‘A million today,’ the voice says.
I grip my phone.
‘There’s a roadside garage on the A44. There’s a toilet at the back. Leave the money in an envelope in the third loo. It will sayOut of Order, but you can still go in. Leave it behind the cistern. I’ll be watching you, so leave right away. Trust me; I’ll know if you’re being followed. Don’t take risks with her life. Be thereat eleven a.m. and leave immediately after you’ve dropped the money. Do you understand?’
‘Yes,’ I say.
I check my watch. It’s now ten. I’ve been concentrating so hard on what he’s been saying that I haven’t realised I’ve been pushing my nails into the palms of my hand, leaving deep purple marks.
‘A44 garage,’ I say. ‘I know it.’
‘Don’t try to use this number because it will be dead within the next two minutes.’
The line goes dead. Before I have time to think, my phone rings again.
‘Where and when?’ asks Donald.
‘A44, garage, men’s loo at eleven. I’ve got to go alone. He said he’ll be watching. He probably won’t be, but I can’t be certain.’
‘I’ve got the money ready. She seems well looked after, and we’re grateful for that.’
I pick up my briefcase and leave the room. I pass Nic’s office. He sees me and raises his eyebrows.
‘Got a client with a problem. Be back in an hour.’
‘Charge him well,’ he says with a smile. He’s sitting with his feet on his desk. I often wonder how he manages to get any work done. How he even manages to keep his job.
***
I reach Donald’s in record time and am barely out of the car when my father-in-law rushes from the house with a brown envelope in his hand.
‘Good luck. Let us know, okay?’
I nod and swiftly leave.
***
I arrive at the A44 garage five minutes early. I decide not to wait in the car; I don’t want to draw attention to myself. Instead, I step into the garage, purchase a chocolate bar from the shop and ask for the loos. The shop assistant points to a door at the back. Glancing at my phone, I note that it’s precisely eleven a.m.
The caller’s directions were spot on. The third toilet along bears anOut of Ordersign. Despite my scepticism, I push the door and it opens. I discreetly place the envelope behind the cistern and make a hasty retreat.
As I stride toward the exit, a voice stops me. ‘Excuse me, sir.’
My stomach churns. I turn to find the garage shopkeeper holding up my car keys. I left them on the counter before going to the loo.
‘You nearly forgot these,’ he says.
I snatch the keys and rush out.
‘You’re welcome,’ he says. His words, dripping with sarcasm, echo in my ears.
I jump in the car and speed away, my hands shaking so much I can barely control the steering wheel. I did it, I actually did it!Euphoria overtakes me. I pull into a lay-by to call Donald, and see that I have three messages from Gil.
What’s happening?
Can you call me?
Daniel, I’m worried.
