Jameson dialled the number for Harry’s boss. ‘Because I’m calling someone who I hope can help us get your children back.’

74

Harry accompanied Abdul and Seraphine across the manicured lawn towards a simple wooden outbuilding. Abdul had confirmed that Harry’s children and Karene were with Bello’s team in the UK and so he had no choice but to comply.

‘Dr Bloom is with the others as you requested,’ Abdul said reading a message aloud from his phone.

‘Well that was easier than I expected,’ Seraphine said. ‘Where’s the fun in that?’

‘Who is this Dr Bloom?’ said Abdul.

‘An investigator. She keeps poking her nose in so it’s best that we keep her in check.’

‘What’s happened to Augusta?’ said Harry. ‘Is she with Sophie and Jake?’

‘Never you mind, my handsome little naval officer.’

‘How did you know this woman would be so close?’ said Abdul.

‘The location I offered to you wasn’t selected at random.’

‘You deliberately placed our team near her?’

‘I like to know where my friends are at all times. It’s something of a hobby.’

‘You spy on them?’ asked Harry.

‘I would call it taking a keen interest.’

‘So you can help them or hinder them?’ said Harry as they reached the door to the outbuilding.

Seraphine looked at Harry and smiled. ‘You don’t miss much, do you, Captain?’

‘Not usually, no.’ He looked past her and into the building. ‘For instance, I can see pretty clearly that this place is … sparse.’

‘The significance being?’

Harry let out a long breath. ‘Easy clean.’

‘In you go then … Sir,’ said Abdul.

Harry did as instructed.

75

The man in the kitchen was clearly a foot soldier tasked with guarding their little group. He was very young – maybe in his late teens.

Bloom checked that everyone was OK. Sophie had been crying, but they weren’t hurt, just afraid.

‘Who is this Marcus?’ George leaned against the armrest of a black leather chair. The apartment was fully furnished. Bloom could only assume this man had rented it.

‘He’s my partner. He’s disappeared.’ She didn’t want to reveal that Caroline had given them this location. She felt more and more sure that they’d missed him. Perhaps he’d checked it out and returned to the safe house, not bothering to come inside. ‘Seraphine was helping me find him.’ She knew now that she’d been naive: Seraphine never did anything for anyone. The woman had spotted an opportunity to take revenge. Bloom had to admire her ruthless efficiency. ‘Do you know Seraphine?’

George frowned. The foot soldier didn’t react.

‘What do you hope to achieve by bringing them here?’ she said, tilting her head towards Karene and the others. She may as well find out what was going on. ‘You know the British military don’t take kindly to attacks on their own. They can be swift to retaliate.’

George looked amused.