Little Red Read Free Page B

morning!’
    The headlights flashed and Jack gripped Nathans shoulder.
    ‘That’s our ride’ his bony finger aiming towards the black Mercedes.
    They headed toward the car, already feeling warm at the thought of the central heating. The grit below their shoes offered a crunching sound as they crossed the road, the long line of black taxi’s sat idling, awaiting the passengers from the arrivals terminal. Nathan moved cautiously, the frozen snow created a possible slip hazard. He balanced himself, both arms outstretched slightly. The boot clicked open and they threw their bags inside. Nathan climbed into the seat behind the driver and Jack positioned himself in the front passenger seat.
    ‘Nathan, meet Malcolm, he’s my personal driver’.
    Malcolm flashed a smile into the rear view mirror, Nathan returned the greeting.
    The order was issued and the driver acted, th ey crept from the parking space, the car was negotiated through the narrow road of the car park, the flashing lights of a passing gritting vehicle slowed them down.
    Nathan had forgotten how busy London was. Cars squeezed by eagerly, narrowly avoiding a wing mirror collision. The beeping of horns and flapping of other drivers pushed the image of home back into his head, the peacefulness and the tranquillity. The streets were flooded with busy people, everyone moved around London as if they had a purpose. Most were bloated with large jackets, the cold weather getting to their bones and chilling them.
    ‘I got you a room on the third floor, it’s an open account provided by the Met. Just do me a favour and don’t go crazy on the room service!’
    ‘I promise I’ll behave’
    ‘Good boy. I also had archives deliver a copy of the Intel we have so far. You’ll find a copy of the Polaroid’s and DVD, the findings from the location of her body and a Psych portfolio pieced together by Doctor William Lime.’
    ‘Never heard of him’
    ‘He was brought in by the head shed, nice fella, and a bit eccentric at times. But the portfolio has some interesting details so give it a once over for me. We are holding a conference tomorrow at ten. I’d appreciate your input!’
    ‘Let’s see what I come up with tonight Jack, I don’t want to be repeating what our doc has already given us.’
    The car rolled to a halt at the hotel entrance. The appearance of the building at first glance had shocked him. It was one of the expensive looking hotels, the two tall figures, dressed in matching outfits and standing either side of the double doors. The large red canopy overhead decreased the possibility of guests becoming wet from rain or snow. The entrance had been brushed, de-iced and gritted. He wondered where the red carpet was. Nathan pulled the handle and pushed the door open slowly, avoiding the cluster of pedestrians as they raced in all directions.
    ‘Nathan’ Jack called as he leant across to the back seat. ‘I appreciate this……we all do!’
    ‘I know, just don’t go getting your hopes up’ he smiled as the door was closed. The boot had been opened from within the car, the lever pulled by Malcolm once the passenger exited, and Nathan retrieved his bag. The vehicle pulled away as he slammed the lid shut, the indicator flashing wildly to inform the cars behind that he was moving.
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
     
    W ith every step arose a creak. The floorboards were stained with a tacky substance, his shoes peeling free as he walked. Some were cracked clean in half and others were damaged with large scorch marks. He stood still, calming his rate of breathing. The staircase sat ahead of him, the streetlamp outside cast his shadow onto the crooked steps making him appear taller and disfigured. The landing housed a thick darkness and the blackness loomed like a cloud. No sounds could be heard. He listened harder, the beating of his heart filling his ears. This has to be the place………..the van is outside. His eyes had begun to blur slightly as he focused