The Collectors Book Five (The Collectors Series 5) (30 page)

              “I have an idea. Leave me a dozen of those black cable ties.”

              Maria stood in her shower, leant against the white tiled wall, cried and shook. She turned up the pressure and the jets pummelled and stung her skin. The force of the water drove out her fear. Fifteen minutes later, she descended the stairs, dressed in blue jeans and a T-shirt. “Coffee. Who wants one?”

              “Best thing I’ve heard since we arrived,” said Zack.

              “Maria, are you sure you’re alright?” asked Bear.

              She ran her hands through her damp hair and gave a half-hearted smile. “Five cups it is.”

              Bear secured both men and retrieved the two blood-covered bolts. From his pack, he removed two wound dressings and tied them in place. Brutally he dragged the unconscious man off the floor and onto the settee as Charlie bounded into the house.

              He barked at Bear and growled at Donald.

              “You can bite him later,” said Bear. “Let me look at your head.” He examined Charlie’s head. “Superficial, a lot of mess but no permanent damage.”

              The clatter of mugs on the kitchen table signalled the coffee was ready. Three men still wearing their black balaclavas grabbed a cup each.

              “The oaf will need a hospital,” said James.

              “Later,” said Bear. “Do you know who the other man is?”

              “Roland Wallace. The Met have been trying to pin something on him for years but he keeps his hands clean.”

              “Did,” said Bear. He wandered over and removed one set of car keys from Donald’s pocket. “Can someone give me a hand?” He bent and lifted the nine millimetre pistol and pushed it in his pocket.

              Zack strolled over and between them they dragged a screaming Donald and dumped him into the boot of the Jaguar.

              “Time you and the others left.”

              James glanced at his watch. “Thanks for a great night out. Must do it again sometime.”

              Bear shook their hands. “Cheers.”             

              “Anytime, my friend,” said Brian. “We owe you our lives from Iraq.”

              “In fairness I’m getting too old for this. Consider the debt paid.”

              Bear checked the road, nodded to the three men, who at speed ran to the van, started the engine, and drove away. He waited a few minutes before returning to the boot of the Jaguar.

              The horror of what was happening swept across Donald’s face. “And you can go fuck yourself.”

              “Interesting turn of phrase but it’s you who’s fucked. Scum like you deserve nothing and I know what Maria would have suffered before you killed her.” He pressed the pistol into Donald’s forehead. “The boot’s on the other foot now and I hate men who hit women.”

              Grimacing, Donald stared into Bear’s eyes. “What are you going to do, big man? Shoot me? This is Britain and I deserve a fair trial.”

              “Don’t get lippy with me, arsehole. My rules are simple, I throw the ball, and you catch.” A wicked smile crossed his face before he taped Donald’s mouth shut. Next he positioned the pistol on Donald’s right knee and pulled the trigger. “Left next.” He repeated the process. “Try walking without knees.” He ripped the dressings away from the bolt wounds, allowing blood to flow. “If you could crawl to a hospital you might live.” The boot slammed shut.

              As Bear entered the house, Maria asked, “Did I hear two shots?”

              Bear laughed. “Sorry about that but I needed to scare the shit out of your boyfriend.”

              “The other one’s coming round.” With gusto, she booted Roland in the stomach three times.

              “The rough stuff’s my job but with a boot like that West Ham need you for their next game.” Bear sat on the settee and prodded. “Time to go, arsehole.”

              He stared at Bear in pain and shock. “Do you know who I am?”

              “No and I don’t give a shit. The best part is you don’t know who I am. You fucked up. You should have stayed on your own manor. This one’s private, invited guests only.”

              Ashen-faced, Roland groaned as he tried to sit. “Who are you? How much do you want?”

              Bear smiled. “A couple of million would boost my pension fund.”

              “I pay my dues to the police. I’ll give you fifty thou if you let me walk.”

              Bear raised the pistol. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t blow your brains out?”

              “One-hundred thou.”

              Bear lied with a smile. “No thanks, my boss pays better.”

              Terror filled Roland’s face as he stammered, “You can’t be the police, so who the hell are you? I can use men like you. Why not work for me?”

              “I’d rather shovel shit than work for an arsehole.” He dragged him by the collar, out of the house and tossed him into the back seat of his Jaguar. “Time for sleep.” He removed a plastic container from his pocket, flipped the lid allowing a full hypodermic to drop into his hand. With no hesitation, he shoved it into Roland’s arm and injected the colourless liquid.

              Roland held up his tied hands defensively, his eyes wide with fear. “You can’t do this.”

              “Nonsense. Just did.”

              He entered the house. “Maria, will you be okay?”

              “I’ve a bit of mess to clean up and then I’ll drive over to Zena’s and stay the night.”

              “I’ll give you a hand. Your face will have a few nice bruises. How you going to explain them away?” He removed the pistol from his pocket and wiped it clean with kitchen tissue.

              “I fell down the stairs.”

              “I’d believe you. I’m going to tell PK you’re at his mum’s. Unless you want a word.”

              She smiled. “Tell him I’m on my way. I’d rather not talk until I’m ready. He’ll only ask awkward questions.”

              Bear punched the buttons on his mobile and as soon as Petros answered, “Don’t talk and for once in your life, PK, listen. Maria is going to stay at your mum’s for the night. You can call her there.”

