Page 30 of Four of Hearts

‘Who are they, Harry?’ Gordy asked. ‘They were in and out fast. We were all in the middle of a rather rude game of charades, and Margaret, Rebecca’s mum, was up and making a proper show of it. I was glad of the interruption, if I’m honest, up to the point where I wasn’t, which was when I realised something was wrong.’

‘Explain.’

‘They walked in, all calm, like they were meant to be there. Smartly dressed, too. And they had these two huge bunches of flowers as well. Gave those to Grace and Liz. Some of us thought they might be strippers, though there was no way Grace or Liz would’ve wanted that, so that idea died quickly. Mind, that might have had more to do with the gun, thinking about it.’

Harry’s blood hit subzero.

‘Gun? What gun? You said no one was hurt!’What the hell was all this about?He’d been promised a truce! That’s why they’d met!

‘It was a pistol,’ said Gordy. ‘The one who was in charge pulled it out. Very casual, so none of us thought what was going on was serious. Sowerby wondered if it was something you or Ben had set up, you know, have these blokes turn up all smart and carrying toy guns and then kidnap the brides. Neat idea, really.’

‘Except that’s not what this is, is it?’ said Harry. ‘Everyone knows we’d never do that.’

‘We were all very drunk, Harry. And we still are. At the time, it all seemed like it was just part of what was going on, a bit of fun. It’s certainly made for a memorable evening, I can tell you that.’

‘But they took Grace and Liz, is that what you’re saying?’

‘Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying,’ said Gordy. ‘We were all too stunned by what was going on, too confused and drunk to realise it was real, by which time it was too late. I called youimmediately. They’re fine though, no one’s been hurt. And like I said, whoever that man is that’s running the show, he was very clear that no one would be harmed.’

‘You’re using Grace’s phone.’

‘He told me to, just as he left, and right before he pointed that gun of his at me and pulled the trigger. Should’ve heard them all laughing about that as they left.’

‘He did what?’

Harry couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

‘Wasn’t a real gun, Harry. He shot me with this little plastic ball. I’m going to have a bruise on my forehead for days. Feels like I’ve been stung by the world’s largest wasp.’

‘Airsoft,’ said Harry. ‘That bastard...’

‘Airsoft? You mean like that case we had ages ago, with that bloke running around above Gunnerside?’

‘Exactly. Did he say anything else?’

‘Just that getting anyone else involved in all this would be a very bad idea, that’s all.’ Gordy fell quiet for a moment, then added, ‘What’s going on, Harry? What is this?’

‘It’s nothing,’ Harry said, then before Gordy had a chance to reply, continued with, ‘Is everyone else okay? Can you get everyone home?’

‘We’re all staying over, but I assume you knew that anyway. Those of us who don’t have rooms here are at a couple of the other pubs.’

‘Gordy, keep me posted on how everyone is, okay?’

Harry hung up and saw that everyone was staring at him.

Matt asked, ‘Harry, what’s wrong, what’s happened?’

Harry ignored Matt and was again looking at Dave. He’d noticed something about the man, something he’d been wondering about as the night had gone, but only now did it seem important.

‘If we’re all staying over, Dave, why is it that you’re sober?’

‘Little rule I have,’ answered Dave. ‘I always like to make sure that at least one from the party, whatever, and wherever, that party is, isn’t drinking. That way, they can keep an eye on everyone, can’t they?’

‘And this rule,’ Harry asked, ‘does it ever involve anyone other than you? Or, am I right in thinking, that it’s always you, the one who stays sober, I mean?’

Dave gave a shrug.

‘It’s just something I like to do, Harry, that’s all.’