Hostage to Fortune

'What do you mean, what computer?'

'She's all computer controlled, that's why we don't need a crew. The computer will steer her unless you switch it off. She's trying to go to Mauritius.'

'We go back on board and you switch it off.'

'I can't. I don't know how?'

The man slapped her face hard. 'Don't play games with me. We go back on board and you switch it off.'

'I can't. ' she cried. 'Ryan did all that, but he's dead. Maybe you can disconnect something.'

He pushed her away and she fell back down on the seat, crying. The launch started to throttle back but as she did, there were excited shouts from the other pirates. They were pointing at some sort of aircraft on the horizon but travelling towards them very quickly.

One of the pirates started hacking at the rope securing Bee Jay to the launch. As the rope was severed, the launch leapt forward and they accelerated away from Bee Jay. In no time at all, the Lynx helicopter swept across the bows of the launch. It banked and turned in a wide circle taking in the stricken Bee Jay II. As he flew away from the pirates, Flight Lieutenant Roberts reported back to the ship.

'We've got a launch with about half a dozen Somalis. It looks like they were trying to tow the yacht into port but now they've cut it adrift. I can take them out, Sir?'

'You know the rules of engagement Lieutenant. Have they fired on you?'

'Not yet sir, no.'

'If they do, then you know what to do.'

Lieutenant Roberts brought the Lynx around to hover facing the launch. One of the pirates raised his Kalashnikov and pointed it at the helicopter. The leader of the gang immediately smacked him around the head with his gun. He grabbed Samantha's arm and pulled her up, then looking directly at the helicopter put his gun to her head.

'Oh shit! --We have a problem here sir. They have a hostage, white woman, maybe British. One of them has a gun to her head'

'OK Lieutenant, pull back and keep them under observation. We are making all speed to intercept.'

'Sorry to say this sir, but at the rate, they're going they'll be in territorial waters before you catch them.'

'You may be right, but we'll do our best to intercept.'

Samantha's heart sank as the helicopter turned away. Her captor smiled and his men cheered. They continued at full speed towards the coast. Sadly, Lieutenants Roberts was right. Truebridge was half a mile from the launch when it crossed into Somali territorial waters. Captain Jeffries gave up the pursuit and went back to Bee Jay II.

I was still savouring the feeling of mutual physical love. The feeling you get when that most important of people is exploring your body. Stroking it, kissing it, caressing it, and yes even entering it. It's just sex, my friends would say, but if they thought that then they'd never been in love. I'd had men before, and yes, I'd enjoyed sex with them, but this, this was something different.

We lay on his bed, his mouth on my breast. His teeth lightly bite at my nipple as I wrap my arm around his neck. I pull his head down harder onto my breast as my chest rises to meet him. The tingling started long ago. Now it has progressed to a deep throbbing. I must have him. His hand moves from my other breast, slowly down my left side. As it reaches my hips, the throbbing is unbearable my legs open and I push my mound against the heel of his hand. I must have him. I must join with him, be one person. His hand moves down over my mound and between my legs.

`Oh yes, yes, I need you there, Yes.'

My head goes back and I let out a groan.

His fingers probe further down. One starts to circle my most private of holes. `Oh My God I need you there too. Enter me. Enter me' my head says but my voice is silent as I try to push down onto his fingertip. I moved my left hand to stroke his chest, then took it slowly down. Touching his pubic hair gave me a burst of excitement. Then came the soft silky smooth skin of his erect member. It was rock hard and seemed to jump as I wrapped my fingers around it. I gave it a gentle squeeze.

'I need you,' I whispered, and slowly drew my hand over his manhood. Fluid oozed from the tip making my fingers wet. I brought my fingers up to my mouth and sucked in the taste of him.

'I need you now.'

He brought his head up and kissed me. I felt his hand move and grasp my bottom and then....The phone rang... I stopped breathing as I felt him hesitate. The phone continued to ring and there was a sudden movement. Gripping my arse, he pulled me hard against him as he rolled onto his back. I kissed his neck as I lifted my hips and my hand dashed down between my legs reaching for his hard prick. I grasped it and guided him into me. The throbbing inside was so strong that I thought he must be able to feel it. I could hear the phone ringing but for me, it was miles away. My body was in ecstasy as I felt him move inside me. My breasts were pushed hard against him as I pulled myself as hard against him as I could while grinding my clitoris against his mound. He ran his hands over my back and down to my bum. His fingers hadn't even reached my little back door when a powerful orgasm ripped through me. I smashed my hips down against him and pulled him as close as I could. As my breath left me in loud grunts, for that moment we were one.

