Chapter 49
The Haunting
0900 – MoD – London, UK
Major Ollie Knots tossed his posts onto his desk and swiveled the chair as he sat, sipping coffee from a styrofoam cup. He picked up one envelope in particular, ripping it open with a finger, then leaned back to plant his feet up on the desk. Smugly taking another sip he snapped the folded paper open. It was a monthly bank statement and he sighed contentedly as he perused the contents…..until his blood ran cold.
He pitched forwards pulling his feet from the desk, almost drenching himself with coffee. He was wild-eyed as he stared at the statement. "What the fuck is this?!" he cried through clenched teeth. He examined the entire document. Surely this had to be an error. He felt a rush of panic. This was not an error. It was real and he could feel the walls closing in on him.
Xxxxx
0930 – SAS Garrison – Hereford, UK
"All is in order boss, Colonel Godfrey has secured your transport for Wednesday at 0700 hours." Sergeant Roberts said handing Elvis the itinerary.
"Thank you. Appreciate your efforts." the captain said, still amazed he would be traveling to London to be awarded a medal by the Queen. Georgie had already hung his dress uniform in the spare bedroom. Tonight he would press and polish and surely make a stunning impression. It was almost surreal. He never expected to receive the Victoria Cross and he was deeply honored and humbled.
Xxxxx
1000 – MoD – London, UK
Knots punched the bank phone number into his mobile, he was almost blinded by fear and rage. When the bank attendant confirmed there was a substantial withdrawal on the account Knots sputtered, "No such thing happened!"
"Sir. Indeed. Miss Drake's nephew presented here with documentation verifying he was Power of Attorney and that she had requested monies be withdrawn for charitable concerns."
"Absolutely not! I am her POA. I made no such request on her behalf!"
"Your name sir?"
"Oliver T. Knots." Knots' neck veins throbbed as he heard keystrokes being plucked on the other end of the phone.
"Oliver Thomas Knots?"
"Yes. That is correct."
"O course. Sir, one moment please sir."
"I do not have a moment! This is an outrage!! I demand to speak to the manager!" Knots bellowed, red-faced, spittle flying.
"Precisely sir, that is why I must place you on a brief hold."
Knots flung himself from his chair. "Be quick about it dammit!" he felt like his skin was crawling he was so completely beside himself and the ridiculous music that played whilst he was on hold fueled his impatience.
"Mr. Knots?"
"Major Oliver T. Knots. Thank you very much." Knots spat.
"My apologies major."
"Who in hell are you now?"
"I sir, am the manager. I do believe you requested to speak to me."
Knots huffed balefully. "Indeed. Your name sir?"
"Jeremy Withers."
"Well Jeremy Withers, we have a massive problem here." Knots snarled. "You see, your people allowed a complete stranger to withdraw a significant amount of money from my dear aunt's account and I demand to know what will be done about it!"
"Sir, in all due respect, you are simply a voice over the phone. You will need to present yourself to this bank with evidence supporting your allegations."
"I am contacting the authorities!" Knots sputtered. "I have been robbed!"
"Perhaps, and I am certain Miss Drake will feel the same." Withers said in a subtle, sarcastic manner.
"No one cares for a smart arse Mr. Withers."
"Of course not sir."
"I will be there shortly with documentation in hand," Knots said.
"Very good sir, we shall anticipate your arrival."
"Fine!" Knots snapped and ended the call. He immediately went to his file cabinet. Tucked in the back of the top drawer was a locked metal box in which he kept various documents including his passport. The metal clanged against the desk top as he threw the box down, reaching into his pocket for the key. He scowled and tried to calm himself as he experienced unexpected difficulty turning the key.
"What the bloody hell!" he hissed and worked the key a second time. "Oh come on!" A third attempt and the lock released. His hands were shaking as he opened the box. Knots was certain his heart stopped beating….everything seemed to stop, except that his heart beat was pounding and blaring in his ears. His passport was gone. His hands frantically dug through the papers. "Fuck!" The Power of Attorney document was not there. "This cannot be!" he cried, going through the papers once again.
