El Pantera: No-one said it would be easy. Page 6

  Steve couldn’t wait, “They failed you for those reasons.”

  “No, there was more,” again she paused, then rapidly said “they said I was a natural, intelligent, quick thinking, good with languages and accents, I did it, I got through!” Steve could hear the excitement in her voice. “They told me they would work on my self-defence and that the lack of police experience was a bonus, yabadabadoo bonny lad.”

  By this time Bert and a couple of Sarah’s colleagues were standing close to Steve, watching Steve’s expressions and one-sided conversation. Steve looked at Bert and gave him a wink, “Congratulations, that’s fantastic, how many passed?”

  “Just two, it was tough Steve.”

  “Aye, they don’t pass many, just shows how special you are, Bert and the team want me to pass on their congratulations to you, well done.”

  “It’s great to hear your voice Steve, it feels like ages since I talked to you. Have you been up to much this last 10 days?”

  He raised his eyebrows, “No, not much, took Trigger home, that was fun.”

  “I bet the kids were excited.”

  “Laura didn’t know, she nearly knocked him off his feet when she jumped on him, the kids were great.”

  “That’s smashing for him and the family.”

  “Oh, something else, I’ve booked us a short holiday.”

  “Really,” Sarah sounded excited, “When, where to, Benidorm, Malaga, Majorca, I don’t care, just tell is?”

  “We’re leaving on Sunday and get back the following Monday.”

  “Have you sorted it out with Bert, you’re a gem, so where are we going?”

  “Yes, it’s sorted, I hope you like it.”

  Sarah couldn’t wait, “Will you just tell is?”

  “Panama.” There was a silence for a few seconds, Steve waited.

  “That sounds great, are you okay about it?”

  “I am, you don’t sound too sure.”

  “Steve, I’m really, really excited and I know I will love it, seeing the things you’ve seen, the places. Will you meet any of the team you worked with when we go over?”

  “I wasn’t planning on it, I’ve booked a great hotel on the beach, we can visit the islands, you will love it there, maybe even stop a night. The city, canal, jungle trip, just have fun.”

  “Steve, how much is this costing, it can’t be cheap?”

  “I’ve paid, my pressie for passing the assessment. It will be a great experience as well, seeing the Latin country, it can add to your new history. We’ll get plenty of photos of you on the beach, on a yacht, drinking cocktails.”

  “Can I give you something for it?”

  “I’m expecting you to.”

  “You cheeky,” She stopped herself and laughed. “I should be landing about 6 if everything goes okay, I’ll just get a cab, are we going out for a drink?”

  “Whay aye, stupid, we’re celebrating. See you when you get here.”

  Sunday 7th May

  They were both finishing packing their suitcases in their apartments, Sarah had done some necessity shopping for new swim wear and holiday clothes, sun protector, flip flops. Steve had his four pairs of swim shorts, two of which he had taken on his first visit to Panama. He took the opportunity to phone Trigger.

  “Hi Steve, okay mate?”

  “Yes, great Trigger, I know it’s early days but how are you, Laura and the kids?”

  “Great mate, will be better when they get back to school this week, I’m knackered.”

  “Making up for lost time, anyway, just to let you know, it’s started.”

  “Oh, yes, right, do I have to do anything?”

  “No, just leave it to me but I’m away with Sarah for a week so it will be the week after, but wheels are in motion.”

  “Thanks for keeping me in the loop as they say. Where are you off to, anywhere nice?”

  “I’m taking Sarah to Panama.”

  “Do you think that’s wise, after what went on there.?”

  “That’s the kind of reaction I got from Sarah, but she didn’t say the words. Yes, I like the place, despite some of the memories. I suppose I’ll find out when I get there, I’ll call you when I get back.”

  Three hours later, Sarah and Steve had boarded the Iberia direct 11-hour flight, from Madrid Barajas airport to Panama Tocumen airport.

  It was a year to the day since Filipe had boarded the canal cruise and met Susannah and Maria. So much had happened in one year.

  Tuesday 9th May

  Leon had taken a taxi from the airport and was sitting on the sofa in Steve’s apartment. He was calculating the time in Panama, it was 15:32 on the digital clock, 08.52 in Panama. He made a call and waited for activation, Steve answered, “Hi mate, how’s things.”

  “Great, I’m in your apartment. I’ll have a walk out later, how’s the holiday going?”

  “We’re loving it, just chilled out yesterday on the beach, around the pool and stayed in the hotel last night, it’s very good.”

  “Is Sarah enjoying it.”

  “She is loving it. We had some champagne on the flight, then a great day topping up her tan yesterday and more today. We’re going into Panama City tonight, a few bars, something to eat, show her some sights.”

