“Hello. Paris McKinnon here.” She waited for the voice on the other end to respond.
The caller spoke through a device that disguises the voice, although she could tell that it was a man. “Did you get the email?” he said.
Paris thought quickly about the fact that she had received two emails, but assumed correctly that this call was about the threat, her task, and nothing else. “Yes, I have it. Is my daughter all right? Could I speak to her?”
“Not a chance. Do as you’re told and we’ll see about it.”
Even with the strange sound of the disguised voice she could hear the underlying tone that suggested he was enjoying her distress. “Tell me what I have to do. Tell me that if I do as you say you’ll return my daughter to me unharmed.”
“You’ll get no assurances until we see that the instructions have been carried out. And don’t put me on speaker. I’ll be able to tell. That wouldn’t be a wise move.”
Paris looked worried, saying nothing while she listened to what followed. Ben and Ana hovered over the desk, both trying to hear what they could of the man on the other end. Several minutes passed before she said she understood and hung up the phone.
“I only have two days—two days—to set this up. It could be impossible. And how can your father put an Interpol team in place that soon. Whoever these people are, they could be watching any or all of us.”
“Two days to do what?” Ben asked excitedly. Ana looked at him, shook her head and walked around behind Paris to place supportive hands on her shoulders.
“It’s about the security company who will transport the exhibit. The man I’m replacing left without locking in a contract with anyone. It’s up to me to hire it out, and the whole key to this terrible situation is that I’m ordered to hire a fake company and provide all the appropriate paperwork to them for their purpose. Their truck will meet the exhibit at the airport, supposedly to bring it here to the museum. But of course that won’t happen. It’s to be a well thought out robbery.”
Ben sat on the edge of her desk and folded his arms across his chest. His expression was one of tension and anger. He spent a few moments in deep thought before he said, “Someone with a lot of knowledge about how this all works has to be at the bottom of it. A bunch of thugs couldn’t plan something like this. They just do as they’re told.” The women nodded their heads in agreement and Ben continued. “We have no way of knowing whether the person who sent the second email is involved or not. He could have overheard something. But whatever the case, I’m going to Pamplona.”
Paris’ worried expression deepened as she contemplated Ben’s impulsive reaction. “Wait for your father. He and his friends must have some ideas about how to handle this.”
“While they’re deciding what to do, I’m going to be on a plane—actually doing something. I want to be in place when the authorities get there to look for her.”
Ana broke the uncomfortable silence that followed his words. “I know you feel you should go. I understand. But when you get there, you’ll have no idea what to do or where to look. Two pairs of eyes will be better than one pair. I’m coming with you—no arguments.
Before Ben could counter Ana’s declaration, he heard the office door open behind him. He turned to see his father walk briskly into the room. Paris rose quickly from her desk chair and hurried to him, throwing her arms around his waist and placing her face against his chest. With a wavering voice she said, “Hugh, it’s terrible—what’s happened.” She then broke into tears.
“What’s all this then?” Hugh asked as he took hold of her shoulders, putting her at arm’s length. He could see the terror on her face and felt himself begin to fill with fear.
She seemed unable to speak, and Ben took over. “Dad, we got some bad news. It’s Olivia. She’s been abducted and is being held in Spain—Pamplona—until, if they can be believed, Mum does as she’s told.”
“How have you learned all this?” Hugh asked, his worried glance moving back and forth between Paris, Ben and Ana.
Ben explained all of what had transpired since the receipt of the first threatening email with the photo of Olivia and Valerie, and the subsequent anonymous email about their whereabouts. His mother knew what was expected, and they had been waiting for Hugh before taking the next step—making the transport arrangement with the bogus security company. She would have to fill out the necessary forms and make them part of the museum’s records.
Hugh sat down on the edge of the desk, deep in thought. Everyone waited for him to speak. “Pulling this off is going to take a lot of coordination between Scotland Yard and Interpol. Since the exhibit comes into the UK from another country, Interpol will want to play lead.”
