He clenched his fists. He needed to lure Kate away from that copper’s house if he ever wanted to have a chance to bring her to her new home. Their home.
He’d found out that the security on Dr Moloney’s flat was delayed – thanks to him … It seemed an elderly person took priority over a young female … At least his mother was good for something. That meant that Kate would be staying with DC Jamieson a little longer.
Wait! That might work!
He reached for his car keys and headed to his destination, a smile on his face. His song came on the radio. Again! The stars were aligning; he smiled as he hummed along to ‘Living Doll’. He loved Cliff Richard. His mother had played that record over and over again whenever his father had put him in the basement with his friends.
When he arrived, he parked and went to the boot of his car. Rummaging through his bag, he took what he’d need – gaffer tape, plastic ties, his knife, a stun gun – and placed them all in his small holdall. He put the baseball cap on his head, pulling it down to hide his features as much as possible. He pulled the missing dog poster from his pocket and walked towards the building.
He used the key he’d made when he borrowed Kate’s keys. She always left them on her desk. You’d think she would be more careful in her line of work. He’d have to talk to her about that.
The key worked. He breathed out with relief. He headed to the door and rang the bell, looking around to make sure no one would disturb him. A man answered and he held out the poster.
‘Have you seen my dog?’
The man smiled and took the poster. ‘Hang on a moment, I can’t see without my glasses.’ While the neighbour turned to retrieve his glasses, he removed the knife from his holdall, stepped inside the flat and closed the door.
‘What the he—!’ The man noticed the knife.
He could see the fear in his eyes. ‘You’re going to do what I say and I promise you won’t get hurt. Turn around.’
The neighbour was shaking as he carefully placed the gaffer tape over his eyes. He directed him to a chair and pushed him down.
‘Put your hands behind your back.’
The neighbour did as he was told and he used the plastic ties to incapacitate his victim. Using the gaffer tape once more, he bound the man’s legs tightly.
‘Where’s your mobile phone?’
‘It’s on the table in the other room.’
‘Do not make a sound. If you say or do anything, I will kill you. Do you understand?’
The man nodded. He kept his eye on him as he walked to the other room. Glancing in, he saw the phone on the table. He picked it up and returned to his captive. ‘Do I need a code to unlock it?’
The man nodded. ‘It’s one-five-eight-oh.’
He saw a wet patch forming at the man’s crotch.
‘Oh dear. You’ve had an accident. You can sort that out when I go.’
The man scrolled through the contacts until he found the one he needed. He smiled. Pressing the ‘Messages’ button he began to write the text.
Hi Kate. Sorry to bother you, but I think there’s something wrong with Salem. Could you come over?
He waited for the reply.
Oh no! I’ll be over shortly. Kate.
He smiled and responded.
OK. See you soon.
And so, the wait began.