Chapter 18

Alex directed Jason, Ted and Brian to the river telling them to go down stream by boat to the cave entrance they had found earlier. He, Jack, Will and Ana made their way up the stairs next to Jack and Sue's rooms. At the top of the stairs they found Levi waiting for them, he approached Jack and placed his paws on his shoulders whimpering as he did so. Jack understood how he felt but giving the command to 'get down' he quickly followed the others through the door with Levi at his heels.

"Sorry buddy," said Jack sadly, opening his room door to put Levi inside. "You can't come with us. Stay here whilst I bring her back." But Levi wouldn't stay and refused to go through the door digging his paws into the carpet and sitting down.

"OK, OK you win, you can come with us," said Jack, determined not to waste any more time. Straight away, Levi stood up and trotted after Jack. Alex rolled his eyes when he saw the furry shadow and Jack shrugged his shoulders "He may be useful," he said. He switched on his torch and began the descent into the tunnels. Without even having to discuss it they made their way to the new passage and carefully opened the door listening out for any noise. It was silent. However, as they went further along they began to hear the murmur of voices ahead and they slowed. The voices seemed to be quite a distance away but they couldn't be sure and it was possible that the tunnels could be distorting the sound. No-one liked the fact that the tunnel was so narrow or that there was nowhere to hide should it become necessary. Stealthily, they crept along always listening for a change in volume of the voices. Suddenly, Jack realised that Levi was no longer at his side he turned round and flashed his torch up the tunnel where he could see Levi pacing backwards and forwards. "Alex, "he hissed. "Levi's acting strange, I'm going to see what's wrong, don't wait for me." Alex nodded to show that he had heard and Jack went back up the tunnel to Levi.

"What's up buddy?" he asked. "Come on, there's nothing here." Again Levi's stubborn streak kicked in, causing Jack to smile as it reminded him of his owner, and refusing again to budge Levi looked at the wall and whined.

"Levi!" exclaimed Jack "we don't have time for this. Come on!" he grabbed hold of his collar but Levi dug his feet in. "OK." Said Jack, trying to remain calm. "You obviously think that there is something here, I will look for two minutes and if I find nothing you will come with me. Deal?" Levi woofed and placed his paws on the wall. Jack shone his torch where Levi stood but could see nothing unusual then just as he was about to call Levi on their deal he saw it; a small hole in the wall just big enough for a finger. He slid his index finger inside and found a lever which, after a little experimenting, he was able to pull towards him. There was a click and part of the wall swung inwards, quickly grabbing Levi who was beside himself with excitement he entered the room.

He had thought that finding her after Simon had lured her into the office block had been his worst experience but he was unprepared for the sight that greeted him. Sue had managed to bring her arms to the front but had been unable to loosen or remove the bindings. She had obviously tried as her wrists were rubbed raw and dried blood smeared her hands. She was seated on the damp floor, her head balanced on her knees which were pulled up towards her chest and her arms hugging them tightly. The blindfold was still in place and Jack knew how much she hated being in the dark. Holding onto Levi's collar, so that he didn't startle her, they moved towards her Jack unsure how to proceed. Finally he touched her shoulder whilst making a 'J' shape into her hand, at the same time Levi licked her other hand. Jack carefully removed her blindfold causing her to squint in the bright light.

"You found me!" she exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Levi found you, I was just helping," replied Jack with a twitch of his mouth, trying to alleviate the tension, before pulling her into a tight hug. He held her for a long time before realising that he ought to get her out of there. He tugged at the ropes and eventually managed to release her hands. Sue rubbed her wrists to get the circulation back into them.

"Let's get you out of here," he said leading her through the door.

"No wait!" Sue began then told him about what she had seen between Lionel and Frances as well as who had brought her down there. "I think that something is going to happen tonight, in fact it might be happening right now! We have to do something!"

"We are doing something," replied Jack. "But you are not, look at your wrists you are in no fit state to do anything. Those cuts need treating before they become infected."

"There will be time for that later," answered Sue. "I can help you. Please. Besides I am worried about Frances she needs my help and I know that I can reach her." Jack looked at her giving her a slight smile.

