Cinderfella, Page 8

  “Do you believe in guardian angels, Agent Tremaine?” He shakes his head.

  “See, I was starting to believe you there for a minute, kid.”

  “I can’t explain it. The guy just showed up one night and keeps helping me out somehow. It’s the truth I swear it. Bruno, Jack and his mates, they’re the ones you should be looking for. Please, find them and you’ll find Ellie.” I drag my fingers down my cheeks.

  “Princess Elle?”

  “She’s Ellie to me.”

  “I see. Be straight with me Ash, is this some weird way for you to have a pretend relationship with the princess? Do you have it in that head of yours that you two are together? Did she spurn your advances, and this is your screwed-up way of getting payback?”

  “You see nothing! If you did, she’d be safe with me and not out there frightened and alone.” I try hard not to scream in his judgmental fat face. “Please, Bruno, he’s the ringleader. Find him. Ask my dad, he’ll know all his hideouts…please?”

  Agent Tremaine nods across at the mirror and I presume, I pray that someone’s gone off to follow my leads.

  “Do you want a phone call? You never asked. Most people ask straight away.”

  “I have no one to call.” I inspect the dirt in my nails, not wanting his pity.

  “I’ll go get you a drink. Think carefully whilst I’m gone. I’m told you want to be a doctor someday?”

  “I do.” I say. “So, do you really think I’d risk all that to kidnap a princess? I didn’t even know who she was until yesterday.”

  “And you really expect me to believe that?”

  “It’s the truth!”

  “Look, I know you live in a barn…people talk. So maybe you got desperate to leave? Desperation can do weird things to people.”

  “I would never hurt her.” I place my forehead in my hands.

  “We’ll see. Right now, my people are going through your stuff. They’re asking around the town. Believe me when I say, we will turn your life upside down until we find her. If you are clever, then you may want to just confess now. You may get a life sentence for taking a royal, but if you tell us where she is, we could go a little easier on you.”

  “I already told you everything.”

  He exits. I’m alone once more. I feel their eyes watching my every move, trying to see the guilt in the smallest of my movements. I’m sweating like I have something to hide. It feels like forever until the door opens again.

  “Hey, kid.” Gerry pokes his head round the door.

  “Gerry? How did you get in here? It’s so good to see you.” I get up, lean across the table and hug him. An officer follows him in and I quickly let go.

  “I’d like a few moments alone with my client.” Gerry stares the officer down and he leaves.

  “How the hell did you do that?” I’m in total awe of this guy. Freaked out still, but glad that whoever he is, whatever he is, he’s on my side.

  “I’m your lawyer.” He winks at me, facing away from the all-seeing mirror.

  “What do I do Gerry? I’m…”

  “You’re scared.”

  “Yes.” I chew my bottom lip. “Have you heard anything? Have they found her?”

  “Not yet. But they’re about to get a very interesting phone call.” He grins widely.

  “What are you up to?” I whisper, trying not to move my lips so they can’t read them.

  “Me? Nothing? Let the fools hang themselves because they don’t need any extra rope, believe me.”

  “This is a nightmare.” I sigh, letting my forehead rest on the table.

  “I’ve fed all the animals for you so no need to worry. Oh, and thought you should know…you’re famous.” My head shoots up so quickly that I’m a little dizzy.

  “What?”

  “You’re all over the news.”

  “Shit. I’ll be labelled forever as a kidnapper. What’s the bleeding point?” I let my head smack back down on the table.

  “The ‘bleeding point’ is that you never give up. And that you love her.” He places his hand on my shoulder and I look up. “You do love her, don’t you?”

  “I do. Saying it out loud sounds crazy. I’ve known her for a matter of days…but I really do.”

  “Then my job is almost done.”

  “Your job?”

  “Never mind, kid.” He winks. “All will be revealed sooner or later. I never realised how popular you were.”

  “Me? I don’t think so.”

  “No? Then how would you explain the crowd gathering outside demanding you be released?”

  “Crowd?” I stand and peer out of the small window, but I can’t see shit.

