Blood Tracks (17 page)

“Fine, thanks,” she muttered as she lay down on the itchy sacks, wishing the earth would swallow her up. It was going to be a long night.

Tom pulled up in the car park of the motorway motel. He looked around at the smattering of other vehicles and, seeing that they were all empty, he bent down and felt inside the leather lining of the driver’s seat. He pulled out the pouch and put it in his pocket.

He walked through the slightly tatty reception area and gave a friendly nod to the young woman behind the desk. He took the lift up to the second floor and gave two sharp knocks on room 203.

“Mr. Egon, it’s me,” he said.

A sickly-looking face peered round the door, inspecting Tom through his half-moon glasses. “Come on in, Mr. Cotter,” Mr. Egon wheezed. “I hope you’re not going to disappoint me this time.”

Gina yawned as she walked slowly home from school. She’d hardly been able to keep her eyes open all day, after a sleepless, awkward night in the warehouse.

Her phone rang and she cringed. It was Declan.

“Hi,” she answered flatly.

“Howdy partner, did you make it to school okay?” He sounded far too breezy.

“Yeah.”

“You were a real pro at sneaking out of the warehouse this morning. I had to creep out, hide round the corner for a bit, and then come back in, pretending I’d just arrived. Kylie was convinced I’d been out on the beers all night; she said I looked shocking.” He laughed but Gina didn’t join in.

“You feeling okay? You don’t sound very happy,” he asked tentatively.

“I’m fine,” she said brusquely. “What do you want, Declan?”

“Just wanted to see you were all right. You know…after last night.”

“What do you mean? Why shouldn’t I be all right?”

“No reason. It’s just you didn’t really say much after…after…” he stumbled.

“After I made an idiot of myself, you mean?”

Declan gave a heavy sigh. “Oh God, Gina, you didn’t. I think you’re brilliant, you know that, don’t you? I love hanging out with you but…”

“But you don’t fancy me. It’s okay. I’ve got the message.” She bit her quivering lip. “My mistake.”

“I just can’t get involved with anyone right now.”

“Why? Have you taken a vow of celibacy?” Sarcasm didn’t make her feel any better.

“Please say we can still be mates,” he pleaded.

“Declan, the truth is I need you. I want to find out what Tom is up to. I want to know what was in that sack; if it’s got anything to do with my dad. So yes, we’re still mates.”

“I want to help you.”

“Thanks. Then let’s just pretend that the most cringeworthy moment of my life never happened last night, okay?”

“Okay,” he said quietly.

“Anyway, what’s Tom been up to today?” she asked in a businesslike manner.

“I’ve hardly seen him. He’s been in and out of the warehouse all day. He seems very pleased with himself. Him and Kylie have been deep in conversation in the office. She’s been on the phone loads, but she won’t tell me what’s going on. She says that I might tell you and spoil the surprise.”

“Well, I’ve just walked onto my street and his car’s outside our house so let’s see what he’s got to say for himself.”

“Don’t ask him about the sack! Don’t say anything to anyone,” Declan panicked.

“Of course I won’t. Do you think I’m stupid? I’ll speak to you later.”

Gina braced herself as she opened the front door, still thinking about how she could question Tom without raising his suspicions. However, her plans were abandoned as she walked into a whirlwind of activity and excitement. Her mother was flapping around, with Danny standing in the hallway, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

“Gina!” Danny ran to her. “Uncle Tom’s taking us all to Disneyland for the weekend!”

“What? Disneyland, Paris?”

“Yep! Isn’t that brilliant?” Danny said, dancing around as if he’d just scored a match-winning goal.

“But why?”

“Don’t ask me.” He shrugged. “He just thought it would be a nice surprise. Even Mum’s dead excited and she gets sick on the teacup ride.”

Gina grabbed her mother mid-flap.

“Mum, what’s going on?”

“Oh, Gina, love. My head’s spinning. Tom arrived saying he’s just closed a really good business deal and he’s taking us all away to celebrate. He just sprang it on me. Sorry I didn’t have time to tell you, but don’t worry, I’ve packed for you already. Go upstairs and check that I’ve put in the right things.”

“But when? How?”

