The Winners, page 20
Julie reluctantly slid her hand into his trouser pocket, hoping to find a key or a phone before deciding how she would escape. She found neither. Moving downstairs, she tried the door, which, as expected, was locked. Sean’s jacket was on the back of a kitchen chair, but first, she needed a drink.
Grabbing a mug from beside the sink, she filled it with water and downed it in one go. Repeating this twice, Julie felt much better; the craving for water was assuaged, and her attention turned to the jacket, where, joy of joys, she pulled a phone from the pocket.
Her smile turned to a frown when she couldn’t turn it on – Sean must have a security pin, or perhaps his fingerprint would open it. Climbing back upstairs, Julie approached Sean as if he was about to jump up and surprise her, but he didn’t. She took his right hand and placed his forefinger on the phone, but nothing happened. Maybe he’s left-handed, she thought. But that didn’t work either.
Returning downstairs, Julie needed to rest. Still weak with hunger and in pain, her mind felt like cotton wool and it was impossible to focus. Opening the fridge, a single sandwich gave her little choice, and she pounced on it greedily then filled the mug with more water and sat on the sofa to eat and drink.
It was fully daylight and, although exhausted, Julie knew there was no time to waste. It was possible Sean could recover sufficiently to lock her up again, or worse if the mood took him, although if it was a heart attack or a stroke, as she suspected, he might not recover at all. It wasn’t only her life she was fighting for; Sean needed medical attention, and only Julie could help him.
Working methodically, she searched the cottage. A key was the prize she sought, or perhaps her phone – Sean had used it to allow her to speak briefly to Malcolm, so it must be somewhere.
Julie stopped occasionally to gaze from the windows where the isolation of the cottage was apparent; her abductor had chosen well and she wondered how long he’d rented it for. If it were a holiday cottage, the owner would probably check up on it or have someone to clean it when it was vacated. The thought was a comfort – someone would come to rescue her at some point, but it could be too late for Sean. Strangely, Julie didn’t want Sean to die. After all he’d done to her and her family, she despised the man but didn’t want his death on her conscience. Moving away from the window, she continued her search, wondering where he could have hidden the key.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
Kate passed Daisy to Malcolm while she took Geoff’s call. Danny rolled his eyes and sarcastically said, ‘He’ll be protecting his interests!’
‘That’s unkind, Dan. Geoff may have gone against our wishes but he only has our best interests at heart.’ Malcolm shook his head as his son raised an eyebrow in disbelief, then he turned his attention back to his granddaughter.
It wasn’t even midday, yet the day felt endless. If only Rapier would ring again – give them another chance. Daisy was chuckling as Malcolm built up a tower of four bricks for her to knock down; at least she was too young to understand her family’s anguish. To Daisy’s delight, Trixie tried to get in on the action, rolling onto her back.
‘I need some air. Shall I take Trix?’ Danny asked.
‘Please, and pick up some fresh milk at the corner shop, will you?’
Even though the weather was frightful, Danny left with an excited dog lolloping beside him. Malcolm was grateful for his children’s support, but Dan was so volatile he felt like a referee between them, particularly when Geoff was there.
Kate was on the phone for over fifteen minutes and when she returned her eyes were red and puffy. Malcolm jumped up and put his arms around his daughter. ‘It’ll be okay, love, you’ll see. I’m sure we’ll get your mum back today.’
Kate shook her head. ‘It’s not that, Dad, it’s Geoff. We’ve been rowing lately, and he’s suggested a divorce…’
‘No! Is it because of all this… bringing the police in and everything?’ Mal was stunned.
‘It hasn’t helped but there’s more to it. I’ll make us some tea and tell you, shall I? Where’s Dan?’
‘He’s taken the dog out. I’ll make the tea; you play with Daisy.’ A rather confused Malcolm went into the kitchen. This was a complete surprise. He had no idea his daughter and Geoff were having problems but to ask for a divorce now was cruel. He could hardly believe it of his son-in-law.
‘Here you are, love. A cup of tea always makes things feel better.’ Mal passed a steaming mug to Kate and sat beside her on the sofa.
