by F. C. Clark
‘Fine!’
‘Don’t get shitty with me, Kate. I’m trying to protect you.’
‘And I’m trying to help.’
Even though it’s late Saturday afternoon and Soho is normally busy, today the traffic is fairly light. Barney parks outside number twenty-two.
‘James, we’re here. Give me a minute.’
‘OK.’
I turn to Barney. ‘This is it.’
‘Let me come in with you.’
‘No. It’s easier this way. Do you have your phone?’
‘Yeah.’ He hugs me. ‘Thirty minutes and then I’m calling the police.’
I step out of the car. Just before I close the door, I say, ‘Barney? The twins are girls.’
23
‘From this point, listen to every word I say. Use your eyes and ears,’ James says. ‘Jesus, you shouldn’t be doing this.’
‘Well, I am.’
‘Ready?’ he says.
‘As I’ll ever be.’
‘Use the gold key to unlock the door, and make sure you close it behind you. I’m looking at the blueprint of the building.’
From the outside, the building looks like a disused warehouse, and it’s surrounded by similar-looking buildings. The metal door unlocks without any problems, although I could do without the creaking sound its rusty hinges make. I step inside and push the door closed. The creak echoes around the enormous empty room.
‘Kate.’
Foolishly, I nod.
‘I’m in. Tell me again, why does Luke own this building?’
‘That doesn’t matter now! OK, you need to veer towards the left. There will be another door, that won’t be locked.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes.’
‘It’s bloody dark in here.’ I walk forward, but I can barely see my hands in front of me.
‘Your eyes will adjust.’
‘What about the staff? They should be arriving soon.’
He laughs.
‘What?’
‘You think on your feet. I called the manager; the club isn’t open this evening.’
‘What, on a Saturday night? I smell bullshit!’
‘Exactly.’
‘Inside job? Do you think the manager knows Anderson?’ I ask.
‘Maybe. Concentrate, Kate.’
‘It really is bloody dark in here.’
‘Stay calm, and take some deep breaths.’
Again I nod and do as he asks. This does have an effect: I feel less likely to scream and more inclined to cry. It gets even darker when I reach the rear of the building, using my hands to aid me.
‘I’m in the corner.’ My hands skim the wall until I find a metal frame. ‘I can feel the door.’
‘Open it and close it behind you.’
‘Do they know Luke owns this building? I mean, Anderson?’
‘It’s unlikely. OK, as you go through watch where you walk. There will be some steps in front of you. These will lead you to a doorway to SGI.’
‘Shit, we’re close.’
‘Remember to breathe.’
‘Any news on Scott? I feel the need for a partner in crime.’
‘He’s on his way.’
‘Shall I have my gun ready?’
‘No!’ James blurts.
Slowly I move towards the stairs, which I can just about make out. I begin to climb, counting the steps in my head as I go.
‘I’m at the top.’
‘Good. Now listen. This door opens onto the stockroom that backs onto the bar.’
‘Near the dance floor?’
‘No, the VIP bar. Remember, you’re now on the first floor of the club.’
‘Crap! You’re right. I’m shit at this.’ I feel completely out of my depth.
‘The door will look like part of the wall. Make sure you close it behind you. Leave no trace.’
‘Leave no trace,’ I repeat.
‘The room will be full of boxes, so be careful where you step.’
I open the door slowly and gently close it behind me. The room is full. Piles of boxes and racks of bottles.
‘I’m hooked up to the SGI cameras. I can see you.’
‘Good,’ I say and wave. ‘Can you see Luke and Max?’
‘No.’
‘No? What do you mean?’
‘They must be in the basement. Unfortunately there are no cameras down there.’
‘His watch?’
‘Locates him to SGI.’
‘Great!’ I shake my head in disbelief.
‘You will have to enter the basement blind.’
Is he joking? My bravado deserts me.
‘Wait here until I tell you it’s clear. Then you need to walk quietly to Luke’s office. We’re going in the back way, OK?’
‘Got it.’
We remain silent. The only sound I can hear is my heart pounding against my chest. My hand automatically rests on my bump, protecting my babies.
‘Girls, I love you both,’ I whisper.
‘Kate. Go now. Remember, quiet.’
Cautiously I open the door and close it behind me.
‘Kate, get down now!’
I fall to the floor.
‘Stay still! There are two men climbing the stairs from the dance floor. I’ll tell you when it’s safe to go.’
I nod and try to listen, but their voices are muffled.
‘OK, move your arse now: go, go, go!’
I bolt from behind the bar across the VIP area and towards Luke’s office, not glancing behind me, just focusing on the door.
‘I’m at the door,’ I whisper and look at the keypad.
‘Input these numbers.’
‘Venice, baby,’ I murmur and remember the first time I inputted the numbers to this door. I know what these numbers mean to me and Luke.
‘What?’
‘Venice… That’s where…’ We fell in love.
‘I get the picture.’
The code is accepted. I walk through and quietly shut the door. ‘I’m in.’
‘Move to the corner of the room. There’s a bookcase with a picture of an old blueprint of the club. Slide the bookcase to the right.’
