Scream, You Die (27 page)

“They’re here!” she cried, tearing into the lounge.

Rose and Grazyna were on the sofa. Their heads whipped around.

“Skender and Arjan! They’ve found us. Quick! We’ve got to go.”

Rose and Grazyna didn’t need a second warning. Both their faces displaying panic, they shot off the sofa and bolted for the kitchen door.

Scarlett knew she would have just enough time to activate the alarm button on her radio.She snatched it from the coffee table and hit the red “status zero” button, which would instantly register in the Communication Room, overriding all radio chatter and sending out a GPS signal as to their location. But she knew that any help could be at least fifteen minutes away. That was too long to hang around.

Seconds after Rose had flung open the back door Grazyna and Scarlett were through, following her down the garden at a sprint.

Scarlett yelled out, “Into the woods – quick!” Behind her she could hear banging, and guessed that Skender and Arjan were kicking in the front door. Although it had two bolts and a lock she knew it would only hold them back for a few seconds, and the noise of the glass top panel shattering confirmed as much.

At the bottom of the garden there was only a thin privet hedge. Scarlett threw herself sideways at it and fell through.

Rose and Grazyna followed her and they all crumpled together in a heap. The force of their bodies coming together knocked the radio from Scarlett’s grasp and she didn’t see where it went. Half scrambling, half picking herself up, Scarlett set off at a sprint, reaching out to Rose, grabbing her by her sleeve. “Run!” she squealed.

The three of them were soon matching one another’s pace. Scarlett led, pushing out her arms to fend away the whipping branches. The trees and the bushes were preventing her from running her best, and a feeling of dread and panic enveloped her. She knew she needed to focus. Dropping her pace just a fraction she looked back over her shoulder. She couldn’t see a thing but she could hear the sound of bushes rustling not far behind.

“We need to separate,” she called back. “If they catch up they’ve got us all. You two go left, I’ll go right and make as much noise as I can to distract them. Help is on its way.” With that she pushed her sister’s arm, steering her away. She could just make out the fear in Rose’s eyes as she seized hold of Grazyna’s wrist and spun away.

Jogging, Scarlett watched them both weave between several bushes, and as soon as they disappeared from view she sucked in a lungful of air and put in a fresh burst, kicking out as she ran, trying to make enough noise to draw Skender and Arjan towards her, but  it was slowing her down. She was having difficulty keeping her footing on the uneven woodland floor and on a couple of occasions  nearly went headlong into the ground. And all the while, in between her panting breath, she was straining to hear.

Suddenly Scarlett heard the sharp snap of twigs and the beating back of branches. It was a lot closer than she had expected and her thoughts turned to panic. She shot a quick look back and caught her right ankle among some brambles, jarring her leg and sending her sprawling. She flung out her arms instinctively, hitting the ground hard, stars detonating behind her eyes like fireworks.

For a couple seconds she lay there. Then she took in a short breath and began to heave herself up. She had just got onto her haunches when a heavy blow thumped into her right hip, rocketing her sideways. A pain with the intensity of an electric current jolted through her and for an instant she saw stars again. When her eyes cleared and she regained her breathing she looked up to see the tall stocky figure of Skender standing before her. She could hear that his breathing was as ragged as hers.

“You dead! I fucking kill you!”

He bent down and seized her jaw, pulling her face towards his. He had a maniacal stare and his eyes bored right through her. Then he began to squeeze.

The pain was like nothing Scarlett had ever felt. She could hear squealing, and although she knew it was her own voice it felt like an out-of-body experience. As the thought entered her head that this was it, today she was going to die, another thought came to her. She delved into her jogging top and pulled out her police-issue pepper spray, plunging down on the trigger as she swung up her arm. She heard the hiss but couldn’t see what part of Skender’s body she was hitting. When he released his grip and began screaming, she knew she’d hit his face. She didn’t stop spraying until the can had stopped hissing and then she kicked out and up. Her knee jolted as she connected and his muscular frame buckled and collapsed beside her. Feet from her he was rolling around, clawing frantically at his face and squealing like a pig. She rolled to one side, dumping the empty canister, and as she pushed herself up she grabbed at a broken limb of a tree. Grabbing it with both hands, with all of her might, she swung it above her and sent it crashing down on Skender’s head. She felt a crack  and Skender stopped squealing, slumping forward, hitting the ground face first. As he lay unconscious she pulled back her foot and delivered an almighty kick between his legs.

Dropping the tree limb, Scarlett clawed for air. She had just filled her lungs when a crunching noise broke from behind. Instinct told her it was danger but before she had time to turn, a huge weight smacked into her side, lifting her off her feet, launching her sideways against a tree. Her ribs took the impact and air exploded from her mouth as a strident cry. As she collapsed into a pile of damp leaves she thought she could hear someone calling her name, followed by the sound of scuffles and shouts. She tried to lift her head and for a moment thought she saw two blurred silhouettes dancing, but before she could make sense of anything her heavy eyes finally closed.