Paris began to rub her arms, as if a chill had suddenly descended on the room. Her only real concern was for her daughter. She would do anything asked of her by the men who took them. Becoming involved with the authorities could jeopardize Olivia’s survival, as well as Valerie’s, and she agonized over that risk. In a trembling voice she said, “I’m going to make the arrangements as they instructed and notify them that I’ve complied. We have to buy time—give them a reason to keep their hostages alive.”
Hugh shook his head, having known exactly how she would react. Ben stepped forward and embraced his mother. She melted into his arms and began to sob. “Mum, you know it’s not as simple as that. I don’t want to frighten you further, but you must realize that they may have no intention of releasing either of them.”
She broke away from Ben, turned to Hugh, and shouted, “Do something!”
“I’m trying,” he said, “But you have to find a way to control yourself while we figure out what gives them their best chance.” Paris walked to her chair, wondering how Hugh could sound so calm, and once again folded her body into it like a rag doll. He kept talking, but she had trouble paying attention. “You are right about one thing,” he added. “You need to appear as if you’re complying. That requires you to fill out the appropriate forms, inserting the security company name you were given. Were you told how provide them with proof that the arrangements have been made?”
She perked up and said, “Yes. I’m to overnight them to a post office box at some private mail shop—somewhere in London. All I have is a box number and postcode.”
Ben jumped in and said, “If we could locate the shop, it could be watched—maybe catch the guy picking it up.”
Hugh nixed the idea quickly, explaining that when the person failed to contact his associate in Spain, confirming receipt of the forms, it could be fatal for the women. Ben realized his mistake and decided it was time to tell his parents about his intention to go to Pamplona. He knew he would be met with logical reasons why it was a bad idea, but he didn’t care. Logic wasn’t going to save his sister, or Valerie. If there was even one chance that he could find them, he had to take it.
“You may as well know now. I’m going to Pamplona. Whatever authorities are in play at this end, fine. But I’m going to be on the spot, looking for Olivia and Valerie. I’ll enlist the help of the police there. If necessary, they can confirm with Scotland Yard. Surely you know there isn’t a minute to lose.”
Ana had been silent throughout the whole conversation between Ben and his parents, but since he had revealed his personal plan, she felt it was time to speak up. “He’s not going alone. I’m going with him. If he argues, I’ll just get my own ticket.”
Ben response was quick and rather loud. “Then I can have three women to worry about instead of two!” Ana’s body language told him that he was about to hurt her feelings, so he regained control. “I appreciate that you care enough to take part in this, but I can’t see what you could possibly do to help.”
She walked forward to face him, her arms folded across her chest, her stance and demeanor oozing stubbornness. Slowly, she said, “Yo… hablo… Español.”
The office was quiet. Paris looked sideways at Hugh, who was staring at the floor, hands in his pockets. Ben slung his jacket over his shou
lder and said, “Well then, let’s go. No time to lose.” Ana removed her jacket from the coat rack and quickly slipped it on. The two approached the door then stopped, turning to look back at his parents. “We both have mobiles and will keep you in the loop. You do the same.” He paused, taking in the look of fear in their eyes. “I love you both. I’ll do my best to bring our girl back safely.”
Ana dashed back and embraced each of them. While embracing Paris she whispered, “I’ll do my best to take care of him.” She turned and followed Ben out the door.”
Paris sat down on the edge of her desk and looked up at Hugh. “Well, one thing’s in our favor.”
“What’s that?” he asked.
“I’ve never revealed anything about the nature of your work, or your connections to Interpol, to anyone—other than our closest friends. But you were aware of that. There’s a glitch in their research. Any bunch of criminals worth their salt wouldn’t have chosen this family.”
