Poseidon's Ransom

Chapter Thirty Nine

It was almost three o’clock when Rick Washington walked down the steps of the Hotel Vendome.

‘Boss. Look, is him.’

‘Go get the car, big man.’

Jack watched as the man across the square casually left the hotel and made his way to the garage entrance. Jack couldn’t believe his eyes. There was nothing left of the old Greg Stoneham. That’s an amazing transformation. I’ll give ya that, he said to himself.

A minute or two later the Range Rover pulled up to the side of the Bistro Helene. Jack dropped a handful of euros on the table and joined Bogdan. As he climbed in, the Audi emerged from the garage.

‘Not too close, buddy. Let’s see what he’s up to. If we can take him quietly, we will.’

The Russian nodded. ‘Da. Play it by my ear, boss.’

Jack grinned. ‘Yeah, buddy. Play it by your ear.’

They followed the sleek Audi out of the square and into the busier streets of the Castellane district. It wasn’t long before they saw the signs for the Marseille docks area. The town streets were busy but, once they got onto the main highway, the trucks and wagons increased dramatically. About thirty-five minutes after leaving the Vendome, the Audi turned off the main highway and onto the Quai de Maroc. Jack watched as the Audi, now half a dozen cars in front of them, moved slowly along the quay side and into the huge carpark.

‘Pull-in where you can, buddy. Not too close.’

Bogdan took the ticket from the machine and the barrier swung up. Jack lost sight of the low-slung Audi for a few seconds then, as Bogdan pulled into a vacant space, saw Washington getting out of his car. For a split second he thought their eyes made contact but, when he looked back, there was no panic in how Washington made his way from the carpark.

It was the hottest part of the day, but the cool wind coming off the sea, gave some welcome relief from the sun’s rays. They continued to follow the American along the Quai de Maroc towards several waiting ships.

‘Looks like he’s heading for the ferry, boss.’

‘Yeah, but which one?’

The crowds of passengers making their way to the Terminal made it easy to follow Washington. They watched as he entered Departures. ‘That’s it,’ said Jack, ‘he’s definitely taking one of the ferries.’

‘Gun,’ said Bogdan, quietly.

‘What?’

‘Gimme your weapon. There will be security here.’

Jack nodded and discreetly passed his gun to the Russian. ‘Wait here, boss. I take to truck.’

As the big man trotted off, Jack took out his smartphone and tapped the screen.

‘Mathew?’

‘Jack, hi there, You okay?’

‘Yeah, we’re good, Matt. Need some help. Fast.’

‘Tell me?’

‘What is the next ferry due to leave Marseille. Where is it going. And I need two tickets on it.’

‘Hold on,’ said Mathew, then shouted, ‘Victoria!’

Jack wiped the sweat from his face, then turned to see Bogdan trotting up behind. ‘Okay, boss. What is plan?’

‘Hold on, buddy. Go ahead, Matt.’

Jack. Next departure is eighteen-hundred, local-time, today. Heading for Algiers. No cabins left. She got you two reclining seats in the Business Lounge. Tickets will be with you in a couple of minutes.’

‘That’s great. Thanks, Matt. I’ll be in touch when we’re underway.’

‘Be safe Jack… I hope the crossings not too bad. I know you get sea-sick.’

‘Thanks for reminding me.’

The line went silent.

‘Boss?’

‘We’re sailing to Algiers, big man.’

‘Niet, niet, niet,’ said Bogdan, ‘I have the seasick.’

Jack laughed. ‘I have the seasick too, buddy.’