              “Any problems?”

              “Piece of cake.”

              “Is Maria okay?”

              “Right as rain.”

              “Thanks. I owe you one.”

              “I’ll send you my bill.” He terminated the call.

              “Charlie,” said Maria. “Jump into my car, we’re going for a ride.”

              The animal ran outside and waited for her to open the door.

              With the alarm set, Bear closed and locked the door as Maria drove away from the house. He put on a pair of black leather gloves and from his jacket pocket, he removed the pistol.

              He dragged the unconscious Roland from the rear seat and dumped him along with the pistol into the boot on top of the moaning Donald.

              After one final glance back at the house, he sat behind the wheel, drove towards London and the M25. For the time being he kept within the designated speed limit and concentrated on the road ahead. The journey ended in a rundown housing estate on the outskirts of Basildon. His eyes checked out the CCTV cameras, everyone smashed. “Perfect,” he muttered. He parked the Jaguar with the doors unlocked behind a mass of overflowing refuse bins and left the keys in the ignition. A quick glance around and he strolled towards a bin store with the door hanging askew. Concealed in the shadows, he leant on the wall, folded his arms, and waited.

              Three young men drinking from cans ambled by the car. One dragged something along the paintwork.

              “The keys are in the ignition,” said one.

              “What are we waiting for?” said another.

              The three piled inside slamming the doors. With the engine racing, the tyres screeching, they hurtled across the car park and exited along the main road.

              Bear smiled as from a nearby payphone he dialled 999 and reported the Jaguar stolen and hung up. In the centre of town, he hailed a passing cab. With the roads almost empty, the drive to Upminster tube station took less time than he anticipated. A train arrived minutes later and within the hour, he entered his own home.

              Jocelyn rushed into the hall. “How did it go?”

              “No problems. As I thought, people can be cooperative if treated correctly. It’s been a long evening, Fancy a Ruby?”

              She laughed. “Let me get my coat.”

***

The owner of the Bengal Lancer knew Bear and Jocelyn as regular customers and guided them to their favourite table in an alcove.

              Bear raised his head as the aroma of different spices tantalised his senses.

              Jocelyn appeared concerned. “How did it really go tonight?”

              “As I said, no problems. East end amateurs attempting to emulate the Krays.”

              “Your order, sir, madam?” asked the manager.

              “You first, Jos.”

              “To start, Garlic King Prawns. Main course Chicken Shashlik Masala.”

              “For me, Miah, A large portion of Garlic King Prawns. Main Course, a double Lamb Shashlik Bhuna and a bottle of your best dry white wine.”

              Jocelyn waited for Miah to depart. “If my memory is correct the Krays killed or had people killed.”

              “Ronnie and Reggie were proper villains, the hard men of their day and the east end of London their empire. Both paid the price. Reggie died in prison and Ronnie a month after his release. Albeit they topped some of the competition, they did love their mum.”

              Miah returned with their starters, a large platter filled with fresh garlic prawns. Two finger bowls and napkins.

              With the prawns decimated, Miah sent a member of staff to clear the table. Minutes later the main course arrived sizzling on cast-iron platters. “I know Mr Bear will enjoy. It is his favourite.”

              “It’s food,” said Jocelyn. “He enjoys all food.”

              His platter clean, Bear pushed his plate away and cleaned his mouth with a napkin. He glanced at Jocelyn’s half empty plate. Finished or just taking a breather?”

              “Yes, I’m stuffed. I enjoyed what I’ve eaten.”

              “Miah makes a great Ruby.”

              They stood and a waiter assisted Jocelyn with her coat while Bear wandered across to Miah. “I think you’ll find this satisfactory.” He shoved a couple of notes into Miah’s top pocket.

              Miah removed and handed them back. “On the house. You are my best customer.”

              Bear laughed and thanked him.

              “Come on,” said Jocelyn. “Tomorrow we need to discuss the plans for our wedding.”

              “Goodnight, Miah.” He raised his eyes. “No peace for the wicked.”

***

The three boys drove the Jaguar at high speed, laughing as the traffic cameras flashed.

              “That’s twelve points on his licence, Harry,” said Martin.

              “Can’t this wreck go any faster?” said Joe.

              “Fancy doing some handbrake turns up by the reservoir?” asked Harry.

              “Yeah, and later we wipe it clean and dump it in the water,” said Martin.

***

A semi-conscious Donald attempted to shove the weight on top of him away. With little strength, his hand slipped onto the discarded pistol. Pain jangled his nerves as he managed to cock the weapon.

              The car veered to the left, braked, shot forward and stopped.

              Donald listened to the laughter from those in the car. Kill, kill, kill, his only thought. He grasped the weapon with both hands and aimed at the partition securing the rear seat.

              The car accelerated as he applied pressure to the trigger. He kept firing until the magazine emptied. Exhausted, he tossed the pistol aside.

              The car hit the water with an almighty splash. For a few minutes it clung to the surface. Through damaged windows dark brown water flowed. It sank in less than five minutes, still upright, with its four wheels nestled in the mud. A cloud of silt rose, settling on the polished paintwork.

***

The following morning Bear watched breakfast television as the local news station broadcast,

Murder inquiry launched after three men were found inside and two more in the boot of a dark green Jaguar recovered early this morning from Hanningfield Reservoir. Police have sealed off a section of the reservoir.