Kate sniffed. ‘I think it’ll take more than a cup of tea, Dad.’
‘This has rather knocked me for six, lass. I thought everything between you and Geoff was good. Do you want to talk about it?’
Kate nodded. ‘It was good until recently, but I don’t want you thinking it’s all Geoff’s fault. I haven’t given him much attention since Daisy came along. You know what it’s like, I’m permanently tired… But I thought when you won the lottery, things would change. Geoff’s quite materialistic, and I think he was more delighted than I was. Maybe it was already too late – I think there’s someone else – a girl at work.’
‘No, he wouldn’t do that to you!’ Mal was saddened and angry. He’d like to give his son-in-law a piece of his mind.
‘I don’t honestly know. He mentions her name occasionally and she’s started ringing him at home. He says it’s about work, yet if I press him, he clams up. I kept hoping things would change, and when we were in Florida, I thought they had. But she rang him while we were away. Geoff said it was to clarify a point in a client’s contract, but he left the room to talk to her and we argued about it afterwards. Then, the last couple of days, with Mum being abducted and the arguments about the police… I feel I don’t know him anymore.’
‘But a divorce? It’s so final; can’t you wait until things settle down and your mum’s back home? Or maybe counselling would help?’
‘I suggested therapy but he won’t listen. I admit I was surprised when he proposed a divorce, but it was in the heat of the moment, he probably wasn’t thinking straight. Geoff’s embarrassed about what he did by going to the police and is furious with Danny. I think this was the last straw, and apparently, I didn’t support him enough. Sometimes, I’m not allowed to have an opinion of my own.’
‘That’s ridiculous! You’ve always supported him.’ Malcolm felt his daughter’s pain. Kate’s words were telling. Perhaps Geoff wasn’t the man Malcolm had thought and didn’t treat his daughter as well as she deserved. ‘I can’t believe he’s chosen to ask for a divorce today with all that’s going on.’
The sound of the front door halted the conversation. Trixie came running in for a fuss and Kate tried to dry her eyes. Danny followed the little dog, shrugged off his coat and shook the raindrops from it. ‘It’s blowing a gale out there… what’s going on?’ Danny asked as the room went quiet. Mal and Kate exchanged a look.
‘You might as well tell him. I’ll pour another cuppa.’ Mal left the room so his children could talk. He took his time making another pot of tea before returning to find Kate in tears. She ran past her father, almost knocking the mug from his hand, dashed upstairs, and they heard her old bedroom door slam.
‘What did you say?’ Mal put the mug on the coffee table and stared at Dan.
‘What do you expect? I told her she’d be better off without him. What the hell’s he playing at doing this to her now when Mum’s missing?’ He had a point; it seemed like the worst possible timing. Danny was angry and protective of his sister but his next words stunned Malcolm.
‘Do you think he’s got anything to do with Mum’s abduction?’
‘What? Are you suggesting Geoff is working with Rapier?’ Mal’s nostrils flared. ‘That’s ridiculous. Kate said they’d been having problems lately and how could he know Rapier, let alone help him?’
‘I don’t know but I wouldn’t put it past him. Maybe we should tell the police?’
‘No way! If Geoff had been involved, he wouldn’t have gone to the police himself. You’re wrong, Dan, and you’d better not let Kate hear you say this.’
‘Say what?’ Kate stood in the doorway, resembling a little girl. Daisy reached her arms to her mother, and Kate picked her up, holding her close for comfort.
‘Nothing,’ Danny snapped. ‘Has Geoff said anything about the terms of a divorce?’
Kate turned away and remained silent.
‘He has, hasn’t he? What does he want, Kate?’
‘You don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to, love. This is hardly the time to discuss divorce settlements.’
‘Kate?’ Danny wasn’t going to let it drop.
‘He said it’s only fair if he has half of everything,’ Kate almost whispered.
‘Including the million Mum and Dad gave you?’ Danny was on his feet, pacing. Kate hung her head. ‘It’s no wonder he needs to go to work. If he were here, I’d–’
‘Enough, Danny. We’ll say no more about it. Haven’t we plenty to worry about without you making matters worse?’
