Poseidon's Ransom

Chapter Twenty Three

It was late afternoon when Jack called Nicole. Bogdan had gone back to his room for a nap and Jack had just showered. The heat of the day had past and the temperature was now a pleasant 20 centigrade. The balcony windows were open and the light breeze from the river freshened the room.

‘How are the girls, darling?’

‘Missing their daddy, as always.’

Jack smiled. ‘Me too, baby.’

‘How’s the hotel?’

‘It’s fine. Bogdan sends his regards, by the way.’

He heard her little laugh. ‘How is the big man?’

‘Same as always.’

‘Tell him I said he has to look after you.’

Jack smiled. ‘Yes, boss.’

‘I love you, Zaikin.’

His fone beeped to signal another call. ‘Love you too, baby. Sorry, gotta go. Call comin’ in. Talk soon, darling.’

‘Take care, Jack.’

‘Always.’

Jack looked at the screen, swiped it, and said, ‘Hi Matt.’

‘Jack, hello. You okay?’

‘I’m good. Whatsup?’

‘We got forensics back from Special Branch. They got a hit on the DNA from Sir Anthony’s body.’

‘Excellent. Anyone we know?’

‘Yes, indeed. Looks to be an old acquaintance of yours.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes. Our old friend, Greg Stoneham.’

‘Jesus, Matt. Are they sure?’

‘Ninety-nine-point-nine percent sure.’ The line was silent for several seconds… ‘Jack?’

‘I’m here Matt. What about the CCTV? He’s not that stupid to be caught on camera.’

‘We have a copy of the tapes. But the man that entered the hospital looks nothing like Stoneham.’

‘He’d be in disguise.’

‘Of course, he would. He’s a pro and knows his street-craft. But the man on the tape doesn’t resemble Stoneham in any way at all. He doesn’t even limp.’

‘But it’s definitely Stoneham’s DNA on the body?’

‘Yes.’ The line was silent again… ‘Jack?’

‘Yeah, I’m here. If that bastard’s involved, then you can definitely say Sir Anthony’s murder and the Poseidon hijacking are related.’

‘Certainly looks that way.’

‘Okay, thanks, Mathew. Have you told the Americans?’

‘Not yet. But we’ll be making that call very soon. They still have him on their Most Wanted List. And since he killed those two police officers in Istanbul, so does Interpol.’

‘Right, so at least we know who we’re after. Send me the hospital footage, please.’

‘Will do. Any developments your end, Jack?’

‘We’ve contacted the banker and are invited to a party tonight.’

‘Okay good. I’ll let you go, Be careful eh?’

Jack smiled. ‘Always.’

‘Talk soon, Jack.’

‘Cheers. bro.’

The line went silent.