Chapter Twenty Seven

 

The other victim for that night’s entertainment was not so easy to catch and contain, let alone lure all the way north. It was decided that he should be captured close to home, drugged, and then taken north while out under the influence.

Barbara was sitting on a bench on the seafront, waiting for Roger to run past on the way back from the gym. She had seen him running to the gym an hour earlier, so sat patiently. Roger’s parents, John and Jenny, had seen Barbara playing with the band, but she had never seen them, so when they walked past her sitting on the seaside bench Barbara had no idea who they were. They didn’t recognise her initially, and had already walked past a way when Jenny said to John

‘Isn’t that Barbara, you know, the girl from Roger’s band, the blond one that we think might have her eye on him?’

‘D’you know, I think you might be right. Too late now to say anything. Very attractive girl, but a little older than Roger. Very good looker, though.’

They thought no more about it, walking into town for their shopping and morning coffee. Barbara continued waiting, until her quarry came along later on. He was running as usual, but soon stopped when he saw her sitting there. He found her really fanciable, and under different circumstances he would have definitely made a play for her. However, he was being very well serviced by Sue, so the temptation was placed to one side. For the meantime. He sat down next to the blonde beauty, still out of breath from his exertions. He looked good, white trainers, white socks, blue training shorts, and a white sleeveless top. His muscles stood out, and where his body wasn’t clothed, his skin glistened with manly sweat from his gym and running exertions. My, but Barbara thought that he looked good. Under different circumstance, she wouldn’t hesitate to let matters take their course. However, there was work to be done. He came and sat next to her on the bench.

‘You look like you’ve had a good workout. I think Sue’s a lucky girl. That’s why I wanted to meet up with you this morning. There’s something I think you’d better be aware of, and that is, you are both in danger.’

‘Come on, we know how to look after ourselves. There might be something dodgy going on with the band, but I think you’re exaggerating when you say that Sue and I have safety issues.’

‘I can prove it to you, if you come back to my place.’

‘Not too sure, Barbara. You’re a really good looking woman, and I wouldn’t like to be tempted.’

‘Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not looking for trouble, just want to help you. I’ve already warned Sue, now it’s time to warn you. Come back, I’m not trying to be mysterious, just sensible.’

‘Okay, if you REALLY think there’s a problem, and you REALLY have some information, then I suppose I’d better come back with you.’

They drove into the country a couple of miles away. ‘Where are we going. I thought that we were going to your place.’

‘I’ve rented a cottage about a mile from here. It’s down a country track. Almost there.’

When they arrived at the end of a lane, a white Ford Transit van was waiting, with two men leaning on the side. They were both over 6ft 4in, wearing black blouson jackets, trainers with the Nike insignia, black jeans, and dark grey shirts with button down collars. For a change, Roger was concerned. One he could cope with, but two, well, he hoped it wouldn’t come to it, but he suspected it would.

As the car came to a halt he said to Barbara ‘Some friend you turned out to be.’

She looked at him, replying ‘Nothing personal, just obeying orders. Under different circumstances, there would be another outcome, I’m sure.’

As she spoke these last words, Roger pulled on the handle, shooting out of the car towards the two heavies. They were both the same size, so his previous principal didn’t apply this time. Just get the first one down. He had his right hand open with fingers close together as he ran for the thug on the right, the closest one, immediately giving him an upper under his jaw. It hurt Roger’s hand, as the thug looked at him with surprise. He started to do down, but then shook his head as he came up, rushing towards Roger who was immediately on the other heavy. This man was far quicker, and it was immediately apparent to Roger that he had attacked the wrong one first. The second thug grabbed Roger round the waist from the rear, pinning his hands, as the first one recovered so he could have a little fun before completing what they had in mind and been ordered to do. It was an uneven contest because the two men were bigger than Roger, more experienced in dirty fighting, and both wore knuckle dusters. Roger was powerless as the first villain took an almighty pull back with his right fist, gaining real pleasure from landing a blow in the middle of Roger’s gut. His breath expelled in one go, as he doubled up in agony. Roger had been in fights before, but nothing like this. No punches landed on his face, but that was the only consolation as he lay on the ground, taking kick after kick to the front and back of his curled body. He vaguely heard Barbara shouting ‘enough’ and was distantly aware that she had to shout this three or four times until the kicks and blows stopped. He was completely unable to stop a dirty hanky being placed over his mouth as he slowly lost consciousness. It was to be many hours later when he awoke, aware that he was on the floor in the back of the Transit, going he knew not where. He wasn’t gagged, there was no point in that, but he was certainly secure with ropes round his body, tying his ankles and wrists. He was grateful for the fact that he was lying on a mattress.