Hugh nodded his head in agreement and said, “That will work in our favor—plus the fact that they’re either inexperienced, or just stupid.” He walked to the desk and folded his arms around his wife. She gave a small sigh of relief as he pulled her close to him. They stood there a while, quietly comforting each other without need of words.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
It was just after dawn, and moisture still clung to the tall weeds and surviving patches of grass that surrounded the derelict house. Gareth was on time. For several minutes he stood on the sidewalk and faced the path to the front door, gathering his nerve for the inevitable confrontation he was about to have with Olivia. He cautiously moved forward then stepped onto the small porch and knocked. He could hear heavy footsteps approaching the door, and with a loud scrape and squeaking of hinges it opened just far enough for Lenny to see who was there. When he saw it was Gareth he opened it completely and pulled him inside, slamming the door behind him.
“It’s a good thing you’re on time. I’m going stir crazy in this dump. I have to get out to the café down the street and get something to feed those whining women. So… you want something?”
“Where are they?” Gareth asked.
“Through the archway—in the only other room there is besides the loo.”
“Then I don’t really need to see them. They can’t come in here anyway, right?”
“You will if one of them needs the bathroom. They each have a bucket, but once a day— if they’re quiet— I let them go in one at a time. I’m sure not cleaning those buckets.” He waited for a response, but receiving none he continued. “In case the free one does something stupid I hold my gun on the other one.” Lenny laughed to himself then broke into a wicked grin.
Gareth felt his stomach churn. His hands were clammy and his head was still throbbing from stress and lack of sleep. He was an unwilling player in a very dangerous game, dangerous for his brother as well as the women and himself. He wondered if Lenny could smell fear. If so, the scent would be overpowering in those two rooms, and mixed with the dank staleness he was forced to inhale, a feeling of nausea began to rise in his belly.
Gareth answered Lenny, his voice indistinct. “No, I don’t want anything.”
Lenny looked him in the eye and said, “You look a bit green around the gills, mate. Best get used to the situation and do what you’re told.” He paused and checked his wallet for money before continuing. “Then maybe you’ll come out of this okay— still breathing at least.”
Gareth sat down at the rickety table and tried to breathe deeply. Lenny stuck his gun in the waist of his pants then threw his jacket over one shoulder. He headed for the door, turned, and told Gareth he would be back within an hour. Lenny locked eyes with him in an icy stare before yanking the door open, walking out and slamming it behind him.
There wasn’t a sound from the room beyond the arched opening. In spite of hoping it would stay that way, Gareth was curious. Rising from the rickety chair he walked softly to where he could see into the room without being seen himself. What he saw made his heart sink. Both women were asleep on mattresses that lay on the floor, each woman with one arm extended uncomfortably to accommodate the chains binding them to the radiator and bed frame. Olivia was pale, much more pale than normal for her fair skin. Strands of the dark red hair that had so attracted him seemed pasted across her face, the remainder tangled and dull. Her body was partially covered by a thin blanket. He could see that her clothing was spotted and rumpled.
In the other corner of the room Olivia’s friend was hanging partially off the top end of her mattress in order to let her arm bend. She was handcuffed to the radiator, head resting on her wadded-up blanket. She was also pale. Her mouth hung open and her breaths were slow and deep. Her clothing and short hair were both disheveled.
From the look of them Gareth was sure both women had to be in some sort of physical distress, perhaps dehydration. Lack of fluids could make them lethargic, weak and pale. Perhaps sleep was their only escape from the helplessness they felt. In a wakeful state they were part of a real nightmare. He was sure they had no expectation of escaping their bonds, or of living to tell the story. They had seen Lenny’s face, and soon they would see his. Gareth was torn between the love for his brother and a woman he cared about. He hoped that the email he had sent regarding the women’s location had reached the right person, and that some action was being taken. But he couldn’t tell Olivia what he’d done, couldn’t give them both hope that could easily be false. The information had to be sent, even if it put him in danger from both sides. If something good came from his actions, at least Lenny and his pals weren’t smart enough to figure out that the clue had come from him. His situation was impossible, and either way, he couldn’t see how he would live with the outcome of either choice.
