“I thought it would be alright. I listened to the news and they said that he was in hospital. After a while I put it behind me and I believed it to be over.
“Then the day before yesterday, in the night he came. I didn’t know who he was at first. I had never seen his face because of the helmet. He was brutal, violent and he went on and on about diamonds, and a computer memory stick. It was like something out of a movie. I was scared, really scared, but I told him and told him over and over that I had nothing, but he didn’t believe me. He made me go with him, across the beach. There’s a cave, over there in the rocks. He tied me up.” She raised her arms to display the fading rope burns.
“He left me there all day while he went off somewhere. To see his clients he said. When he came back I thought he would kill me and that is when I told him that I had buried the diamonds on the cliff walk.”
“But, you said you didn’t have them.” For a moment Pauline simply stared at the constable. How could he be so dim? She shook her head.
“I had to tell him something! I truly thought my life was in danger and if I was outside I would stand more chance of either getting away or attracting attention.” She took a deep breath and forged on. “I pretended to fall and when he came back I pushed him, I kicked him over the edge and he fell into the sea. I called to him and he didn’t answer.
“I don’t know where he is now; I don’t know whether he is dead or alive but if he is alive then I can’t stay here. You do see that don’t you? I can’t stay here…” She dissolved into a flood of weeping. Her head was buried deep in her hands, a murmur escaped between quivering fingers, “I can’t stay here. He’ll come back and he’ll kill me.”
Chapter 31
“Don’t get up Pauline, you just sit there. I’ll call through to Dolly, tell her we’re leaving. I’m sorry but we will have to contact your husband. There’s no way around it, but I don’t see why we would have to tell him where you are if you don’t want us to.
“I’ll need to check with the police in Yorkshire about the rest of the story and then I’ll come back. I have no idea where this is all going but with no body it leaves a conundrum. I don’t know where it will leave us with no body and you insisting on your story. I need to get advice from other people. Try not to worry. On the other hand, we can’t do much about the attack either and that’s a worry. With all you told us about the bloke who abducted you, I’m not happy but am at a loss as to the next move for now.”
“I don’t care about it. I’m going to be fine. I just want this to be over. Do you think I can carry on and go to France?”
“No, I can’t let you do that. Not until we get a better idea of what is happening. Put it off. Can you stay here?”
“I’ll ask Dolly.”
“If that doesn’t work out could you go home, back to your house?”
“Have you not listened to anything I said? It took me twenty years to get out of there! Twenty years of being beaten and miserable and you can actually stand there and suggest I go back!”
“Okay, okay I’m sorry. Just see if you can stay with Dolly or in the cottage and if you can’t then let me know and we’ll take it one step at a time.” As the two officers strode through the door Pauline laid her head back against the cushions and closed her eyes. She was weary to the bone, her spirit was bruised and battered and though she knew she must struggle forward all she could imagine was confusion and fear stretching forever. A wave of desperate sadness swept through her and it was only with a massive effort that she could push the grey blanket of depression aside.
Dolly stepped into the quiet room.
“Do you want some tea Pauline? And a sandwich?”
“I’d love some Dolly. And then, if you have a moment, can we have a chat? I have to try and work out what I’m going to do next.”
“Ok. Now you rest here, I’ll be back soon.”
“Dolly, thank you.”
Warm arms wrapped around her and the feel of Dolly’s soft cheeks against her face was balm to her hurt and the kindness, though she had known Dolly for such a short time, overwhelmed her and filled her heart with grateful tears…
“Well, the cottage is booked up from the end of the week and to be honest I don’t think you should stay there alone anyway. Why don’t you just bring your things over and stay in the house with Jim and me? I only let the rooms to bed and breakfast people and so there’s always a vacancy and it means I can look after you. I feel so guilty that all this has happened.”
“Oh Dolly, none of this is your fault. Of course you don’t really know the background do you?”
“Well only the bits I’ve overheard here and there. I know you left your husband but not much more than that.”
“Okay, the least I can do is fill you in on what it’s all about. Have you got a few minutes?”
“Of course.”…
Seated side by side on the sofa Dolly listened without comment as Pauline relayed the whole sorry tale and her vague assumptions yet again.
“So that’s all you know? This man who attacked you is the one from the ditch?”
“Yes, I don’t even know his name. I know he was involved with some other people but I have no idea who they are.”
“And you didn’t see anyone else by the accident.”
“No, it was quiet, the middle of the day and when I left home I just walked up the hill away from the village. Even the dog wasn’t out at the farm.”
Pauline let out a gasp and grabbed at Dolly’s hand. “There was a car!”
“A car?”
“I’ve just remembered! I didn’t ever think about it until now! As I left the house I had to get out of the way of a car, it was speeding through the village. I remember now thinking it must be a stranger because he was going far too fast for the road.”
“Do you think it might be important?”
“Well, I don’t know but they must have come down the same road as the motorbike and it was very soon after that when I found the accident. I wonder if perhaps I should tell the police anyway. I’ll call them later, just in case.”