Who knew about this box? His mind whirled with possibilities. Evans! Brad Evans had known about it. The last time he was in the office was when he had brought that Adam Jones in to request a recommendation. The brat wanted to join Special Forces. He was involved in Pettigrew's scheme to divert heroin. Knots felt the urge to retch thinking he was stupid enough to involve himself in their crime, but he was tasked with controlling the money and greed ultimately sealed his fate. He grabbed the bank statement and stared at the withdrawal date then blanched and fell into his chair. "Impossible…" he uttered in disbelief. Fear crept up his spine like a trickle of ice water.
Xzxxxx
1015 – SAS Garrison – Hereford, UK
Transport sorted. Early Wednesday call babe. Georgie smiled at Elvis' message. She knew how chuffed he was and deservedly so. He was delighted his team would be honored with the Military Cross. They had all executed their duty and the country was safer as a result. To be honored was exactly what the entire team deserved, even if the public would never know. Elvis and Spanner had been injured during the operation and Georgie considered that for a moment. Losing Elvis was always a risk that hung over her like a dark cloud and she prayed he would not ever be called up again. Their family was far too precious now. If only he would let go of his paranoia over Pettigrew and Evans. Georgie knew despite Elvis' cheekiness, he never took anything lightly, so this obsession of his concerned her. Hopefully they could enjoy the brief holiday in London, even if it were only for one day.
Xxxxx
1130 – London, UK
Major Oliver Thomas Knots walked into the bank with self-assured strides. He had to. Inwardly he was crumbling. Fortunately he had a copy of the Power of Attorney at his home, fictitious though it was. He saw his entire career flash before him as he approached an attendant.
"I have an important meeting with Mr. Withers." Knots stated as confidently as he could possibly muster.
"Your name sir?"
"Oliver Knots."
"Very good sir. One moment." The attendant eyed him. At least that is what Knots' perception was and suddenly his collar felt too tight. He could feel the bile rising in his throat.
"Major Knots." Jeremy Withers stated as he approached, startling the already anxiety-riddled major.
"Yes sir." Knots answered swallowing hard.
"This way sir, if you please."
Knots followed, thrusting his nose in the air as if harboring a slight to his honor. All the while the actions were being recorded on the bank's close circuit video system.
Xxxxx
1145 – SAS Garrison – Hereford, UK
Elvis rang Georgie…."Heyyyyy"
"Hey you! Got your message." She said, loving the sound of his voice. "Ya reckon you'll sleep the next two nights?" she teased.
"Funny George." He murmured.
"I probably wouldn't to be honest." She confessed.
"It means loads you'll be there with me." he said and she could feel his heartfelt sentiment.
"I will always be by your side. I'll have to wear civies though. Can't fit in my kit anymore."
Elvis chucked. "You'll be beautiful no matter wha' ya wear."
"You reckon." she said, looking down and rubbing her bump.
"I mean it! Come on!"
"I just feel huge!"
"You're carryin our baby boy Georgieeee."
"I know.."
"You are gonna be the best mum!" he said and her face scrunched with mirth. The days were beginning to close in and she was ready. Perhaps when they returned from London.
"Have ya made contact with Debbie?" she asked.
"Negative. Got her voice mail." He said, scratching the back of his head.
"Are they off on another holiday?" Georgie asked, rolling her eyes.
"It's before the school year, maybe they did. I can't tell Laura about the medal anyway but it would be nice to see her."
"Reckon Debs will call ya back."
"Yeah."
Xxxxx
1200 – London, UK
Knots presented his copy of the Power of Attorney. Withers scrutinized it thoroughly. The hesitation in the process made the major painfully uncomfortable. Wither's eyes slowly locked on him.
"Do you have further identification major?"
"Excuse me?"
"Further identification." Withers repeated. Knots stared at him. Was this legal document not sufficient? "We require your passport to confirm identity." Knots' throat tightened as did his chest. It became a staring contest of sorts.
"My passport was stolen." Knots admitted awkwardly.
Withers blinked as his brow furrowed. He glanced at his assistant. "Contact the authorities." he said.
"Now see here! My passport was indeed stolen." Knots sputtered.
"And you notified the authorities of this?" Withers said.
"Not as yet. I have not. I only discovered it missing this morning."
Wither's eyes narrowed and Knots felt that eerie chill roll up his spine again.
