The Braille Club Undone (The Braille Club #3) (26 page)

The Braille Club Undone

The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. The Swingers Zone Trial. Guy stood rigid. What was he doing? He had proved the zone could work. He needed to make adjustments to meet Braille zone requirements but he had this in hand. There was no reason for him to stay. However, he could not force himself to leave as he watched the fingers slip between her legs.

Benedict

Benedict sat in his office feeling pleased with himself. Sasha was by far the best candidate. She had been speechless when he had told her the salary.

“Sasha, I believe in rewarding the people I select to work with me. Believe me; you will earn your salary.”

Once she appeared to recover from the shock, she smiled. “I’m looking forward to joining the team.”

“Welcome to the family, Sasha. Please make use of the facilities today. The Spa has been told to expect you and dinner is booked for six thirty. I’m afraid with twins, my wife and I need our sleep.”

Sasha smiled and nodded. “I’m afraid my husband will not be joining me, he is out of the country.”

“Pity,” said Benedict. “Another time perhaps.”

He didn’t ask Sasha where her husband was or what he did because he knew already. Sasha explained he worked with the army but Benedict knew he was government intelligence. Her background checks were clear. They couldn’t have asked for a more secure manager. Guy could concentrate his full attention on the Braille Club while Sasha took over the reins at Harrison’s. With the meeting concluded they said their goodbyes. Benedict worked on. He missed having Guy around. There was a vacuum caused by his absence, but Benedict knew he was staying at the club which of course was none of his business. Guy worked hard and played hard until recently. Benedict put the change down to the woman in his life. Unlike Sasha, Anna Dunbar had made an impression on Benedict. She oozed a raw sex appeal that few women had. She was beautiful, strong and independent. In fact, both she and Siena shared similar qualities. He could see why Guy was attracted to her but he sensed she would not play second fiddle in his life. He wondered if Guy would make it work.

His office door opened and Siena stepped inside. As always he was stunned by his wife’s beauty. She looked wonderful; sexy and sophisticated in her dress and heels. He wondered how quickly he could remove them.

“Well?” asked Siena, interrupting his revere.

He stood up and moved towards her.

“Benedict, who got the job?” she asked.

“Kiss me and I’ll tell you,” he replied hungrily.

Their passion, always simmering, exploded. Siena broke loose and breathlessly pointed out. “We don’t have time.”

Reluctantly Benedict let her go. “I chose Sasha,” he said. “She was the best candidate.”

“Agreed,” said Siena. “She was my choice from the beginning.”

“Is that why you’re looking so pleased?” asked Benedict.

“No...I mean yes.” Siena burst out laughing. “I’m happy we have a manager at last and Guy can concentrate solely on the Braille Club. This will free us both for future projects.”

“I still have an architectural business to run,” said Benedict smiling.

“I know,” said Siena, “this is something for your architectural business.”

“What are you up to?” he asked.

“I’ll tell you later,” Siena smirked.

“Tell me now,” said Benedict.

“Later, I promise, but we need to meet Sasha,” said Siena seriously. “First impressions make lasting ones.”

Benedict reluctantly agreed and they made their way to the restaurant. After introductions with Sasha had been made they settled down to eat. Benedict’s phone vibrated. Surprised, he glanced at the screen. It was Siena’s medical bracelet alert. He frowned.

“Siena, is your bracelet working okay?”

He watched Siena glance at her bare wrist and gasp. “I must have left it in the bathroom after my shower. Reeva was playing with it. I meant to get it from her but I was running late.”

“Siena, your bracelet is not a toy for her,” he said annoyed. “It is a very expensive piece of technology.”

“I know. I’m sorry,” she said. “Reeva is like a magpie. She is always trying to get at it.”

He sighed. He and Siena had a system which was very simple. She wore her medical ID bracelet at all times. It transmitted her exact location in case of collapse. This was reassuring for Benedict when Siena was out or alone in the house. If for any reason Siena was unmoving for thirty minutes, Benedict’s phone would alarm. They’d had issues in the beginning. Siena had to remember to put the bracelet into sleep mode at night. She sometimes forgot to put it on after showering and when Benedict had called alarmed, she would calm him and retrieve it. The waterproof version Benedict was waiting on couldn’t arrive soon enough, to avoid this scenario. He felt annoyed with Siena for leaving it at home but then realised something wasn’t right.

