Danny Dempsey and the Unlikely Alliance (28 page)

Teddy laid him carefully on the ground, at the same time catching the gun which fell from Harrington's nerveless fingers. Teddy smiled ironically as he reset the safety catch, thinking to himself the least that might be expected from a police officer was to be more careful where firearms were concerned. Someone could have been injured had the gun gone off accidentally. He laid Harrington face down on the grass like a baby, eased his arms behind his back, then tied his wrists together before slipping a blindfold over his eyes. After securing his ankles as well, Teddy slung him over his shoulder and carried him inside the house.

Teddy had no sooner deposited his catch in a comfortable armchair in a room just inside the entrance, when his earpiece informed him a second visitor had entered the grounds. He was sound-linked to the operators in the control room who were manning the CCTV monitors. If it had been anyone else other than his master who'd insisted on the earpiece being part of the operation, Teddy's pride would have baulked at the very idea. But Myles had deemed it so, and Teddy's programmed mind accepted it without demur. In reality, he'd have much more preferred to be allowed to resort to his own exceptional hunting skills. The earpiece took the fun out of it, resulting in Teddy having to find some way to amuse himself as he left to make acquaintance with intruder number two.

The Superintendent, like his subordinate before him, crawled along on his stomach from cover to cover, the Glock held in readiness in his right hand. His left arm was still hurting badly from its impact with the fire extinguisher, but he gritted his teeth and carried on. He'd more important things on his mind right now. The first one being to connect with Harrington, wherever he was. He suspected Harrington had himself well concealed by now, and was more than likely watching the house, biding his time for the right moment to make his move. The Superintendent scrambled from bush to bush, hissing audibly as he neared the next one, thinking he might chance upon Harrington hiding in one of them.

Teddy, who'd been hoping for some diversion to take his mind off how simple the earpiece had made his task, watched in mild amusement. As soon as he'd left the house, he'd scaled a tree with effortless agility, and was now sitting cross-legged on a branch which was little more than a twig. It really had no right to bear the weight of such an enormous individual, yet there he perched, serene and untroubled, defying gravity and every other law of nature it was possible to defy, gazing down at the Superintendent's performance. Teddy was aware the Superintendent was trying to find the one who'd preceded him and, if imitating a snake was his way of doing it, that was his own business. Teddy supposed it was as good a way as any, seeing as they didn't appear to have thought of using earpieces to stay in touch.

Teddy timed his moment to perfection. As the Superintendent crawled beneath the tree, he allowed himself to tumble downwards like a weightless acrobat. He made no sound whatsoever, even when his bare feet touched the ground, one massive leg either side of his victim's midriff. All the Superintendent saw before he passed out, as the vice of Teddy's heels squeezed every last ounce of air from his lungs, was the shadow of what resembled a giant genie on the grass in front of him. When Teddy removed his heels, the Superintendent's breathing gradually returned to normal. Teddy bent down and listened until he was certain nothing more than his prey's dignity had been damaged. Knowing the correct amount of pressure to apply was the important thing. The same manoeuvre carried out by someone lacking Teddy's expertise could quite easily result in death.

Teddy picked up the Glock and placed it in his pocket beside Harrington's weapon. If this kept up, he'd have quite a collection in no time. He was in the process of turning the Superintendent over on his stomach to tie his wrists and blindfold him, when he became aware of a faint buzzing sound in the distance. He shrugged his shoulders in dismissal. It could be anything. Maybe it was his ears. He might get the doctor to have a look them after he'd rounded up the last of the intruders.

M
r. Pearson wondered what the approaching sound was as he waited for Danny's return. He was due back any minute. Mr. Pearson didn't know whether he was imagining it or not, but it seemed to him it was getting darker by the second. Maybe it was later than he'd imagined.

*

Standing over the prostrate figure of the Superintendent, Teddy Tattoo was thinking the very same thing. He'd assumed there was at least another two hours of daylight left before it would disappear from the sky altogether. It could be the time had gone faster than he'd thought. And the buzzing was getting louder and louder, as though there was an unexpected storm about to spring up. Teddy was surprised. Usually, there were a few warning signs before the weather changed so dramatically. But storm or not, he certainly wasn't going to let a mere downpour interfere with what his master had decreed. He was taking a length of cord from his pocket, about to kneel down to secure the Superintendents wrists and ankles, when a black blanket was drawn across the sky directly above his head, extending over the entire grounds and building, blocking out the light. And the buzzing had now become so loud and distinct that Teddy knew it certainly wasn't his ears playing tricks on him. He wondered what on earth was going on.

*

Inside the house, everything was plunged into darkness. Lights were speedily switched on by the surprised occupants. The operatives manning the outside monitors were left looking at black screens. Myles Moran, still ensconced in his private office, was unaware of what was occurring outside. His office was located in such a remote part of the building, behind double walls and doors, artificial light was a necessity in it even on the brightest of days. But it wasn't long before he was told about what was going on.

