Page 92 of Sisters

‘It’s difficult...’ said Ellie. ‘You’ll be miles away from me anyway.’

‘We don’t know unless we look at the map.’

Ellie smiled, bit her lip. ‘OK, I’m in a village called Baleira.’

‘Baleira, Baleira,’ repeated Fredrik. ‘I’m just looking for it.’ He suddenly laughed out loud. ‘Are you serious? That’s so close to where I am! Come on, just for a short while?’

‘Honestly, I can’t. We’re kind of on the move.’

‘I can get in a taxi. Be with you in under an 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?’