Scarlett thought she recognised a voice and she could feel someone tugging at her arms. As she came to the first thing she felt was a sharp wind stinging her cheeks. Her head felt weird and it was as if every part of her was filled with lead. She sprang open her eyes. A blurred vision of Alex was on his knees holding her in a half-seated position. As her sight came back into focus she saw he was dressed in army fatigues. Then she remembered where she was and what had happened. When she glanced sideways, Arjan was nearby, also in a crumpled heap. She swung her gaze back to Alex. She started to talk and felt something wet and sticky clog her throat. It choked her for a second and she began spluttering. Spitting out the residue in her mouth she tasted copper on her tongue and realised what it was – blood! It caused her to start.

Alex grabbed a hold of her. “Steady Scarlett,” he called out.

She spat again and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Finally, looking at Arjan’s prostrate form she was able to say, “What happened?”

“You don’t remember?”

“I can remember Skender. But then I was hit from behind. That’s it.”

“That’s where I came in.”

Scarlett shot Alex a puzzled look. “You came in?”

“I couldn’t leave my favourite girl to fend for herself, now could I?”

Her expression changed to one of bewilderment.

Alex eased back on his haunches and started to heave Scarlett up. “I’ve been watching out for you, Rose and Grazyna, since the coffee shop. I saw that boss of yours bring you to the house. I guessed it was a safe house, but when she left no one to guard you I thought I’d better hang around.” As he helped her to her feet he added, “And it was a good job I did. You’d be a gonner now if I hadn’t stayed.”

Scarlett held Alex’s gaze. She could feel herself welling up inside. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything.”

“Yes I do,” she answered and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”

After a few seconds he prised them off, and wearing an embarrassed look, he said, “Hey, I can’t have you going all soft on me. You’ve got your professional appearance to keep up.”

In the distance the sounds of wailing police sirens approached them. Alex let her go and fixing her eyes said, “That’s the cavalry arriving. Listen, I think it would be best if I did a disappearing act. I could end up having to answer a lot of questions if they find me here and I’d prefer not to. Let’s just let them think you managed this all on your own, shall we?”As he set off jogging he glanced back, “I saw what you did to Skender there, at the end. The next time I make you mad I’ll remember to keep a wide berth.”

He didn’t hang around to watch Scarlett break into a grin.

Scarlett winced as she pulled herself up in the hospital bed. DCI Diane Harris placed a pillow at the back of her head.

“No permanent damage then?”

“Bruised ribs and a twisted ankle! A few cuts and bruises! A hip which doesn’t feel as though it belongs to me at the moment, but no, no permanent damage,” Scarlett replied, slowly rotating her neck and rubbing the right-hand side of it. “I’m sore as hell.”

The DCI patted her shoulder. “Not as sore as Skender and Arjan. You really gave them a good working over. Skender has fifteen stitches in his head and a concussion, so they’re keeping him in overnight for observation.” Then she broke into a smile. “And his balls are the size of balloons.” Relaxing her smile she continued, “Arjan has a couple of broken teeth, a busted nose and a lovely shiner. I’ve put armed guards on the pair. Neither of them are going anywhere.” She paused, and with a shake of her head added, “You must have one hell of a temper when you’re mad. I know one thing for sure, DI Taylor-Butler is going to be extremely careful around you from now on.” She fixed Scarlett’s eyes for a second and then they both started to laugh.

It made Scarlett’s ribs hurt. She grabbed her sides. “Don’t make me laugh, boss.” Then, changing her face she asked, “How’re Rose and Grazyna?”

“They’re fine. Both of them. Thanks to your swift actions. The helicopter found them with the thermal imaging camera. They’d managed to get a good mile through the woods. They’ve both been taken to a victim and witness suite. We’re getting them checked over by an FME. Once the doctor gives them a clean bill of health we’re going to start video interviewing them.” The DCI leaned in and dropped her voice. “While you were tucked away in the safe house the squad uncovered a number of things. Firstly we’ve found where both Skender and Arjan were living. We busted those addresses an hour ago and I’ve just been told that in Skender’s house they’ve found a laptop identifying a number of addresses owned by him that we think are brothels. We’re currently putting together an operation to hit those tomorrow. We’re going in with Immigration and Border, because we’re certain illegals will be there. We’ve also got CCTV evidence from a petrol station just a mile away from the abandoned railway station where Andrius Machuta was found. I’ve seen the footage, and it’s timed and dated just half an hour before his murder. It clearly identifies Skender and Arjan pulling into the petrol station in a silver BMW, and Arjan getting out and filling a can with petrol. As to the BMW – that’s across the road from the safe house and being recovered as we speak. Add to that the evidence from your sister and Grazyna and those two are going away for a very long time.”

