Debits filePreface ‘Debits’ is the first in a series of mystery stories based on the diaries of Rick Shore. Rick is alive and well and lives in his

Debits

Peter Thwaitese

Debits Debits

A Rick Shore Mystery A Rick Shore Mystery

By By

Peter Thwaites Peter Thwaites

© 2004 by Peter Thwaites. All rights reserved. © 2004 by Peter Thwaites. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored No part of this book may be reproduced, stored

in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any

means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,

recording, or otherwise, without written recording, or otherwise, without written

permission from the author. permission from the author.

ISBN: 1-4140-3667-1 (e-book) ISBN: 1-4140-3667-1 (e-book)

ISBN: 1-4140-3668-X (Paperback) ISBN: 1-4140-3668-X (Paperback)

ISBN: 1-4140-3669-8 (Dust Jacket) ISBN: 1-4140-3669-8 (Dust Jacket)

1stBooks - rev. 01/26/04 1stBooks - rev. 01/26/04

'One man's credit is another man's debit'

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https://theodolite.net

Preface Preface

‘Debits’ is the first in a series of mystery ‘Debits’ is the first in a series of mystery

stories based on the diaries of Rick Shore. stories based on the diaries of Rick Shore.

Rick is alive and well and lives in his much- Rick is alive and well and lives in his much-

loved bungalow in Worthing, West Sussex, on loved bungalow in Worthing, West Sussex, on

the South Coast of England. As well as the South Coast of England. As well as

enjoying the quiet solitude of his garden, enjoying the quiet solitude of his garden,

Rick still enjoys the adventure of fishing Rick still enjoys the adventure of fishing

from the local pier, but has yet to land from the local pier, but has yet to land

anything heavier than a one hundred gram anything heavier than a one hundred gram

Bullhead which somehow became entwined on his Bullhead which somehow became entwined on his

line when reeling in one wet Sunday morning. line when reeling in one wet Sunday morning.

Rick began his working life as a Police Rick began his working life as a Police

Cadet, easing his way gently up through the Cadet, easing his way gently up through the

ranks to Detective Inspector, when he was ranks to Detective Inspector, when he was

selected for a transfer to the Flying Squad. selected for a transfer to the Flying Squad.

Here he remained for several years before Here he remained for several years before

taking early retirement and settling down for taking early retirement and settling down for


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a quiet life and some good fishing. He now a quiet life and some good fishing. He now

spends his retirement as a Private Detective spends his retirement as a Private Detective

working on mysteries that confound the local working on mysteries that confound the local

police force, more as a hobby than a job. police force, more as a hobby than a job.

Rick was married for almost thirteen years, Rick was married for almost thirteen years,

when regrettably he was divorced, leaving him when regrettably he was divorced, leaving him

to bring up three sons single-handed. The to bring up three sons single-handed. The

youngest of whom has only recently left home. youngest of whom has only recently left home.

Rick is a deep thinking, quiet man with Rick is a deep thinking, quiet man with

simple tastes and an easy manner, and loves to simple tastes and an easy manner, and loves to

spend a quiet evening philosophising over some spend a quiet evening philosophising over some

of life’s adventures. of life’s adventures.

This story is dedicated to my three great This story is dedicated to my three great

sons, Jez, Jon, and Tom who will, no doubt, sons, Jez, Jon, and Tom who will, no doubt,

recognise their dad within the book. recognise their dad within the book.


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Chapter 1 Chapter 1

‘One man’s credit is another man’s debit’ ‘One man’s credit is another man’s debit’

Life is beautiful and exciting. It should Life is beautiful and exciting. It should

be explored to the greatest depth possible be explored to the greatest depth possible

within every waking moment. It should be within every waking moment. It should be

shared with the people you love, the people shared with the people you love, the people

you work or play with, and the strangers today you work or play with, and the strangers today

that will be your friends tomorrow. that will be your friends tomorrow.

Every new day heralded by the waking dawn is Every new day heralded by the waking dawn is

a precursor to new adventures, experiences and a precursor to new adventures, experiences and

meetings, and is only ended by the setting of meetings, and is only ended by the setting of

our sun. our sun.

Our home, Earth, is spinning in a vast Our home, Earth, is spinning in a vast

universe of stars and moons and we share our universe of stars and moons and we share our

existence with a million other homes spread as existence with a million other homes spread as

far as the most powerful telescope can see and far as the most powerful telescope can see and

far beyond. It is our duty and God given far beyond. It is our duty and God given

responsibility to sanction the development and responsibility to sanction the development and


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growth of our home, not in practical growth of our home, not in practical

capitalistic terms, but as a meeting of capitalistic terms, but as a meeting of

thoughts, ideologies, and cultures. Blindly thoughts, ideologies, and cultures. Blindly

we use the freedom bestowed upon us by our we use the freedom bestowed upon us by our

‘maker’ to disturb the intricate balance that ‘maker’ to disturb the intricate balance that

exists within our home, and seemingly take exists within our home, and seemingly take

delight in death, destruction and disease as delight in death, destruction and disease as

we watch from the sidelines as our appointed we watch from the sidelines as our appointed

leaders march ever forward into instability leaders march ever forward into instability

and uncertainty. and uncertainty.

We are all human. At least this is We are all human. At least this is

something that we all share. We are all something that we all share. We are all

conceived as one. We are all entitled to a conceived as one. We are all entitled to a

fair and equal share of this life, and all fair and equal share of this life, and all

have a place reserved for us in this our home. have a place reserved for us in this our home.

From the moment of conception, however, the From the moment of conception, however, the

equality ends and the human race takes over. equality ends and the human race takes over.

Your destiny is determined by your place of Your destiny is determined by your place of


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birth, your parents, your religion, or race, birth, your parents, your religion, or race,

and in spite of your God given right to a fair and in spite of your God given right to a fair

and equitable share, this is denied you. and equitable share, this is denied you.

We all have aspirations of a good life, We all have aspirations of a good life,

whether on the basis of the number of whether on the basis of the number of

possessions we own, the opportunities we possessions we own, the opportunities we

experience, or the happiness that we bring to experience, or the happiness that we bring to

others. We set our goals, plan out our route others. We set our goals, plan out our route

and the journey begins. We encounter and the journey begins. We encounter

obstacles, heartache, and despair, but the obstacles, heartache, and despair, but the

goals are clearly defined and we continue goals are clearly defined and we continue

onward. We share our experiences with friends onward. We share our experiences with friends

and draw strength from those around us. Many and draw strength from those around us. Many

of our goals are common, and together we of our goals are common, and together we

achieve. achieve.

Ever since the dawn of civilisation, Ever since the dawn of civilisation,

however, there has been a faction of the however, there has been a faction of the

population who will strive to achieve the very population who will strive to achieve the very


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most by doing the absolute least. Generally most by doing the absolute least. Generally

these men, (and let’s not forget the women, these men, (and let’s not forget the women,

for whom the record is little better) for whom the record is little better)

inevitably have to resort to criminal acts in inevitably have to resort to criminal acts in

some form or another. Technological advances some form or another. Technological advances

are being created at a formidable rate and are being created at a formidable rate and

with them the increased ingenuity of the crime with them the increased ingenuity of the crime

and crime fighter. Complex and dedicated and crime fighter. Complex and dedicated

computer applications can analyse thousands of computer applications can analyse thousands of

separate pieces of evidence in the same time separate pieces of evidence in the same time

that Sherlock Holmes and his faithful that Sherlock Holmes and his faithful

companion Dr. Watson would have taken to companion Dr. Watson would have taken to

peruse the local newspaper. peruse the local newspaper.

Unfortunately alongside the inspired plot, Unfortunately alongside the inspired plot,

there is always the injured party and in many there is always the injured party and in many

cases the scene quickly turns to murder and cases the scene quickly turns to murder and

destruction. Violence follows greed just as destruction. Violence follows greed just as

positively as night follows day. The offences positively as night follows day. The offences


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may have changed. The once only too regular may have changed. The once only too regular

sheep and cattle rustling; the dastardly stage sheep and cattle rustling; the dastardly stage

coach hold-up; or the local highwayman with coach hold-up; or the local highwayman with

his pistol and black facemask. We now his pistol and black facemask. We now

experience the more sophisticated computer experience the more sophisticated computer

based crimes, but the process is always the based crimes, but the process is always the

same. The villain, the plot, the caper, and same. The villain, the plot, the caper, and

then the victim. Maybe in conclusion, the then the victim. Maybe in conclusion, the

capture. capture.

It is often said that Switzerland lies at It is often said that Switzerland lies at

the heart of Europe. Geographically speaking, the heart of Europe. Geographically speaking,

that’s not quite true. However, the main that’s not quite true. However, the main

route linking northern and southern Europe route linking northern and southern Europe

does run through the Alps. And three does run through the Alps. And three

important European cultures meet in important European cultures meet in

Switzerland: German; French; Italian. Switzerland: German; French; Italian.

It was once said in 1823 “No country in It was once said in 1823 “No country in

Europe is more interesting than Switzerland. Europe is more interesting than Switzerland.


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To the admirer of nature it offers scenes of To the admirer of nature it offers scenes of

grandeur almost unrivalled; to the observer of grandeur almost unrivalled; to the observer of

national manners, a people of great simplicity national manners, a people of great simplicity

and firmness of character; while to the and firmness of character; while to the

statesman it displays in a striking light the statesman it displays in a striking light the

salutary effects of religion, freedom, and salutary effects of religion, freedom, and

security of property; nor can the poet or security of property; nor can the poet or

painter find scenes more calculated to exalt painter find scenes more calculated to exalt

the imagination.” the imagination.”

Unfortunately Switzerland has also been Unfortunately Switzerland has also been

recognised as the money laundering centre of recognised as the money laundering centre of

the world, with many secret bank accounts and the world, with many secret bank accounts and

locked vaults lying deep below the ground. locked vaults lying deep below the ground.

The country, however, has changed and is now The country, however, has changed and is now

much more open with its banking activities, much more open with its banking activities,

much to the satisfaction of the European much to the satisfaction of the European

Union, that to which it is committed to join. Union, that to which it is committed to join.

It is here, in this praise-worthy country It is here, in this praise-worthy country


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that the story really begins. Even surrounded that the story really begins. Even surrounded

by such wondrous beauty and friendship, an by such wondrous beauty and friendship, an

embittered, desolate and materialistic man was embittered, desolate and materialistic man was

planning a fraud so clever it was planning a fraud so clever it was

breathtaking. He worked for one of the breathtaking. He worked for one of the

leading banks in Switzerland as the assistant leading banks in Switzerland as the assistant

to the much younger, and well respected to the much younger, and well respected

manager. Although having worked for the bank manager. Although having worked for the bank

for well over thirty years, he had seen this for well over thirty years, he had seen this

young university taught man promoted over him. young university taught man promoted over him.

This respected and coveted position within the This respected and coveted position within the

banking fraternity was to have been the final banking fraternity was to have been the final

stage before retirement. He had felt his life stage before retirement. He had felt his life

shatter and he was angry, very angry. He had shatter and he was angry, very angry. He had

dedicated his whole working life to the dedicated his whole working life to the

banking institution only to be past over by a banking institution only to be past over by a

much younger, university trained brat who was much younger, university trained brat who was

not even worthy to make his coffee. The bank not even worthy to make his coffee. The bank


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would be sorry. would be sorry.

Switzerland is a wealthy country. Many of Switzerland is a wealthy country. Many of

the Swiss citizens have considerable incomes the Swiss citizens have considerable incomes

and are extremely astute. This bank was no and are extremely astute. This bank was no

different to any other and maintained a very different to any other and maintained a very

high quota of wealthy customers looking for high quota of wealthy customers looking for

long term investments. As assistant manager, long term investments. As assistant manager,

he had control of the investment and equity he had control of the investment and equity

side of the bank’s activities and it was his side of the bank’s activities and it was his

role to advise these particular customers on role to advise these particular customers on

investments to ensure a comfortable retirement investments to ensure a comfortable retirement

with a secure pension. Funds were also being with a secure pension. Funds were also being

set aside for family inheritances and future set aside for family inheritances and future

business developments. It was not difficult, business developments. It was not difficult,

therefore, to manipulate these very same funds therefore, to manipulate these very same funds

in such a way that he could cream off enough in such a way that he could cream off enough

to produce a good side income for himself and to produce a good side income for himself and

his own retirement. After all, he deserved it. his own retirement. After all, he deserved it.


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The scheme entailed that a number of bogus The scheme entailed that a number of bogus

companies should be set up, many of which had companies should be set up, many of which had

their headquarters outside of Switzerland. their headquarters outside of Switzerland.

One such company, ‘Hansell Exports’ was based One such company, ‘Hansell Exports’ was based

in Bracknell, South London and was ostensibly in Bracknell, South London and was ostensibly

a warehouse distribution organisation moving a warehouse distribution organisation moving

goods around the world. In reality it was one goods around the world. In reality it was one

of a number of empty warehouses situated on of a number of empty warehouses situated on

one of the many industrial estates developed one of the many industrial estates developed

over the last few years on brown field land over the last few years on brown field land

adjacent to the River Thames. Through his adjacent to the River Thames. Through his

position at the bank, he managed to convince position at the bank, he managed to convince

his wealthier clients to invest huge sums of his wealthier clients to invest huge sums of

money in this company with promises of high money in this company with promises of high

returns over the longer term. In reality he returns over the longer term. In reality he

was simply transferring the funds into a was simply transferring the funds into a

private Swiss account held by his very own private Swiss account held by his very own

bank. bank.


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His activities went unnoticed for a while His activities went unnoticed for a while

until one morning, purely by accident; a sharp until one morning, purely by accident; a sharp

computer hacker discovered what he was doing. computer hacker discovered what he was doing.

The hacker, employed by a clandestine property The hacker, employed by a clandestine property

company as one of a small team of men working company as one of a small team of men working

on the plans for a major computer scam, was on the plans for a major computer scam, was

scanning the Internet for bank and investment scanning the Internet for bank and investment

transactions. During one of the scans he transactions. During one of the scans he

noticed that a regular sum of money was being noticed that a regular sum of money was being

transferred firstly to a UK company account transferred firstly to a UK company account

here in London, and then almost immediately here in London, and then almost immediately

being transferred back to the same originating being transferred back to the same originating

bank in Switzerland, this time under a bank in Switzerland, this time under a

different account name. different account name.

With a sense of pure logic (not usually With a sense of pure logic (not usually

found among computer experts), he determined found among computer experts), he determined

the name and bank details associated with the name and bank details associated with

these transactions and passed them on to his these transactions and passed them on to his


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client. The planned scam would require a safe client. The planned scam would require a safe

and untraceable bank account established and untraceable bank account established

outside of the United Kingdom. This would outside of the United Kingdom. This would

prolong the discovering of the stolen funds. prolong the discovering of the stolen funds.

Now that an account already established in a Now that an account already established in a

leading Swiss bank had been located, and if leading Swiss bank had been located, and if

the owner could be persuaded to co-operate the owner could be persuaded to co-operate

this would indeed solve a great deal of the this would indeed solve a great deal of the

preliminary issues that had been delaying the preliminary issues that had been delaying the

start of the scam. start of the scam.

The ‘Cock and Ferret’ is a public house The ‘Cock and Ferret’ is a public house

dating back to the late eighteen hundreds, and dating back to the late eighteen hundreds, and

still retains some of its old charm. With its still retains some of its old charm. With its

urine stained brickwork, (and smell to match), urine stained brickwork, (and smell to match),

broken and rotted window and door frames that broken and rotted window and door frames that

appear to exhibit a disliking for glass in any appear to exhibit a disliking for glass in any

form, and a bent and twisted sign, probably form, and a bent and twisted sign, probably

reflecting the minds of all who dare to enter reflecting the minds of all who dare to enter


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within. The building would not have seemed within. The building would not have seemed

out of place in a remake of Oliver Twist, or out of place in a remake of Oliver Twist, or

Jack the ‘Ripper’. Jack the ‘Ripper’.

This haven of delight was an ideal location This haven of delight was an ideal location

for any clandestine meeting with the interior for any clandestine meeting with the interior

endeavouring to keep pace with the passing of endeavouring to keep pace with the passing of

time, and obviously failing dismally. The time, and obviously failing dismally. The

dingy tobacco stained walls, tatty well-worn dingy tobacco stained walls, tatty well-worn

carpets, an excuse for a jukebox dating back carpets, an excuse for a jukebox dating back

to the late sixties, and a barman with the to the late sixties, and a barman with the

face of a bulldog chewing a wasp welcomed the face of a bulldog chewing a wasp welcomed the

intrepid visitor. Situated deep in the East intrepid visitor. Situated deep in the East

End of London, with a lighting scheme designed End of London, with a lighting scheme designed

by a one eyed miner, it was the meeting place by a one eyed miner, it was the meeting place

for many crime syndicates recruiting temporary for many crime syndicates recruiting temporary

help, or the services of specialist technical help, or the services of specialist technical

staff. Forgers, locksmiths, and drivers, were staff. Forgers, locksmiths, and drivers, were

just a few of the latest vacancies available just a few of the latest vacancies available


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for a quick ‘no questions’ cash payment. for a quick ‘no questions’ cash payment.

Tonight, in one corner of the cynically Tonight, in one corner of the cynically

named ‘Saloon Bar’ four men were discussing named ‘Saloon Bar’ four men were discussing

the report given them by their computer the report given them by their computer

expert. To get a contact in one of the expert. To get a contact in one of the

leading banks in Switzerland was indeed a real leading banks in Switzerland was indeed a real

and unexpected bonus, and someone that they and unexpected bonus, and someone that they

could control into the bargain. This was a could control into the bargain. This was a

real boost to their plan and meant that now real boost to their plan and meant that now

things could move forward. In fact it was things could move forward. In fact it was

such a boost to their morale that an extra such a boost to their morale that an extra

round of drinks was called for. The next move round of drinks was called for. The next move

would be for a member of the team to fly to would be for a member of the team to fly to

Switzerland, make the acquaintance of their Switzerland, make the acquaintance of their

new team member and finalise the necessary new team member and finalise the necessary

arrangements for transfers, etc. arrangements for transfers, etc.

This was a major role, so the team leader’s This was a major role, so the team leader’s

right hand man, known only as Sharp (he had a right hand man, known only as Sharp (he had a


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well deserved reputation for being blunt and well deserved reputation for being blunt and

getting straight to the point), was selected getting straight to the point), was selected

as the most suitable member to make the as the most suitable member to make the

journey. It was further agreed that this journey. It was further agreed that this

should be planned for the following Wednesday should be planned for the following Wednesday

morning. morning.

It was now getting very close to the ‘off’ It was now getting very close to the ‘off’

and there was a real and distinct danger that and there was a real and distinct danger that

if any of the team were seen to be travelling if any of the team were seen to be travelling

abroad at this time, their intentions may be abroad at this time, their intentions may be

discovered. Booking a last minute discovered. Booking a last minute

undetectable flight to Switzerland using the undetectable flight to Switzerland using the

talents of their computer expert was of no talents of their computer expert was of no

difficulty, and scanning through both the difficulty, and scanning through both the

booked flights to Geneva for Wednesday, and booked flights to Geneva for Wednesday, and

the Passport Office records for a close match the Passport Office records for a close match

for ‘Sharp’, they came up with the name for ‘Sharp’, they came up with the name

Stephen Gorss. Stephen Gorss.


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Stephen Gorss lived in the picturesque Stephen Gorss lived in the picturesque

village of Chiddingfold situated in the heart village of Chiddingfold situated in the heart

of rural Surrey. He owned a delightful of rural Surrey. He owned a delightful

detached thatched cottage where he lived with detached thatched cottage where he lived with

his wife of fourteen years, two young sons his wife of fourteen years, two young sons

aged ten and six, and a rather daft dog, aged ten and six, and a rather daft dog,

‘Biscuit’. Stephen was, by birth, a German, ‘Biscuit’. Stephen was, by birth, a German,

born in Munich during the late Nineteen born in Munich during the late Nineteen

fifties. He later qualified as a Chemist, and fifties. He later qualified as a Chemist, and

now working for a large pharmaceutical company now working for a large pharmaceutical company

here in the UK, travelled extensively here in the UK, travelled extensively

throughout the world. His wife, Ingrid, also throughout the world. His wife, Ingrid, also

a fellow German by birth, held a very a fellow German by birth, held a very

rewarding position as Head Mistress of the rewarding position as Head Mistress of the

small village school and was well respected by small village school and was well respected by

the community. the community.


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This Wednesday, Stephen was due to attend a This Wednesday, Stephen was due to attend a

high level conference in Geneva. He had high level conference in Geneva. He had

showered and prepared himself for the journey. showered and prepared himself for the journey.

Stephen always enjoyed sharing breakfast with Stephen always enjoyed sharing breakfast with

his wife and children, as this was not very his wife and children, as this was not very

often possible. He enjoyed the benefits of often possible. He enjoyed the benefits of

his high position within the company, and the his high position within the company, and the

many opportunities that he had for visiting many opportunities that he had for visiting

many different countries. He would never many different countries. He would never

disguise the fact; however, that he relished disguise the fact; however, that he relished

the time at home and would not refuse any the time at home and would not refuse any

offers of early retirement, should he be so offers of early retirement, should he be so

lucky. lucky.

Saying his goodbyes, he was set to leave his Saying his goodbyes, he was set to leave his

home for the airport when the telephone rang. home for the airport when the telephone rang.

Ingrid took the call “Stephen, Ihr Büro ist Ingrid took the call “Stephen, Ihr Büro ist

am Apparat” For some inexplicable reason she am Apparat” For some inexplicable reason she

had reverted back to her mother tongue. had reverted back to her mother tongue.


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“Sorry Stephen” she apologised, knowing that “Sorry Stephen” she apologised, knowing that

Stephen preferred them to speak English whilst Stephen preferred them to speak English whilst

in the house “The telephone, it’s your office” in the house “The telephone, it’s your office”

Taking the call, Stephen was well aware of Taking the call, Stephen was well aware of

the time, and explained that he would call the time, and explained that he would call

them again once he had arrived in Geneva. them again once he had arrived in Geneva.

His short drive to Gatwick was to take him His short drive to Gatwick was to take him

along a very pleasant route through some along a very pleasant route through some

dreamy woodlands and wide expanses of still, dreamy woodlands and wide expanses of still,

cool lakes. Everywhere, he could see myriad’s cool lakes. Everywhere, he could see myriad’s

of wild duck and even the occasional goose of wild duck and even the occasional goose

splashing around in the deep still turquoise splashing around in the deep still turquoise

blue water. It was to be a good day, the sun blue water. It was to be a good day, the sun

was sending down beams of warm radiant light was sending down beams of warm radiant light

on to all and sundry, and the whole scene on to all and sundry, and the whole scene

appeared calm and at peace. Cocky, over appeared calm and at peace. Cocky, over

trusting grey rabbits were skipping along the trusting grey rabbits were skipping along the

wide grass verges lining the shadow marked wide grass verges lining the shadow marked


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lane with their white fluffy tails held high lane with their white fluffy tails held high

in defiance of any potential aggressor. in defiance of any potential aggressor.

Crickets could be heard cheerfully clapping Crickets could be heard cheerfully clapping

the start of another fine day. Slowing to the start of another fine day. Slowing to

round a particularly tight left-hand bend, round a particularly tight left-hand bend,

Stephen was confronted by a car parked to the Stephen was confronted by a car parked to the

side of the lane apparently showing signs of side of the lane apparently showing signs of

being in trouble. The bonnet of the car was being in trouble. The bonnet of the car was

fastened open, and the driver, a tall, fair fastened open, and the driver, a tall, fair

headed man in a light blue suit, was headed man in a light blue suit, was

unsuccessfully trying to catch the attention unsuccessfully trying to catch the attention

of any of the passing motorists. of any of the passing motorists.

Feeling particularly convivial, Stephen Feeling particularly convivial, Stephen

pulled over just in front of the parked car, pulled over just in front of the parked car,

and began walking back towards the now and began walking back towards the now

agitated driver. agitated driver.

“Can I help in any way” enquired Stephen of “Can I help in any way” enquired Stephen of

the driver as he reached the car. the driver as he reached the car.


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“I haven’t a clue as to what is wrong, the “I haven’t a clue as to what is wrong, the

bloody thing just died on me as I got to this bloody thing just died on me as I got to this

corner” he had obviously had enough. corner” he had obviously had enough.

“Let me have a look” Stephen said as he “Let me have a look” Stephen said as he

moved to look under the car’s bonnet “I don’t moved to look under the car’s bonnet “I don’t

what I’m looking for, but two heads are better what I’m looking for, but two heads are better

than one, yes?” than one, yes?”

The hot greasy bonnet came down on the back The hot greasy bonnet came down on the back

of his neck like a kick from an irritated of his neck like a kick from an irritated

mule, and as his face smashed into the red hot mule, and as his face smashed into the red hot

cylinder head, Stephen felt the searing pain cylinder head, Stephen felt the searing pain

burn into his nose and mouth. His head began burn into his nose and mouth. His head began

to pound as the pressure on his neck was to pound as the pressure on his neck was

intensified and as the pain became too intense intensified and as the pain became too intense

to bear, his brain issued the instruction to to bear, his brain issued the instruction to

shut down and his soul was released. shut down and his soul was released.

Stephen’s spirit drifted heaven ward, leaving Stephen’s spirit drifted heaven ward, leaving

his torn and mutilated body draped across the his torn and mutilated body draped across the


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warm and sun lit road. He could once again warm and sun lit road. He could once again

hear the soft sweet singing of the birds, hear the soft sweet singing of the birds,

smell the countryside as it was wakening to smell the countryside as it was wakening to

the rise of the sun, and feel the warmth of the rise of the sun, and feel the warmth of

the early morning rays. Stephen was at peace the early morning rays. Stephen was at peace

with all. with all.

Quickly bundling the lifeless body into the Quickly bundling the lifeless body into the

boot of Stephens’s own car, he drove it to the boot of Stephens’s own car, he drove it to the

top of a long moss covered grassy bank that top of a long moss covered grassy bank that

bordered one of the deeper sections of the bordered one of the deeper sections of the

lake. There was serenity in the lake that lake. There was serenity in the lake that

denied the terrible inhuman act that it had denied the terrible inhuman act that it had

just witnessed and was about to shelter. just witnessed and was about to shelter.

Releasing the handbrake, he watched it slowly Releasing the handbrake, he watched it slowly

roll down the slope until it hit the clean roll down the slope until it hit the clean

water and then gradually disappeared into the water and then gradually disappeared into the

depths. There was a climatic rush of air, depths. There was a climatic rush of air,

streams of bubbles came to the disturbed streams of bubbles came to the disturbed


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surface breaking into ever increasing rings surface breaking into ever increasing rings

that rippled their way across the still that rippled their way across the still

surface of the whole lake, as if to spread the surface of the whole lake, as if to spread the

sense of despair at this so unnecessary taking sense of despair at this so unnecessary taking

of life, and then silence. Even the wild fowl of life, and then silence. Even the wild fowl

and local bird life seemed to respect the last and local bird life seemed to respect the last

act and fell silent as Stephen Gorss left this act and fell silent as Stephen Gorss left this

world, The first stage of the plan had been world, The first stage of the plan had been

completed. completed.

Gatwick Airport was as busy as usual and Gatwick Airport was as busy as usual and

boarding the flight for Geneva was straight boarding the flight for Geneva was straight

forward enough. ‘Sharp’ was soon on his way forward enough. ‘Sharp’ was soon on his way

to Geneva Airport, booked in as Stephen Gorss. to Geneva Airport, booked in as Stephen Gorss.

He satisfactorily passed through Customs and He satisfactorily passed through Customs and

Immigration at Geneva and was soon on his way Immigration at Geneva and was soon on his way

to meet the new team member who would be the to meet the new team member who would be the

vital link in the plan. vital link in the plan.

Taking a hired car from the outside of the Taking a hired car from the outside of the


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airport Gorss headed to the address that they airport Gorss headed to the address that they

had extracted, and it dropped him off just had extracted, and it dropped him off just

outside a small restaurant on the main street. outside a small restaurant on the main street.

The place was humming with customers, and it The place was humming with customers, and it

took him a while to acquire an empty table, took him a while to acquire an empty table,

downing a single malt whiskey and ice as he downing a single malt whiskey and ice as he

waited propped up against the doorway. waited propped up against the doorway.

Eventually a seat by the window became free Eventually a seat by the window became free

and Gorss was directed to it by an attractive and Gorss was directed to it by an attractive

young woman in her early thirties wearing a young woman in her early thirties wearing a

smart two piece grey suit with tresses of long smart two piece grey suit with tresses of long

blond hair tousled around her shoulders. blond hair tousled around her shoulders.

Sharp guessed that she was the restaurant Sharp guessed that she was the restaurant

proprietor. proprietor.

The restaurant was traditionally decorated The restaurant was traditionally decorated

with low oak beams spanning the rough with low oak beams spanning the rough

plastered ceiling, high panelled walls with plastered ceiling, high panelled walls with

framed prints of the many beauty spots within framed prints of the many beauty spots within


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the area, and groups of small rounded tables the area, and groups of small rounded tables

and high backed chairs. The waitress, a small and high backed chairs. The waitress, a small

insignificant type of girl, dressed in the insignificant type of girl, dressed in the

traditional Swiss national costume, came over traditional Swiss national costume, came over

to Gorss to take his order. He ordered the to Gorss to take his order. He ordered the

pasta dish of the day, a half bottle of the pasta dish of the day, a half bottle of the

house red wine, and sat back and waited. house red wine, and sat back and waited.

Of all of the faults that Hans seemed to Of all of the faults that Hans seemed to

have, and he had a few, he was at least have, and he had a few, he was at least

methodical. Every day, at precisely one methodical. Every day, at precisely one

o’clock, he would leave the bank and take his o’clock, he would leave the bank and take his

lunch in this very same restaurant. Once he lunch in this very same restaurant. Once he

had eaten the meal and downed a glass or two had eaten the meal and downed a glass or two

of white wine, he would then take an easy of white wine, he would then take an easy

stroll along the bank of the River Aare before stroll along the bank of the River Aare before

returning to the bank sharply at two. returning to the bank sharply at two.

The traffic along the main street was The traffic along the main street was

unusually quiet today and Hans had a spring in unusually quiet today and Hans had a spring in


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his step as he strolled past the attractively his step as he strolled past the attractively

displayed goods on sale in the many shop displayed goods on sale in the many shop

fronts that he passed. His latest client, a fronts that he passed. His latest client, a

Gustav Belltin had, on the advice of his Gustav Belltin had, on the advice of his

investment manager, invested two hundred investment manager, invested two hundred

thousand Swiss francs in a fine, sound, UK thousand Swiss francs in a fine, sound, UK

company ‘Hansell Exports’ reputedly bound for company ‘Hansell Exports’ reputedly bound for

great things over the next ten years or so. great things over the next ten years or so.

Crossing the street, Hans entered the small Crossing the street, Hans entered the small

restaurant, was acknowledged by the waitress restaurant, was acknowledged by the waitress

and took a small table permanently reserved and took a small table permanently reserved

for him against the rear wall. His usual for him against the rear wall. His usual

order was confirmed and with a contented sigh order was confirmed and with a contented sigh

he sipped at the glass of white wine passed to he sipped at the glass of white wine passed to

him by the wine waiter. him by the wine waiter.

Sharp was not surprised by his appearance. Sharp was not surprised by his appearance.

Matching his written description almost to the Matching his written description almost to the

tee, here was a small middle aged man, with a tee, here was a small middle aged man, with a


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slightly receding forehead, a small whispery slightly receding forehead, a small whispery

moustache that seemed like an error rather moustache that seemed like an error rather

than a statement, slightly over weight, and than a statement, slightly over weight, and

wearing a tight fitting pin stripe grey suit, wearing a tight fitting pin stripe grey suit,

white shirt and tie. Probably from the local white shirt and tie. Probably from the local

golf club, although Sharp would have been golf club, although Sharp would have been

amazed if this rather sad looking guy could amazed if this rather sad looking guy could

ever play a round of golf. ever play a round of golf.

Almost exactly thirty minutes later and Hans Almost exactly thirty minutes later and Hans

made his farewells, settled his account and made his farewells, settled his account and

made for the street. Likewise did Sharp made for the street. Likewise did Sharp

maintaining a discreet fifty metres behind. maintaining a discreet fifty metres behind.

The route that Hans followed took them to a The route that Hans followed took them to a

set of steps at the beginning of the river set of steps at the beginning of the river

bridge and led them down to a small stone bridge and led them down to a small stone

flagged courtyard surrounded by fruit and flagged courtyard surrounded by fruit and

ornamental trees standing in hand made wooden ornamental trees standing in hand made wooden

tubs. At the far end of the courtyard, a tubs. At the far end of the courtyard, a


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narrow, well kept footpath would take them narrow, well kept footpath would take them

along the banks of the river running behind along the banks of the river running behind

rows of ancient river side cottages, many in rows of ancient river side cottages, many in

the process of refurbishment and repair. the process of refurbishment and repair.

As Hans entered the footpath, Sharp caught As Hans entered the footpath, Sharp caught

up with him and tapped him politely on the up with him and tapped him politely on the

shoulder. Hans, taken completely by surprise shoulder. Hans, taken completely by surprise

spun round and their eyes met. spun round and their eyes met.

Sharp was the first to speak “Hans, I’ve Sharp was the first to speak “Hans, I’ve

been waiting for you. We need to have a chat. been waiting for you. We need to have a chat.

You are going to help us with a small problem” You are going to help us with a small problem”

“I don’t understand” taken aback by this “I don’t understand” taken aback by this

sudden approach, “I don’t think I actually sudden approach, “I don’t think I actually

know you. You are English and I am Swiss. I know you. You are English and I am Swiss. I

am sure that we have never met” am sure that we have never met”


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“That is true, my friend, but we have a “That is true, my friend, but we have a

shared interest” Sharp was conscious that Hans shared interest” Sharp was conscious that Hans

may try to make a break for it, and so had may try to make a break for it, and so had

grasped his arm. grasped his arm.

“You are going to set up an untraceable “You are going to set up an untraceable

account at your bank so that we can deposit account at your bank so that we can deposit

some funds quickly and quietly” some funds quickly and quietly”

Hans’ face turned a whiter shade of pale, Hans’ face turned a whiter shade of pale,

and he could feel his hands becoming sticky and he could feel his hands becoming sticky

with sweat. “And if I don’t?” he was afraid with sweat. “And if I don’t?” he was afraid

to ask. to ask.

Walking slowly down the path they reached a Walking slowly down the path they reached a

dwarf stone wall that at one time must have dwarf stone wall that at one time must have

been part of a landing stage for small craft. been part of a landing stage for small craft.

Sharp sat down and indicated that Hans should Sharp sat down and indicated that Hans should

sit beside him. sit beside him.

“Let’s just say that we are aware of what “Let’s just say that we are aware of what

you are doing and have no intention of you are doing and have no intention of


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spoiling your party as long as you are spoiling your party as long as you are

prepared to help us” Sharp liked to get prepared to help us” Sharp liked to get

straight to the point. straight to the point.

“Exactly what do you mean?” Hans was “Exactly what do you mean?” Hans was

beginning to feel uneasy. beginning to feel uneasy.

“We know that you are defrauding a number of “We know that you are defrauding a number of

your bank’s clients by transferring some of your bank’s clients by transferring some of

their investments to your own account. Rather their investments to your own account. Rather

clumsily I might add.” clumsily I might add.”

Hans shrugged his shoulders and looked away, Hans shrugged his shoulders and looked away,

towards the swiftly flowing river rushing towards the swiftly flowing river rushing

behind them. behind them.

“In spite of your obvious naivety, we need “In spite of your obvious naivety, we need

your help in allowing us access to a bank your help in allowing us access to a bank

account unlikely to attract attention here in account unlikely to attract attention here in

Switzerland. In return we will not disclose Switzerland. In return we will not disclose

to the authorities what we know of your to the authorities what we know of your

activities” continued Sharp activities” continued Sharp


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“And if I don’t co-operate?” Hans was not “And if I don’t co-operate?” Hans was not

convinced that he should have asked that convinced that he should have asked that

question but his ego was now ruling his brain. question but his ego was now ruling his brain.

“We would have little option but to notify “We would have little option but to notify

the authorities of your activities. This, the authorities of your activities. This,

though, would unfortunately jeopardise our own though, would unfortunately jeopardise our own

plans” plans”

“So you wouldn’t be willing to do that?” “So you wouldn’t be willing to do that?”

Hans felt slightly reassured. Hans felt slightly reassured.

“No you’re quite correct, we wouldn’t. You “No you’re quite correct, we wouldn’t. You

would just disappear” would just disappear”

Hans felt suddenly sick. There were so many Hans felt suddenly sick. There were so many

dishonest people around. Wasn’t anything dishonest people around. Wasn’t anything

sacred anymore? For God’s sake he only wanted sacred anymore? For God’s sake he only wanted

to rip off a few wealthy clients who had too to rip off a few wealthy clients who had too

much money anyway. Now to discuss a killing. much money anyway. Now to discuss a killing.