Olivia began to stir. Once awake she reached for her bucket and pulled it close to her. Gareth stepped back out of the doorway before she could see him. She stood with knees bent and began to work her leggings down as best she could with one hand. He stood quietly, waiting for her to finish the awkward process. Valerie continued to sleep until Olivia called out in an effort to rouse her. She sat up bleary eyed and looked around until she found the bottle of water she had stashed under the edge of the mattress. She gulped about half of it and tossed it to Olivia, telling her she must drink all of what was left. Olivia did as she was told and they both settled back, each leaning against a moldy wall.
Gareth decided that it would be safer for them if he showed himself while Lenny was gone. Their reaction, especially Olivia’s, would be vehement, and he didn’t want Lenny to react by hurting either of them to keep them quiet. He took a deep breath and stepped from his place against the outer wall into the arched opening. The women looked up, both with different expressions. Valerie looked confused by the new face. Olivia gasped and stood, backing up against the wall.
After a few seconds she broke into a grin, looked at Valerie, and said, “Oh my God! It’s Clive—the man I told you about.” She then looked squarely at him and asked, “How did you find us? I can’t believe you’re here.” Turning back to Valerie she exclaimed, “We’ll be all right now. Clive will get us out of here.” She became very animated and shouted, “Oh my God. We’re going to be okay.” Still in a panic, she turned to him and said, “You have to hurry. That awful man will be back. I don’t know where he’s gone, or how long he’s been gone. He won’t hesitate to kill you—or all of us.”
Gareth’s body flushed with adrenaline. He had to tell them how it was. How could he tell them that he was now one of their jailers? He would do as he was told but had to figure a way to keep the women safe, as well as his brother. Yet he had no confidence in regard to either challenge. While they waited for him to speak, the dank air in the room seemed charged with electricity.
“Olivia, it’s not like that. I hate what’s happened, but I’m not here to save you. I’m part of this—but not by choice.”
“What do you mean?” Valerie said. She turned to Olivia and asked, �
��What does he mean?” Her eyes darted back and forth between the two.
Olivia spoke in a monotone. “He isn’t here to save us. He’s here to watch us. This is what it was about all along.” She slid down the wall into a heap then buried her head in the crook of her arm and began to sob.
Gareth had never felt as helpless as he did at that moment. Every fiber of his being wanted to go to her, to comfort her, to free them both and to run. But a thought flashed through his mind. He imagined his brother cornered in a prison hallway, arms held behind him by one prisoner, another driving a makeshift knife into his belly. There was so much blood. His brother sank to the floor, his eyes open in alarm as life drained away. Gareth shook the scenario from his mind and once again focused on the women. As much as he hated the predicament, he had to save his brother. At least the women had a small chance. His brother would have none. Several minutes passed before Olivia had calmed down and Valerie had settled back against the wall, a disgusted look on her face.
Gareth decided to tell them why he was involved. He leaned against the wall and slid down, knees bent, until he was resting on his heels. When he began to speak the women turned their faces away from him. He lowered his eyes and spoke softly. “My younger brother is in jail for a crime that was guilt by association. As bad luck would have it, Lenny, the man who took you, has a cousin at the same prison. Both are in the general population. He heard my brother talking about me, that I was a tech guy ready to start my own company, and for some reason the cousin told Lenny.” He paused, waiting for the women to assimilate what he had told them so far.
Olivia turned to look at him and said, “We don’t care what your reason is. You lied to me … lied in so many ways. You disgust me.” She turned away from him and folded herself into fetal position. Valerie said nothing, just glanced back and forth at them both.
“Please, Olivia. It wasn’t all lies. What I had started to feel wasn’t a lie. You don’t know how much I hated what I had to do. Can’t you see that I had no choice?”
Good Deed Bad Deed : A Novel Mystery Page 22