It glides across with ease. Luke is a creature of habit.
‘There’s a door.’
‘Open it and slide the bookcase back. Remember, cover your tracks.’
‘OK. This is where the fun begins.’
‘Fun!’
‘Metaphorically speaking. You’re on your own now, except for me in your ear.’
‘Shit. I can’t do this. No – I can do this…’
‘If you can handle Sutton, then you can do this.’
‘You’re right, I can do this.’ No, I fucking can’t!
‘I do know some of the layout, so listen carefully.’
I nod.
‘The stairs are hidden. Once you get to the bottom, you can only turn right. There is a section of the wall that opens. You need to push it gently. You will then enter another stockroom that I know Luke keeps full, which hides the door.’
‘Why does he have so many bloody hidden doors and false walls? Did he know this would happen, that one day Anderson would get him, or someone else?’
‘Forward thinking, Kate, that’s all. Precaution.’
Precaution, my arse. ‘You definitely went to the same charm school.’ I don’t buy his words, but I don’t have the time to worry about that now.
‘What?’
‘Don’t worry. OK, so I push and slide.’
‘This is where it becomes difficult. The blueprint shows a long corridor with four rooms leading off it.’
‘You think Luke and Max will be in one of the rooms?’
‘Yes. W
hich one, is the question.’
‘What about the men?’
‘I’ve been monitoring them from the club’s security cameras. There are five in total. One outside guarding the entrance, two in the lower level helping themselves to drinks.’
‘Anderson?’
‘I can’t see him, or the other one. So there should be one plus Anderson in the basement where you are.’
‘Hang on, there’s movement.’ He’s silent for a moment. ‘OK.’
I jump.
‘You need to be quick. Anderson and his mate have just come upstairs, and the guy out the front has driven off.’
‘Oh good, one less to worry about, because that makes all the bloody difference.’
‘You’re good to go. Quick, Kate.’
I make it down the stairs, and feel for the false wall.
‘Kate.’
‘What?’
‘Is your gun loaded with the safety off?’
I swallow.
‘Kate?’
‘I heard you.’ I pull the gun from the back of my jeans. ‘It’s good to go.’
‘Let’s hope we don’t need it.’
‘What’s the chance of this running smoothly?’
‘As good as any mission I’ve been on.’
‘Right, on the count of three I’m going out there.’ I push open the false door. ‘OK – one.’
‘I’m out.’ Already the building feels cold and eerie.
‘You can’t count.’
‘Element of surprise,’ I whisper.
‘Keep checking all around you. Kate, Parker is close, OK?’
I nod. Please hurry, Scott Parker.
‘I’m at the first door.’
‘Open it slowly and keep your gun at eye level.’
Carefully I twist the brass handle then scan the dimly lit room.
‘Empty.’ My heart races to an uncontrollable beat.
‘You’re doing well. Keep breathing.’
‘Shit, James, I thought he would be in here.’
‘You must be close. I can still detect his watch.’
‘I can feel him. Does that sound stupid?’ I whisper.
‘No. OK – next room. Remember, gun up, stay alert.’
The door is ajar. I can see the corridor is clear. Silently I step out and close the door behind me, leaving no trace. I creep towards the next door and twist the handle.
‘Holy fuck!’ I slip inside and close the door.
‘What is it?’
‘It’s Max. He looks…’ Dead.
‘Check his pulse.’
‘OK. Come on, Max, please be OK.’ He’s lying on the cold concrete floor. I crouch down and place my fingers against his neck and feel a slow but steady beat. I close my eyes in relief. ‘Yep, he has a pulse. But he’s been badly beaten.’
‘Fuck! Kate, hide behind the door, you may have a visitor. One man is heading for the stairs.’
‘What?’
I look at the door like a rabbit caught in headlights. There’s a metal bar lying in one corner of the room and I scramble towards it and pick it up. I tuck the gun in my jeans and hold the bar ready. As the sound of footsteps grows louder my breathing escalates. Holding my breath, I watch the brass handle slowly turn.
A man enters the room and walks over to Max.
‘Oi, you little fucker, ready for another round?’ He kicks Max, but Max remains motionless. ‘You fucking cunt, wake up.’
My heart pounds and my temper rises. It’s too late. I’m already striding towards the man. I swing the bar with all my strength. It connects just behind his ear with a dull thud. He slumps to the floor.
‘Holy fuck, I think I killed him.’
‘What happened?’
‘I hit him across the head with a metal bar.’ My hand covers my mouth. ‘Do you think he’s dead?’
‘I don’t know. You need to keep moving.’
‘But he could be dead.’ I step closer to the body.
‘He may also wake up.’
I peer at the victim on the floor. ‘He looks dead. I’m sorry, but…’ Bile rises in my throat.
‘Kate, keep moving.’
‘What about Max?’
‘Can you wake him?’
I step over the body lying on the floor and kneel next to Max, gently tapping his face.
‘Max, please wake up.’
He groans.