And his own. And his own.

Hans had absolutely no intention of closing Hans had absolutely no intention of closing


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down his scam and if all they wanted was an down his scam and if all they wanted was an

account that they could transfer funds to, account that they could transfer funds to,

then that was fine by him. After all, this then that was fine by him. After all, this

could well be a further nail in the coffin for could well be a further nail in the coffin for

the bank, and certainly for the new manager. the bank, and certainly for the new manager.

A safe house in Switzerland where they could A safe house in Switzerland where they could

stay was another thing altogether and Hans stay was another thing altogether and Hans

decide that at this stage it would be best not decide that at this stage it would be best not

to mention his new home. After all, this guy to mention his new home. After all, this guy

didn’t seem to know anything of it. didn’t seem to know anything of it.

The arrangements made, both men parted and The arrangements made, both men parted and

made their separate ways back to the main made their separate ways back to the main

street. Hans went on back to his bank, and street. Hans went on back to his bank, and

Sharp headed back to the airport for his Sharp headed back to the airport for his

return flight home. return flight home.

Since the increase in drug smuggling and the Since the increase in drug smuggling and the

continuous threat of terrorist attacks, the continuous threat of terrorist attacks, the

Swiss guards on duty at the airport departure Swiss guards on duty at the airport departure


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lounges are particularly wary of all lounges are particularly wary of all

travellers, and make regular checks on travellers, and make regular checks on

passport and immigration documentation. Sharp passport and immigration documentation. Sharp

entered the passport control area and passed entered the passport control area and passed

his documents to the immigration officer on his documents to the immigration officer on

duty that day. Looking through the passport, duty that day. Looking through the passport,

Sharp was asked Sharp was asked

“Guten Tag, mein Herr. Wie war Ihr “Guten Tag, mein Herr. Wie war Ihr

Aufenthalt in de Schweiz?” Aufenthalt in de Schweiz?”

Sharp, feeling the pressure beginning to Sharp, feeling the pressure beginning to

rise throughout his entire being pretended not rise throughout his entire being pretended not

to hear, and reached for his passport which to hear, and reached for his passport which

was efficiently passed over to him. The was efficiently passed over to him. The

officer shrugged and moved on to the next officer shrugged and moved on to the next

passenger. As Sharp turned to leave the passenger. As Sharp turned to leave the

immigration area, he inhaled sharply and immigration area, he inhaled sharply and

slowly let the air escape between his clenched slowly let the air escape between his clenched

teeth, until he heard the officer call after him. teeth, until he heard the officer call after him.


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“Mein Herr! Ihr Handgepäck!” indicating a “Mein Herr! Ihr Handgepäck!” indicating a

small travel bag that someone had left in small travel bag that someone had left in

front of the immigration desk. front of the immigration desk.

Sharp gathered that this officer had Sharp gathered that this officer had

beckoned him to collect his bag, but as it beckoned him to collect his bag, but as it

wasn’t his, he wasn’t sure what to do. If he wasn’t his, he wasn’t sure what to do. If he

ignored the officer completely, he may become ignored the officer completely, he may become

suspicious. After all his passport stated suspicious. After all his passport stated

that he was a German and should be able to that he was a German and should be able to

understand what this officer had been saying. understand what this officer had been saying.

On the other hand it wasn’t his bag to On the other hand it wasn’t his bag to

collect. collect.

“Kommen Sie bitte hierher, mein Herr” The “Kommen Sie bitte hierher, mein Herr” The

officer was beginning to lose his patience. officer was beginning to lose his patience.

Why did this man continue to ignore him? Why did this man continue to ignore him?

Asking the present passenger to wait a Asking the present passenger to wait a

moment, the officer left the desk and moment, the officer left the desk and

collecting the bag, walked towards Sharp, who collecting the bag, walked towards Sharp, who


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by now was beginning to feel that he was about by now was beginning to feel that he was about

to be discovered and had already begun to plan to be discovered and had already begun to plan

his escape route. As the officer approached his escape route. As the officer approached

Sharp he was suddenly interrupted by a tall Sharp he was suddenly interrupted by a tall

slim lady obviously considerably distressed slim lady obviously considerably distressed

about something. about something.

Clutching at the travel bag, she proclaimed. Clutching at the travel bag, she proclaimed.

“Gott sei Dank! Sie haben meine Tashe “Gott sei Dank! Sie haben meine Tashe

gefunden! Ich habe sie überall gesucht” and gefunden! Ich habe sie überall gesucht” and

took it from the bemused officer. took it from the bemused officer.

Sharp shrugged his shoulders as in approval, Sharp shrugged his shoulders as in approval,

nodded at the officer and walked quickly along nodded at the officer and walked quickly along

the boarding corridor. the boarding corridor.

In the United Kingdom it is extremely easy In the United Kingdom it is extremely easy

to obtain long or short-term rentals of almost to obtain long or short-term rentals of almost

any kind of building. It is very rare for any kind of building. It is very rare for

references to be called for and even so, there references to be called for and even so, there

is an abundance of organisations offering safe is an abundance of organisations offering safe


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addresses at competitive rates. The rental addresses at competitive rates. The rental

would often include for full secretarial would often include for full secretarial

duties, postal collections and various other duties, postal collections and various other

services, some of which are never openly services, some of which are never openly

advertised. advertised.

Whilst the work in Switzerland was underway, Whilst the work in Switzerland was underway,

back in the UK, in a small rented office back in the UK, in a small rented office

housed in a new purpose built office block in housed in a new purpose built office block in

the centre of Crawley, close to Gatwick the centre of Crawley, close to Gatwick

Airport; other members of the same team were Airport; other members of the same team were

discussing their next move. Time was getting discussing their next move. Time was getting

short; patience was beginning to wear thin and short; patience was beginning to wear thin and

a decision had to be made soon. Several a decision had to be made soon. Several

members of the team were already raising members of the team were already raising

suspicions within their own work places that suspicions within their own work places that

something was afoot and if they were ever something was afoot and if they were ever

questioned the plan would have to be scrapped. questioned the plan would have to be scrapped.

The basic idea, they had all agreed, was The basic idea, they had all agreed, was


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sound. It had already been tested several sound. It had already been tested several

times and it worked surprisingly well. In times and it worked surprisingly well. In

fact it never ceased to amaze some of the more fact it never ceased to amaze some of the more

astute members of the team that this astute members of the team that this

particular scam had never been tried before. particular scam had never been tried before.

The matter that caused the greatest concern The matter that caused the greatest concern

was in the establishment of a fall back plan. was in the establishment of a fall back plan.

What if something went wrong? How could they What if something went wrong? How could they

be certain of an escape route? Nobody wanted be certain of an escape route? Nobody wanted

to spend a lengthy time in jail, even if the to spend a lengthy time in jail, even if the

the rewards were high. What was the point ofthe rewards were high. What was the point of

becoming extremely rich if you are then becoming extremely rich if you are then

confined to a twelve-foot square prison cell confined to a twelve-foot square prison cell

for ten years? for ten years?

Gradually the answer was born. Take a Gradually the answer was born. Take a

hostage. Somebody high profile. Ideally hostage. Somebody high profile. Ideally

somebody linked to the police force, or the somebody linked to the police force, or the

government. That would almost certainly government. That would almost certainly


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guarantee their escape. The publicity would guarantee their escape. The publicity would

be immense if something were done detrimental be immense if something were done detrimental

to the safety of the hostage. A victim was to the safety of the hostage. A victim was

about to be caught up in this web of deceit about to be caught up in this web of deceit

and developing violence. and developing violence.

It was Tuesday 8 June. A beautiful late It was Tuesday 8 June. A beautiful late

spring day. The early morning pale blue sky spring day. The early morning pale blue sky

dusted with light fair weather clouds gave all dusted with light fair weather clouds gave all

the indications of a fine, warm, and dry day the indications of a fine, warm, and dry day

ahead. There was a gentle South-westerly ahead. There was a gentle South-westerly

breeze blowing across the capital city, with breeze blowing across the capital city, with

small spirals of dust and fallen litter caught small spirals of dust and fallen litter caught

in tiny whirlwinds behind shop hoardings and in tiny whirlwinds behind shop hoardings and

some of the more expansive foyers. some of the more expansive foyers.

The early morning commuter traffic was The early morning commuter traffic was

beginning to build, and thousands of city beginning to build, and thousands of city

workers were making their busy way to the workers were making their busy way to the

underground and main bus stations ready for underground and main bus stations ready for


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the journey to their place of work. The dark the journey to their place of work. The dark

blue BMW saloon car pulled out of the basement blue BMW saloon car pulled out of the basement

car park and wove a path into the stream of car park and wove a path into the stream of

traffic. The driver, a large bald headed man traffic. The driver, a large bald headed man

wearing an open necked sports shirt and light wearing an open necked sports shirt and light

blue slacks, was already raising a sweat, with blue slacks, was already raising a sweat, with

beads of perspiration racing each other across beads of perspiration racing each other across

his forehead. His two rear seat passengers his forehead. His two rear seat passengers

appeared to be less concerned at their plan of appeared to be less concerned at their plan of

action, and gazed nonchalantly at the crowds action, and gazed nonchalantly at the crowds

already building on the pavements. They all already building on the pavements. They all

seemed to be heading in the same direction. seemed to be heading in the same direction.

Like armies of forced labour marching to their Like armies of forced labour marching to their

camps. It seemed almost unreal. One of the camps. It seemed almost unreal. One of the

passengers had a bulge under his jacket breast passengers had a bulge under his jacket breast

pocket, and it wasn’t a tube of Smarties. pocket, and it wasn’t a tube of Smarties.

To turn right at the next set of traffic To turn right at the next set of traffic

lights, the car had to move across into the lights, the car had to move across into the


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outer lane, but was blocked from doing so by a outer lane, but was blocked from doing so by a

small grey Ford van that had stalled, and small grey Ford van that had stalled, and

failed to be re-started. The car came to an failed to be re-started. The car came to an

abrupt halt, and cursing loudly, the driver abrupt halt, and cursing loudly, the driver

moved to open his door and get out. If moved to open his door and get out. If

necessary he would push the ‘bloody’ van out necessary he would push the ‘bloody’ van out

of the way. of the way.

“Sit back and keep your cool” From the back “Sit back and keep your cool” From the back

of the car. “The last thing we want is to of the car. “The last thing we want is to

attract attention. It will sort itself. For attract attention. It will sort itself. For

God’s sake get a grip” God’s sake get a grip”

The driver shrugged, wiped his brow with the The driver shrugged, wiped his brow with the

back of a shiny shirtsleeve completely erasing back of a shiny shirtsleeve completely erasing

the ongoing Olympics, relaxed a little, and the ongoing Olympics, relaxed a little, and

re-took his seat. re-took his seat.

Sure enough though, a few moments later the Sure enough though, a few moments later the

van had been re-van had been re-started and moved forward. It started and moved forward. It

was now clear for them to move into the right was now clear for them to move into the right


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hand lane. The filter light went to green and hand lane. The filter light went to green and

the traffic flow turned right and headed the traffic flow turned right and headed

towards the City centre. Ahead of them, and towards the City centre. Ahead of them, and

to the left, stood the local College of to the left, stood the local College of

Further Education, priding itself on the high Further Education, priding itself on the high

standards of education it promoted across all standards of education it promoted across all

curriculum areas and declaring that it was a curriculum areas and declaring that it was a

‘Centre of Excellence’. ‘Centre of Excellence’.

Pulling slowly into the kerb side just in Pulling slowly into the kerb side just in

front of a well worn minibus depositing front of a well worn minibus depositing

students from a nearby residential block, the students from a nearby residential block, the

car came to a stop, and the occupants car came to a stop, and the occupants

studiously watched the main entrance as studiously watched the main entrance as

hundreds of students were beginning a new day. hundreds of students were beginning a new day.

About five minutes later and almost one About five minutes later and almost one


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hundred metres ahead of them a highly polished hundred metres ahead of them a highly polished

royal blue Audi convertible pulled into a royal blue Audi convertible pulled into a

small row of ‘dropping off’ bays and came to a small row of ‘dropping off’ bays and came to a

rest. The driver, a tall distinguished rest. The driver, a tall distinguished

looking man wearing a custom uniform, arose looking man wearing a custom uniform, arose

from the car and walking around to the rear from the car and walking around to the rear

near-side, opened the passenger door to allow near-side, opened the passenger door to allow

a young, very attractive girl to leave the a young, very attractive girl to leave the

car, and walk slowly towards the college car, and walk slowly towards the college

entrance. The driver checked his departing entrance. The driver checked his departing

charge once again, and cautiously moved out charge once again, and cautiously moved out

into the passing traffic. into the passing traffic.

She was your typical student. Her She was your typical student. Her

priorities were split between her studies, her priorities were split between her studies, her

social life, and attracting the local male social life, and attracting the local male

population. By the way she was dressed, she population. By the way she was dressed, she

had already determined her order of had already determined her order of

priorities, with the attraction of the male priorities, with the attraction of the male


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population well out in front. She was dressed population well out in front. She was dressed

in a short sea blue cotton top that exposed in a short sea blue cotton top that exposed

the top of her well-the top of her well-rounded sun tanned breasts rounded sun tanned breasts

held secure and to their best advantage by a held secure and to their best advantage by a

designer bra. Her midriff was exposed from designer bra. Her midriff was exposed from

just below the breast line to the top of a just below the breast line to the top of a

pair of hipster Levi’s that she could only pair of hipster Levi’s that she could only

have been poured into. Her trim sun tanned have been poured into. Her trim sun tanned

abdomen and well formed hips were the result abdomen and well formed hips were the result

of a serious keep fit training program that of a serious keep fit training program that

any potential boy friend would have difficulty any potential boy friend would have difficulty

in keeping up. However the prize for doing so in keeping up. However the prize for doing so

was most certainly worth the effort. was most certainly worth the effort.

Swiftly glancing around him, one of the men Swiftly glancing around him, one of the men

from the waiting car walked quickly and from the waiting car walked quickly and

deliberately up to the girl and putting his deliberately up to the girl and putting his

hand on her naked shoulder whispered something hand on her naked shoulder whispered something

in her ear. They both paused for a moment in her ear. They both paused for a moment


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before returning together to the waiting car. before returning together to the waiting car.

Checking his mirror, the driver indicated, and Checking his mirror, the driver indicated, and

they too joined the traffic flow. they too joined the traffic flow.

The majority of the heavier traffic tended The majority of the heavier traffic tended

to take the dual carriageway that bypassed to take the dual carriageway that bypassed

some of the more congested areas as they some of the more congested areas as they

worked their way Eastwards towards the worked their way Eastwards towards the

Docklands area. The car, however, kept to the Docklands area. The car, however, kept to the

tighter streets that worked their way through tighter streets that worked their way through

London Bridge, Tower Bridge, and Wapping, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, and Wapping,

until it came to a stop outside a large until it came to a stop outside a large

apartment block near Surrey Docks Farm. apartment block near Surrey Docks Farm.

A rather depressing looking building dating A rather depressing looking building dating

from the early nineteen fifties, the block from the early nineteen fifties, the block

displayed indications of gross neglect and displayed indications of gross neglect and

probably hadn’t been correctly maintained probably hadn’t been correctly maintained

since it was built. The outer façade since it was built. The outer façade

comprising pre-cast concrete pre-finished comprising pre-cast concrete pre-finished


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panels was just about intact, but many of the panels was just about intact, but many of the

old ‘Crittal’ style metal windows had long old ‘Crittal’ style metal windows had long

lost their struggle with the environment and lost their struggle with the environment and

were rusted through with many sashes missing were rusted through with many sashes missing

altogether. Much of the glass that remained altogether. Much of the glass that remained

was cracked or missing, and some residents had was cracked or missing, and some residents had

resorted to sheets of plywood or even resorted to sheets of plywood or even

hardboard to keep out the rain and wind. hardboard to keep out the rain and wind.

As soon as they pulled up outside of the As soon as they pulled up outside of the

block, Susannah realised that something was block, Susannah realised that something was

dreadfully wrong and had begun complaining, dreadfully wrong and had begun complaining,

only to be faced with streams of abuse and a only to be faced with streams of abuse and a

painfully short introduction to the affects of painfully short introduction to the affects of

chloroform. chloroform.

Over sixty miles to the South is a very Over sixty miles to the South is a very

pleasant country town called Arundel. Arundel pleasant country town called Arundel. Arundel

is a popular historic town in West Sussex, on is a popular historic town in West Sussex, on

the South coast. Established over many the South coast. Established over many


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centuries along the shores of the River Arun, centuries along the shores of the River Arun,

it is overlooked by the second largest castle it is overlooked by the second largest castle

in the country and is an extremely popular in the country and is an extremely popular

tourist attraction throughout most of the tourist attraction throughout most of the

year. year.

At the locally renowned Chalk Ponds at At the locally renowned Chalk Ponds at

Arundel, Rick had been trying his hand at Arundel, Rick had been trying his hand at

fishing for trout. In spite of his general fishing for trout. In spite of his general

lack of fly fishing expertise, he managed to lack of fly fishing expertise, he managed to

catch five good sized hapless trout obviously catch five good sized hapless trout obviously

fed up with life and ready to throw themselves fed up with life and ready to throw themselves

on any hook that happened to pass by. As luck on any hook that happened to pass by. As luck

would have it, on this particular occasion it would have it, on this particular occasion it

was Rick’s. After a good day’s fishing, was Rick’s. After a good day’s fishing,

nothing beats a steak and chips meal, a quiet nothing beats a steak and chips meal, a quiet

spot far away from the bubbling crowd and a spot far away from the bubbling crowd and a

glass or two of ‘Cotës De Rhone’ red wine. So glass or two of ‘Cotës De Rhone’ red wine. So

booking himself for the night into a local booking himself for the night into a local


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hotel seemed the ideal thing to do. Storing hotel seemed the ideal thing to do. Storing

the trout overnight was a bit of a challenge, the trout overnight was a bit of a challenge,

but Rick loves a challenge and after all what but Rick loves a challenge and after all what

is a ‘mini-bar’ really for? He would be long is a ‘mini-bar’ really for? He would be long

gone before the source of the smell was gone before the source of the smell was

noticed and traced to his room. noticed and traced to his room.

Following a good full English breakfast Following a good full English breakfast

which included fried bread, eggs, bacon, which included fried bread, eggs, bacon,

mushrooms, black pudding, and tomatoes, he was mushrooms, black pudding, and tomatoes, he was

ready to head home. Extracting the trout from ready to head home. Extracting the trout from

the ‘mini-bar’, and beginning to regret that the ‘mini-bar’, and beginning to regret that

he hadn’t gutted the fish when fresh, Rick he hadn’t gutted the fish when fresh, Rick

settled his account and headed for the car settled his account and headed for the car

park to the rear of the hotel. park to the rear of the hotel.

The traffic was horrendous with a continual The traffic was horrendous with a continual

stream heading towards Chichester to the West. stream heading towards Chichester to the West.

The only thing for it was to ease gently The only thing for it was to ease gently

forward until someone gave way and allowed him forward until someone gave way and allowed him


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to cross the flow of traffic to join the queue to cross the flow of traffic to join the queue

heading east. heading east.

Easing out across the flow of traffic to Easing out across the flow of traffic to

join the opposite stream was a great deal more join the opposite stream was a great deal more

difficult than he had imagined with every one difficult than he had imagined with every one

so pre-so pre-occupied with maintaining momentum that occupied with maintaining momentum that

they all refused to give way. To add five they all refused to give way. To add five

seconds to their overall journey time was seconds to their overall journey time was

without question not even worth considering. without question not even worth considering.

The only action that he could take was to make The only action that he could take was to make

the decision to go and hope that the oncoming the decision to go and hope that the oncoming

vehicle would stop. Part one of the plan vehicle would stop. Part one of the plan

worked successfully, only the difficulty now worked successfully, only the difficulty now

was to join the flow on the other side of the was to join the flow on the other side of the

road. The longer he waited for a break in the road. The longer he waited for a break in the

traffic, the more irate the driver forced to a traffic, the more irate the driver forced to a

halt, became. Eventually the driver could halt, became. Eventually the driver could

stand it no longer, stepped out of his car and stand it no longer, stepped out of his car and


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with a most unpleasant look on his face headed with a most unpleasant look on his face headed

for Rick. Fortunately, at that same moment, for Rick. Fortunately, at that same moment,

an oncoming vehicle obviously aware of the an oncoming vehicle obviously aware of the

impending confrontation flashed his impending confrontation flashed his

headlights, and slowed, giving Rick the headlights, and slowed, giving Rick the

opportunity he needed to join the stream. opportunity he needed to join the stream.

Rick quickly sped away from the scene as Rick quickly sped away from the scene as

fast as the traffic flow permitted, leaving fast as the traffic flow permitted, leaving

the irate and now embarrassed driver standing the irate and now embarrassed driver standing

in the middle of the road waving his fist and in the middle of the road waving his fist and

several separate fingers at him. Rick was several separate fingers at him. Rick was

completely stunned by the attitude of this completely stunned by the attitude of this

particular driver, and whilst trying to clear particular driver, and whilst trying to clear

his mind noticed through his rear view mirror his mind noticed through his rear view mirror

that the same car had somehow joined his flow that the same car had somehow joined his flow

and was slowly gaining ground behind him. and was slowly gaining ground behind him.

Tucking his car in behind a large Tucking his car in behind a large

articulated lorry carrying a load of bananas articulated lorry carrying a load of bananas


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from South Africa, Rick could keep an eye on from South Africa, Rick could keep an eye on

the following vehicle and wondered why it had the following vehicle and wondered why it had

in fact changed route. Two miles ahead and in fact changed route. Two miles ahead and

Rick would have to take a left turn into a Rick would have to take a left turn into a

narrow country lane and as he approached the narrow country lane and as he approached the

junction he noticed that the same car had also junction he noticed that the same car had also

begun indicating left, implying that he too begun indicating left, implying that he too

would be taking the same turning. would be taking the same turning.

Rick’s pulse began to race and he could feel Rick’s pulse began to race and he could feel

sweat building up on the palms of his hands as sweat building up on the palms of his hands as

he gripped the steering wheel even harder. He he gripped the steering wheel even harder. He

de-de-accelerated, changed down through the gears accelerated, changed down through the gears

and swung left into the lane. The lane was and swung left into the lane. The lane was

lined with tall beech trees on both sides with lined with tall beech trees on both sides with

small breaks where farm entrances opened on to small breaks where farm entrances opened on to

the tarmac. There were no pavements and where the tarmac. There were no pavements and where

vehicles had pulled off the road to allow vehicles had pulled off the road to allow

larger vehicles to pass, or to make a larger vehicles to pass, or to make a


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temporary stop the grassy banks had been temporary stop the grassy banks had been

turned to areas of soft mud. Leaves and turned to areas of soft mud. Leaves and

broken branches were scattered along the broken branches were scattered along the

verges and as the sun struggled to penetrate verges and as the sun struggled to penetrate

the tree cover, shafts of bright sunlight the tree cover, shafts of bright sunlight

formed dancing dust filled columns emanating formed dancing dust filled columns emanating

from the banks. from the banks.

The following car had also now entered the The following car had also now entered the

lane but was keeping a fixed distance behind lane but was keeping a fixed distance behind

Rick’s. Thoughts of road rage and roadside Rick’s. Thoughts of road rage and roadside

violence began to fill Rick’s brain and violence began to fill Rick’s brain and

although not a timid man at heart, and most although not a timid man at heart, and most

certainly not a coward, he was always loathe certainly not a coward, he was always loathe

taking physical action against another person. taking physical action against another person.

He much referred the diplomatic approach. He much referred the diplomatic approach.

Rick accelerated away, leaving clouds of Rick accelerated away, leaving clouds of

dirt and leaves springing into the air as if dirt and leaves springing into the air as if

blown by a gigantic fan, only to see that the blown by a gigantic fan, only to see that the


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trailing vehicle did likewise. Ahead Rick trailing vehicle did likewise. Ahead Rick

could see that a narrow bridle way left the could see that a narrow bridle way left the

lane and headed up a gentle incline towards a lane and headed up a gentle incline towards a

set of riding stables and he decided to take set of riding stables and he decided to take

this turn. Slowing to a crawl Rick turned off this turn. Slowing to a crawl Rick turned off

the road and came to a stop some thirty metres the road and came to a stop some thirty metres

from the lane. Switching off his engine he from the lane. Switching off his engine he

sat and waited. sat and waited.

The car behind had pulled into a small The car behind had pulled into a small

passing bay tucked neatly behind a row of passing bay tucked neatly behind a row of

distinguished Beech trees and had stopped. distinguished Beech trees and had stopped.

Rick could see slight wisps of white smoke Rick could see slight wisps of white smoke

coming from the exhaust pipe so deduced that coming from the exhaust pipe so deduced that

the engine was still running. the engine was still running.


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Five minutes passed and neither vehicles Five minutes passed and neither vehicles

moved. Several other cars entered and left moved. Several other cars entered and left

the lane and a small group of horse riders the lane and a small group of horse riders

cantered by his parked car. Then, without cantered by his parked car. Then, without

warning, the following car began to move warning, the following car began to move

slowly forward and back on to the lane. There slowly forward and back on to the lane. There

was a moment when both drivers were looking at was a moment when both drivers were looking at

each other and Rick suddenly realised that each other and Rick suddenly realised that

this was not the same man who had confronted this was not the same man who had confronted

him earlier. As the car approached Rick, it him earlier. As the car approached Rick, it

gained speed and passed by the end of the gained speed and passed by the end of the

bridle way and disappeared into the distance. bridle way and disappeared into the distance.

The sound of the car fading away, until The sound of the car fading away, until

absolute silence. absolute silence.

It was then that Rick realised what a It was then that Rick realised what a

complete fool he had been. His imagination complete fool he had been. His imagination

had taken complete control of his behaviour had taken complete control of his behaviour

and had led him astray. Resuming his journey and had led him astray. Resuming his journey


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home he contemplated that perhaps it was time home he contemplated that perhaps it was time

that he retired. Before he went completely that he retired. Before he went completely

mad. Years of sorting other peoples problems, mad. Years of sorting other peoples problems,

watching perfectly normal men and women watching perfectly normal men and women

destroy each other’s lives and witnessing destroy each other’s lives and witnessing

violence on a scale not to be easily violence on a scale not to be easily

forgotten, had affected Rick and although he forgotten, had affected Rick and although he

never discussed it with friends or family he never discussed it with friends or family he

had had enough. had had enough.

Unfortunately for Rick he was a worker. He Unfortunately for Rick he was a worker. He

would never be content to retire from work would never be content to retire from work

altogether and as long as he had the strength altogether and as long as he had the strength

and ability he would never say no to a and ability he would never say no to a

difficult or unusual case that required his difficult or unusual case that required his

help and experience. He had a need to be help and experience. He had a need to be

useful. He needed to be liked and befriended useful. He needed to be liked and befriended

and he had a zest for fairness and equality. and he had a zest for fairness and equality.

His mobile phone whistled into life, and His mobile phone whistled into life, and


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fumbling in the open glove compartment, Rick fumbling in the open glove compartment, Rick

withdrew it and pressed ‘OK’. It was his withdrew it and pressed ‘OK’. It was his

youngest son, Tom, who had recently purchased youngest son, Tom, who had recently purchased

a 1992 vintage Volkswagen Golf GTI. Did dad a 1992 vintage Volkswagen Golf GTI. Did dad

know where he could get some cheap insurance? know where he could get some cheap insurance?

No dad didn’t but given a couple of hours he No dad didn’t but given a couple of hours he

would try to find one. The caller cleared, would try to find one. The caller cleared,

leaving Rick holding the phone and wondering leaving Rick holding the phone and wondering

if perhaps buying a mobile phone had been such if perhaps buying a mobile phone had been such

a good idea after all. a good idea after all.

Many areas within the districts of East of Many areas within the districts of East of

London are undergoing extensive and expensive London are undergoing extensive and expensive

redevelopment. Two such developments are redevelopment. Two such developments are

Canary Wharf and St Catherines Dock, with Canary Wharf and St Catherines Dock, with

their many high rise office blocks. The their many high rise office blocks. The

redevelopment work has opened the way for redevelopment work has opened the way for

several high-class moorings for overseas several high-class moorings for overseas

visitors and Company owned leisure facilities visitors and Company owned leisure facilities


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for potential clients. Part of the for potential clients. Part of the

development scheme has also included for the development scheme has also included for the

renewal of the now redundant wharf side renewal of the now redundant wharf side

properties. The decaying warehouse units and properties. The decaying warehouse units and

old tea or coffee and diamond houses old tea or coffee and diamond houses

established in the past centuries to handle established in the past centuries to handle

the growing imports from markets such as the the growing imports from markets such as the

West Indies and Africa. As these markets have West Indies and Africa. As these markets have

been extinguished the many once attractive been extinguished the many once attractive

buildings have fallen into disrepair and were, buildings have fallen into disrepair and were,

until recently, areas where crime and disorder until recently, areas where crime and disorder

reigned uncontrolled. The development of the reigned uncontrolled. The development of the

entire area has brought these same buildings entire area has brought these same buildings

back to life and now includes purpose designed back to life and now includes purpose designed

modern office areas and attractive new coffee modern office areas and attractive new coffee

bars catering for the nouveau riche. Many of bars catering for the nouveau riche. Many of

these new developments have included these new developments have included

pedestrianised areas furnished with bench pedestrianised areas furnished with bench


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style seating, attractive water fountains and style seating, attractive water fountains and

picturesque flowering shrubs. picturesque flowering shrubs.

One such pedestrianised area is a small One such pedestrianised area is a small

section of a much larger residential and section of a much larger residential and

office development close to the now famous office development close to the now famous

Canary Wharf and was often frequented by Canary Wharf and was often frequented by

office workers using the area as a shortcut to office workers using the area as a shortcut to

the nearest station on the Docklands Light the nearest station on the Docklands Light

Railway network. Railway network.

This particular evening was out of the This particular evening was out of the

ordinary. The late spring sky was a sort of ordinary. The late spring sky was a sort of

mottled grey, the sun had completely mottled grey, the sun had completely

disappeared below the horizon, and through the disappeared below the horizon, and through the

hazy drizzle the nearby street lamps sent hazy drizzle the nearby street lamps sent

quivering streaks of amber light on to the wet quivering streaks of amber light on to the wet

cobbles below. There was a cold nip in the cobbles below. There was a cold nip in the

air and as he breathed out, small clouds of air and as he breathed out, small clouds of

white steam were whisked away into the evening white steam were whisked away into the evening


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air. Rick shivered and pulled his old trusted air. Rick shivered and pulled his old trusted

trench coat up around his ears. He was really trench coat up around his ears. He was really

too old for this sort of caper and it was too old for this sort of caper and it was

about time that he settled down to a steady about time that he settled down to a steady

nine to five job with a warm office, warm nine to five job with a warm office, warm

secretary, and a warm cup of tea. secretary, and a warm cup of tea.

Rick was your normal sort of a guy, about Rick was your normal sort of a guy, about

five foot seven in height, a little over five foot seven in height, a little over

weight due to a liking of convenience foods weight due to a liking of convenience foods

and good red wine (even bad red wine and good red wine (even bad red wine

sometimes), a rapidly receding hairline, and a sometimes), a rapidly receding hairline, and a

close cut beard. This was, to be brutally close cut beard. This was, to be brutally

honest, due to an unwillingness to get up in honest, due to an unwillingness to get up in

the morning often resulting in a shortage of the morning often resulting in a shortage of

time to shave. According to his three sons, time to shave. According to his three sons,

whom he had brought up single handily whom he had brought up single handily

following a divorce many years in the past, following a divorce many years in the past,

and loved dearly, he had a complete lack of and loved dearly, he had a complete lack of


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fashion sense and a sometimes-inconceivable fashion sense and a sometimes-inconceivable

love of life and all that existed around him. love of life and all that existed around him.

He was a good egg, and someone you could rely He was a good egg, and someone you could rely

on at all times. Rick enjoyed life for what on at all times. Rick enjoyed life for what

it was. A means of exploring the universe, it was. A means of exploring the universe,

the environment, and the relationships between the environment, and the relationships between

people. He would never say no, even if it people. He would never say no, even if it

meant that it got him into deep water, (as it meant that it got him into deep water, (as it

very often did). very often did).

Since Rick had officially left the force Since Rick had officially left the force

almost ten years ago, retiring on a reasonable almost ten years ago, retiring on a reasonable

pension, to keep the bailiffs from the door, pension, to keep the bailiffs from the door,

he had accepted a number of strange he had accepted a number of strange

assignments and this was turning out to be one assignments and this was turning out to be one

of the strangest. He was not really sure why of the strangest. He was not really sure why

he was actually here. he was actually here.

That morning, whilst enjoying a relaxing That morning, whilst enjoying a relaxing

spot of sea fishing from the local pier, (he spot of sea fishing from the local pier, (he


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very rarely caught anything), but hey, that’s very rarely caught anything), but hey, that’s

not the point. It’s the fresh air, the smell not the point. It’s the fresh air, the smell

of seaweed, many fish and chip shops, and the of seaweed, many fish and chip shops, and the

sound of the wind whistling through the pier sound of the wind whistling through the pier

structure and the back of your neck that structure and the back of your neck that

counts. Rick received a call on his mobile to counts. Rick received a call on his mobile to

attend a meeting at eleven o’clock in the attend a meeting at eleven o’clock in the

offices of the local police. offices of the local police.

The whole thing was to be kept very low The whole thing was to be kept very low

profile. There was a general election coming profile. There was a general election coming

up soon and this would not help the situation up soon and this would not help the situation

at all. The government were already in a at all. The government were already in a

sticky mess over some overseas project that sticky mess over some overseas project that

had turned ‘belly up’. A misinterpretation of had turned ‘belly up’. A misinterpretation of

security information apparently, but that was security information apparently, but that was

another story. another story.

The daughter of the present Home Secretary, The daughter of the present Home Secretary,

Peter Thompson MP, had been taken hostage Peter Thompson MP, had been taken hostage


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whilst arriving for college earlier this whilst arriving for college earlier this

morning. morning.

Susannah Thompson was a very high spirited Susannah Thompson was a very high spirited

teenager just about to celebrate her teenager just about to celebrate her

nineteenth birthday and did have a reputation nineteenth birthday and did have a reputation

for living the high life when out of range of for living the high life when out of range of

her father. The past couple of years had been her father. The past couple of years had been

a nightmare for the Home Secretary with all a nightmare for the Home Secretary with all

sorts of rumours and innuendo’s about one rule sorts of rumours and innuendo’s about one rule

for some and other rules for others but for some and other rules for others but

somehow he had so far managed to remain somehow he had so far managed to remain

virtually unscathed. Susannah was undoubtedly virtually unscathed. Susannah was undoubtedly

a bright student with a fine future ahead of a bright student with a fine future ahead of

her as a lawyer, but with her film star looks her as a lawyer, but with her film star looks

and impetuous nature whether she would ever and impetuous nature whether she would ever

achieve her career goals was debatable, and achieve her career goals was debatable, and

probably not actually what Susannah had in probably not actually what Susannah had in

mind. mind.


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Witnesses had stated that a dark blue saloon Witnesses had stated that a dark blue saloon

car being driven by three well-car being driven by three well-dressed men had dressed men had

pulled up outside the college main entrance. pulled up outside the college main entrance.

One of the men had got out and walked towards One of the men had got out and walked towards

the girl and it would appear that she got into the girl and it would appear that she got into

the car of her own free will. An hour later, the car of her own free will. An hour later,

the Times newspaper received a note written on the Times newspaper received a note written on

plain white copy paper, stating that unless plain white copy paper, stating that unless

five hundred thousand pounds was left in a five hundred thousand pounds was left in a

waste paper bin at Canary Close that evening, waste paper bin at Canary Close that evening,

she would not be seen again. The note was she would not be seen again. The note was

being taken very seriously and so the ransom being taken very seriously and so the ransom

money would be paid. Adam Doubly, a senior money would be paid. Adam Doubly, a senior

police detective would be in charge of the police detective would be in charge of the

‘hand-over’ and would, therefore handle the ‘hand-over’ and would, therefore handle the

placement of officers as required. placement of officers as required.

Adam had asked Rick to work with him on this Adam had asked Rick to work with him on this

occasion as they had worked very well together occasion as they had worked very well together


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on numerous stakeouts in the past. on numerous stakeouts in the past.

It had sounded like a normal kidnapping and It had sounded like a normal kidnapping and

ransom to him when he was first asked earlier ransom to him when he was first asked earlier

that day, but now he was not so sure. that day, but now he was not so sure.

Something didn’t feel right. Years of first Something didn’t feel right. Years of first

pounding the beat as a constable, followed by pounding the beat as a constable, followed by

promotion to the flying squad, and now working promotion to the flying squad, and now working

as a private detective, Rick had developed a as a private detective, Rick had developed a

feeling, a sense of what was to happen, and it feeling, a sense of what was to happen, and it

didn’t feel good. didn’t feel good.