  “They’re out front, mostly from the hospital I suspect. I spoke to a few nurses, a doctor and quite a few of the patients.”

  “Really?” I’m stunned.

  “Really! Don’t you realise what an impact you have on their lives? You brighten up a lot of people’s days. You do so much for them and don’t even see it.”

  “They do so much for me too,” I sigh, thinking of all the times I’d had a fight with my so-called father or brothers and escaped to the hospital for refuge. “I’d wanted to give up so many times…and may have if it wasn’t for that place, those people…”

  “Ash, they have faith in you. Ellie has faith in you. Isn’t it about time that you did?”

  “I guess.”

  We both jump when the door opens.

  “Hey kid,” Agent Tremaine smiles like we’re new besties. “You are free to go…for now anyway. But don’t leave the country, as we may need to bring you back in. There will be officers constantly parked outside your residence, just as a precaution.”

  “Have you found her?” I grab his arm tightly then instantly let go.

  “We’ve just received a call from the kidnapper so unless you are in league with them, then we have no reason to keep you here.”

  “I don’t buy it? You’re trusting I’m innocent now?”

  “If you are in on it, then you are bound to slip up and trust me, we will be there when you do. A Mrs. Betty Hope has just been in. She told us all about you and the princess visiting the hospital and of how, in her opinion she didn’t look like she was in any kind of distress. In fact, we’ve asked around and everyone we spoke to have said the same. They all speak very highly of you. Most of them were shocked at the identity of your ‘friend.’ But by all accounts, Princess Elle was there willingly. We have similar statements that the princess was laughing and singing. You’re one popular guy, Ashley.”

  “So, what did Bruno…what did the kidnapper say?”

  “He demanded money, a lot of money. We don’t know when or where yet. He’ll call again, they always do and if your story is correct and this wasn’t their original plan, then they have to come up with a new one and fast.”

  “So, I can just leave?”

  “Yes.”

  “What about Ellie? I’d rather stay and help.” I cross my arms, not wanting to budge an inch.

  “Believe me, if we need you, we’ll come for you.”

  “You’d better.”

  “Sir.” A young, fresh-faced recruit enters. “You have a call on line two.”

  “Take a message please.”

  “Sir, I think you need to take this…it’s the kidnapper.” She tries to whisper but fails.

  “Well, that was quick.”

  “Let me take it.” I grab his arm again, he looks down at my hand and I remove it.

  “Wait here. I’ll be right back.” They exit. We wait in silence and I pace the room. I must have done at least fifty laps before they return.

  “Right.” Agent Tremaine looks a little ruffled, which makes me anxious.

  “What happened, what did they say?” I demand. My nerves are all over the place. My heart is racing. “Is she alright?”

  “Well as we guessed, they’re demanding a ransom…over triple the reward money.”

  “So? The king will pay it right?” I chew the side of my mout
h until I can taste blood.

  “Yes, but…” The agent frowns.

  “But? There’s a but?”

  “They’re demanding that you make the exchange. I guess you were right about it being your brothers.”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, but if they see anyone with you, then the deal is off. They say they’ll kill her.” The agent places his palms on the table, puts his head down for a moment like he needs spiritual guidance.

  “They wouldn’t…would they? Surely even Bruno wouldn’t kill for money? But then I’ve seen Bruno backed into a corner many times before, he always comes out fighting, without thinking first.”

  “Ashley.” He looks up at me; his eyes are dark and tired. “We can’t make you do this. If you do, we will be close by with our snipers, but for the most part, you’ll be on your own. If just one of us is seen, then…”

  “Then she could die,” I mutter, feeling sick at the thought. “I’ll do it.” I slam my fist down on the table.

  “Ash are you sure?” Gerry asks. “It’s so dangerous.”

  “What if it was your Nancy?” He nods. “When do they want to do it?” I ask Tremaine.

  “Midnight tomorrow. Your king will be proud of you.”

  “I’m not doing it for him.”

  11: Ellie

  Blinded by the sack over my head. Bundled into the back of a van. My hands are tied. Forced to sit by a large pair of hands that remain firmly gripping my shoulders throughout the journey. We’re only driving for about ten minutes, so we can’t have gone very far.