“For now though can I go over and bring some things back from the cottage and then tomorrow I’ll move all my stuff here.”
“Oh I don’t think you should, it’s not safe, or let me come with you at least. I’m waiting for a delivery for the shop but, maybe later.”
“I think it’s okay Dolly, the place has been swarming with police and…” she shrugged, “I think he’s dead, if it was the bloke from the cave you’re worried about. I would like to go, it’ll help me to settle – I really think it will.”
“Well, I don’t like it, not at all. It scares me. Call me if you’re worried about anything, the house phone comes straight through to here and the shop. Oh I wish you wouldn’t go.”
“Don’t worry it’ll be okay. I’ll just bring my computer… oh no, not that; the police have it. Oh well, what I need for now and then tomorrow. I’ll go and get the rest of my clothes and give you a hand to tidy up.”
“Indeed you will not, in spite of everything you are still my guest and it’s not your job to clean the place.”
The air was fresh and as Pauline made her way across the wet grass she glanced towards the restless ocean and the rocks in the distance. She felt no fear as her eyes skimmed the dark shapes that are only rocks. It was the stranger who had caused her pain. She would not let man’s evil impact on her delight at this lovely place. The many years as an abused wife had taught her that it was easier to overcome hardship if it was stowed in a box in your mind that could be pushed away, disallowed to spread and distort those things that were inherently beautiful; a summer sky, a sailing cloud or the sun sparkling on rippling waves.
There were marks on the cottage door where the police had brushed powder, looking for fingerprints and evidence of the intrusion. Pauline slipped the key into the lock and stepped into the dark hallway. Residual moisture dripped from the old gutters tinkling on cobbles and pathways outside and looking thro
ugh the old kitchen and beyond to the shimmering garden she was tempted through and out into the small space.
She had expected to sense recent disturbance, but what she had not expected was the tingle up her spine and the ticklish feel of goose pimples on her arms and the absolute conviction that she was not alone. She spun around to look back towards the open door and caught a glimpse of a dark shadow on the dappled path.
Chapter 32
Was it a figure? A movement in the trees? Or just her overwrought mind? Her heart pounded.
The small gate to the beach was but a few steps away: if she ran now she may be able to reach the dunes and then try to make it back into the farm house. To do that she would need to turn her back on the house, the path and the dark shadows of the garden. She was petrified and for long seconds couldn’t drag her eyes away from the open door and the blind windows of the kitchen. Her mouth had dried and she gulped, desperate for moisture. Slowly, slowly she took one step backwards, then another. She dragged her feet along the old stones her hands stretched behind her groping for the gate.
Another small step, then another. She could turn now and run but what if she tripped? Was the gate open? She couldn’t remember. If she did get past the stone wall she knew the sand was soft and full of sharp grass: it would be hard to run.
She could scream.
If she screamed Dolly might hear her, and Jim: they would come running, but would it be too late because whoever was in the house would hear her too and they were nearer.
Was there someone in the house?
Again she tried to peer into the dim rooms. The curtains in the little kitchen blew gently in a soft breeze, the door swung a little on the well oiled hinges. Tree limbs creaked high overhead and a crow in the rookery shouted to the setting sun. The harsh noise caused her to start and a small noise, not quite a scream but more than a gasp, escaped her lips. She pressed her hand to her mouth.
It seemed that her heart would burst from her chest and her knees wobbled now, threatening to let her down just when it was essential that she was swift and sure.
She must move.
Was there anyone there?
The shout when she made it shocked her: she hadn’t known she was going to speak until the words escaped her trembling lips. “Who is it? Who’s there?”
The door moved again, slowly drawing inward and a figure appeared now, unmistakable. He was tall, dressed in jeans and a blue sweatshirt. His head was bald and his lower arms were covered with a pattern of tattoos. He stepped forward and held up his hands.
The rugged face was stern, blue eyes unblinking and he moved towards her. She turned from him. She would make for the gate and take her chances on the beach. Maybe there were walkers, someone to help her. She spun and as she did the intruder strode across the grass and reached his large hand towards her. He grabbed her upper arm, with strong, hard fingers. She saw the muscles in his arms flex as he held her, fighting against the pull of her body.
She twisted and brought up her hand to slap at his face, to try and scratch him. At the same time she lifted her foot. Instead of pulling back now she moved forward, tried to judge the distance so that when she brought her knee up into his groin it would have all her strength behind it.
He saw the move. He knew what it meant and spun her around now with her back to him and his arm round her chest, above her breasts and he dragged her back to hold her tightly against his chest and belly.
“Don’t scream, you don’t need to scream. It’s alright. I’m not going to hurt you.”
Tears streamed from her eyes and as she opened her mouth to yell for help he clamped his fingers tightly across her jaw.
“Don’t scream, you really don’t need to be afraid. I won’t hurt you. Keep calm.”
She felt the heat from him through her T shirt, the warmth of his arm across her upper body. She felt the tickle of breath in her ear as he leaned in close to speak again in his calm voice. “Don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you. I’m going to move my hand now. Nod your head, tell me you understand and that you won’t yell.”
