Minnie called Jimmy. He sounded pleased to hear from her, and then she told him that they were on the industrial estate, with Marcus wrapped in packing tape and Sylvie and Gran missing.
‘What?’ he said. ‘What have you been doing? I told you I was investigating.’
‘I know,’ Minnie said, ‘but we couldn’t wait. Please, don’t be angry, just help us find Gran and Sylvie.’
‘Have you any idea where they might be?’
‘We think the police commissioner is involved,’ Minnie said.
‘What?’ Jimmy said again. He sounded as though the air was gone from his lungs. ‘What? I don’t … What? Listen. I’ll be there in ten minutes. You can explain everything to me then. And you’d better have some good evidence this time.’
He hung up.
The others had overheard most of the conversation.
‘Do you think we’re in trouble?’ Andrew said.
‘Yes. But as long as Sylvie and Minnie’s gran are OK,’ Piotr said, ‘that’s all that matters.’
There was nothing left to do but wait for Jimmy.
Then they heard a phone ring.
It came from Marcus’s pocket. His hands were taped behind his back.
‘You get it,’ Minnie said to Piotr.
Reluctantly, Piotr reached into Marcus’s jacket and pulled out the phone. He looked at it and handed it to Minnie.
The caller ID said ‘Anthea Swift’.
‘Should I answer it?’ Minnie asked.
‘She’s got Sylvie,’ Flora said. ‘You have to answer it.’
Minnie held the phone to her ear. ‘Hello,’ she said warily.
‘Who’s that?’ said the voice on the end of the line, a voice Minnie recognised.
‘This is Minnie Adesina. Where’s my gran?’
‘Why, hello, Minnie.’ Anthea Swift’s voice was silky and assured. ‘I was expecting Marcus.’
‘He’s a bit tied up right now.’
Minnie looked at Marcus, still on the floor, still scowling. ‘No, he’s not hurt.’
‘Good, because I’d hate to see any violence done on either side. Do you understand?’
Minnie knew a threat when she heard one. ‘I understand.’
‘I knew you were a bright girl. Now, here is what is going to happen. You are going to release Marcus. He will bring you, and only you, to a rendezvous point. You will bring with you the green T-shirt that Flora stole. I will take the green T-shirt. Your grandmother and your friend’s sister will then be dropped back home entirely unscathed.’
‘And if I say no?’
‘Then your grandmother and your friend’s sister will both wish you had not.’
Minnie could feel her heart playing drums against her chest. Flora was watching her silently. Piotr, Andrew and Femi all looked tense.
Could she make this right?
It was down to her to try.
She had an idea, but it would be a gamble. She took a deep breath.
‘I’m not going to untie Marcus,’ she said. ‘I don’t trust him. I don’t trust you either. Here’s what’s actually going to happen. You will drive to the warehouse on the industrial estate. You will bring Gran and Sylvie with you. I want to know that you haven’t hurt a single hair on their heads. Then, and only then, will you get the T-shirt back.’
There was a long pause. Would she agree?
Then Anthea spoke. ‘I will be at the warehouse in seven minutes’ time. I want you to stand outside, alone, with the T-shirt ready. Anything else and I will reverse right out of there with the hostages. Is that clear?’
‘It’s clear.’
The line went dead.
Minnie’s arm fell to her side, the phone cradled loosely in her fingers. ‘Anthea Swift is on her way.’
‘We heard,’ Flora said. ‘She wants you alone. Jimmy won’t agree to that.’
Jimmy.
Minnie had forgotten that Jimmy was on his way. Would he come in and take over? Would he spook Anthea and make her drive off with Gran and Sylvie like she’d threatened?
Was there any way he would let her stand alone and hand over evidence? He had to, otherwise it would be Gran and Sylvie who would pay the price.
She heard the sound of a police siren approaching.