Page 124 of She Saw What He Did

‘It’s perfect,’ I say. ‘How much do I owe you?’

She wrinkles her nose.

‘A bit more than I quoted I’m afraid. It actually took longer than I thought it would and the materials aren’t cheap.’

I know she’s lying but I couldn’t care less.

‘How much?’ I ask again.

‘Eight hundred and fifty, if that’s okay?’

She’s ripping me off and we both know it. She’s sensed the urgency and is playing on it. I hand over the cash and her eyes widen.

‘If you ever need anything,’ she begins.

‘Sure, thanks,’ I say, before grabbing both boxes.

It’s hot and stuffy in her workshop and I’m starting to feel like I can’t breathe. I stumble out into the cool air and Hannah looks at me oddly.

‘Are you okay?’ she asks.

‘I’m fine,’ I say. ‘Thanks.’

She nods and closes the door.

The box is the only weapon I have.

Chapter Seventy-Six

Jaime guided the drone carefully. His watch said six fifty. Lester would attempt to move off soon. He studied the map on the screen in front of him and then tapped 999 into the public phone.

‘A man named Ryan Lester is sitting in his car in Marshall Street close to Asquith Hall. Lester is armed and very dangerous. You should come immediately. I think he may also have nerve gas on him to kill the Prime Minister. This is connected to the murder of Artem Taris on Laslow Island. You need to cordon the place off.’

He hung up. All he had to do now was keep an eye on Lester. If he moved he’d phone the police and tell them of his whereabouts.

*

A few hours earlier

Abby

He’s here,’ says Jared.

‘He’s early,’ I say.

Jared opens the door. A young man stands on the doorstep. He looks at us nervously.

‘I’m Jaime,’ he says. ‘Do you have a daughter?’

Jared grabs the man and slams him against the wall, his hand tightening around the man’s throat.

‘Do you know where my daughter is, you piece of scum?’ he roars.

‘Jared,’ I plead, ‘please, stop.’

‘Tell us where she is, you fucking little shit.’

I tug at Jared’s arm.

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