Hostage/Kidnapped

It wa                        HOSTAGE/KIDNAPPED



All characters in this story are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, alive or deceased is purely coincidental:

Main Characters:

Dan: private Investigator

Melissa: Assistant and lover

Tim: Special Investigation Squad

Nelson raines


This is another on going tale about Dan the Private Investigator:

I was dozing in the armchair, 'Dan Dan wake up darling ' It was my lovely Melissa shaking me. I had drifted into one of those deep sleeps that lasts about 15 minutes ,but when you awaken properly you feel as if you have had about three hours sleep, I felt like shit from such a deep sleep. 'I have to go see my mother she is sick baby and in hospital' Melissa said with a worried tone to her voice. You want me come with you honey' I said. 'No its okay I will take the car and ring you okay' She replied. I had never known Melissa Mother to be sick

Melissa showered dressed kissed me. 'I love you Dan' then she left.

It was 11 am in the morning, I had told Melissa to ring me if she needed me. I showered to wake myself up and made a coffee, and turned the computer on to check my emails. As usual the internet was down bloody modern technology I thought. Okay drink coffee look the news on Tv I thought then try emails again. It was 1300 hours (That's 1 pm ) No call from Malissa as yet, must be not to bad I thought to myself. I turned on the computer, then before opening emails I thought ring Malissa make sure all okay. I rang her mobile but the operator's message was mobile not available at this time, silly me in the hospital you have to turn off mobiles she must be with her mother.

Back at the Computer I opened my emails nothing much usual spam about 50 useful emails which I filed for later reading mostly to do with present investigations etc 1500 hours no call from Melissa as yet I tried her mobile again still no reply and same message. That's 4 hours now I thought, but being who I am I didn't start panicking as most folks might do, I went about going through files and doing a bit of work on the computer. But now it 1800 hours. Okay try her Mum's mobile I thought, I rang a voice answered I recognised as her Mother. your better are you okay Mum' I enquired. ' what you mean Dan' she replied. Well Melissa had a call at 11 am to say you were in Hospital.' No Dan I am fine I have not seen Melissa today or heard from her '. Okay I will see what is up when I see her don't worry Mum probably a good reason 'then I hung up.

I took off to the hospital there was one Major hospital and 2 cottage type hospitals and they knew me there from previous work, but rather than ring I thought a visit was better, I left a note for Melissa to ring me in case she returned in my absence . Enquiries at the main hospital were negative, I checked the car- parks at the hospitals as well I visited the other 2 and enquiries were negative there as well. I had been trying her mobile but getting the same operator message.

It was now 7 pm. now I was starting to worry about her where a bouts and safety. I decided to give my mate Tim a call and tell him about the day so far, within the hour Tim was knocking at my door. We discussed events, he rang the Police Station to start and incident and for observations for our car that Melissa had taken to go to the hospital, then it was a waiting game. Tim got a call on his mobile our car had been found abandoned with the keys in between our house and the main hospital. Tim and I went to the location on arrival there was no damage to the vehicle, but Maliss'a mobile was on the passenger seat switched off, Tim gave me the mobile I checked the log there were nothing to arouse suspicion in the log .

We went back to my house the car was taken to the Police station to be dusted (Check for finger prints) my prints and Malissa's were already on file because of my profession.

'You had any funny emails mate' Tim asked.' Not that I know of mate but I will check email again ' 'I replied. I wound up the computer again. another 30 emails we incoming. Tim and I looked at them I browsed them. ' Stop ' Said Tim. pointing to an email with an extension. I opened the extension there was a word Document I it opened it was worded as follows. You want to see Melissa again then you need to meet my demands and follow my instructions wait by your home phone. There was no signature, we checked the details of the message but it did not show where the email had originated from or details of the senders email address.The home phone was chosen because it was not so easy to trace a call and a mobile can be located by tracing the radio signal from the mobile.

Tim made a call for a team from his dept to come to the house and put a trace on the home telephone. At this time did not want to contact Malissa's Mother and cause unnecessary worry, if she rang I would cross that bridge at the time.

It was now 2200 hours: The team arrived in plain transport were dropped off and the transport left so as not to arouse suspicion, they got there equipment set up. Coffee for all and a waiting game. One of the team was a computer expert and wanted to look at the email and take a copy of the word message for investigation at the Station, the computer was left on in case any more emails arrived.

