Page 41 of She Saw What He Did

He felt more confident as he zoomed in on the Google Earth map on his computer. The Millers had a nice cosy country cottage, thought Sparrow, and most likely a nice cosy little life to go with it. Sparrow would soon put an end to that. He had no sympathy for the interfering bastards. It was their fault he was in this mess. He smiled. He’d deliver the box all right, or rather Abby Miller would. By then Sparrow intended to be well gone.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Home Secretary Luke Herman watched as the Prime Minister walked into the conference room at Number Ten. He thinks he’s bloody royalty, thought Herman, sensing the unrest around the table. He stood with everyone else and then deliberately strolled towards Preston, patting him on the shoulder in an over-friendly manner.

‘Morning everyone,’ said Preston, his voice echoing around the vast hall.

There were nods and grunts as everyone took their seats. Luke poured coffee into Preston’s cup and the Prime Minister took it without comment.

‘Right, what’s the media latest?’ Preston barked.

Press secretary Alistair Heath cleared his throat and said,

‘They’re certainly making the most of the unrest, and of course, distorting the truth.’

The table chorused in agreement.

‘We’ve got to maintain our stand,’ said Preston firmly.

‘With all due respect, Prime Minister, I think unrest and talk of a coup, in our country, of all places, is quite ridiculous,’ agreed Alistair. ‘The press, however, love it.’

‘We really should do our best to calm the situation,’ said Roy White, the Chancellor.

Preston sighed and reclined in his chair.

‘There won’t be a coup. What nonsense. Our decision to ally with Ukraine against Russia is the right one and we need to stand by it.’

‘At the risk of war, Prime Minister?’ voiced Alistair.

‘We are at risk no matter what we do. We have to do the right thing.’

Murmurs of agreement thundered around the table. Luke Herman sat quietly and watched the proceedings, his face impassive. He nodded in agreement with the Prime Minister and refilled his coffee cup before anyone else could. Preston looked around the table.

‘I shall announce at the summit, quite firmly, that we stand with Ukraine.’

It was Luke Herman who suggested the dinner.

‘It will soften everyone up,’ he said. ‘It’s the perfect place for a ministerial dinner.’

Preston seemed unconvinced. He wasn’t a lover of political dinner parties. However, he allowed it to be put to a vote.

‘It’s probably a sensible idea,’ said Alistair. ‘It will put everyone in a good frame of mind before the serious talks begin.’

Preston sucked in his breath and finally said.

‘Good idea,’ and turning to Luke, said brusquely, ‘Get it organised.’

Luke gave a tight smile.

‘Of course.’

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The beach was packed with holidaymakers. Colourful beach towels covered the sand, and children wearing bright bathing costumes played volleyball, their shrieks annoying some of the older people. Sarah had spent the day making sandcastles and burying her brother under the sand. She still wasn’t sure which she enjoyed the most. The water was chilly now and she didn’t want to venture into it again, but Daniel had angrily thrown her new dolly into the water and if she didn’t hurry, it would be gone forever. She couldn’t bear the thought of that. The smell of the coconut-scented suncream her mother had rubbed on her skin filled her nostrils. She rubbed at her nose and then ventured towards the water.

‘Hurry,’ her mother called. ‘We’re going back to the chalet very soon.’

Sarah didn’t want to go back to the chalet. She liked it too much here. She liked the feel of the sand under her feet. It looked like gold dust. She pulled a face and tiptoed through the cold water. Her dolly wasn’t far away.

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