"I should put my foot down," he said "but I know that it will have no effect on you. Do you think that you will ever follow my instructions in a dangerous situation? I am very tempted to give the role of training agent to some-one else. Myles perhaps. Still if you insist then I will only agree if you will at least allow me to bind those grazes."

"I suppose I could agree to those terms," she replied, giving him a big grin. To her astonishment, Jack brought out a handkerchief from each pocket and began to fasten them securely around the wounds.

"I saw a detective programme once where the detective always carried two handkerchiefs to give to weeping female suspects, it seemed sensible at the time." He shrugged his shoulders. "Ready?"

"How old were you?" asked Sue curiously.

"About twelve."

Sue laughed, "You must have been some cute kid, and chivalrous too!" Jack rolled his eyes and set off down the passage.

They were approaching the small cavern with the empty barrels when Jack signalled for Sue and Levi to stop.

"Stay here whilst I go and have a look." He ordered. "And I mean stay here, I can hear gunfire." Sue nodded. Jack gave her his phone, "Use the torch on it. I won't be long." He quietly moved along leaving Sue to watch the beam of his torch until he vanished around a corner. It felt like a long time but it was barely ten minutes before Jack was back. He signalled for her to come and she practically ran towards him.

"It's over," he said. Inside the cavern were nine men casually dressed in jeans and sweatshirts and looking very dejected. Ted and Brian were in the process of handcuffing them ready to take them back to the house for interrogation.

"Wait!" exclaimed Sue "Where is Lionel and Frances?" One of the waiters turned to Will and said something.

"He says that Lionel, Frances and Dessa left about twenty minutes ago." Said Will.

"Dessa's here!" exclaimed Ana. "He taking a big risk. I thought that he didn't like to get involved in the big stuff and was quite happy pulling the strings from a distance."

"Which way did they go?" demanded Jack. "Not by the tunnel or we would have seen them."

"Same with the river," added Jason.

"Are there any other tunnels?" asked Jack looking at their informant. Helpfully he pointed to the ledge.

"I will show you." He said. Jack nodded and followed him onto the ledge where another door was concealed.

"Ted, Brian, Jason take these lot back to the house and secure them. We are going to follow this tunnel and see where it leads us. Everyone, be alert." Ordered Alex.

The tunnel was long and windy. It went downhill for a considerable distance before levelling out. Sue was just beginning to wish that she had listened to Jack and remained at the house when they came to a door. Alex pushed it open to find himself inside a garage. He was puzzled for a while until he got his bearings.

"We're at the gatehouse at the bottom of the elm drive," he said. "Why here?" Suddenly he clicked his fingers and looked at his watch. "Eleven ten," he muttered. "We have twenty minutes. Every one up for a quick jog?"

"Why where are we going?" asked Ana.

"The train station," replied Alex. "The night train to London leaves in twenty minutes. I suspect that Lionel, Frances and Dessa will be on board."

"How far is it to the station?" asked Sue.

"About a quarter of a mile, give or take." Alex set off at a jog the others following close behind. Jack kept pace with Sue making sure that she was ok and ready to send her back if she showed any signs of distress or fatigue.

They quickly arrived at the gate which led from the Lanpetroc estate to the station and headed across the car park and through the barrier. Glancing across the tracks to the London bound platform they saw their quarry waiting for the train to approach. Of the train there was no sign as yet but a glance at the information board showed that it was on time. They had five minutes. Apart from their targets there were only two other people waiting for the train and they were inside the waiting room, if only there was a way to keep them safe!

Alex, Will and Ana swiftly ran up the steps and across the bridge, Sue and Jack close behind. They stopped at the top of the steps on opposite side calling Lionel and Dessa's names to attract their attention. Startled, Dessa was unprepared and Ana and Will took advantage of this and quickly ran down the stairs managing to take cover as Dessa finally pulled out his gun. He moved to grab Frances then noticed Jack and Sue halfway down the steps. His lips curled into a grin, "Hello neighbours," he said. He raised his gun and pointed it straight at Sue then fired.