When the call had finished, Gurning sat back, exhausted.
30
That evening Nikki Williamson was drinking slowly at the bar of a public house in a small town outside Southampton as she chatted with anyone prepared to join her in conversation. It was idle chatter that would last for just a few, pleasant minutes before the individual rejoined his or her companions. So far, when asked, she had politely declined to join a group.
Throughout the evening, however, she caught the eyes of one man as often as she could. She had spent a long time with her make up and dressing to appear as youthful as possible because Cameron Robinson was a good five years younger than her, and she wanted to catch his attention. Eventually, it was his turn to buy a round, and, to her relief, he chose to stand next to her at the near empty bar. Conveniently, Nikki’s drink was nearly finished as well.
“Hi. It’s quieter tonight than I expected,” she started as he smiled at her upon his arrival at the bar.
“Yes, midweek is always slow here. If you want it busier, then Southampton with all the students and businesses is far better. I prefer this place for its friendliness, and it’s convenient – we all live within a few minutes walk. You’re not a local, though. Are you new to the area, or just visiting?”
“Just visiting, but expect to be a regular. I’m Nikki, by the way.” Nikki held out her hand and shook Cameron’s readily extended hand.
“Would you like another?” he nodded at Nikki’s near empty glass.
“Yes, thank you. A gin and tonic please.”
A few minutes later Nikki had joined Cameron with his three mates chatting away happily. Nikki insisted on buying the next two rounds, making sure that she only drank tonic, no gin, just as she had been all evening with the exception of the one round Cameron had bought her. By eight o’clock two of Cameron’s friends left to join their families for dinner. His other friend made excuses shortly afterwards, having noticed how close Nikki had started to sit to Cameron, arms frequently brushing.
“How about some dinner, or do you need to disappear as well?” Nikki asked him as they finished their drinks. “I saw what looks like a nice bistro down the street.”
“I’d love that. The bistro is very pleasant, good choice.”
As they walked and chatted, Nikki looped one arm through his and laid her other hand on his forearm. After walking a short distance Nikki changed subject while maintaining her same friendly tone, “You know what, I was actually looking for you tonight.”
Expecting a reaction, Nikki revealed her strength by holding on to Cameron's arm a lot tighter so he could not move away, as he instinctively tried, looking round at her in startled surprise. “I think we should have dinner in my room at the hotel. I know your friends at CEFA – you know, Clean Emissions For All. I support them financially, in the same way my friends support you.”
Cameron stopped walking, mouth slightly open and simply stared at her.
“Don’t worry,” Nikki soothed, touching Cameron’s cheek tenderly with her free hand. She needed Cameron somewhere to talk privately; the restaurant was too public. She continued to caress his face and run her fingers through his hair to create the impression for anyone watching that they were in a relationship. “I only want to talk about how you can earn even more money.”
“But…!” Cameron’s voice trembled and his complexion had paled.
“I assure you, everything is fine,” Nikki smiled sweetly. “In fact, you’ve been so good, that’s why I want to offer you more! This is a long-term relationship that we’re offering. Come on, let’s go to my hotel and we can talk. I know the way we’ve introduced ourselves each time has been unusual, but that’s how we girls like it. You can decide what you want to do over dinner.”
Cameron, mind spinning, allowed himself to be pulled gently to Nikki’s hotel and a blurry few minutes later they were waiting for dinner to arrive in her room. As they ate, she explained what she needed and mentioned the money he could earn – half his annual salary every month! “That’s without an end date,” she soothed.
“And what about John Wilde? I thought you needed both of us?”
“Ah, John! What a tragic thing to happen! We really hope the police catch whoever it was. John’s death was a huge loss, but not irreplaceable.”
“But why? I still don’t understand why it has to be done this way?”
“You really don’t need to worry about that. I don’t fully understand the science myself yet either, so I’m waiting for a layman’s explanation.” Nikki stood and walked round behind Cameron and started to massage his shoulders, then ran her hands down his chest. She was on a charm offensive to soften the man’s hesitation. “You know nothing untoward is happening, otherwise you’d have heard about it. And I’m sure there’s nothing left in the stores?” Nikki knew Emilio would want that confirmation; they had placed their trust in another man to sort that! However, Cameron’s assurance would support the other man’s assertions – it was always good to double-check!
“Yes, well, that’s true,” Cameron stuttered, appreciating the now gentle womanly touch. “There’s never been any mention of incorrect stock-takes, nor mention of anything untoward.”
Nikki leaned against him, bent over and kissed his cheek. “See, everything’s fine. There’s nothing to worry about. Now, why don’t I help you to fully relax? You are so tense.”
* * *
Once Cameron had left the following morning, Nikki called Emilio.
“Hi.”
“Emilio, hi! I had a really informative and fruitful discussion with our south coast client last night,” Nikki started.
Emilio knew exactly who Nikki was referring to, despite the vague references designed to avoid alerting any form of listening device that could, by chance, be sweeping the airwaves at that time. “That’s excellent news and makes a clean sweep of our client receiving centres. Well done!”
“Are you any closer to recruiting a new contact for our northeast operations? It appears his passing unsettled our client here, or should I hang around to support him?”
“Unfortunately, there is no obvious candidate; there has been too much adverse publicity for the role to be filled. Therefore, I need you to stay put and support him in any way necessary. It should only be for a week or so. We started dispatching the final client orders today, so your client should be fully stocked in three or four days and able to start an uninterrupted workflow. I trust that is okay?”
“Yes, not a problem. I will need an advance for my expenses, my client is expecting to be looked after.”
“And reading between the lines, I suspect you’ll enjoy looking after him!” Emilio replied cuttingly, knowing how Nikki would bristle at his comment. “I’ll arrange that immediately for you,” Emilio added quickly, so Nikki couldn’t respond.
31
While Nikki and Emilio were speaking, Laura, Rob, Nat and Cezar were leaving their hotel in Arad and climbing back into the car.
“We’re here,” Cezar announced after the short drive to the next building. “Shall we drive straight into the front yard again, or have a drive past? The entrance is just ahead on the right.”
Upon Cezar’s announcement, Nat, who was in the front passenger seat, immediately sat forward. “Keep driving!” he said urgently a few moments later.
“What’s up?” queried Rob, sitting forward to have a look.
“Sit back – now!” ordered Nat. “The guard house at the gates is occupied and I can see activity.”
