Good Deed Bad Deed, Marcia Morgan [summer beach reads TXT] 📗

and placing her face against his chest. With a wavering voice she said, “Hugh, it’s terrible—what’s happened.” She then broke into tears.

“What’s all this then?” Hugh asked as he took hold of her shoulders, putting her at arm’s length. He could see the terror on her face and felt himself begin to fill with fear.

She seemed unable to speak, and Ben took over. “Dad, we got some bad news. It’s Olivia. She’s been abducted and is being held in Spain—Pamplona—until, if they can be believed, Mum does as she’s told.”

“How have you learned all this?” Hugh asked, his worried glance moving back and forth between Paris, Ben and Ana.

Ben explained all of what had transpired since the receipt of the first threatening email with the photo of Olivia and Valerie, and the subsequent anonymous email about their whereabouts. His mother knew what was expected, and they had been waiting for Hugh before taking the next step—making the transport arrangement with the bogus security company. She would have to fill out the necessary forms and make them part of the museum’s records.

Hugh sat down on the edge of the desk, deep in thought. Everyone waited for him to speak. “Pulling this off is going to take a lot of coordination between Scotland Yard and Interpol. Since the exhibit comes into the UK from another country, Interpol will want to play lead.”

Paris began to rub her arms, as if a chill had suddenly descended on the room. Her only real concern was for her daughter. She would do anything asked of her by the men who took them. Becoming involved with the authorities could jeopardize Olivia’s survival, as well as Valerie’s, and she agonized over that risk. In a trembling voice she said, “I’m going to make the arrangements as they instructed and notify them that I’ve complied. We have to buy time—give them a reason to keep their hostages alive.”

Hugh shook his head, having known exactly how she would react. Ben stepped forward and embraced his mother. She melted into his arms and began to sob. “Mum, you know it’s not as simple as that. I don’t want to frighten you further, but you must realize that they may have no intention of releasing either of them.”

She broke away from Ben, turned to Hugh, and shouted, “Do something!”

“I’m trying,” he said, “But you have to find a way to control yourself while we figure out what gives them their best chance.” Paris walked to her chair, wondering how Hugh could sound so calm, and once again folded her body into it like a rag doll. He kept talking, but she had trouble paying attention. “You are right about one thing,” he added. “You need to appear as if you’re complying. That requires you to fill out the appropriate forms, inserting the security company name you were given. Were you told how provide them with proof that the arrangements have been made?”

She perked up and said, “Yes. I’m to overnight them to a post office box at some private mail shop—somewhere in London. All I have is a box number and postcode.”

Ben jumped in and said, “If we could locate the shop, it could be watched—maybe catch the guy picking it up.”

Hugh nixed the idea quickly, explaining that when the person failed to contact his associate in Spain, confirming receipt of the forms, it could be fatal for the women. Ben realized his mistake and decided it was time to tell his parents about his intention to go to Pamplona. He knew he would be met with logical reasons why it was a bad idea, but he didn’t care. Logic wasn’t going to save his sister, or Valerie. If there was even one chance that he could find them, he had to take it.

“You may as well know now. I’m going to Pamplona. Whatever authorities are in play at this end, fine. But I’m going to be on the spot, looking for Olivia and Valerie. I’ll enlist the help of the police there. If necessary, they can confirm with Scotland Yard. Surely you know there isn’t a minute to lose.”

Ana had been silent throughout the whole conversation between Ben and his parents, but since he had revealed his personal plan, she felt it was time to speak up. “He’s not going alone. I’m going with him. If he argues, I’ll just get my own ticket.”

Ben response was quick and rather loud. “Then I can have three women to worry about instead of two!” Ana’s body language told him that he was about to hurt her feelings, so he regained control. “I appreciate that you care enough to take part in this, but I can’t see what you could possibly do to help.”

She walked forward to face him, her arms folded across her chest, her stance and demeanor oozing stubbornness. Slowly, she said, “Yo… hablo… Español.”

The office was quiet. Paris looked sideways at Hugh, who was staring at the floor, hands in his pockets. Ben slung his jacket over his shoulder and said, “Well then, let’s go. No time to lose.” Ana removed her jacket from the coat rack and quickly slipped it on. The two approached the door then stopped, turning to look back at his parents. “We both have mobiles and will keep you in the loop. You do the same.” He paused, taking in the look of fear in their eyes. “I love you both. I’ll do my best to bring our girl back safely.”

Ana dashed back and embraced each of them. While embracing Paris she whispered, “I’ll do my best to take care of him.” She turned and followed Ben out the door.”

Paris sat down on the edge of her desk and looked up at Hugh. “Well, one thing’s in our favor.”

“What’s that?” he asked.

“I’ve never revealed anything about the nature of your work, or your connections to Interpol, to anyone—other than our closest friends. But you were aware of that. There’s a glitch in their research. Any bunch