He had been told to position himself on the He had been told to position himself on the

flat roof of a small office block in the flat roof of a small office block in the

centre of the new development area, where he centre of the new development area, where he

was now standing. When the sun was low, the was now standing. When the sun was low, the

meagre street lamps and shuttered office meagre street lamps and shuttered office


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windows gave the dismal courtyard below him a windows gave the dismal courtyard below him a

rather depressing feel, surrounded by various rather depressing feel, surrounded by various

office blocks and high rise flats. office blocks and high rise flats.

He had time to contemplate and this was He had time to contemplate and this was

dangerous. Why do we keep destroying each dangerous. Why do we keep destroying each

other? Looking skyward he could make out other? Looking skyward he could make out

thousands of stars emitting their light many thousands of stars emitting their light many

years earlier. By the time he could see them years earlier. By the time he could see them

they would probably have been burnt out they would probably have been burnt out

completely, and staring into the darkness completely, and staring into the darkness

between them he could only surmise at the between them he could only surmise at the

thousands of new stars that now existed and thousands of new stars that now existed and

yet were presently unseen. Surely we can’t be yet were presently unseen. Surely we can’t be

alone in this wondrous universe? Are the alone in this wondrous universe? Are the

other populated planets destroying themselves other populated planets destroying themselves

as we are, or have they already learnt their as we are, or have they already learnt their

lesson? What does it take to being a halt to lesson? What does it take to being a halt to

the violence and tragedy that so many people the violence and tragedy that so many people


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have to live through every day? have to live through every day?

His direct partner on this particular His direct partner on this particular

outing, Adam had drawn up the plans for outing, Adam had drawn up the plans for

tonight’s little party. It was of the utmost tonight’s little party. It was of the utmost

importance that the hand-importance that the hand-over went as smoothly over went as smoothly

as possible. Rick had been positioned high as possible. Rick had been positioned high

above the square so that he could observe the above the square so that he could observe the

entire process. If necessary he would follow entire process. If necessary he would follow

the pick-the pick-up man and recover the ransom money. up man and recover the ransom money.

This had to be done as discreetly as possible This had to be done as discreetly as possible

so that they could also trace the whereabouts so that they could also trace the whereabouts

of the hostage. Adam made the decision to of the hostage. Adam made the decision to

actually place the money himself. That way he actually place the money himself. That way he

felt that he could monitor the events actually felt that he could monitor the events actually

at ground level. at ground level.

Adam would be carrying a light blue holdall Adam would be carrying a light blue holdall

containing five hundred thousand pounds which, containing five hundred thousand pounds which,

according to the instructions that they had according to the instructions that they had


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received earlier, was to be deposited in a received earlier, was to be deposited in a

waste bin near the fountain. waste bin near the fountain.

Nine o’clock was the stated pick up time, Nine o’clock was the stated pick up time,

and it was almost five to. The weather had and it was almost five to. The weather had

actually started clearing slightly, but there actually started clearing slightly, but there

was still a nip in the air and the whole area was still a nip in the air and the whole area

had a heavy feel about it. Pools of water had a heavy feel about it. Pools of water

down in the courtyard were reflecting light down in the courtyard were reflecting light

from the one or two offices that remained from the one or two offices that remained

occupied. Goodness knows what was going on in occupied. Goodness knows what was going on in

there at this time of night. Adam had just there at this time of night. Adam had just

appeared from one of the alleys and was making appeared from one of the alleys and was making

his way to the drop off point. He looked his way to the drop off point. He looked

particularly miserable, with his coat turned particularly miserable, with his coat turned

up high at the collar, walking across the up high at the collar, walking across the

square. Well, it was his tenth wedding square. Well, it was his tenth wedding

anniversary and a celebration had been long anniversary and a celebration had been long

planned. Rick imagined for a while what his planned. Rick imagined for a while what his


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wedding anniversary would have been like if wedding anniversary would have been like if

things had gone well with his marriage, but things had gone well with his marriage, but

soon dismissed the thought as being too soon dismissed the thought as being too

depressing. Still Adam should still be able depressing. Still Adam should still be able

to make it to the party after this was all to make it to the party after this was all

over. Shouldn’t be long now. over. Shouldn’t be long now.

The tremendous blast that originated from The tremendous blast that originated from

the litterbin as Adam placed the ransom money the litterbin as Adam placed the ransom money

blew Rick completely off his feet and he was blew Rick completely off his feet and he was

thrown against the wall of the fire escape thrown against the wall of the fire escape

staircase as if he was a small lifeless rag staircase as if he was a small lifeless rag

doll. As he crashed into the damp brickwork doll. As he crashed into the damp brickwork

with a muffled thud, he felt all of the wind with a muffled thud, he felt all of the wind

had been knocked out of him and he slumped to had been knocked out of him and he slumped to

the floor. His heart beating violently and the floor. His heart beating violently and

his lungs gasping for air he felt the world his lungs gasping for air he felt the world

spin. His entire body shuddered with the spin. His entire body shuddered with the

force and for a moment he lost consciousness. force and for a moment he lost consciousness.


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Clouds of thick black pungent smoke and Clouds of thick black pungent smoke and

lightning flashes of bright orange flame lightning flashes of bright orange flame

exploded angrily into the air with lightning exploded angrily into the air with lightning

cracks of thunder, and the entire square was cracks of thunder, and the entire square was

littered with thousands of shafts of blood littered with thousands of shafts of blood

spattered glass. The noise was almost spattered glass. The noise was almost

unbearable and Rick still pinned against the unbearable and Rick still pinned against the

crumbling brick wall but with his senses crumbling brick wall but with his senses

returning, felt that his eardrums would returning, felt that his eardrums would

explode at any moment. Then, just as explode at any moment. Then, just as

suddenly, silence descended like a heavy suddenly, silence descended like a heavy

lakeside fog. It was haunting. There was lakeside fog. It was haunting. There was

nothing, only a deathly silence. A second or nothing, only a deathly silence. A second or

so later, as if orchestrated for the effect, so later, as if orchestrated for the effect,

there was an immediate break in the silence. there was an immediate break in the silence.

Countless fire and burglar alarms set off by Countless fire and burglar alarms set off by

the explosion, combined with falling debris the explosion, combined with falling debris

still finding its way explosively back to still finding its way explosively back to


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earth brought Rick to his senses. Crawling to earth brought Rick to his senses. Crawling to

the edge of the small flat roof and looking the edge of the small flat roof and looking

unbelievingly over the short parapet to where unbelievingly over the short parapet to where

the litter bin had once stood only seconds the litter bin had once stood only seconds

earlier he was now staring into a furnace of earlier he was now staring into a furnace of

burning tarmac. There was a hole the size of burning tarmac. There was a hole the size of

a small car and draped across the edge of the a small car and draped across the edge of the

hole was a tangled mass of burning hole was a tangled mass of burning

bloodstained clothes that all remained of bloodstained clothes that all remained of

Adam. Adam.

Absolutely stunned beyond all belief at the Absolutely stunned beyond all belief at the

sight that he had just witnessed, Rick clawed sight that he had just witnessed, Rick clawed

his way up the face of the adjoining wall his way up the face of the adjoining wall

until he was on his feet, and cautiously until he was on his feet, and cautiously

peered back over the small brick parapet. The peered back over the small brick parapet. The

terrible destruction laid out below him took terrible destruction laid out below him took

his breath away and for a brief moment he his breath away and for a brief moment he

stared unbelievingly into the night sky. He stared unbelievingly into the night sky. He


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froze with the sheer horror of it all. Almost froze with the sheer horror of it all. Almost

undetectable a movement just inside his scope undetectable a movement just inside his scope

of vision, made him turn his head, and for of vision, made him turn his head, and for

only a split second he caught a glimpse of only a split second he caught a glimpse of

someone running from the square. Intuitively someone running from the square. Intuitively

Rick spun round and headed for the fire escape Rick spun round and headed for the fire escape

door that was now reflecting in the pulsating door that was now reflecting in the pulsating

red lights of the many alarms that had been red lights of the many alarms that had been

triggered by the explosion. Making his way triggered by the explosion. Making his way

down the old steel staircase Rick was trying down the old steel staircase Rick was trying

to develop a plan. First he had to get his to develop a plan. First he had to get his

mind around what had happened. The drop had mind around what had happened. The drop had

been on time. There were no hitches at all. been on time. There were no hitches at all.

Everything had gone according to plan. So why Everything had gone according to plan. So why

kill Adam, and why destroy five hundred kill Adam, and why destroy five hundred

thousand pounds in cash? It just didn’t make thousand pounds in cash? It just didn’t make

any sense at all. any sense at all.

The emergency services had begun arriving on The emergency services had begun arriving on


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the scene. Blue flashing lights made the area the scene. Blue flashing lights made the area

seem even more sinister with long grey shadows seem even more sinister with long grey shadows

moving around the devastated area. If he moving around the devastated area. If he

stayed around, very soon now, he would have to stayed around, very soon now, he would have to

go through several unending hours of go through several unending hours of

questioning by Adam’s colleagues. It was far questioning by Adam’s colleagues. It was far

better, Rick decided, that his time be spent better, Rick decided, that his time be spent

trying to solve the mystery and more trying to solve the mystery and more

importantly, find Adam’s killer. After all, importantly, find Adam’s killer. After all,

what could he tell them, he hadn’t seen what could he tell them, he hadn’t seen

anything from his position on the roof that anything from his position on the roof that

could possibly help the enquiry? could possibly help the enquiry?

Pulling his collar even higher around his Pulling his collar even higher around his

ears and clutching his old coat around ears and clutching his old coat around

himself, Rick made for a well frequented bar himself, Rick made for a well frequented bar

where he could get a drink without being asked where he could get a drink without being asked

too many awkward questions. In this too many awkward questions. In this

particular area there were many narrow back particular area there were many narrow back


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streets with rows of shops. Some quite streets with rows of shops. Some quite

successful antique shops serving the needs of successful antique shops serving the needs of

the souvenir hunter, small intimate bars where the souvenir hunter, small intimate bars where

courting couples could temporarily escape from courting couples could temporarily escape from

their individual partners and pretend that their individual partners and pretend that

they were still young and carefree, and dark, they were still young and carefree, and dark,

secretive book shops tucked behind blackened secretive book shops tucked behind blackened

windows where the ‘specialist book’ could be windows where the ‘specialist book’ could be

obtained. No questions asked. obtained. No questions asked.

This particular bar was, however, situated This particular bar was, however, situated

in the centre of a row of worn out lock-up in the centre of a row of worn out lock-up

shops, many with boarded up or white painted shops, many with boarded up or white painted

windows. Even those still managing to survive windows. Even those still managing to survive

the tough times were in a tatty state. the tough times were in a tatty state.

Paintwork was peeling and cracked, and many Paintwork was peeling and cracked, and many

had broken windows that had obviously seen had broken windows that had obviously seen

better days. One of the shops was trying to better days. One of the shops was trying to

squeeze out an income selling fish and chips. squeeze out an income selling fish and chips.


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To think of eating anything after what Rick To think of eating anything after what Rick

had seen was difficult but it was now bitingly had seen was difficult but it was now bitingly

cold and as long as you didn’t look too long cold and as long as you didn’t look too long

at the ageing, battered fish, the thick fat at the ageing, battered fish, the thick fat

soaked soggy chips warmed you up. soaked soggy chips warmed you up.

The explosion had obviously burst open a The explosion had obviously burst open a

nearby storm cloud, and the rain was nearby storm cloud, and the rain was

absolutely throwing it down in sympathy. A absolutely throwing it down in sympathy. A

North Easterly wind was doing its very best to North Easterly wind was doing its very best to

make things even worse and succeeding well. make things even worse and succeeding well.

Great pools of water were forming in the Great pools of water were forming in the

streets. A continual torrent was finding its streets. A continual torrent was finding its

way down the back of Rick’s coat and he felt way down the back of Rick’s coat and he felt

that if he didn’t get into the dry soon, he that if he didn’t get into the dry soon, he

was going to catch a serious cold. As he was going to catch a serious cold. As he

neared the bar, he could hear the taped music, neared the bar, he could hear the taped music,

and begin to smell the comforting odour of and begin to smell the comforting odour of

warm drink and tobacco that always seems to warm drink and tobacco that always seems to


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emit from a bar or public house, no matter the emit from a bar or public house, no matter the

standard or location. standard or location.

The yellow light through the open doorway The yellow light through the open doorway

was cutting a shaft through the driving rain was cutting a shaft through the driving rain

and every now and again, blasts of wind would and every now and again, blasts of wind would

drive the rain into the bar. It felt warm and drive the rain into the bar. It felt warm and

safe as he entered the building, and shaking safe as he entered the building, and shaking

the rain off his coat he ordered a double the rain off his coat he ordered a double

scotch, no ice. He was cold enough, he didn’t scotch, no ice. He was cold enough, he didn’t

need help. need help.

The bar was very nearly empty save for a The bar was very nearly empty save for a

couple of guys talking in one corner and a couple of guys talking in one corner and a

lone, rather plain looking woman struggling lone, rather plain looking woman struggling

against all odds to remain vertical at the bar. against all odds to remain vertical at the bar.


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She is slowly loosing the battle, She is slowly loosing the battle,

thought Rick, as he made his way to a secluded thought Rick, as he made his way to a secluded

table, tucked behind a rather sad looking table, tucked behind a rather sad looking

plant that hadn’t seen sight of natural plant that hadn’t seen sight of natural

sunlight since it had been plucked from a sunlight since it had been plucked from a

local graveyard several months ago. local graveyard several months ago.

From where he sat, leaning on his seat, his From where he sat, leaning on his seat, his

back to the wall and facing the bar, Rick back to the wall and facing the bar, Rick

could see into the street, water running down could see into the street, water running down

the kerbs as though a nearby dam had burst, the kerbs as though a nearby dam had burst,

and the occasional passer-by struggling and the occasional passer-by struggling

against all odds to keep dry. Why should against all odds to keep dry. Why should

anyone be out at this time of night, and in anyone be out at this time of night, and in

this weather? It was quite beyond Rick. this weather? It was quite beyond Rick.

Given the choice he would be home tucked up Given the choice he would be home tucked up

with a good book and a glass or two of single with a good book and a glass or two of single

malt malt

Throwing back the scotch Rick’s mind began Throwing back the scotch Rick’s mind began


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to clear and the realisation of what he had to clear and the realisation of what he had

witnessed earlier began to fill his brain. witnessed earlier began to fill his brain.

Ordering another double he removed his soggy Ordering another double he removed his soggy

coat, shook it, covering the table with spots coat, shook it, covering the table with spots

of water, and clasped his glass between his of water, and clasped his glass between his

cold wet hands. The meeting earlier this cold wet hands. The meeting earlier this

morning had been fairly explicit. The Home morning had been fairly explicit. The Home

Secretary had received a note to say that his Secretary had received a note to say that his

daughter had been kidnapped on her way into daughter had been kidnapped on her way into

the college, and a ransom of five hundred the college, and a ransom of five hundred

thousand pounds was demanded for her release. thousand pounds was demanded for her release.

Rick had felt at the time that this was a Rick had felt at the time that this was a

strange amount to demand. They could have strange amount to demand. They could have

asked for a lot more. Why didn’t they? And asked for a lot more. Why didn’t they? And

then to deliberately blow the whole lot up; it then to deliberately blow the whole lot up; it

just didn’t make any sense at all. just didn’t make any sense at all.

These thoughts were still spinning around in These thoughts were still spinning around in

his head when a short, dark haired guy, his head when a short, dark haired guy,


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wearing a smart grey raincoat entered the bar. wearing a smart grey raincoat entered the bar.

The rain following him into the building like The rain following him into the building like

a trusted dog, covering the floor with a layer a trusted dog, covering the floor with a layer

of water that threatened to run into many of of water that threatened to run into many of

the dark corners of the room. the dark corners of the room.

“God, what a dreadful night” he muttered as “God, what a dreadful night” he muttered as

he approached the bar. “Make it a double he approached the bar. “Make it a double

brandy” and shook the rain from his coat brandy” and shook the rain from his coat

before taking the glass from the sad looking before taking the glass from the sad looking

guy loitering behind the bar. guy loitering behind the bar.

Rick noticed that although this guy had a Rick noticed that although this guy had a

saturated coat, the rest of him appeared saturated coat, the rest of him appeared

reasonably dry so guessed that he had run in reasonably dry so guessed that he had run in

from, maybe, a car parked fairly close outside from, maybe, a car parked fairly close outside

in the street. The stranger took a drink from in the street. The stranger took a drink from

his glass and glanced around at the occupants his glass and glanced around at the occupants

of the bar, lingering slightly when he spotted of the bar, lingering slightly when he spotted

Rick. Their eyes met and for a brief moment Rick. Their eyes met and for a brief moment


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Rick was sure that he had met this guy Rick was sure that he had met this guy

sometime before. Rick was also quick to sometime before. Rick was also quick to

notice that at this stage the woman had gone. notice that at this stage the woman had gone.

The smallest flash of light, a sound like a The smallest flash of light, a sound like a

firecracker, and a sharp searing pain was all firecracker, and a sharp searing pain was all

Rick was aware of as the thirty-eight bullet Rick was aware of as the thirty-eight bullet

tore through his shirt and into his chest. He tore through his shirt and into his chest. He

saw the smoke stained ceiling come down to saw the smoke stained ceiling come down to

meet him as he hit the sodden floor and the meet him as he hit the sodden floor and the

lights went out. lights went out.

Rick could painfully feel the warm stain Rick could painfully feel the warm stain

making its way down his chest as his eyes making its way down his chest as his eyes

began to focus on the world around him. He began to focus on the world around him. He

appeared to be in the boot of a car speeding appeared to be in the boot of a car speeding

its way along the narrow winding streets that its way along the narrow winding streets that

lead down to the river. He could feel the car lead down to the river. He could feel the car

roll drunkenly as it took the bends far too roll drunkenly as it took the bends far too

fast, and heard the whoosh of water as it fast, and heard the whoosh of water as it


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ploughed its way through flooded sections of ploughed its way through flooded sections of

the road. The water trying desperately to get the road. The water trying desperately to get

inside the boot with him. Eventually the inside the boot with him. Eventually the

vehicle stopped, reversed, and then silence vehicle stopped, reversed, and then silence

except for a distant foghorn and siren that except for a distant foghorn and siren that

seemed to be miles away. seemed to be miles away.

The boot lid was unlocked and flung open, The boot lid was unlocked and flung open,

and Rick was roughly manhandled onto the cold, and Rick was roughly manhandled onto the cold,

wet granite quayside. Try as he did, he wet granite quayside. Try as he did, he

couldn’t make out the identity of the two couldn’t make out the identity of the two

standing over him, but he thought he smelt standing over him, but he thought he smelt

some expensive perfume. A swift senseless some expensive perfume. A swift senseless

kick in the small of his back from one of the kick in the small of his back from one of the

kidnappers and Rick felt himself falling into kidnappers and Rick felt himself falling into

darkness and with a loud splash that echoed darkness and with a loud splash that echoed

through his entire body, he hit the icy cold through his entire body, he hit the icy cold

water. Then silence again. As he struggled water. Then silence again. As he struggled

to get back to the surface Rick saw the car, a to get back to the surface Rick saw the car, a


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dark blue BMW 5 series, pull quickly away from dark blue BMW 5 series, pull quickly away from

the quayside and head for the city centre. the quayside and head for the city centre.

The stinking river water was bitterly cold The stinking river water was bitterly cold

and breaking the surface between layers of and breaking the surface between layers of

flotsam and unpleasant smelling weed, Rick flotsam and unpleasant smelling weed, Rick

felt the strong ebbing tide begin to drag him felt the strong ebbing tide begin to drag him

along. With all of the remaining strength along. With all of the remaining strength

that he could muster, he made a desperate grab that he could muster, he made a desperate grab

for a rusty set of landing steps barely for a rusty set of landing steps barely

attached to the quay side, and hung there attached to the quay side, and hung there

desperately trying to get some breath, his desperately trying to get some breath, his

feet still submerged and treading the filthy feet still submerged and treading the filthy

oil stained water. oil stained water.

It was now very dark; most of the lights had It was now very dark; most of the lights had

gone out. The rain had actually stopped and gone out. The rain had actually stopped and

there was a bitterly cold mist that had there was a bitterly cold mist that had

started to roll in from the river. He could started to roll in from the river. He could

make out the shapes of numerous warehouses make out the shapes of numerous warehouses


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fronting the river, some emitting shafts of fronting the river, some emitting shafts of

dull white light into the night air. There dull white light into the night air. There

was the familiar sound of the mast ties was the familiar sound of the mast ties

flapping on many small yachts tied up in the flapping on many small yachts tied up in the

various basins spread along the river. A various basins spread along the river. A

raucous party was in full swing on a nearby raucous party was in full swing on a nearby

houseboat moored not one hundred metres from houseboat moored not one hundred metres from

where he clung for his life. He could feel where he clung for his life. He could feel

himself shivering and felt the feeling going himself shivering and felt the feeling going

from his legs and fingers and knew that very from his legs and fingers and knew that very

quickly; somehow he had to get dry and warm. quickly; somehow he had to get dry and warm.

The bullet must have gone right through him The bullet must have gone right through him

because although there was a lot of blood, because although there was a lot of blood,

nothing appeared to have been seriously nothing appeared to have been seriously

damaged as the bullet had penetrated his damaged as the bullet had penetrated his

chest. Whether or not the gunman had been one chest. Whether or not the gunman had been one

of the two in the car, he couldn’t be sure, of the two in the car, he couldn’t be sure,

but he sincerely hoped that he would meet him but he sincerely hoped that he would meet him


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again one day. The same guy didn’t usually again one day. The same guy didn’t usually

catch Rick twice. In fact it was unusual for catch Rick twice. In fact it was unusual for

Rick to get hit at all. In the long time that Rick to get hit at all. In the long time that

he had been involved in this sort of work, he he had been involved in this sort of work, he

had never taken a bullet or actually fired a had never taken a bullet or actually fired a

gun. gun.

Suddenly, somewhere from out of the misty Suddenly, somewhere from out of the misty

gloom a car rounded the end of a nearby gloom a car rounded the end of a nearby

warehouse, and drove onto the quay. The car’s warehouse, and drove onto the quay. The car’s

headlights casting beams of bright white light headlights casting beams of bright white light

that bored through the mist and out into the that bored through the mist and out into the

river beyond. It came to a halt at the top of river beyond. It came to a halt at the top of

the steel steps. A door opened and a hand the steel steps. A door opened and a hand

reached down to Rick. reached down to Rick.

“Come on you old fool, you weren’t suppose “Come on you old fool, you weren’t suppose

to get involved, I heard what had happened to get involved, I heard what had happened

from a mate at the Yard”. from a mate at the Yard”.

Rick couldn’t believe his ears. Here was Rick couldn’t believe his ears. Here was


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the guy that with his own eyes he had seen the guy that with his own eyes he had seen

blown sky high just a few sodden hours ago. blown sky high just a few sodden hours ago.

“Adam, you bastard, how on earth did you get “Adam, you bastard, how on earth did you get

here, and what the hell is going on?” here, and what the hell is going on?”

It was no mean effort to get Rick up and out It was no mean effort to get Rick up and out

of the river with the chest injury and his of the river with the chest injury and his

soaked clothing adding to his weight, but very soaked clothing adding to his weight, but very

carefully easing Rick up the rungs of the carefully easing Rick up the rungs of the

ladder, he helped him gently into the back of ladder, he helped him gently into the back of

his car, Adam began to explain what had gone his car, Adam began to explain what had gone

on. on.

It had been a set-It had been a set-up. A member of the same up. A member of the same

gang that had kidnapped the girl had placed gang that had kidnapped the girl had placed

the ransom money. He had been discovered the ransom money. He had been discovered

earlier in the day and had said during earlier in the day and had said during

questioning that something was going to happen questioning that something was going to happen

during the hand over. Nobody could discover during the hand over. Nobody could discover

what it might be, so the powers to be had what it might be, so the powers to be had


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decided that the money would be placed by this decided that the money would be placed by this

guy, and Adam would be very close by to watch guy, and Adam would be very close by to watch

the drop. Rick had been told to watch from the drop. Rick had been told to watch from

the roof in case something had gone wrong. the roof in case something had gone wrong.

Somehow he must have been spotted and followed Somehow he must have been spotted and followed

to the bar. to the bar.

“Okay, but how did you know I was here” “Okay, but how did you know I was here”

enquired Rick. enquired Rick.

“We received a tip off from a woman about a “We received a tip off from a woman about a

couple of hours ago. The information was couple of hours ago. The information was

vague, so I have been searching the quay areas vague, so I have been searching the quay areas

since. I’m glad that I found you”, since. I’m glad that I found you”,

“Not as much as me” chipped in Rick as he “Not as much as me” chipped in Rick as he

slowly sank into the warm comfort of the car’s slowly sank into the warm comfort of the car’s

rear seat and closed his eyes. rear seat and closed his eyes.

Not unlike a lot of other folk who made Not unlike a lot of other folk who made

their living working in London, Rick lived in their living working in London, Rick lived in

a quiet town, Worthing, situated on the South a quiet town, Worthing, situated on the South


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coast betwixt Brighton and Littlehampton. coast betwixt Brighton and Littlehampton.

Worthing many years ago in Victorian times was Worthing many years ago in Victorian times was

a very well frequented sea side resort. Many a very well frequented sea side resort. Many

holidaymakers would make their way by whatever holidaymakers would make their way by whatever

transport was available to the south coast for transport was available to the south coast for

sun, sand, and sea. Worthing was and still is sun, sand, and sea. Worthing was and still is

recognised as a gentle resort catering for the recognised as a gentle resort catering for the

mainly over forties. The town is presently mainly over forties. The town is presently

rapidly expanding with many new housing rapidly expanding with many new housing

developments springing up around the town developments springing up around the town

centre. The new developments are designed not centre. The new developments are designed not

only for the young families moving into this only for the young families moving into this

area from the ‘darker’ northern counties but area from the ‘darker’ northern counties but

also as a means to providing affordable also as a means to providing affordable


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housing for the first time buyer and young housing for the first time buyer and young

couple starting off on their married life couple starting off on their married life

together. The increase in population has also together. The increase in population has also

resulted in an influx of commercial and resulted in an influx of commercial and

industrial developments and is the base for a industrial developments and is the base for a

few multi-national companies and industries. few multi-national companies and industries.

Rick rented a small privately owned detached Rick rented a small privately owned detached

bungalow situated in one of the older and bungalow situated in one of the older and

quieter areas of Worthing providing everything quieter areas of Worthing providing everything

that he needed as a single guy. Unfortunately that he needed as a single guy. Unfortunately

Rick was not a gardener, although he loved to Rick was not a gardener, although he loved to

sit amongst the greenery of a well-kept sit amongst the greenery of a well-kept

garden, wineglass in hand, to contemplate life garden, wineglass in hand, to contemplate life

and all that it kept throwing at him. and all that it kept throwing at him.

Fortunately he had found a local gardener who Fortunately he had found a local gardener who

kept the lawn and flowerbeds neat and tidy. kept the lawn and flowerbeds neat and tidy.

There was certainly enough garden to separate There was certainly enough garden to separate

him from the road and neighbours, and to have him from the road and neighbours, and to have


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the occasional Bar-B-the occasional Bar-B-Que for himself and every Que for himself and every

now and again his adult sons. As it was now and again his adult sons. As it was

somewhere miles away from the aggravation of somewhere miles away from the aggravation of

work and the constant hassle that his job work and the constant hassle that his job

entailed, Rick felt that the bungalow offered entailed, Rick felt that the bungalow offered

him sufficient solace to keep him sane (well him sufficient solace to keep him sane (well

at least to a tolerable level) and gave him at least to a tolerable level) and gave him

some very valuable space. some very valuable space.

Slowly opening his eyes, (dreading to find Slowly opening his eyes, (dreading to find

that all was not well), Rick discovered that that all was not well), Rick discovered that

he was, in fact, back home and lying in his he was, in fact, back home and lying in his

own bed. His gun shot wounds had been treated own bed. His gun shot wounds had been treated

and bandaged and except for the pain in his and bandaged and except for the pain in his

chest he actually felt a damn sight better. chest he actually felt a damn sight better.

His tired and bloodshot eyes slowly focused on His tired and bloodshot eyes slowly focused on

the shape of Adam sitting on the edge of his the shape of Adam sitting on the edge of his

bed and he wondered what this was all about. bed and he wondered what this was all about.

“You’ve had a very lucky escape Rick, Your “You’ve had a very lucky escape Rick, Your


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doctor has just been and has said that you doctor has just been and has said that you

must spend a few more days in bed to get your must spend a few more days in bed to get your

strength back”, Adam whispered gently as he strength back”, Adam whispered gently as he

bent to puff out Rick’s pillow and straighten bent to puff out Rick’s pillow and straighten

his covers. “Would you like something to his covers. “Would you like something to

drink, nothing alcoholic though?” drink, nothing alcoholic though?”

Rick stretched and painfully raised himself Rick stretched and painfully raised himself

up on to the pillows. “What-ever, the up on to the pillows. “What-ever, the

principal thing on my mind at the moment is to principal thing on my mind at the moment is to

sort this whole bloody episode out”. sort this whole bloody episode out”.

“Well I’m afraid that’s totally out of the “Well I’m afraid that’s totally out of the

question old mate” replied Adam as he left to question old mate” replied Adam as he left to

fetch the drink. fetch the drink.

“We’ve both been taken off this case and I “We’ve both been taken off this case and I

have instructions to warn you, that if you are have instructions to warn you, that if you are

seen involving yourself in this matter, your seen involving yourself in this matter, your

head will be for the chop. And that was from head will be for the chop. And that was from

high!” high!”


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Rick was astounded. How could they just Rick was astounded. How could they just

remove him from the case? He has just been remove him from the case? He has just been

shot at for God’s sake. He had to do shot at for God’s sake. He had to do

something, if only to find the gunman who had something, if only to find the gunman who had

tried to send him to his maker. He wasn’t tried to send him to his maker. He wasn’t

going until he was good and ready. And it going until he was good and ready. And it

wasn’t now. He wasn’t use to be used as a wasn’t now. He wasn’t use to be used as a

human target for some nutter with a gun. He human target for some nutter with a gun. He

wasn’t in too good a condition to argue with wasn’t in too good a condition to argue with

Adam at the moment, but that would soon Adam at the moment, but that would soon

change. All he needed was a couple of day’s change. All he needed was a couple of day’s

rest at home. rest at home.

After checking that Rick was comfortable, After checking that Rick was comfortable,

Adam soon left, and Rick was alone to think. Adam soon left, and Rick was alone to think.

He still couldn’t believe that whoever was He still couldn’t believe that whoever was

involved, they wouldn’t have destroyed five involved, they wouldn’t have destroyed five

hundred thousand pounds without a very sound hundred thousand pounds without a very sound

reason. Once he had solved this, Rick felt reason. Once he had solved this, Rick felt


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that he would be well on the way to finding that he would be well on the way to finding

the gunman who tried to shut him up once and the gunman who tried to shut him up once and

for all. for all.

Rick was never the sort of guy to just lay Rick was never the sort of guy to just lay

back and think of England. He needed to back and think of England. He needed to

occupy his mind whilst recovering and enjoyed occupy his mind whilst recovering and enjoyed

trying to outsmart some of the newspaper trying to outsmart some of the newspaper

crosswords. He was pretty good at the crosswords. He was pretty good at the

standard word puzzles, but the cryptic clues standard word puzzles, but the cryptic clues

often drove him to despair. It needed a often drove him to despair. It needed a

warped mind to solve them, he thought. warped mind to solve them, he thought.

Thankfully, within a couple of days, Rick Thankfully, within a couple of days, Rick

was up and about and ready to get back to was up and about and ready to get back to

work. He had been told by his colleague, work. He had been told by his colleague,

Adam, that he must keep well out of sight, so Adam, that he must keep well out of sight, so

decided that whatever he did, it would, decided that whatever he did, it would,

initially at least, have to be done at night. initially at least, have to be done at night.

That coming evening there was a harvest moon, That coming evening there was a harvest moon,


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and fairly clear. There was a nip in the air, and fairly clear. There was a nip in the air,

but after being indoors for the past few days, but after being indoors for the past few days,

Rick felt glad to feel the fresh air. His Rick felt glad to feel the fresh air. His

first port of call was to the square where the first port of call was to the square where the

explosion had occurred, so made the two-hour explosion had occurred, so made the two-hour

drive to the Docklands Area where he arrived drive to the Docklands Area where he arrived

undetected. He left his old but reliable undetected. He left his old but reliable

Primera in a small back street close to the Primera in a small back street close to the

square and then made the rest of the way square and then made the rest of the way

slowly on foot. slowly on foot.

Rick had always treated the many cars that Rick had always treated the many cars that

he had owned or borrowed as purely a means of he had owned or borrowed as purely a means of

getting from A to B as quickly and as getting from A to B as quickly and as

comfortably as possible. They were a tool to comfortably as possible. They were a tool to

be used in the execution of his work, and as be used in the execution of his work, and as

long as they started first time and ran long as they started first time and ran

reliably without too many problems they were reliably without too many problems they were

fine. For a while a couple of years ago, Rick fine. For a while a couple of years ago, Rick


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had worked on the renovation of an old MG had worked on the renovation of an old MG

Midget. The car was purchased in running Midget. The car was purchased in running

condition but gradually required more and more condition but gradually required more and more

work to be done to keep the vehicle on the work to be done to keep the vehicle on the

road, most of this work being body work road, most of this work being body work

related and corrosion prevention. As he only related and corrosion prevention. As he only

ever owned one car at a time, any work done on ever owned one car at a time, any work done on

the car had to be completed over a weekend so the car had to be completed over a weekend so

that it was mobile again the following Monday. that it was mobile again the following Monday.

Eventually this became impossible so a second Eventually this became impossible so a second

car, the Primera, was purchased and the MG car, the Primera, was purchased and the MG

stored in the garage. stored in the garage.

Any one who has ever worked on classic cars Any one who has ever worked on classic cars

will tell you that storing a car in a lock up will tell you that storing a car in a lock up

garage is doomed to failure as the car will garage is doomed to failure as the car will

eventually corrode away leaving a pile of eventually corrode away leaving a pile of

expensive dust. Rick therefore, somewhat expensive dust. Rick therefore, somewhat

regretfully, decided that it made far more regretfully, decided that it made far more


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sense to sell the car on to someone who had sense to sell the car on to someone who had

the ability and time to restore it correctly, the ability and time to restore it correctly,

which left him with the Primera. A little which left him with the Primera. A little

like himself. Old but reliable with very few like himself. Old but reliable with very few

vices. vices.

As Rick explored the precinct he was able to As Rick explored the precinct he was able to

confirm that the buildings in this area were confirm that the buildings in this area were

mainly used as offices. The vast majority had mainly used as offices. The vast majority had

been respectfully converted and refurbished been respectfully converted and refurbished

from the original Regency styled buildings from the original Regency styled buildings

that were once expensive dwellings for the that were once expensive dwellings for the

wealthier population. The streets for the wealthier population. The streets for the

most part had been cobbled and turned into most part had been cobbled and turned into

pedestrian precincts. Every now and again pedestrian precincts. Every now and again

Rick would find a range of bench seating, Rick would find a range of bench seating,

small tables bolted to the ground, and small tables bolted to the ground, and

attractive Regency styled street furniture. attractive Regency styled street furniture.

As Rick approached the square itself, he As Rick approached the square itself, he


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noticed that the ‘Police Keep Clear’ ribbons noticed that the ‘Police Keep Clear’ ribbons

had been removed and replaced by a series of had been removed and replaced by a series of

steel mesh security fencing around the damaged steel mesh security fencing around the damaged

area. Much of the repairs for damage caused area. Much of the repairs for damage caused

to adjoining buildings was well underway and to adjoining buildings was well underway and

there was an obvious indication of the local there was an obvious indication of the local

residents and shopkeepers wanting to get back residents and shopkeepers wanting to get back

to normal. to normal.

There was not much to see in or around the There was not much to see in or around the

hole caused by the explosive devise, except hole caused by the explosive devise, except

several damaged cables, a temporarily repaired several damaged cables, a temporarily repaired

water pipe, and a series of optical cables water pipe, and a series of optical cables

probably servicing the computers and IT for probably servicing the computers and IT for

the offices fronting the square. Some of the the offices fronting the square. Some of the

nearest buildings showed signs of blast damage nearest buildings showed signs of blast damage

with fire staining on the woodwork around with fire staining on the woodwork around

openings and the occasional patch of masonry. openings and the occasional patch of masonry.

The passageway along which Rick had seen the The passageway along which Rick had seen the


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man run just after the explosion was to the man run just after the explosion was to the

Northeast of the square and he reckoned a look Northeast of the square and he reckoned a look

in this area might just reveal something in this area might just reveal something

useful and may previously have been overlooked useful and may previously have been overlooked

by the ‘scenes of crime’ team. by the ‘scenes of crime’ team.