  The van stops. The back doors open, and I’m lifted to my feet and pushed out into the cold night air. Voices are muffled. It’s hard to concentrate on what’s being said with my heartbeat thrumming so heavily inside my ears. I’m frightened but refuse to let them see. They shall not have the satisfaction. These ‘brutes’ can’t be too clever. They obviously haven’t thought of the ramifications of abducting a princess. I know what Ash has told me about them, so yes, I’m scared. These guys are ruthless.

  “Come now, Your Royalness,” The gruff voice talks exceptionally close to my ear. I squirm away. “Let’s get you to some nicer quarters.”

  “I demand that you release me at once!” I yell through the sack. They laugh.

  “Your Highness, please shut your royal gob.” The same voice orders.

  “I know your voices. I’ve seen your faces…I can identify all of you. So, before this goes too far, let me go and I’ll see to it that the authorities go easy on you.” Silence. I think I’m getting through to them. “If you hurt me…what do you think happens to those who harm the royal family? You really haven’t thought this through have you?” I figure the longer they let me talk the longer I’m out in the open. Someone may see us and help. A hand pushes me forward from behind.

  “Walk, Your Majesty. Walk until I say stop.” I recognise this baritone voice as Bruno’s, the brother who scarred Ash. Ash. I close my eyes to keep from crying. Is he okay? Does he know I’m gone? Will he come for me? Will they kill him if he tries? “Keep moving.” Bruno pushes my shoulder.

  “It’s hard to walk with my hands tied and a bag over my head.” I protest.

  “Ooh you are a feisty one. I like feisty!” He laughs. I hear what sounds like the screeching of a garage shutter door being lifted. The smell of oil and cheap aftershave hits me head on.

  “Where am I?”

  “Take a look.” Roughly, the sack is pulled off my head. It takes my eyes a few moments to focus.

  “Classy.” I dryly gulp. “Whose garage is this?” I look in turn to each of them. “Only three of you? Did your other friend come to his senses?”

  “He bailed. Just means more money for us. Think seeing you in the flesh rattled him. Bloody wimp. Mind you…” Bruno touches my hair, “have to say it, you are even prettier in real life.”

  “Take your hands off me!”

  “Right you are, Your Royalness.” He pushes me further in. “Here you go, a throne fit for a posh backside.” He points to three tyres stacked on top of one another. “Sit.”

  I glare at him, refusing to budge an inch. “I said sit!” He grabs my elbow so hard that it’ll bruise. “Sit.” Spinning me to face him, then pushing me down until my bottom is wedged inside the tyre hole. My legs stick upwards like two flagpoles. They burst into laughter. I guess they get off on making me look and feel ridiculous.

  “Go ahead, laugh. You won’t be laughing when the police turn up.” Sticking my nose in the air, trying hard to keep hold of the small piece of dignity I have left.

  “The police huh? They’re beyond useless. We’ve been looting the farms around here for months and still they have no clue.” Bruno’s fridge-sized friend breaks his silence.

  “Well aren’t you the clever ones.”

  “Clever and rich soon, thanks to you.” Bruno ruffles my hair. “By the way, loving the new look. You could almost pass for one of us.”

  “I wasn’t trying for scum.” I narrow my eyes on his.

  “Watch it.” Bruno closes the gap between us. His beer-stained breath attacks my senses. Like father like son.

  “You don’t say much.” I address the taller twin, Jack. He shrugs. “Are you really going to do this? I know you have a real chance at a future. Why don’t you stand up for yourself?” He looks away, but I know I’ve hit a nerve. I saw it in his eyes. He could be my one and only chance to get out of this.

  “Shut your pretty little mouth.” Bruno blocks my view of his brother. “Or I’ll shut it for you.”

  “Touch me and you’ll regret it. I promise you.” My entire being is shaking. I need to stay strong and be smart.