I was worried now more than worried, I started going through my work data base to see if it was a previous client who had a grudge from a previous case, some of my cases had led to people receiving prison sentences, because I seem to have this knack of turning up stuff that is not directly concerned with a case I am working on. One of the guys rang for pizza for everyone, I was not feeling particularly hungry, but the delivery guy arrived with loads of food for all,the smell made my stomach feel hungry so I gorged my self and drank coke as did everyone else. Then it was a waiting game by the phone for the call. Time seemed to go so slow as Tim and I chatted and I kept searching my files for a clue. Tim had one of the team at Police HQ going through files that I had been involed in to see if any light could be shed on why Melissa had been taken or kidnapped as one would call it, in my eyes she was a hostage and I had been involded in a lot of hostage situations from my previous profession.

It was 1015 hours when Melissa got a phone call on her mobile from whom she thought was a neighbour stating her mother was on the way to hospital unconscious. Melissa informed Dan and at 11 am left in the car.About half way to the hospital Melissa thinking what was wrong with her mum, are car suddenly pulled out of a small road taking Malissa by surprise, she braked hard narrowly missing the vehicle in her path that had now stopped, she was not amused pulled to the side of the road and got out to speak to the driver of the other vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle got out as well Malissa from working with Dan scanned the person. This was a male probably about 45 yrs medium build hair colour light brown and shoulder length, wearing dirty jeans and shabby denim shirt. 'what were you thinking I nearly ran into you stupid ' Melissa torted. The man stepped close to her and said . Get in the car or die ' prodding her in the side with something that felt like a gun. she had no choice but to obey his command.

Malissa stirred as if from a drunken night out her head thumping, after a while her eyes focused and she realised she could not move her hands from behind,she soon realised they were bound. Her surroundings were far from comfortable, a table and two chairs and a single bed with a pillow with no cover, and an old brown blanket that smelt musty, the light dangling from the ceiling had no shade but was low voltage. She managed to struggle to a sitting position trying to evaluate why she was in this situation.

THe night passed by no one got any sleep I could not sleep I sat with Tim and we chatted and sometimes dozed off for cat naps and drank coffee to keep awake. It was 0700 hours when the house phone rang,the monitoring team was ready I picked the phone up it was Malissa's mum. 'Just checking you and Melissa okay Dan' she asked. I quickly said ' Yep we all okay Melissa is sleeping at the moment I will get her to ring once awake' I then hung up. Adrenalin had starting flowing for nothing. Tim. ' Its not normal to wait this long for a call from a kidnapper with there terms and conditions is it ? Tim was about to reply when the phone rang, this had to bit it I thought: Tim after only seconds signalled answer the phone. I picked up the receiver. It was Melissa.' Dan he is going to kill me if....then a man's voice came on the phone ' I will ring again ' The phone went dead. Tim said.'He knows your phone will have a trace on now that's why he hung up at least he has made contact.

Malissa was trying to figure things out when the door to the room opened and the male she had seen before walked in, dressed in the same attire as earlier, he had a bottle of water an apple and an orange, he placed them on the table and left the room before Malissa 'Hey wait a minute ' the door closed again you could hear the locking mechanism. Need to eat and drink what there is Melissa thought, she moved to he table then stopped,thinking to herself how can I eat when my hands are tied behind my back, after about an hour ther man came into the room again untied Malissa's hands and re-tied them at the front sat her down then sat on the other chair.Malissa ate the apple and drank water, whilst trying to work out who this man was. ' You will be okay as long as I get what I want from Dan your lover ' He said in a soft voice. ' And if he does not do as you say or give you what you want ? The man's voice was then strong and meaningful 'Simple I will kill you '. He then got up and left the room locking the door.

There were no additional prints on the car, enquiries in the locality of where our car was found revealed that a car had pulled out of a side road causing another car to brake. THe two drivers seemed to be talking, then the female go into the other car with a male and it drove off.of course no one rang the police at that time because nothing had really happened worth reporting. Descriptions of the male driver from the scene were various and conflicting, from wearing jeans to wearing trousers, wearing a shirt to wearing a jacket, typical responses people using there imagination rather than memory.

1100 hours Dan's house phone rings: 'Hello ' Dans said. A male voice said 'Listen carefully I will say only once, I want money from you for every year my life was taken away from me or Melissa dies ' The phone went dead.Dan slammed the receiver down leapt to his feet looked at Tim. Tim knew the look on Dan's face, no-one had the back ground from the past that Dan had or dare mess with him because his abilities had no boundaries. Tim knew his following statement to Dan would mean nothing but he had to say it. ' Dan we will resolve this situation and lock this shit up mate 'Tim was right it meant nothing to Dan.He knew this mood Dan had gone into. It was calculating,cold and fearless of anyone or anything.

