Page 17 of Close Protection

I nod and close the door behind me quickly.

Trying to shake off whatever happened in there, I focus on the task at hand as I walk back towards the study. My phone rings so I pull it out to check the caller ID.

Major Andy Davis.

‘Sir?’

‘Petrov, we did a search for Stefan Mikelson and can confirm his movements line up with Daveeno,’ Davis’s Tennessee drawl fills my ear.

‘Who is he, sir?’

‘Stefan Mikelson. Age thirty-four. In and out of prison over the last fifteen years for petty theft, breaking and entering, drunk and disorderly conduct, arson, robbery – the list really does go on,’ Davis recites. ‘We believe he was recruited into Daveeno five years ago, after he finished his third stint in prison. I’ve sent someone from Interpol and the NCA to come and collect him so we can do a thorough questioning.’

‘All right. He didn’t have many personal belongings with him but he did have a burner phone. I did a general check and couldn’t find any immediate red flags, but I’ll give it to the team so someone in tech can take a look.’

After ensuring Stefan Mikelson was secured in the study, me and Henry swept the house. When we confirmed it was clear, Amelia took Daphne away to get checked over byJosh – who, yes, is the Greens’ cook, but also used to be a doctor – Henry went to wake up George and I called Davis. I gave him the report of what happened and sent him the security footage of Stefan entering the house. It was during the night guards’ shift change so he entered undetected, picking the lock of the front door effortlessly. He entered just before I came downstairs so that explained why I didn’t hear him entering.

I explained the Daveeno tattoo I recognized to Davis, and that I believe this is the same man that broke into George’s work office. Davis agreed that I might be right so went to get more information on Stefan and organize discreet transport telling me he’d call back once he had more.

‘Understood,’ Davis replies. ‘While the team is on their way I want you to press for any information you can get. But not just from Mikelson, from George as well. We need to know what they want from him. Is it all a coincidence or is he hiding something too?’

‘Got it.’

‘Okay, call me with any updates. Oh, and Petrov?’ He pauses. ‘How’s the girl?’

My jaw clenches at the memory of Daphne lying unconscious on the floor. ‘She’s fine. The Greens have a cook who used to be a doctor so he checked her over and all her cuts and bruises should heal quickly. I’m gonnastart teaching her self-defence too, so she doesn’t feel so helpless if this situation arises again.’

‘Good idea. If you need any training equipment let me know and I’ll get that arranged. The team are also bringing an updated security system for the Green estate so there’ll be more surveillance and evidence. See if you can talk to the head of security about hiring more help. I can’t spare any more men right now but I’m sure they have reliable contacts for this.’

‘Copy. How quick can you get equipment here?’

‘I can have it to you end of day today.’

‘Great. I’ll send you a list.’

‘All right, talk soon. Good job tonight.’

‘Thank you, sir.’

I hang up and walk the rest of the distance to the study where George, Henry and Amelia are standing outside.

‘Major Davis is gonna have someone from Interpol and the NCA come and detain him,’ I explain once I reach them. ‘It’s confirmed he works for Daveeno but we don’t know what he’s after.’

Henry’s nostrils flare and George shifts from one foot to the other.

‘The team should be here soon so we only have a short time to ask him any questions. After he’s gone I may get a few updates but overall it’s easier to just try to get the information we want out of him now.’

‘Well, then, I’ll leave you to it,’ Amelia says, giving Henry’s hand a gentle squeeze before walking off. ‘Oh, and Milosh.’ She stops abruptly, looking back at me, water pooling in her eyes. ‘Well done for tonight. I dread to think what would’ve happened if you hadn’t been down here.’

‘Just doing my job, Mrs Harris.’

‘No, she’s right, Milosh,’ Henry adds. ‘You really stepped up, and you’ve only been here a day.’

‘I just can’t believe this happened to Daphne, of all people,’ George says, guilt coating his voice. ‘She doesn’t deserve it.’ He looks down when tears start welling in his eyes. ‘She doesn’t deserve any of it.’

‘Sir, you need to focus,’ I cut in. We really don’t have contemplation time right now. ‘She’s safe and that’s all that matters. Before we go in I need to ask, do you know what these guys are after? They’ve targeted you three times now, taking it to the extreme of breaking into your house and hurting your daughter. They’re clearly after something.’

‘What was in that journal they took from your office at work?’ Henry enquires, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall.

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