Making his way slowly around the edge of the Making his way slowly around the edge of the

square, Rick could hear himself breathing and square, Rick could hear himself breathing and

the gentle slap of his footsteps on the the gentle slap of his footsteps on the

cobbles. Occasionally he had the disquieting cobbles. Occasionally he had the disquieting

notion that he was being watched from notion that he was being watched from

somewhere within the square. One of the somewhere within the square. One of the

corners of the paved area seemed to lead to a corners of the paved area seemed to lead to a

feeder road, which in turn would probably feed feeder road, which in turn would probably feed

back into the main road at the beginning of back into the main road at the beginning of

the precinct. The area was considerably the precinct. The area was considerably

darker here as the lights on the square didn’t darker here as the lights on the square didn’t

quite reach this far, and Rick felt a slight quite reach this far, and Rick felt a slight

shiver as the hairs on the back of his neck shiver as the hairs on the back of his neck


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began to rise. began to rise.

An indistinct sound just behind him made An indistinct sound just behind him made

Rick turn and in the corner of his eye he Rick turn and in the corner of his eye he

noticed the end of a shadow disappear into the noticed the end of a shadow disappear into the

darkness. His pulse began to race and he darkness. His pulse began to race and he

could feel his head begin to spin. Perhaps it could feel his head begin to spin. Perhaps it

was too soon after the shooting for him to be was too soon after the shooting for him to be

doing this, but he was here now and had to doing this, but he was here now and had to

find out what was going on. An old wooden find out what was going on. An old wooden

door tucked into the side of a building just door tucked into the side of a building just

to the front and right of him, creaked, and to the front and right of him, creaked, and

closed to. One of the lights in the square closed to. One of the lights in the square

behind him flickered and went out, and he was behind him flickered and went out, and he was

for a short while plunged into complete for a short while plunged into complete

darkness. A sound like that of rushing air darkness. A sound like that of rushing air


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made him turn in fear and as the clenched fist made him turn in fear and as the clenched fist

caught the side of his jaw, his world began to caught the side of his jaw, his world began to

spin. Rick grasped at a nearby street sign spin. Rick grasped at a nearby street sign

for support, and as the words ‘Kindly place for support, and as the words ‘Kindly place

your rubbish here’ came into focus; he hit the your rubbish here’ came into focus; he hit the

damp cobbled street with a soft thud. damp cobbled street with a soft thud.

His swollen eyes were finding it extremely His swollen eyes were finding it extremely

difficult to focus on anything. Rick’s entire difficult to focus on anything. Rick’s entire

world was spinning like a demented top and it world was spinning like a demented top and it

made him feel sick. The pain from the side of made him feel sick. The pain from the side of

his face completely obliterated the pain from his face completely obliterated the pain from

his chest wound and he felt as though he had his chest wound and he felt as though he had

just gone ten rounds with a bulldozer. He was just gone ten rounds with a bulldozer. He was

still attached to the sign with his right fist still attached to the sign with his right fist

clenched around the steel pole and he was on clenched around the steel pole and he was on

his back staring up between two deserted his back staring up between two deserted

office blocks. Reminiscent of the days as a office blocks. Reminiscent of the days as a

young beat copper on the regular Friday night young beat copper on the regular Friday night


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binge, usually just following an Indian binge, usually just following an Indian

takeaway with several mates. takeaway with several mates.

“These cobbles were just not designed to be “These cobbles were just not designed to be

slept on” he muttered to himself, desperately slept on” he muttered to himself, desperately

trying to convince his legs that they should trying to convince his legs that they should

get themselves vertical. They would have to get themselves vertical. They would have to

do it on their own though. He was in no do it on their own though. He was in no

condition to assist. For some reason his fist condition to assist. For some reason his fist

wouldn’t leave hold of the pole. It was still wouldn’t leave hold of the pole. It was still

dark but he could just make out that the sun dark but he could just make out that the sun

was reflecting on rising yet again, and he had was reflecting on rising yet again, and he had

absolutely no idea as to how long he had been absolutely no idea as to how long he had been

lying there. His back told him that it had lying there. His back told him that it had

been for too long and was not particularly been for too long and was not particularly

forgiving. forgiving.

Eventually back on his feet, Rick made Eventually back on his feet, Rick made

himself gingerly back to the car. Once in the himself gingerly back to the car. Once in the

driving seat he started the engine and lay driving seat he started the engine and lay


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there waiting for the warm air to bring him there waiting for the warm air to bring him

round. Although to be honest he didn’t really round. Although to be honest he didn’t really

care. A knock on the driver’s window made him care. A knock on the driver’s window made him

sit up with a start, and turning to the window sit up with a start, and turning to the window

he could see the concerned face of his mate, he could see the concerned face of his mate,

Adam. Adam.

“What the hell are you doing here, Rick?” he “What the hell are you doing here, Rick?” he

asked attempting to open the locked door. asked attempting to open the locked door.

“I just wanted a second look at the “I just wanted a second look at the

explosion site. I needed to try and get my explosion site. I needed to try and get my

mind clear on what may have happened”, replied mind clear on what may have happened”, replied

Rick as he scrambled to open the door and Rick as he scrambled to open the door and

almost fell back out of the car. almost fell back out of the car.

Adam had taken a step back and had his hand Adam had taken a step back and had his hand

on the roof of the car. “Rick, I explained on the roof of the car. “Rick, I explained

what would happen if you were seen around what would happen if you were seen around

here. Bugger off and keep your head down, here. Bugger off and keep your head down,

otherwise I won’t be able to prevent something otherwise I won’t be able to prevent something


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happening to you”. Saying this he put his happening to you”. Saying this he put his

hand on Rick’s shoulder and disappeared around hand on Rick’s shoulder and disappeared around

the corner of the building. the corner of the building.

Rick lowered himself back into the car and Rick lowered himself back into the car and

drove off in the direction of his office. drove off in the direction of his office.

Many of Rick’s colleagues as private Many of Rick’s colleagues as private

detectives were these days employed by large detectives were these days employed by large

agencies dealing with every aspect of private agencies dealing with every aspect of private

investigation and were based in large purpose investigation and were based in large purpose

designed and built office locks in the city designed and built office locks in the city

centre. They were often retained by the centre. They were often retained by the

larger establishments to monitor employer larger establishments to monitor employer

loyalty, confidentiality issues, and the loyalty, confidentiality issues, and the

occasional case of industrial espionage. Rick occasional case of industrial espionage. Rick

would always try to refuse any assignment that would always try to refuse any assignment that

would involve personal relationships and would involve personal relationships and

concentrated on specific inquiries usually concentrated on specific inquiries usually

linked to police action of some sort or linked to police action of some sort or


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another. It was generally safer that way. another. It was generally safer that way.

Rick had established himself in a small Rick had established himself in a small

first floor lock-up just off the main High first floor lock-up just off the main High

Street. Not particularly plush, but smart Street. Not particularly plush, but smart

enough to impress the normal punter, and enough to impress the normal punter, and

guarded by his long time receptionist, Cathy. guarded by his long time receptionist, Cathy.

Cathy had been with Rick for a long time and Cathy had been with Rick for a long time and

was always extremely loyal. She had joined was always extremely loyal. She had joined

the business over five years ago when Rick had the business over five years ago when Rick had

decided to go it alone as it were. Cathy had decided to go it alone as it were. Cathy had

been made a widow during a police raid that been made a widow during a police raid that

had gone seriously wrong leaving her husband, had gone seriously wrong leaving her husband,

a police detective, fatally wounded. At the a police detective, fatally wounded. At the

time Rick was on hand to ease her through the time Rick was on hand to ease her through the

bad times and they came through the whole bad times and they came through the whole

affair as good friends. Nothing more, but she affair as good friends. Nothing more, but she

would never forget what Rick had done for her would never forget what Rick had done for her

and was, therefore, only to pleased to work and was, therefore, only to pleased to work


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with him when he retired from the force with him when he retired from the force

shortly afterwards. shortly afterwards.

Parking in his allocated parking bay, Rick Parking in his allocated parking bay, Rick

locked his car and climbed the old timber locked his car and climbed the old timber

stairs leading to the hallway feeding the many stairs leading to the hallway feeding the many

offices on the first floor. The block had offices on the first floor. The block had

been recently built, but was sparsely been recently built, but was sparsely

decorated with magnolia painted plastered decorated with magnolia painted plastered

walls and ceiling, and a cheap industrial walls and ceiling, and a cheap industrial

standard carpet covering the concrete floor. standard carpet covering the concrete floor.

Many of the offices had impressive entrance Many of the offices had impressive entrance

ways with names engraved in gold on hardwood ways with names engraved in gold on hardwood

plaques, but Rick’s office had the standard plaques, but Rick’s office had the standard

glass entrance door with ‘Rick Shore - Private glass entrance door with ‘Rick Shore - Private

Investigator’ in black script lettering on the Investigator’ in black script lettering on the

upper glass panel. upper glass panel.

Cathy was collecting the morning post from Cathy was collecting the morning post from

the ground floor post room as he entered the the ground floor post room as he entered the


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office, and Rick didn’t notice the man waiting office, and Rick didn’t notice the man waiting

in his private office, until he entered the in his private office, until he entered the

room throwing his dirt stained coat onto a room throwing his dirt stained coat onto a

nearby chair. nearby chair.

“So, Rick Shore, I presume,” said the “So, Rick Shore, I presume,” said the

stranger as Rick came into view. stranger as Rick came into view.

Startled, Rick spun round to see a tall, Startled, Rick spun round to see a tall,

distinguished looking man rise from his seat. distinguished looking man rise from his seat.

“You have me at a disadvantage”, managed “You have me at a disadvantage”, managed

Rick as he gained ground once more. Rick as he gained ground once more.

“Yes, sorry if I made you jump, Let me “Yes, sorry if I made you jump, Let me

introduce myself” and raising his hand for a introduce myself” and raising his hand for a

shake, “I’m Jon Blake. I’m with the Fraud shake, “I’m Jon Blake. I’m with the Fraud

Squad” Rick shook his hand and returned to his Squad” Rick shook his hand and returned to his

desk and favourite chair. He felt more desk and favourite chair. He felt more

comfortable in familiar surroundings. comfortable in familiar surroundings.

“So Jon, to what do I owe this pleasure?” “So Jon, to what do I owe this pleasure?”

Jon strolled casually over to Rick’s desk, Jon strolled casually over to Rick’s desk,


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pulled out the chair from under the desk and pulled out the chair from under the desk and

planted himself gently down. planted himself gently down.

“Please sit down, Mr Shore,” he said, “Please sit down, Mr Shore,” he said,

pointing to Rick’s chair. Rick obligingly sat pointing to Rick’s chair. Rick obligingly sat

down, resting his elbows on the top of the down, resting his elbows on the top of the

desk. desk.

Pulling a file from inside his coat, his Pulling a file from inside his coat, his

visitor placed several typewritten sheets face visitor placed several typewritten sheets face

up in front of Rick. Without moving his arms, up in front of Rick. Without moving his arms,

Rick glanced down and scanned the data on Rick glanced down and scanned the data on

display, to be honest, not making an awful lot display, to be honest, not making an awful lot

of sense out of what he was seeing. of sense out of what he was seeing.

“Okay” said Rick, “What is this all suppose “Okay” said Rick, “What is this all suppose

to mean, and more importantly, what has it to to mean, and more importantly, what has it to

do with me?” do with me?”

Raising his glaze towards Rick, Jon Raising his glaze towards Rick, Jon

explained that the documents in front of them explained that the documents in front of them

were lists of a sample of credit card were lists of a sample of credit card


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transactions that had been intersected by transactions that had been intersected by

someone, transferring the funds to an someone, transferring the funds to an

untraceable European bank account. untraceable European bank account.

“I want to employ you to trace some of these “I want to employ you to trace some of these

transactions and discover if there is anything transactions and discover if there is anything

that tie these all together”. that tie these all together”.

Easing himself from his chair, Rick Easing himself from his chair, Rick

explained that he had very little knowledge of explained that he had very little knowledge of

credit card fraud, and asked why he had been credit card fraud, and asked why he had been

selected. selected.

“I am beginning to think that this operation “I am beginning to think that this operation

is being co-is being co-ordinated by someone or some ordinated by someone or some

people in reasonably high positions so to people in reasonably high positions so to

avoid unnecessary gossip or scandal I need avoid unnecessary gossip or scandal I need

someone who is no longer associated with the someone who is no longer associated with the

Force and, to be frank, not a threat to Force and, to be frank, not a threat to

anyone” anyone”

Rick was not sure if this was a compliment Rick was not sure if this was a compliment


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or not, but, hey he needed the work, and it or not, but, hey he needed the work, and it

would take his mind of the reason events. would take his mind of the reason events.

“Okay Jon, I accept, but I must have “Okay Jon, I accept, but I must have

complete autonomy over the way I run this complete autonomy over the way I run this

case, and all expenses paid”. case, and all expenses paid”.

“No problem”, confirmed Jon as he rose from “No problem”, confirmed Jon as he rose from

his chair and made for the door. his chair and made for the door.

“Have a look at what I have given you, and “Have a look at what I have given you, and

keep me up to date with any progress. If keep me up to date with any progress. If

anything goes wrong though, we have never met anything goes wrong though, we have never met

and you’re on your own”. With that, he left and you’re on your own”. With that, he left

the office and made his way back into the open the office and made his way back into the open

corridor. corridor.

Spreading the papers over his desk, Rick Spreading the papers over his desk, Rick

could see a series of columns taken from a could see a series of columns taken from a

spreadsheet of some sort. The columns were spreadsheet of some sort. The columns were

headed ‘Card Issuer’, ‘Amount’, Date headed ‘Card Issuer’, ‘Amount’, Date

Authorised’, ‘Date Transferred from Payee’, Authorised’, ‘Date Transferred from Payee’,


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and finally ‘Date Credited to Merchant’. Rick and finally ‘Date Credited to Merchant’. Rick

was by no means an expert in financial matters was by no means an expert in financial matters

(completing his own tax returns was a (completing his own tax returns was a

challenge in itself), so he decided to pay a challenge in itself), so he decided to pay a

visit to an old contact of his. visit to an old contact of his.

During his long career within the police During his long career within the police

force Rick had made many contacts. His fair force Rick had made many contacts. His fair

dealing attitude and sense of what was right dealing attitude and sense of what was right

led many of these contacts to keep in touch led many of these contacts to keep in touch

well after his retirement and were generally well after his retirement and were generally

fairly happy to help out now and again. fairly happy to help out now and again.

One of these faithful contacts was a guy One of these faithful contacts was a guy

called Sam. Rick never actually knew his full called Sam. Rick never actually knew his full

name, or even if Sam was actually his first name, or even if Sam was actually his first

name, but he could always be relied upon to name, but he could always be relied upon to

help if he could. Sam was an accountant. help if he could. Sam was an accountant.

Was, as in the past. He had been removed from Was, as in the past. He had been removed from

the list of Chartered and Certified the list of Chartered and Certified


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Accountants for a slight indiscretion a few Accountants for a slight indiscretion a few

years ago and was currently employed by a firm years ago and was currently employed by a firm

of Bookmakers, on an unofficial basis, to of Bookmakers, on an unofficial basis, to

advise on their bookkeeping arrangements. advise on their bookkeeping arrangements.

He had a large house though, on the He had a large house though, on the

outskirts of London, and Rick never quite outskirts of London, and Rick never quite

understood how he ever managed to buy it, let understood how he ever managed to buy it, let

alone maintain it. However he was a good alone maintain it. However he was a good

friend from way back and Rick was sure that friend from way back and Rick was sure that

Sam could explain what all the figures meant. Sam could explain what all the figures meant.

And, importantly, keep his mouth shut. And, importantly, keep his mouth shut.

As Rick pulled into Sam’s long sweeping As Rick pulled into Sam’s long sweeping

drive leading up to an impressive front door, drive leading up to an impressive front door,

he was still puzzling over the fact that the he was still puzzling over the fact that the

Fraud Squad had approached him at all. This Fraud Squad had approached him at all. This

was still going over in his mind when the was still going over in his mind when the

front door opened and his friend, Sam, front door opened and his friend, Sam,

welcomed him in. welcomed him in.


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“Long time no see Rick”, Sam said as he “Long time no see Rick”, Sam said as he

ushered Rick into the lounge. ushered Rick into the lounge.

A magnificent room with wide glazed sliding A magnificent room with wide glazed sliding

doors opening onto a panorama straight from a doors opening onto a panorama straight from a

holiday guide. Wide, beautifully tended holiday guide. Wide, beautifully tended

lawns, neat flowerbeds, and a series of water lawns, neat flowerbeds, and a series of water

features spread around the lawn and patio features spread around the lawn and patio

areas. The furniture was sparse but extremely areas. The furniture was sparse but extremely

comfortable and complimented the décor, which comfortable and complimented the décor, which

breathed relaxation and peace. breathed relaxation and peace.

“Thanks for agreeing to see me Sam, “said “Thanks for agreeing to see me Sam, “said

Rick as he lowered himself into one of the Rick as he lowered himself into one of the

very inviting armchairs. very inviting armchairs.

“You’re very welcome, Rick” replied Sam, “You’re very welcome, Rick” replied Sam,

“It’s great to see you again after all this “It’s great to see you again after all this

time. What do you drink?” time. What do you drink?”


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Rick was still suffering from his chest Rick was still suffering from his chest

wound and was unsure about taking alcohol, but wound and was unsure about taking alcohol, but

what the hell, what the hell,

“A double scotch, please Sam, no ice” Sam “A double scotch, please Sam, no ice” Sam

disappeared into a small bar area and returned disappeared into a small bar area and returned

shortly with a drink for himself and Rick. shortly with a drink for himself and Rick.

“Now then, Rick, how can I help you?” “Now then, Rick, how can I help you?”

Rick took out the various papers and spread Rick took out the various papers and spread

them on to a glass coffee table in front of them on to a glass coffee table in front of

him. him.

“I can understand the various columns, and “I can understand the various columns, and

see what is happening, but could you explain see what is happening, but could you explain

the implications of all this?” the implications of all this?”

Sam took the first sheet of data and leaning Sam took the first sheet of data and leaning

back in his chair studiously looked through back in his chair studiously looked through

the contents. the contents.

Placing the document back on the table, and Placing the document back on the table, and

taking a small sip from his glass, (it looked taking a small sip from his glass, (it looked


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like Sam was also partial to a tot of single like Sam was also partial to a tot of single

malt), he commented malt), he commented

“Okay Rick, this is what appears to be “Okay Rick, this is what appears to be

happening, although to be honest, I can’t happening, although to be honest, I can’t

understand how. You could be looking at the understand how. You could be looking at the

greatest scam ever” greatest scam ever”

Sam picked up his glass from the table and Sam picked up his glass from the table and

sat back down in his chair sat back down in his chair

“Rick, if you purchase an item on the “Rick, if you purchase an item on the

internet and pay for it with your debit or internet and pay for it with your debit or

credit card, this amount is debited to your credit card, this amount is debited to your

account immediately the transaction is account immediately the transaction is

completed. At the end of the month, or when completed. At the end of the month, or when

you decide to transfer funds from your you decide to transfer funds from your

personal account to your credit card account personal account to your credit card account

to cover the latest month’s expenditure, the to cover the latest month’s expenditure, the

amount is debited against your personal amount is debited against your personal

account immediately, but is not credited account immediately, but is not credited


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against your credit card account for several against your credit card account for several

days. This can be up to five working days days. This can be up to five working days

after you make the transfer. after you make the transfer.

Somehow, someone is intercepting the Somehow, someone is intercepting the

transfers to the credit card account and transfers to the credit card account and

relaying them to an unlisted high interest relaying them to an unlisted high interest

account somewhere within the EU, where it account somewhere within the EU, where it

remains for five days. After this time the remains for five days. After this time the

funds are forwarded on to your credit card funds are forwarded on to your credit card

account. Nobody realises that the scam has account. Nobody realises that the scam has

occurred and everyone is happy. It is a very occurred and everyone is happy. It is a very

clever trick and I am surprised that nobody clever trick and I am surprised that nobody

has done it before, but there you are”. has done it before, but there you are”.

“But surely”, cut in Rick, not totally “But surely”, cut in Rick, not totally

appreciating what he had heard,” Five days appreciating what he had heard,” Five days

interest would not amount to much. It’s interest would not amount to much. It’s

hardly worth the effort”. hardly worth the effort”.

“Hold on”, explained Sam, placing his glass “Hold on”, explained Sam, placing his glass


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back down on the table and lifting his back down on the table and lifting his

calculator, “In any twenty four hour period it calculator, “In any twenty four hour period it

is estimated that one hundred and fifty is estimated that one hundred and fifty

million dollars is spent on the internet. The million dollars is spent on the internet. The

majority of this is cleared by credit or debit majority of this is cleared by credit or debit

card. Assuming that the scam is able to card. Assuming that the scam is able to

generate four- percent interest on the funds generate four- percent interest on the funds

this would produce an income of almost this would produce an income of almost

seventeen thousand dollars a day, for doing seventeen thousand dollars a day, for doing

absolutely nothing. This amounts to almost absolutely nothing. This amounts to almost

six million dollars a year. And this assumes six million dollars a year. And this assumes

an interest rate of only four- percent. Some an interest rate of only four- percent. Some

merchant bankers are paying considerably merchant bankers are paying considerably

more”. more”.

“That’s incredible”, concluded Rick, “I see “That’s incredible”, concluded Rick, “I see

what you mean. Thanks for the explanation. what you mean. Thanks for the explanation.

Goodness knows where I go from here though. Goodness knows where I go from here though.

In fact I am not sure why they have selected In fact I am not sure why they have selected


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me to sort it out. Surely it is for a me to sort it out. Surely it is for a

specialist group. I’m not in any way specialist group. I’m not in any way

financially knowledgeable. Mind you, financially knowledgeable. Mind you,

theoretically I guess nobody is actually theoretically I guess nobody is actually

losing money”. losing money”.

“No, not quite Rick. The card issuers are “No, not quite Rick. The card issuers are

the losers because they would normally have the losers because they would normally have

access to these funds for the three to five access to these funds for the three to five

day period between the client transferring the day period between the client transferring the

funds, and the credit appearing on his card funds, and the credit appearing on his card

account”. account”.

Rick gathered up the paperwork and headed Rick gathered up the paperwork and headed

towards the door. “Thanks again Sam, I shall towards the door. “Thanks again Sam, I shall

probably be in touch again soon” probably be in touch again soon”

“Not so long this time, Rick. It’s been “Not so long this time, Rick. It’s been

good to see you. Take care”. good to see you. Take care”.

Rick returned to his car and drove slowly Rick returned to his car and drove slowly

back on to the main road. His head was back on to the main road. His head was


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spinning with all sorts of ideas and he spinning with all sorts of ideas and he

desperately needed a meal. desperately needed a meal.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Rick had had a mind-blowing day and was in Rick had had a mind-blowing day and was in

no mood to prepare a meal, so against his no mood to prepare a meal, so against his

better judgement (the diet would have to better judgement (the diet would have to

wait), he pulled up alongside his local fish wait), he pulled up alongside his local fish

and chip restaurant, locked his car doors and and chip restaurant, locked his car doors and

made his way towards the shop. Rick hadn’t made his way towards the shop. Rick hadn’t

noticed, but some one hundred metres back a noticed, but some one hundred metres back a

maroon estate car had pulled into the side of maroon estate car had pulled into the side of

the road and tucked itself neatly behind a the road and tucked itself neatly behind a

parked van. parked van.

A local Chinese family who had moved into A local Chinese family who had moved into

the area a few years ago ran this particular the area a few years ago ran this particular

fish and chip shop. They very quickly fish and chip shop. They very quickly

established a reputation for well prepared established a reputation for well prepared

food and the prices were reasonable. Rick had food and the prices were reasonable. Rick had


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been amazed when, over a beer with a close been amazed when, over a beer with a close

friend a few weeks ago, discussing the local friend a few weeks ago, discussing the local

economy, just how many of the local fish and economy, just how many of the local fish and

chip restaurants were now being operated by chip restaurants were now being operated by

Chinese proprietors. In many respects it was Chinese proprietors. In many respects it was

a great shame, but surely a sign of the times. a great shame, but surely a sign of the times.

Rick’s favourite fish meal was Haddock and Rick’s favourite fish meal was Haddock and

Chips, so having placed an order, he took a Chips, so having placed an order, he took a

seat backing on to the road and waited seat backing on to the road and waited

patiently for his meal to be prepared. There patiently for his meal to be prepared. There

were not many customers this evening and he were not many customers this evening and he

really couldn’t understand how this business really couldn’t understand how this business

ever made any money. However, with a smart ever made any money. However, with a smart

new silver grey BMW parked outside, somebody new silver grey BMW parked outside, somebody

obviously was. It always smelt good inside obviously was. It always smelt good inside

the shop and somewhat comforting, so it was of the shop and somewhat comforting, so it was of

no surprise that he had to be shaken awake by no surprise that he had to be shaken awake by

the restaurant owner who exclaimed that his the restaurant owner who exclaimed that his


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meal was ready. Wrapped in the latest meal was ready. Wrapped in the latest

newspaper, the meal smelt very appetising and newspaper, the meal smelt very appetising and

felt comfortably warm as he strolled back to felt comfortably warm as he strolled back to

the car. the car.

As he headed off for the short drive home, As he headed off for the short drive home,

Rick was still trying to come to terms with Rick was still trying to come to terms with

what he had learnt today. He was so pre- what he had learnt today. He was so pre-

occupied that he didn’t notice the estate car occupied that he didn’t notice the estate car

pull out behind him. The lights from his car pull out behind him. The lights from his car

lit up the road ahead showing that it had lit up the road ahead showing that it had

rained fairly recently, but had now stopped. rained fairly recently, but had now stopped.

A young couple was walking their dog, a white A young couple was walking their dog, a white

Spaniel, on the pavement, and a middle-aged Spaniel, on the pavement, and a middle-aged

woman was delivering the local free newspaper, woman was delivering the local free newspaper,

with the use of a pushchair as a temporary with the use of a pushchair as a temporary

trolley. Life here seemed very normal, and it trolley. Life here seemed very normal, and it

was difficult to believe that so much had was difficult to believe that so much had

happened over the past few days. Rick’s happened over the past few days. Rick’s


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bungalow came into view, and at first slowly bungalow came into view, and at first slowly

driving past, he reversed into his driveway driving past, he reversed into his driveway

and parked just in front of his garage doors. and parked just in front of his garage doors.

The meal was delicious, helped down with a The meal was delicious, helped down with a

glass or two of ‘CECCHI, Sangiovese Di glass or two of ‘CECCHI, Sangiovese Di

Toscani’ red wine, one of his favourites. 2001 Toscani’ red wine, one of his favourites. 2001

had been a very good year. Feeling warm and had been a very good year. Feeling warm and

very comfortable, Rick decided that enough was very comfortable, Rick decided that enough was

enough. There was nothing that he could do enough. There was nothing that he could do

tonight, there was very little on the tonight, there was very little on the

television, so an early night was decided upon television, so an early night was decided upon

and he retired to bed. and he retired to bed.

The driver of the car parked a few yards The driver of the car parked a few yards

back from Rick’s house and waited until the back from Rick’s house and waited until the

lights in the bungalow were extinguished. He lights in the bungalow were extinguished. He

then made a quick call on his mobile and drove then made a quick call on his mobile and drove

off. He would be back early in the morning to off. He would be back early in the morning to

resume the watch and, if necessary, deal with resume the watch and, if necessary, deal with


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any difficulties. any difficulties.

Rick always had difficulty sleeping. The Rick always had difficulty sleeping. The

initial few hours were fine. In fact he initial few hours were fine. In fact he

usually fell fast asleep as soon as his head usually fell fast asleep as soon as his head

hit the pillow. However, inevitably, a few hit the pillow. However, inevitably, a few

hours later he was wide-hours later he was wide-awake. From then on awake. From then on

the best he could do was to ‘cat nap’ until the best he could do was to ‘cat nap’ until

dawn. The snatching of short periods of sleep dawn. The snatching of short periods of sleep

would cause Rick to experience many short, but would cause Rick to experience many short, but

vivid dreams. Many of these were a vivid dreams. Many of these were a

conglomeration of his past, but now and again conglomeration of his past, but now and again

some would appear to be almost premonitions of some would appear to be almost premonitions of

times to come. One day he would pay a visit times to come. One day he would pay a visit

to a local psychologist who would perhaps help to a local psychologist who would perhaps help

him to settle his mind somewhat. him to settle his mind somewhat.

The shrill ring of Rick’s patent white The shrill ring of Rick’s patent white

telephone shattered the quiet peace of the new telephone shattered the quiet peace of the new

dawn. Struggling to regain consciousness Rick dawn. Struggling to regain consciousness Rick


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reached out to the telephone, only to succeed reached out to the telephone, only to succeed

in pushing a small delicate vase of roses onto in pushing a small delicate vase of roses onto

the bedroom carpet. Cursing under his breath, the bedroom carpet. Cursing under his breath,

Rick grabbed the handset and with very little Rick grabbed the handset and with very little

grace enquired as to whom was there at this grace enquired as to whom was there at this

unholy hour. unholy hour.

“Rick, you old sod. What have you been up “Rick, you old sod. What have you been up

to?” to?”

Rick immediately recognised the voice as Rick immediately recognised the voice as

belonging to Adam. belonging to Adam.

“Bloody hell, Adam, why ring me at this hour “Bloody hell, Adam, why ring me at this hour

with such a stupid question. You some sort of with such a stupid question. You some sort of

moron?” moron?”

“Hold on, I heard a rumour that you were “Hold on, I heard a rumour that you were

looking into a credit card fraud, and just looking into a credit card fraud, and just

wanted to check that you were okay”. wanted to check that you were okay”.

“My God, word travels fast” replied Rick, “My God, word travels fast” replied Rick,

not altogether clear as how Adam had found not altogether clear as how Adam had found


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out, “but Yes, I’m fine. But why the hell out, “but Yes, I’m fine. But why the hell

ring me at this time? Couldn’t it have waited ring me at this time? Couldn’t it have waited

‘till later?” ‘till later?”

Rick could hear that Adam was in an office Rick could hear that Adam was in an office

somewhere. There were several people talking somewhere. There were several people talking

in the background and he could make out in the background and he could make out

telephones, and a computer keyboard being telephones, and a computer keyboard being

used. used.

“I’m being temporarily transferred to a new “I’m being temporarily transferred to a new

office some miles away, and have to move this office some miles away, and have to move this

morning so called whilst I was at the office. morning so called whilst I was at the office.

Sorry if I woke you. I will call you again Sorry if I woke you. I will call you again

sometime later. Cheers sometime later. Cheers

“The telephone went silent and he was gone. “The telephone went silent and he was gone.

That same night, it was almost two-thirty in That same night, it was almost two-thirty in

the morning when a small grey BMW pulled up the morning when a small grey BMW pulled up

outside the large, rather impressive detached outside the large, rather impressive detached

house on the outskirts of London. The house on the outskirts of London. The


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prestigious detached property, probably built prestigious detached property, probably built

in the late eighteen hundreds, was surrounded in the late eighteen hundreds, was surrounded

on all sides by a high flint faced wall capped on all sides by a high flint faced wall capped

with a continuous run of broken glass. The with a continuous run of broken glass. The

only entrance being a pair of formidable only entrance being a pair of formidable

looking cast iron gates locked and bolted from looking cast iron gates locked and bolted from

inside. There were specialist CCTV cameras inside. There were specialist CCTV cameras

distributed throughout the grounds keeping a distributed throughout the grounds keeping a

careful watch on anyone entering or leaving careful watch on anyone entering or leaving

the premises, and high tech. trip alarms the premises, and high tech. trip alarms

spread randomly around the site. spread randomly around the site.

The air was deathly still, with only a very The air was deathly still, with only a very

slight breeze moving the nearby trees gently slight breeze moving the nearby trees gently

to and fro. The dark night sky was filled to and fro. The dark night sky was filled

with millions of brightly shining galaxies with millions of brightly shining galaxies

each adding weight to the argument that we are each adding weight to the argument that we are

not alone. not alone.

As the car pulled quietly up to the kerb, As the car pulled quietly up to the kerb,


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the engine was stopped and the passenger the engine was stopped and the passenger

quietly got out and made his way to the front quietly got out and made his way to the front

gate. Removing a small steel box from his gate. Removing a small steel box from his

inside coat pocket, he flicked a switch and a inside coat pocket, he flicked a switch and a

short brass pin extended from the box to a short brass pin extended from the box to a

length of about fifty millimetres. A bright length of about fifty millimetres. A bright

red light also began to glow on the side of red light also began to glow on the side of

the box. He directed the brass pin at the the box. He directed the brass pin at the

main lock and it sprung silently free. main lock and it sprung silently free.

Repeating the operation on the side bolts Repeating the operation on the side bolts

rendered the gate open. rendered the gate open.

He replaced the box as he squeezed through He replaced the box as he squeezed through

the partly opened gates and stood looking for the partly opened gates and stood looking for

signs of alarms or guards. signs of alarms or guards.

From the other inside pocket, he removed a From the other inside pocket, he removed a

Siemens palm top computer and touching the Siemens palm top computer and touching the

screen with his finger brought up the menu. screen with his finger brought up the menu.

Selecting a combination of codes, the screen Selecting a combination of codes, the screen


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was soon displaying the site layout of the was soon displaying the site layout of the

building in front of him, together with the building in front of him, together with the

location of alarms and sentry positions. location of alarms and sentry positions.

Walking slowly and very carefully towards Walking slowly and very carefully towards

the house, he could make out a light at a the house, he could make out a light at a

first floor window just in front of him and first floor window just in front of him and

glancing at his computer, noted that it was glancing at his computer, noted that it was

the master bedroom. Good, his target was the master bedroom. Good, his target was

readying himself for bed. This should make it readying himself for bed. This should make it

easier. The original front door was a solid easier. The original front door was a solid

oak panelled door with a series of high oak panelled door with a series of high

security bolts and seemed impossible to open security bolts and seemed impossible to open

without disturbing the resident, so he began without disturbing the resident, so he began

an inspection of the ground floor windows and an inspection of the ground floor windows and

remaining doors. Working his way methodically remaining doors. Working his way methodically

around the house he came across a small larder around the house he came across a small larder

window that didn’t appear to have been locked window that didn’t appear to have been locked

correctly and was slightly ajar. He passed a correctly and was slightly ajar. He passed a


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short steel bar against the stay and the short steel bar against the stay and the

window sprung open. Inside was complete window sprung open. Inside was complete

darkness and the only thing that he could hear darkness and the only thing that he could hear

was the sound of a grandfather clock coming was the sound of a grandfather clock coming

from somewhere deep inside the house. from somewhere deep inside the house.

In fact he hardly heard the sound behind him In fact he hardly heard the sound behind him

until it was too late, and a swift and heavy until it was too late, and a swift and heavy

blow to the back of his neck sent him reeling blow to the back of his neck sent him reeling

backwards onto the flower beds below the backwards onto the flower beds below the

window. He thought that he could make out a window. He thought that he could make out a

figure climbing in through the now open figure climbing in through the now open

window, but that was all and very soon window, but that was all and very soon

darkness and pain took over and he was out. darkness and pain took over and he was out.

He must have been out cold for only a short He must have been out cold for only a short

while, and wasn’t sure if it was his colleague while, and wasn’t sure if it was his colleague

who had woken him, the piercing sound of the who had woken him, the piercing sound of the

alarms, or the smell of burning. But whatever alarms, or the smell of burning. But whatever

it was, he knew that he had to get away from it was, he knew that he had to get away from


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here as fast as he could. here as fast as he could.

The house was totally ablaze. Ugly, thick The house was totally ablaze. Ugly, thick

dense black smoke was billowing from almost dense black smoke was billowing from almost

every opening and crevice, with vivid orange every opening and crevice, with vivid orange

flame forcing itself through the smoke and flame forcing itself through the smoke and

escaping into the outside air. The tortured escaping into the outside air. The tortured

night sky was filled with falling debris that night sky was filled with falling debris that

seemed to explode on impact with what remained seemed to explode on impact with what remained

of the house. The entire roof seemed to have of the house. The entire roof seemed to have

been lifted from its supports exposing burning been lifted from its supports exposing burning

rafters, joists and a collection of twisted rafters, joists and a collection of twisted

steel fittings. Not a single window was left steel fittings. Not a single window was left

intact and as he struggled back to the safety intact and as he struggled back to the safety

of his car, he heard, and occasionally felt, of his car, he heard, and occasionally felt,

shards of broken glass singing through the shards of broken glass singing through the

cold night air. cold night air.

This had to be a massive bomb. This was not This had to be a massive bomb. This was not

a normal blast. Whoever and whatever had a normal blast. Whoever and whatever had


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caused this atrocity to happen didn’t intend caused this atrocity to happen didn’t intend

much of the house and occupants to survive. much of the house and occupants to survive.

This had been set by someone with no respect This had been set by someone with no respect

for life or the environment and was the work for life or the environment and was the work

of a dangerous man. of a dangerous man.