“Flight leaves in three hours, taxi should be here in thirty minutes. Tom arranged everything secretly – can you believe it! And we’re spending a night in Paris itself. Paris, Gina! I’ve always wanted to go there.” Her mother’s face lit up. “Oh, sorry, love, how was Becky’s? Did you get any sleep?”

“Forget Becky’s,” Gina said in frustration. “We shouldn’t go anywhere with Tom.”

Her mum looked stunned. All the joy drained out of her.

“What are you talking about? Of course we’re all going.”

“I’m sorry, Mum. We really shouldn’t. We don’t know what he’s playing at.”

Her mum looked close to tears. “He’s not playing at anything. Your Uncle Tom is doing something lovely for us. Please, Gina, don’t be like this.”

Danny had been watching in confusion. “What’s up, Gina? What’s your problem?”

“Sorry, Danny, but I don’t think we should be going away with Tom.”

“Why?”

“Because…because. Don’t you think it’s odd, him just whisking us off like this?”

“No! I think
you’re
odd, Gina. Why do you try to spoil everything that Uncle Tom wants to do for us? It’s not fair!” he shouted at her.

Tom emerged from the living room. “What
do
you think I’m playing at, Gina? I’m dying to know.”

His presence cast a shadow over her.

“Nothing,” she mumbled. “It’s just all too quick. We need more time.”

“But spontaneity makes things much more exciting.” He smiled broadly. “Now, enough of this silliness. Everything’s paid for. Do as your mum says. Go and get ready.” He gestured towards the stairs.

She swallowed hard. “No.”

“This is the last time I’m going to ask you, Gina. Go and get ready,” he said threateningly.

She stuck out her chin defiantly.

“All right then, me, your mum and Danny will go without you,” he said matter-of-factly.

Gina looked to her flustered mother.

“Oh, no, Tom. I can’t go without Gina.”

“Yes you can. Danny, will you go without Gina?” Tom asked gently.

Danny scratched his head nervously. He couldn’t look at his sister. “Yeah. I’m sorry, Gina, but I really want to go and you’re just being weird about it. It’s only a couple of days. You’ll be all right without us, won’t you?” he asked, talking rapidly.

“Of course she will,” Tom insisted.

Clare ushered Tom into the kitchen. They were whispering intently for what seemed like an age. Then it sounded as though Tom was making a phone call. When they finally stepped back into the hall it was her mum who spoke, as if she was reading from a script.

“Gina, I’m going to ask you again. Will you come and have a lovely time in France with us?”

“No, I’m not going with him.” She saw Tom cross his arms.

“
Please
come, Gina,” Danny begged. “It won’t be the same without you.”

Gina shook her head sadly at Danny. “I’m sorry, Danny.”

Her mum continued. “Well, in that case I’m going to let you stay here, but not on your own. We’ve phoned Kylie and she’s kindly agreed to stay with you for the weekend.”

“I’m sixteen! I don’t need a babysitter,” Gina protested.

“They’re my conditions. You either agree to be looked after by Kylie or we’ll make you come with us,” her mum said firmly.

“Fine, but you shouldn’t be going either.”

Tom broke his silence. He smiled coldly. “No matter how hard you try, you can’t offend me, Gina. I understand your behaviour. Your road to recovery is bound to suffer setbacks, but we can’t let your illness damage this family. Your mum won’t let you dictate what happens any more. It’s not helping you get better. We all just want to see you well again.”

“Oh, Gina!” Her tearful mum flung arms around her.

“Don’t worry about me, Mum. I’ll be fine. You go and have a nice time. I’ll go up to my room and let you get sorted.” Gina started up the stairs. “By the way, Tom, thanks for dropping me off at Becky’s last night.”

Her mum noted Gina’s sudden mood swing with dismay.

“Oh,” Tom said in surprise. “That’s fine. I was glad to help.”

“Did you get home okay?”

Tom looked puzzled. “Yeah.”

“Did you go straight home?” she asked casually.

“Yeah,” he replied.

“You didn’t stop off anywhere?”

Tom’s eyes flickered up to her, his brow suddenly furrowed. “Why the interrogation? No, I didn’t stop off anywhere.”

