Free High Moor 2: Moonstruck by Graeme Reynolds Page B

except for a couple of under−age boys in the corner nursing pints of watered−down lager, who cast suspicious, furtive glances at the newcomers. Gregorz made his way to the bar, ordered two glasses of cola then moved away from the main area with Daniel, to an alcove where Oskar, Troy and Gabriela waited. Without a word of acknowledgement, Gregorz and Daniel took their places at the table.
    Oskar sipped from a glass of iced water, then smiled at Gregorz. “Is everything in place? Have the arrangements been made?”
    He nodded. “They have, but there’s been a complication. Daniel found Wilkinson alive. At the hospital and under police guard.”
    Oskar arched his eyebrow. “That does complicate matters. How do you propose to deal with it?”
    “We’ll have to infiltrate the hospital again and take care of him before he turns. It sounds like he’s in a coma, so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. The guard will be difficult, but not impossible.”
    Oskar nodded. “Please, tell me that you are leaving Connie at home for this job.”
    Gregorz laughed. “Yes, she knows nothing about this. Connie will be escorting Marie into some nearby woodlands so she can change. As far as she’s aware, Steven Wilkinson died from his wounds, and Daniel and I are providing your team with logistical support.”
    “Good. This situation has got out of hand and needs to be brought back under control.”
    Troy drained his drink, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “The weapons shipment arrived this morning. Your team’s allocation will be in the trunk of your car by the time you get back to it.” He winked at Daniel. “There should be enough there for even the two of you to put an old cripple down.”
    Daniel ignored the American and spoke to Oskar. “Do you know how you’re going to get to Simpson? The police will be cautious after the last time.”
    Oskar smiled. “Don’t worry, my friend. You take care of your little problem. The Simpson situation is well in hand.”
    Gregorz stood up. “I’m glad to hear it. Come on, Daniel. We have things to do. Good luck, Oskar.”
    Oskar smiled. “Luck? Luck won’t even come into it.”
    ***
    12th December 2008. Aykley Heads Police HQ, Durham. 16.18.
    “What do you mean, he’s gone on holiday? Do you know where? Well, did he leave a contact number? A mobile? A fucking email address? Anything? Well, thanks for nothing.” Phil slammed the phone down and glared at it, imagining what it would be like to wrap his hands around Dr Miller’s receptionist’s turkey−neck and squeeze until her face turned blue and her eyes bulged out of her smug self−satisfied face.
    Olivia entered through the double doors at the end of the office, took one look at her boss’s face and then beat a hasty retreat towards the coffee machine. He was about to join her when the phone rang again. He grabbed it from the desk and hit himself on the side of the head with the receiver. “What?”
    “Erm, DI Fletcher? This is Dave down in forensic IT. You said you wanted to know when we pulled anything off that phone?”
    Phil massaged the growing lump on his head with his free hand. “Phone? What phone?”
    “The one they found at the Simpson house. On the body of…hang on…I’ve got his name here somewhere”
    “You mean Simon Dobbs? What did you find? Anything useful?”
    “I think you’re going to want to see this for yourself, Sir.”
    “Can it wait? I’m trying to get hold of Simpson’s doctor.”
    “No, Sir. I think you’re going to want to see this right away.”
    Phil let out an exasperated sigh. “Okay, I’ll be right down.”
    He locked his computer and headed towards the exit. Olivia was trying to sneak back to her desk without attracting Phil’s attention. “Olivia, come on. They’ve got something for us downstairs.”
    Olivia rolled her eyes, took a sip from her drink and followed Phil into the corridor. “What’s up?”
    He shook his head. “No idea. Forensics say