“How did they find the safe house?”

“We’re working on that. We think we’ve identified the source.”

“Someone from the squad?”

The DCI pushed herself up. “I can’t say too much at the moment, Scarlett. Professional Standards have put a team on it. I should know something in the next few hours if all goes well.” She began buttoning her coat. “And now, young lady, I’m going to say my goodbyes. I can’t stand around chatting to you all night, there’s work to be done. I’ve arranged for you to have a lift once you get released from here and they’re going to take you to join up with your sister and Grazyna. Once you give your statement it’s off home and I’ll see you sometime tomorrow.” She picked up her bag and pushed back the cubicle curtain, “And don’t rush in. Everything is being taken care of. You’ve done your bit for this investigation.”

Scarlett awoke at ten-thirty a.m., having had six hours’ sleep. Much of it had been restless.

Scarlett had been released from hospital in the early hours, having insisted on signing herself out, much to the consternation of the doctor. Then she had caught up with Rose and Grazyna at the Victim and Witness Suite, where they had finished giving their video statements. The three had then been dropped off at home by their police driver at four a.m.

Scarlett had given up her bed to Grazyna. She made up the sofa with a spare duvet, and then the three of them had exchanged their goodnights and gone to their beds. However, for Scarlett sleep had been a long time coming; the evening’s activity had repeatedly tumbled around inside her head and she’d had difficulty relaxing. Added to that had been the pain. Every little movement had brought a groan, and it had taken her a long time before she had finally dropped off to sleep. When she had awoken, the pain started afresh and it had taken her the best part of three-quarters of an hour to shower, dress and put on her make-up.

She left Rose and Grazyna tucked up, quietly made herself some toast and coffee, swallowed down with a couple of painkillers the hospital had prescribed, and then set off to the police station. Initially she had thought about going in on Bonnie, but she was so sore and stiff she couldn’t put on her biking leathers and so called a taxi.

****

She entered an office buzzing with activity. Most desks were occupied. People were on phones and at their computers. A couple acknowledged her with a wave and then continued what they were doing.

Slowly pulling out her chair, Scarlett eased off her coat and draped it around the chair back and then tentatively sat down. Opposite, Tarn leaned forward resting his arms on his desk. “How’s the hero of the hour?”

“Once the pain’s gone I’ll be fine.”

Lowering his voice and leaning further forward he said, “They’ve arrested Gaz!”

“Gaz! As in Gary Ashdown?” she replied with a surprised look.

Tarn nodded. “He’s the leak!”

She looked across the room to where the detective sergeant normally sat. His place was empty. “How do you know?”

“It’s come from the HOLMES team. Apparently Professional Standards have been monitoring certain individuals’ phones. His among them. They’ve arrested him this morning at his home and rumour has it they’ve found a bagful of cash hidden in the rafters at his garage. It appears he knew Skender from his Vice Squad days. Looks like he’s been on the take for years.”

“Bloody hell!” Scarlett hissed. “I knew Gaz was a bit dodgy but I’d have never taken him for a bent cop.”

Tarn pushed himself back. “I know. It just shows you doesn’t it? You don’t know who you can trust.”

“He rung me last night.”

“Gary did?”

Scarlett nodded. “Yes, while I was at the safe house. That explains how Skender and Arjan found us so quickly. He must have had someone track the call.” She shook her head. “The bastard! He almost got us killed.”

“Well, he’ll be getting what comes to him,” Tarn responded, pushing back his chair. “I’ll get us a coffee shall I?”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

Scarlett watched her partner making his way to where the coffee and tea-making facilities were in the squad room and then diverted her gaze to her in-tray. On the top was an A4 buff envelope with her name boldly written on it. Curious, she picked it off and tore open the seal. Inside was a bunch of papers. She slid them out and saw they were the DNA results from the house in Wandsworth. There were at least half a dozen hits of people who had visited the house. Even though their enquiry was just about sorted she was interested in seeing who had frequented the place when it was being run as a brothel – especially if any of them were known to her, or more importantly were celebrities of note. It was always handy to have some dirt on someone, even if she couldn’t do anything with the information. She began to go through the sheets. She had not heard of the first three people but the fourth name caught her eye. She held the sheet before her and examined it carefully, double-checking the details, making sure it was who she thought it was. Then, easing herself up she stepped gingerly to the photocopier, made three copies, and returned to her desk where she folded the copies, together with the original, and secreted them inside her bag. Dropping her bag into the bottom drawer of her desk she lifted her gaze and scanned the room. No one was looking her way. She couldn’t help but release a mischievous smile.