London. None of this can’t touch nonsense.”

  “Sounds perfect to me,” Mara said. “I like girls almost as much I like men.”

  David almost choked on his beer.

  “Perhaps we will go there then after all. As long as you don’t mind, Afina?”

  “I don’t mind,” Afina replied. “I’ve never been to a lap dancing club though I’ve heard much about them. It should be fun.”

  “Jenks, pinch me will you please. I think I drank too much in the pub, fell asleep and this is all just a dream.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

  The taxi dropped them off at David’s apartment in Dulwich. It was three in the morning and it had been quite a night.

  “I’ve got some booze inside,” a worse for wear David said, as he stumbled from the taxi.

  Mara helped support David while Jenkins paid the taxi fare.

  “What a great night,” Mara said to David. “And it hasn’t finished yet.”

  David fumbled for his keys and eventually managed to insert them in the front door of the large three storey, Victorian house. He half tripped as he led the way inside and Mara had to hold on tight to his arm.

  “We mustn’t wake the neighbours,” David cautioned, putting his finger to his lips. “I’m on the second floor.”

  There was a small lift, which they all squeezed inside. Once inside the apartment, David headed straight for the kitchen to find some drinks, while the others remained in the living room.

  Despite the outside of the house being old, the inside of David’s apartment was very bright and modern. There was a white book case along one wall and two white, leather sofas either side of a fashionable coffee table. A very large television sat in the corner of the room. A picture of David in his uniform hung above the fireplace.

  “I can’t drink anymore,” Afina said.

  “Me neither,” Jenkins agreed. “We need to get David to bed, otherwise he’ll be no use to us in the morning.”

  “I think that’s my job,” Mara smiled.

  David came back in the room carrying a bottle of wine and some glasses.

  “You have a great place,” Mara said.

  “Thanks. I like living here.”

  Mara took one of the glasses and David filled it with wine.

  “Jenks, there’s a beer in the fridge, if you prefer,” David offered.

  “Thanks but Afina and I are ready to crash, mate,” Jenkins replied.

  “Don’t spoil the party,” David urged. “Afina have some wine.” He held out a glass.

  Mara approached David, stood on tip toes and kissed him passionately on the lips.

  “We can carry on the party by ourselves,” Mara offered, stepping back. “Why don’t we take the wine to your bedroom?”

  “Sounds good to me,” David agreed, his face lighting up at the thought. “Will you guys be all right with the sofas?”

  “We’re good, thanks,” Jenkins answered.

  “I’ll get you some blankets.”

  David led Mara to his bedroom and shortly after returned with a couple of sleeping bags.

  “Afina, does Mara have a boyfriend?” David asked.

  “No. Why do you ask?”

  “I really like her. I was just wondering if this is a one off or maybe we’ll be able to see each other again.”

  Afina felt a pang of guilt as she answered, “Well, she doesn’t have a boyfriend.”

  David headed for his bedroom with a large smile on his face.

  “Are you sure Mara doesn’t mind doing this?” Jenkins asked.

  “Did she look like she minded?”

  “I guess not.”

  “She’s an escort. She sleeps with strangers every day. David seems really nice and knowing Mara, I’m sure she will actually have fun. He certainly will.”

  “I’m feeling a bit jealous.”

  “Do you fancy Mara?”

  “That wasn’t what I meant.”

  “So what did you mean?”

  “Nothing really. Just the booze always makes me feel a bit horny and…”

  “And you’re stuck here with me instead of in bed with Mara.”

  “No it’s not that. Well, it’s sort of that. It would be easier if you weren’t here. You’re beautiful and you’re off limits.”

  “What do you mean, I’m off limits?”

  “Well you know… you and Powell.”

  “What about me and Powell?”

  “Bloody hell, Afina. You know full well what I mean. You and Powell have a special relationship. You’re meant for each other. I couldn’t come between you two. Not that I think for a second you’d be interested in me anyway.”

  “Powell loves me like a daughter. We aren’t ever going to have a proper relationship.”

  “Don’t worry, he’ll see sense eventually. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. It isn’t the way someone looks at their daughter.”

  “Maybe,” Afina said doubtfully. “But perhaps I don’t want to be with Powell. And why do you say, I’d never be interested in you? I happen to think you’re one of the nicest men I know.”

  “That proves it!” Jenkins exclaimed.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “You just called me nice. That means you would never sleep with me.”

  “No it doesn’t.”

  “So you would like to sleep with me?”

