“I was far from lonely.” He almost laughed. “I love fucking about on my own terms. That’s what I’m used to, but this girl plays on my mind even though I’ve already messed about with her. It’s like I want to get to know her inside and out. You know, like what her favourite cereal is, that sort of random crap.”
“Oh, fuck. You’re so dramatic, bro. I’m gonna be sick.” Jamie chuckled.
Marcus threw his brother a sideward glance. “Fine. Let’s just save her from this asshole and see what happens after that.”
The car raced towards the city centre, hitting red light after red light.
“For fucks sake.” Marcus slammed his fist on the dash. “Another red light. It’s like the universe is trying to piss me off.”
Jamie strummed the steering wheel. “Look, she’s probably at the house. With any luck we’ll get there before the prick does anything bad.”
An incoming call connected through the bluetooth speaker in the car. “Arthur, what do you know?” Marcus asked.
“The house is a rental which was recently signed for a six-month lease by Carl Reed.” His husky voice echoed on loud speaker.
Marcus blinked rapidly. “Carl Reed has her?”
“One more thing.” Arthur added. “His wife, Lorraine, is missing. Her new fella reported her AWOL. Apparently, Carl asked her to sign some documents. She hasn’t been seen since. The PSNI are involved.”
“What the fuck.” Marcus hissed. “Put your foot down, Jamie, you’re driving like a pussy.”
Jamie had already broken the speed limit and was dodging his Mustang through the traffic like a pro race car driver. They pulled up outside the rented property and jumped out onto the roadside.
“Wait.” Jamie pressed his hand on his brother’s arm. “Be sensible about this. If we startle him, he could do something stupid.”
Marcus fixed his stare on the gate. “If he’s hurt a hair on her head, I’ll do something worse than stupid. It’ll be fucking permanent,” he snarled. “No one touches her.”
They marched up to the gate, studying the entrance. Suddenly, two black unmarked vehicles sped down the tree lined street and halted beside the bright blue Mustang.
Several police officers exited the cars, crowding the brothers like bears around honey.
“ID please.” A tall lanky officer moved closer.
Jamie and Marcus both offered their drivers licences. “Marcus. Thought I recognised you.” He flipped off his hat. “Johnny Fisher.” Johnny held out his hand. “Why are you standing outside this house?”
“Johnny, am I glad to see you again.” Marcus tugged the officer’s hand close and patted his arm. “Look, long story short, but the girl I’m involved with took off in my car, but now she’s missing. I’ve tracked my Lexus to this place. I need to get in that house. Some guy called Carl Reed is renting it, and I know his wife is missing too.”
“Who is your girl?”
“Lana Craig. She’s in there.”
“We’re here on official business. I’ll need you to step aside so we can search the property. If she’s inside, I’ll let you know immediately. Okay?”
Marcus scrubbed a hand over his face. “Seriously, Johnny, I need in there.”
Johnny looked over his shoulder. “Can’t, mate. If something goes down, it would be on my head. You’ll have to wait out here. I’ll get one of the guys to call in your missing girl. Give him the registration plates of the Lexus.” He nodded to another police officer.
“Fine. I understand.” Marcus stalked away and rested his hip on the car as he scrawled his personal reg on a pink page and handed it back to the officer.
He watched as the police men short circuited the entrance device, shoved the gate open and disappeared. Marcus marched over to the narrow gap and peered through, scanning the windows for any hope of Lana.
Every second that ticked by ate into his thrumming heart. Time felt like it had ground to a monumental standstill, like the mother of all pauses.
“It’ll be okay, Marcus. She’ll be okay.” Jamie joined his side.
Johnny emerged from the property with a pale face. “When did she go missing?” he asked with a tremor in his voice.
“This morning.”