  “Good ones I hope”

  “Yeah definitely, planning on going to the Pearl Islands on Thursday, we might stop over.”

  “You aren’t doing any recent history stuff then?”

  “No, it’s a holiday and Sarah is out of the way, you know. I’ve talked her into going back to Newcastle when we get back, chance to see her parents, as she’s going to be on the course a long time. It works all ways. Are you sorted for tomorrow?”

  “Just got to get my train tickets. Can I ring you same time on Thursday?”

  “You can try, but I might not get a signal, but keep trying, I want to know how it goes. I’m sure it will be okay; she is a killer, so remember do not do anything stupid”

  “I know what I’m doing, we both do. Anyway, enjoy the rest of your holiday, give Sarah my love.”

  chapter 5

  Wednesday 10th May

  The crowds were looking at the majestic aqueduct that Segovia is famous for. Built at the command of the Roman Emperor Trajan 1900 years ago and still carries water from the Frio River into Segovia. A magnificent structure, Leon looked at the height and length of the stone aqueduct as he walked to his meeting place. Gabi was stood in the crowds, she noticed him from his description given to her by Steve. She waited and watched behind him and around him, she could not see any followers, but she now knew the teams were good. When she was satisfied that he wasn’t being followed or watched, she walked to the Bar El Desvan.

  The bar was very busy with tourists, the tables were full and the staff were very busy. They both instantly recognised each other so there was no need for any introductions. Leon stood as Gabi walked to the table, they kissed each other on both cheeks then sat opposite each other, as they looked at each other, nothing was said. The waiter stopped as he was passing and took the order from Leon for two glasses of white wine.

  Leon spoke first, “Is it okay to speak English, my Spanish is not very good?”

  Gabi nodded and smiled.

  Leon continued, “I’m not wired, if that’s why you’re not speaking?”

  “No, I just like looking at you.”

  “Gabi, that I believe is a compliment and I thank you. I think you’re a beautiful woman, but we’re not going to get much talking done, about what we are supposed to meet for, if we just look at each other.”

  “Do you have to leave quick for some reason?”

  “No, I don’t, I have all day, tomorrow too if need be.”

  Gabi’s smile widened, “Then we can get to know each other first, then we can talk, the talk.”

  The waiter delivered the glasses of wine and continued on with his large round tray full of drinks to other customers.

  Leon sipped from the glass, “This is no place to talk, too busy, too noisy.”

  Gabi raised her glass, “It is a good place to meet,” she opened a small bag and placed a 10 Euro note under her full glass, “follow me now.”

  She walked into the bar closely followed by Leon, they walked through the door towards the toilets, down some steps and through an open door into the street behind the bar, she deactivated the alarm on a red Audi S5 hardtop convertible, “Get in, we can go somewhere quieter.”

  She drove away slowly out of the town then lowered the roof; the music was playing as the Audi sped along the carriageway towards their destination. Leon was impressed as the Audi was driven through the large metal ornate gates of the Parador de Turismo de la Granja de San Lldefeuso, a beautiful building and hotel. The car was parked and the roof raised automatically as they were walking towards the hotel entrance. Gabi led, Leon was close behind, as they walked through the hotel into the magnificent gardens at the rear of the hotel. She walked to a small table and took a seat with a view of the gardens, Leon sat next to her. They were quickly attended to by one of the numerous, immaculately presented staff, who took the order and left immediately.

  Leon was liking what he saw, the gardens and Gabi. A usual starter, “Do you come here often?”

  “Now, why would you want to know that?”

  “It’s not a trick question, forget it. I’m not here to track you down, I could have arrested you when we met, Steve could have done. The reason I’m here, is because my mate Steve asked me to meet you. For all intents and purposes, I do not know who you are, I don’t know what you have done, you are just another woman.”

  “I am certainly not just another woman.”

  Leon looking her in the eyes, “As far as I’m concerned you are just another woman, a good-looking woman, but you are
just another woman I have met.”

  “So, you are wanting to use me?”

  “That’s what you asked Steve for, to use the information you have about, certain things, so, yes, I am wanting to use you.”

  “Is that all?”

  Leon thought about what he wanted to say without losing any trust. “Gabi, I have never met you before, you are a stunning woman, rich possibly, you have the sign of wealth and you know how to use it, that is my first impression of you. However, I do know that you’ve killed three men, when allegedly being passionate with them, you’ve also killed an English police officer. That does not fill me with confidence about being a close friend, if you know what I mean?”

  “I know what you say is right, I admitted it to Gloria and Jessica, but I am not a killer. The only friend I have now is Gloria, I do not have friends. I only keep in touch with Gloria by my mobile, I have no love, no warmth in my heart. I don’t know you, but I like you, you have a nice smile, you look a warm person, I do trust you, I want you to trust me.”

