Unbound (The Braille Club #2) (28 page)

Chapter 54

The Braille Club, London, One Year On: Once donations had been posted, members made their way to the table indicated on their invitations. Name places were cryptic; Mr. & Mrs. G Balls sat next to The Judge & Jury. There were curious murmurs as they sat next to each other. They must all play a game to keep their identities hidden. Some would be better than others.

Toby

“Shit,” Toby screamed, jumping back, checking his clothes. He put his hand over his mouth; the smell made him wretch. He looked at Niven. She wasn’t moving, vomit was all over her mouth and her lovely hair.

“Shit!” he said in frustration, angry with himself, angry with her.

“Why do you have to ruin everything?” he yelled at her.

He had an important meeting scheduled this afternoon, which he’d missed because of her. Anger coursed through him. His hands were bunched into fists as he stepped towards Niven. The smell of vomit drove him back from the prone figure on the bed.

He couldn’t bring himself to delete the images of Niven. He knew it was dangerous to keep them. There was always the constant threat of discovery, but it was his only way of being close to her. He’d fantasised about what they would do together when he finally took her. This was not what he’d dreamed of. Toby kicked the chair next to him in frustration. Niven had messed up all his plans. Nobody knew of Nick’s involvement in his other project. Nobody knew Nick’s plans except for him. The surveillance of Siena remained hidden. Toby had done his job well. All the images and data had been copied and then fastidiously deleted.

It was time-consuming but necessary for a number of reasons. He was still on parole and all his equipment, although hidden, could be found by the police. They were at liberty to drop by and search his room anytime. He had seen it happen before and if by some miracle they found his stuff, then it had to be completely clean. He had a stock of photography images left on the camera, of landscapes and urban scenes. After all, photography wasn’t against the law and neither was taking pictures of Niven, but it connected them. He worried his expensive equipment might get stolen; the digs were hardly secure although he’d done his best.

However, he needed the money more than ever now he had a dependant. What worried him the most was that Nick would simply replace him. He didn’t trust him. As a dangerous man himself, he saw the similarities in Nick. He must be the only one to hold the originals; his insurance. He’d locked them away in a security box. There was a copy in a brown envelope marked for his lawyer’s attention. After he finished with Niven he must post them. It was imperative to protect himself. If Nick gave him any trouble, he’d threaten him with exposure. Smiling, he pictured how that would go down with the parole board. That would shake the bastard up. He’d nearly made all the preparations but when he’d seen Niven with
him,
he’d lost control. Toby tried to calm his breathing. His hand stung from punching her.

Toby knew Nick would have no compunction in killing him, so he’d taken steps to protect himself. If anything was to happen…the world would know what he was up to. It would keep him alive and be his bargaining tool against him. He’d anticipated when the time came for him to take Niven, her disappearance would be reported. Nick was sure to find out and be angry. Toby had the email to Nick already prepared in his head. If he exposed him, then he was happy to return the favour. The only thing left to do was to see a lawyer, and that’s where he’d come undone. He missed the appointment.

He’d been pacing up and down as these thoughts tumbled through his head. Agitated, he thought of going to his security box to get the envelope and post it. He stopped and looked at the bed. Niven lay unmoving. He was calmer now and a stab of worry took over. Her face was turned away from him. Fear suddenly gripped him. Was she breathing?

“Damn you, Niven, wake up!” he shouted. He approached her with one hand over his mouth and nose while the other clumsily gripped the knife. His hand was bleeding across his knuckles and was stiff and painful. Annoyed, he noticed it was swollen. The smell got worse as he moved closer. Toby realised he would either have to put the knife down or take his hand away from over his mouth to check for a pulse. He decided the first option was better and put the knife down. The smell made him gag as he reached to untie her wrist. Her arm fell heavily onto the bed and he felt for a pulse—nothing. Panicking, he looked around for a towel and rushed to the small makeshift kitchen. He needed it to wipe her face, clear her airways. His hand was getting harder to move. Pain and heat radiated from it as he shoved things on the worktop aside. A glass fell and shattered. Toby cursed but saw the towel. Relieved, he grabbed it with his good hand. Grimacing, he turned back to Niven and rushed over. He sat down and bent over her.

Chapter 55

The Braille Club, London, One Year On: They stared at each other intently, each face obscured by the mask they wore. The game began as soon as the last guest was seated. The clues were in front of them, they just had to find them.

