A Question of Guilt(92)

My head was throbbing painfully, my mouth parched, my arms and legs numb. For a moment I thought I was alone, then I sensed the presence of another human being and turned my stiff neck a little to see Jeremy sitting in a polythene-covered easy chair to my left. He appeared relaxed, arms outstretched along the arms of the chair, one jean-clad leg crossed over the other with the ankle resting on his knee, but his eyes were on me, narrowed and watchful.

‘You’re back with us then, Sally.’ The normality of his tone was somehow more chilling than any threat could have been.

‘You drugged me,’ I accused.

‘I’m afraid so. It seemed the best way of dealing with the situation. Oh Sally, Sally, why did you have to be so persistent? You just wouldn’t be frightened off, would you? I did hope the silent phone calls and having you followed would be enough to make you realize you were getting out of your depth, but you’re too good a journalist for that, aren’t you? You just had to go on digging until you discovered the truth.’

‘Except that I hadn’t!’ I protested. ‘I had no idea you were involved. I certainly wouldn’t have come to you for help if I had. And I still don’t know what’s behind all this. Is it drugs?’

Jeremy looked affronted. ‘Drugs? Oh Sally, what do you take me for? Fine art and antiques are much more my style, don’t you think? I deal in them, I suppose you could say. Their original owners might have another word for it, I suppose, but I much prefer to think of it as dealing. And where better to hide the precious artefacts whilst they’re waiting to go to their new homes than an auction house? Gems among the junk. The perfect solution.’

He levered himself up out of the chair, solicitous suddenly.

‘I expect you’re thirsty. Would you like a drink of water?’

Thirsty was an understatement. My mouth felt as though it was full of sawdust and my throat was dry. But how did I know if he was going to put another dose of whatever he’d given me before into it? As he returned with a cracked mug and held it to my lips, I turned my head away.

‘It’s just water,’ he assured me, reading my mind. ‘There really is no need for you to be sleepy and easy to handle now. Jason is very good with knots – I think he must have been a boy scout.’ He chuckled at his own joke.

‘Jason?’ I managed. I was still too muzzy to be thinking straight – then, even before Jeremy explained, it came to me.

Jason Barlow. The beefy, tattooed porter I’d seen at the auction on Tuesday. The witness who had given evidence against Brian Jennings. And the mysterious motorcyclist.

‘Jason is a very useful addition to the team,’ Jeremy said smoothly. ‘I’d really prefer not to work with thugs and bully-boys, but sometimes it really is necessary to have some fire power on side. And Jason is extremely good at doing what is asked of him.’

He held the mug to my lips once more.

‘Do drink some, Sally. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.’

How bizarre was that? Jeremy didn’t want me to be uncomfortable, but he had me trussed like a chicken.

‘Can’t you at least untie my hands, then?’ I asked.

‘Sorry, but no.’ Jeremy sounded regretful. ‘I don’t want you doing anything silly. I’m afraid you’ll have to be restrained until I decide what to do with you.’

What to do with you . . . The words hung in the cold, musty air, and a fresh wave of fear washed over me.

‘What do you mean?’ I whispered stupidly.

‘I can’t possibly let you go, can I?’ Jeremy’s tone was eminently reasonable.

‘I wouldn’t say anything, I promise!’ I blurted desperately.

‘Unfortunately, Sally, we both know that isn’t true,’ Jeremy said sadly. ‘No, something will have to be arranged – an accident of some kind, perhaps, or . . .’

‘You mean like Dawn.’ It was out before I could stop it.

‘Mm, poor, foolish Dawn. She couldn’t leave well alone, either. She was in love with Lewis, of course. Wanted to know all about him, be part of his life. Except that when she did find out she really didn’t like it one little bit. She became far too dangerous and she had to be dealt with. Just as you will have to be too, I’m afraid. Jason has gone to fetch your car. I can’t have it discovered outside my home. When he gets back, we’ll arrange something.’

Then, suddenly, chillingly, he was solicitous once more.

‘Do have something to drink, Sally. You’ll feel a lot better if you do.’

He held the mug to my lips again, and again I twisted away, spitting out the few drops that had spilled into my mouth. I absolutely could not reconcile this monster with the man I’d known since I was a child, the man who had been so kind the last few days. But I knew now that it had been nothing but false concern, a way of keeping an eye on me and limiting any damage I might do. And I’d played right into his hands, going to him, of all people, with the evidence that would send him to jail for a very long time.