Dancers--DS Connolly--Book Two by Natalie Hames

Author:Natalie Hames
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: british noir, british detective, london gangster fiction, vigilante justice, east end gangster books, hard boiled
Publisher: Beyond Fiction Publishing
Published: 2016-06-11T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

THERE WAS A BRIEF MOMENT, a matter of seconds, when Viv forgot the situation she was in until her senses fully awakened. She instinctively tried to open her eyes and felt the resistance of the tape sticking them down followed by pain as it pulled against the swelling over her cracked cheekbone. The sound of the metal door opening caused her to jolt and hurt from spending hours on a thin, lumpy mattress over cold concrete. Whilst she had not seen her abductors, she could identify them by their voices and she prayed that whoever was there would be the second man. Footsteps came closer and she held her breath as she tried to gauge their mood. A hand slid under her arm, firmly pulling her up to a sitting position.

“I’ve got you something to eat. It’s an energy bar.”

A mid-toned male voice with a broad East End accent spoke, and Viv realised to her relief that it was the second man. She opened her mouth as he tapped the food on her lips and she took a bite into her dry mouth.

“There’s some tea as well, I made some in a flask.”

She gratefully sipped from the plastic Thermos lid as he patiently held the drink steady.

“I...I need the toilet,” Viv said, softly.

The man paused then she sensed him moving away and picking the bucket up from near the door. Cold steel slid between her wrists and with a sharp flick the tape became loose, freeing her hands.

“Don’t try to remove the tape off your eyes, okay? The bucket’s here,” he instructed assertively as he guided her hand till it rested on her makeshift toilet.

Viv rolled forward onto her knees before standing. Through all of this experience, this was by far the most humiliating and she paused as she thought of a way to preserve her pride.

“I’ll walk away for a minute and look the other way. Just don’t try any funny business, or else.”

“Thank you...I...I promise,” Viv replied.

Once finished, she called over to the man and she heard his footsteps return and a hand guide her back down onto the mattress. The bucket was removed and she heard his footsteps walk away towards the door, open it and a sloshing sound as its contents hit the ground outside. He had left her wrists unbound and it gave Viv hope that if she could gain his trust there may be a possibility of escape. How she wished she could remove the tape from her eyes to release the pressure, but she made no attempt. It was more important to nurture trust than see his face.

“Are you warm enough?” the man asked. “I noticed your hands are cold.”

Viv shook her head.

“I could do with an extra blanket if you have one. The cold from the floor comes through the mattress.”

“I’ll see if I can get you one for tonight,” he replied.

Bozz studied Viv’s face. She reminded him of his own mum. Same hair colour, face shape and build. Looking at

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