“Why hasn’t it alarmed before now?” asked Benedict, puzzled.

“I’m not sure,” Siena replied uncertainly.

The hairs on the back on Benedict’s neck stood up as a chill swept through him. “Sasha, will you excuse me for a second?”

“Of course,” she smiled.

Siena gave him a quizzical look. “Let me call Lizzie and ask her to find the bracelet,” he said.

“Benedict, there really is no need. I’m sure it’s safe.” Siena’s voice had a hint of annoyance. Sasha turned towards her and asked her a question. He took his chance while she was distracted. Getting up from the table, he moved to a quieter location and made the call; the phone at home rang out. Frowning, he redialled. The feeling of unease returned as once again the phone went to answer machine. He left a message for Lizzie to call him back. There was any number of reasons she couldn’t get to the phone. She could be putting the twins to bed, for example. He saw Siena looking at him, irritation clear on her face. He returned to the table conscious of their guest.

“Answer machine,” he said to Siena quickly.

“She’s probably busy with the twins,” said Siena dismissively.

“You’re right,” he said calmly. He felt sure Lizzie would get back to him soon. Ignoring his mounting concern, he engaged Sasha in conversation. He tried to check his watch surreptitiously but Siena caught him. Sasha took that moment to excuse herself and went to the ladies.

“For Christ’s sake, Benedict,” said Siena angrily. You’re totally distracted and not even paying attention to what we’re saying. It’s so rude.”

“Lizzie hasn’t called back,” he retorted. “I’m worried.”

“Call her mobile then,” said Siena, “but you’d better start engaging, Benedict. God knows what Sasha thinks,” she huffed.

At this moment in time, Benedict didn’t care. Trying to control his panic, he dialled Lizzie’s mobile. She could still be upstairs with the twins, perhaps unable to get to the phone but he knew she carried her mobile on her. Siena’s face was set in an angry frown but soon it changed to concern.

She mouthed, “Okay?”

Benedict felt his stomach twist as alarm gripped him. He nodded at Siena, feeling sick as Lizzie’s mobile went to voicemail. Sasha returned smiling brightly at him; he put his mobile down and plastered a smile on his face. His nerves were taught as he struggled to concentrate on her voice. He was desperate for his phone to ring.

“Do you plan to expand?” asked Sasha.

“Yes,” said Siena.

“Not at the moment,” Benedict contradicted her.

Sasha’s face looked confused. “Okay,” she said uncertainly.

“Benedict is right,” said Siena smoothly. “We’ve concentrated on our base here in London, however your appointment means that might change.”

Benedict stared at his wife in surprise.

“I saw a building today that might be of interest to us.”

Benedict didn’t hide his annoyance. “Siena, no more shop talk,” he said curtly.

He saw the flash of anger in her eyes and the look of discomfort in Sasha’s. He was making a mess of things. His words had come out wrong. His anxiety was making him sound harsh and critical. Relief flooded him when his mobile rang. He turned away and was disappointed the caller was not Lizzie, but Guy.

“I saw the alarm, is there a problem?”

“It’s not what you think, Siena has left her bracelet at home.” He hesitated.

“What?” asked Guy.

“Lizzie isn’t answering my calls.”

“Okay, I’m on my way. Stay calm. I’m coming now,” said Guy.

Benedict felt better, then guilty at disturbing Guy. Was he overreacting? He decided to make a second call to his neighbour. When they moved into their home, Benedict had taken the time to brief both sets of neighbours on Siena’s medical condition. As it happened David, their neighbour to the right of their property, was a doctor. He had agreed to be a medical responder should an emergency arise with Siena, and had keys to their house. David answered on the second ring. Benedict quickly explained. David said he would go to the house straight away. Benedict’s bad feeling had turned to genuine fear but the sight of Guy approaching calmed him. When he turned, Siena was behind him.

“What’s wrong?” she asked anxiously.

“Lizzie’s not answering her mobile either,” said Benedict tersely. “I’ve called David and he’s going to check the house but I want to get home just in case. You stay here with Sasha and finish your meal.”

