frightening passageways where he didn’t want to go. He knew John would be looking for them . He knew that his friend would move heaven and earth and then some , but as much as he had faith in him , he wasn’t sure there was time. He knew in his heart that Cupid had taken them . He knew as most of the nation knew from the news coverage , that this maniac had murdered his victims on the 14 th February each year for the past six years. His body clock told him that this was the 13 th . Whether it was day or night, he could not be sure . However, what he was sure of was that if John didn’t find them , then tomorrow night , they were going to die. He gave up a silent prayer , a prayer to his friend. ‘ Come and get us , John, holy M other of God , John , come and get us .’
Chapter Seven
13 February - 10 : 20
( L ife r emaining 32 hrs 40 mins)
‘Don’t judge what you don’t know about.’
The number Hanson had rung was never written down, and never logged into a mobile. It would take him through to a command centre known only to a chosen few, buried deep in an underground bunker in Hereford . Its existence was on a strictly need to know basis. As a courtesy to Turner , he switched on the loudspeaker . He wanted him to be fully in the loop with anything relating to the task in front of them. Four rings brought a voice that never failed to trigger many memories.
‘ This is Blue Eagle, i dentify yourself and give your password .’
‘ John Hanson, Starbird 70895 .’
‘ John, I was expecting your call. I spoke with Donald Myers about thirty minutes ago. What ’ s the latest intel ?’
‘I’ m en-route to my office to set up a command centre , Myers is on his way. I’ m with Detective Inspector Richard Turner from Sco t land Y ard . He ’ s the lead detective in the Cupid c ase. We have all the files that are available with us. I’ m also intending to pick up my sister Stephanie en route . I’m hoping she may be able to help us . A lso , we are on speaker phone , Sir , just to advise you .’
‘ Roger that , John, so what do you need ?’
‘ At the moment , nothing , Sir . I just wanted to open a line of communication in case we need any help later .’
‘ Well … I was going fishing , John, been looking forward to it. Not sure I want to change my plans for that runt Tom .’
John smiled as he he ard the gasp of surprise from Turner at his side. How could he know that , “ the I couldn ’ t care less attitude , ” was the accepted form of bonding between members of the elite SAS core? The more scathing , the more it showed how much the concern.
‘ Are you fully aware of the severity of the situation ?’ snapped Turner , unable to believe what he had just heard.
‘ I am indeed , ’ responded Blue E agle . ‘ I booked that fishing trip weeks ago and I doubt I’ ll get my money back .’
Hanson waved a stalling hand at Turner , who was about to respond, his colour a healthy red glow. ‘ Well , providing you decide no t to go fishing , S ir , I ’ ll be in touch .’
‘Can´t promise , John , bu t I´ll see what I can do .’
John closed the line and pulled out the cable tucking the small black box back into his inside pocket.
‘ Some friend !’ s napped Turner , as the Sat Nav advised them that they were eleven minutes from their first destination.
‘ Don´t judge what you don ’ t know about , ’ warned Hanson . ‘ That man would walk over hot co a ls to save a man from the regiment .’
‘ But … I heard him , ’ complained Turner , his voice going up an octa ve.
‘ The , “I couldn ’ t care less attitude , ” is a reverse safety valve . As I said, don´t judge what you know nothing about. I hope I’ve made that clear , ’ responded Hanson curtly.
Turner simply nodded acceptance, clarity manifesting as Hanson’s voice took on a slight edge .
Over the next ten minutes , as they neared the centre where John’s