Malissa meant everything to Dan, she had been his support when his marriage failed, she was there when he had bad flash backs from his days in the Special Forces, he had gone from normal Regiment applying for Special forces passing the entrance examine enduring the training and passing out with flying colours specialising working with small teams and working alone in different countries and in situations that would make most of us flip at the thought.

A description of the car that drove off with Melissa was passed to Tim. A red saloon maybe a Toyota or a Ford large, no number plates. The ball was rolling for stolen hired ringed motors. Tim's mobile rang after the call he said to Dan. 'Its starting to come together mate ' A red Toyota was hired for 2 days and was not returned, it was found burnt out with no plates about 25 clicks(kilometres) from town. ' Dan 'Lets go to the scene now ' You got to be by the phone mate for more instructions first' Tim said. Dan was not used to being the one waiting by the phone, he would have been the one crawling through the bush and keeping obs on a potential target, or even right under the targets nose, but the target never knew till it was to late. Covert being the operative word.( The ability and training to be concealed and blend with your surroundings without anyone knowing sometimes for days on end).

More waiting more coffee: 1400 hours house phone rings: Dan picks up phone ' Hello ' Same male voice 'You have 18 hours left to the deadline £300.000 to the following map co-ordinates,you will receive one more call from me ' they were passed the phone went dead. Dan ' He earlier said money for every year life taken away. so how much is he putting on each year: Its got to be a substantial amount I go for 100.000 Tim or kidnapping is not worth less Okay lets filter out those that got three years in the nick because of you mate 'Dan went back on the computer and Tim made a call to the records office for a break down on Tims work resulting in folks getting prison sentences for three years.

The door opened Melissa jumped she had dozed off on the bed from exhaustion, the man said 'You want to clean up or shower', her room had a toilet but no washing facilities. "Yes please" she replied apprehensively. He led her from the room down a dismal corridor, Melissa thought this looks like an office (only because she noticed an old filing cabinet in the corridor )or near derelict property, but she had not heard any traffic at all or other voices. The man stopped at a door opened it pushed her inside and followed. There was a dirty sink and a not so inviting shower in the corner.'Its filthy'She said.' The water is clean Malissa here's a towel now strip off and get showered' 'Not with you in here' Get on with it or stay dirty' He shouted. Malissa went into the shower and tried to undress so as not to reveal her body to him, he suddenly opened the shower curtain and snatched her towel away revealing her gorgeous body now get showered bitch maybe I will sample your delights same as Dan does. Malissa was shaking, she quickly showered washed her hair.The man was staring at her all the time as she soaped her body. She asked for her towel he passed it to her. She dressed again, he tied her hands nuzzled her hair, 'You smell good Malissa' she shoved into him pushing him away 'You bastard Dan will kill you when he finds you ' she retorted.He shoved her back into the room and slammed the door.

Two months ealier Nelson Raines sat before the parol board listening to the summing up of the panel: Nelson had been in prison serving a Three year sentance for Insurance fraud and Arson, he had set fire to his business premises and then made a claim on his Insurance for £300.000.The Insurance company had used Dan's services to invesitgate, as a result Nelson was arrested after his lifestyle had been monitored by Dan. Nelson was given a 3 year sentence on two charges Arson and fraud after the Insurance had paid out: most of the money was recovered.He had served two and half years of the sentence.

Nelson Raines was given parole and released from custody. He had to report to his parole office once every two weeks for 6 month's But Raines had other ideas which were far from law abiding, he felt Dan had removed his short lavish lifestyle and he wanted it back. He had been planning his revenge plot whilst awaiting parole. Raines did report to his parol office while he finalised his plan to kidnap Melissa, raines idea being to remove that part of Dan's life as he had done to him in order to get his life back as it was.

Tim's mobile rang he was on the phone for sometime, then he hung up and dialled a number and was again on the phone for some time then he hung up. Dan 'What's happening Tim' I got a call from the parole office one of there Parolee's was a Nelson'.Dan interrupted 'RAINES' he finished Tim's sentence for him. 'I kept obs on him as he was suspected of defrauding a Insurance company and burning his business to make a claim on his Insurance they actually paid out 300.000 to him, but noticed his lifestyle changed immediately so they asked me to investigate. ' Well he was released 2 months ago on condition he reported to his parol officer every two weeks this he was doing, but he missed his last report time and has made no contact with the office' Tim told Dan. Dan found the file on Raines on his computer and let Tim read through all the file. 'So now we can look at his record on our system," I have already contacted our records office and they will fax his record here when accessed then we can form a profile of Raines" Tim said.

