called a mini-cab which took them on the fifteen-kilometre trip to a multi-storey car park in the centre of Bristol.
They headed up to the fifth floor, using a concrete staircase that reeked of urine, then along a corridor where Ryan knocked on a door with SANITATION written on it. It was opened by a dreadlocked man called Lou and they joined him in a gloomy room, with mops standing in metal buckets along one wall and shelves stacked with cleaning solutions.
Tou know the rules,?Lou said. Everyone has to be checked for bugs.?
T made the rules,?Ryan grinned, as he was padded down. Next, he pulled his T-shirt off, stepped out of his trainers and dropped his trousers down to his ankles. Once Lou finished inspecting Ryant trainers, he looked uneasily at Lauren.
T have to do the same for the little lady,?he said, clearly uncomfortable at the idea of asking an eleven-year-old to strip off in front of him.
Ttt OK,?Lauren smiled, as she pulled her T-shirt over her head. Ryan had told her not to bring her mobile phone and all she had in her pockets were door keys and a few pounds in change.
Once the formalities were over, Ryan and Lou pulled each other into a hug.
Long time no see,?Lou grinned. Eorry I didn't visit you inside, but Ire never been one for showing my face.?
Don't worry about that,?Ryan said. T appreciated people making the effort, but to be honest the company only made me feel worse.?
Lauren was intrigued by Lou as she slid her trainers back on. She thought sher seen surveillance pictures of all Ryant close associates, but this distinctive black man would have stuck out and sher definitely never seen a picture of him.
They headed back out into the car park and found a shabby Vauxhall Astra. Ryan joined Lou in the front and Lauren slid in the back.
Cars are a problem nowadays,?Lou explained, as he backed out of the parking spot. Theret speed cameras everywhere that can read your number plate. We never go anywhere near a raid in our own cars. I pick up cheap, nondescript motors at auctions and put false plates on them.?
Ryan nodded. Eounds expensive.?
Tt is that. I know you're no fan of Madeline Laing, but we're never left wanting for money. And as the police get their hands on better surveillance technology, our operations get more expensive.?
Te're slowly turning into a police state,?Ryan said.
Tou said it,?Lou nodded, as the car pulled out of the multi-storey and into daylight.
Eo, you and Anna keep it tight??
慥ery tight,?Lou said. Ttt basically us two and a few others from the old days. We're part of the Alliance, but we keep out of anything that takes place within five clicks of Malarek and stick to special operations. The only people we use regularly who you might not know are Annat eldest two daughters.?
T'll their godfather, as a matter of fact,?Ryan grinned. Tf I had two pennies to rub together, Ir have bought them an eighteenth birthday present.?
T'll told youre got a nice cottage back at Corbyn Copse.?
Thatt Zarat money talking: her husband was something in the oil industry and she got a juicy divorce settlement.?
Munny,?Lou smiled, T never saw you settling into a house with kids and that.?
Me neither,?Ryan said, as Lauren caught a glimpse of his face in the mirror. She could see how uncomfortable Ryan felt lying to his friend.
19. GIRLS
It was turning dark when the Astra pulled into a lay-by close to the junction of two busy A-roads. Lauren stepped out of the car as Lou gave her directions.
Tr take you up there, but we're running late. Just walk straight for about a kilometre. Itt safe, theret a grass verge all the way. The first building youEl come to is a modern house: red brick, plastic windows and a stable block out back. They know you're coming.?
That time should you be back??
Nard to say,?Lou shrugged. Depending on the breaks it could be any time between midnight and three in the morning.?
Mr not at all if we get nicked,?Ryan added.
慠ight,?Lauren said, as she leaned into the car and gave Ryan a kiss on the cheek. Aood luck, guys. I hope everything goes to plan.?
Thank you,?Ryan grinned, startled by Laurent apparently genuine burst of affection.
Once the car set off, Lauren began a slow trek towards the house. As she walked, she realised that she wanted Ryan, Lou and Anna to succeed in rescuing the dogs. She wished sher been able to go with them, because her