Eduardo had decided he would waste no time in contriving a fancy way of making her disappear. Speed would be his ally. He would finish her, then head straight to Heathrow. He had remembered the country park, where he had previously met a couple of contacts and decided it would suit his plans perfectly. He had told Sam to pack her bag as they would be moving hotel to one in the Heathrow area. He had used the excuse he didn’t like to spend too long in one place and anyway the new hotel was well positioned for when they flew to Paris.
She had complied happily and he had paid their bill with cash. If he was ever traced to the hotel, then the front desk would have a copy of his passport but he would be well gone by then. He went by many names and though he couldn’t use this one again, it was of little consequence. He had no shortage of passports. In the busy hotel he had kept a low profile since registering. He had wiped the room of fingerprints, even though he had never been arrested in any country and there was no record on file of his prints. They would have his DNA but again no match. It was all a little messy but he was content it was low risk.
For a while he had been very infatuated with Sam but now he would head back home and remember her fondly, until inevitably another girl would come along. He would ensure the next girl was simply a good cook and good in bed. A girl like from back home not one of these Western Europeans he didn’t really understand. A woman back home knew her place. She didn’t dictate to her man. She didn’t cause him trouble. She was there to attend to his needs. Sam had been too independent. It had been like the most exciting roller coaster ride at the fairground but it was so scary, it would be a long time before he took the ride again.
Miller heard sounds outside the door and knew he was about to greet a visitor. His body tensed in the expectation and hope that it would be Jones about to walk through the door. He was disappointed when the rather more rotund shape of Simpson entered the room. He watched Simpson stare at who he assumed was Connor in the bed. Miller said nothing for a second. Simpson took a couple of paces towards the bed.
“Didn’t expect to see you,” Miller interrupted Simpson’s approach to the bed.
Simpson whipped around, obviously shocked to hear Miller’s voice. “God you surprised me,” he stated, trying to regain his composure and wiping his brow with his hand. “Didn’t see you there,” he continued, forcing a smile.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to make you jump like that. Rather hoped I would be seeing Jones, not you.” Miller didn’t hide the disappointment in his voice.
“Thought I’d check out if anything had happened. Had any other visitors?”
“Sadly no. Would have thought you’d seen enough of hospitals for a while.” Simpson’s left arm was supported in a sling. The result of the bullet he’d received in Richmond Park, which rather unfortunately for him had missed the bullet proof vest.
Simpson gently rubbed his arm. “True but my curiosity got the better of me. Has our bird been singing?”
Miller hesitated for just a second. He was about to share the truth with Simpson when he observed him once again wipe sweat from his brow. Some instinct made him keep up the pretence. “Not yet unfortunately. He spends all his time sleeping.” Miller wondered if he was imagining a slight look of relief on Simpson’s face.
“Listen, do you need a break?” Simpson offered. “Take a pee or get a coffee or something?”
Miller climbed out the comfortable armchair. “Good idea. Could do with both actually. I’ll only be five minutes.”
“No problem. I’ll mind the fort in here while you’re gone.”
“Thanks.” Miller was grateful for the chance to stretch his legs. He turned back as he reached the door to see Simpson settling into his recently vacated chair.
As Miller emerged from the room, Taylor and the Sergeant both looked up expectantly. “Be back in five. Bob, why don’t you just keep Simpson company till I return. Sergeant, if by any chance Jones does arrive, simply don’t let him in the room till I get back.” In truth Miller now thought it very unlikely he would see Jones. As Taylor got up from his chair Miller added, “No need to mention about Connor. Not even to Simpson.” Taylor shot him a quizzical look but said nothing.
Miller moved a few yards down the corridor where there was no chance of being overheard, took out his mobile phone and found the number he needed. It was getting late but he pressed the call button anyway. It took a few seconds before a grumpy voice answered at the other end, “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Miller had been gone a good ten minutes before he returned to the room. Taylor and Simpson were engaged in a conversation about football.
“Sorry I was so long,” he apologized. “Tony, do you mind looking after the fort a bit longer, only I need to borrow Bob. It will only take five minutes”
“No problem,” Simpson confirmed.
Taylor followed Miller out the room. Miller ensured he pulled the door properly closed behind Taylor. “Bob, in one minute we are going back inside and I’m not sure what we will find but be aware I now believe that Simpson is the man we want, not Jones. Keep your weapon close to hand.” Turning to