“No, I’m going too,” said Siena.

“What’s wrong?” said Sasha, she was standing behind Siena.

“Take over,” said Guy harshly. “We’ve got to leave.”

“Yes, of course,” said Sasha calmly.

They left and taking the stairs, sprinted to the underground car park.

“I’ll drive,” said Guy as they reached his car. “Fill me in.”

“Lizzie’s not answering her mobile or the landline. My neighbour is going to the house now to check everything is okay. I told him to call me.”

Guy nodded as they buckled their seat belts. He started the car and quickly left the garage. As Guy negotiated the traffic, Benedict’s mobile rang.

“I’m at the house,” said David, his voice panicked. “The door was open when I arrived.”

“What?” said Benedict, shocked. “Is Lizzie there?”

“There is an unconscious woman on the floor downstairs and a dead cat,” said David but his voice was bordering on panic. Benedict could hear him opening doors like he was searching for something. His heart skipped a beat but he fought to remain calm. “Is she okay?”

“Her vitals are strong but...”

Benedict interrupted him “Are the twins still asleep?”

He got no answer. “David, are you still there? he asked.

“I’ve searched the house,” said David, breathless. I don’t understand...the twins are gone.”

Benedict’s heart froze as his brain tried to grasp what David was saying.

“Gone, what do you mean, gone?”

“I mean they’re not in their beds or in any of the rooms, they’re gone,” said David dejectedly.

“I’m on my way,” said Benedict woodenly.

“Good,” said David. “I’ve called an ambulance and the police. Both should be here shortly.”

“Thank you, David.” Benedict ended the call and sat staring into space.

“What’s happened? asked Guy.

“We need to get there now,” said Benedict urgently.

The car surged forward as Guy pressed harder on the accelerator.

“What did David say?” asked Siena, her voice strained.

“Lizzie has collapsed. He’s with her now.”

“Collapsed?” said Siena confused. “Is she okay?”

“David’s with her now. An ambulance is on its way.”

“Are the twins okay?” asked Siena.

“Yes,” Benedict lied. He felt Guy’s gaze.

“Thank, God.” Tears spilled down Siena’s cheeks. “Hurry,” she urged. “They will be frightened without Lizzie.”

Benedict’s mind was numb. How could the twins be gone? He swallowed trying to calm himself. Suddenly a horrible thought occurred to him and he turned to Guy. “Is Nick Waters still in prison?” he asked quietly.

“I’ve heard nothing to say otherwise but I can check,” said Guy. “Are you worried he’s out?” he asked. Guy’s phone buzzed and he quickly read the four word text message with mounting horror.

Benedict: The twins are missing.

He pressed harder on the accelerator.

The Braille Club Undone

The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. The Braille Swingers Trial. Guy gasped as her heavy fake breasts were exposed. He remembered the feel of them beneath his fingertips. Naked, she stood staring straight at him. Guy flinched when the hand of the Patron touched her but he couldn’t look away.

Nick

Freedom was still a novelty for Nick Waters as he stepped out of prison into the waiting car. His people had been watching Siena for months now. He knew her routine inside out. He had been planning and everything was in place but today was opportunist. To be effective he knew he must strike immediately. This would be his only chance to catch Mr and Mrs Harrison with their guard down. He was sure Guy Walker had an insider at the prison. Nick knew it would be only a matter of hours before his release was known. However, that was all he needed. His contact confirmed Siena and her parents had arrived at the house. The live-in nanny was an irritation, but she had provided him with the perfect way into their home.

Nick knew he looked different. He was almost unrecognisable with his trademark beard gone and his head shaved. He’d lost weight; prison food was not to his liking. His gaunt face was grim and his eyes dead; they hid a deep, dark poison. Toby Fraser’s plan to abduct and hold his victim captive had been ambitious but ultimately flawed. Nick has been surprised by his plan and a little impressed. He identified the weakness in his scheme and learned from it. This time he would succeed. His scheme would devastate Siena; break her, while Harrison would be left behind to suffer. The knowledge that Nick had taken everything he held dear—the ultimate revenge. He was looking forward to watching him implode. His surveillance would continue long after the police had left. He would use the photographs of Harrison to torture Siena.