“Okay, well have a nice time in France.”

As she climbed the stairs she sensed their baffled eyes on her.

Gina closed her bedroom door and chose a photo to talk to amongst the collage.

“Don’t worry,” she told her dad; he was carrying a toddler-sized Danny on his shoulders. “I’m going to find out what that liar is up to, even if it kills me.”

Gina and Kylie sat on the sofa in their dressing gowns, eating bowls of cereal and watching music videos on the TV.

“What do you want to do today, babe?” Kylie asked. “I was thinking we should hit the shops. We could even get a free makeover in a department store. All we’d have to do is go to the make-up counters and pretend I’m getting married and you’re my bridesmaid.”

“Whatever you want,” Gina laughed.

“Of course we could always phone Declan? Invite him to hang out with us; that’s if you don’t mind me tagging along, playing gooseberry.” Kylie winked.

“You wouldn’t be a gooseberry. There’s nothing going on between me and him,” Gina mumbled.

“Oh God, you two!” Kylie said, exasperated. “You need your heads knocking together. I don’t know what you’re waiting for.”

“Declan doesn’t fancy me.”

“Yes he does, he told me.”

“Then he lied to you because I know he doesn’t for a
fact
, so please let’s not talk about it.”

“Okay.” Kylie grimaced, seeing how upset Gina looked.

“Kylie.” Gina lowered the volume on the TV. “Where do the sacks of cocoa beans come from in the warehouse?”

“Hey? Why on earth do you want to talk about that? Declan was asking all about the business as well. You two aren’t thinking of going into competition with Tom, are you?” She gave a neighing laugh.

“I’m just interested. I know they come from the Ivory Coast, but who supplies them?”

Kylie switched into work mode. “Well, we deal with a few different suppliers. The Ivory Coast is the world’s largest producer of cocoa, you know. We go with the most competitive price, but we like to keep continuity. It’s good for Tom to build up a working relationship with suppliers.”

“So does he ever get to meet them? Do they ever come to see him?”

“He’s certainly been on a few business trips there over the years, but most communication is done by phone and email nowadays.”

“Declan told me that Tom had a couple of visitors a few weeks back and you got sent out for an early lunch.”

“Oh, yeah.” Kylie smiled knowingly. “Henri Sissouma. He took a shine to me. He’s some kind of business associate of Tom’s from the Ivory Coast. First time I’d met him. The poor fella with him looked like he was at death’s door, jaundiced and thin as a twig.”

“Have you seen them since?” Gina asked.

“No, but Henri’s phoned the office to ask me out. He didn’t even remember my name but he must be keen. He left me his number and said if I ever fancy dinner, to give him a call.”

Gina sprang up from the sofa. She knew this must be the man who gave Tom the code for the sack.

“You’ve got his number?”

“Yeah, what can I say? I can’t help it if I’m irresistible to men.” Kylie batted her eyelashes. “Anyway, why are you so excited?”

Gina’s mind was racing. Her eyes darted around as Kylie looked on in bemusement.

“Kylie,” Gina said gravely. “I need you to do me a massive favour.”

“Anything for you, babe,” Kylie answered dubiously.

“Would you call up Henri Sissouma and see if he’ll go out with you, just the one date, that’s all?”

“Why?”

“I just need you to find out more about him. What exactly he does, what’s his connection with Tom; normal stuff you’d talk about on a date.”

“But why do you want to know?”

Gina chewed her lip, debating how much to tell Kylie.

“I think there might be something dodgy going on between this man and Tom.”

“Like what?”

“I’m not sure. That’s why it would be great if you could get him to talk to you.”

Kylie shook her head. She got up and walked over to the fish tank. She stared at the fish silently gliding around in the water and sighed.

“Gina, I know you’ve got some issues with Tom but this is taking things a bit too far, babe. I’ve worked with him for six years – I’d know if something dodgy was going on.”

“Yeah, I know I’m probably wrong, but all I’m asking is one date, one chat.”

Kylie lifted up the hood of the fish tank. She opened the tub of flakes that sat next to it. “Say there is something going on, it’s not as if this fella is going to confess to me over dinner, is it?”