‘We've got a situation, Boss,' Anna felt obliged to inform him over the speaker, even though he'd issued instructions he wasn't to be disturbed again until Teddy had captured the last of the intruders and they were ready and waiting for him in the interrogation room, neatly trussed and blindfolded as per his orders. Apart from his curiosity regarding Mr. Pearson's
gadget
, the four additional hostages would be a further bargaining chip towards ensuring the ransom be transferred without further delay. There wasn't all that long to go, anyway, and a word in the ear of the Minister that he could commence making arrangements for
six
funerals instead of two should concentrate that dear man's mind delightfully altogether. But that phone call might not even be necessary. Myles was confident he'd receive the confirming email from his banker before the deadline.

‘I take it Mr. Tattoo has completed his mission successfully, Miss Conway,' he purred into the speaker.

‘Er, not – not exactly, Boss,' Anna replied, a trifle nervously. ‘Something weird is happening outside.' She knew Myles wouldn't be able to hear the mysterious buzzing from his soundproofed office, ‘It's gone pitch black all of a sudden, and – and there's this eerie buzzing sound - -'.

‘Perhaps you should check for bumblebees, Miss Conway,' Myles told her as patiently as he could manage, thinking to himself that even someone of his serene temperament shouldn't have to put up with information regarding nonsensical trivialities, especially at such a crucial point in a much more important development. ‘They do tend to buzz quite a lot.' He paused a few seconds. ‘And what do you mean, Miss Conway, regarding Mr. Tattoo's task? What does
not exactly
imply, might I enquire?'

‘It's hard to tell, Boss. We do have one prisoner in the interrogation room already, but what's going on now has kind of left Mr. Tattoo in the dark out there,' Anna told him, biting her lip as soon as she'd realised what she'd said. ‘What – what I mean is, we don't know how he's getting on at the moment. We've lost him on our monitors.'

‘I wouldn't worry about it if I were you, Miss Conway. I'm sure Mr. Tattoo will be able to cope admirably, whatever situation he finds himself in. And not to be too ironic regarding the difficulties you are encountering, I believe I issued instructions he was to wear an earpiece until his mission had been concluded. Please see to it one of our command operatives communicates with him through it at once.
That
shouldn't be too difficult for them, I presume, unless they've deteriorated into complete vegetables since I brought them into my employ. You think you can manage under your own initiative now, Miss Conway, or must it be left to me to do everything myself?'

Anna sighed. She hated it when the Boss treated her like an imbecile. Which, in fairness to him, he rarely did. But she knew he had a lot on his mind right now, and she didn't want to add to his problems by telling him the operatives had already tried to contact Teddy. Either his earpiece wasn't working anymore or he'd taken it out himself. She signed off without another word.

*

Mr. Pearson was intrigued. Even though it had been a dullish day up to this, with the sun only peeping out now and then from behind grey clouds, he'd never been fortunate enough to be present at an eclipse before. For surely that was what was taking place now. But the continual buzzing accompanying the blackout was rather perplexing. He presumed it was part of nature's performance on such occasions, as astronomy and the like didn't really fall within the range of his expertise. But the eclipse appeared to be only a partial one. Mr. Pearson could still see daylight in the distance in all directions beyond the limits of the house and the grounds. It seemed strange, yet there it was above him, a buzzing black blanket shutting out the light in the immediate vicinity. Definitely an experience to savour, he thought, odd though it was. And it would probably be of assistance to Harrington and the Superintendent too, enabling them to approach the house without being seen as easily as they would have been earlier. Maybe it was an omen of some kind. He couldn't help wondering, though, what in the name of blithering blues blazes was delaying Danny's return.

*

And if the truth were to be shouted from the rooftops, Linda Ladybird wasn't overjoyed about Danny's dalliance either. She realised it was being caused by Danny's inability to refuse any of his woodland friends practically anything, but there were times when she wished he wasn't
quite
so thoughtful and caring. As her Grandmother had once remarked whilst applying mascara to her spots to embellish them, there were always those only too willing to take advantage once they realised someone was
too
soft-hearted. And at this particular moment, Linda was beginning to think her Grandmother was perfectly right.

She was perched on Danny's shoulder, tapping one of her delicate little legs on it, wishing she had more bodyweight so that he might feel the impatience emanating from her tiny frame. Of course, she knew she was wasting her time in that direction. She'd a good mind to bite his ear, but was too well brought up to actually do so. She wondered what her squadrons must be thinking as they awaited her next command. She'd no hesitation in sending them on ahead without her after Danny's request as to how they should be utilised. In fact, Linda had been overjoyed to at last be asked for her forces to be actively deployed in the operation, but she might have known
something
would happen to delay her own involvement in the encounter itself.

And sure enough, it did. Just as Danny had remounted the flying goat after seeking her out and asking for her assistance, who should appear from out of nowhere but Ollie the otter. They'd been all set to leave, her squadrons lined up in formation behind the goat, ready to take off at Linda's command, when out he popped from thin air to waylay Danny. Before her squadrons left, she really should have ordered some of her team to whiz around his silly hypochondriac's head and give him something else to add to his list of complaints, but she refrained, knowing that Danny would take a dim view of such treatment. Much as she admired Danny, she couldn't help thinking that a good long course in assertiveness wouldn't do him any harm at all where certain matters were concerned.