Tim and Dan made there way to the location where the Toyota was burnt out. Dan took his compass and ordnance map with him. on arrival the car was an indescribable wreck. Dan worked out the map reference of the car then looked at the map co-ordinates given him on the phone. The location was it seemed at an old Mill some 15 clicks further on from the car wreck making it about 40 clicks from Dan's home.

Back at the house Dan examined the map, he accessed a sattelite link site on his computer and after a while found the access point and zoomed in on the old Mill he was able to get a good lay out of the old Mill and printed it off in readiness for a briefing or operation to be put together. Tim pointed out that sending a helicopter into the vicinity with infra red may be spotted and endanger Malissa's safety.

The fax arrived Raines had previous convictions over the years, some minor assaults petty theft as a kid,possession of firearm without a licence and traffic violations. but no offences using a firearm and no robberies.

His case history revealed that his business had got into financial difficulty which led up to the Arson, and also his wife had left him as a result of his mental state which she could not cope with any longer, but he had never assaulted her.


14 hours left to the deadline: Dan was a registered P.I. so was licensed to carry a firearm and could make arrests which he had done in the past, but he had never used his firearm only his skills from his previous profession in self defence and confrontation techniques, which Tim knew could be deadly.

The door opened and Raines entered with more fruit and water for Melissa, he guided her to the table so as she could eat and drink, but this time ran his hand along her thigh and up over her ample breasts, Melissa leapt up from the chair and caught Raines in the groin with her elbow' Yelling' You perverted sick bastard'. Raines reacted slapping her hard across the face and throwing her back onto the bed. 'Your Dan has not many hours to save you bitch 'he shouted in a deranged voice, leaving the room and slamming the door.

The home phone rang: Dan answered. An enraged Raines spoke ' Your bitch is not very co-operative Dan she has nice thighs and breasts'.Dan clenched his fists and took a deep breath before answering Raines. 'Your hours are numbered' The phone went dead. ' Sorry Tim 'Dan said. 'Its okay Dan we have an operation briefing here in 3 hours'.

Dan had never had a case that involved his Melissa being involved like this or even threatened, Tim did not know that Dan had put a plan together because of the location and isolation of the Mill, it was impossible for police to access from any direction without being noticed. what was in his favour was only Tim knew of Dan's past profession prior to being a P.I. it had never been revealed to anyone else not even Melissa.There was no memorabilia or commendations displayed about his past in Dan's house, all anyone knew was he was in the forces for a long time.

The briefing time arrived (11 hours left to the deadline). Maps were displayed and the satellite print of the scene: Tim opened the briefing bringing the officers up to date with the situation. The nearest deployment point was 4 clicks away.Dan interrupted: "Raines will know that is your nearest gathering point that's why he has chosen the 'Old Mill". "What do you have in mind Dan" Tim asked . Dan spoke "I need to speak to you in private Tim".

Dan relayed his plan to Tim  and gave him an alternative deployment point point a further 5 clicks away which was a Motel suggesting a small team went to the Motel as if on a stag night and hire rooms and wait a call from Dan.No one was to be told of Dan's plan.

He would go by motor cycle to a remote spot hide the bike then make his way on foot to the old Mill and try to locate Melissa.The deadline was 0600 hours. He would give Tim two clicks on the radio on arrival.

The Home phone rang. Dan answered: Raines voice spoke "Listen carefully come to the Mill alone if I see Police Melissa dies, at the Mill you will see an old silo with a bottom panel missing place the money in clean notes inside you must use a red hold all then you will see Melissa again" the phone went dead.

Dan had one last word with Tim then went to his private room upstairs and prepared to get on the road. He had a red hold all which he placed in a black bag the hold all he packed with old newspapers. He packed surveillance clothing in a separate bag and re-hydration packs so no food was needed, also night vision binoculars infar red that strapped to your head, his commando knife and plastic hand cuff strips and blackening paste for his face also a balaclava, also a covert radio for which Tim already had one. He looked at his pistol which was a 'Gloch' but left in the drawer, last thing was camoflauge netting which he rolled into a tight ball and a mini flexible telescope.