“No, of course not, but he might tell you something useful.”

Kylie started to shake the fish food into the tank as she stared into space. “He was quite an impressive-looking fella, I suppose, and I bet he’d take me somewhere nice. Hmm… Oh, go on then, one date, and if I don’t find out anything, you’ve got to promise you’ll get off Tom’s case.” Kylie suddenly noticed the hundreds of fish-food flakes sinking slowly into the water. “Oh God, look what I’ve done. I’ve emptied the whole tub in!”

“Don’t worry. I’ll sort it out later. You’re a star!” Gina trilled. “Can you phone him right now? If he takes you to a restaurant I could be there; on another table, in case you need me.”

Kylie let out another neighing laugh. “That’s sweet, but I won’t need a wingman. I can handle myself.”

“But—”

“But nothing. I do this my way, or not at all.”

Fifteen minutes later Gina phoned Declan’s mobile. She could hear heavy rock music in the background; definitely not Declan’s choice.

“Declan,” she said. “Where are you? Can you come round?”

“Sorry, I can’t. I’m spending the day with Uncle Stevie.”

“Oh, are you doing anything nice?”

“I don’t know yet. He’s taking me on a bit of a mystery tour.” Declan scowled at the driver.

“Listen, Declan, Tom’s taken Mum and Danny to Disneyland. I refused to go. But the good news is that I’ve persuaded Kylie to go on a date with the man who gave Tom the code.”

“What! The guy who came into the warehouse? How did you do that?”

“Don’t panic. I kept it vague. Kylie doesn’t think Tom’s ever done anything dodgy but she’s willing to find out more about this guy for us.”

Declan looked nervously at Stevie, hoping he couldn’t hear Gina, but Stevie seemed engrossed in his music, humming tunelessly as he drove.

Declan lowered his voice. “That would be great but it could be dangerous. We don’t know who we’re dealing with.”

“I do,” Gina said, pleased with herself. “Didn’t Kylie tell you that he rang her to ask her out? His name’s Henri Sissouma and I’m
not
putting Kylie in any danger. They’ve arranged to meet in a restaurant in town on Monday night, where there’ll be plenty of people around. He’s travelling up from London.”

“Still, I’d be happier if I was there, keeping an eye on things.”

“I’ve already suggested that. She won’t let us.”

He saw Stevie give him a sideways glance. “Look, we’ll talk about it later. I’ve got to go,” Declan said hurriedly.

“Okay. Have a nice day with your uncle.”

“Was that the Wilson girl? You’ve been spending far too much time with her. Remember that Cotter is who we’re interested in. The girl was only ever a means to an end.”

His words made Declan feel sick with shame. “Actually it was Kylie, Tom Cotter’s secretary,” he lied. “We’re friendly. She likes to tell me all the gossip. She phoned to say that she’s going on a date with Henri Sissouma.” Declan watched for Stevie’s reaction. The man’s wild eyebrows shot up.

“So you know who I’m talking about?” Declan said. “What else do you know about him?”

Stevie didn’t answer his question. “Did I hear you say that you’re going to be there, keeping an eye on things?”

“My, what big ears you have,” Declan sneered. “No, she won’t let me.”

“Well, I want a report of every word Sissouma says to her, do you understand?”

“Sure. Are we nearly there? We’ve been driving for ages.”

“God, it’s like taking a toddler out!” Stevie griped. “Yes, it’s down here.”

He turned down into a road where fine-looking, detached houses flanked the tree-lined pavements. The car crawled along, until they neared the one house that stood out from the rest. It was dilapidated and set back from the road. Ivy was beginning to creep over the rotting windows and the front garden was neglected and overgrown.

“That’s the place.” Stevie pointed. “Now we just sit and wait.”

“What for?”

“For the owner to leave.”

“Who lives here?”

“You’ll see. Now, how about more music? We might be waiting some time.” Stevie leaned across and rifled through his CD collection in the glove compartment. “What about a bit of Pink Floyd? We could play some air guitar together. Would you like that?” The man gave a throaty chuckle as Declan dropped his head into his hands.

