“Well, I sort of heard the end and put two and two together. I followed you to the airport and checked where you were going and then drove through the night to get here. I was just going to get myself some breakfast and ring you, Alice, and plead to come and see Eliza with you, when I spotted you both in here!”
“Bloody hell Kas, you're crazy! But it's good to see you!”
I gave him another hug before I gently pushed away from him.
“You look absolutely amazing Eli, whatever you're doing, it's working!”
His eyes looked me over in awe.
I was just about to explain to him he couldn't stay long as I really wasn't allowed to see anyone but my mum according to my treatment plan, and that he should make his way home as soon as possible, when events took another unexpected turn.
CHAPTER 36
I couldn't believe my fucking eyes. What the fuck was that fucking twat of a Dullard doing here! Someone, and that would be me, was going to get a bollocking over this lapse of security afterwards. That was fucking guaranteed. I knew I should have trusted my senses as I thought I'd picked a slither of his scent earlier, but I had dismissed it, until I saw him making his way into the cafe. I texted Claude straight away to alert him.
I let Eliza and Alice deal with him as I trusted Eliza to improvise and get rid of him as fast as possible. However, just when I relaxed a little as I saw Eliza taking control over the situation, you couldn't make it up; I received the text I did not want to see at this moment in time. Rick was on his way. Fuck. I had to act quickly or else the whole operation could be blown. Kas was too much of an unknown factor and could say something to make Rick suspicious. I could not let that happen. It was too much of a risk. I texted Claude to be prepared and I rushed over to the cafe. In less than ten minutes Rick would arrive.
I burst into the cafe, flashed my card which on quick inspection was just like police identification. The shocked faces of Eliza and Alice didn't deter me but I had to focus as I could feel the stress levels rising around me.
“Kasper Mahony, please come with me. Do not make a scene or I will have to arrest you.”
I acted as authoritatively as I could, but I knew I was going to have a struggle as he instantly recognised me.
“Zack? What the hell?” he exclaimed indignantly.
Kas looked around to Eliza, totally confused, but also determined not to be pushed around. Eliza came to the rescue though.
“Please, just go with him. He's not joking. He will arrest you, don't let it come to that. I'll explain it all later." she pleaded quietly, and successfully, as I could feel Kas' resolve to resist diminishing.
I took advantage of that by taking him by the arm and encouraging him to move. We literally had minutes as I was also worried about the scent I might leave behind, even though I sprayed myself with a neutraliser before I went in. It wouldn't mask for that long and the more time in between me leaving, and Rick arriving, the better.
Kas reluctantly got up and walked along with me, dragging his feet and staring bemusedly at Eliza imploring an explanation. She nodded encouragingly, to keep him moving. I signalled to Claude to clarify the situation about Rick's imminent arrival to Eliza and Alice, whilst ushering Kas through the door. I ignored the staring eyes of the other customers and hoped they wouldn't be still talking about it by the time Rick arrived.
I didn't really have time for Kas and as annoying as it would be for him, he would just have to be collected and taken to our compound for now. I hoped I could palm this off to Michael or Frank, or even Zaphire, but I didn't think they were going to humour me. I'd have to deal with him myself later. Kas spluttered profanities all the way to my hide out post, but at heart Kas was no rebel and I knew he would comply.
“Just sit there and be quiet. I'll arrange for someone to collect you.”
I pushed him into a chair and looked at him sternly, making sure he wouldn't get stupid plans in his head.
“Zack, I just don't get it. What's going on? Please. Is Eliza in danger? What has she got herself into?”
Kas sounded desperate and insisted on answers. He wouldn't let this lie.
“She's not in danger, but you got to let me do my fucking job and just shut up for now. As Eliza said, we'll explain later.”
I was busily texting for back up. Zaphire was on her way and Kas would be no match for her. He'll be under her spell in no time and be putty in her hands.
Rick was about to enter the cafe and my gut reacted. This was the moment of truth. Would our plan work? I sincerely hoped it would. Even though I felt confident, there were so many unknowns we couldn't plan for.
I could just about see the scene from my vantage point with my binoculars. I fucking wished I was nearer, but I just had to rely on Claude keeping me informed as best he could. I hated not being in total control of the situation.
In the mean time, I still had Kas annoying the hell out of me asking questions, blatantly ignoring my 'request' for him to shut it.
“Tell me why I shouldn't just walk away now. You have no jurisdiction over me? You can't keep me against my will." he challenged.
I looked at him menacingly and