Dan showered changed into normal clothing: Lowered all his gear from the window onto the lawn below, as he did not want any suspicion from the Police Team at the house, as only Tim knew his plan. Dan went downstairs. His last comment to Tim so everyone could hear was. ' I am just going out to the shop ' Tim knew this was the start.

Dan went to the side of the house and collected his gear, then took off on his motor cycle. The journey would not take him long. Check watch 0100 hours. 30 mins to the point where he would hide motor cyle change into operational gear and make the rest of the journey jogging about 3 clicks(1.8 miles) from the Mill, Dan could cover this distance in a short time. once out of the town area and into the country side Dan killed the lights on the motorcycle. 30 mins as planned he arrived at a small copse,hid the motor cycle and changed into his surveillance gear. Once ready he scanned the area ahead the terrain was flat with bushes not very high, Dan could only just make out one of the tall chimneys at the old mill in the distance. Check watch now 0200 hours 4 hours to go. Dan set off jogging red hold all still in black bag.He allowed more than enough time to cover the distance. Period watch checks and scans of the mill as it became closer, he had made god time so slowed his pace. 0230 hours Dan entered a dyke the Mill was now only about 400 metres away, he scanned with infer red and located the silo. His plane was to get as close as possible and try to locate Malissa's whereabouts with plenty  of time before dead line. He hid the hold all,he had brought this in case he needed to use this option but he wanted to locate Melissa and take Raines out of the picture .

Tim and the team moved from the house towards the Motel having earlier made the call and booked in as a stag night, they travelled in a mini bus.At the Motel the team played the part of a stag night crawl and moved cases of beer into there rooms and all sat around the mini bus drinking from beer cans filled with coffee, then later moved to there rooms as if all drunk, then it was a waiting game for them. Tim had his covert radio switched on and 0230 hours heard two clicks on the radio, this told him that Dan was at the Mill, his radio looked exactly the same as the ones his guys were using but had additional channels at this time he was on Tim's channel.

Dan scanned the Mill there were no signs of lights, he stealthily moved closer, his face blackened also wearing his balaclava and wearing black surveillance suit which was similiar to a flying suit with pockets to cater for every piece of equipment that was needed, Dan had consumed two sachets of re-hydration fluid after his short effortless jog. His infar-red sights were strapped to his head. How he wished had heat seeking equipment at this time, but never mind. There was a cloud cover which Dan was pleased about and a slight breeze.Dan moved from hide to hide around the Mill, there was an old office block he noticed as he reached the far side of the mill it was in darkness with one door as he could see but a two storey building with a flat roof.There were some old pallets not far from the building, Dan moved to the pallets and gathered his thoughts about how to check this building.Can I get onto the roof or check the windows without being detected he thought.Watch check 0330 hours two and half hours to deadline.

Melissa was trying to sleep but feeling exhausted from the situation: Raines entered the room with water and switched the light on. This was his his mistake but he did not know this.

Dan was planning his approach when a light came on in the building on the ground floor. He gave three clicks on the covert radio this told Tim target located.Time 0355 hours

Back at the Motel Tim was wondering how Dan was progressing in his quest, when his radio clicked three times. Tim instructed to his men to get equipped ready for a moments deployment at any time.

Dan worked out the co-ordinates locating the office block and sent a text message to Tim then turned off his mobile once the delivered notification arrived.

Dan was thinking if the light is on then maybe Raines is in the room with Malissa: Dan moved so that he was on the dark side of the building:

Colours and numbers were used to describe the building: Example front of building WHITE: Rear BLACK: Left side GREEN : Right side RED:

Numbering is used to locate windows and entry points such as doors and always started at bottom left to right if there is more than one floor having reached the right side the numbers continue from left again, same on each side of building.If there was a window it just had a number if it was a door it would have a 'D' added.

Dan wanted to scan each side of the building to see if there was a, window open or another door. On the black side Dan noted there was a 2d (Door at the rear of the building) He focused his night site, there seemed to be no lock only a hasp for a padlock but no padlock, surely its not this simple he thought.