It was an hour before the spindly man appeared at the end of the driveway. The wind lifted his wispy comb-over so that it flapped in the breeze. He patted it down, smoothing it across his head before pushing his half-moon glasses up the bridge of his nose, wrapping his coat up to his chin and setting off down the road.

“That’s him!” Declan said excitedly. “That’s the man who was in the warehouse with Mr. Cotter and Henri Sissouma.”

“Of course it is.” Stevie shook his head, despondently. “This isn’t a coincidence, soft lad. I tracked him down from the car reg you got me.”

“Well, now what? Are we going to follow him?”

“No,
you’re
going to get into the house.”

“What do you mean ‘get into the house’?”

“
You
” – he poked Declan in the chest – “get inside
that
house.”

“What?
Break in?
” he said in disbelief.

“You may not have to. Look at the state of it. Looks like it’s about to fall down anyway. There’s probably some window hanging off its hinges at the back,” Stevie said helpfully.

“No way!” Declan protested. “You do it.”

“Don’t be so stupid. I can’t do stuff like this.”

“And neither can I! What if he catches me? He’ll call the police.”

“He won’t and if he did, I’d sort it out. Anyway he’s not going to catch you, is he, because he isn’t there. Now, off you go and take pictures with your mobile of whatever you find, but don’t touch anything.” He handed Declan a pair of gloves. “You’d better wear these.”

“This is breaking and entering. There must be another way to do it.”

“Sorry, lad, sadly for me, at this point in time, you’re all I’ve got. But the better the job you do, the sooner you’ll be off the hook. Now, don’t worry, remember, I’ve got your back.” He winked.

Declan’s heart was pounding as he climbed over the high rusty gate at the side of the house and jumped down into the back garden. The back of the house looked even more neglected than the front. The garden was so overgrown that there could have been a tiger lurking in the tall grass. The untamed plants, trees and hedges shielded the whole area from nosy neighbours and every curtain on every back window was shut.

He tried the peeling back door but it was rock solid. He tried to prise open the windows on the ground floor but they were stuck down with paint. He looked up to the top windows. They too appeared to be closed and he wasn’t going to attempt to shimmy up the rotting drainpipe to see if he could open them.

He ran his hands down his face in despair, knowing that Stevie would never leave him alone if he came back empty-handed. He took a step back and surveyed the house again. His eyes started at the top and worked their way down, slowly. That’s when he noticed the glimmer of light peeping out from behind a row of overflowing bins. The bins were lined up against the back wall. He pushed them out of the way to reveal a row of long, narrow, filthy windows.

“A cellar!” He grinned.

He lay down on the damp ground and wiped the grubby panes, but soon discovered that the filth was on the inside as well. He used his fingernails to try to prise each of the windows open. The last one came away easily and he held it triumphantly aloft with one hand and put his head and shoulders through the narrow opening.

Everywhere was covered in a film of gritty dust. The room reminded him of the metal workshop at his old school. There were partitioned workstations along one wall, each with a piece of equipment in it and an angled lamp shining over it. He recognized a circular saw, a rotating stand, clamps, planes, files, even a microscope. There was a sink nearby with long, thin hoses attached to the taps. A battered chair on wheels sat by the workbenches. Declan pictured the sickly-looking man using it to whizz from one workstation to another.
Maybe he’s a mad scientist building a bloody space rocket!
he thought with amusement.

In the centre of the cellar was a large wooden table strewn with tools, many of which he couldn’t identify. But he did recognize the silver electronic weighing scales. He knew that they could be used to weigh bags of money. He knew that they could be used to weigh drugs.

I need to get a better look.
He leaned further through the narrow window, stretching his neck like a tortoise venturing out of his shell. He stopped.

There’s something moving inside the house!
It’s coming from upstairs. It’s getting closer! What the hell is it?
He strained his ears.
Clattering?
Scratching?
Panting… Oh my God, it’s a DOG!

Before he could move, the canine flew down the cellar steps and leaped up at him, its jaws a whisker away from biting a chunk out of Declan’s face. Declan pulled away in shock, whacking his head on the window frame. He cowered on the ground, one hand on his throbbing head, the other on his thumping chest, as the enormous dog bounced up and down at the window, barking and snarling.