  The waiter brought the white wine and an ice bucket on a stand, he opened the bottle and poured a small sample into the glass of Gabi, she waved for him to pour wine in both glasses, he did then draped a white cotton towel around the neck of the bottle, placed the bottle into the ice then left the area of the table. They both raised their glass and clinked them together, Gabi said, “For trust.” and looked into the eyes of Leon.

  “For trust” he answered.

  Leon then discussed what Steve and he had planned, which would hopefully keep Steve out of the connection. There was the problem about some person not being Steve checking the information from Trigger and tracing it back to Gabi before Leon was introduced.

  Gabi was quiet throughout and let Leon make the explanation. She asked, “Where did I meet you?”

  Leon was puzzled, “When?”

  She repeated the question, “Where did I meet you?”

  “At the bar near to the aqueduct.”

  “And that is the first time you have met me, seen me?”

  “Yes.”

  “How did you know it was me?”

  “You looked like someone I know.”

  “So, you sat next to me because I looked like someone you know?”

  “What are you getting at here? Yes, I did, why?”

  “We don’t need any introduction, we have met ourselves, at a historic famous place and we have had a drink and a relationship is building.”

  Leon took a drink of his wine and was thinking, “But, how did you know who I was?”

  “I didn’t, we just got on, I’m sure a man like you, likes to talk with beautiful women, sometimes?”

  “Sometimes, I see where you are coming from, tell me if I’m wrong. You and me become, friends, you find out I am a police officer then tell me what you know and I go in and find out, then tell Steve and we do the operation.”

  “Yes, but I am not involved in the operation, nowhere, I don’t want to be, I have only been in to find out and tell you. You can take over from me.”

  “Yes, that’s possible, we need to talk about it a bit more. Just friends?”

  Gabi, “Yes, close friends, you can strip search me anytime you want officer, everywhere.”

  Leon did not need his day return ticket for the train.

  Thursday 11th May

  Gabi was driving at a steady 125 kph on the A50 towards Salamanca heading for Pontevedra. Leon was dozing in the passenger seat; it would be a 4-hour journey. The music was playing U2 ‘Where the streets have no name.” He tried to tell a joke about a U2 sat nav system, where the streets have no name. Gabi didn’t understand, it was his last attempt to stay awake.

  When he woke up from his sleep, the windscreen wipers were clearing away the steady rain falling from the sullen grey clouds, miserable English weather he thought. They passed a motorway sign, Vigo 130 kilometres. Another hour, the music continued, Springsteen, the lady liked good music.

  Gabi turned the music off, “You remember everything about last night?”

  “Yes of course I do.”

  “What we were talking about, the introduction.”

  “Yes, I remember that as well.” He smiled, she smiled in the mirror.

  “We are going to meet in twenty minutes, you are okay, happy?”

  “I’m still alive, so I suppose I should be happy.”

  “I am serious, this has to go right, I’m your friend, you want more cocaine.”

  “Yes, yes. I have done it before; I know what I’m doing.”

  They were silent as the vehicle was driven off the motorway a few kilometres North from Pontevedra, it was driven into an industrial estate. Gabi parked outside a large factory unit, Leon waited in the car and watched as she entered by the office door.

  After a short wait the door opened, Gabi waved to Leon to enter the building. They went into the small office together, Leon quickly looked around the inside of the building, what he could see was empty space, a few pallets with large boxes stacked, not many. Leon was aware that this was the building where the slaughter had taken place on Monday, the drugs had been removed from the container and divided into the quantities wanted by each of the customers. They had made a good cleaning job of the unit after the slaughter.

  Gabi made the introduction, “Leon this is Lucas, Lucas, Leon.” the two men shook hands. Lucas was a typical businessman, dark suit, white shirt and a patterned tie, Leon thought he would be in his early fifties, fit, dark hair going grey, short and well styled, about 1.8 metres tall.

  Lucas started, “Your friend Gabi tells me you need to step up your quantities.”

  Leon nodded, “I have had some delivery problems from Andalucía.”

  “I hope you did not lose too much Leon, sometimes it can be painful.”

  “I lost money, lots of money, but I still have my freedom. I can get my money back soon, with your help hopefully.”

  “Well maybe we can both help, Gabi and I.”

  Leon looked at Gabi, then looked back at Lucas, “The plan was, Gabi and I would go into a partnership and build up what I had lost.”

  “Leon that’s an excellent plan but you have no money, well not enough to get what you would want. Unless you have a plan to get some more money, rob a bank maybe.”

  Leon looked at Gabi, “You told me you would help, you would get me some money.”

  Gabi shook her head, “I told you, I would help to get you money, that’s what I’m doing.”

  “No, no you’re not helping me. Give me what I want and I’ll pay off the debt straight away.”