In the beginning, his hostility towards Siena had been violent. He’d wanted to physically hurt her, in his darker moments he still did. However, now it was her mind he was interested in. Bones healed but the mind, once broken, did not. Although he had been shocked by Siena’s infidelity, he thought nothing of his own casual encounters. Many of his female patients were attracted to him. With his move away from minors into adult services, he had found the attention uncomfortable at first, but that soon passed. He’d never really considered Katie Burns. Her attraction to him was evident from the beginning but Nick had no interest in taking it further. She was too unstable for a start. Most of the patients he became involved with were lonely and easy to manipulate. Katie did not fall into this category. Her range of mental problems meant she had presented him with quite a challenge. Nick had handled her perfectly and now, their relationship was flourishing. Katie was a regular visitor. He’d kept her on a tight leash but not for much longer. Katie wanted more and she wanted him.

She had become impatient over the last few weeks. He worried she would tire of him completely and move on to someone more accessible. However, today’s events had changed everything and he was headed to her home now. He had all his possessions with him ready to move in. Katie suggested it, like he’d hoped. She would be his perfect alibi He had the syringe ready. When he drugged her she would have no idea that this blackout was any different from the ones she’d previously suffered. His hacker would plant all the damning evidence onto Katie’s computer later today. Afterwards, it would be Nick himself who’d plant the seed of suspicion with the police. Tell them about her fixation with Siena. There was truth in his statement. Katie disliked Siena intensely. Her mental illness was well documented and with all the evidence he’d plant...it would be an open and shut case.

He thought of letting someone else do his dirty work, and then remembered how Toby Fraser had failed him. No, this time he wasn’t leaving anything to chance. If you wanted something done properly you must do it yourself. Nick knew about the pet. His contact had waited patiently and had no trouble locating the cat. The creature was friendly and had eaten the food she’d been given hungrily. The effect of the poison was quick and as the cat collapsed his contact scooped it up. He would have to check he had the mask, the filled syringes and the rest of the equipment when he collected the bag that had been left for him by his contact. He didn’t need to worry about Harrison. His second surveillance team confirmed he was still at work. Yes, Benedict Harrison would be oblivious while Nick was free to destroy his life, and Siena’s. In his warped mind, breaking Siena mentally was the first step. He could treat her, make her better, then make her dependant.

The car stopped and Nick retrieved the bag from the locker as arranged. A quick glance told him he had what he needed. He took a moment to lift the syringe from the bag and put it in his pocket; conscious of the driver but his gaze was on the road. They carried on to Katie’s flat and he thanked the driver and paid the fare. He could see her at the window. Her face lit up with joy when she saw him. He wondered if meeting without constraints would be awkward. As she ushered him inside, he was relieved she did not kiss him. That would have been unpleasant. Instead, she took his bag and led him into the lounge. She left and he walked to the large window. He looked for the Volvo he’d been told was Katie’s. He saw it. Old but perfect for his purposes. Katie had no idea what he’d put in her garage. She used it as a store. It had been easy for his men to break in and place the items there. With so much junk, he doubted Katie would notice.

Nick was conscious the clock was ticking. He had to get to Siena. He heard Katie enter the room. Turning, he walked towards her, she didn’t see the syringe in his hand but gasped as he plunged it into her arm. As her body slumped, he caught her before she collapsed on the floor. Nick smiled as he carefully arranged her on the sofa. He’d grown fond of Katie and perhaps in other circumstances they might have had a chance, but there was no room for sentiment now. Nick had noticed Katie’s handbag in the hall. He’d seen it when he arrived. Wasting no time he searched it and located her car keys inside. He smiled happily. Her house keys hung from the lock in the front door and he lifted those too. He unpacked his case which he found in Katie’s bedroom. She obviously wanted an intimate relationship.

