The Braille Club Undone (The Braille Club #3) (28 page)

The Braille Club Undone

The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Swingers Zone Trial. Guy stared at her transfixed and his hand moved to the handle. If he chose to enter this room then there could be no going back.

Benedict

Guy’s car screamed to a halt beside Siena’s. Benedict was out of the car and running towards it. Pulling the doors open, he looked wildly inside, but the car was empty. He heard the police car arrive behind him and footsteps approaching. He reached inside the glove box and grabbed the LED torch. The GPS technology was sophisticated and the location was very close. Heart pounding, he looked around but saw nothing.

“The car’s empty?” asked DI Clark, out of breath from his sprint.

“Yes,” said Benedict, his voice bleak.

“A false alarm?” asked DI Clark.

“No, the signal is still active,” said Benedict firmly. He saw Siena’s anguished face and walked away from the car. He stood directly on the spot where his little girl should be. Nothing. His gaze frantically scanned the area. He heard Guy behind him.

“Where is she?” said Benedict desperately.

“Benedict, it might only be the bracelet,” said Guy softly.

“I know she’s here,” he said, ignoring the comment.

“She’s not here,” said Guy.

Benedict’s torch swept over the area. Something gleamed in the light.

“What’s that?” said DI Clark.

Benedict looked down. He could see a glint of silver in the soil and bent down. It looked like a pen.

“Don’t touch it,” the DI exclaimed.

Benedict watched him pull an evidence bag from his pocket. Placing it over his hand, he lifted the object.

“Looks like a pen,” he said as he examined it through the plastic.

Siena was standing beside them. Tears were running down her face. Benedict couldn’t bear to look at her and studied the ground. He was so sure he could find them. Frustration and helplessness assailed him until he noticed something.

“Wait,” he said. “This soil has been turned over.”

The three men stared at each other and then looked at the GPS location on Guy’s phone. Benedict didn’t understand what his brain was screaming at him. He looked at the GPS location again and then fell to his knees. He started to dig.

“Benedict...” said Guy, his voice trailed off as he understood.

“No,” said Siena. “No.” She stared at them in horror.

Frantically, Benedict tore at the soil. Their children were either dead or it was the bracelet that was buried here.

“We need help over here,” the DI shouted.

More officers arrived as Siena knelt beside them. Adrenaline pumped through Benedict’s body as he clawed at the earth. His mind was numb because he feared his kids were dead; the lunch from earlier today, a lifetime ago. He saw the twins’ excited faces and voices in a vivid flashback. How could they be gone? How could this happen? Benedict had done everything he could to protect them but it still wasn’t enough. Were they buried beneath this soil? A guttural sound escaped him as he worked faster. The GPS signal was still active and yet they had not recovered the bracelet. Additional officers arrived to remove the soil. He spotted more headlights and welcomed them, but didn’t stop. He could hardly see for the tears blinding him as hope of finding just the bracelet faded. Guy knelt beside him with a rusted can.

“Use this,” he said.

Benedict heard the DI make a call to dispatch. He heard him request shovels. They needed something, anything, to dig with. Benedict used the can; it cut through the soil surprisingly well. Guy’s face was grim as he dug alongside him. Benedict could hear Siena sobbing but couldn’t stop. He had to find the bracelet and see with his own eyes that his children were not buried beneath the earth. They all worked as a unit until he hit something soft.

“Stop,” he commanded. Benedict’s stomach twisted as Guy pointed his torch at the ground. Gently, Benedict wiped the dirt aside from what appeared to be a basket. He and Guy worked simultaneously to push the soil away until they had cleared most of it away revealing a lid.

Benedict felt everything slow down. Siena’s shriek of terror penetrated his heart. With shaking hands he gently lifted the lid and there she was, his sweet Reeva. Her face and body covered in dirt, still dressed in her Disney pyjamas. Her golden curls full of soil and her eyes closed. Instinct made him lift her. Her body felt cold as he cradled her in his arms, an anguished sob escaping from his throat. He bent his head to her chest and it was the sweetest, sweetest sound when he heard her heart beating. Then Siena was taking Reeva, her sobs muffled as she buried her face into the still little body.

“Siena, she’s alive,” he said.

He watched his wife stand up. Her hands filthy as she held Reeva, pressing her face against her shoulder. Guy took off his coat and wrapped it around Reeva.

“Leo,” said Siena urgently. “We need to find Leo.”

More people now; police. They were working with Guy and quickly uncovered the second lid. Benedict lifted it off and reached down to lift his son. His face was pale, his lips blue. Guy pushed him away and started mouth to mouth resuscitation.

“Get an ambulance,” Benedict shouted wildly.

Another police officer knelt by Guy. “I’ll assist,” he said calmly.

Benedict watched colour slowly return to Leo’s face. He too was wrapped in coats and blankets; the police officers shedding what they had without question. The mood was sober as they lifted the twins into the warm squad car. Radios squawked in the background but Benedict and Siena were oblivious as they waited for the ambulance. Exhausted, Benedict felt an anger burn through his numbness until it became a dull roar.