London 2014

Benedict

Benedict did something he never thought he’d ever do—he contacted his stepmother. He phoned Jessica and asked if he could drop the twins off while he was at the hospital with Siena, his manner stiff and his voice strained. She had been fantastic, telling him to bring them straight over and Ellie couldn’t wait to see them. When he arrived and saw Jessica, he suddenly felt like crying. She hugged him tight and he let her, his body sagging. He’d brought nothing for the twins, all practicalities forgotten, no nappies or food. However, Jessica told him his father was out at the supermarket getting everything they needed. He smiled at her weakly, knowing the twins were in safe hands, their screams of delight as Ellie tickled them wonderfully reassuring.

“I’ve got to go. I don’t want Siena there alone,” he said tiredly.

“Of course. We are all thinking of her,” said Jessica, her voice catching. Benedict squeezed her hand and then he was gone.

Once he got to the hospital he was taken to Siena. Apparently she had only just arrived, the ambulance moving a good deal slower than Benedict.

When Siena opened her eyes, Benedict was staring at her intently; she was in a hospital bay, curtains around her.

“Get the police,” she said groggily.

Benedict didn’t move at first but one look at her face told him she meant business.

As she told her story to the police, both Guy and Benedict listened intently. Guy had told Benedict about Niven’s past but the one detail he should have checked and didn’t was whether the stepbrother was still in prison. He knew that information now, but it was too late. Niven was gone and the search for her had only just started.

The police finished interviewing Siena and looking exhausted, Benedict saw her close her eyes. She’d told him her foot was numb now, the painkillers doing their job. Her heel was fractured and would require a cast to allow the bone to heal. She was adamant she was going home, she didn’t want to be away from the twins, and after her ordeal, the hospital could understand why.

Benedict took this opportunity to speak to Guy, sensing something was wrong.

“Do they have any idea where Niven’s stepbrother is?” he said fiercely.

“No, it will take time.” Guy sighed. “Ben, there’s something I’ve got to tell you.”

Benedict heard the distress in Guy’s voice and tensed. “What now?” he said in exasperation.

“It’s Matt…” Guy’s voice faltered. “He was the person stabbed outside your home.”

Benedict blinked rapidly as his brain processed the appalling news. “Matt? No. What was Matt doing outside my home?”

“We don’t know, Ben,” said Guy sadly.

“Where is he?” asked Benedict numbly.

“He’s here, in intensive care. His family is with him.”

“I want to see him, but I need to tell Siena first.” Benedict’s voice was broken.

They all heard Siena’s screams when he told her, her sobs loud and anguished; insisting she must see Matt too. Finally the cast was on her foot and she was seated in a wheelchair.

Guy walked beside Benedict as he pushed her slowly towards Matt and intensive care. Guy heard his phone ring; he fumbled to shut it off. When they arrived there were several of Matt’s family outside, visibly upset. Benedict’s heart plummeted as Matt’s mum, Helen, turned a grief-stricken face towards him. “He’s just gone into cardiac arrest.”

Chapter 56

The Braille Club, London, One Year On: The waiters arrived with the wine and the cautious air became more relaxed. Each member had a card in front of them with the table’s guest list; a clue in the cryptic names. Members must guess the real identities of their table companions; it would keep them amused throughout dinner. As the wine flowed, the game began.

London 2014

Niven

Still restrained, she lay there blocking out the smell of vomit all around her. Her face and neck were stinging. She could hear him pacing. She concentrated on her anger and being still but reacted when Toby kicked something and it clattered to the floor. She froze, terrified. Had he seen her move? Her heart pounded but he didn’t approach her. She knew she had to wait for the perfect moment. She’d kept her eyes closed and her body unmoving. The minutes seemed like hours as she tried to suppress her breathing. Her anger had focused her completely. Matt and Maria was all she could think of and then she heard his footsteps approaching her. Everything she’d learned suddenly gave her strength. She must escape. She knew she’d get one chance and one chance only. Still dazed by his punches, she fought her nausea but his voice broke through her stupor. When he shouted at her to wake up, she could hear a mixture of rage and fear in his voice. Good. She lay completely still.

She steeled herself for the next assault but her hand restraint was loosened. Playing dead and listening, it took every piece of mental strength she possessed not to flinch when he touched her. She let her arm flop onto the mattress. His hand fumbled around her wrist. What was he doing? The nausea was getting unbearable. She wanted to be sick again. Toby’s weight shifted and she heard his footsteps rushing away. She had no idea why. Her eyes opened a crack and she looked at her arm—she saw the glint of the blade and couldn’t believe the knife was in reach. Adrenaline surged through her as her fingers felt for the handle; she had the strength and knowledge to use the knife. Escaping became her only concern.