Watch check 0425 hours: Dan was cool and calm and not worried there was only one half hours left, but he wanted to try and take out Raines from the picture before the dead line: Dan scanned moved to the White side, the light was off. Raines must have left the room, two choices try to get to Melissa and remove her to safety or seek out Raines and remove him. Melissa option better, Dan scanned again then moved stealthily to to where the light was on. The window was caked in dust and had a wooden frame with large individual panes of puttied glass. He had to get Malissa'a attention first. Dan took a pen light from his pocket and did a quick flash through the window to try to locate Melissa in the room if indeed she was here. Two flashes bed spotted Melissa seen hands tied on bed. Dan intermittently flashed the pen light on her face, hoping she would not be startled and scream out, but Dan knowing Malissa'a resolve she would not do this, three more flashes she stirred and looked at the window: Dan shone the torch on his own face, it was as if she knew Dan was coming, her face smiled.

Now Dan checked the window frame, how far from this room was`Raines as there were no more lights on, Raines must be living in the dark or sleeping Dan thought. There were two rusty hinges on one window, Dan took out his commando knife and set to work on the hinges, but used a piece of cloth between knife and hinge to lessen any noise slowly he made progress but not quick enough, he removed one hinge, pulled the window slowly the other hinge gave way. Dan was inside as quick as lightning.

Moved Melissa to the window she was halfway out the window when Dan heard the door handle to the room without thought he shoved Melissa out the window and in a low voice 'Run for cover.'Dan swiftly moved across the room and stood ready on the hinged side of the door, the door handle stopped moving the door never opened Dan heard movement outside the door, sal he could do at this time was listen, he heard footsteps fading away. His thoughts were shit shit Melissa why has Raines not entered the room. no time to wait. Dan sent 4 clicks then 5 clicks on the radio.

Tim got 4 clicks on the covert radio meaning deploy to location, then he got 5 clicks meaning Hostage (Melissa freed) but no signal that Raines apprehended: Tim ordered men to deploy to the co-ordinates Dan had given.

Dan thought to himself can forget the deadline at 0600 hours as long as Malissa has got herself away, but now to locate Raines and deal with him. Dan did an automatic time check anyway 0455 hour.

Dan could hear nothing tried the door it was locked,Dan didn't want to alarm Raines by trying to open the door. So he returned to the window scanned outside, no sign of Melissa, so exit the window, dropping into a crouched position, Dan needed to confirm Raines was still in the building, this would make a finale easy when Tim and the team arrived contain the building and talk Raines out which ever case may be.Dan had to decide wait for Tim or try to locate Raines,Dan was calculative and cool and not letting Melissa's demise rule his actions.

Dan suddenly spun round he recognised the sinister sound of a hand gun being discharged:

Adrenalin surged through Dan’s veins, where had the gun shot come from had Raines found Melissa.

Dan acted swiftly and professionally back through the window no time to waste over to the door frame, he wedged his commando knife between door lock and frame and pulled back on his knife springing the lock from the keep. Swiftly through the door into a crouched position he glanced left and right, the passage was shorter to the right with one more door he moved on opened the door room empty glaring into the shadows. Dan had activated the night rods (If your eyesight suddenly goes from light to darkness you can activate the night rods of your eyesight by moving your eyes from left to right two or three times this accustoms your eyesight to the darkness more quickly) Back past the door from the room Melissa had been in, Clear downstairs first locate the stairs. All rooms were clear downstairs. But Dan noticed the door on the black side of the building was ajar where before it was closed. His senses told him that Raines had left the building; he did the unusual and decided not to clear upstairs.

Before leaving the building he called Tim on the Covert radio and quickly brought him up-to date. This was Dan’s first verbal communication since embarking on his operation. His goal now was to locate Raines and Melissa: He left via the door on the black side. Dan moved to the black red corner of the building and scanned with his night aid, he decided to move back to the pallets, where the hell is Melissa he thought and where is Raines.

Dan scanned need to search in a grid, so he created a mental area to search using the steel girders of the mill as guide lines. He moved from girder to girder searching and clearing logging in his mind where he had searched. The sound of what seemed like corrugated iron moving made him spin to the sound of the noise, again scanning with night aid, there was a pile of corrugated iron leant up against some breeze blocks, Dan could see nothing or was there something or someone hidden underneath he approached aware if it was Raines that he had a pistol, knife in hand deal with any situation as it arises following his instincts, suddenly a cat leapt from the corrugated as he got nearer. It did not alarm Dan as he was mentally prepared for any scenario at this point.