  “Well…”

  Jenkins laughed. “Don’t answer, Afina. I’m teasing you. Just getting my own back.”

  “That’s not fair. I’m feeling quite tipsy.”

  “Listen, you should try and get some sleep. At least we have a sofa each. We’re going to be up early.”

  “I’m not looking forward to the morning.”

  “David is a decent guy. When we explain everything to him, he’ll be okay,” Jenkins promised, although he was far from certain h
ow David would react.

  “I hope so.”

  There was the sound of giggling coming from the nearby bedroom.

  “I hope there not going to be too noisy,” Jenkins said.

  “This is Mara we’re talking about. I don’t think she does quietly.”

  “I’m going to text Powell to let him know everything is ready for the morning.”

  Afina took off her jeans and Jenkins couldn’t help but glance at her. She had long slim legs. Then she climbed inside the sleeping bag and lay down on the sofa.

  Jenkins sent the text message and then turned off the light. He wrapped his sleeping bag around himself and lay down on his sofa. He’d had many far worse beds for the night when in the army.

  A few minutes after getting comfortable there were the unmistakeable sounds of two people having sex, coming from the bedroom.

  Jenkins could hear Afina tossing and turning, struggling to get comfortable.

  “Noisy buggers aren’t they,” Jenkins commented after a minute.

  “Makes falling asleep difficult,” Afina laughed.

  Afina hadn’t had sex for a very long time and listening to Mara and David was making her excited. Her hand fell between her legs and she could feel her moisture. She stroked herself a couple of times and inserted one finger. This is absurd. I can’t masturbate with Jenkins just a few feet away.

  “I’m going to get a beer,” Jenkins announced. “Do you want anything?”

  “I’ll have one as well, please. I’m not going to be able to sleep until they‘ve finished.”

  Afina sat up on the sofa and moved her hand away from between her legs.

  Jenkins handed her a can of beer and sat back on his sofa.

  “I wonder where Lara is right now?” Afina asked. “I hope she’s all right.”

  “Wherever she is, she knows Powell will be doing everything possible to find her. That should give her strength.”

  “Powell’s lucky to have you as a friend.”

  “He’s a good man. One of the best I’ve come across.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

  Jenkins checked his watch. It was six thirty. He was feeling very tired but not too hungover as he’d drunk very little in the latter part of the evening. He quietly opened the door to the apartment and then went downstairs and opened the door to the house. Powell was waiting outside and followed him back upstairs and into David’s living room. Afina was still asleep on the sofa.

  “We only got to sleep about four this morning,” Jenkins explained.

  “How’s Drinkwater?”

  “I don’t think Mara let him have much sleep and he’s going to have a massive hangover.”

  “Let’s make some coffee and then wake him up,” Powell suggested.

  “He isn’t going to be happy. He doesn’t start work until ten so was planning on getting up at nine.”

  “We can’t wait that long.”

  “He isn’t going to be happy when he sees you.”

  Powell shrugged his shoulders. “Let’s hope he is the decent guy you say he is.”

  Jenkins went into the small kitchen and found tea bags but no real coffee, only instant. He decided to make tea for everyone and was just finishing when Afina appeared.

  “Can I help?” she asked.

  “Thanks, you can carry a couple of cups in for me.”

  Back in the living room they placed the cups on the coffee table.

  “Time to get them up,” Powell said. “Jenkins, I think you should have the pleasure. Wake Mara first if you can and send her out here. Then wake your new friend and tell him you want to speak to him in the living room. Remind him about work if he’s reluctant to get up.”

  “I get all the best jobs,” Jenkins smiled.

  A short time later Mara joined them in the living room.

  “Fuck, that was some night,” Mara said, rubbing her eyes.

  “So we heard,” Afina answered.

  “Actually, I was referring to the night out, not the sex. Though that wasn’t bad either to be fair. He’s a nice guy. I don’t know how he’s going to react to this.”

  A full ten minutes went by and Powell was beginning to wonder if Jenkins was having a problem, when finally he emerged from the bedroom.

  “I’ve told him roughly what’s going on but not the details,” Jenkins informed everyone. “He wasn’t going to get out of bed otherwise.”

  “How did he take it?”

  “Quite well all things considered. Called me a few names at first but I asked him if he’d had a good night and he said it was the best in a very long time. I said we all like him and need his help so he’s getting dressed and will be out in a minute.”

  David entered the room with hair at all angles and very bloodshot eyes. Afina offered him a cup of tea, which he accepted. He sat on the sofa and looked up expectantly.