As he reached the car, and his colleague As he reached the car, and his colleague

started the engine, he looked back to see what started the engine, he looked back to see what

still remained of the house collapse into a still remained of the house collapse into a

hell hole of fire, and the surrounding night hell hole of fire, and the surrounding night

sky glowed a frightening shade of orange. sky glowed a frightening shade of orange.

“Let’s go, and quick” he screamed, slamming “Let’s go, and quick” he screamed, slamming

the car door shut and sinking into the warm the car door shut and sinking into the warm

security of his seat. security of his seat.

The car disappeared off into the night. The car disappeared off into the night.

Seven-thirty and Rick’s alarm clock radio Seven-thirty and Rick’s alarm clock radio

announced that it was time to rise. Making a announced that it was time to rise. Making a


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sudden move at this time of the morning was sudden move at this time of the morning was

not advisable, so Rick slowly rubbed the sleep not advisable, so Rick slowly rubbed the sleep

from his eyes and pumping up his pillows rose from his eyes and pumping up his pillows rose

slowly to a sitting position. Terry Wogan was slowly to a sitting position. Terry Wogan was

welcoming the new morning with his usual Irish welcoming the new morning with his usual Irish

charm and banter and all seemed well with the charm and banter and all seemed well with the

world. At least for this short moment. world. At least for this short moment.

Minutes later and Rick had showered and was Minutes later and Rick had showered and was

preparing his usual breakfast of a boiled egg preparing his usual breakfast of a boiled egg

and pitta bread. A good start to any day. and pitta bread. A good start to any day.

The weather had brightened up considerably, The weather had brightened up considerably,

and if you were very fortunate you could spot and if you were very fortunate you could spot

the sun desperately trying to break through the sun desperately trying to break through

the clouds which were lingering high above. the clouds which were lingering high above.

Maybe it will succeed later, Rick thought. Maybe it will succeed later, Rick thought.

It was while Rick was counting the three It was while Rick was counting the three

minutes for his egg, that he heard the news minutes for his egg, that he heard the news

announcement on the radio. announcement on the radio.


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“There has been a massive explosion at a “There has been a massive explosion at a

property in the London area and Police property in the London area and Police

searching the remains have discovered the body searching the remains have discovered the body

of the owner, a Mr. Samuel Hodgkins, a retired of the owner, a Mr. Samuel Hodgkins, a retired

accountant. Foul play was suspected, and a accountant. Foul play was suspected, and a

man had been seen running from the building man had been seen running from the building

shortly before the blast occurred”. shortly before the blast occurred”.

Four minutes - five minutes - abruptly Rick Four minutes - five minutes - abruptly Rick

came back to the present and realised that his came back to the present and realised that his

egg had been well and truly boiled. But Sam, egg had been well and truly boiled. But Sam,

he had only just recently been talking to him. he had only just recently been talking to him.

They had discussed the debit fraud; nothing They had discussed the debit fraud; nothing

seemed out of the ordinary. What could Sam seemed out of the ordinary. What could Sam

have done that had provoked such an attack? have done that had provoked such an attack?

What a world we live in - this is complete What a world we live in - this is complete

madness. Fraud, okay, but murder, now that is madness. Fraud, okay, but murder, now that is

something quite different. A ring on his something quite different. A ring on his

doorbell shattered Rick’s thoughts, and giving doorbell shattered Rick’s thoughts, and giving


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up with the egg once and for all, he made his up with the egg once and for all, he made his

way down the hallway. way down the hallway.

“Mr Rick Shore” asked the taller of the two “Mr Rick Shore” asked the taller of the two

men standing in front of him, men standing in front of him,

“Who want’s to know?” replied Rick with that “Who want’s to know?” replied Rick with that

sense of something bad building up inside him. sense of something bad building up inside him.

“I’m DCI Scott” showing Rick his warrant “I’m DCI Scott” showing Rick his warrant

card, “and this is my colleague, DI Thompson” card, “and this is my colleague, DI Thompson”

indicating his partner, who too showed Rick indicating his partner, who too showed Rick

his card. his card.

“Okay, so I’m Rick Shore. What can I do for “Okay, so I’m Rick Shore. What can I do for

you guys?” you guys?”

“I have to ask you to come back to the “I have to ask you to come back to the

station with us. We need to ask you a few station with us. We need to ask you a few

questions” answered the DCI. questions” answered the DCI.

“Questions, about what?” Rick was beginning “Questions, about what?” Rick was beginning

to feel this particular sense developing to feel this particular sense developing

badly, and the thought of accompanying these badly, and the thought of accompanying these


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two was worrying him considerably. two was worrying him considerably.

“I’m afraid that I can’t say at this stage, “I’m afraid that I can’t say at this stage,

sir, but I am certain that it will only be for sir, but I am certain that it will only be for

a short while. We have to clear up one or two a short while. We have to clear up one or two

issues that have recently come to light” “If issues that have recently come to light” “If

you prefer it sir, we can obtain a warrant for you prefer it sir, we can obtain a warrant for

your arrest, but none of us want this, do we your arrest, but none of us want this, do we

sir?” sir?”

This time it was the other guy, DI something This time it was the other guy, DI something

or other and judging by the look that he got or other and judging by the look that he got

from his boss, had not been the right thing to from his boss, had not been the right thing to

say. This was a lot more serious than Rick say. This was a lot more serious than Rick

had thought. had thought.

“Okay” followed Rick, “I’ll get my coat and “Okay” followed Rick, “I’ll get my coat and

be with you” be with you”

Sitting in the back of a car with these two Sitting in the back of a car with these two

morons had not been part of Rick’s plans for morons had not been part of Rick’s plans for

the day and he still felt that something was the day and he still felt that something was


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not right here. The ID cards looked real not right here. The ID cards looked real

enough, and the photographs matched each guy, enough, and the photographs matched each guy,

but that feeling would still not go away. but that feeling would still not go away.

“What station are we going to?” enquired “What station are we going to?” enquired

Rick of the DCI sitting next to him Rick of the DCI sitting next to him

“Just a local nick where we can have a “Just a local nick where we can have a

private chat. That okay?” replied the DCI. private chat. That okay?” replied the DCI.

No this was definitely not okay. It was No this was definitely not okay. It was

about time that Rick left this party of three, about time that Rick left this party of three,

and quick. and quick.

Rick had noticed that the driver had locked Rick had noticed that the driver had locked

all of the doors before starting off, so it all of the doors before starting off, so it

would be impossible to escape from the car would be impossible to escape from the car

using the door. using the door.

“DI Thompson, may I open my window, please. “DI Thompson, may I open my window, please.

I need some air?” I need some air?”

The DI shrugged “If you must” The DI shrugged “If you must”

To get through the now open window seemed an To get through the now open window seemed an


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impossible task, but this was probably the impossible task, but this was probably the

only means of escape and when desperate, only means of escape and when desperate,

anything is worth a try. About a hundred anything is worth a try. About a hundred

yards ahead the traffic was beginning to slow yards ahead the traffic was beginning to slow

as it approached a series of road works. as it approached a series of road works.

Never before was he so happy to see the Never before was he so happy to see the

traffic come to a halt through road works. traffic come to a halt through road works.

Rick felt that this was the opportunity that Rick felt that this was the opportunity that

he had been looking for. The car in front had he had been looking for. The car in front had

slowed to a halt to allow three workmen to slowed to a halt to allow three workmen to

pass across the stream of traffic towing lines pass across the stream of traffic towing lines

of Optical cable probably for a new telephone of Optical cable probably for a new telephone

network. Rick’s car also came to a halt, and network. Rick’s car also came to a halt, and

realising the opportunity that may now present realising the opportunity that may now present

itself to Rick, the DCI raised the open itself to Rick, the DCI raised the open

window. window.

“Damn and blast” thought Rick, but noticed “Damn and blast” thought Rick, but noticed

the roof light was partly held open only by a the roof light was partly held open only by a


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small plastic clip. small plastic clip.

Rick was never an agile man. He preferred Rick was never an agile man. He preferred

the diplomatic approach to any confrontation the diplomatic approach to any confrontation

rather than to physical effort, especially rather than to physical effort, especially

where some athletic ability was required. To where some athletic ability was required. To

even conceive diving through an open roof even conceive diving through an open roof

light seemed ludicrous, but a partly closed light seemed ludicrous, but a partly closed

one. A miracle was needed. one. A miracle was needed.

It had to be now, so throwing himself upward It had to be now, so throwing himself upward

through the roof vent, the window smashed open through the roof vent, the window smashed open

and bouncing of the car, Rick landed face down and bouncing of the car, Rick landed face down

onto a pile of builder’s sand some two metres onto a pile of builder’s sand some two metres

from the car. from the car.

Stunned, the DCI was struggling to get the Stunned, the DCI was struggling to get the

door open. “For Christ’s sake, open the door open. “For Christ’s sake, open the

bloody doors. I can’t get out” bloody doors. I can’t get out”

Picking himself up, Rick could see that his Picking himself up, Rick could see that his

hosts were also leaving the car (albeit using hosts were also leaving the car (albeit using


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the more traditional method) and would soon be the more traditional method) and would soon be

on him. on him.

He sprang to his feet (his agility even He sprang to his feet (his agility even

surprising himself) and headed for an open surprising himself) and headed for an open

trench that ran parallel with the road and trench that ran parallel with the road and

about two metres deep. Glancing behind, Rick about two metres deep. Glancing behind, Rick

saw that the two guys had somehow mastered the saw that the two guys had somehow mastered the

sand, and were entering the trench not far sand, and were entering the trench not far

behind him. About thirty metres ahead the behind him. About thirty metres ahead the

trench entered a steeply climbing concrete trench entered a steeply climbing concrete

culvert that carried the cables under the culvert that carried the cables under the

road, and as the culvert was unfinished, road, and as the culvert was unfinished,

approximately twenty metres ahead stood a approximately twenty metres ahead stood a

cable drum on a wheeled platform ready to be cable drum on a wheeled platform ready to be

moved forward as the culvert work continued. moved forward as the culvert work continued.

Rick reached the drum just as his captors Rick reached the drum just as his captors

entered the culvert and from behind, using entered the culvert and from behind, using

every ounce of remaining strength; Rick every ounce of remaining strength; Rick


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released the drum break, and pushed the drum released the drum break, and pushed the drum

back down towards the two men. back down towards the two men.

Neither of the two men had a chance of Neither of the two men had a chance of

escaping from the culvert in time and were escaping from the culvert in time and were

both caught by the steel cable drum as it both caught by the steel cable drum as it

gathered speed. Forcing themselves against gathered speed. Forcing themselves against

the side of the culvert they could do nothing the side of the culvert they could do nothing

but watch as Rick made his escape through an but watch as Rick made his escape through an

open escape hatch. In the midst of all of the open escape hatch. In the midst of all of the

confusion, the irate drivers caught up in this confusion, the irate drivers caught up in this

event and the many rubber neckers passing by, event and the many rubber neckers passing by,

Rick was able to merge into the crowd and Rick was able to merge into the crowd and

disappear. disappear.

Once Rick had made his escape from the now Once Rick had made his escape from the now

totally congested main road, he found himself totally congested main road, he found himself

in a narrow back street seemingly going in a narrow back street seemingly going

nowhere. Hiding himself behind a large blue nowhere. Hiding himself behind a large blue

plastic waste bin, he decided that a plan of plastic waste bin, he decided that a plan of


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action was required, otherwise he would be action was required, otherwise he would be

undoubtedly caught again, and sooner rather undoubtedly caught again, and sooner rather

than later. than later.

First of all, who had arranged for him to be First of all, who had arranged for him to be

picked up? It wasn’t the normal plod, and in picked up? It wasn’t the normal plod, and in

any event what had they expected to find out any event what had they expected to find out

from him. As far as Rick knew he had not done from him. As far as Rick knew he had not done

anything that would have sparked such a anything that would have sparked such a

response, unless it was all connected with the response, unless it was all connected with the

hostage situation and his being shot at in the hostage situation and his being shot at in the

bar. bar.

It was still reasonably early in the It was still reasonably early in the

morning, so there was still only a few people morning, so there was still only a few people

about and would be easily spotted if he tried about and would be easily spotted if he tried

to get back home now. Who did he know in this to get back home now. Who did he know in this

area who would put him up for a few hours area who would put him up for a few hours

until the dust had settled. A few years ago until the dust had settled. A few years ago

whilst on a vaguely similar fraud case, he had whilst on a vaguely similar fraud case, he had


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met up with a young woman whom he remembered met up with a young woman whom he remembered

did have an apartment quite near here. Maybe did have an apartment quite near here. Maybe

she would remember him. Even after all these she would remember him. Even after all these

years he hadn’t changed much, except for the years he hadn’t changed much, except for the

loss of hair, and the concerned ‘lived in’ loss of hair, and the concerned ‘lived in’

look on his face. look on his face.

Nicole was her name, and quite a stunner, or Nicole was her name, and quite a stunner, or

so Rick remembered. It would be good to see so Rick remembered. It would be good to see

her again. Brushing his clothes down to her again. Brushing his clothes down to

remove traces of sand from the building site, remove traces of sand from the building site,

and dust from the tidy-and dust from the tidy-bin, Rick made his way bin, Rick made his way

to the apartment block, and approached the to the apartment block, and approached the

entrance door. Each apartment was protected entrance door. Each apartment was protected

by an intruder alarm and a call button was by an intruder alarm and a call button was


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available for each occupier. Scanning the available for each occupier. Scanning the

list of names, Rick recognised Nicole’s and list of names, Rick recognised Nicole’s and

pressed the button. pressed the button.

“Hello” came the voice through the speaker. “Hello” came the voice through the speaker.

“Can I help you?” “Can I help you?”

“I sincerely hope so. Is that Nicole?” “I sincerely hope so. Is that Nicole?”

enquired Rick enquired Rick

“It might be. Who’s asking?” Why are people “It might be. Who’s asking?” Why are people

so afraid these days? It’s not natural. so afraid these days? It’s not natural.

“Nicole, It’s me, Rick Shore. We met a few “Nicole, It’s me, Rick Shore. We met a few

years ago. I could really do with some help years ago. I could really do with some help

about now. May I come in?” about now. May I come in?”

“Rick. Is that the copper, Rick?” “Rick. Is that the copper, Rick?”

“Yes, that’s right - may I come in?” “Yes, that’s right - may I come in?”

The door buzzer sounded and Rick could hear The door buzzer sounded and Rick could hear

the lock release. Opening the door he walked the lock release. Opening the door he walked

into the foyer and searched for the lift. into the foyer and searched for the lift.

Nicole lived on the sixth floor and Rick had Nicole lived on the sixth floor and Rick had


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no intention of using the stairs. The lift no intention of using the stairs. The lift

doors were concealed behind a small coloured doors were concealed behind a small coloured

glass screen that was reflecting rays of glass screen that was reflecting rays of

coloured light on to the white painted ceiling coloured light on to the white painted ceiling

and walls producing a sort of kaleidoscopic and walls producing a sort of kaleidoscopic

effect. As he approached the lift the doors effect. As he approached the lift the doors

slid open and a well-dressed couple entered slid open and a well-dressed couple entered

the foyer. They were both in their early the foyer. They were both in their early

fifties and seemed anxious not to be seen as fifties and seemed anxious not to be seen as

they slipped quietly into the street. Rick they slipped quietly into the street. Rick

entered the lift, selected the sixth floor, entered the lift, selected the sixth floor,

and wondered what would happen next. and wondered what would happen next.

As the doors slid open, Rick could make out As the doors slid open, Rick could make out

a smart blue carpeted area with matching wall a smart blue carpeted area with matching wall

and ceiling decorations, and an assortment of and ceiling decorations, and an assortment of

pictures and ornaments dressing a pair of pictures and ornaments dressing a pair of

ornamental side tables. There were four doors ornamental side tables. There were four doors

opening on to the landing and Nicole’s was opening on to the landing and Nicole’s was


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immediately to his left. As he approached the immediately to his left. As he approached the

door, a very attractive young woman opened it, door, a very attractive young woman opened it,

probably in her late thirties, immaculately probably in her late thirties, immaculately

dressed in a light blue blouse open at the dressed in a light blue blouse open at the

neck and a pair of slim-fit jeans. She was neck and a pair of slim-fit jeans. She was

bare foot and her long brown hair hung way bare foot and her long brown hair hung way

past her shoulders. If this was Nicole then, past her shoulders. If this was Nicole then,

God, I must look old, thought Rick. This God, I must look old, thought Rick. This

woman was delicious, a sight for sore eyes, woman was delicious, a sight for sore eyes,

everything a man could ever want, and here was everything a man could ever want, and here was

Rick, hoping that she would help him out of a Rick, hoping that she would help him out of a

difficult and dangerous situation. difficult and dangerous situation.

Nicole spoke first Nicole spoke first

“Rick, goodness you have changed since we “Rick, goodness you have changed since we

last met. What on earth have you been doing last met. What on earth have you been doing

to yourself?” to yourself?”

“I don’t believe it. Are you really that “I don’t believe it. Are you really that

young boyish woman that helped us with a case young boyish woman that helped us with a case


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so many years ago? You look wonderful,” so many years ago? You look wonderful,”

exclaimed Rick, moving towards the door. exclaimed Rick, moving towards the door.

“Always the charmer. Come on in. Tell me “Always the charmer. Come on in. Tell me

how I can help. You look as though you could how I can help. You look as though you could

do with a drink” and she gestured for Rick to do with a drink” and she gestured for Rick to

enter her apartment. enter her apartment.

The apartments were not large, but had all The apartments were not large, but had all

of the normal facilities and were very well of the normal facilities and were very well

designed to make use of all of the available designed to make use of all of the available

space. Nicole obviously had a feel for design space. Nicole obviously had a feel for design

as the rooms were carefully decorated and as the rooms were carefully decorated and

furnished to produce a feeling off calmness furnished to produce a feeling off calmness

and quiet, and yet alive and vibrant. A new and quiet, and yet alive and vibrant. A new

CD system was playing a series of ‘Nice and CD system was playing a series of ‘Nice and

Easy’ tunes and it was very difficult to Easy’ tunes and it was very difficult to

remember that they were so close to the main remember that they were so close to the main

road. road.

“Sit down Rick” suggested Nicole pointing to “Sit down Rick” suggested Nicole pointing to


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an easy chair close to the window. an easy chair close to the window.

“Thanks, Nicole. I must explain. If any of “Thanks, Nicole. I must explain. If any of

it makes you feel uncomfortable, let me know it makes you feel uncomfortable, let me know

and I will go. Please, sit down” and I will go. Please, sit down”

“Firstly Rick” replied Nicole as she made “Firstly Rick” replied Nicole as she made

for the chair “Would you like a drink?” for the chair “Would you like a drink?”

“Maybe later, but I must ask for your help” “Maybe later, but I must ask for your help”

Rick took a deep breath and began to explain Rick took a deep breath and began to explain

what had happened over the past few days. what had happened over the past few days.

Starting with the hostage assignment, to being Starting with the hostage assignment, to being

shot in the bar, dumped in the river, picked shot in the bar, dumped in the river, picked

up by the police, and the final escape to her up by the police, and the final escape to her

apartment. Rick even described his meeting apartment. Rick even described his meeting

with Sam and the subsequent explosion. with Sam and the subsequent explosion.

Throughout the describing of the recent Throughout the describing of the recent

events Nicole had kept a serious but concerned events Nicole had kept a serious but concerned

look on her face, but this changed with the look on her face, but this changed with the

announcement of the explosion, and death of announcement of the explosion, and death of


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Sam Hodgkins. Sam Hodgkins.

Suddenly Nicole’s tone changed and she Suddenly Nicole’s tone changed and she

became very agitated. “Are you sure that Sam became very agitated. “Are you sure that Sam

is dead?” she asked. “Has his body been is dead?” she asked. “Has his body been

found. Could it not be someone else?” found. Could it not be someone else?”

Rick rose to his feet and slowly walked over Rick rose to his feet and slowly walked over

to her, placing his hand on her shoulder which to her, placing his hand on her shoulder which

had started to shake with emotion. had started to shake with emotion.

“No, I’m sorry Nicole, but the body has been “No, I’m sorry Nicole, but the body has been

identified by the police as that of Sam. I am identified by the police as that of Sam. I am

sure there is no doubt. I’m very sorry. Did sure there is no doubt. I’m very sorry. Did

you know him?” you know him?”

“Sam was my father. We hadn’t really got on “Sam was my father. We hadn’t really got on

since my mother left us for some gigolo lover, since my mother left us for some gigolo lover,

but he was always there when I needed him. We but he was always there when I needed him. We

had just begun to get to know each other had just begun to get to know each other

again. I really thought that we were making again. I really thought that we were making

progress. Why did it happen Rick, Do you have progress. Why did it happen Rick, Do you have


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any ideas?” Nicole was now trying to pull any ideas?” Nicole was now trying to pull

herself together again but could not hide the herself together again but could not hide the

tears that were running down her beautiful tears that were running down her beautiful

cheeks. cheeks.

“In all this time, I never knew that he was “In all this time, I never knew that he was

your father. I am really sorry. If there is your father. I am really sorry. If there is

anything that I can do” comforted Rick and anything that I can do” comforted Rick and

held her even closer. held her even closer.

“Do you think his death had anything to do “Do you think his death had anything to do

with your visit?” asked Nicole wiping the with your visit?” asked Nicole wiping the

tears with a tissue gained from her jean tears with a tissue gained from her jean

pocket. “Maybe it was more serious than you pocket. “Maybe it was more serious than you

thought” thought”

“I just don’t know” said Rick as he moved to “I just don’t know” said Rick as he moved to

sit down beside her “The more that I see and sit down beside her “The more that I see and

hear makes me wonder if the entire past few hear makes me wonder if the entire past few

days are not connected in some way, but what, days are not connected in some way, but what,

and where do I start?” and where do I start?”


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“For the time being I need somewhere safe to “For the time being I need somewhere safe to

stay...” stay...”

“Of course you can stay here” interrupted “Of course you can stay here” interrupted

Nicole “For as long as you like. You were Nicole “For as long as you like. You were

good to me those many years ago, and I would good to me those many years ago, and I would

love to be able to repay the favour. Maybe I love to be able to repay the favour. Maybe I

can help in other ways as well” can help in other ways as well”

“How do you mean” cut in Rick, somewhat “How do you mean” cut in Rick, somewhat

relieved that at least he had somewhere safe relieved that at least he had somewhere safe

to stay whist he tried to make some sense of to stay whist he tried to make some sense of

all of this. all of this.

“Let me show you something” replied Nicole, “Let me show you something” replied Nicole,

pointing Rick in the direction of a room at pointing Rick in the direction of a room at

the end of the hallway. the end of the hallway.

Opening the door Rick was amazed to see a Opening the door Rick was amazed to see a

suite of six top of the range computers and a suite of six top of the range computers and a

series of junction boxes, printers and series of junction boxes, printers and

switched hubs. There was also several filing switched hubs. There was also several filing


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cabinets, each carefully labelled a couple of cabinets, each carefully labelled a couple of

easy chairs, and a small desk. easy chairs, and a small desk.

“This is where I work” indicated Nicole, “This is where I work” indicated Nicole,

introducing Rick to the various sets of introducing Rick to the various sets of

equipment “and it may just help answer some of equipment “and it may just help answer some of

your questions” your questions”

“What is it that do you. I would never have “What is it that do you. I would never have

guessed that you would be so technically guessed that you would be so technically

minded?” queried Rick, somewhat impressed with minded?” queried Rick, somewhat impressed with

the sight he saw. the sight he saw.

“I am paid, quite handsomely I must admit, “I am paid, quite handsomely I must admit,

to uncover information on people or companies, to uncover information on people or companies,

in fact anything at all. You would be in fact anything at all. You would be

surprised at what people will pay to discover surprised at what people will pay to discover

secrets that were previously hidden away.” secrets that were previously hidden away.”

Nicole’s eyes were beginning to recover their Nicole’s eyes were beginning to recover their

twinkle once more, and she continued “I have twinkle once more, and she continued “I have

independent one megabyte broadband Internet independent one megabyte broadband Internet


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connections to each of these six computers and connections to each of these six computers and

have written a software application that zips have written a software application that zips

any up or download package into six separate any up or download package into six separate

items. Each item is handled by each of the items. Each item is handled by each of the

computers that unscramble the package on computers that unscramble the package on

arrival. As each broadband connection is made arrival. As each broadband connection is made

in series I have the use of effectively a in series I have the use of effectively a

seven hundred and twenty-seven hundred and twenty-megabyte connection. megabyte connection.

Impressive huh!” Impressive huh!”

“Very” chipped in Rick “But how does this “Very” chipped in Rick “But how does this

help me?” help me?”

“Given time I will write a spyder “Given time I will write a spyder

application that will continually troll the application that will continually troll the

internet for any credit or debit transfer at internet for any credit or debit transfer at

any moment in time, and will then analyse the any moment in time, and will then analyse the

time lapse between the debit and credit time lapse between the debit and credit

transfer. If there is any discrepancy in transfer. If there is any discrepancy in

these times, my spyder will trace the account these times, my spyder will trace the account


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to which the funds are being temporarily to which the funds are being temporarily

credited against and we should have your man” credited against and we should have your man”

“How long will this all take? Not that I’m “How long will this all take? Not that I’m

rushing you, but if all this is connected I rushing you, but if all this is connected I

want to get my hands on the guy who shot me” want to get my hands on the guy who shot me”

“Tell you what,” said Nicole “Give me twenty “Tell you what,” said Nicole “Give me twenty

four hours and we can give it a crack” four hours and we can give it a crack”

This was very good news and at last it This was very good news and at last it

seemed that he was getting somewhere. Rick seemed that he was getting somewhere. Rick

felt exhausted and asked if it would be felt exhausted and asked if it would be

possible for him to take a shower and perhaps possible for him to take a shower and perhaps

a short nap. a short nap.

“Of course Rick. Get yourself into the “Of course Rick. Get yourself into the

shower and I will bring you a towel and clean shower and I will bring you a towel and clean

clothes. You’re about the same size as my old clothes. You’re about the same size as my old

dad. You can have some of his clothes. He dad. You can have some of his clothes. He

won’t be needing them any more” won’t be needing them any more”

Rick was guided to the bathroom and very Rick was guided to the bathroom and very


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soon was luxuriating in a warm soapy shower. soon was luxuriating in a warm soapy shower.

All of his worries were being washed away and All of his worries were being washed away and

for that short moment in time he felt happy for that short moment in time he felt happy

and content. Rick heard the bathroom door and content. Rick heard the bathroom door

open and through the steamed up shower cubicle open and through the steamed up shower cubicle

saw Nicole place some clothes and a towel on saw Nicole place some clothes and a towel on

the side table. If only he was twenty or so the side table. If only he was twenty or so

years younger. If only... years younger. If only...

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

It felt fantastic standing in the shower, It felt fantastic standing in the shower,

the hot perfumed jet seemed to wash away all the hot perfumed jet seemed to wash away all

fears and concerns and left Rick feeling fears and concerns and left Rick feeling

refreshed and invigorated. It was as if refreshed and invigorated. It was as if

standing in the womb. Innocence and standing in the womb. Innocence and

freshness. Safe in the care of your mother. freshness. Safe in the care of your mother.

As Rick became engulfed in a mist of sweet As Rick became engulfed in a mist of sweet

smelling steam, he felt that at last a turning smelling steam, he felt that at last a turning

point had been reached and from here on in point had been reached and from here on in


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things would improve. Reaching through the things would improve. Reaching through the

screen for his towel it felt soft and screen for his towel it felt soft and

comforting and as he began drying himself he comforting and as he began drying himself he

realised the great loss of not having a loved realised the great loss of not having a loved

partner with whom he could share his life and partner with whom he could share his life and

experiences, both good and bad. experiences, both good and bad.

“Hey Rick, would you like some breakfast. “Hey Rick, would you like some breakfast.

I’ve already got the coffee on, but how about I’ve already got the coffee on, but how about

some bacon and eggs. How do you feel” some bacon and eggs. How do you feel”

“Oh yes please, I had forgotten how hungry I “Oh yes please, I had forgotten how hungry I

was. That would be great, thanks” replied was. That would be great, thanks” replied

Rick, pulling on the borrowed clothes that Rick, pulling on the borrowed clothes that

did, surprisingly, fit him quite well. did, surprisingly, fit him quite well.

“Well, when you’re ready come into the “Well, when you’re ready come into the

dining room and help yourself to the coffee. dining room and help yourself to the coffee.

The food won’t take long” The food won’t take long”

The dining room was attractively designed The dining room was attractively designed

with a antique oak dining room table and six with a antique oak dining room table and six


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bow rounded chairs all hand carved in a sort bow rounded chairs all hand carved in a sort

of mock Regency style. The floor was covered of mock Regency style. The floor was covered

with a thick pile dark blue carpet and there with a thick pile dark blue carpet and there

were heavy velvet curtains to match. were heavy velvet curtains to match.

Decorating the walls were several individually Decorating the walls were several individually

lit designer framed watercolours depicting lit designer framed watercolours depicting

scenes of the ocean, on a light blue flocked scenes of the ocean, on a light blue flocked

wallpaper. wallpaper.

On the elegant oak side table stood a coffee On the elegant oak side table stood a coffee

jug and several gold rimmed glass coffee mugs, jug and several gold rimmed glass coffee mugs,

similar styled milk and sugar bowls, and a similar styled milk and sugar bowls, and a

selection of wrapped chocolate biscuits. selection of wrapped chocolate biscuits.

Rick carefully helped himself to a coffee, Rick carefully helped himself to a coffee,

added a drop of milk and a single spoonful of added a drop of milk and a single spoonful of

sugar. Declining Rick’s offer of a coffee, sugar. Declining Rick’s offer of a coffee,

Nicole entered the room carrying a plate of Nicole entered the room carrying a plate of

bacon, eggs and fried bread and placed them on bacon, eggs and fried bread and placed them on

the table in front of Rick. She returned to the table in front of Rick. She returned to


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the kitchen and re-the kitchen and re-appeared with some cutlery appeared with some cutlery

and her own coffee that she had taken earlier. and her own coffee that she had taken earlier.

Rick needed no second reminders and eagerly Rick needed no second reminders and eagerly

tucked into the breakfast. tucked into the breakfast.

Whilst eating, Rick was listening to Nicole Whilst eating, Rick was listening to Nicole

as she explained how she would begin working as she explained how she would begin working

on the computer program straight away, and on the computer program straight away, and

should have it ready for testing later that should have it ready for testing later that

evening. In the meantime it would be a good evening. In the meantime it would be a good

idea if Rick would take some time to recover idea if Rick would take some time to recover

himself and perhaps summarise what had himself and perhaps summarise what had

happened to date. Possibly some of the pieces happened to date. Possibly some of the pieces

may start to fit together. may start to fit together.

Six floors down, in the street below, Rick’s Six floors down, in the street below, Rick’s

two captors were still desperately trying to two captors were still desperately trying to

locate their quarry with very little success. locate their quarry with very little success.

Having scoured the entire area surrounding the Having scoured the entire area surrounding the

point where Rick had left the car, they very point where Rick had left the car, they very


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soon came to the conclusion that somehow Rick soon came to the conclusion that somehow Rick

had gone to ground. It was now sometime since had gone to ground. It was now sometime since

he had made his escape so it was very unlikely he had made his escape so it was very unlikely

that he would be found now, at least with only that he would be found now, at least with only

the two of them looking. the two of them looking.

The only thing left to do was to return to The only thing left to do was to return to

base and take whatever consequences were forth base and take whatever consequences were forth

coming. coming.

As the day went on, the weather appeared to As the day went on, the weather appeared to

brighten, and shafts of bright sunlight began brighten, and shafts of bright sunlight began

cutting through the large glazed screens of cutting through the large glazed screens of

the apartment like lasers. Looking up from the apartment like lasers. Looking up from

his bed, Rick could see clouds of light dust his bed, Rick could see clouds of light dust

rising from the floor caught in the beams of rising from the floor caught in the beams of

light. It was very difficult to imagine the light. It was very difficult to imagine the

horror of the past few days and he hoped that horror of the past few days and he hoped that

it had all been a very bad dream. it had all been a very bad dream.

The sun began to fall below the horizon of The sun began to fall below the horizon of


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office blocks and apartments and the room fell office blocks and apartments and the room fell

dark. Shadows began to form in the corners dark. Shadows began to form in the corners

and between the items of furniture and reality and between the items of furniture and reality

began to return. It was almost nine o’clock began to return. It was almost nine o’clock

in the evening when Nicole announced that she in the evening when Nicole announced that she

had completed the program and they were ready had completed the program and they were ready

for a test run. Would Rick like to come and for a test run. Would Rick like to come and

watch? watch?

He pulled himself from the comfort of the He pulled himself from the comfort of the

bed and headed back into Nicole’s office. bed and headed back into Nicole’s office.

Nicole had switched on the six computers and Nicole had switched on the six computers and

they were humming impatiently, waiting for the they were humming impatiently, waiting for the

next command. Each screen had a bright blue next command. Each screen had a bright blue

background and in the top left hand corner, background and in the top left hand corner,

the cursor was flashing expectantly. the cursor was flashing expectantly.

Rick took a seat alongside Nicole at one of Rick took a seat alongside Nicole at one of

the computers and once again realised that she the computers and once again realised that she

was no ordinary young woman. Here was a very was no ordinary young woman. Here was a very


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attractive woman, a body that any warm-attractive woman, a body that any warm-blooded blooded

man would die for, and eyes that seemed to man would die for, and eyes that seemed to

melt in your gaze and yet were strong and melt in your gaze and yet were strong and

determined. A woman who knew what she wanted determined. A woman who knew what she wanted

and would do anything to get it. and would do anything to get it.

She inserted a CD into the drive and waited She inserted a CD into the drive and waited

as the computer began to take instructions. as the computer began to take instructions.

The screen was soon filled with thousands of The screen was soon filled with thousands of

symbols of all shape and form forming an symbols of all shape and form forming an

endless scroll. Nicole explained that her endless scroll. Nicole explained that her

program would search the Internet for any program would search the Internet for any

debit transfers and then check to see which of debit transfers and then check to see which of

these did not immediately arrive at the these did not immediately arrive at the

creditors account. These would be the ones creditors account. These would be the ones


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that had been temporarily diverted. Given that had been temporarily diverted. Given

enough information it would then be possible enough information it would then be possible

for her program to trace the actual account for her program to trace the actual account

that these funds were diverted to. Nicole that these funds were diverted to. Nicole

reckoned that the process would take about two reckoned that the process would take about two

hours but after that the results should start hours but after that the results should start

coming in. coming in.

It had been some time since either of them It had been some time since either of them

had had a meal so agreeing to leave the had had a meal so agreeing to leave the

systems running they made their way to an systems running they made their way to an

excellent and intimate French restaurant close excellent and intimate French restaurant close

to her apartment block. to her apartment block.

The restaurant was situated in a small back The restaurant was situated in a small back

street just off the main road and within about street just off the main road and within about

one hundred yards from the entrance to her one hundred yards from the entrance to her

block so was reached fairly quickly without block so was reached fairly quickly without

any problem. There didn’t appear to be anyone any problem. There didn’t appear to be anyone

watching the area and the restaurant was empty watching the area and the restaurant was empty


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as they entered the dimly lit building. Rick as they entered the dimly lit building. Rick

moved to a small table facing the window and moved to a small table facing the window and

helped Nicole to her seat. helped Nicole to her seat.

There were four main courses available and There were four main courses available and

using Rick’s schoolboy French they managed to using Rick’s schoolboy French they managed to

interpret them as being a choice between interpret them as being a choice between

Chicken, Pork, Rabbit, or Beef Steak all Chicken, Pork, Rabbit, or Beef Steak all

served with a selection of vegetables and served with a selection of vegetables and

appropriate sauces. Between them they decided appropriate sauces. Between them they decided

to order the Staves of Rabbit in a Field of to order the Staves of Rabbit in a Field of

Turnip and Carrot, with Cabbage Potato and a Turnip and Carrot, with Cabbage Potato and a

rich Cranberry Sauce. Sounded delicious and rich Cranberry Sauce. Sounded delicious and

washed down with a bottle of ‘Pinot Noir’ washed down with a bottle of ‘Pinot Noir’

would certainly fit the bill. would certainly fit the bill.

As the waitress left to pass on their menu As the waitress left to pass on their menu

choice, Rick gently took Nicole’s hand and choice, Rick gently took Nicole’s hand and

gazed into her eyes. Expressing any sort of gazed into her eyes. Expressing any sort of

emotion following the news of her father’s emotion following the news of her father’s


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death seemed impossible and probably not death seemed impossible and probably not

appropriate anyway. All that Rick could do appropriate anyway. All that Rick could do

was to assure Nicole that he was around if she was to assure Nicole that he was around if she

ever needed someone to talk to or confide in. ever needed someone to talk to or confide in.