Tim and his team were now in a position to see the Mill in the distance; Tim let Dan know via the radio. They were about half a kilometre away, Dan told Tim to hold up in a cordon until he called again. He wanted to locate Raines. Out of the corner of his eye Dan saw a movement he dropped to the ground and used the night aid, what or who was it again, was it the bloody cat again he thought. He saw a shadow in the distance male or female he was not sure, it could not be Melissa as she would have hidden herself or kept running. Dan moved crawling along the ground as this made his body less likely to be spotted. Another gun shot rang out from behind him, Tim and his team heard this also, but Tim did not re-act as he knew what Dan could deal with. Dan moved towards the area where he had heard the shot. A voice shouted ‘She is dead Dan fuck you ‘ Dan seethed wanting revenge but knew Raines may be bluffing, there was no need for Dan to remind himself to remain alert  and calculating another gun shot this time Dan heard the bullet whistle above him, he searched with the night aid. Tim had heard the shots and called Dan to check he was okay. Dan advised Tim and team to move forward intermittently, no sign of Melissa as yet.

Raines was infuriated that Dan had found and released Melissa now he had just wanted to kill both of them; his whole plan had gone wrong he knew he would be back in prison so he had nothing to lose. He didn’t know where Dan’s lady was he had searched and searched.

Dan thinking where is Melissa where is Raines, the guy must be in panic mode as he had been shooting at shadows or was nervous, this would make him more unpredictable in his actions. The shot had come from the vicinity of the silo where the money drop was planned. Was Raines secreted inside the silo where the panel was missing Dan thought to himself? Must force Raines to make a mistake, Dan spoke to Tim on the radio?  Requesting the team move closer in an attempt to try and pin Raines down and maybe locate Melissa. Once in position the mill area would be colour coded same as the office block so that the team knew the location of each other. After only a few minutes all officers were in position, any movement from Raines leaving the Mill periphery would be seen, now it was just a case of locating his whereabouts, Dan needed to check the silo out. With commando knife griped between his Dan crawled towards the silo, as he passed by an open drain cover having cleared it earlier he suddenly reacted swiftly spinning and grabbing with force what had grabbed his left ankle at the same time taking knife from its location ready to attack.

Melissa started shaking in panic, she had hidden herself in an empty drainage pit, but had seen Dan crawling past and grabbed his left ankle. She gasped at the pain inflicted by Dan’s grip on her wrist at the same time the point of his knife was at her throat.

Dan called Tim on his radio informing him he had Melissa, a shot rang out, Dan winced he had felt this searing pain before, he looked down and blood was soaking the covert suit from his right thigh, a quick examination a bullet had grazed deeply into his thigh but it was only a flesh wound.

Raines knew the police were in the location now: Where are they he thought to himself, where is Dan, where is his women he was nervous and panicking, he had a firearm before but had never used one like this, the discharges he had made were reactions from hearing a noise or seeing a shadow, one movement that had made him fire the weapon was a cat running in the distance. Nervous perspiration ran down his face he was not aware that one of his discharges had been lucky and winged Dan.

Tim called Dan on the radio suggesting he call Raines to try and locate him also this may distract him to allow Dan to move Melissa away from the scene. Tim called Raines ‘This is the Police we are armed lay down your weapon and show yourself’ ‘Fuck you bastards’ Raines shouted. Raines voice did seem to be coming from near the silo, Dan informed Tim of his thoughts. Tim continued to call Raines.

Dan moved Melissa from the drain whilst Tim was calling Raines to distract him two shots rang out.

Raines was desperate: He heard the Police announce there presence. He had all sorts of thoughts flowing threw his mind these were confusing him he could not think what to do; I am going to die he thought to himself. I will kill Dan and Police he thought before I die. More thoughts shall I give myself up but a voice in his head was saying don’t be stupid you want to back to prison take the bastards out kill. The loss of his business and loss of his wife and time spent in prison had affected him mentally; he had seen the prison doctor but it didn’t seem to help him sort his head out.

Time was on Dan’s side and the same with Tim and his men. Dan moved Melissa away to one of the containment officers, once Melissa safe Dan left them and returned; now he could go for it and locate Raines and deal with him hopefully. Tim was calling Raines now Dan started calling Raines, the idea was to confuse Raines he was now getting voices from two different locations:

Raines thinking to himself got to get out of here, got to kill on my way out, I want that bloody Private Investigator he ruined my life. Raines did not understand that everything that had happened and went wrong was his fault, the voice in his head was telling him everyone it to blame for what has happened to me.

Now that the operation was progressing Melissa was away from the scene and Mill area contained. Tim spoke to Dan and more officers were called for also the force helicopter which had heat seeking equipment.

