The Stealers by Charles Hall Read Free Book Online Page B

some cars abroad, on the continent and Thailand and places like that. ’
    Crane took his foot off of Ryan’s neck, picked up the iron bar and waving it around said, ‘Who else is in the house?’
    â€˜No one.’
    â€˜Then I think we had better wait inside the house, and then you can tell me more about the continent, but don’t try anything silly or you’ll get some of this.’
    Ryan gave a rueful glance at the cudgel as he scrambled to his feet and rubbed his neck. Crane used the iron bar like a cattle prod as he shuffled Ryan towards the house and through the back door. The house seemed to be unoccupied, but he was mindful that there may be somebody else inside. They passed through a narrow passage leading to a room at the front of the house. Crane directed Ryan to an easy chair and, after dimming the lights, sat down opposite him. From this position he had a good view of the driveway but at the same time, was able to keep an eye on Ryan. It had crossed his mind to ask the crook about Penny’s sister, Jean, although, if things did not go as planned it would jeopardise both himself and Penny. He decided to wait until he had cornered Bradley.
    Ryan, still rubbing his neck, remained silent. After a few minutes, a ringing sound filled the room; it was Ryan’s mobile phone. He picked it up and looked at the screen; it was Bradley. Before pressing any buttons, he glanced across at Crane, who leapt up.
    â€˜You’d better answer it, but turn the speaker on; I want to hear both sides of the conversation; and be very careful what you say.’ And motioning with the iron bar added, ‘Or else this could break a few bones.’
    Ryan did as he was told. His hate-filled eyes flicked from Crane to the keypad.
    â€˜Yeah?’ he rasped.
    â€˜Where are you?’
    Ryan looked questionly at Crane who mouthed the words, ‘Tell him.’
    â€˜We, erm, haven’t left yet.’
    â€˜Is there a problem?’
    Ryan hesitated and once again looked at Crane, who mouthed the word, ‘No,’ followed by, ‘tell him it’s all okay.’
    â€˜No. No Bradley, everything’s fine.’
    â€˜Well, I’ll be there shortly, so you can take him back later.’
    Bradley hung up and Ryan was about to pocket his mobile when Crane pointed at the table and Ryan leaned forward in his chair, and with a scowl put it down. Glancing around the room, Crane saw a nylon sash dangling by the closed curtains. He picked it up and said, ‘Hold out your hands, and no tricks.’
    Ryan’s mean eyes were fixed on Crane as he slowly stretched out his arms and, in doing so, he made a grab for the iron bar, but Crane was too quick to be taken in by this obvious move and Ryan slumped back into his chair with a feeble groan. Crane left him securely bound and then wandered into the kitchen, returning a few moments later with a fresh mug of coffee. Ryan was still out cold.
    After checking the sideboard drawers, Crane decided to have a quick look around the house, but could find nothing incriminating. Whilst upstairs, he heard a sound coming from one of the rooms. Slowly he edged his way towards the door, paused and listened; it was the noise of sleep. Opening the door quietly he inched his way into the room. An old lady lay on her back with a duvet pulled up to her chin. She was snoring softly and occasionally grunting. Crane assessed her to be in her eighties. He stood for a moment when suddenly her eyes blinked wide open. Crane raised a finger to his lips and whispered, ‘Shh, it’s alright, go back to sleep.’ She seemed to obey this command, lowering her lids slowly and with a snort and a grunt, drifted back into her slumber.
    Crane went downstairs and stood by the curtains. He checked his watch; it was a little after five am. He surmised that Bradley would be here anytime soon. Inching back the drapes he witnessed the early morning light filtering across the