She could hear him knocking things over. A glass smashed. A strange calm had descended over her. His rushing footsteps. The mattress depressing until he was leaning over her. Niven’s arm reared up and plunged the knife he’d forgotten about deep into his neck. She opened her eyes. Toby’s face wore an expression of surprise. Utterly stunned, his swollen hand tried and failed to pull the knife from his neck. Niven was staring at him, her eyes triumphant.

“That’s for Maria,” she hissed.

Toby switched his hands and pulled the knife again. Niven twisted to free her other hand. If Toby got the knife he could still hurt her.

***

Toby

Toby’s rage ballooned. The bitch had stabbed him. His hand wasn’t working as he fumbled with the knife. He switched to his other but already felt weak. He was aware of the blood pumping down his body. Aware his life was draining away along with his strength. Nothing would happen if he died right here in this room. Frustration made him struggle to release the knife because the documents in his safe deposit box would remain there. Which meant they would not be opened in the event of his death; Nick Waters would get away with it.

“Uhhh…” Nothing came out his mouth as he tried to speak.

***

Niven

She glanced frantically at him as he attempted to pull the knife free. Her fingers slipped in her panic to loosen the restraint. She heard him groan and another sound. She turned and screamed. Toby’s face was twisted with hate. He held the knife in his hand.

He threw himself onto her. Niven twisted and screamed as the knife bounced off her collar bone and stabbed into the mattress. Suddenly, Toby’s body slumped over her. Niven shivered in revulsion as his blood dripped onto her. Trapped under his weight, she suddenly couldn’t breathe. She was back in her bedroom with him on top of her. She’d been a little girl. She couldn’t defend herself against Toby then, but everything was different now. Her hand was still in the restraint. She was bleeding where the knife had stabbed her. Toby was moving his head; he was trying to talk to her. She couldn’t bear it, she just couldn’t bear it. His hands were touching her skin. Sheer panic made her thrust her shoulder upwards.

It connected with Toby’s face, making her scream in pain. His body jerked and rolled over, falling to the floor. She could hear a gurgling coming from his mouth.
He’s still alive
, she thought hopelessly.

She was glad of the punishing gym sessions she’d endured to build up the strength in her arms. Niven twisted towards the restraint, terrified of turning her back on Toby. She had to know he was dead. Strange gurgling noises were coming from him.

Niven was going into shock, her body numb as dizziness came over her. She felt sick again. Turning her head, she retched repeatedly but had nothing left to bring up. The need to escape was overpowering. Toby made her skin crawl and forced her to focus. Reaching over and after several attempts, she finally released her other wrist. She had to pull the knife out of the mattress. She tried to sit up but her head swam. Slowly she eased herself upright and waited for the worst of the dizziness to pass. She kept her gaze averted from the prone figure lying beside her, untied her feet, and rolled onto her side. The dizziness was severe enough to make her lie unmoving for several minutes. Gritting her teeth, she made herself swing her legs off the mattress.

She made herself look at Toby. There were blood bubbles on his lips, which eventually stopped moving. Toby’s face gradually relaxed; finally his sightless eyes stared at nothing. Niven had embedded the knife with considerable force, her aim flawless and deadly. Her knife skills had saved her. However, the police would never know that. She must paint a very different picture, one of self-defence. It must be an open and shut case as far as they were concerned, but at least she had avenged Maria’s death. Her teeth were chattering from the cold. She was desperate to cover her nakedness but the dizziness and nausea continued and she was forced to put her head between her knees. Then she thought of Matt and nothing else mattered. Her mind cleared, and she found a hidden strength she didn’t know she possessed.

She had one aim, to get to Matt. She had to know he was safe. Siena popped into her mind and her anxiety increased—had Toby harmed her too? As her mind cleared completely she remembered the horror of the attack…the cries of the twins. Her terror was complete. Had Toby been lying about Matt? Sheer panic made her stagger up off the bed. She stumbled and fell hard to the floor. Tears slid down her cheeks as her eyes desperately searched the room for her clothes but they were nowhere in sight. Pushing herself up, she had no idea where she was, or how long she’d been there. Desperate to get out and away from her tormentor, her gaze scanned her surroundings. Dismay filled her as she saw the door was not only secure but locked with a combination number pad. She looked for a phone but saw nothing. Her tears of shock where replaced by tears of frustration and then she got angry. Steeling herself, she approached Toby, rage overcoming her fear as she jammed her hand into his pockets, fighting the disgust as she did so.
Matt
, she thought furiously,
he had hurt Matt
. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest. Just as she had found something good, Toby had destroyed it.