‘How’s he making it worse?’ Kate looked from her dad to her brother. ‘What were you talking about when I came downstairs?’
‘I suggested Geoff might have something to do with Mum’s abduction…’
‘That is so out of order! He may not be perfect, but he’d never do anything so horrible!’
‘Yes, you would say that, but think about it. His interference prevented us from getting Mum home – could it be part of the plan?’
‘No, you’re wrong – Geoff’s Daisy’s father. He’s a good man and would never do such a thing!’ Kate was sobbing, and Malcolm took Daisy from her arms as the little girl looked as if she might cry, too. His mind spun with the nauseating possibility that his son-in-law could have had something to do with Julie’s abduction – no, surely not.
The doorbell rang. Mal jumped in surprise, and Daisy really did start crying. He opened the door to find DS Tim Matthews on the doorstep.
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
The wind howled, and rain lashed against the cottage windows. Julie wrapped her arms around herself, shivering as she continued her search for a key or a working phone, her heart racing with unease. Time no longer had meaning yet stretched endlessly, she didn’t know what time of day it was, and the dark weather didn’t help. A mental picture of Sean nagged in her brain – was he still alive?
With a deep breath, Julie ascended the stairs with dread. At the top, her eyes fell upon the man sprawled on the floor, his skin an unsettling shade of grey and his breathing shallow. Should she intervene? Panic gripped her at the thought of touching him, but she steeled herself; doing nothing would make her no better than Sean himself; she needed to act.
Using all her strength, Julie rolled him onto his side, recalling the recovery position from a long-forgotten first aid course. On her second attempt, she succeeded, and relief washed over her; at least he wouldn’t choke if he vomited. Stepping into the small bedroom Sean had occupied, its disarray mirrored her frantic thoughts. Julie grabbed the duvet from the bed, took it onto the landing and carefully draped it over him. He looked so helpless lying there. Simultaneously, she wanted to kick the man and save him. Julie had always believed all life was sacred, even someone as vile as Sean Henderson.
A sudden urge to use the bathroom compelled Julie to hobble away from her comatose captor and into the modern, sleek bathroom, where a wave of relief washed over her. Using a toilet felt wonderful compared to the repulsive bucket she’d been forced to use in the bedroom.
It was a simple luxury that she’d always taken for granted. The clean tiles underfoot, the flush of water, all these little comforts had been stripped away from her, making her acutely aware of how precious they were. Julie would never take the mundane things of life for granted again. After washing her hands and face in warm water, Julie investigated the bathroom. Sean appeared to have brought very little with him, probably expecting to have completed his nefarious task by now and be off spending his money. No key, no phone. Another fruitless search.
Returning to the bedroom, her attention turned to Sean’s clothes, reaching into pockets and shaking them out to double-check. Nothing. She stripped the bed and, with great effort, lifted the mattress. The result was the same. Zilch. The furniture was next: drawers, wardrobe, bedside cabinet, all to no avail.
Leaving the room in an even greater mess than she’d found it, Julie returned downstairs glancing only briefly at Sean as she passed by, knowing there was nothing more she could do for him.
After searching the lounge for the second time, Julie turned to the kitchen. A peninsula separated the two spaces, and she pulled out the drawers and opened the cupboards. The kitchen was well-stocked with crockery and cooking equipment, making her task more challenging as she tipped over every mug, pan, and pot she found. A rather dry-looking cactus plant sat on the kitchen windowsill, and she carefully lifted it down to check behind it. As she moved the plant, her phone fell from its hiding spot and into the sink. Julie grabbed it, hardly believing she’d finally found her lost phone. Pressing the button, she willed it to light up, but nothing happened – the battery was dead.
In a moment of anger, Julie threw the phone across the room, then flopped down on the sofa and allowed her hot tears to flow. Would this nightmare never end?