She nodded and slowly he released the grip on her face. “Okay, good, good. Now I want you to be very calm. I’m going to let you go. Please don’t try and run, okay? Just nod.”
She moved her head a small jerk and felt his arms loosen their hold. He kept her encircled but now she was barely contained. It would be possible to duck and run but knew that he would have her again before she made the gate. He spun her to face him.
He looked into her eyes. “Pauline, I need you to come into the house with me now. I need you to be calm and not to be afraid.” She gave another sharp nod and he released his hold totally and stood aside gesturing toward the open door.
She moved past him and took the few steps back to the kitchen. He followed her inside and closed the door.
“Right, now please sit down, just sit at the table. We need to talk.”
She shook her head. If she was seated she couldn’t run and first chance there was she was going to run. “Please don’t hurt me. I haven’t got anything. I haven’t got a bag of diamonds, or a computer memory stick. I don’t have anything! Please don’t hurt me.”
The stranger moved to the other side of the table and to her surprise he dragged out the second chair and turned it to sit astride. He leaned his arms across the back and bent towards her. “I won’t hurt you Pauline. You are safe with me. Please sit down. I just want to talk to you.”
Chapter 33
“Who are you? How do you know my name? What are you doing here?”
The hint of a smile danced across the stranger’s mouth as his heavy brows quirked with amusement. “Where would you like me to start?” He raised a calming hand as anger blazed now from Pauline’s eyes in response to his flippancy.
“I’m Pete. Please.” He gestured to the chair and as she lowered herself to the edge of the seat he let out a breath and leaned a little closer. His eyes were serious now as he looked directly into her face. “You’ve got yourself mixed up in something very dangerous. I know you didn’t mean to. I know you don’t have anything that you shouldn’t; you didn’t steal anything from Jed.” Pauline tipped her head to one side, listening closely. He didn’t frighten her so much, this large, rough looking individual, not the way the other man had done. He had a quiet about him that stilled the nerves and she felt the pounding of her heart slow. Outside the sun dipped into the ocean changing from sapphire to indigo as quiet waves rolled endlessly against the cooling sand, singing the song of evening.
“That’s his name; the motorcyclist. I know you tried to help him and then what he did to you. I’m sorry for that. I made a mistake there. Stupidly I assumed he’d taken you with him and so followed him rather than looking on the headland. I know what happened to him also.” She gasped and her hand flew to her mouth. So, was this to be blackmail? Retribution? Proof that she was a killer? Her stomach flipped as she tensed and moved to rise from the table.
Pete reached a hand across the small space and laid it on top of hers. “It’s okay. He’s dead, but you knew that didn’t you? Please though, don’t be afraid. You don’t need to worry about it.”
“Don’t worry? How can I not worry? How do you know anyway? Who are you? Where is he? Have you got him… are you going to tell the police?”
“I am the police, Pauline. I’m not from around here, that’s why I couldn’t find you. If I’d been able to go to them they may have known about the cave. Although, having watched them searching for the body I’m not sure they do. That’s where he was, for a while. I had to put him somewhere.”
“Why, you should just have showed them, reported it.”
“No. For the moment I don’t want anyone to know he’s dead.”
“But, surely that’s illegal. I mean isn’t that illegal?”
“As I said you’ve got yourself mixed up in something rather nasty. Okay, cards on the table. I am going to trust you. There’s no other way. You’re in danger: the whole thing is a mess
and I think it’s only fair that you understand. What I tell can only be between us. You won’t be able to repeat this, do you understand?”
She nodded. Sat now with her hands in her lap, her eyes fixed on his, she waited. Whether she could trust him hadn’t been decided but she would hear him out, give him a chance. What else was there to do?
“I’m undercover. You don’t need to know all the details but the people Jed was working with are particularly nasty.” He stopped and looked at the attractive woman sitting opposite to him, confusion and doubt creasing the skin between those rather lovely blue eyes. “Okay, let’s see. I’m trying to decide how much you really need to know because the more you know the more danger there is.” She nodded, urging him on.
“I have been involved for over a year with a gang of people traffickers. Jed wasn’t very important in the hierarchy. He was just a messenger and a bit of muscle when they needed it. However, he was carrying some very valuable stuff and he was playing a double game.”
“The diamonds?”
“Yes, the diamonds. But also, and more importantly, the computer memory which has information on which, if it falls into the wrong hands – well I guess other wrong hands – will cause big problems for the people I am embedded with.”
“I know you haven’t got it Pauline. I know who has. But that’s another story altogether. The ‘accident’ that you were a witness to was no such thing. I don’t suppose you noticed the amount of blood on the road?” Here she shook her head and pursed her lips. “No, I suppose it was all rather traumatic. But it was too much, way too much for a simple collision. Anyway, to cut a long story short, Jed didn’t hit the sheep. The sheep was killed before he arrived and the blood and guts were spread across the road. There was also a wire; it was the wire that brought him off his bike. I know it’ll haunt me that I couldn’t help him but… in the bigger picture it makes a sort of sense.”
Leaving George Page 10
