‘I’m also the owner of Burnhope Manor,’ teased Colbeck. ‘You can’t expect a man of my age and distinction to forego the comfort of a carriage.’
‘What if I get thrown off?’ wailed Leeming.
‘You simply get back on again, Victor.’
Crossing to the landau, Colbeck clambered into it and sat beside Tallis. He would have been far happier not to have the superintendent there but had no choice in the matter. Tunnadine was grim and patently aggrieved. Sir Marcus was hunched in his seat, clutching a leather bag protectively in his lap. His curt command made the coachman crack his whip and the horses set off. Leeming followed the carriage on his prancing bay mare. The journey only lasted a couple of miles. Colbeck had some idea of what to expect because he’d studied the ordnance survey map of the area. The site had been well chosen. The kidnapper had insisted that Sir Marcus came alone with the specified amount of money in a bag. When it was counted and deemed correct, his daughter and her maid would be released. The actual point of exchange was at the base of a hill. To reach it, Colbeck — in the guise of the older man — would have to walk two hundred yards or more across a field.
The carriage reached a copse and drew to a halt. Beyond it was open country where it was certain to be seen. Everyone climbed out of the vehicle. Colbeck was momentarily diverted, helping Leeming to dismount. As she was reined in, the bay mare tried to dislodge her rider by rising up on her rear legs. Leeming more or less fell into the inspector’s arms. Showing great presence of mind, Tolley leapt from his seat, grabbed the reins and calmed the horse with soft words and gentle caresses on her neck. Tallis was unimpressed by the sergeant’s horsemanship.
‘You must learn to ride properly, Leeming,’ he said, sharply.
‘I’d rather not, sir.’
‘It could be the saving of you one day.’
‘I was born to keep my feet on the ground.’
Colbeck consulted his watch again. ‘It’s almost time to go.’
‘I still think it’s my right to undertake the exchange,’ said Tunnadine, chafing. ‘Imogen would expect it of me.’
‘This is a task for a professional detective, sir,’ said Tallis.
‘I endorse that,’ added Sir Marcus. ‘You’ll take no part in this, Clive.’
Tunnadine scowled and retreated to the carriage, lurking beside it. Colbeck had come prepared. During an earlier investigation in Scotland, he’d learnt the value of using a telescope and had brought one with him. With Leeming at his heels, he crept through the trees until he reached the edge of the copse, then used the instrument to survey the land ahead. The hill was visible but he could see nobody on its summit. Handing the telescope to Leeming, he returned to the others.
‘I’ll need the ransom money now, Sir Marcus,’ he said.
Reluctant to part with it, the older man suddenly thrust it into his hands.
‘Take great care, Inspector. You are holding a small fortune.’
‘I’ll exercise every caution,’ Colbeck promised.
Tunnadine appraised him. ‘Are you armed?’
‘No, sir — it would be pointless.’
‘In the interests of self-preservation, you should at least have a pistol.’
‘The best way to safeguard my life is to carry no weapon,’ said Colbeck. ‘The kidnapper will not approach me until he’s certain that I bear no arms.’
Tolley was thrilled by the confirmation that Rhoda Wills was alive. In return for a large amount of money, she’d be set free. When the others wished the inspector good luck, he joined in. Colbeck thanked them all and moved off.
Breaking cover, he walked for a few minutes before he reached the field designated in the ransom demand. He opened the five-barred gate then closed it behind him, moving slowly to indicate advanced years and bending forward to make it more difficult for his face to be scrutinised through the telescope that he was sure would be trained on him. When he reached the base of the hill, he stopped and waited. There was a long, uneasy silence. Though he could see nobody ahead of him, he knew that someone was there. To his right were acres of farmland, stretching into the distance. To his left was a low hedge that fringed the field on that side. Colbeck had a strong feeling that he was under surveillance from the hill and from behind the hedge. The kidnapper was taking no chances. Apparently, he’d brought an accomplice.
Eventually, he came into view at the top of the hill, one eye peering through a telescope. He was tall, slim, well dressed and had a voice that easily carried across the distance. Colbeck was subjected to a cross-examination.
‘Are you Sir Marcus Burnhope?’
‘Yes,’ replied Colbeck.
‘Do you have the money?’
He patted the bag. ‘It’s here.’
‘Is it the full amount?’
‘It’s as you requested.’
The man laughed harshly. ‘It was no request — it was a command.’
‘Where are my daughter and her maid?’
‘I’ll ask the questions, Sir Marcus. Are you armed?’
‘No, I am not.’
‘How can I be certain of that?’
‘I give you my word.’
‘Take off your coat,’ ordered the other. ‘Drop it on the ground.’
Colbeck hesitated. Punctilious about his attire, he didn’t want it stained by the grass but he had to obey. Putting the bag down, he removed his coat and laid it carefully on the ground.
‘Put your hands in the air and turn around slowly,’ said the man on the hilltop.
This time there was no hesitation. Colbeck stretched his arms up high and went in a slow circle. He could almost feel the telescope scanning his body to make sure that no weapon was concealed on it. When he faced the hill again, he picked up the bag and waited. Another figure appeared, an older, stockier man in rougher garb.
‘Give the money to my friend,’ the first man called out.
‘I need to see the ladies first.’
‘Do as you’re told and I’ll honour my side of the bargain.’
Colbeck was resolute. ‘Unless I see that they are safe, there’ll be no bargain.’
‘Are you defying me?’ asked the man, angrily.
‘I want proof that my daughter is still alive before I hand over a penny.’
‘You can take my word for it.’
‘I don’t trust you,’ said Colbeck. ‘I don’t believe that you have Imogen.’
Picking up his coat, he turned on his heel and deliberately walked away.
‘Wait!’ shouted the man. ‘You shall see her.’ He laughed in approval. ‘You’re not the gullible old fool I took you for. Here she is.’
Colbeck turned round and saw a young woman coming into view in a dress that proclaimed her social position. She was too far away for Colbeck to see her face clearly but she had the tall, lean body described by her father. Colbeck laid his coat back on the ground and waited. The stocky man began to descend the hill.
‘Hand the bag to my friend,’ instructed the kidnapper. ‘He will bring it to me. When I’ve counted the money and found it correct, the two ladies will be released.’
The older man came slowly down the hill, watched carefully through the telescope by his companion. He was not the only person keeping Colbeck under observation. Over to his left, he felt, someone was hiding behind the hedge to watch the proceedings. Colbeck had to suppress the desire to look in that direction. The man lumbered on towards him. Colbeck could now see that he had the appearance of a farm labourer. He certainly didn’t look like someone capable of devising a kidnap plot. The inspector’s instinct told him that the man was simply employed to assist in recovering the money and probably had no idea of the full implications of what was taking place. When he reached Colbeck, he had a bewildered air about him. Licking his lips, he shifted his feet then reached out both hands.
‘Give him the money!’ shouted the man on the hill.
‘Let my daughter come closer first,’ replied Colbeck.
‘I make the demands, Sir Marcus. Hand over the bag.’
‘I must be able to see Imogen properly.’