Nick Waters. Siena had been adamant. The twins lay unmoving in their parents’ arms. What had that monster done to them?

The Braille Club Undone

The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. The new Swingers Zone is complete. There were adaptations required; two Braille chairs instead of one. They are trialling the Assignee, clicking their own wrists into cuffs attached to the side of the chair. If it proved successful it would streamline the process and save time.

Siena

At the hospital the police left Benedict and Siena alone until the twins were out of danger. Once the doctors established they had been heavily sedated, the tension relaxed slightly. The doctors explained they hoped there would be no lasting after-effects. The twins were also suffering from mild exposure. Hours of tense waiting passed. Siena watched her children’s motionless bodies as she kept her shattered emotions in check. The only thing to comfort her was Benedict. She drew strength from his arms as he held her close. Her mind seethed. Reeva was the first to open her eyes. They fluttered open then closed.

“Reeva,” said Siena, stroking her daughter’s soft cheek. She moved, trying to put her thumb in her mouth. Siena guided her little fist up and put her thumb between her lips. She was still asleep but she had come round, even if it was only for a brief time. The next time Reeva opened her eyes was several hours later and this time she kept them open.

“Mummy,” she murmured.

Siena bent down and kissed her.“Mummy’s here,” she said. Reeva’s face broke into a smile but she made no attempt to move. The doctors came to examine Reeva. Perhaps the noise or a twin’s sixth sense made Leo open his eyes next. After the doctor had examined both twins thoroughly, he seemed pleased and smiled. Siena let out the breath she’d been unaware she was holding. She and Benedict cried and hugged one another in relief and then hugged their children. As time passed and they brightened visibly, the tension relaxed further.

“Kids are stronger than you think,” said the pediatrician kindly. Siena had called her parents but did not go into events. She told them the twins were okay but were staying at the hospital. Distressed, they had come straight to the ward. When Siena saw them she felt her composure crumble. She sobbed in her mother’s arms. Her dad’s face drained of colour as Benedict told him what had happened. He pulled him into a hard embrace.

“Thank God for the GPS on the bracelet and thank God you found them,” he said, his voice thick with emotion and his eyes with tears.

Benedict

Benedict nodded, not trusting himself to speak. His emotions were all over the place. The medical team had found Siena’s bracelet in Reeva’s pyjama pocket. It had saved his children’s lives. They had been so lucky; the chance of finding them otherwise—slim. The doctor had told Benedict the children would have come round eventually. He was deeply shocked anyone could be so cruel and heartless.

“I’m so glad you found them,” he said placing a hand on Benedict’s shoulder. “The alternative would have been agonising for them.”

Benedict’s body sagged. His mind pictured his children waking up in the cold and dark. They would have been so frightened. Benedict had seen the grave for himself. How could anyone bury two children alive? However, Nick Waters wasn’t just anyone. The police were keen to speak to both of them but Benedict waited until his children were sleeping peacefully again before he allowed it.

The grim faced detective, DI Clark, looked tired but smiled at Benedict warmly. “Firstly, can I ask how the twins are?”

Siena

“Sleeping,” said Siena tiredly. Her parents were with them. She knew she would never leave them alone again and felt ten years older since this morning. Both she and Benedict had cleaned up as best they could and were dressed in hospital scrubs. Their filthy clothes had been binned and the dirt washed away. They had done this as the doctors assessed the twins. Neither of them would be allowed to see them until they were clean.

“I can see you are both tired and I’ll not keep you,” he said. “I’ve checked the information you gave me and I can confirm Mr Waters was released from prison today.”

Siena gasped, her hand flying to cover her face.

“Don’t worry,” said the DI. “He will shortly be helping us with our enquires.”

“It was him,” said Siena. Her voice was cold and calm. “I’d know his scent anywhere. He was in my home today.”

“Unfortunately, we need to prove that,” said the DI sympathetically.

“Surely that won’t be hard to do?” said Benedict impatiently.

“I hope so, Sir,” said DI Clark. “We have our teams at your home now. If there is any trace evidence, they will find it.” 

“How’s Lizzie?” asked Siena, suddenly remembering.

“Recovering,” said DI Clark. “She was ecstatic when she heard the twins had been found although we didn’t go into detail,” he said grimly.

“Has she remembered anything else?” asked Benedict.

The DI shook his head. “We think Lizzie was given the same sedative as the twins. When she went out to find the woman, the street was empty. Lizzie noticed a parked car and saw Tilly beneath it. She panicked and rushed the cat inside. She didn’t see anyone as she entered, just felt the sting of the needle and woke up with your neighbour beside her.”

“Shit,” said Benedict, rubbing his face. “I have cameras at the house. CCTV.”

“Yes, we’re going through that, Sir. It does looks like a woman. It’s hard to tell. The hood of the coat is up and she didn’t look directly at the cameras.”

“Shit,” said Benedict, puzzled. “What’s a woman got to do with this?”

“That’s what we’re trying to find out, Sir,” said the DI.

