“We’re still alive,” Erica says. “I guess that counts for something.”
“There you go again. That positive thinking course you went on, babe. If I were you I’d ask for a refund.”
“And this is the worst ‘hotel’ I’ve ever stayed in.”
“Being stuck in here with my phone I haven’t been able to post on Instagram for two days. That could be a world record. When we check out of here, I’m definitely not leaving a tip.”
“Let’s hope by check out you mean to leave this place alive. Not the other kind of check out.”
“If we don’t make it as online personalities, have you ever thought of becoming a comedian?”
“They say all comics die on stage from time to time. If things go tits up I may not even make it that far.”
“The people holding us, perhaps you could talk them to sleep and then we creep out.”
“Ha, ha.”
“You do realise today is Mum’s birthday?”
“Of course I do. I just hope Dad’s managed to get the ransom money together and they let us go.”
“And let’s hope Mr Sweaty doesn’t come knocking.”
“You never know, a few more days in here and he might start to look attractive.”
“I’d rather fuck the Hunchback of Notre Dame.”
“I thought you already had, that last boyfriend was a stinker.”
“See, a born comedian.”
Chapter Forty-Five
The grandfather clock in the living room shows there are only five minutes to go to the forty-eight-hour deadline.
They are expecting a phone call to ask them if they have made a decision; which of the twins they want to come home safe, and which twin they want sent home in a coffin. It is a decision they just can’t make. But the alternative is ever more unbearable.
In the previous call, the kidnappers told them if they can’t decide they can expect to take delivery of two coffins. Francis has said they should be prepared to save one of the twins and should do something such as spin a coin. But Diane is having none of it. She just wants them both home safe. To be able to hug them both and know they are alright.
The detective in charge of the investigation, DI Eden Gold, has taken Francis to one side.
“I think you have to speak with the kidnappers and see if there is any way they will grant you more time. Tell them your wife has collapsed. But as a last resort, if they won’t listen then you have to decide if you feel it is best to give them a name and possibly save one of the girls. However, I must warn you it could be a trap and they kill the one you decide to save, or this is simply some sort of sick joke to them and they will kill both of them. I’m sorry I have failed you. I think you must prepare yourselves for the worst possible outcome.”
Suddenly the phone rings. The police officer in charge of recording the conversation signals to say everything is in place to try to trace the call.
Francis picks up the phone, his hand shaking and his mouth dry.
“Hello, Francis Mitten.”
“Hello sir. I’m calling from Nationwide Claims Company about the car accident you had recently.”
“What? Who the hell are you? Get off the fucking line.”
Francis slams down the phone and puts his hand on his forehead. He can feel a headache coming on. But before he can even think about taking an aspirin the phone rings again.
The police officer nods. Francis picks up the phone.
“Hello, Francis Mitten.”
“Time’s up. Which one is it to be?”
“Please, can we talk about this? I’m begging you, can we come to a deal. My wife has collapsed. Can we at least have some more time to get the money?”
“I gave you forty-eight hours. There is no extension. I’m not interested in your dirty money. Take heed of my words. Decide which one you want to save or I’ll be sending them both back in coffins.”
“Please, oh God, please. I’ll do anything. Take me instead and kill me but please let them both go.”
“You’ve got ten seconds. Tell me which one or I’ll kill them both. And heed my words, I will make sure it is slow and painful.”
Chapter Forty-Six
Mr Gee is still feeling pumped and grinning after the phone call to the Mitten family. He’s down a back street close to Trentbridge railway station where there are no CCTV cameras so he can walk around the corner and melt into the crowd.
In ten minutes he’ll be back in the front room of his rented apartment going over the arrangements one final time. He loves to plan things down to the smallest detail.
He can imagine the despair the parents are going through right now. How bad they are feeling. But that is nothing compared to what he has in mind for them next.
When he made the phone call earlier tonight, it didn’t matter if they had chosen to save one of the girls or not. He’s going to kill both of them anyway. It will be slow and painful. And he will make sure they endure every single second.
He would love to be a fly on the wall when both parents watch the video he is going to send them and see the girls begging for mercy. And the more they beg, the more he will enjoy it.
Mr Gee has the video equipment in the boot of his car.
He and Chris have arranged to meet up at the old car workshop at ten o’clock tonight to make a video.
First thing tomorrow morning he will make a phone call, but this one won’t be to the parents.
The time has come to put the real plan in action. The one he has been planning from the beginning. The one where they get all of the money, and they get their revenge.
Mr Gee sits back in his armchair and chomps away on the big fat cigar he promised himself as a reward if it