As I started to get control of my body, I noticed the phone had stopped ringing, and that Will was still moving inside me. I lay on top of him for a while basking in the euphoric afterglow of my orgasm until I realised that Will's continued stimulation meant there was a second one building. I put my hands behind his neck and pushed myself up and rocked backwards and forwards he brought his hands up to my breasts and rubbed his thumbs over my nipples. I was on fire again as Will moved with me, thrusting in and out. It seemed like no time at all before it was starting all over again

'Ohh, Ohh, Oghh.' Will was thrusting and had obviously reached his climax as all the life drained out of me and I collapsed on his chest again. He started stroking my hair and back.

'That was amazing.'

'Hmm, you never did that for Helga.'

'Never did what?'

'Ignored the phone.'

'I've never done that for anyone, not even Sam. --How did you know about Helga?'

'It was me that phoned you.'

He laughed. 'You little minx.'

The mobile phone on his nightstand started to vibrate. I picked it up and answered it.

'William Wainwright's phone. '

It was Inspector Davies.

'Yes, Inspector he's right here just a moment.'

I rolled off him and handed over the phone. Will switched on the speaker so I could hear.

'I've got some news for you, Sir. We've recovered your boat, it's on its way to Cape Town as we speak.'

'Well that is good news Inspector, but surely it could have waited until the morning.'

'There's something else sir, it will probably be on the news in the morning. I'd rather you heard it from me.'

'Does this have something to do with my wife?'

'I'm afraid it does sir. She has been taken hostage by a gang of Somali Pirates. --Now I don't want you to worry about this sir. They normally do this for ransom, your wife is quite safe.'

'Thank you, Inspector. What about Ryan Betts, have they got him as well.'

'Err no sir we don't think so. '

'What do you mean Inspector? You've recovered Bee Jay so either you've got him or they have.'

'No sir, there is another alternative. We know shots were fired on the boat and apparently, there is blood on the deck. It looks like they shot him and threw him overboard.'

'Oh! That is bad news.'

'You surprise me, Sir. If he'd tried to kill me I'd be happy to see him gone.'

'I wasn't thinking of him Inspector, I was thinking of his father. I know him. He's a good man.'

'Yes sir, I see. That will indeed be distressing'

'Well thank you for the information Inspector. If that's all I'll bid you good night.'

'Yes sir, goodnight to you too.'

Will disconnected the call and put the phone down.

'That was a surprise ' He said. He always had a gift for understatement.

'What will you do?'

'There is nothing I can do until I know what they want. So right now I intend to wait.'

'But you will help her?'

'What do you think?'

'I think you'll find a way to help her while making it look like you did nothing.'

'You know me too well.'

'Why is it so important that everyone thinks you to be a cold bastard?'

'Because until people know your weaknesses, those weaknesses don't exist.'

'Am I one of your weaknesses?'

'You, my darling, are my greatest weakness and my greatest strength.'

'Now you're talking in riddles'

'You're a smart girl, you'll figure it out.'

'There is a question that's been troubling me for a little while.'

'What's that?'

'When will you be ready to do it again?'

Will laughed. 'Woman you are insatiable.'

'Only where you are concerned'

Chapter 14

It took the press half a day to get hold of the story. By mid-day, we were getting phone calls from reporters wanting to talk to Will. Jane sent two reporters off with a flea in their ear. It still didn't stop them waiting outside when we left to go home.

'Are you going to pay the ransom Mr Wainwright?' shouted one.

'Mr Wainwright where does this leave your divorce?' shouted another.

Will just ignored them and pushed through to the car. He opened the door for me and I climbed in. Then came the question that made him stop.

'Have you got anything to say to Ryan Betts family sir?'

Will stopped and turned to face the reporter

'I've spoken to George Betts today. What I said has nothing to do with you or your readers.' He got into the car and told Thomas to take us home.

Over the next few days, the number of reporters dwindled. An actor's nanny had revealed that he had been trying to give her another baby to look after. All the tabloid reporters focussed on that and left us alone. It was more than a week before we had any contact.