‘Ah, Danny!' Ollie wailed weakly, clutching himself around the middle as though attempting to prevent himself from splitting in half. ‘I thought I sniffed the aroma of that gorgeous goat of yours. You're just in the nick of time. I was preparing for the end. Another day, I was telling myself, and I'd surely be done and dusted. I was only reading recently in the
Otter's Medical Monthly
that kidneys stones can do for you quicker than you can say calcium calcification.'

‘Kidney stones, my eye!' Linda muttered under her breath. ‘It's more likely he's stuffed that stupid mouth of his with more truffles than would scupper a battleship. He looks fatter every time I see him.'

Danny pretended not to catch these remarks close to his ear. ‘I'm sorry to hear that, Ollie,' he said kindly, ‘but I don't think you've really anything to worry about. A kidney stone isn't all that serious. Drink plenty of water and you'll get rid of it in no time.'

‘What do you mean, I'll get rid of it in no time?' Ollie demanded, put out at the simplicity of the remedy he'd been given. ‘This one's the size of a football!' He clutched himself tighter as though to emphasise the seriousness of his condition, fully intending to roll around the grass and howl in agony if needs be. ‘You'll have to come up with a better one than that, I'm afraid.' He gazed plaintively at his clasped midriff. ‘I'll be as stiff as an icicle tomorrow unless you let me have one of your
special
cures. You're the only one can save me, Danny.'

Danny pretended to sift through his mind for a suitable remedy. He knew Ollie wouldn't be satisfied until he'd come up with something out of the ordinary. He took a few minutes more, hoping he looked sufficiently studious, even though he was aware that Linda was fit to be tied as he lingered over his decision. But then, he told himself, it was impossible to please everyone. And he certainly hadn't forgotten about the seriousness of his part in the rescue mission either. Had he known Harrington had been so foolhardy as to dash off on his own like that, forcing the Superintend to follow suit, he'd never have given Ollie so much attention. But he thought the three other members of the team were still waiting for him behind the safety of the gate.

‘I've got it!' he said at last, making Linda throw her eyes heavenwards. ‘A sure-fire remedy if ever there was one. It never fails, Ollie. It'll dissolve both kidney and gallstones and any other stones you care to mention. Now listen carefully.'

Ollie picked up his ears, concentrating intently as Danny gave him the remedy to cure his problem. At a quarter to nine exactly, not a second before or after, he was to boil a mixture of mothballs, eggplants and watercress in a saucepan until they'd blended with each other to form a liquid with the map of Australia floating on the surface. Then swallow the lot in one single gulp before going down under to bed.

‘I guarantee, Ollie,' Danny assured him, ‘that when you wake up, that kidney stone will have disappeared to the other side of the world.'

Ollie's eyes filled up with gratitude. Linda's were emitting fire. ‘Don't you think we'd better get going!' she hissed into Danny's ear. ‘Now that you've brought him back from death's door for about the hundred time! My squadrons will be the ones needing medical attention if we hang around here much longer. They haven't got built-in engines, you know! I - -'. She stopped abruptly, as though she'd suddenly been struck dumb and was incapable of continuing with whatever else she was about to say, her body becoming rigid, her eyes set in fixed concentration.

‘What's the matter with
her
?' Ollie demanded, thinking she was feigning some sort of illness in order to gain Danny's sympathy and divert attention away from his much more serious affliction. ‘She looked perfectly all right not two seconds ago. She's probably just faking it.' Then, not bothering to wait around to discover whether she was or not, Ollie did an about turn and headed off into the undergrowth in search of the ingredients to cure his own dreadful ailment.

‘What is it, Linda?' Danny asked, alarmed at her sudden trancelike condition. ‘Is there something the matter with you? We're all set to go now.'

‘Shush!' Linda hissed, still static, staring fixedly at nothing in particular. ‘My telepathic sensor is in receiving mode. It's my Chief Squadron Leader.'

Danny did as he was told. He watched in fascination as Linda took in the transmission and transferred it onto the screen of her mind's eye. He already knew ladybirds had special telepathic powers, but had no idea of the operational procedures involved. He suspected Linda was receiving an update on how things were progressing on the battle front. But he wouldn't have been very happy had he been able to hear the mind exchanges which were presently being engaged in by Linda and her Squadron Leader.

S.L. :
Covering darkness successfully been deployed over designated area, Commander, but unsure how much longer hovering energy levels can be maintained. Some force members already in a state of distress. Over!

Linda:
Hold your position for as long as possible. Essential you encourage morale throughout the entire force. Remind individual members of the importance of their mission. If necessary, you have my permission to kick butt, but only as a last resort. Have the other member's of Danny's rescue team been sighted? My information is that all three of them should be sheltering behind a steel gate awaiting his return. Over!

S. L. :
Only one in that position from what I can see through my night goggles. From the description supplied by our scouts on their eavesdropping visit to the police station the day of the meeting, I believe it to be Mr. Pearson. But wait, Commander! Something is developing as we speak! Let me check my recall screen! Yes, it's definitely him! Superintendent Clifford. He appears to have been overcome and rendered unconscious by one of the gang. We're going in, Commander! No time for further communication. Over and out!