‘Come on, Max.’ This time I shake him. ‘Max, look at me.’
His eyes barely open.
‘That’s it, come on, Max, it’s me, Kate.’
His mouth opens but nothing comes out.
‘I need to get Luke. Can you move? Of course you bloody can’t. Fuck. James, what now?’
‘Keep still. Anderson is heading towards the stairs.’
‘What?’
‘Just stay where you are.’
My heart pounds so hard in my chest that the sound ricochets through my body.
‘Go now. He’s back in my view. You need to go now. There are two more rooms. Check them.’
‘OK.’
Once again I open the door quietly and check the corridor. I twist the handle of the third door.
‘It’s empty.’
‘Go to the last room. He has to be in there. Quickly, Kate.’
The last door faces me. ‘Please be here.’ I turn the handle and the door swings open. I can’t believe what I see inside.
‘Kate, talk to me. What’s happening?’
‘Oh God, Luke.’ I close the door and run towards Luke, who is suspended by his wrists from the ceiling.
‘Christ, what have they done to him?’
‘Tell me what you see,’ he says.
I take a deep breath.
‘His wrists are bound together and he’s tied to a rafter. He’s been beaten and…’
‘Talk to him. See if he responds.’
‘Luke? Luke. It’s me.’
Nothing. Fuck, is he still alive? Tears roll down my cheeks. ‘He isn’t responding.’
‘Does he have any wounds?’
‘Yes,’ I say.
‘Good.’
‘What?’
‘Poke the end of your gun in the wound – the pain should wake him.’
‘I can’t do that! Luke, please look at me.’ God, this is killing me.
‘Kate, do it now, we don’t have a lot of time.’
‘OK.’
I look at his naked torso. He has a stab wound on his abdomen. I close my eyes and poke the barrel of the gun inside the wound. ‘I’m sorry, Luke.’
He grunts in pain.
‘Luke, look at me.’ I repeat the procedure again. ‘Come on, Luke, please open your eyes.’
He groans and tries to move.
‘Look at me.’
Dark eyes meet mine. ‘Kate?’ he murmurs.
‘I need to get him down.’ I look around the room. ‘There’s a chair.’
‘Good, use it to stand on.’
I lift it towards Luke. ‘I brought a flick-knife with me – but that rope is thick.’
‘Is it one of Luke’s?’
‘Yes.’
‘It’ll cut through.’
I stand on the chair and begin to slice through the rope. Success: within a few seconds Luke is lying in a heap on the hard ground.
‘Kate?’ James says in my ear.
I cup Luke’s face. ‘Luke, please look at me.’ Quickly, I untie his wrists and slide the knife in my back pocket.
His eyes open. ‘What the hell are you doing here?’ He can barely talk.
I laugh and cry at the same time. ‘Rescuing you.’
He tries to smile but winces in pain. I know how that feels.
‘Max is out co
ld next door… I have James in my ear and Scott’s on his way.’ I hold my gun near his face. ‘We have this.’
He rolls to his knees, holding his stomach.
‘James, he’s in a bad way.’
‘Tell him he’s had worse,’ James says.
‘I thought you were his friend.’
‘I am, now tell him.’
‘James said you’ve had worse.’
Luke manages to kneel. He looks at me while his middle finger offers a response.
I smile, tears streaming down my face.
‘He’s unimpressed, but he’s moving.’
‘It works every time. Give him the ear piece.’
‘OK.’
I remove the Bluetooth device and pass it to Luke. ‘James wants to speak to you.’
Luke puts the device in his ear as he leans on the chair and tries to stand. I try to help him.
‘What the hell is she doing here?’ He looks at me while listening to James. ‘Agreed, she’s a pain in the arse.’ He looks away and listens, then holds his hand out. ‘You have something for me.’
‘What?’ I frown.
‘Detonator.’
I pull it from my jacket pocket. ‘I thought it might help.’
‘It will once Parker arrives.’
‘What?’
‘Detonators don’t work on their own, Kate.’
As much as I feel the need to pat myself on the back, this is neither the time nor the place.
He pulls me to his blood-soaked bare chest.
‘I thought you were…’ I say and trail off.
He releases me and his dark eyes meet mine. I see relief in his eyes. He presses his lips gently against mine and the world stands still, if only for a second.
‘Where’s Max?’ he asks, coughing.
‘Two doors down. I think I killed a man with a metal bar.’
‘Gun, please.’
I pass it to him. ‘Luke, did you hear me? I think I killed someone.’
‘I doubt it.’ He checks the chamber and safety before returning to me. ‘These men will not live.’
I swallow my saliva and read Luke’s eyes. Sutton code red.
‘Can you walk? You look…’
He takes my hand. ‘Remember the rule: silence.’
I nod.
‘Sullivan, we’re leaving.’ Luke listens to James. ‘Keep me informed.’ He takes my hand. ‘Let’s go.’
He walks with difficulty. What the hell have they done to him? Quietly he twists the door handle, checking the corridor as I did minutes ago. In seconds we’re at Max’s room. Luke quickly checks his wounds.