Nicole appeared to understand and sat silently Nicole appeared to understand and sat silently

deep in thought. Save for the sound of deep in thought. Save for the sound of

distant traffic and some gentle bustling in distant traffic and some gentle bustling in

the kitchen, the two sat in peaceful silence. the kitchen, the two sat in peaceful silence.

The wine arrived uncorked and as the The wine arrived uncorked and as the

waitress, a small, attractive young French waitress, a small, attractive young French

girl with close cropped brown hair and bright girl with close cropped brown hair and bright

green eyes, poured a small taster of wine for green eyes, poured a small taster of wine for

Rick, Nicole released her hand and sat back in Rick, Nicole released her hand and sat back in

her seat. The wine was as good as had been her seat. The wine was as good as had been

anticipated and both glasses were filled. anticipated and both glasses were filled.

“Here’s to you. Your beauty, intelligence, “Here’s to you. Your beauty, intelligence,

and gentle spirit. May it last for ever” and gentle spirit. May it last for ever”

toasted Rick bringing his glass up to hers. toasted Rick bringing his glass up to hers.


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“And may you find peace and good luck in all “And may you find peace and good luck in all

that you do” replied Nicole. “You’re a good that you do” replied Nicole. “You’re a good

friend and may it long continue” friend and may it long continue”

The meal was delicious, and as they finished The meal was delicious, and as they finished

the rest of the wine both Rick and Nicole felt the rest of the wine both Rick and Nicole felt

a warm glow spread through every pore. a warm glow spread through every pore.

The walk back to the apartment went The walk back to the apartment went

uneventfully and as they entered the block, uneventfully and as they entered the block,

two men had just entered the street and were two men had just entered the street and were

standing against a nearby telephone box. standing against a nearby telephone box.

Through the wine and good food, Rick could Through the wine and good food, Rick could

feel that sense begin to rise again and feel that sense begin to rise again and

grasping Nicole’s arm he ushered her quickly grasping Nicole’s arm he ushered her quickly

into the foyer. He knew that something was into the foyer. He knew that something was

wrong but could not put his finger on it. It wrong but could not put his finger on it. It

was probably safer to use the stairs so they was probably safer to use the stairs so they

made their way quietly up to the sixth floor. made their way quietly up to the sixth floor.

Rick had never been a fitness fanatic. In Rick had never been a fitness fanatic. In


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fact, running for a bus was over exercise, and fact, running for a bus was over exercise, and

years of good wine and food had slowed him years of good wine and food had slowed him

down. On the straight he was as fast as most, down. On the straight he was as fast as most,

but give him a set of stairs to climb and he but give him a set of stairs to climb and he

needed time. needed time.

Nicole arrived at her front door first and Nicole arrived at her front door first and

was about to insert her key when Rick shouted was about to insert her key when Rick shouted

for her to stop. Arriving a few seconds for her to stop. Arriving a few seconds

later, winded and considerably out of breath, later, winded and considerably out of breath,

he ordered Nicole away from the door and on to he ordered Nicole away from the door and on to

the floor. He collected the key from Nicole the floor. He collected the key from Nicole

and very slowly entered it into the lock and and very slowly entered it into the lock and

began to turn the handle. began to turn the handle.

The blast threw Rick, still attached to the The blast threw Rick, still attached to the

door, against the wall on the other side of door, against the wall on the other side of

the foyer. It was followed by a cloud of the foyer. It was followed by a cloud of

dense white acrid smoke, which rapidly filled dense white acrid smoke, which rapidly filled

the landing and made breathing almost the landing and made breathing almost


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impossible. Nicole had fallen to the floor impossible. Nicole had fallen to the floor

and was gasping for breath whilst screaming and was gasping for breath whilst screaming

with terror. Then silence and all that could with terror. Then silence and all that could

be heard was the shouting from other residents be heard was the shouting from other residents

shaken by the blast, several of whom were shaken by the blast, several of whom were

beginning to climb the stairs. beginning to climb the stairs.

Gradually the smoke began to clear and Rick Gradually the smoke began to clear and Rick

could see into the flat. The bomb had been could see into the flat. The bomb had been

placed in the computer room and had been placed in the computer room and had been

detonated by the lock on the front door. All detonated by the lock on the front door. All

of the computers had been destroyed and the of the computers had been destroyed and the

room was littered with smashed and broken room was littered with smashed and broken

electrical parts, monitors and broken glass. electrical parts, monitors and broken glass.

It would seem that the bomb had not been set It would seem that the bomb had not been set

to intentionally injure either Rick or Nicole, to intentionally injure either Rick or Nicole,

but solely to destroy her computers, and in but solely to destroy her computers, and in

this it had been very successful. this it had been very successful.

Nicole had pulled herself to her feet and Nicole had pulled herself to her feet and


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was checking that Rick was okay. Grabbing his was checking that Rick was okay. Grabbing his

arm, she made her way towards the other end of arm, she made her way towards the other end of

the landing and using a key on a chain around the landing and using a key on a chain around

her neck, opened a small steel door of what her neck, opened a small steel door of what

looked like a wall safe. looked like a wall safe.

Inside was a further computer screen Inside was a further computer screen

displaying a series of account numbers and a displaying a series of account numbers and a

scrolling message informing the user that the scrolling message informing the user that the

data had been lost except for the last five data had been lost except for the last five

seconds of transmission. This had been seconds of transmission. This had been

automatically saved when the main computers automatically saved when the main computers

had gone down. had gone down.

Rick watched Nicole as she grabbed a note Rick watched Nicole as she grabbed a note

pad and pencil from a shelf above the computer pad and pencil from a shelf above the computer

and wrote down the series of numbers as they and wrote down the series of numbers as they

appeared on the screen. He could see that appeared on the screen. He could see that

with the exception of one or two, the account with the exception of one or two, the account

numbers were the same, and as Nicole numbers were the same, and as Nicole


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explained, would seem to be the account that explained, would seem to be the account that

they had been searching for. All they had to they had been searching for. All they had to

do now was to trace the account to the do now was to trace the account to the

originating bank. originating bank.

There was little point in hanging around There was little point in hanging around

here as all of Nicole’s computers, with the here as all of Nicole’s computers, with the

exception of this back up machine, had been exception of this back up machine, had been

destroyed and in any event Rick had obviously destroyed and in any event Rick had obviously

been traced. It wouldn’t be long before his been traced. It wouldn’t be long before his

captors returned and he wouldn’t be so lucky captors returned and he wouldn’t be so lucky

the next time. the next time.

What was for certain was that the computer What was for certain was that the computer

fraud was very important to someone, and they fraud was very important to someone, and they

were doing everything that they could to make were doing everything that they could to make

sure that Rick’s investigation failed to reach sure that Rick’s investigation failed to reach

any conclusions. any conclusions.

Nicole took Rick’s hand and together they Nicole took Rick’s hand and together they

made for the lift. The blast had convince her made for the lift. The blast had convince her


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that Rick was on to something important and that Rick was on to something important and

leaving aside the damage to her apartment she leaving aside the damage to her apartment she

was determined that answers would be found. was determined that answers would be found.

Upon reaching the ground floor the lift doors Upon reaching the ground floor the lift doors

opened and they walked steadily towards the opened and they walked steadily towards the

rear of the entrance lobby and passed through rear of the entrance lobby and passed through

the fire exit door leading onto the rear the fire exit door leading onto the rear

parking area. parking area.

Her car, a Goodwood Green MG sports Her car, a Goodwood Green MG sports

convertible was parked at the far end of the convertible was parked at the far end of the

compound and they approached it with a great compound and they approached it with a great

deal of caution. Nothing appeared to have deal of caution. Nothing appeared to have

been interfered with so using her key fob been interfered with so using her key fob

Nicole unlocked the doors. There was a flash Nicole unlocked the doors. There was a flash

of her indicators and a gentle clunk as the of her indicators and a gentle clunk as the

locks were released. But nothing more. So locks were released. But nothing more. So

far, so good. Gingerly both Rick and Nicole far, so good. Gingerly both Rick and Nicole

lowered themselves into their seats and Nicole lowered themselves into their seats and Nicole


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inserted the ignition key. The car started inserted the ignition key. The car started

with a muffled roar and as they pulled out of with a muffled roar and as they pulled out of

the parking compound they both visibly gave a the parking compound they both visibly gave a

sigh of relief. sigh of relief.

Nicole drove the car well, making good Nicole drove the car well, making good

advantage of the road handling characteristics advantage of the road handling characteristics

of the MG and they were soon out on to the of the MG and they were soon out on to the

open road. Passing along tree lined country open road. Passing along tree lined country

lanes the headlights picked out several lanes the headlights picked out several

rabbits whose eyes were lit by the beams of rabbits whose eyes were lit by the beams of

light. Shadows grew and shrank as they sped light. Shadows grew and shrank as they sped

along, with glimpses of the moon as they along, with glimpses of the moon as they

passed under overhanging branches. It was a passed under overhanging branches. It was a

good feeling away from the bussle of the city good feeling away from the bussle of the city

and it was here where one could get the and it was here where one could get the

correct perspective on what was really correct perspective on what was really

important. Why continue with this search at important. Why continue with this search at

all. It was obviously dangerous and they had all. It was obviously dangerous and they had


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both already been under attack. Nicole had both already been under attack. Nicole had

lost all of her computers. It would be lost all of her computers. It would be

difficult to explain this to her insurers. difficult to explain this to her insurers.

Nicole seemed very quiet and Rick was unsure Nicole seemed very quiet and Rick was unsure

of how he could help. She seemed determined of how he could help. She seemed determined

to continue with the investigation but he knew to continue with the investigation but he knew

that he was responsible for the blast and that he was responsible for the blast and

didn’t want to put her through any more. didn’t want to put her through any more.

Nicole seemed to sense what Rick was thinking Nicole seemed to sense what Rick was thinking

and placed her hand on his. It was enough to and placed her hand on his. It was enough to

know that they were both in this together and know that they were both in this together and

she was determined that the solution would be she was determined that the solution would be

found. found.

They were soon approaching a small village They were soon approaching a small village

and as they passed the local Inn, the MG and as they passed the local Inn, the MG

slowed and turned into a narrow lane winding slowed and turned into a narrow lane winding

its way behind the row of quaint village its way behind the row of quaint village

cottages. One of the cottages, neat and with cottages. One of the cottages, neat and with


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a decoratively thatched roof stood back from a decoratively thatched roof stood back from

the lane and it was here that Nicole turned the lane and it was here that Nicole turned

the car into a short shingled drive and rolled the car into a short shingled drive and rolled

to a halt. Switching off the lights and to a halt. Switching off the lights and

engine, they both sat in complete darkness engine, they both sat in complete darkness

save for a dim shaft of light from a window of save for a dim shaft of light from a window of

the adjacent cottage a few yards away. the adjacent cottage a few yards away.

Rick followed Nicole to the front door as Rick followed Nicole to the front door as

she inserted a key and entered a prettily she inserted a key and entered a prettily

decorated hallway. Closing the door quietly decorated hallway. Closing the door quietly

behind him, Rick switched on the hall light behind him, Rick switched on the hall light

and a warm orange glow flooded the area. and a warm orange glow flooded the area.

“What a lovely cottage” remarked Rick as he “What a lovely cottage” remarked Rick as he

took in the cottage style furnishings and well took in the cottage style furnishings and well

designed wall and floor coverings. designed wall and floor coverings.

“It’s, it was, my fathers. Nobody knew “It’s, it was, my fathers. Nobody knew

about this place. It was his escape when life about this place. It was his escape when life

got difficult. I use to visit very got difficult. I use to visit very


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occasionally so he gave me a key.” Nicole was occasionally so he gave me a key.” Nicole was

heading for the study. “Rick, make us both a heading for the study. “Rick, make us both a

coffee, and I’ll see if I can boot up his coffee, and I’ll see if I can boot up his

computers. We’re not beaten yet” computers. We’re not beaten yet”

Moving towards the kitchen Rick could see Moving towards the kitchen Rick could see

how a place like this would be an ideal how a place like this would be an ideal

retreat from the pressures of life. The retreat from the pressures of life. The

kitchen was modestly presented with all of the kitchen was modestly presented with all of the

normal appliances and spotlessly clean. Every normal appliances and spotlessly clean. Every

thing had a place of it’s own with shelves for thing had a place of it’s own with shelves for

spices, baking tools, etc. located throughout spices, baking tools, etc. located throughout

the room. The coffee pot was on one of the the room. The coffee pot was on one of the

worktops and alongside were pots for coffee, worktops and alongside were pots for coffee,

sugar, and cream. Whilst the coffee was sugar, and cream. Whilst the coffee was

brewing, distributing a wonderful aroma of brewing, distributing a wonderful aroma of


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fresh coffee throughout the cottage, Rick fresh coffee throughout the cottage, Rick

searched for mugs and cutlery. searched for mugs and cutlery.

A shout from Nicole led Rick into the study A shout from Nicole led Rick into the study

where he found her seated at one of the where he found her seated at one of the

computers, a look of quiet satisfaction computers, a look of quiet satisfaction

spreading across her delightful face. spreading across her delightful face.

“We’ve cracked it. We’ve found the link” “We’ve cracked it. We’ve found the link”

she exclaimed, and pointed to details of an she exclaimed, and pointed to details of an

account currently displayed on the screen. account currently displayed on the screen.

Rick noted down the account details and Rick noted down the account details and

without thinking, kissed Nicole on the cheek. without thinking, kissed Nicole on the cheek.

Nicole’s face turned a pale pink and as she Nicole’s face turned a pale pink and as she

turned to Rick, he felt that at that moment he turned to Rick, he felt that at that moment he

could have melted in her eyes. He had never could have melted in her eyes. He had never

felt that way about anyone before, and longed felt that way about anyone before, and longed

that it would continue forever. Nicole had that it would continue forever. Nicole had

risen to her feet and as she gently cupped his risen to her feet and as she gently cupped his

face in her hands her lips touched his. The face in her hands her lips touched his. The


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traumas of the previous hours dissolved into a traumas of the previous hours dissolved into a

mist of tenderness and love as they held each mist of tenderness and love as they held each

other in a passionate kiss. other in a passionate kiss.

Her body felt warm and inviting as he held Her body felt warm and inviting as he held

her close. He could feel her heart beating in her close. He could feel her heart beating in

time with his own and as he began to explore time with his own and as he began to explore

her he felt her offer herself totally to him. her he felt her offer herself totally to him.

He tenderly removed her light blouse and He tenderly removed her light blouse and

released the catch on her jeans allowing them released the catch on her jeans allowing them

to fall to the ground. He felt her soft to fall to the ground. He felt her soft

gentle hands explore his own body and as they gentle hands explore his own body and as they

kissed, his whole being surged with passion kissed, his whole being surged with passion

and love. Naked they lay on her wide-and love. Naked they lay on her wide-open bed open bed

and he fondly cradled and kissed her firm and he fondly cradled and kissed her firm

round breasts. His mouth found areas of round breasts. His mouth found areas of

pleasure along her firm abdomen and hips and pleasure along her firm abdomen and hips and

together they discovered each other in a together they discovered each other in a

passion of love and tenderness until they both passion of love and tenderness until they both


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fell fast asleep captured in each other loves fell fast asleep captured in each other loves

embrace. embrace.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Adelboden is a small mountainside village in Adelboden is a small mountainside village in

the Berner Oberland district of Switzerland. the Berner Oberland district of Switzerland.

A beautiful and scenic area of this country A beautiful and scenic area of this country

surrounded by magnificent snow capped surrounded by magnificent snow capped

mountains and fast flowing rivers that begin mountains and fast flowing rivers that begin

as glaciers high above the freeze line, as glaciers high above the freeze line,

currently at four thousand metres above sea currently at four thousand metres above sea

level. The spoken language in this particular level. The spoken language in this particular

region is predominantly German, with small region is predominantly German, with small

sections of French, English and a spattering sections of French, English and a spattering

of Italian. of Italian.

Disastrously the very warm summers that Disastrously the very warm summers that

Switzerland has experienced over the last few Switzerland has experienced over the last few

years have had a serious detrimental effect on years have had a serious detrimental effect on

the many glaciers, with quite a few thawing the many glaciers, with quite a few thawing


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rapidly. Recently large sections of glacier rapidly. Recently large sections of glacier

have been seen slipping down from the have been seen slipping down from the

mountaintops into the flowing rivers and many mountaintops into the flowing rivers and many

of these same rivers had turned a dirty shade of these same rivers had turned a dirty shade

of grey and were bitterly cold. It is very of grey and were bitterly cold. It is very

sad to note that although the glaciers have sad to note that although the glaciers have

been continually formed over a period of been continually formed over a period of

thousands of years, they can be destroyed so thousands of years, they can be destroyed so

quickly, never to be reformed. Part of man’s quickly, never to be reformed. Part of man’s

destruction of his gift of nature. destruction of his gift of nature.

The Swiss are a very environmentally The Swiss are a very environmentally

conscious nation and take great pride in the conscious nation and take great pride in the

presentation of their country. presentation of their country.

There are many new lodges being erected on There are many new lodges being erected on

the sloping green land and one such was the sloping green land and one such was

registered to a German businessman, Hans registered to a German businessman, Hans

Hafenburg. Hans, a banker working in the SDW Hafenburg. Hans, a banker working in the SDW

Bank based in Bern, had paid for the lodge to Bank based in Bern, had paid for the lodge to


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be built almost two years ago and frequented be built almost two years ago and frequented

it as much as he could. His neighbours knew it as much as he could. His neighbours knew

him as a quiet, kind gentleman who kept him as a quiet, kind gentleman who kept

himself to himself and rarely had visitors, himself to himself and rarely had visitors,

although this had recently changed. Several although this had recently changed. Several

small parties of mainly English gentlemen had small parties of mainly English gentlemen had

been seen staying at the lodge over the been seen staying at the lodge over the

occasional weekend, and rarely was Hans alone. occasional weekend, and rarely was Hans alone.

To his close neighbours, Hans had now become To his close neighbours, Hans had now become

rather agitated, anxious and seemed constantly rather agitated, anxious and seemed constantly

on edge about something, although he would on edge about something, although he would

never discuss any problems with other German never discuss any problems with other German

speaking Swiss in the village. speaking Swiss in the village.

Yesterday had been a particular upsetting Yesterday had been a particular upsetting

day for Hans as he had been called to the day for Hans as he had been called to the

lodge from his work place in Bern and been lodge from his work place in Bern and been

instructed to accommodate some English instructed to accommodate some English

visitors who would be arriving later that day. visitors who would be arriving later that day.


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Shortly after he had arrived Hans had noticed Shortly after he had arrived Hans had noticed

that two men unknown to him, were working at a that two men unknown to him, were working at a

computer terminal in his lodge when, computer terminal in his lodge when,

apparently, a computer hacker had triggered an apparently, a computer hacker had triggered an

intruder alarm, whilst penetrating some hidden intruder alarm, whilst penetrating some hidden

files. files.

All hell had been let lose, and instructions All hell had been let lose, and instructions

had been passed to an English colleague to had been passed to an English colleague to

silence the hacker for good. Shortly after silence the hacker for good. Shortly after

that episode had passed, Hans had been locked that episode had passed, Hans had been locked

out of the computer room and ordered to out of the computer room and ordered to

prepare a meal for his guests. prepare a meal for his guests.

Back in the UK, Rick had just completed a Back in the UK, Rick had just completed a

refreshing shower, and Nicole was preparing refreshing shower, and Nicole was preparing

coffee as the telephone rang. Nicole lifted coffee as the telephone rang. Nicole lifted

the receiver and listened in silence, save for the receiver and listened in silence, save for

the occasional grunt, ending the call with a the occasional grunt, ending the call with a

“thanks”. “thanks”.


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“We have traced the account to a bank in “We have traced the account to a bank in

Switzerland, the SDW Bank, which has its Switzerland, the SDW Bank, which has its

headquarters in Bern” called Nicole, as Rick headquarters in Bern” called Nicole, as Rick

entered the room. entered the room.

“Fantastic, we seem to be going places at “Fantastic, we seem to be going places at

last” Rick retorted “So what’s next?” last” Rick retorted “So what’s next?”

“Rick, I am afraid that I have gone as far “Rick, I am afraid that I have gone as far

as I can. To be able to identify the owner of as I can. To be able to identify the owner of

the account you will need to go to the bank the account you will need to go to the bank

where the account was set up and have a where the account was set up and have a

friendly chat with the people in charge. If friendly chat with the people in charge. If

you mention a fraud or something, you may get you mention a fraud or something, you may get

a decent response. The Swiss banks are trying a decent response. The Swiss banks are trying

to rid their reputation of secret accounts, to rid their reputation of secret accounts,

money laundering, etc., so are keen to help if money laundering, etc., so are keen to help if

they suspect someone is using their account they suspect someone is using their account

for illegal transactions” for illegal transactions”

Nicole seemed to know quite a bit about bank Nicole seemed to know quite a bit about bank


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trading, probably from her father, but in any trading, probably from her father, but in any

event now was not the time to enquire further. event now was not the time to enquire further.

She had already helped a great deal and it was She had already helped a great deal and it was

time he did something for himself. time he did something for himself.

A trip to Bern in Switzerland was the next A trip to Bern in Switzerland was the next

item on the agenda, but first he felt that he item on the agenda, but first he felt that he

needed to speak with his friend, Adam, so needed to speak with his friend, Adam, so

waiting for a moment when Nicole had left the waiting for a moment when Nicole had left the

cottage for a few shopping items, he called cottage for a few shopping items, he called

his old office. Adam, apparently, was on his old office. Adam, apparently, was on

leave, they were not sure where, but it was leave, they were not sure where, but it was

for at least a couple of weeks. An important for at least a couple of weeks. An important

family issue had arisen and he had been called family issue had arisen and he had been called

urgently away. When enquiring about progress urgently away. When enquiring about progress

on the hostage case, he was given the brush on the hostage case, he was given the brush

off, but did manage to discover that Adam was off, but did manage to discover that Adam was

back on the case, and a conclusion was back on the case, and a conclusion was

expected soon. They would say that, wouldn’t expected soon. They would say that, wouldn’t


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they, mused Rick. they, mused Rick.

Travelling any great distance was not Rick’s Travelling any great distance was not Rick’s

forte, and air travel was a definite ‘no go’ forte, and air travel was a definite ‘no go’

after a disastrous experience a few years ago, after a disastrous experience a few years ago,

so by road it had to be. The thought of so by road it had to be. The thought of

driving over six hundred miles in his old, but driving over six hundred miles in his old, but

reliable Nissan, didn’t particularly inspire reliable Nissan, didn’t particularly inspire

him and with the need for some rest and him and with the need for some rest and

relaxation, he decided on a short coach relaxation, he decided on a short coach

holiday to Switzerland to include a visit to holiday to Switzerland to include a visit to

Bern. This way he could enjoy a well-earned Bern. This way he could enjoy a well-earned

break and work on the case at the same time. break and work on the case at the same time.

Rick succeeded in finding an available place Rick succeeded in finding an available place

on a coach tour to Switzerland, and at nine on a coach tour to Switzerland, and at nine

o’clock the following morning found himself o’clock the following morning found himself

waiting with a large crowd of excited waiting with a large crowd of excited

holidaymakers in a service station just off holidaymakers in a service station just off

the M20. Lined up before them, like runners the M20. Lined up before them, like runners


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preparing for the off, were coaches about to preparing for the off, were coaches about to

head off to a wide range of destinations. head off to a wide range of destinations.

From Lake Garda in Italy, the Austrian Tyrol, From Lake Garda in Italy, the Austrian Tyrol,

Alsace in France, Switzerland, and local areas Alsace in France, Switzerland, and local areas

such as Devon, Wales and Scotland. such as Devon, Wales and Scotland.

Nine thirty came, and the coaches began Nine thirty came, and the coaches began

leaving the pick-up point, fanning out to leaving the pick-up point, fanning out to

their planned destinations. Rick’s group their planned destinations. Rick’s group

headed for the Dover / Calais ferry crossing headed for the Dover / Calais ferry crossing

before moving on into France and Belgium. before moving on into France and Belgium.

There was a mixed crowd of guests on board the There was a mixed crowd of guests on board the

coach. The party seemed to be made up, for coach. The party seemed to be made up, for

the most part, of middle aged to elderly the most part, of middle aged to elderly

couples. Most of who were probably couples. Most of who were probably

experiencing a coach tour for the nth time. A experiencing a coach tour for the nth time. A

young quiet couple who looked as though they young quiet couple who looked as though they

were on their honeymoon, and three other were on their honeymoon, and three other

single passengers, a middle aged gentleman who single passengers, a middle aged gentleman who


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kept himself to himself, and two women in kept himself to himself, and two women in

their late forties, eager to chat, and their late forties, eager to chat, and

obviously determined to enjoy the trip. obviously determined to enjoy the trip.

Seated behind Mike (Rick managed to catch Seated behind Mike (Rick managed to catch

the name on his luggage label whilst boarding the name on his luggage label whilst boarding

the coach), Rick noticed that he was keeping a the coach), Rick noticed that he was keeping a

record of the places that they passed through, record of the places that they passed through,

and wondered if, in fact, he was writing a and wondered if, in fact, he was writing a

book of some sort. book of some sort.

The ferry port was reached without incident The ferry port was reached without incident

and following the usual passport and and following the usual passport and

immigration checks, the coach drove on to the immigration checks, the coach drove on to the

loading bay of the Pride of Canterbury, one of loading bay of the Pride of Canterbury, one of

the fleets latest vessels. Some of the guests the fleets latest vessels. Some of the guests

had already introduced themselves to each had already introduced themselves to each

other and as they all disembarked from the other and as they all disembarked from the

coach in search of ‘duty free’s’ and a good coach in search of ‘duty free’s’ and a good

seat next to a window, Rick began to take in seat next to a window, Rick began to take in


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the holiday spirit. He soon realised that the holiday spirit. He soon realised that

this was something he should have done many this was something he should have done many

years ago. years ago.

When his wife left to search for greener When his wife left to search for greener

pastures, over twenty years ago, his life pastures, over twenty years ago, his life

changed dramatically and the role as an changed dramatically and the role as an

instant single parent father took over his instant single parent father took over his

business and personal world completely. His business and personal world completely. His

sons gradually leaving the nest left him with sons gradually leaving the nest left him with

mixed emotions. The sense of relief at the mixed emotions. The sense of relief at the

rediscovered independence was mixed with the rediscovered independence was mixed with the

feeling that he was no longer required to feeling that he was no longer required to

father the three growing lads. They were now father the three growing lads. They were now

old enough to manage their own affairs and no old enough to manage their own affairs and no

longer required the parental advice. longer required the parental advice.

Obviously there was the occasional request for Obviously there was the occasional request for

a cash top-up, a good solid meal, or the use a cash top-up, a good solid meal, or the use

of the washing machine, not to mention the of the washing machine, not to mention the


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shower, which would bring the lads back into shower, which would bring the lads back into

the fold, even if only for a short while. the fold, even if only for a short while.

Independence? Well, sort off! Once a parent, Independence? Well, sort off! Once a parent,

always a parent! always a parent!

It is not a simple task to take a holiday It is not a simple task to take a holiday

alone. After arranging holidays for oneself alone. After arranging holidays for oneself

and three sons for many years, the thought of and three sons for many years, the thought of

being along away from the security of home is being along away from the security of home is

not an easy one. Your whole existence for not an easy one. Your whole existence for

many years has been in the pursuit of pleasure many years has been in the pursuit of pleasure

and an expansion of understanding for your and an expansion of understanding for your

three sons. You are suddenly free and this three sons. You are suddenly free and this

sudden freedom is not easy to adjust to. sudden freedom is not easy to adjust to.

Breaking away from his thoughts, Rick Breaking away from his thoughts, Rick

noticed that he was the last to leave the noticed that he was the last to leave the


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coach and made his way up the stairway to Deck coach and made his way up the stairway to Deck

Eight. Eight.

The ferry was bustling with excited The ferry was bustling with excited

holidaymakers. Young children were running in holidaymakers. Young children were running in

all directions. Given their unexpected all directions. Given their unexpected

release from the restraints of the car or release from the restraints of the car or

coach. Queues were forming for the wide range coach. Queues were forming for the wide range

of meals available on the crossing, and many of meals available on the crossing, and many

of the passengers were making their way to the of the passengers were making their way to the

open decks to watch as the ferry left the open decks to watch as the ferry left the

white cliffs of Dover way behind. white cliffs of Dover way behind.

Rick fancied a light meal, so joined the Rick fancied a light meal, so joined the

queue for snacks. Eventually, after an queue for snacks. Eventually, after an

extensive wait, when at times he felt that he extensive wait, when at times he felt that he

could well be eating the meal on the beaches could well be eating the meal on the beaches

of Calais, he managed to purchase a bowl of of Calais, he managed to purchase a bowl of

‘Spaghetti Napoli’. This tasty dish comprised ‘Spaghetti Napoli’. This tasty dish comprised

of Spaghetti pasta and a rich tomato sauce, of Spaghetti pasta and a rich tomato sauce,


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and was amiably washed down with a half bottle and was amiably washed down with a half bottle

of the ship’s quite acceptable red wine of the of the ship’s quite acceptable red wine of the

day. A pleasant wine, not unlike that day. A pleasant wine, not unlike that

experienced at the French restaurant a few experienced at the French restaurant a few

nights ago. God, that seemed like months nights ago. God, that seemed like months

away. away.

“This is all part of a dreadful nightmare “This is all part of a dreadful nightmare

and in a minute I’ll wake up”, thought Rick, and in a minute I’ll wake up”, thought Rick,

and pinched himself to make sure. No, that and pinched himself to make sure. No, that

hurt, it had to be real. hurt, it had to be real.

The meal tasted good and feeling dreamily The meal tasted good and feeling dreamily

content he gazed out of the expansive content he gazed out of the expansive

panoramic windows. Rick lingered over the panoramic windows. Rick lingered over the

views as he watched the well known and views as he watched the well known and

recorded white cliffs slowly disappear into recorded white cliffs slowly disappear into

the warm summer mist. There were many boats the warm summer mist. There were many boats

scattered about the Channel, some untidy, well scattered about the Channel, some untidy, well

worn craft, fishing for their livelihood, and worn craft, fishing for their livelihood, and


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the occasional pleasure boat ferrying holiday the occasional pleasure boat ferrying holiday

makers, much like Rick’s group, from France makers, much like Rick’s group, from France

and back. Seagulls could be seen swooping and back. Seagulls could be seen swooping

noisily down on to the wake of the boats noisily down on to the wake of the boats

carrying fish home to port, no doubt picking carrying fish home to port, no doubt picking

up the scraps left by the men on board up the scraps left by the men on board

preparing the catch for trade. preparing the catch for trade.

The tranquil seascape had a calming The tranquil seascape had a calming

influence on those that gazed upon it, yet the influence on those that gazed upon it, yet the

gentle swell reminded all of the power that gentle swell reminded all of the power that

the sea could muster if roused by storm. the sea could muster if roused by storm.

In less than two hours the call to board the In less than two hours the call to board the

vehicles was transmitted in several languages vehicles was transmitted in several languages

over the public address system, and Rick made over the public address system, and Rick made

his way, with hundreds of other anxious his way, with hundreds of other anxious

travellers, to their respective vehicles. travellers, to their respective vehicles.

Heaving and shuffling his way along the Heaving and shuffling his way along the

corridor and down the narrow staircase, Rick corridor and down the narrow staircase, Rick


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contemplated what it would be like if this was contemplated what it would be like if this was

an emergency drill and they had been asked to an emergency drill and they had been asked to

make for the lifeboats. Head back to the bar make for the lifeboats. Head back to the bar

and order a double scotch, was the sensible and order a double scotch, was the sensible

thing to do in that event, thought Rick, and thing to do in that event, thought Rick, and

wait to be rescued. wait to be rescued.

Speeding through France, Rick noted that all Speeding through France, Rick noted that all

of the guests were now talking to each other, of the guests were now talking to each other,

even Mike had opened up and explained his even Mike had opened up and explained his

reasons for being on the trip. Only one of reasons for being on the trip. Only one of

the quieter couples at the rear of the bus the quieter couples at the rear of the bus

seemed reluctant to join in, and continued to seemed reluctant to join in, and continued to

keep themselves to themselves. Mike seemed a keep themselves to themselves. Mike seemed a

normal sort of guy. His marriage had ended in normal sort of guy. His marriage had ended in

divorce just a few years ago, but since his divorce just a few years ago, but since his

children were already off his hands, he had children were already off his hands, he had

taken many of these tours before. He enjoyed taken many of these tours before. He enjoyed

seeing different parts of the world in seeing different parts of the world in


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comfortable surroundings accompanied by new comfortable surroundings accompanied by new

friends, and spoke very highly about this friends, and spoke very highly about this

particular tour operator, with whom he had particular tour operator, with whom he had

travelled many times before. Rick had to travelled many times before. Rick had to

agree that this was certainly an ideal way to agree that this was certainly an ideal way to

travel and leaned back in his seat to enjoy travel and leaned back in his seat to enjoy

the scenery that stretched out before them. the scenery that stretched out before them.

The en-route overnight stop was to be made The en-route overnight stop was to be made

at a hotel managed by the Novotel group and at a hotel managed by the Novotel group and

was situated in Luxembourg. The City of was situated in Luxembourg. The City of

Luxembourg is undergoing massive re- Luxembourg is undergoing massive re-

development with all of the representative development with all of the representative

countries of the European Union establishing a countries of the European Union establishing a

presence within the city by building presence within the city by building

individually designed headquarters. It is individually designed headquarters. It is

remarkable that of all of the major cities of remarkable that of all of the major cities of

each member country within the European Union, each member country within the European Union,

Britain seems to have gained the least. Every Britain seems to have gained the least. Every


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member Country is benefiting from massive member Country is benefiting from massive

investment through the development of modern investment through the development of modern

new office and accommodation buildings for new office and accommodation buildings for

each other Member State except Britain. Maybe each other Member State except Britain. Maybe

he was being cynical, maybe not. he was being cynical, maybe not.

The late booking made by Rick had yet to The late booking made by Rick had yet to

cross the Channel, so a room had not been cross the Channel, so a room had not been

reserved for him, but after several telephone reserved for him, but after several telephone

calls and various mumblings in a mixture of calls and various mumblings in a mixture of

French and English, a fine room was found on French and English, a fine room was found on

the first floor. It was hardly worth the first floor. It was hardly worth

unpacking just for one night, so removing a unpacking just for one night, so removing a

bottle of Single Malt Irish whiskey from his bottle of Single Malt Irish whiskey from his

overnight bag, he decided to toast his safe overnight bag, he decided to toast his safe

journey with a couple of sizeable shots and journey with a couple of sizeable shots and

retire to bed. “Why is it”, he remarked to retire to bed. “Why is it”, he remarked to

himself, “that with all of the English himself, “that with all of the English

speaking guests that must frequent this hotel speaking guests that must frequent this hotel


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they do not provide an English speaking they do not provide an English speaking

channel on the hotel television system. After channel on the hotel television system. After

all, most of the programmes on view are either all, most of the programmes on view are either

English or American made anyway, and are being English or American made anyway, and are being

shown with French or German dubbing!” shown with French or German dubbing!”

Before settling in, Rick had perchanced to Before settling in, Rick had perchanced to

see that Mike had a room not two doors away see that Mike had a room not two doors away

from his own, but this was probably due to the from his own, but this was probably due to the

fact that they were both occupying single fact that they were both occupying single

rooms and had no sinister meaning. He was rooms and had no sinister meaning. He was

getting paranoid again and this would not do. getting paranoid again and this would not do.

During the night, a torrential rainstorm During the night, a torrential rainstorm

that appeared to pound its way into the that appeared to pound its way into the

enclosed courtyard below awakened Rick. enclosed courtyard below awakened Rick.

Sheets of water passed his window for over an Sheets of water passed his window for over an

hour, until gradually the storm eased and a hour, until gradually the storm eased and a

pleasant washed and refreshed smell drifted pleasant washed and refreshed smell drifted

around the buildings. The rain had been long around the buildings. The rain had been long


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overdue. Much of the surrounding parkland had overdue. Much of the surrounding parkland had

begun to turn a sandy shade of brown, with begun to turn a sandy shade of brown, with

well walked areas actually bald of grass well walked areas actually bald of grass

completely. Still grass is extremely robust completely. Still grass is extremely robust

and the autumn rains will soon bring life back and the autumn rains will soon bring life back

into the parks and gardens. into the parks and gardens.

Morning arrived on time with a rose coloured Morning arrived on time with a rose coloured

glow and Rick awoke feeling fresh and of good glow and Rick awoke feeling fresh and of good

spirits. The next journey would take them to spirits. The next journey would take them to

their main holiday hotel where they would be their main holiday hotel where they would be

staying for four nights before making the staying for four nights before making the

return journey home. In that time Rick was return journey home. In that time Rick was

determined that this case would be solved and determined that this case would be solved and

he could return to his normal style of work. he could return to his normal style of work.