She tied the discarded towel around her, it was the only thing she could find. Toby must have removed her clothes. Her fingers struck a hard surface, and triumphantly she pulled his phone free, but she sagged when she saw it was locked. Her fingers had also touched something else, keys. Hope soared through her as she put her hand back into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. She went back to the door but realised it didn’t have a lock; the only way to open it was to enter the correct code. After numerous attempts at the code she gave up and tried her luck with the phone. She tried two different number combinations with no success, she didn’t want the mobile to lock and disable the sim. She stared at the screen, the cold seeped into her bones and then she remembered you could make emergency calls even from a locked phone. With shaking fingers she dialled those three lifesaving digits.

“999, which service do you require?” came the efficient voice.

“Police,” Niven replied, and burst into tears. Haltingly, through hiccoughs, she told them what happened. She explained she didn’t know where she was because she had been drugged and locked up. The operator told her to look around and explain her surroundings. Niven described what she saw, realising there was sound proofing on the walls and it was a garage or hut of some sort.

The operator asked did it have any windows. Niven’s gaze slid to the walls, now seeing the areas that surely had glass beneath. She moved towards it and ripped the sound proofing material away until yes, she could see glass but it was painted out in black. Could she find something to break it with, asked the operator? The police were using the mobile phone signal she was calling from to pinpoint her location. However, a visual description would help them get there faster.

Niven couldn’t find anything to use to break the window. Toby had removed anything of use and with no other choice, she grimly removed his boots, eyes averted, her mind focused on one thing and one thing only—Matt. She tied the laces of the two boots together and swung them with all her might at the window. The glass shattered and the fresh air rushed in. Niven looked out at the surrounding fields, searching for a landmark but saw nothing. The phone was her only lifeline.

***

Guy

Guy’s phone kept going off repeatedly. He whispered to Benedict that he’d need to make a call. His friend barely registered as he sat with Matt’s family. Guy left the room and walked quickly, looking for someplace quiet to use his phone when it vibrated again. When he looked at the screen, the number was withheld.

“Guy Walker.”

Benedict

Benedict feared Matt was weighing heavily on Guy’s mind; he knew he was still in a critical condition after the surgery to repair the damage the knife had inflicted. The doctor had told his family it was a miracle he was still alive and that the next twenty-four hours would be crucial, his chance of survival too close to call. With his nearest and dearest around him, Benedict knew Guy was the type that didn’t like to intrude.

Guy

“Niven?” he said in disbelief. “Okay, keep calm…breathe, where are you? Good.” A pause before Guy answered. “He’s in the hospital.” An anguished wail came from the phone. “Niven, please try to calm down, we’re here with him now.” Another pause. “We’ll wait for you. Yes, she’s here, they’re all okay. Breathe, breathe, take your time, I’ll stay on the line,” said Guy firmly. He spoke with a police officer who confirmed they would be arriving at the hospital in twenty minutes. He told them he’d be waiting.

Re-entering the room, the atmosphere was thick with misery. Matt’s family was quieter now. Shock and grief was etched on their faces. He motioned for Benedict to come outside. He hated to disturb them but knew they’d want to hear the news.

Benedict appeared, wheeling Siena. They looked at him expectantly.

“Niven has been found,” he said.

A look of terror passed over Siena’s face.

“Alive,” he said hurriedly, realising what he’d just said. “She’s alive.”

Siena burst into tears. “Thank God. Thank God.”

“How is she?” asked Siena fearfully.

“She’s okay,” was all Guy would say. “The police are with her now, she’ll be brought here.”

An uneasy silence hung in the air between them. “Did she get away from him?” Siena persisted.

“Yes,” said Guy, not elaborating.

“Good,” said Benedict distractedly. “That’s good but we need to stay with Matt’s family right now.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll go and see her,” said Guy, relieved to be doing something. The waiting was unbearable. He made his way to A&E.

***

Niven

Niven entered the hospital with only a towel and blanket around her. The right side of her face was badly swollen. After a brief assessment the doctor concluded she was concussed and traumatised but had no major injuries. They cleaned her up as Niven pretended she was fine throughout the process. She was finally permitted visitors and embraced Guy awkwardly.

“How’s Matt?” asked Niven.

“He’s still in surgery,” replied Guy grimly.

“Can I go there? I need to know he’s okay.”

Guy looked to the police officer, who nodded. Niven would not be leaving the hospital. He took her to the room where they all sat waiting. Matt’s family stared at her with suspicion. She told them how sorry she was. Helen gave her a hard look while Matt’s father, Ted, comforted his daughters. She gazed at them, both blonde and pretty. Even though their faces were ravaged from crying, she could see how alike they were. She felt so responsible and guilt weighed heavily on her heart. She couldn’t stay here. What was she to Matt? She hadn’t earned the right. She hugged Benedict and Siena and told them she’d rather wait outside. Guy asked to join her and after a moment’s hesitation she consented.