The Boathouse by R. J. Harries Read Free Book Online

The flight details are in the glove box.”
    â€œWhat were they talking about before she left?”
    â€œNothing special.”
    â€œThink harder, anything about where she was going the next day?”
    â€œWell they were – no, I can’t tell you, it was private. It’s got nothing to do with what’s happened anyway.”
    Archer decided not to push Jones in case he clammed up. But he would come back to it even if it required some leverage.
    â€œCan you show me where she lives and get me her mobile phone number after we go back to the hotel?”
    â€œOkay. I’ll do that, but first I’m going to get a snack in that café on the corner, then we’ll go. I’ll come and get you after you’ve told Mr Sinclair what just happened.”
    â€œAnd try telling me everything you know. Just imagine what kind of job you’ll have if we don’t find her.”
    Jones frowned nervously as Archer opened the passenger door and welcomed the blast of cool fresh air. He got out and started walking back towards the penthouse. He took out his phone and made a call.
    â€œHey.”
    â€œHey, hold on,” Zoe said. Then he heard a burst of rapid gun-fire.
    â€œWhere are you?”
    â€œHang on, I’m at the shooting range. My flat was turned over while I was at work so I’m venting and practising in case they return.”
    â€œYou okay?”
    â€œI’m fine, I wasn’t there, but you know how it is, it feels strange.”
    â€œDid they take anything?”
    â€œOnly an old laptop with nothing interesting on it. Maybe some porn. Listen, there was a fat detective with a head like a bull looking for you just before I left the office. He said he would come back tomorrow. Had some questions for you but wouldn’t leave his name.”
    â€œGive him my number and I’ll sort it out tomorrow. See if you can track the bike via the camera systems, but first get me some leverage on Steve Jones, Sinclair’s driver, within the hour.”
    â€œOkay, I’m nearly done here. I have to get back as the locksmith is coming.”
    â€œSo what else have you got for me?”
    Archer noted the French-looking café on the corner, jay-walked across South Audley Street and headed towards the back of the Grosvenor House Hotel down Reeves Mews. A handy shortcut to Park Street and the rear entrance to Sinclair’s penthouse.
    â€œThe Firm’s old system traced the calls back to a provider within London’s zero twenty exchange, but it’s being bounced around again from there so I need more time. I need to borrow a better system. Tell him to stay on the phone a little bit longer, okay?”
    â€œI’ll tell him. Look, we really need to find her and fast. I need you focused on Peter and Becky Sinclair. There’s something not right about this.”

CHAPTER TEN

    The doorman at Sinclair’s mansion block recognised Archer and bowed his shaved head as he opened the door for him. He rode the dedicated penthouse lift to the ninth floor, still agitated and aching from the Taser, thinking about what had just happened at the hotel. The drop-off was all over in a flash. Professionally planned and well executed.
    Who are these people?
    Sinclair’s door opened automatically again. Archer gritted his teeth in anticipation of a frosty reception as he walked towards the living room. He hardly knew him, but he already hated Sinclair. The man was pathetic. But he had to play the game to see where it would lead. Sinclair was the first to spot him and pounced towards him like a hungry wild cat.
    â€œWhat happened?”
    The four guards stared coldly from the table.
    â€œThe drop-off was at the Hilton, just down the road, right under our noses. We followed their instructions to the letter, and now they’ve got the money and the diamonds.”
    â€œDid you see anything, do you have any leads?”
    â€œWe’re going back to talk