Betrayed (Powell Book 4) by Bill Ward Read Free Book Online Page A

to wake anyone else in the house. He’d slept well and not been disturbed by any attractive women trying to sneak into his bed in the middle of the night. He was sure Hattie had been wildly exaggerating the likelihood of such an event. He’d been taken in by the whole preposterous idea, actually believing it was a possibility. It brought a smile to his face.
    There were no signs of life as he went downstairs and out through the front door. He breathed deeply and did a few stretching exercises before heading off at a fast pace. Even though he had only been living in Tintagel a short time, he found it claustrophobic and was pleased to be outdoors.
    It was a good morning for running. A bright sunny day lay ahead with little prospect of any April showers. The cool early morning weather was perfect for running.
    Powell thought about what he’d so far discovered as he ran. He was fast becoming aware that life at Tintagel followed few normal conventions. The relaxed attitude to sex was matched by a similarly liberal approach to drugs. While Hattie’s parents might not approve of such behaviour, Powell wasn’t sure there was anything sinister about Scott or the commune.
    Powell realised he didn’t want to spend weeks living at the house so he was going to have to move things along. Scott’s office was the only room in the house which was locked and might hide secrets. He would have to take a look inside once everyone went to bed.
    The day passed much like the previous one. He spent time with Dave, fixing various problems around the house. He was slowly getting to know more people and found everyone to be welcoming and friendly.
    “Can you drive me to the supermarket?” Hattie asked, late in the afternoon. “I could do with some help with the heavy items.”
    “Of course,” Powell answered, pleased to have the opportunity to spend time just with Hattie.
    It took twenty minutes to reach the out of town supermarket. Powell had driven the shared Land Rover, which belonged to the commune in general rather than anyone in particular and with its huge boot was perfect for a  large shopping expedition. He was surprised by how few of the residents had their own car at the house.
    With two large trolleys filled to the brim, he realised why Hattie had asked for his help. They pushed the trolleys towards the car and Powell unlocked the boot.
    He noticed the two young men approach but continued putting the groceries in the back of the Land Rover. 
    “Hello Hattie,” one of the men said, as they came close. 
    Powell noticed there was no welcoming smile on Hattie’s face.
    “What do you want, Steve?” she asked, obviously annoyed by their presence.
    “Pete and I thought you could help us out. We really need something.”
    Powell looked closer at the two young men. They both looked scruffy and their hair was unkempt. Their eyes were darting from side to side. Powell could identify the signs of drug use.
    “You still owe me from the last time,” Hattie answered, in a sharp tone. “Have you got my money?”
    “Don’t be like that,” Steve said. “We just want a small hit. You’ll get your money.”
    “I’m not your fairy godmother and I don’t run a charity.”
    Powell had stopped loading the bags and was now watching the two men closely.
    “You heard the lady,” Powell said pleasantly. “Come back when you have some money.”
    Steve completely ignored Powell’s comment. He took a couple of steps nearer to Hattie and withdrew a long knife with a serrated edge from his belt. 
    “Give me something now and I won’t cut you, bitch,” Steve threatened.
    “Do it,” Pete encouraged. “Cut the bitch. She deserves it.”
    Powell acted quickly. He took two paces towards Steve and as he started to turn, Powell grabbed the wrist holding the knife and twisted it up behind his back, causing Steve to drop the knife. Powell thrust Steve up against the side of the Land Rover.
    “You shouldn’t play with knifes,” Powell