  “I told Jenks I’d give you five minutes.”

  Powell stepped nearer to the chair and David seemed to register his presence for the first time.

  “You’re the fuckwit pretended he wanted to join the club yesterday,” David said. “Suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. So you’re Jenks friend he mentioned needs my help.”

  “I am. Sorry about the deceit but we’re getting desperate. A friend of ours was kidnapped yesterday morning and her life is in severe danger. We’re just hoping she isn’t already dead.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that but what do you want from me?”

  “You know what I want. I need you to identify Barnes for me because he’s responsible for the kidnapping.”

  “Do you know why I’m employed by the club?” It was a rhetorical question. “Because I’m ex-army and half the members work for some part of the government. They trust me to keep their secrets. So why should I believe anything you tell me. For all I know you work for some foreign government and are trying to trap Barnes in some way.”

  “I run a bar in Brighton,” Powell answered. “You know Jenkins is truly from your old regiment. Afina is the manager of my bar and Mara really is her best friend.”

  “I don’t trust a word you say. You’ve all been lying to me since the first moment I met you.”

  “The only lie we’ve told you is my pretending Afina is my girlfriend,” Jenkins responded. “I’m not actually that lucky.”

  “And I wasn’t lying when I said I liked you,” Mara added. “I think I demonstrated how much I like you.”

  David smiled. “That’s very true.”

  “How about, after we’ve finished talking, I demonstrate again how much I like you? If you’ve got the energy?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Powell had to smile. He doubted he any longer had David’s full attention as he would be thinking about Mara and what was to come later. At least he hadn’t kicked them out of the apartment.

  “Okay, I’m going to tell you everything we know,” Powell said. “And then you can decide whether to help us or not.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

  David had listened to their story and agreed to help. Powell believed Mara was the deciding factor in his decision. David had fallen for her big time and was hopeful of seeing her again, something Mara had encouraged. Powell wasn’t sure how he would react if he ever discovered what she did for a living.

  David informed Powell that he doubted Barnes was the man’s real name but he didn’t actually know his real name. Many of the members used pseudonyms and he believed Barnes was one of those because on a couple of occasions, David had addressed him as Mr Barnes and he had been slow to respond, a clear indication it wasn’t his real name.

  Powell was concerned they could do nothing but wait for Barnes to appear at the club, when they would receive a call from David. Fortunately, David said Barnes ate lunch most days at the club and also often dropped by in the evening for drinks.

  Powell wasn’t sure if Lara was still alive but she had been in their hands for twenty four hours and he had to assume they wouldn’t be planning to keep her alive for very
much longer. If their objective in kidnapping her was to discover what she knew, then he doubted she would hold out for very long under the type of interrogation she had described Al-Hashimi receiving and once she told them everything, she would have served her purpose and be killed. Time was therefore of the essence but frustratingly, nothing could progress until Barnes arrived at the club.

  Afina and Mara had returned to Brighton leaving Powell and Jenkins to enjoy a large cooked breakfast in a café not far from the club. Powell had updated Brian on events but asked him not to share anything with anyone within work. No one could be trusted and until Lara was safe, he didn’t want anyone being forewarned about their plans.

  The call from David came at just after midday and it took Powell and Jenkins only five minutes to walk to the club. Powell had decided he would try and meet with Barnes alone so Jenkins stayed outside as Powell entered the club. David was behind his desk and immediately picked up an internal phone. A minute later a man arrived and took over his position at the desk.

  “I’ll show you to the meeting room,” David explained. “Then I will tell Barnes you are here to see him. As agreed, I will tell him your name is Brown. Hopefully that will pique his curiosity sufficiently for him to want to meet with you.”

  “Let’s hope it all goes smoothly,” Powell answered, following David to a small meeting room with panelled wood and impressive portraits hanging on the walls, most of which were more than a hundred years old.

  Powell sat facing the door so he could be prepared for whoever entered. When the door opened after a few minutes, Powell quickly decided the man posed no physical threat and was most likely the man calling himself Barnes. He certainly fitted the description provided by Brown.

  Barnes appraised Powell before demanding, “Who are you?”

  “My name is Powell.”

  “I’ve heard of you. Your the man who runs the bar in Brighton.”

  “Correct but I’m at a disadvantage, I don’t know your name.”

  “Barnes will do fine,” he replied with a small smile. “What do you want Powell? Why are you here?”

  Powell was surprised Barnes was maintaining such a cool exterior. He didn’t seem unduly concerned by Powell’s sudden arrival.