It was a Wednesday morning when Jomo Kitur came into our office. He was six feet tall somewhat overweight with a round face and short cropped wiry hair. Jane came in with a very embarrassed look on her face.

Mr Wainwright, there is a Mr Jomo Kitur here to see you. He says it's about your wife.'

'Send him in, Jane.'

She walked to the door and called the man in. He walked into the office, a big smile on his face and offered his hand. Will didn't get up and made no attempt to shake the man's hand.

'Good morning Mr Wainwright. It's a pleasure to meet you.'

'I wish I could say the same Mr Kitur, now what do you want.'

'Come, come, Mr Wainwright we are both businessmen, there is no reason we can't be pleasant to each other.'

'Well, Mr Kitur I know what business I'm in, what do you do?'

Will didn't offer a chair but he sat down anyway. He seemed extremely relaxed. He leaned back in the chair.

'I am what you would call a fixer. I fix things for people. Today I want to fix it for you to see your lovely wife again.'

'And just how are you going to do that?'

He clasped his hands in his lap and gave Will a big smile.

'I know the people holding her, not personally you understand but I know people who know people who know them. Anyway, I know what they want and they would like me to talk to you.'

'Let's just cut to the chase Kitur, how much do you want?'

'No, No, No, No, Mr Wainwright, I do not want anything. I am just here to help you deal with the very bad people who are holding your wife. I am your friend Mr Wainwright.'

'You are no friend of mine Mr Kitur. Now cut to the bottom line how much?'

'There is no need to be angry Mr Wainwright. All you need to do is transfer ten million dollars to an account I give you and we can have your wife back in a couple of days.'

'One hundred thousand.'

'You don't understand Mr Wainwright. These are very dangerous men. You don't joke with these men.'

'Who's joking? If Samantha turns up unharmed at the British High Commission in Nairobi, I will pay your friends one hundred thousand pounds for their trouble.'

Kitur laughed. 'Mr Wainwright, my friend, you do not understand. You are not in charge here. These men, they are very bad men, and they hold all the cards. They will decide how and when your wife will be released. --Now they have given me this picture of your wife. It was taken yesterday. You can use your computer to verify the headline.'

Will took the photograph, looked at it carefully then keyed something into his computer. He waited for a while then after a few mouse clicks looked at Kitur. I'd seen him negotiate before but I'd expected him to be more upset, but he seemed amazingly cool. He looked up at Kitur and smiled.

'Mr Kitur, This photograph proves that Samantha was alive two days ago. It does not prove she is alive now. You say your friends hold all the cards. You are obviously unaware that in poker terms they hold nothing more than a pair of deuces. You see I am divorcing my wife, she and her lover, the man your friends killed on my boat, tried to kill me. I would be financially better off if she never came back. So tell me why you think I should give you ten million pounds for her release.'

Kitur's smile disappeared as Will continued.

'Now Mr Kitur I will tell you what is going to happen. When you leave here today, you will take with you a satellite phone that you will pass on to your friends. In ten days time, you will return here and I will talk to my wife on that satellite phone. Then we can negotiate. I warn you now any money I spend on trying to secure my wife's release will be deducted from my offer.'

For a moment, Kitur looked stunned, then he pulled himself together.

'I can see I'm wasting my time here.' He passed Will a card. 'Call me when you come to your senses, but be warned my friend these are very bad men. Whatever fate may befall your wife will be on your head.'

'Be warned Mr Kitur. If my wife comes to any harm, I will visit that harm on you. Now don't waste your time talking to Samantha's family. They don't even own their own house, they have no money to offer you. Now I think this meeting is over, Jean will give you the phone on the way out'

Kitur stood up he started to offer his hand but soon realised Will had no intention of shaking it and pretended to smooth down his trousers. I followed him out and made sure he took the satellite phone. When I got back into the office, Will was leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his neck.

'So, the game begins.'

'It's not a game Will, this is Sam's life you're playing with. You could have just paid them, you've got the money, we'll make more than that on the McMahon deal.'

'Oh sure, then he'd be back next week telling me they wanted twenty mill. I'll get her back, and I know it's going to cost me money, but they won't see a penny of it.'

'I don't see how you can do that. You don't even know where she is.'