Breakfast was the traditional Continental Breakfast was the traditional Continental

meal with a fine selection of hams and meal with a fine selection of hams and

cheeses. A wonderful display of warm fresh cheeses. A wonderful display of warm fresh

bread, fruit juices, cereal, and that special bread, fruit juices, cereal, and that special


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French coffee. The rest of the coach party French coffee. The rest of the coach party

expressed their good wishes to all, including expressed their good wishes to all, including

Rick. Mike also seemed particularly talkative Rick. Mike also seemed particularly talkative

and together they shared a table of eight with and together they shared a table of eight with

other guests from the coach. For the couple other guests from the coach. For the couple

sitting opposite Rick, this was also their sitting opposite Rick, this was also their

first coach tour, and so far were very pleased first coach tour, and so far were very pleased

with their selection of destination. They with their selection of destination. They

came from the Lincoln area where he was an came from the Lincoln area where he was an

Electrical Engineer, whilst his wife was Electrical Engineer, whilst his wife was

relishing in the freedom caused by their last relishing in the freedom caused by their last

child leaving home. They were a kind friendly child leaving home. They were a kind friendly

couple and Rick felt sure that he would enjoy couple and Rick felt sure that he would enjoy

their company for the rest of the trip. The their company for the rest of the trip. The

second couple were totally different. They second couple were totally different. They

had holidayed this way many times before and had holidayed this way many times before and

were always travelling with this particular were always travelling with this particular

company. They hadn’t had any children, but company. They hadn’t had any children, but


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felt that their careers within education had felt that their careers within education had

made up for that, with each child passing made up for that, with each child passing

through their hands treated as their own. The through their hands treated as their own. The

remaining two were an elderly pair who had remaining two were an elderly pair who had

most certainly been married for a considerable most certainly been married for a considerable

time. Paul, her husband had learnt a long time. Paul, her husband had learnt a long

time ago that it was pointless to argue and time ago that it was pointless to argue and

left his wife to make all of the important left his wife to make all of the important

decisions. After all, she was always right decisions. After all, she was always right

anyway. Sheila, his wife, in spite of being a anyway. Sheila, his wife, in spite of being a

hospital matron for many years, had, or so it hospital matron for many years, had, or so it

would seem, single handily brought up four would seem, single handily brought up four

children on her own. What Paul had been doing children on her own. What Paul had been doing

whilst this was going on, Rick felt afraid to whilst this was going on, Rick felt afraid to

ask, and decided that it was best left to ask, and decided that it was best left to

history. history.

Back on the coach the group settled down for Back on the coach the group settled down for

the long drive to Switzerland. Mike had the long drive to Switzerland. Mike had


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brought with him an expensive pair of brought with him an expensive pair of

binoculars and used every opportunity to view binoculars and used every opportunity to view

the magnificent scenery as they sped towards the magnificent scenery as they sped towards

the resort hotel. The coach made several the resort hotel. The coach made several

‘comfort’ stops on the way and they eventually ‘comfort’ stops on the way and they eventually

arrived at the hotel just before six in the arrived at the hotel just before six in the

evening. evening.

The village was spectacular with an awe The village was spectacular with an awe

inspiring backdrop of snow capped mountains, inspiring backdrop of snow capped mountains,

glacier fed mountain falls and torrential glacier fed mountain falls and torrential

rivers, mountain lodges scattered like dolls rivers, mountain lodges scattered like dolls

houses over the emerald green slopes, and the houses over the emerald green slopes, and the

ever traditional sound of small herds of cows ever traditional sound of small herds of cows

each carrying their own bell. It was a each carrying their own bell. It was a


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complete picture and for a long minute Rick complete picture and for a long minute Rick

felt completely lost in the tranquil beauty felt completely lost in the tranquil beauty

that lay before him. Here were natural that lay before him. Here were natural

monuments to the wonders of the world. monuments to the wonders of the world.

Centuries upon centuries these mountains had Centuries upon centuries these mountains had

grown and stood totally undeterred towering grown and stood totally undeterred towering

above the almost insignificant smallness that above the almost insignificant smallness that

is man. And yet it is us who, in almost every is man. And yet it is us who, in almost every

part of the world, are caught in war, famine, part of the world, are caught in war, famine,

deprivation and fear, and even now through the deprivation and fear, and even now through the

pollution caused by our misuse of the pollution caused by our misuse of the

elements, are eroding the very glaciers that elements, are eroding the very glaciers that

took so many years to form. took so many years to form.

The cases had been offloaded from the coach The cases had been offloaded from the coach

and each guest given their hotel room key. A and each guest given their hotel room key. A

welcome drink was planned for seven o’clock welcome drink was planned for seven o’clock

and in the meantime, a refreshing shower, a and in the meantime, a refreshing shower, a

tot of whiskey and a change of clothes was the tot of whiskey and a change of clothes was the


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order of the day. order of the day.

Rick’s hotel room looked over the range of Rick’s hotel room looked over the range of

mountains that enclosed the small Swiss mountains that enclosed the small Swiss

village perched high on the slopes, and as he village perched high on the slopes, and as he

opened the window he felt the clear mountain opened the window he felt the clear mountain

evening air enter his lungs and fill his very evening air enter his lungs and fill his very

soul with renewed life. soul with renewed life.

The following day the programme would The following day the programme would

include a visit to Bern and here he was to try include a visit to Bern and here he was to try

and discover the owner of the bank account so and discover the owner of the bank account so

efficiently uncovered by Nicole only a couple efficiently uncovered by Nicole only a couple

of days ago. He wondered how she was. Had of days ago. He wondered how she was. Had

she returned to her apartment, or had she she returned to her apartment, or had she

decided to stay at the cottage for a few more decided to stay at the cottage for a few more

days. Perhaps a call to Jon explaining days. Perhaps a call to Jon explaining

progress so far was in order, but maybe it progress so far was in order, but maybe it

would be more productive after the Bern visit. would be more productive after the Bern visit.

After all he might have the solution following After all he might have the solution following


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this visit. Who knows? this visit. Who knows?

He pulled back the hotel’s clean, white, He pulled back the hotel’s clean, white,

sweet smelling bed covers, left open the small sweet smelling bed covers, left open the small

wooden sash windows, and with the curtains wooden sash windows, and with the curtains

slightly drawn retired to bed. Lying on the slightly drawn retired to bed. Lying on the

soft white bed sheets, Rick could see out on soft white bed sheets, Rick could see out on

to the Swiss night sky. High up on a mountain to the Swiss night sky. High up on a mountain

pass a single light was shining. Was this a pass a single light was shining. Was this a

refuge for hikers lost in the magnificence of refuge for hikers lost in the magnificence of

the mountains that have lost track of the very the mountains that have lost track of the very

time, or a waypoint for travellers passing time, or a waypoint for travellers passing

through the area? It shone through the dark through the area? It shone through the dark

night sky like a beacon of hope, backed by a night sky like a beacon of hope, backed by a

range of snow capped mountains that have stood range of snow capped mountains that have stood

there for a thousand years. Stars twinkled in there for a thousand years. Stars twinkled in

the satin blue sky establishing their place in the satin blue sky establishing their place in

the universe around him, and he promptly felt the universe around him, and he promptly felt

proud and honoured to be a part of this great proud and honoured to be a part of this great


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patchwork of life. patchwork of life.

He gradually closed his eyes, and the world He gradually closed his eyes, and the world

of evil and destruction, of which he was an of evil and destruction, of which he was an

uninvited guest, left him in peace and uninvited guest, left him in peace and

tranquillity and he slept soundly. tranquillity and he slept soundly.

The morning arrived with a brand new day; The morning arrived with a brand new day;

the alpine sun streaming through the hotel the alpine sun streaming through the hotel

windows and brightening all that it fell upon. windows and brightening all that it fell upon.

The mountaintops were glinting in the bright The mountaintops were glinting in the bright

sunlight and Rick could feel the warmth easing sunlight and Rick could feel the warmth easing

its way through his clothing. The sky was a its way through his clothing. The sky was a

vivid blue with small tuffs of white cloud vivid blue with small tuffs of white cloud

dancing about on a light south-westerly wind. dancing about on a light south-westerly wind.

In the distance he could make out the many In the distance he could make out the many

brightly coloured cable cars and chair lifts brightly coloured cable cars and chair lifts

winding their way through the large expanses winding their way through the large expanses

of pine forests lining the slopes as they made of pine forests lining the slopes as they made

their way to the summit of each mountain. In their way to the summit of each mountain. In


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the winter these same slopes would be filled the winter these same slopes would be filled

with hundreds of skiers, snow-boarders and with hundreds of skiers, snow-boarders and

sledges racing each other in the fine crisp sledges racing each other in the fine crisp

and deep snow that this region was so famous and deep snow that this region was so famous

for. for.

A delicious traditional breakfast was taken A delicious traditional breakfast was taken

in the panoramic dining room. Arrangements in the panoramic dining room. Arrangements

for the day’s programme were discussed, and for the day’s programme were discussed, and

plans made for the evening meal. Rick plans made for the evening meal. Rick

gathered up his hand luggage and following the gathered up his hand luggage and following the

other guests through the main entrance foyer other guests through the main entrance foyer

boarded the waiting coach. boarded the waiting coach.

They travelled along narrow mountain roads They travelled along narrow mountain roads

that seemed to cling to the side of the that seemed to cling to the side of the

mountains. They passed through beautiful mountains. They passed through beautiful

untouched villages and along the banks of deep untouched villages and along the banks of deep

still lakes reflecting the mountains as a still lakes reflecting the mountains as a

mirrored picture postcard. It was to be a mirrored picture postcard. It was to be a


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couple of hours later when the coach pulled couple of hours later when the coach pulled

into Bern, the capital of Switzerland, and into Bern, the capital of Switzerland, and

dropped the passengers by the Tourist dropped the passengers by the Tourist

Information Office. They had two hours to Information Office. They had two hours to

explore the city and would be collected from explore the city and would be collected from

this same point. this same point.

With its time-honoured sandstone buildings, With its time-honoured sandstone buildings,

historic towers and unique fountains Bern, the historic towers and unique fountains Bern, the

seat of the Swiss government, is one of the seat of the Swiss government, is one of the

finest examples of mediaeval civic finest examples of mediaeval civic

architecture in Europe. The city’s appearance architecture in Europe. The city’s appearance

has remained virtually unchanged for has remained virtually unchanged for

centuries, earning Bern a place on the UNESCO centuries, earning Bern a place on the UNESCO

list of World Heritage Sites. Thanks to this list of World Heritage Sites. Thanks to this

honour the city with its popular Bear Pits honour the city with its popular Bear Pits

(the bear is Bern’s heraldic symbol) is on a (the bear is Bern’s heraldic symbol) is on a

par with Rome, the Egyptian pyramids and the par with Rome, the Egyptian pyramids and the

Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal.


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Most of his fellow travellers left the coach Most of his fellow travellers left the coach

and headed for the city centre, crossing the and headed for the city centre, crossing the

River Aare where rows of shops hidden under River Aare where rows of shops hidden under

stone promenades tempt visitors to purchase stone promenades tempt visitors to purchase

expensive souvenirs. expensive souvenirs.

Rick, however, headed for the headquarters Rick, however, headed for the headquarters

of the SDW Bank where he hoped some of his of the SDW Bank where he hoped some of his

questions would be answered. Whilst leaving questions would be answered. Whilst leaving

the coach he hadn’t noticed where Mike had the coach he hadn’t noticed where Mike had

gone, but assumed that he was sightseeing with gone, but assumed that he was sightseeing with

the others. the others.

The SDW Bank headquarters were, according to The SDW Bank headquarters were, according to

a local tourist map, situated at the top of a local tourist map, situated at the top of

the main street leading from the ‘Bear Pit’, a the main street leading from the ‘Bear Pit’, a

walk of about three hundred metres. Making walk of about three hundred metres. Making

his way up through the myriad of narrow his way up through the myriad of narrow

promenades lining both sides of this busy promenades lining both sides of this busy

street, Rick was trying to conceive a plan street, Rick was trying to conceive a plan


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that would produce the answers that he was that would produce the answers that he was

looking for. The manager is not going to be looking for. The manager is not going to be

any sort of a fool, so the best approach would any sort of a fool, so the best approach would

be straight and up front. be straight and up front.

The building announcing itself as the SDW The building announcing itself as the SDW

Bank headquarters was a distinguished looking Bank headquarters was a distinguished looking

building made from traditional stone with many building made from traditional stone with many

ornate carvings decorating the exterior. ornate carvings decorating the exterior.

There had been an attempt to bring the façade There had been an attempt to bring the façade

up to date without destroying the character of up to date without destroying the character of

the original design and this had been the original design and this had been

tastefully and reverently completed. Pushing tastefully and reverently completed. Pushing

open the wide glazed doors Rick was greeted by open the wide glazed doors Rick was greeted by

a vast entrance foyer hung with crystal a vast entrance foyer hung with crystal

chandeliers and beautifully maintained stained chandeliers and beautifully maintained stained

glass mirrors, many inscribed with a bear, the glass mirrors, many inscribed with a bear, the

symbol of Bern. symbol of Bern.

The bank itself was relatively quiet with The bank itself was relatively quiet with


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only a few businessmen and woman at the only a few businessmen and woman at the

various stations and the heavy mahogany door various stations and the heavy mahogany door

leading to the Manager’s office lay to his leading to the Manager’s office lay to his

left. left.

As Rick approached the door he was As Rick approached the door he was

confronted by a uniformed security guard who, confronted by a uniformed security guard who,

in broad German, enquired as to his business in broad German, enquired as to his business

in the bank. Rick explained that he was in the bank. Rick explained that he was

English, and in the short time that he was in English, and in the short time that he was in

Bern, he would like to have a word with the Bern, he would like to have a word with the

Manager. The guard politely led Rick to a Manager. The guard politely led Rick to a

small waiting area and knocked on the small waiting area and knocked on the

Manager’s door. The door opened and the guard Manager’s door. The door opened and the guard

disappeared for a few moments, returning to disappeared for a few moments, returning to

beckon Rick forward. beckon Rick forward.

The Manager was a pleasant, very well The Manager was a pleasant, very well

dressed young man with short cropped blond dressed young man with short cropped blond

hair, an expensively tailored blue suit and hair, an expensively tailored blue suit and


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highly polished shoes, and coming out in front highly polished shoes, and coming out in front

of his desk, motioned Rick to take a seat. of his desk, motioned Rick to take a seat.

“Good morning, sir” the Manager spoke “Good morning, sir” the Manager spoke

perfect English “and how can I help you?” perfect English “and how can I help you?”

At least we are speaking the same language, At least we are speaking the same language,

thought Rick whilst passing the account thought Rick whilst passing the account

details to his host. “I am a private details to his host. “I am a private

detective from England, following up a case of detective from England, following up a case of

Internet credit fraud.” He passed the Manager Internet credit fraud.” He passed the Manager

his card “In the course of my enquiries the his card “In the course of my enquiries the

following account details surfaced” Going well following account details surfaced” Going well

so far, tempted Rick “I am hoping that you are so far, tempted Rick “I am hoping that you are

able to put a name to the account, and able to put a name to the account, and

possibly an address” possibly an address”

“Ah, well. The account number would most “Ah, well. The account number would most

certainly appear to be from this bank, but as certainly appear to be from this bank, but as

I am sure you are aware I am unable to release I am sure you are aware I am unable to release

any details of the account” And the sheet of any details of the account” And the sheet of


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paper was passed back. paper was passed back.

“Yes, I understand that” added Rick, “but “Yes, I understand that” added Rick, “but

this account is being used for the transfer of this account is being used for the transfer of

fraudulently obtained funds from across the fraudulently obtained funds from across the

world and no action by yourself may be world and no action by yourself may be

construed as condolence.” construed as condolence.”

The Manager moved to the back of his desk The Manager moved to the back of his desk

and reached for the telephone “Mr Shore” and reached for the telephone “Mr Shore”

glancing at Rick’s business card, “How can I glancing at Rick’s business card, “How can I

be certain that this account is indeed being be certain that this account is indeed being

used for the purpose you suggest?” used for the purpose you suggest?”

This was a very good question and Rick felt This was a very good question and Rick felt

the opportunity to close this case was the opportunity to close this case was

beginning to fade beginning to fade


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“At this precise moment, Sir, I can’t. I “At this precise moment, Sir, I can’t. I

can assure you however; that whatever I can assure you however; that whatever I

discover will be passed to you personally discover will be passed to you personally

before I make any other move. I am not before I make any other move. I am not

interested in the amount in the account, only interested in the amount in the account, only

in whose name it is registered.” in whose name it is registered.”

“Okay Mr Shore” As he pressed one of the “Okay Mr Shore” As he pressed one of the

telephone keys “I shall instruct my assistant telephone keys “I shall instruct my assistant

to provide the information that you have asked to provide the information that you have asked

for. But you must understand that as soon as for. But you must understand that as soon as

you have any news you will report back to me you have any news you will report back to me

immediately” He replaced the telephone “And immediately” He replaced the telephone “And

you will only be given the name of the holder you will only be given the name of the holder

of the account. I cannot possibly release any of the account. I cannot possibly release any

other information. At least at this stage.” other information. At least at this stage.”

The door was knocked and a short, bald The door was knocked and a short, bald

headed gentleman entered the room. headed gentleman entered the room.

“Ah, Hans, would you please fetch this “Ah, Hans, would you please fetch this


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gentleman the name of the holder of this gentleman the name of the holder of this

account” signalling to Hans, “Mr Shore would account” signalling to Hans, “Mr Shore would

you pass the details over” you pass the details over”

“If Mr Shore would care to wait outside, “If Mr Shore would care to wait outside,

Hans will bring you the details forthwith” and Hans will bring you the details forthwith” and

indicated that the meeting was at an end. indicated that the meeting was at an end.

Both men left the room and Rick took a seat Both men left the room and Rick took a seat

once more as Hans headed for his office and once more as Hans headed for his office and

computer. computer.

A rather annoyed and middle-A rather annoyed and middle-aged businessman aged businessman

dressed in a formal tweed suit was shouting at dressed in a formal tweed suit was shouting at

one of the young cashiers, causing her to one of the young cashiers, causing her to

burst into tears and head for the rest room. burst into tears and head for the rest room.

Rick noticed that a more senior member of Rick noticed that a more senior member of

staff, who was trying unsuccessfully to staff, who was trying unsuccessfully to

placate the customer, immediately filled her placate the customer, immediately filled her

place. Eventually even she felt defeated and place. Eventually even she felt defeated and

called for the Assistant Manager. A colleague called for the Assistant Manager. A colleague


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informed her that he was currently busy in his informed her that he was currently busy in his

office sorting out a query with another client office sorting out a query with another client

and would be a few minutes. The customer, by and would be a few minutes. The customer, by

this time, had obviously had enough, and this time, had obviously had enough, and

picking up his papers, he stormed out of the picking up his papers, he stormed out of the

bank leaving the glass doors swinging on their bank leaving the glass doors swinging on their

hinges. This was not a good day, mused Rick. hinges. This was not a good day, mused Rick.

It was almost tem minutes later when several It was almost tem minutes later when several

members of staff announced that Hans had not members of staff announced that Hans had not

re-appeared from his office and it had been re-appeared from his office and it had been

locked from the inside. Whatever they tried locked from the inside. Whatever they tried

they could not get him to answer. Even the they could not get him to answer. Even the

telephone remained unanswered although they telephone remained unanswered although they

could hear it ringing through the door. The could hear it ringing through the door. The

Manager was reluctantly called and a small Manager was reluctantly called and a small

rescue party headed towards his office. rescue party headed towards his office.

The door had most certainly been locked from The door had most certainly been locked from

the inside and it was impossible to either the inside and it was impossible to either


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unlock it, or look through the keyhole, as the unlock it, or look through the keyhole, as the

key remained in it. The only way forward was key remained in it. The only way forward was

to break open the door and gently pushing his to break open the door and gently pushing his

colleagues to one side, the Manager placed his colleagues to one side, the Manager placed his

shoulder against the lock and pushed with all shoulder against the lock and pushed with all

of his strength. of his strength.

At first the door refused to budge, but with At first the door refused to budge, but with

a sudden jolt it sprung open. Hans could be a sudden jolt it sprung open. Hans could be

clearly seen lying across his desk with a clearly seen lying across his desk with a

stream of warm scarlet blood oozing from an stream of warm scarlet blood oozing from an

open wound in the back of his neck finding its open wound in the back of his neck finding its

way across the polished mahogany desk and down way across the polished mahogany desk and down

on to the carpet beneath his feet. He was on to the carpet beneath his feet. He was

certainly dead, and from the smashed window certainly dead, and from the smashed window

behind him, he had been shot at fairly close behind him, he had been shot at fairly close

range from the street outside. Death was range from the street outside. Death was

probably instant. Papers and files that he probably instant. Papers and files that he

had been working on were exactly as he had had been working on were exactly as he had


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left them. left them.

Rick, realising something was wrong, headed Rick, realising something was wrong, headed

for the same office, and finding an hysterical for the same office, and finding an hysterical

crowd gathered around the open door, gently crowd gathered around the open door, gently

brushed them aside and entered the room to brushed them aside and entered the room to

find the Manager hovering over the lifeless find the Manager hovering over the lifeless

body of his assistant. body of his assistant.

Taking immediate charge “Don’t touch Taking immediate charge “Don’t touch

anything” screamed Rick “and has anyone called anything” screamed Rick “and has anyone called

the police?” Several onlookers moved back the police?” Several onlookers moved back

towards the cashier stations as Rick towards the cashier stations as Rick

approached the desk. He spotted his note approached the desk. He spotted his note

containing the account number still in the containing the account number still in the

dead-dead-man’s hand and opened on the desk was a man’s hand and opened on the desk was a

printout of the same account. printout of the same account.

Both Rick, and the Manager, grasped what had Both Rick, and the Manager, grasped what had

happened at the same time as the name of the happened at the same time as the name of the

account holder was Hans Hafenburg, the very account holder was Hans Hafenburg, the very


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same person that had died so brutally a few same person that had died so brutally a few

moments ago. moments ago.

Rick turned and left the bank with the Rick turned and left the bank with the

printout still in his hand. He headed back to printout still in his hand. He headed back to

the coach as the police began to arrive. The the coach as the police began to arrive. The

sirens wailing as four police cars skidded to sirens wailing as four police cars skidded to

a halt outside the bank and a squad of armed a halt outside the bank and a squad of armed

officers entered the foyer. officers entered the foyer.

The tour party was already beginning to The tour party was already beginning to

gather around the coach doors as Rick arrived gather around the coach doors as Rick arrived

at the ‘Bear Pit’. Many of the couples had at the ‘Bear Pit’. Many of the couples had

bought a range of souvenirs. Mike, and the bought a range of souvenirs. Mike, and the

youngest of the single women, were deep in youngest of the single women, were deep in

conversation about the state of the bears in conversation about the state of the bears in

the pit and complaining that they didn’t the pit and complaining that they didn’t

appear to be very well treated. Although to appear to be very well treated. Although to

Rick the bears seemed perfectly happy Rick the bears seemed perfectly happy

strolling around the sizeable compound strolling around the sizeable compound


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accepting food titbits from the crowd above. accepting food titbits from the crowd above.

Boarding the coach and making his way to his Boarding the coach and making his way to his

seat behind Mike, Rick opened up the report he seat behind Mike, Rick opened up the report he

had taken from the bank. This was indeed the had taken from the bank. This was indeed the

account being used by the fraudsters as could account being used by the fraudsters as could

be seen from the number and value of the be seen from the number and value of the

transactions over any twenty four-transactions over any twenty four-hour period. hour period.

The address of the account holder was clearly The address of the account holder was clearly

printed on the top of the report and this was printed on the top of the report and this was

to be Rick’s next port of call. to be Rick’s next port of call.

Lunch was to be in a small castle town some Lunch was to be in a small castle town some

fifty kilometres west so with the last person fifty kilometres west so with the last person

on board, the coach headed off once more. The on board, the coach headed off once more. The

journey was uneventful except that one of the journey was uneventful except that one of the

elderly ladies had difficulty in unlocking the elderly ladies had difficulty in unlocking the

on-board toilet door, which did cause some on-board toilet door, which did cause some

light amusement amongst the other passengers. light amusement amongst the other passengers.

With the hot sun beating its way through the With the hot sun beating its way through the


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wide windows, the temperature inside the coach wide windows, the temperature inside the coach

began to rise and was soon doing battle with began to rise and was soon doing battle with

the air-conditioning system. Fortunately the the air-conditioning system. Fortunately the

latter won and the temperature was controlled latter won and the temperature was controlled

at a reasonable twenty-one degrees. at a reasonable twenty-one degrees.

The castle town of Gruyeres was soon reached The castle town of Gruyeres was soon reached

and the passengers disembarked and headed for and the passengers disembarked and headed for

the nearest restaurant. Gruyeres is located the nearest restaurant. Gruyeres is located

approximately sixty four kilometres to the approximately sixty four kilometres to the

south west of Bern, and this small town, once south west of Bern, and this small town, once

belonging to the counts of Gruyères, is known belonging to the counts of Gruyères, is known

for its castle and its cheese. It’s a for its castle and its cheese. It’s a

highlight for anyone taking the “cheese route” highlight for anyone taking the “cheese route”

through Switzerland. It’s also a good base through Switzerland. It’s also a good base

for exploring the district of Gruyère (the for exploring the district of Gruyère (the

region is spelled without an “s”). In the region is spelled without an “s”). In the

canton of Fribourg, the little town of canton of Fribourg, the little town of

Gruyères seems to slumber somewhere back in Gruyères seems to slumber somewhere back in


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the Middle Ages. Enclosed by 12th-century the Middle Ages. Enclosed by 12th-century

ramparts, it’s dominated by a castle, where ramparts, it’s dominated by a castle, where

the counts lived from the 12th to the 16th the counts lived from the 12th to the 16th

century. Their crest, which bears a crane, is century. Their crest, which bears a crane, is

still used in Gruyères. still used in Gruyères.

Cars are forbidden to enter between Easter Cars are forbidden to enter between Easter

and the first of November (and on Sunday all and the first of November (and on Sunday all

year round). Therefore you must park your car year round). Therefore you must park your car

outside the gates and walk into town. outside the gates and walk into town.

Everything within the town can easily be Everything within the town can easily be

explored on foot. explored on foot.

Rick made his way up the steep incline on Rick made his way up the steep incline on

the search for a public telephone box from the search for a public telephone box from

where he would make contact with Jon, his where he would make contact with Jon, his

employer back in the UK, and request further employer back in the UK, and request further

instructions. Rounding a sharp corner almost instructions. Rounding a sharp corner almost

opposite the town church, he almost walked opposite the town church, he almost walked

into Mike who appeared to be on a similar into Mike who appeared to be on a similar


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search. Apologising, Mike continued his search. Apologising, Mike continued his

search in the direction from whence Rick had search in the direction from whence Rick had

come, leaving Rick to climb further up the come, leaving Rick to climb further up the

hill towards the castle. hill towards the castle.

The view whilst climbing the steep lane that The view whilst climbing the steep lane that

led up to the castle and town square was led up to the castle and town square was

magnificent. It looked out over miles of magnificent. It looked out over miles of

neatly laid out fields, generally of maize, neatly laid out fields, generally of maize,

criss-crossed with narrow fast flowing streams criss-crossed with narrow fast flowing streams

leading from the grand mountain ranges to the leading from the grand mountain ranges to the

many small lakes that form the pattern in this many small lakes that form the pattern in this

area of Switzerland. area of Switzerland.

Just ahead and to the right Rick noticed a Just ahead and to the right Rick noticed a

small sign indicating the location of a call small sign indicating the location of a call

box and he made his way towards it. The box box and he made his way towards it. The box

was standing in the shade made by the end of a was standing in the shade made by the end of a

row of neat cottages, no doubt used by the row of neat cottages, no doubt used by the

servants of the castle’s household many years servants of the castle’s household many years


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ago. They were each adorned by well kept ago. They were each adorned by well kept

flower boxes, and neatly tied back net flower boxes, and neatly tied back net

curtains fluttered gently in the light summer curtains fluttered gently in the light summer

breeze that was making its way around the breeze that was making its way around the

buildings. The smell of freshly made bread buildings. The smell of freshly made bread

hung in the air and Rick could make out rows hung in the air and Rick could make out rows

of bottles of recently made jams setting on of bottles of recently made jams setting on

the windowsills. the windowsills.

The call box reached, Rick reached for the The call box reached, Rick reached for the

telephone handset whilst hunting through his telephone handset whilst hunting through his

pocket for some loose Swiss currency, when he pocket for some loose Swiss currency, when he

felt the barrel of the pistol in the crook of felt the barrel of the pistol in the crook of

his back. Swinging round, he found himself his back. Swinging round, he found himself

staring into the barrel of the loaded pistol staring into the barrel of the loaded pistol

held in Mike’s right hand. held in Mike’s right hand.

“What the devil!” screamed Rick, easing his “What the devil!” screamed Rick, easing his

way out of the call box. way out of the call box.

“Now, now, Rick. Keep cool. We don’t want “Now, now, Rick. Keep cool. We don’t want


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anyone else to get hurt do we” and beckoned anyone else to get hurt do we” and beckoned

Rick to walk slowly up the path that turned Rick to walk slowly up the path that turned

away from the cottages. “You’re certainly away from the cottages. “You’re certainly

persistent, I can give you that. Pity it will persistent, I can give you that. Pity it will

be the death of you, and in such a beautiful be the death of you, and in such a beautiful

setting too” setting too”

The two men had by now reached the top of The two men had by now reached the top of

the path and had begun to turn to the right the path and had begun to turn to the right

and down towards the river that had once, no and down towards the river that had once, no

doubt fed the now defunct moat. Coming doubt fed the now defunct moat. Coming

towards them, deep in conversation, was one of towards them, deep in conversation, was one of

the couples from the coach struggling to make the couples from the coach struggling to make

the steep slope towards the castle. Mike had the steep slope towards the castle. Mike had

yet to see them and was continuing forward yet to see them and was continuing forward

when Rick raised his arm and began waving to when Rick raised his arm and began waving to

the surprised couple. Caught completely of the surprised couple. Caught completely of

guard, Mike was unable to stop Rick, and guard, Mike was unable to stop Rick, and

instead began prodding Rick even harder with instead began prodding Rick even harder with


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the gun. This was an opportunity not to be the gun. This was an opportunity not to be

missed and spinning round with his arm still missed and spinning round with his arm still

outstretched he caught Mike a hefty blow outstretched he caught Mike a hefty blow

around the side of his neck. Mike gasped for around the side of his neck. Mike gasped for

air, dropped the pistol and slumped lifeless air, dropped the pistol and slumped lifeless

to the ground, rolling out of site of the to the ground, rolling out of site of the

couple into a mass of shrubs and undergrowth couple into a mass of shrubs and undergrowth

assisted by a hefty kick. assisted by a hefty kick.

Rick quickly threw the pistol after him and Rick quickly threw the pistol after him and

walked casually on to greet the puffed couple walked casually on to greet the puffed couple

who were trying to decide if the effort to who were trying to decide if the effort to

reach the castle was worth it or not. reach the castle was worth it or not.

“Hi there” greeted Rick as they came into “Hi there” greeted Rick as they came into

range. “I’m not sure if it is worth the range. “I’m not sure if it is worth the

effort” effort”


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“Well we’ve made it so far, we had better “Well we’ve made it so far, we had better

continue. Wasn’t that Mike we saw you talking continue. Wasn’t that Mike we saw you talking

to?” to?”

“Yes, that’s right. He went off for a roll. “Yes, that’s right. He went off for a roll.

Presumably he was feeling hungry. See you Presumably he was feeling hungry. See you

later, back at the coach” and Rick left them later, back at the coach” and Rick left them

standing on the edge of the path. standing on the edge of the path.

As soon as the pair had passed out of sight, As soon as the pair had passed out of sight,

Rick made his way back towards the telephone Rick made his way back towards the telephone

box and was about to lift the receiver when he box and was about to lift the receiver when he

felt a hand on his shoulder. Spinning round felt a hand on his shoulder. Spinning round

with the thought of a repeat episode rushing with the thought of a repeat episode rushing

through his brain, he found himself face to through his brain, he found himself face to

face with Jon, the guy who had introduced him face with Jon, the guy who had introduced him

to the case in what seemed a lifetime ago. to the case in what seemed a lifetime ago.

The look upon Rick’s face must have been The look upon Rick’s face must have been

self-explanatory as Jon gently took hold of self-explanatory as Jon gently took hold of

his arm. his arm.


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“We’ve been keeping track of you since we “We’ve been keeping track of you since we

discovered Mike was involved in some way” Jon discovered Mike was involved in some way” Jon

began to explain. “He use to be one of Adam’s began to explain. “He use to be one of Adam’s

old partners way back and we had our old partners way back and we had our

suspicions that it was he who planted the bomb suspicions that it was he who planted the bomb

at your contact’s house a few days ago”. at your contact’s house a few days ago”.

“So who were the two guys who tried to bring “So who were the two guys who tried to bring

me in?” Rick queried, beginning to understand me in?” Rick queried, beginning to understand

how it may all fit together. how it may all fit together.

“Actually, that’s a bit embarrassing” smiled “Actually, that’s a bit embarrassing” smiled

Jon “but those two are currently directing Jon “but those two are currently directing

traffic. Need I say more?” traffic. Need I say more?”

The two men began walking slowly back down The two men began walking slowly back down

the main street where hundreds of tourists and the main street where hundreds of tourists and

locals were oblivious to what had been going locals were oblivious to what had been going

on. Rick began to explain about the encounter on. Rick began to explain about the encounter

he had had with Mike, but was quickly he had had with Mike, but was quickly

reassured that it was all in hand. The coach reassured that it was all in hand. The coach


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operator had been informed, as apparently Mike operator had been informed, as apparently Mike

had to return home due to a family crisis. had to return home due to a family crisis.

“I understand that you have the address of “I understand that you have the address of

the unfortunate Hans?” questioned Jon as they the unfortunate Hans?” questioned Jon as they

began to merge with the crowd. “How about a began to merge with the crowd. “How about a

coffee and we can discuss the next move” coffee and we can discuss the next move”

The old castle keep that had since become The old castle keep that had since become

the main thoroughfare was lined on both sides the main thoroughfare was lined on both sides

with an abundance of small attractively with an abundance of small attractively

decorated shops and cafes. One of these had a decorated shops and cafes. One of these had a

table free and making their way through the table free and making their way through the

maze of brightly decorated tables and neat maze of brightly decorated tables and neat

wicker chairs, the two men established wicker chairs, the two men established

themselves in the bright sunlight facing the themselves in the bright sunlight facing the

cobbled street. They ordered white coffees cobbled street. They ordered white coffees

and for a short while just sat and and for a short while just sat and

contemplated the busy scene before them. It contemplated the busy scene before them. It

was Rick who spoke first, and passing the was Rick who spoke first, and passing the


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computer report over to Jon he asked if there computer report over to Jon he asked if there

had been any developments on the hostage had been any developments on the hostage

enquiry. enquiry.

Apparently, according to Jon, there were Apparently, according to Jon, there were

several rumours circulating within the Force several rumours circulating within the Force

that implicated a few high ranking officers that implicated a few high ranking officers

and the enquiry was now to be handled by his and the enquiry was now to be handled by his

own department. There had been no further own department. There had been no further

ransom demands, in fact no contact with the ransom demands, in fact no contact with the

hostage takers at all. All of the leads had hostage takers at all. All of the leads had

so far drawn a blank. so far drawn a blank.

“Okay, if you’re ready, we’ve got work to “Okay, if you’re ready, we’ve got work to

do” and placing a Ten Swiss Franc note against do” and placing a Ten Swiss Franc note against

the bill laid on the table made moves to rise the bill laid on the table made moves to rise

from his chair. from his chair.

“Just one thing” asked Rick “Are we in this “Just one thing” asked Rick “Are we in this

together?” together?”

Jon didn’t reply, but a broad grin had Jon didn’t reply, but a broad grin had


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stretched across his sun-stretched across his sun-tanned face, and Rick tanned face, and Rick

took it to mean yes. took it to mean yes.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

The evening sky was a rich shade of blue The evening sky was a rich shade of blue

decorated with millions of bright stars and decorated with millions of bright stars and

they could feel a slight chill in the air as they could feel a slight chill in the air as

the two men drove towards Meiringen. the two men drove towards Meiringen.

Meiringen is the chief town in the Hasli Meiringen is the chief town in the Hasli

Valley above Lake Brienz. Reichenbachfalle is Valley above Lake Brienz. Reichenbachfalle is

just outside of town and has a funicular to just outside of town and has a funicular to

the top. This is the falls from which it is the top. This is the falls from which it is

thought the fictional character, Sherlock thought the fictional character, Sherlock

Holmes and Moriarty fell to their death. Holmes and Moriarty fell to their death.