  “Ooh there’s the feisty again.” He bends over me putting his hands on the tyres either side of my thighs. “How do you like to play, Princess?” Spit hits my top lip and I flinch. “Do you like a bit of rough and tumble?” He grabs my knee. “Or do you like a soft, pretty boy like our Ashes?” He moves his hand from my knee, pushing it up my leg. My cheeks heat in anger. I want to claw at his stupid wide face, but my hands are tied. He has the power and he loves it. “When you’re ready for a real man…”

  “Don’t Bruno.” Jack finally speaks. “We’re not here for that.”

  “What does Ashes have that I don’t?” He squeezes my thigh. My stomach churns in disgust. “Well?”

  “A heart for one. Do you want me to write a list?” Staring him down until he removes his hand. I want to cry but won’t. “I don’t believe you really want to do this. There must be a heart in there somewhere. You really hate Ash that much that you’d do this just to hurt him?”

  “You know nothing. That boy has taken everything from me.”

  “Like what? Why don’t you tell him so you two can work things out? Surely that would be the sane thing to do?” He grabs my hair, hard. It hurts.

  “Bruno! Leave her alone.” Jack grabs his brother’s arm.

  “Whatever.” He walks away. I try to give Jack a thank you nod, but he doesn’t look my way at all. “I’m off to make the call. The sooner we get rid of her the better.” Bruno bends under the shutter. “Watch her!” he calls back.

  I look to Jack, who has his back to me, then to their well-muscled friend.

  “So? Do you have a name?”

  “Don’t speak to me. I’m only here for the cash,” he grunts. “Unless you want to offer me something else?” He smiles, a crooked, creepy smile. Yuck.

  “You think you’re too good for the likes of us?” He rolls his sleeves up, which I take as a really bad sign.

  “I am.” I blurt like an idiot.

  “Hey!” Jack steps between us. “I said we’re not here for that. Nobody touches her. She’s a princess for Christ’s sake!” The nameless guy leaves in a strop.

  “Thank you, Jack isn’t it?”

  “Don’t.” He looks away.

  “Don’t what?”

  “Don’t try to be friends with me.”

  “I know you don’t want any of this,” I whi
sper.

  “You know nothing about me.”

  “You’re just doing what Bruno tells you.”

  “I’m not.” Now he’s looking at me with a death glare. Guess I really did hit a nerve.

  “I suggest you get some sleep. Tomorrow’s gonna be a long day.”

  “Would you mind helping me out of these tyres?” I flutter my lashes a little. “They’re so uncomfortable.” He takes my hands and pulls me up and out until I’m standing. “Thank you.” I force a dazzling smile.

  “By the way, don’t waste your flirting on me. It won’t work. Save it for Ashes.” I nod, red-faced and ashamed.

  “Do you think Ash is okay?”

  “I…I don’t know. Bruno hit him pretty hard. Ash is tough though.” He looks almost sorry for a moment.

  “You don’t really hate Ash, do you? Why do you act the way you do?”

  “Keep your nose out. I’m warning you.” He glares at me. I simply nod, knowing I’ve got under his skin. “Here, you can sleep on this.” He opens an old metal-framed sun lounger that’s covered in a yellowing flowered material and is so rusty that I may need a tetanus jab.

  “Thank you. Would you untie these ropes?” I gesture down to my wrists.

  “Do I look stupid?” He almost smiles, and then he too ducks under the shutter. I bend down and there are three pairs of feet outside. There’s no chance of escaping yet, but I won’t give up. I pray that Ash and the police will not give up either.

  * * * *

  I must have fallen asleep. The three of them are scattered on the floor around me fast off. Someone has placed a blanket over me: my bets are on Jack. I knew he had a heart buried beneath all that bravado. This is my chance. Carefully rising, the damn sun lounger creaks under my weight. I freeze. Bruno snorts through his nose and turns over. His mouth hangs open as he snores. I stand. It’s hard to get my balance with my hands tied. I tip toe around two of them. Bruno is sleeping right next to the shutter switch. Will it wake them when it opens? I’ll have to take my chances. I take a long deep breath and step over him. Reaching out to flick the switch, bending, ready to make a mad dash for freedom. Cold fingers wrap around my ankle. Crap.