appeared to be missing. The more experienced of the officer’s called through to the headquarters control desk. He informed the lady taking the call that the room had been checked and nothing seemed odd. Lime was not there but could be having the interview he bragged about on television.
They left, closing the door behind them. The instructions came through from control, they were ordered to return to base and speak with Chief Inspector Dawson on arrival. They obeyed and climbed back into the vehicle.
***
Nathan cursed as the signal bars decreased to nothing. The spot they were passing was terrible for reception and he had yet to speak with Lillian. His mind was made up, he was leaving today for sure, but who would he give the honour of locating the monster. Malcolm stated that the area was a dead spot for mobile phones, that up the road they would be clear and the signal should come back. Nathan prayed that it did, he was eager to know the address and hoped the woman could get it for him. The traffic flowed, though they were moving it still annoyed Malcolm, he asked repeatedly to find a shortcut. Nathan declined the offer and requested that they stay on their current course.
The bars climbed to show a full reception, he thanked something above in the sky. He tapped frantically to find Lillian’s number, it appeared and he called it.
‘Hello?’
‘Hi, it’s Nathan again’
‘Afternoon’
‘Yeah, look, I need another favour, very important!’
‘Okay, is it about the file?’
‘Yes, what you sent was exactly what I needed, thank you. But I need the address of someone, can you get it for me?’
‘That shouldn’t be a problem, may take some time though, it’s like somebody disturbed the bee hive down here!’
‘Great, the name is Adrian Crane!’
‘Crane, right, I’ll get onto it Nathan’
‘Thanks again’ he ended the call, the excitement building.
The vehicle moved into the left lane, the turn off for the airport just ahead.
***
Jack sat at the desk, the officers giving him the finds at Lime’s flat.
‘Where the fuck is that snake?’
The officer’s chuckled slightly at the remark. Jack stood and moved to the briefing room, the door edged open.
‘Has anyone seen Lime today, anybody?’ the heads were shook, giving the answer. Jack slammed the door, the pressure increased slowly, he needed William and fast. The interview could not go on, he wasn’t prepared to have his friend ashamed on national television. He reached for his phone and scrolled down to the number for Nathan’s mobile. He called it. The background noise made it difficult to hear as the call was answered.
‘Where are you?’ Jack questioned
‘Heathrow!’ the answer shouted into his ear
‘The airport?’
‘Yeah Jack, Heathrow airport, I’m leaving today!’
‘Shit Nathan, have you heard from Lime?’
‘No, why would I hear from that prick, he’s the main reason I’m getting the flight!’
‘I know, I think he’s having the interview now as we speak. I sent a car around to his flat to bring him in, there’s no sign of him there and he’s not here with us, thought I’d let you know!’
‘Shit, that fucking weasel’
‘Look, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I asked you to help with the case and I should have had your back, I let you down!’
‘It’s fine Jack, you have your own problems to fight!’
‘When are you leaving?’
‘This evening, flight leaves at seven twenty’
‘Okay, look, keep the phone yeah, at least then I can call you!’
‘I will Jack, you take it easy yeah’
‘You too mate, good luck’
‘Bye’
Jack placed the phone down upon his desk, his chest tightened and he sat as a dizzy sensation stormed his head. His friend was leaving, his reputation on the line and the case unsolved, he was giving up, calling it a day and going home to his nice view and gorgeous wife. The unwanted feeling clouded him again, he sat in silence, no thoughts came to life, he just sat quietly.
***
Nathan placed the boarding pass inside his coat pocket. It was done, his plane all booked and ready to fly him home. The sound of the waves crashing upon the soft sand filled his head, his wife bringing him a beer, ice cold and refreshing. The tranquil surroundings from his home had entered his mind, he stood, eyes closed and breathing it in. He snapped out of the daydream, he had things to do, people to speak to before his brain could switch off. He juggled the problem around in his head, he had been all day. Still trying to decide on who to call when the address came through, he headed to the Costa coffee stand to his left. He ordered a large Mocha and planted himself, the warm wake-up drink burned his throat. He thought about the case, about his friends and about home, Elle sat on the decking in a small bikini. He watched as the people scurried like ants around a nest, pushing passed one and other to make their flight. The airport was always noisy, he hated it. He watched as the children ran happily, their holiday approaching slowly. They chased each other through the shops, hiding in clothes stands and scaring each other. He smiled, it disappeared quickly.
He placed the cup down, the liquid still warm, and stood. The decision was made, he had something to do first before leaving, something he had to prepare.
***
The Wolf was ready. He sat upon the chair in the living room, the curtains closed as usual. His mouth felt sticky, his lips heavy with blood. He had worked through three rabbits, their life now inside him, pumping through his body. He had one more meal to prepare, once finished; it would be time to depart. The woods awaited him and his new girl, the moon beckoned for the offering of her organ; the night yearned to be filled by the beasts calling. He stood slowly and moved into the kitchen, the meat was still de-frosting. He grabbed the pan from the sink, the remains of his last feast stuck to the surface. The hob was turned on and the ring began to warm slowly. The chunk of flesh sat in the centre, the heat slowly cooking it, the fat held within began to ooze down and puddle below it. He inhaled deep as the smell filled the kitchen. He loved meat, he adored drinking the life from a live creature, he fantasised about the nights events.
***
The text came through at quarter to five. Nathan read the details of the message, he felt cold, as if the news