There is a museum containing memorabilia There is a museum containing memorabilia

belonging to Holmes and Doctor Watson. Conan belonging to Holmes and Doctor Watson. Conan

Doyle resuscitated his character a few years Doyle resuscitated his character a few years

after the fall from Reichenbachfalle. In fact after the fall from Reichenbachfalle. In fact

on a statue of Holmes in the centre of the on a statue of Holmes in the centre of the


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town, it is reported that there are clues to town, it is reported that there are clues to

over sixty of his adventures for the over sixty of his adventures for the

enthusiastic visitor to try and solve. Rick enthusiastic visitor to try and solve. Rick

considered this place as a very apt meeting considered this place as a very apt meeting

point for their current task. point for their current task.

The address they had obtained had been The address they had obtained had been

passed to members of Jon’s elite team of passed to members of Jon’s elite team of

officers and instructions issued to join a officers and instructions issued to join a

meeting point some five kilometres from the meeting point some five kilometres from the

lodge. Their time of arrival had been planned lodge. Their time of arrival had been planned

for twenty-one hundred hours and Rick felt for twenty-one hundred hours and Rick felt

that they were well on time. that they were well on time.

Scattered around the magnificent countryside Scattered around the magnificent countryside

usually close to many of the towns were many usually close to many of the towns were many

traditional Swiss lodges. Many of which had traditional Swiss lodges. Many of which had

been long abandoned or were only used during been long abandoned or were only used during

the winter season as ski lodges for the hardy the winter season as ski lodges for the hardy

skier caught in a snowstorm. In one such skier caught in a snowstorm. In one such


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derelict Swiss barn probably used by a family derelict Swiss barn probably used by a family

for the storage of Maize during the harvesting for the storage of Maize during the harvesting

period, several portable tables and benches period, several portable tables and benches

had been set out in a horseshoe shape, all had been set out in a horseshoe shape, all

turned towards a large white screen. turned towards a large white screen.

Temporary lighting was festooned around the Temporary lighting was festooned around the

barn and a generator could be heard providing barn and a generator could be heard providing

power for a range of networked computers. power for a range of networked computers.

After a quick but satisfying snack in one of After a quick but satisfying snack in one of

the town’s many restaurants and leaving the the town’s many restaurants and leaving the

security of Meiringen, Rick and Jon drove up security of Meiringen, Rick and Jon drove up

into the mountains and were soon entering the into the mountains and were soon entering the

small stone flagged courtyard, where they small stone flagged courtyard, where they

parked the car and approached the barn on parked the car and approached the barn on

foot. All of his team were now present and foot. All of his team were now present and

awaiting further instructions. The computers awaiting further instructions. The computers

were humming with life, and on one screen a were humming with life, and on one screen a

GPS monitor was displaying the location of a GPS monitor was displaying the location of a


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moving vehicle heading for their target lodge. moving vehicle heading for their target lodge.

“Okay guys” Jon had approached the screen “Okay guys” Jon had approached the screen

and began to address the group before him “You and began to address the group before him “You

can see our target car is approaching the can see our target car is approaching the

lodge. We have positive information that lodge. We have positive information that

following the untimely death of Hans following the untimely death of Hans

Hafenburg, the team have decided that it is Hafenburg, the team have decided that it is

not safe to remain here and are about to move not safe to remain here and are about to move

base.” base.”

“Sir”. A tall well-spoken man had risen to “Sir”. A tall well-spoken man had risen to

his feet. He was dressed completely in black his feet. He was dressed completely in black

and appeared to be carrying a shoulder weapon and appeared to be carrying a shoulder weapon

of some sort. “How many targets are we of some sort. “How many targets are we

expecting to have to confront?” expecting to have to confront?”

Turning his gaze towards the questioner, “We Turning his gaze towards the questioner, “We

understand from our intelligence, that there understand from our intelligence, that there

are six men and one woman involved and that are six men and one woman involved and that

they have all been called to this lodge they have all been called to this lodge


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tonight.” Turning back to the group. “As soon tonight.” Turning back to the group. “As soon

as we understand that they are all present and as we understand that they are all present and

correct we move in. This is not to be a correct we move in. This is not to be a

heavy-handed blast and kill operation. heavy-handed blast and kill operation.

Ideally I would like all of the prisoners Ideally I would like all of the prisoners

taken alive and well” taken alive and well”

Another member of the group rose to his feet Another member of the group rose to his feet

“Sir, what happens if we come under fire?” “Sir, what happens if we come under fire?”

“You fire back. But do not, I repeat, do “You fire back. But do not, I repeat, do

not, shoot to kill. Do I have all of your not, shoot to kill. Do I have all of your

understanding on this?” understanding on this?”

A rumble of agreement went around the A rumble of agreement went around the

gathered group. gathered group.

Night fell fast as the fading sun sank Night fell fast as the fading sun sank

behind the mountain range behind them and a behind the mountain range behind them and a

chilled mist began rising from the various chilled mist began rising from the various

streams that networked their way across the streams that networked their way across the

fields spread out before them. Rick had been fields spread out before them. Rick had been


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introduced to the team and it was apparent introduced to the team and it was apparent

that they were all ready and waiting to go. that they were all ready and waiting to go.

The lodge had been built on a small plateau The lodge had been built on a small plateau

cut into the mountain slope and was accessible cut into the mountain slope and was accessible

only by using a narrow gritted lane that led only by using a narrow gritted lane that led

up from the village. As the four vehicles up from the village. As the four vehicles

slowly left the courtyard, Rick could feel the slowly left the courtyard, Rick could feel the

adrenaline surging through his veins and adrenaline surging through his veins and

gripped tight on to the pistol he had received gripped tight on to the pistol he had received

from Jon. Four hundred metres from the lodge, from Jon. Four hundred metres from the lodge,

the lead car indicated them all to stop and the lead car indicated them all to stop and

pull over, and the team gathered behind a pull over, and the team gathered behind a

natural break in the slope. natural break in the slope.

It was agreed that it was no longer safe to It was agreed that it was no longer safe to

use the vehicles and the remainder of the use the vehicles and the remainder of the

climb would have to be on foot. climb would have to be on foot.

Keeping to the grass banks running parallel Keeping to the grass banks running parallel

to the track they made their way cautiously to the track they made their way cautiously


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towards the lodge. As they got closer they towards the lodge. As they got closer they

could see that one or two lights were on could see that one or two lights were on

within the first floor whilst the ground floor within the first floor whilst the ground floor

remained in darkness. There were three cars remained in darkness. There were three cars

parked to the side of the building each parked to the side of the building each

displaying GB plates. displaying GB plates.

The cut of the plateau into the natural The cut of the plateau into the natural

slope of the land meant that Jon’s team could slope of the land meant that Jon’s team could

get to the first floor level of the house by get to the first floor level of the house by

using the bank. This side of the building was using the bank. This side of the building was

in complete darkness and would, therefore, be in complete darkness and would, therefore, be

an ideal point of access. Rick had begun to an ideal point of access. Rick had begun to

wonder why there was so little security to the wonder why there was so little security to the

building, when he heard a brushing noise in building, when he heard a brushing noise in

the still darkness some thirty metres ahead the still darkness some thirty metres ahead

and slightly to his right. and slightly to his right.

Pulling up sharply, Rick held his breath and Pulling up sharply, Rick held his breath and

tried to determine what it was that he had tried to determine what it was that he had


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heard. He hadn’t remembered any of Jon’s men heard. He hadn’t remembered any of Jon’s men

moving in that direction and in any event he moving in that direction and in any event he

was convinced that they were too experienced was convinced that they were too experienced

and well trained to make that sort of mistake. and well trained to make that sort of mistake.

Again he heard the same sound and the hairs on Again he heard the same sound and the hairs on

the back of his neck began to rise. It had the back of his neck began to rise. It had

come from an area of low bushes only twenty or come from an area of low bushes only twenty or

so metres directly in front of him. One of so metres directly in front of him. One of

Jon’s men had also heard the sound this time Jon’s men had also heard the sound this time

and had begun to circle back to seek out the and had begun to circle back to seek out the

cause of the noise from behind. Signalling to cause of the noise from behind. Signalling to

Rick to stay perfectly still, he was less than Rick to stay perfectly still, he was less than

five metres away when a large hairy Marmot five metres away when a large hairy Marmot

strolled nonchalantly across the gap between strolled nonchalantly across the gap between

them, blissfully unaware of the stress that he them, blissfully unaware of the stress that he

had just caused. Rick smiled gratefully, had just caused. Rick smiled gratefully,

waved, and both men moved closer to the lodge. waved, and both men moved closer to the lodge.

The remainder of the team had, by this time, The remainder of the team had, by this time,


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gathered on the top of the plateau cutting and gathered on the top of the plateau cutting and

could see clearly into the first floor could see clearly into the first floor

windows. One room was obviously being used as windows. One room was obviously being used as

a computer room with monitors lining the a computer room with monitors lining the

walls. There appeared to be two men and a walls. There appeared to be two men and a

woman in this room sitting watching the woman in this room sitting watching the

screens. The woman seemed familiar to Rick screens. The woman seemed familiar to Rick

and it was with a painful recollection that he and it was with a painful recollection that he

put her in the bar just before he was shot. put her in the bar just before he was shot.

The memory made him put his hand to his chest The memory made him put his hand to his chest

and hoped that soon he would have the chance and hoped that soon he would have the chance

to have a chat. The next room was in darkness to have a chat. The next room was in darkness

save for a low wattage bulb emitting some save for a low wattage bulb emitting some

light from behind a large lampshade that had light from behind a large lampshade that had

been untidily placed on one of the desks. been untidily placed on one of the desks.

Rick thought that he could make out the shape Rick thought that he could make out the shape

of a body lying on a divan bed placed up of a body lying on a divan bed placed up

against the wall. But he couldn’t be sure. against the wall. But he couldn’t be sure.


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The remaining room was the lounge area, and The remaining room was the lounge area, and

here three men were sitting, reading some here three men were sitting, reading some

newspapers that were scattered on a low table newspapers that were scattered on a low table

in the centre of the room. One of these men in the centre of the room. One of these men

was definitely the man from the bar. The was definitely the man from the bar. The

other men he didn’t recognise. other men he didn’t recognise.

A shout from one of the guys in the computer A shout from one of the guys in the computer

room sent the occupants of the lodge into a room sent the occupants of the lodge into a

sudden frenzy. One of the monitors had sudden frenzy. One of the monitors had

reflected a glint of light from Jon’s team and reflected a glint of light from Jon’s team and

they had been spotted. A shot rang out from they had been spotted. A shot rang out from

the lodge narrowly missing Jon, who had by now the lodge narrowly missing Jon, who had by now

organised his team into action. One of his organised his team into action. One of his

men returned the fire and as a gush of blood men returned the fire and as a gush of blood

spattered across one of the monitors, gang spattered across one of the monitors, gang

member slumped to the floor, blood oozing from member slumped to the floor, blood oozing from

a gun wound to his face. a gun wound to his face.

It was no longer necessary to remain silent It was no longer necessary to remain silent


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so the team scrambled down the steep slope to so the team scrambled down the steep slope to

the base of the plateau and under fire from the base of the plateau and under fire from

the lodge made their way to the front door. the lodge made their way to the front door.

Unprotected, the door was rapidly removed and Unprotected, the door was rapidly removed and

they entered the hallway. There was absolute they entered the hallway. There was absolute

silence. The lodge had been plunged into silence. The lodge had been plunged into

complete darkness save for the flickering complete darkness save for the flickering

glare from the monitors easing its way under glare from the monitors easing its way under

the door and down the stairs. the door and down the stairs.

Jon signalled for two of his men to start Jon signalled for two of his men to start

climbing the stairs, when a shot rang out from climbing the stairs, when a shot rang out from

the landing and a bullet penetrated a book the landing and a bullet penetrated a book

standing on a small shelf, smashing a glass standing on a small shelf, smashing a glass

vase as it did so. Glass splinters flew vase as it did so. Glass splinters flew

everywhere and the team instinctively covered everywhere and the team instinctively covered

their eyes. their eyes.

There was a second shot, which this time There was a second shot, which this time

found its way into the left thigh of one of found its way into the left thigh of one of


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the team causing him to drop to the floor the team causing him to drop to the floor

clutching his leg. Blood began seeping clutching his leg. Blood began seeping

through his trousers and he winced with pain. through his trousers and he winced with pain.

A returned shot buried itself in the wall on A returned shot buried itself in the wall on

the upper landing sending small clouds of the upper landing sending small clouds of

plaster exploding into the air. plaster exploding into the air.

Retreating back into the lower dining room, Retreating back into the lower dining room,

Jon needed to think out a plan. Whilst they Jon needed to think out a plan. Whilst they

were holed up in the rooms upstairs, the gang were holed up in the rooms upstairs, the gang

were virtually untouchable. Certainly without were virtually untouchable. Certainly without

more of his team coming under fire. The only more of his team coming under fire. The only

possible solution was to get the gang to come possible solution was to get the gang to come

out of the lodge where they could then be out of the lodge where they could then be

picked off. The Swiss lodges are primarily picked off. The Swiss lodges are primarily

built from timber extracted from fallen trees built from timber extracted from fallen trees

and were, therefore, constantly under threat and were, therefore, constantly under threat

from fire. Moving his team back into the open from fire. Moving his team back into the open

and into positions around the lodge, Jon set a and into positions around the lodge, Jon set a


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small explosive in the hallway to detonate in small explosive in the hallway to detonate in

three minutes and he and Rick made their way three minutes and he and Rick made their way

back to join his men and waited. back to join his men and waited.

Although anticipated, the explosion came as Although anticipated, the explosion came as

a shock to Rick and he was amazed at how a shock to Rick and he was amazed at how

quickly the fire took hold. Dense black smoke quickly the fire took hold. Dense black smoke

began emanating from the hallway and was seen began emanating from the hallway and was seen

to be spreading across the ground floor areas. to be spreading across the ground floor areas.

Cursing and screaming three men appeared at Cursing and screaming three men appeared at

the doorway with their arms outstretched above the doorway with their arms outstretched above

them and were quickly and unceremoniously them and were quickly and unceremoniously

whisked away by four of the team. whisked away by four of the team.

One more man followed them, and the woman One more man followed them, and the woman

who seemed only too pleased to be escorted who seemed only too pleased to be escorted

away. away.


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The gunman was the last to show and staring The gunman was the last to show and staring

coldly at Rick he was handcuffed and stood coldly at Rick he was handcuffed and stood

alongside two of the team. They were watching alongside two of the team. They were watching

the fire that had begun working its way the fire that had begun working its way

through the ceiling and was making fast and through the ceiling and was making fast and

steady progress into the first floor rooms, steady progress into the first floor rooms,

when Rick heard a scream coming from one of when Rick heard a scream coming from one of

the rear bedrooms. the rear bedrooms.

Indicating his intention to Jon, he made his Indicating his intention to Jon, he made his

way to the rear of the lodge where the fire way to the rear of the lodge where the fire

was less intense, and smashing his way in, he was less intense, and smashing his way in, he

clambered through one of the ground floor clambered through one of the ground floor

windows. The smoke here was beginning to fill windows. The smoke here was beginning to fill

the rooms and he could already feel the heat the rooms and he could already feel the heat

of the flames across the side of the hallway. of the flames across the side of the hallway.

Somehow he had to reach the stairs. Stripping Somehow he had to reach the stairs. Stripping

the curtain from the side window, Rick wrapped the curtain from the side window, Rick wrapped

it around his face and began making his way it around his face and began making his way


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towards the foot of the stairs. They were towards the foot of the stairs. They were

already well alight but with the screaming already well alight but with the screaming

continuing he knew that he had to at least continuing he knew that he had to at least

try. Rick cautiously climbed each step until try. Rick cautiously climbed each step until

in what seemed like a lifetime he had reached in what seemed like a lifetime he had reached

the landing. The screaming had now changed to the landing. The screaming had now changed to

a sob and was coming from one of the closed a sob and was coming from one of the closed

doors. Forcing his way in, Rick spotted the doors. Forcing his way in, Rick spotted the

dishevelled body of a young woman lying dishevelled body of a young woman lying

trussed up on the bed. She was sobbing with trussed up on the bed. She was sobbing with

fear and was almost certainly in a poor fear and was almost certainly in a poor

condition. Untying the ropes, with the smoke condition. Untying the ropes, with the smoke

now penetrating well into the room, he scooped now penetrating well into the room, he scooped

up the now almost lifeless body and ran to the up the now almost lifeless body and ran to the

open window. open window.

“Jon” he screamed “catch her. Quick. I “Jon” he screamed “catch her. Quick. I

haven’t got long” haven’t got long”

Without questioning Jon ran to a point Without questioning Jon ran to a point


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directly below the open window and held out directly below the open window and held out

his arms catching the young woman’s body as his arms catching the young woman’s body as

Rick dropped her. Climbing out on to the Rick dropped her. Climbing out on to the

window ledge, Rick took a flying leap from the window ledge, Rick took a flying leap from the

room and landed in a sprawl on the courtyard room and landed in a sprawl on the courtyard

below. below.

“My God” gasped Jon; “It’s the Home “My God” gasped Jon; “It’s the Home

Secretary’s daughter”. Secretary’s daughter”.

Turning to Adam who was now standing Turning to Adam who was now standing

alongside “Get hold of Peter Thompson and let alongside “Get hold of Peter Thompson and let

him know that we have recovered his daughter, him know that we have recovered his daughter,

Susannah” Susannah”

Gently carrying her to the grass bank, he Gently carrying her to the grass bank, he

laid her down and covered her with a blanket laid her down and covered her with a blanket

taken from one of the men’s survival kit. taken from one of the men’s survival kit.

Susannah had, by this time, began to come Susannah had, by this time, began to come

around and sensing that she was out of the around and sensing that she was out of the

building began opening her eyes. She was in a building began opening her eyes. She was in a


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really bad state. Her normally bright sexy really bad state. Her normally bright sexy

face was pale and drawn and there were face was pale and drawn and there were

tearstains down both cheeks. She had tearstains down both cheeks. She had

obviously not been well looked after and was obviously not been well looked after and was

in desperate need of a warm bath and some hot in desperate need of a warm bath and some hot

food as quickly as possible. Rick lifted her food as quickly as possible. Rick lifted her

up and carried her to the car where she was up and carried her to the car where she was

laid out on the rear seat and covered to laid out on the rear seat and covered to

protect her from the cold night air. protect her from the cold night air.

Jon arranged for Adam and two of his team to Jon arranged for Adam and two of his team to

remain at the lodge until the fire had been remain at the lodge until the fire had been

extinguished so that they could search through extinguished so that they could search through

what remained of the building for any evidence what remained of the building for any evidence

that would help to convict the men. Although that would help to convict the men. Although

Jon felt that they had already collected Jon felt that they had already collected

enough and had six live witnesses, he was enough and had six live witnesses, he was

determined that this prosecution would not determined that this prosecution would not

fail when it went to court. fail when it went to court.


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The rest of the team left the burning lodge The rest of the team left the burning lodge

and headed back down the lane and towards the and headed back down the lane and towards the

town of Meiringen. It was early morning and town of Meiringen. It was early morning and

although the sun had started to rise from although the sun had started to rise from

behind the mountains, the town was still behind the mountains, the town was still

wrapped in a dark cold blanket that gave no wrapped in a dark cold blanket that gave no

indication of a fine day to follow. The indication of a fine day to follow. The

town’s primary hotel, The St. Michaels Hotel, town’s primary hotel, The St. Michaels Hotel,

had a twenty four-had a twenty four-hour reception and it was to hour reception and it was to

here that they took Susannah. Eight twin here that they took Susannah. Eight twin

rooms were booked, all adjoining one another, rooms were booked, all adjoining one another,

and the team began to settle themselves in for and the team began to settle themselves in for

what would be a relatively short stay. what would be a relatively short stay.

A Doctor was called to look at Susannah and A Doctor was called to look at Susannah and

she was to be confined to bed for a further she was to be confined to bed for a further

forty-eight hours before being allowed to forty-eight hours before being allowed to

travel home. Fortunately there was nothing travel home. Fortunately there was nothing

seriously wrong and the rest and some good seriously wrong and the rest and some good


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food would soon have her back to her normal food would soon have her back to her normal

self. self.

The morning arrived in full glory with a The morning arrived in full glory with a

warm benevolent sun beaming down from above warm benevolent sun beaming down from above

the snow-capped mountains. Life returned to the snow-capped mountains. Life returned to

the busy narrow streets as the town’s people the busy narrow streets as the town’s people

went about their normal business. The smell went about their normal business. The smell

of freshly cooked croissants and hot Swiss of freshly cooked croissants and hot Swiss

coffee began penetrating the many corridors of coffee began penetrating the many corridors of

the hotel and as with the Pied Piper of the hotel and as with the Pied Piper of

Hamlin, the many hotel guests were soon Hamlin, the many hotel guests were soon

heading for the Dining Room where breakfast heading for the Dining Room where breakfast

was being served. was being served.

Jon had ordered a light breakfast and coffee Jon had ordered a light breakfast and coffee

to be taken to Susannah’s room from where the to be taken to Susannah’s room from where the

message came back that she had slept well and message came back that she had slept well and

was feeling much improved. was feeling much improved.

It was about eleven-thirty when Adam and the It was about eleven-thirty when Adam and the


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rest of the team arrived back at the hotel. rest of the team arrived back at the hotel.

They had thoroughly searched through the They had thoroughly searched through the

lodge, had collected some small pieces of lodge, had collected some small pieces of

evidence that may help their case, and were evidence that may help their case, and were

extremely tired and hungry. The fire had extremely tired and hungry. The fire had

burnt itself out in the early hours of the burnt itself out in the early hours of the

morning and had been made safe. Enquiries morning and had been made safe. Enquiries

were made as to Susannah’s condition and they were made as to Susannah’s condition and they

were re-assured to find that all was well. were re-assured to find that all was well.

Jon suggested that they rested for a few Jon suggested that they rested for a few

hours before holding a conference in the hotel hours before holding a conference in the hotel

lounge just before Dinner at seven o’clock. lounge just before Dinner at seven o’clock.

Rick had a double room to himself and Rick had a double room to himself and

returning after a very full breakfast, (Not returning after a very full breakfast, (Not

his usual boiled egg and toast), he decided his usual boiled egg and toast), he decided

that before taking a well earned nap he would that before taking a well earned nap he would

first call in on Susannah to check once again first call in on Susannah to check once again

that all was well. Her room was three doors that all was well. Her room was three doors


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down from his own and had one of Jon’s men on down from his own and had one of Jon’s men on

sentry position outside. sentry position outside.

“I’m sorry Sir”, he said as Rick approached “I’m sorry Sir”, he said as Rick approached

him, “but I have orders not to let anyone him, “but I have orders not to let anyone

enter the room without the express position of enter the room without the express position of

Jon Blake. I’m sure you’ll understand, Sir” Jon Blake. I’m sure you’ll understand, Sir”

Rick did, and making his apologies returned Rick did, and making his apologies returned

to his own room where he decided that he would to his own room where he decided that he would

first have a couple of hours sleep and then first have a couple of hours sleep and then

Jon and he would look in on the girl together. Jon and he would look in on the girl together.

No point in disturbing her now anyway. No point in disturbing her now anyway.

The sleep was deep without any dreams at all The sleep was deep without any dreams at all

and Rick awoke feeling refreshed. The bright and Rick awoke feeling refreshed. The bright

sun was beaming through his window sun was beaming through his window

illuminating the many small prints that illuminating the many small prints that

adorned his hotel room. It was peaceful here, adorned his hotel room. It was peaceful here,

the air was fresh and invigorating high in the the air was fresh and invigorating high in the

mountains, and he declared that someday soon mountains, and he declared that someday soon


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he would return to enjoy a longer stay. He he would return to enjoy a longer stay. He

should do this more often he felt. It was should do this more often he felt. It was

about time that he began enjoying himself now about time that he began enjoying himself now

that his sons had left the roost. It takes a that his sons had left the roost. It takes a

place like this to get your life into the place like this to get your life into the

correct perspective and reorder your correct perspective and reorder your

priorities. priorities.

There was a gentle knock on his door and There was a gentle knock on his door and

opening it he was greeted by Susannah. She opening it he was greeted by Susannah. She

was dressed in a hotel dressing gown, had was dressed in a hotel dressing gown, had

washed and brushed her hair and smelt of roses washed and brushed her hair and smelt of roses

and petunias. Asking her in, Rick offered her and petunias. Asking her in, Rick offered her

a drink, which she readily accepted, and a drink, which she readily accepted, and

pouring two glasses of red wine taken from the pouring two glasses of red wine taken from the

hotel mini bar they sat on a low bench facing hotel mini bar they sat on a low bench facing

the window. the window.

She wanted to thank him for rescuing her She wanted to thank him for rescuing her

from the lodge and bringing her down the track from the lodge and bringing her down the track


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to this hotel. She explained that she had to this hotel. She explained that she had

been very frightened throughout the dreadful been very frightened throughout the dreadful

ordeal and was very much looking forward to ordeal and was very much looking forward to

returning home to see her father. Her father returning home to see her father. Her father

and his advisors had often warned her of the and his advisors had often warned her of the

possibility of a kidnapping but she had never possibility of a kidnapping but she had never

really taken the threat seriously. She really taken the threat seriously. She

certainly would though from now on. certainly would though from now on.

Rick felt very uncomfortable alone with this Rick felt very uncomfortable alone with this

attractive young teenager and suggested that attractive young teenager and suggested that

they could perhaps go down to the lounge area they could perhaps go down to the lounge area

where they could take in the magnificent views where they could take in the magnificent views

of the mountain range. of the mountain range.

Leaving their glasses on the coffee table, Leaving their glasses on the coffee table,

they left the room and entered the hallway they left the room and entered the hallway

together. The telephone in Rick’s room began together. The telephone in Rick’s room began

to ring and asking her to wait by the door, to ring and asking her to wait by the door,

Rick returned to the room and lifted the Rick returned to the room and lifted the


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receiver. The receiver was dead, obviously a receiver. The receiver was dead, obviously a

wrong number and as he replaced the handset it wrong number and as he replaced the handset it

suddenly dawned on him that when they had just suddenly dawned on him that when they had just

entered the hallway, there had not been a entered the hallway, there had not been a

guard on her door. guard on her door.

His heart missed a beat and his pulse began His heart missed a beat and his pulse began

to run. He felt the blood begin to beat to run. He felt the blood begin to beat

through his body and he rushed to the hallway. through his body and he rushed to the hallway.

Nothing, the hallway was completely empty. Nothing, the hallway was completely empty.

Susannah had gone. Pounding on Susannah’s Susannah had gone. Pounding on Susannah’s

door, he was quickly joined by Jon and Adam, door, he was quickly joined by Jon and Adam,

who without a second thought forced open the who without a second thought forced open the

door. The room was empty. Everything was in door. The room was empty. Everything was in

its place and it looked as though she had its place and it looked as though she had

recently had a shower. recently had a shower.


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“My God, Jon” shrieked Rick “I was with her “My God, Jon” shrieked Rick “I was with her

only seconds ago. Where the hell has she only seconds ago. Where the hell has she

gone? And why should she go? We were on our gone? And why should she go? We were on our

way to the lounge” way to the lounge”

“Adam, you organise a search party” ordered “Adam, you organise a search party” ordered

Jon “I will notify the hotel management. Jon “I will notify the hotel management.

Perhaps someone saw her. Come on Rick, there Perhaps someone saw her. Come on Rick, there

is no point hanging around here” is no point hanging around here”

That smell, Roses and Petunias. Rick caught That smell, Roses and Petunias. Rick caught

a whiff of it brushing past Adam as he re- a whiff of it brushing past Adam as he re-

entered the hallway. entered the hallway.

“Adam, have you spoken to her since she “Adam, have you spoken to her since she

showered?” Rick questioned. That feeling showered?” Rick questioned. That feeling

rising through his system once again. rising through his system once again.

“No, of course not. I was a sleep until, “No, of course not. I was a sleep until,

like Jon here, I heard you pounding on the like Jon here, I heard you pounding on the

door” door”

“Yes of course,” Rick replied as he finally “Yes of course,” Rick replied as he finally


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left the room “I apologise. It’s just that left the room “I apologise. It’s just that

I’m getting paranoid. Just ignore me” I’m getting paranoid. Just ignore me”

Adam left behind Rick and Jon, and went to Adam left behind Rick and Jon, and went to

seek out the rest of the team. Jon headed for seek out the rest of the team. Jon headed for

the hotel reception on the ground floor, the hotel reception on the ground floor,

leaving Rick alone in the hallway. leaving Rick alone in the hallway.

Adam’s room was next to his and when trying Adam’s room was next to his and when trying

the door Rick, as he had expected, discovered the door Rick, as he had expected, discovered

it was locked. Knocking violently, he thought it was locked. Knocking violently, he thought

that he heard a sound coming from inside. The that he heard a sound coming from inside. The

door gave on the second heave with his door gave on the second heave with his

shoulder, and Rick fell into the room to see shoulder, and Rick fell into the room to see

Susannah, with her dressing gown torn open and Susannah, with her dressing gown torn open and

a wide staring expression on her face lying a wide staring expression on her face lying

sprawled across the bed. She had been gagged sprawled across the bed. She had been gagged

with tape and handcuffed to one of the with tape and handcuffed to one of the

bedposts. Rick also thought that he could bedposts. Rick also thought that he could

smell chloroform. Rushing towards her he smell chloroform. Rushing towards her he


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reached to release the gag as Adam entered the reached to release the gag as Adam entered the

room, pushing the door to behind him. room, pushing the door to behind him.

In his hand Adam was holding a thirty-eight In his hand Adam was holding a thirty-eight

pistol. There was no doubt as to where it was pistol. There was no doubt as to where it was

aimed. aimed.

“You stupid interfering bastard” coughed “You stupid interfering bastard” coughed

Adam “I have tried to keep you alive since you Adam “I have tried to keep you alive since you

blundered into this affair, even though my blundered into this affair, even though my

colleagues tried to kill you on more than one colleagues tried to kill you on more than one

occasion. But you just wouldn’t give it up” occasion. But you just wouldn’t give it up”

and he beckoned for Rick to sit on the edge of and he beckoned for Rick to sit on the edge of

the bed. the bed.

“But why all this” asked Rick indicating “But why all this” asked Rick indicating

Susannah “For goodness sake Adam, why take a Susannah “For goodness sake Adam, why take a

hostage?” hostage?”

“It was our guarantee. If we had been “It was our guarantee. If we had been

caught she was to be our bargaining power” caught she was to be our bargaining power”

commented Adam “Hans used to look after her. commented Adam “Hans used to look after her.


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He wasn’t much good for anything else, the He wasn’t much good for anything else, the

pathetic weak willed moron. If it hadn’t been pathetic weak willed moron. If it hadn’t been

for me, him stealing funds from his own bank for me, him stealing funds from his own bank

would have been discovered weeks ago. How do would have been discovered weeks ago. How do

you think he was able to afford to have that you think he was able to afford to have that

lodge built? It certainly wasn’t from his lodge built? It certainly wasn’t from his

piddling salary” piddling salary”

“So now what. You can’t just shoot us both “So now what. You can’t just shoot us both

and expect to get away with it” struggled and expect to get away with it” struggled

Rick, trying to find a way out of this. Rick, trying to find a way out of this.

As Adam moved towards Rick, the bullet As Adam moved towards Rick, the bullet

screamed through his chest, blasting pieces of screamed through his chest, blasting pieces of

blood soaked clothing in all directions and blood soaked clothing in all directions and

spattering blood and tissue on the wall behind spattering blood and tissue on the wall behind

him. A second bullet caught Adam in his him. A second bullet caught Adam in his

shoulder as he slumped to the floor, his head shoulder as he slumped to the floor, his head

catching the end of the bed as he fell, catching the end of the bed as he fell,

spinning him round and on to his back. His spinning him round and on to his back. His


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eyes stared up at the ceiling and life’s light eyes stared up at the ceiling and life’s light

went out. Jon had silently entered the room. went out. Jon had silently entered the room.

Jon smiled at Rick and recovered the fallen Jon smiled at Rick and recovered the fallen

weapon. Rick on the other hand had begun to weapon. Rick on the other hand had begun to

untie Susannah and release the gag. She was untie Susannah and release the gag. She was

still groggy from the chloroform but gathering still groggy from the chloroform but gathering

her dressing gown around her she clung to him. her dressing gown around her she clung to him.

She was quietly sobbing and Rick could feel She was quietly sobbing and Rick could feel

the warm tears falling on to his arm. She had the warm tears falling on to his arm. She had

been through hell but was now free and he held been through hell but was now free and he held

her close as she began to recover herself. her close as she began to recover herself.

Jon gently guided them both from the room and Jon gently guided them both from the room and

into Susannah’s where Rick laid her down on into Susannah’s where Rick laid her down on

the cool crisp sheets where she lay still and the cool crisp sheets where she lay still and

safe. Quietly pulling to the blue cotton safe. Quietly pulling to the blue cotton

curtains that hung at her window, Rick took curtains that hung at her window, Rick took

her hand, gave it a gentle fatherly squeeze, her hand, gave it a gentle fatherly squeeze,

and slowly left the room, closing the door and slowly left the room, closing the door


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securely behind him. securely behind him.

The tour hotel was in virtual darkness when The tour hotel was in virtual darkness when

Jon dropped Rick off in the entrance foyer, Jon dropped Rick off in the entrance foyer,

and he quietly made his way to his room. and he quietly made his way to his room.

Somehow Jon had contacted the hotel and Somehow Jon had contacted the hotel and

arranged for a cold meal and wine to be served arranged for a cold meal and wine to be served

in Rick’s room ready for his return. There in Rick’s room ready for his return. There

was also a note from Nicole wishing him a was also a note from Nicole wishing him a

happy holiday and expressing her desire to see happy holiday and expressing her desire to see

him when he returned to the UK. That was nice. him when he returned to the UK. That was nice.

He would certainly do that. He would certainly do that.

The bright new morning heralded the start of The bright new morning heralded the start of

a free day for the holiday crowd and following a free day for the holiday crowd and following

a light breakfast Rick made his way to the a light breakfast Rick made his way to the

local cable car that carried tourists to the local cable car that carried tourists to the

top of a nearby mountain. top of a nearby mountain.

The air was crisp and clear. The sun had The air was crisp and clear. The sun had

already begun warming the world around him, already begun warming the world around him,


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and as he entered the pod, and it moved slowly and as he entered the pod, and it moved slowly

skywards, his gaze took him once again to the skywards, his gaze took him once again to the

distant snow capped mountains. Upon reaching distant snow capped mountains. Upon reaching

the final stage he left the pod and with long the final stage he left the pod and with long

thoughtful steps, climbed the final few metres thoughtful steps, climbed the final few metres

to the small café built on the highest ledge to the small café built on the highest ledge

of the mountain. of the mountain.

He ordered a cappuccino and taking it on to He ordered a cappuccino and taking it on to

the small timber balcony that extended from the small timber balcony that extended from

the building he sat down under a brightly the building he sat down under a brightly

coloured sun shade. From this vantage point coloured sun shade. From this vantage point

he could see not only across to the vast he could see not only across to the vast

mountains that still towered above him, with mountains that still towered above him, with

their snow covered tops sparkling like their snow covered tops sparkling like

diamonds in the sunlight, but also down in to diamonds in the sunlight, but also down in to

the many valleys below. Ditches fed the the many valleys below. Ditches fed the

streams and these in turn fed mighty rivers. streams and these in turn fed mighty rivers.

The hundreds of beautifully designed and The hundreds of beautifully designed and


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decorated lodges scattered about the bright decorated lodges scattered about the bright

green hillside. The signs of village life green hillside. The signs of village life

with small herds of cattle munching their way with small herds of cattle munching their way

through the lush green pastures. Their bells through the lush green pastures. Their bells

a sign of ownership. a sign of ownership.

Rick was reminded for not the last time of Rick was reminded for not the last time of

the insignificance of man and the stupidity of the insignificance of man and the stupidity of

many, and he sighed contentedly as the many, and he sighed contentedly as the

spectacular scenery and purified air invaded spectacular scenery and purified air invaded

his senses. his senses.


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About the Author About the Author

Peter Thwaites is a Polio Survivor from the Peter Thwaites is a Polio Survivor from the

early 1950’s and has reluctantly taken early early 1950’s and has reluctantly taken early

retirement due to the steady degeneration of retirement due to the steady degeneration of

his physical abilities. his physical abilities.

Peter is a qualified Building Surveyor and Peter is a qualified Building Surveyor and

has a Masters Degree in Land Information has a Masters Degree in Land Information

Management and Mapping. He has been published Management and Mapping. He has been published

in several professional magazines on subjects in several professional magazines on subjects

as Geographical Information Systems and as Geographical Information Systems and

Facilities management. Facilities management.

Just recently Peter published his Just recently Peter published his

autobiography, ‘Come Smile With Me’ which gave autobiography, ‘Come Smile With Me’ which gave

a personal and sometimes very amusing insight a personal and sometimes very amusing insight

into the trials and tribulations of a person into the trials and tribulations of a person

determined to overcome personal difficulties. determined to overcome personal difficulties.


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Documents

Debits filePreface ‘Debits’ is the first in a series of mystery stories based on the diaries of Rick Shore. Rick is alive and well and lives in his