Warning Shot

Nikki stared at the brick wall of her office deep in thought. Andrew Klaus had proven to be a bit of an enigma. He clearly wished Jonathan and Maddie harm but the reason for his hatred had been lost in the mists of time. Maddie was obviously scared of the man, frightened enough to run from one continent to another and then back again. Jonathan had lived his life oblivious to the apparent danger he had been in. She glanced at her mobile phone knowing that somehow the man had found her. She had no idea how but he had gotten hold of her phones number. She made an instant decision- pressing speed dial before she could talk herself out of it.

"Ah." She heard the slight American accent. "Good to hear from you DCI Page."

"I got your message."

"Location of Jonathan Creek and Madeline Magellan."

"No. I have no idea." She lied. "What do you want? I should have you arrested for wasting police time." She glared as she listened to the man on the other end of the line. She knew he was dangerous. She really didn't care, the death of a corrupt police officer bothered her more than some no mark that thought he was a big man who could take on the police. She had no intention of allowing him to do so.

"I had thought you'd be more cooperative."

"You've phoned a high ranking police officer on duty to essentially take the piss. I should have you arrested for wasting police time." She spoke calmly; her voice almost menacing. "If you've nothing of any use to tell me."

"Waterfront Plaza. Twenty minutes."

The line went dead as Nikki sat there listening to the dialling tone.

Xxxx

Jonathan shoved his hands in his duffle coat pockets and headed down the steps of the safe house flats. He felt unsettled, angry that he hadn't known about Maddie's reasons for leaving. That he hadn't known she had been pregnant. Twice they had slept together, just twice! Then he realised it only took one occasion and they hadn't been careful on either. He sighed, turning to see the woman he was thinking about following him.

"Jonathan. This is not like you."

"No." He answered thoughtfully. "No it isn't. Maybe that can work in our favour? If he thinks he knows me then he won't expect this either." He held out a hand to her, which she took.

"What are you going on about?"

"Look." He hurried them towards a bus stop. "You know me, yeah? You know my nature? What I'm like ?"

"I thought I did."

"So does he. But honestly. I'm not sure I know how to react to what's happening. And if I dunno, how can he be expecting to second guess?"

Maddie frowned. She had no idea what he was talking about. Deciding that was nothing new she took his hand; falling into step beside him. She had never really seen Jonathan angry. Hurt, upset and completely miffed but anger was something new. Deciding that whatever happened she was with him until the bitter end she squeezed his hand. Jonathan turned to her as they reached the corner.

"Something is wrong."

Maddie turned to him, gasping as the gunshot rang out.

Xxxx