Dan got to the silo with the missing panel he was secreted underneath the opening. He picked up a stone and threw it into the silo it rattled noisily on the aluminium panels. No response another stone no response. Dan took out his flexible scope, this piece of equipment was small and efficient it allowed you to scan areas without putting you at risk. The silo was clear. Dan informed Tim.

Raines heard the noise from the silo and scuttled to some disused skips there were 8 of them he hid amongst them. One clip left of bullets he thought need this for self preservation and killing. He was now on the green side of the building. What he didn’t know was that he had been spotted by a containment officer.

Dan moved towards the skips stealthily he was now about 30 metres from the skips, he moved to the outermost skip and waited. Raines didn’t know that Dan was about 3 metres from him. Dan did not know exactly the location of Raines but experience told him he will be hidden in the middle of the skips. How much ammunition has Raines got Dan thought.

Raines heard a voice shout. Come out we know where you are Raines; come out with your hands up. Raines panicked leapt up and started shooting blindly. Shit Shit Raines thought one bullet left Dam I wanted more for killing. I got to run I got to run he was shaking with nervousness. Shot Dan shoot Dan.

Dan told Tim to wait it was only a matter of time; lets not put any officers at risk. Tim concurred. Dan did a quick look past the skip nothing he moved to the side quick look again there was space between two skips he moved between them.  Neither Dan nor Raines knew they were within three skips of each other. Dan tuned his ears to listen for the lightest movement. One of Tim’s team was a marksman and had moved to the green side his rifle scope fixed on the area of the skips, the marksmen knew where Dan was secreted but it meant he had to take to things into consideration now instead of one.

Dan waited. Officers shouted Raines to come out, Raines did not respond. Dan listened. Then he got what he had been waiting for he heard a slight movement against a skip. Dan decided get a reaction make him use ammunition or make a mistake, then the marksmen could take him out. Dan deliberately made a noise, there was a shot it hit his skip. The marksmen took off the safety catch on his rifle and asked for permission to shoot if necessary; he got the all go, but had not seen his target:

The voices in Raines head were confusing him: You fool now you have no killing power, now what drop the gun and run run run he thought, no gun they will not shoot me I can get away find a weapon to kill Dan. Raines waited, then he heard a sound in the distance, he was angry the noise was getting nearer, shit it’s a helicopter, he heard the rotaries whirring.

Dan’s right leg thigh was burning, He decided now go now. Dan lunged at the skip pushing it forward. Raines made his move leapt up and started running leaving the skips; he had left his weapon on the ground. Police shouting stop stop. Dan took off after Raines his leg painful but he mentally blocked out the pain: Tim told officers to wait. He had secured his knife but had easy access if needed, Raines was running sweating, thinking where do I run into the darkness find something to protect myself as he ran he scooped up a short piece of what looked like scaffold pole he kept running, Dan was gaining on Raines. The helicopter was now spotlighting Raines. Raines shouting ‘Fuck you all’. His lungs were burning with the effort and nervous exhaustion. Raines voices were saying turn hit Dan with the pole. Dan was only feet away and about to tackle Raines. Raines spun around swung the pole at Dan hitting him on the left shoulder, wincing pain but Dan reacted grabbed the pole with his right hand and with the heel of his left hand drove it into Raines face, Raines screamed with pain and kicked out at Dan shouting Die Die. Dan swept his leg across Raines legs taking him off balance they both went to the ground, Raines was struggling fighting for his life nothing mattered now. He bit Dan on his face; blood poured from the flesh Raines mouth had ripped away.

Tim’s team were now rushing to help Dan. Although Dan was in pain he now went into a different mode. This guy is strong Dan thought, but it was to no avail for Raines. Dan drew back his hand and landed it with such force on Raines face you could hear the bones breaking and the flesh bursting, he then landed a powerful blow to Raines kneecap. Raines screamed in pain helpless now as his smashed kneecap had immobilised him. Dan stood up as Tim and the guys arrived looked a Raines and said ‘You will not fuck with me or Melissa ever again. The adrenalin started to ebb from Dan’s body. Watch check 0700 hours. Officers cuffed Raines and led him away. Dan was feeling the pain now, but it didn’t matter.

Tim ‘Well done mate you okay’ Dan ‘I have never felt better my old friend but I am not amused’ Tim ‘What’s up mate’ The bastard took a lump out of my youthful face ‘ They both started laughing.

THE END