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
DS Matthews brushed the rain from his coat with his hand and wiped his feet before following Malcolm into the lounge. His presence was clearly interrupting something; Kate’s face was damp, her eyes red, and Danny scowled at the inspector. ‘Anything to report?’ Dan came straight to the point.
‘Yes, we have.’ Their eyes swivelled to Tim Matthews, and Daisy stopped crying as if listening. ‘But first, will you tell me if you’ve heard from Rapier?’
‘No, nothing at all,’ Mal answered. The detective nodded before continuing.
‘Your wife’s phone provider has confirmed her last phone usage. We can narrow its location to between two masts, an area estimated to be within eight miles of Burnbridge.’
‘Eight miles! So, what are you doing to find her?’ Danny snapped. ‘Is her phone switched on?’ Malcolm stared at his son, marvelling at his sudden change of heart and expectation.
‘No, the phone isn’t active. The last time it was switched on was when Rapier rang to let you speak to Julie. As to what we’re doing, we have units combing the area looking for likely premises where she might be held. It’s rural and heavily wooded in places so I’ve requested a police helicopter search, but until my boss is sure you’re not negotiating with Rapier, he won’t authorise it, so I need you to be honest with me.’
‘It’s the truth – we haven’t heard from him. If your men find a likely hideout, won’t it put Julie at risk?’ Malcolm’s hopes were tempered with caution.
‘It’s not our intention to go barging in. If we find somewhere likely, we’ll wait and watch before deciding what move to make. We have a hostage negotiator standing by, and hopefully, we can open a dialogue with Rapier.’
‘But if he knows you’ve found him, he might hurt her!’ Kate, wide-eyed, clung to her daughter.
‘To be blunt, we have no guarantee he hasn’t already hurt your mother. I’m sorry but there are several possibilities, one being that he’s abandoned her; therefore a search is prudent. As for approaching him, we’ll decide when we have more information.’
‘And we don’t get a say?’ Danny took a step towards DS Matthews, who replied calmly.
‘Danny, I know this is a difficult time for you and the family, but we will only move in when we know it’s safe. If you haven’t heard from Rapier, what’s your next move?’ The question silenced Danny. They were at Rapier’s mercy and could do nothing until they heard from him. At least the police had a lead.
‘Can you get the helicopter out?’ Mal asked. ‘And if we hear from him, we’ll let you know immediately.’
‘Good. Our plans are fluid and depend on the situation as it unfolds.’
Malcolm saw the DS to the door and secured his promise to keep him updated. He then returned to his children, both of whom looked anxious. ‘We need their help.’ He explained, glancing from Kate to Danny. ‘We’ve got nothing left.’ His look dared them to disagree, but they hadn’t the heart to take up the argument.
It was early afternoon. The day dragged on. ‘I think you should have mentioned the situation with Geoff to the sergeant,’ Danny said, reopening their previous conversation.
‘Geoff’s got nothing to do with this!’ Kate countered.
Mal rolled his eyes and held up a warning hand. ‘That subject is closed. We have no proof, Danny, it’s all supposition, so I suggest we drop it and concentrate on facts. The police are out actively looking for Julie with a specific area to focus on, which is more than we’ve had to hope for since your mum went missing.’
CHAPTER SIXTY
Julie must have fallen asleep and woke with a pain in her neck. Outside was dark – late afternoon or early evening – she couldn’t decide. Limping to the sink, she ran another glass of water and drank it in one go. Although trying not to think about Sean, he was on her mind and her conscience led her upstairs to check on him.
He hadn’t moved and remained in the recovery position. A closer inspection revealed he was breathing, and Julie sighed with relief. Supposing she should continue to search for a means of escape she trailed back downstairs, switching the light on as the darkness deepened.
After so much time spent searching, Julie believed she knew every inch of the cottage, each nook and cranny, but there must be somewhere she had missed. Sean had chosen his hiding place well. Searching places for the second time to ensure she’d missed nothing was disheartening. Julie pushed herself through the exhaustion, longing to sit down and rest, yet she knew that if she did, she might never continue the hunt for a means of escape. It would be so easy to give up – to resign herself to her fate…
