“You look very sexy darling.”
Then, to tease him, she dropped the towel and naked, turned and walked back to the bathroom. He followed and while she was at the basin he pressed himself against her back and kissed her neck. He undid his bow tie and the top button of his shirt. She was watching him in the mirror.
“Um what are you doing?”
He kissed her on the neck again.
“Why don’t we uh, head into the bedroom.”
She pushed against him to move him away.
“We haven’t got time for that. I’m hungry and you’ve got whiskey breath.”
“We’ve got all evening to eat.”
“I’m hungry now.”
“No chance then?”
“No chance.”
Then she burst out laughing.
“Your face. You look like a schoolboy who’s had his football confiscated.”
She came forward.
“Make yourself useful. Go and see if Jim’s all right and if he wants anything while we’re out. Be patient,” she said kissing him gently on the lips again, “And you might get what you want when we get back.”
Dennis smiled at her and left. He went to the next room and knocked the door.
“Just a second,” he heard the American call.
Dennis heard the lock on the other side release. Then the door opened.
“Pete come in,” Hutchinson said going back to his laptop, leaving Dennis to close the door.
“Nat is just getting ready and I thought I should check to see if you want anything.”
“No I’m fine thanks. I’m getting some sandwiches brought up to the room.”
“Sandwiches. Are you sure you won’t come to dinner?”
“What? Oh no! You guys run along. It’ll be nice, just the two of you. Get some time together.”
Hutchinson noted the tuxedo and bow tie.
“Where are you going?”
“She wants to find a posh restaurant. Thought I’d better look the part.”
“Well I’ve got nothing to compete with that here anyway. No really, you run along. Have a great time. I’ve got to call my wife.”
“Ok. Well enjoy your evening.”
“You too.”
Hutchinson picked up his mobile phone.
“Oh Pete.”
Dennis stopped at the door.
“Have you got that old journal here with you?”
“Von Brest’s?”
“Yes.”
“I have. Why?”
“Just thought we might take a look through it tomorrow. See if there are any more clues.”
“Do you want it tonight? I can go and get it.”
“No. Tomorrow will do. I’ve got enough here to keep me up ‘til late.”
Dennis put his hand on the door handle. He paused and looked over his shoulder.
“You know it hit me earlier, sitting on the steps of the ambulance, just how dangerous this has become. As much as I would love to help further I wouldn’t want to see you or Nat in any more danger.”
“Nor would I.”
“I knew she was safe with you. Thanks Jim.”
“She is the closest thing I’ve ever had to a daughter. That’s why I’m glad we’re out of this now. Nothing would make me decide to stay in the fight after what’s happened.”
Dennis opened the door.
“Me neither. Goodnight Jim.”
It was just after eleven o’clock when a very tired Natalie and Dennis arrived back at their hotel in Rome. Dennis had left their room key with reception and while he went to get it Natalie went over to the lifts to wait for him. The male receptionist was watching the highlights of the evening’s champions league match on a small hand held television. He put the TV down onto its screen when he saw Dennis approaching.
“How was your evening sir?” he asked the journalist.
“Very nice thank you. How was the game?” Dennis gestured to the upturned TV. The receptionist gave an embarrassed smile.
“Forgive me sir. It is my beloved Roma. We won 3–2.”
“That’s good,” Dennis said, “Room 408 please.”
The receptionist turned for the key. There was a large brown envelope in the pigeon hole.
“There seems to be a package for you.”
“A package. Who from?” Dennis asked, turning the envelope over.
“My colleague accepted it for you. Carla,” he called.
A glamorous brunette came from the office.
“Good evening sir. That package was delivered by an inspector De Luca of the Vatican police. He dropped it off a couple of hours ago.”
“Oh De Luca. Thank you.”
Dennis made his way over to Natalie. The brunette was watching him. She saw Natalie looking at her and she pouted her lips as she concentrated on tidying up some papers behind reception.
“It’s from De Luca,” he said. He waited until they were in the elevator heading for the fourth floor before opening it. There was a police complimentary slip and he read it.
“Dear Mr Dennis,” it said, “I thought you might find these interesting. If there is anything else that you can think of please let me know. Cesare.”
Underneath were some photographs. Dennis flicked through them briefly. There were four in total.
“What are they?” Natalie asked.
“Blown up copies of the tail of that Hercules I saw.”
The death’s head, though blurred at this size, was unmistakable.
“Would you say that is identical to the one painted on the side of the wave crest?”
“I would say so. It certainly looks to be the same.”
“I’m sure it is.”
There was nothing else in the envelope. Just four photos and the complimentary slip. The elevator stopped on their floor. As they got out there was a commotion at the end of the corridor. Whoever it was, they disappeared around the corner a moment later.
“What was that about?” Natalie asked.
“Don’t know. Listen I’m just going to show these to Jim.”
“Peter not tonight. It’s late. He may be sleeping. Leave him until tomorrow.”
He took her hand off his arm.
“I’m just going to show him these. I’ll be very quick. I’ll knock gently. If there’s no answer I’ll leave it until the morning.”
“Don’t be long,” Natalie said putting their key in the lock.
Dennis put his knuckles against Hutchinson’s door and was surprised to find it move a fraction. He rapped on it and pushed it open an inch.
“Jim? Jim?” he called.
There was no answer so Dennis pushed the door open and stepped in. He instantly smelt trouble.
“Jim? Jim?” he called again. Still no answer. Dennis checked the bathroom. Then he went back to the room. The bed was made. Dennis took his phone out of his pocket and was about to ring Hutchinson’s when he noticed the tall lamp by the window had been knocked over. He rang Hutchinson’s number and it went straight to answer phone. Puzzled, he was about to ring reception when he realised Hutchinson’s lap top appeared to be missing. The power cable for it still plugged into the mains. Then he saw the spots of blood on the table and floor and he was rushing for the door. He barged into his room. Natalie was still in her black mini-dress and heels.
“Peter! What the.…?”
“Something’s happened to Jim. That commotion in the corridor! Ring De Luca!”
He rushed out of the room, ran to the elevators and pressed the lift call button. He looked up at the digital display telling him which floors they were on. One was at the lobby. The other on the first floor. He slammed the palm of his hand against the button panel with irritation, briefly looked at the displays once more and ran for the stairs. He burst through the door and looked down. He could see the ground four floors below and could hear heavy footsteps and shouting.
Was that Hutchinson’s voice?
Dennis bolted down the stairs three at a time. He swung the corner and raced down the next steps, always gaining on his opponents. The fact that they might have guns didn’t even cross his mind.