Sisters - Michelle Frances Page 0,96

hour.’

An hour. She could spare an hour or so, couldn’t she?

‘I’ve got pictures of Antibes . . .’

Ellie smiled. It was funny how life was always unexpectedly spinning you around, she thought as she arranged to meet Fredrik in the bar downstairs in – she checked her watch – less than an hour.

Fredrik hung up his mobile and placed it sombrely on the desk in the police station. Shrugged.

‘It’s all arranged?’ asked Santini.

‘I said I would, didn’t I?’ said Fredrik.

Lieutenant Colonel Baroni saw Santini narrow his eyes and quickly jumped in. She smiled at Fredrik in what she hoped was a reassuring manner. ‘Excellent. I thought you handled that really well.’ She kept her excitement at bay; it was essential he didn’t back out of their agreement.

‘And you say she had nothing to do with the shooting? That man?’

‘It’s her sister we want. Obviously the news report didn’t specify where our suspicions lie – the press don’t know. I want to thank you again for getting in touch.’

‘Like I said, I recognized the photos. I was worried.’

Baroni smiled at him again. ‘I’m glad you cared enough to call. We need to protect Ellie. And you’re the one who can lead us to her sister.’ She stood up. ‘The car’s ready.’

She indicated the door and Fredrik followed her out of the office.

‘Remember,’ said Baroni as they walked down the corridor, Santini bringing up the rear, ‘there are going to be several vehicles watching. You’ll be miked and we’ll be able to hear everything. She may lead us to Abby straight away, but if not, I want you to keep her talking.’ She placed a hand on Fredrik’s shoulder. ‘She may well be scared of her. It’s a good thing you’re doing. Ellie’s the innocent one here.’

She led Fredrik out of the building but faltered as she saw Matteo waiting, leaning against a wall. Quickly, she took Fredrik over to the unmarked car and opened the door for him, but not quickly enough. Matteo, spotting her, came running up, pushing aside Santini’s outstretched arm of obstruction.

Baroni swore under her breath.

‘Going somewhere?’ asked Matteo.

‘Don’t interfere with my investigation,’ said Baroni in a low voice. She deliberately kept her tone pleasant; there was no need to alarm the witness.

Matteo indicated Fredrik. ‘Who the hell is this?’

‘Never you mind,’ said Santini.

Fredrik looked from Matteo to Santini, curious at the obvious tension between them. ‘Fredrik Andersen.’ He held out a hand.

Baroni stepped between the two men and nodded towards the inside of the car. A driver was sitting in the front, waiting for them. ‘We need to get going,’ she said firmly and put her hand on Fredrik’s arm, guiding him into the vehicle. Then she got in next to him, Santini sitting up front. Before she could close the door, Matteo bent down, held it open.

‘Are you going to see Abby?’

‘Remove your hand, please,’ said Baroni.

‘That’s a yes, isn’t it? Where is she?’

‘Want me to do something, Boss?’ asked Santini, watching carefully.

Baroni looked at Matteo and spoke calmly. ‘You need to remove your hand immediately or I’ll have you arrested for obstructing this investigation.’

Furious, Matteo knew when he was beaten. He took his hand from the car and Baroni pulled the door shut. Within seconds they were away.

SEVENTY-TWO

Ellie lay on the bed, waiting for Abby to come out of the shower. She was alternately buffeted between a sense of liberation at meeting Fredrik and nerves at telling Abby. Wondering how best to phrase it.

The bathroom door opened and her sister came in, towelling off her hair.

‘That felt so good,’ said Abby.

Ellie nodded. Maybe she’d build her up to it slowly. Abby, I think we can afford to take a bit of a breather, don’t you? Just for a couple of hours?

‘What the hell is that?’

Ellie looked up to see her sister stock-still, staring at her bed. Or rather the phone on her bed.

Damn, she’d forgotten to put it away!

‘What’s going on?’ asked Abby.

‘I just spoke to Fredrik,’ said Ellie, smiling. ‘He left me a message and so I just called him back. You’re never going to believe this – he’s really close by! I’m going to meet him for a drink.’

Abby’s jaw dropped. ‘You what?’

‘Oh, come on, Abby. It’ll only be for an hour or so. He’s going back to Norway, so chances are I’ll never see him again.’

‘Have you lost your mind?’

Ellie bit her tongue. It was important she stayed calm. ‘No, Abby, I haven’t lost my mind.’

Abby picked up the phone, held it