Anger pulsed through him. He was the one calling the shots, not her. Suddenly, he was glad of the drug that had rendered her unconscious. He’d put her in her place and there would be no further complications. He placed the overalls and booties on the bed. Concentrating, he touched as many surfaces as possible; he wanted his DNA to be found in her flat, especially in her bedroom. He drank a glass of water in the kitchen, leaving clear prints on the glass before moving back to the lounge to check on Katie. She would be out for hours. Slipping on gloves, he disposed of the syringe in the sharps container he’d brought with him. He then dressed in the overalls and pulled up the hood. His whole body was protected. It was essential he did not leave his DNA in Katie’s car or at the crime scene.

Slipping into her coat he zipped it up, concealing most of the overalls. For once he was glad of the British weather. The rain would keep people inside. Pulling up the hood on the coat and opening the back door, he stepped outside. He took a moment to orientate himself but saw the row of garages easily. His hand curled around Katie’s house keys. It took several attempts but eventually he found the right key to unlock the garage. He didn’t open the door but walked back inside the house and out through the front door. Keeping his head down, he walked quickly towards the Volvo. He opened the car and sat down; he slipped the booties over his shoes and swung his legs inside. Taking the keys he started the engine and drove the car around to the garages. He parked outside and checked if anyone was around, but all was quiet. Opening the garage door, he quickly stepped inside. The overalls were making him sweat. He found the equipment hidden where he was told to look and loaded it into the trunk of the Volvo.

Checking his watch he felt panic course through him at the passage of time. He must hurry. As he drove through the streets he barely registered the change in scenery. Parking the car amongst the trees, it was partially hidden. He would need it later. Glancing at the bag he placed on the front seat earlier, he shuddered. The contents were his ticket into the Harrison household which at first seemed impossible to breach but Nick didn’t give up. He didn’t let the security gates, cameras and alarms intimidate him. Quite the opposite. The gate keypad was the first thing he secured. His surveillance contact simply waited until the nanny punched in the numbers. She didn’t obscure the screen and he could make out the digits clearly through his high-powered field glasses. The cameras, however, kept him away from the house for a while until Nick suggested the perfect disguise; a postman.

No one even glanced at his contact. He’d told Nick it was like he was invisible. He rang the buzzer and the side gate popped open and he was in. His cap pulled low over his eyes, he never looked at the cameras just strolled to the door pretending to sort through some packages while he assessed as much of the house as he could. Acting like he had made an error with the address, he retraced his steps. He’d reported to Nick there was no way to force the door; it was heavy with sturdy locks. The only option was for Siena to open it for him. It threw him for a while. His contact had no way to assess the back of the house, too risky. Nick did not want to arouse suspicion. He assumed the rear of the house had a secure door also. Frustrated, he poured over the surveillance reports looking for an answer. Then he noticed the entries. The door was opened every evening. A cat was noticed on the property. Nick knew he had found the answer.

He walked quickly, the bag held securely in his hand but away from his body. He placed it in the front seat of the parked hire car. Driving calmly, he made his way through London. He averted his eyes from the bag. When the Satellite Navigation told him he’d reached his destination, he recognised the house from the surveillance pictures. A quick text sent to his contact confirmed Harrison was still at his club.

Parking the car outside the Harrison home, he took a deep breath.
Showtime,
he thought. He almost gagged when he unzipped the bag. He’d told his contact to give the cat injuries consistent with a car accident and he’d done just that, and the sight was unsettling. The street was empty. Nick quickly placed the stiff cat in front of the car. The rain was heavy and he pulled the hood tightly around his face. The buzzer was loud in the quiet of the street and Nick’s heart thudded as he waited. The video image lit up and Nick frowned.

“Hello,” said the woman hesitantly.

Disappointment seeped through him; it was not Siena. Momentarily thrown, it took Nick a second to recover his composure. His face was obscured by the hood. “Excuse me,” he said in a high-pitched feminine British accent. “I’m sorry to bother you but I have an injured cat here.”

“Tilly,” he heard the woman scream in anguish.

Nick smiled and punched in the code on the intercom. It opened and without hesitation he slipped inside closing it softly behind him. He knew exactly where to hide. As soon as the woman rushed past him, he sprinted for the house. Once inside he slipped on the mask and waited as adrenaline pumped through him. He grinned at how easily it was to get inside. The door to the house was still open and he could hear the woman approaching; she was sobbing. As she stepped inside with the cat in her arms he drove the syringe into her neck.