He stood up. “I’ll let you rest now. There will be officers to take your statements tomorrow. This is a very serious crime and we will catch the persons responsible, Mr and Mrs Harrison. I promise you, the entire team is committed and focused on this task.”

“Thank you,” said Benedict wearily.

Siena looked at Benedict and her heart tightened. He looked so tired. She was confused when the DI left; where did this woman fit in? She was still convinced Nick was behind the abduction. No, she thought; attempted murder. Nick had used the same aftershave for years; she would know his scent anywhere and had smelt it in her home on the dreadful night. They would know more in due course but Siena thought about the gun she had back home in America. She hadn’t fired it in a while but was a good shot. That’s what she loved and hated about the UK; no guns. She needed to change that. Nick thought she was weak, he always had, but then again perhaps that would work in her favour. She kept this thought to herself as she started to plan.

The Braille Club Undone

The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. The Swingers Zone is ready to launch. This zone has been the most complex to develop. Demand is high, not since the launch of the Stoicum Zone have members booked in such large numbers. The playrooms attached are locked. Member keys are selected and programmed at random. They must use them to find out if access has been granted or declined.

Guy

Guy pressed Anna’s buzzer and heard the door click. He was so tired. Taking the lift, he judged the stairs would be too much for him. He knocked lightly on her door. When she opened it he stepped inside and wrapped his arms around her. He’d called her as soon as he could, after he knew the twins would be okay. Anna was silent throughout his five minute conversation. She told him to come to the flat when he could get away.

“I’m so sorry, Guy,” she murmured into his chest. “Do the police have any suspects?”

“Nick Waters,” he answered grimly. Guy’s contact at the prison hadn’t told him of Nick’s release because he’d been on holiday. Disastrous luck. They had no idea danger was coming.

“I don’t know how he did it but Siena’s convinced it was him. Their nanny, Lizzie, mentioned a woman, so he may be working with someone.”

“Let the police do their job, Guy,” said Anna soothingly. “You know as well as I do you need more than a hunch to put someone behind bars. You need solid evidence.”

Guy agreed and after stripping of his filthy clothes and a quick shower had fallen into bed exhausted. Anna had held him tight and Guy drifted off with her arms around him.

A day had passed since that conversation, and the police were only starting to build a case but Nick Waters had an alibi. His girlfriend swore he was with her all night. Officers told Guy they were both in bed when they arrived at the girls flat.”

“He’s lying,” snarled Benedict. “Who the hell is this Katie Burns?”

Guy had discussed it repeatedly with Anna. He rubbed his eyes. “Something about Katie Burns doesn’t feel right, Anna.”

“Yes, you’ve mentioned that several times but Lizzie said it was a woman. The police have nothing else to go on, Guy,” said Anna calmly.

“I know Waters is behind this.” Guy slammed his fist on the table in frustration making Anna jump. “Sorry,” he apologised quickly.

“Guy, just because you want Nick Waters to be guilty, doesn’t mean he is,” she said softly.

“I know,” he conceded.

“If there is any evidence Nick Waters is involved the police will find it,” said Anna reasonably.

Guy hoped Anna was right. Surely they would find something to connect Waters to the abduction. Siena, Benedict and himself had their doubts about Katie’s alibi. Was she covering for him? Guy had decided to move in with Anna. He needed to be close to her. Something about the ordeal with the twins had shaken him to his core. Siena and Benedict had not returned to their home but had moved temporarily to Harrison’s. The police teams were would be there for some time. Benedict said they would probably sell the house. Guy understood. Once your home has been violated, nothing feels right anymore. The media attention had been intense but Harrison’s was the perfect answer. The press could not access the club and the story had waned. Katie Burns’ parents weren’t talking to the press either.

Meanwhile, Nick Waters was a
free
man. He explained to the police how he’d gone straight to Katie Burns’ home from prison. The taxi that picked him up confirmed this. He stated once inside, he’d unpacked and told Katie he was going to bed, having slept poorly the night before. After taking a couple of sleeping pills, he did. The next thing he knew officers were banging at his door. Strangely, Katie said very little other than Nick was with her. They hoped an accessory charge could be levied at him. However, until evidence was found confirming he was involved, there was nothing the police could do. The DI told Guy off the record; Nick’s slippery lawyer secured his release. How he had smiled smugly at them when they failed to produce any evidence against his client. They were as frustrated as Guy. Their instincts told them he was involved, if not the mastermind behind the whole thing. However, with no proof, their hands were tied. Guy had been as disappointed as Benedict to hear Nick Waters remained at large.

Sasha had been a godsend. She had managed the club in their absence that night and had been doing a great job ever since. The Braille Club continued to run smoothly although Guy’s attention had been focused elsewhere. He thought he’d found what he needed. What they all needed; a solution to Nick Waters. He was a marked man. Guy had come across many contacts throughout his career, good and bad. He had never needed to turn to the dark side as he called it, but didn’t have any choice anymore. He needed Nick Waters to disappear and Guy knew several men to make that happen. But he needed to get someone professional on board; to advise him on Nick’s location and monitor his movements. There was only one name. Evan Radley. He was the best.