'We do it the same way we make business people do what we want. We put pressure on them.

I'd have said more but he picked up his phone and started a call.

'Hatcher. What have you got for me? Good, I have a name for you, Kitur. --No, not Somali, probably Kenyan. My guess is that he'll be flying back to Nairobi tonight or tomorrow. --Ten days time. --Hatcher, I want this to go just as we discussed. Just remember I know where the bodies are buried. If Her Majesty's Government find out who supplied the RUF in Sierra Leone, your chances of a knighthood will be pretty damn small. --Yeah well, a man like you will always turn it to his advantage. Just remember, she must not be harmed. Okay, I'll look forward to hearing from him.'

He put the phone down and smiled at me.

'That will put the cat among the pigeon's.'

I got up, crossed the office and sat on his desk. For a while, I sat there trying to work out how to say what I wanted. I supported him but I wasn't sure that his way was the best way of dealing with this situation.

'Will, are you sure this is the right way to go about things. That was Karl Hatcher on the phone, wasn't it? Do you really want to get involved with him?'

'I need to destabilise them and he's an expert in that field. He does it to whole countries.'

'Only so he can sell more arms. I know you Will, if Samantha gets killed or seriously injured in your rescue attempt, you'll never forgive yourself.'

He reached out and took my hands.

'Trust me, my love. I will launch no rescue attempt. I just intend to educate her captors a little. I really will do my best to get her back'

Amin Ahmed put the phone down. White women sickened him. He'd long believed they had no morals now he knew it was true. How could their men tolerate such behaviour? Now he had to face the fact that this woman's behaviour had significantly reduced her ransom value. He paced the room, kicking out at anything that got in his way. His intention had been to calm down before he went in to see her. He was unsuccessful. As he opened the door, he was still seething.

Samantha looked up as the door opened. At first, she was relieved to see Amin, the only one of her captors who spoke English. Her sense of relief disappeared as soon as she saw the look on his face. He marched across the room and gave her a hard slap with the back of his hand.

'Whore! Bitch! You western women disgust me. You have no respect for yourselves and certainly no respect for your husbands.'

Samantha raised her hand to her stinging cheek and eye. She could feel the hot sticky blood starting to run down her face

'I don't understand, what did I do? I've done everything you asked. I gave you all the information you wanted. What did I do?'

'You fuck around on your husband, that's what you do. He is divorcing you. Do you really think he is going to pay for you now? I think I should sell you. Al Shabab will pay good money for a beautiful western whore.'

'No! No, please.' she sobbed. 'Will will pay I know he will, he won't leave me here. Please wait. Talk to him please. Give him more time please.'

'My colleague says he would be better off if we killed you.'

'No, Will would never think like that'

'But it's true, isn't it? Your western divorces mean that if we release you, it will cost your husband much money, if we kill you, it costs him nothing.'

'Yes it's true I suppose but Will is not like that.'

'He is a businessman. They are all like that.'

'He will get me out of here, I know he will.'

'You'd better hope that he does. For you, the alternative is not good.'

Samantha's heart sank as he left the room. She'd been trying to put on a brave face but she knew everything he'd said was true. If only she could talk to Will, tell him how sorry she was, tell him how hard she'd tried to get Ryan to turn back.

I tried to have faith in Will. I knew that he wouldn't turn his back on Samantha, but his insistence that he wouldn't pay a ransom had me worried. When his father Tom paid us a visit, I discussed it with him.

'He's really adamant Tom he won't pay any ransom money. He says he's got a plan but he won't tell me what it is. We both know he can afford to pay and not even notice the loss.'

'Ah but that would be paying the Dane geld.'

'Sorry I don't understand.'

'And that is called paying the Dane-geld; but we've proved it again and again, that if once you have paid him the Dane-geld, you'll never be rid of the Dane. Rudyard Kipling'

'I can see how that applies to blackmail but not to kidnapping.'

'Look, lass, what do you think would happen if word got out that Will had paid a ransom. You and any children the two of you might have would never be safe. You'd need bodyguards wherever you went.'

'Hold on Tom. You're getting a bit ahead of yourself there. Who said anything about children? We're not even married.'

'He'll be a damn fool if he lets you get away, and one thing he is not is a damn fool. --Now if he said he'll help her he will, you just have to trust him.'