Honeypot (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 9 - Captivated

Jeremy was able to locate Bobo quickly. Real name: Robert Svane.

He answered the door thinking it was his pizza delivery. Police arrested him, seizing his computers in the process. He sat in the interview room a broken man. They could put him away for years with the images on his computer alone. His drug dealing, another ten years. His cyber terrorist activities. Enough incriminating evidence to get him a life sentence.

He was fucked.

Dolls entered the room. He sat looking at Svane. He should have guessed this was the person behind the attacks. A pathetic, insignificant man. They may never have found him had it not been for Waverly's tip off. He studied his notes.

"We're going through your computers. We've found enough, so far, to put you away for a very long time. Thankfully, the attacks on London will stop now you're here."

Svane shrugged his shoulders. "They won't. I'm not in charge. I'm only the middle man. I get my kicks. They get theirs."

Dolls looked at Svane. "Who's ordering these attacks?"

"The Serpent. Runs the show."

"Why is the Serpent carrying out these attacks?"

"Fuck knows. I'm not in their head. We're not best buddies. They tell me what they want. I do it. Simple transaction."

"What's next? What's the Serpent planning?"

Svane looked at Dolls. He knew what he was about to say was a game changer. He might be able to strike a deal, get some time off his sentence. Then again, he knew he couldn't risk revealing too much. He had already revealed an online name. That was nothing. A made up name. Who knew who the Serpent really was? Very few.

Anonymity. Baby.

He had been extremely careful in his dealings. You didn't make a mistake with someone like the Serpent. He knew of at least two people who had met a sticky end because of careless dealings with this snake. He didn't want to be the third. Or, whatever number it was. He didn't want to be in prison fearing for his life every single day.

He assessed it was safe enough to reveal the next mission. That's all. The satisfaction of watching the face of this guy opposite as he told him what the Serpent was planning. He wanted to see the panic in his eyes. Anyway, he figured, it was too late to stop the mission.

Svane smirked. "He wants to bring London to its knees. Shut down the whole power system."

Dolls sat in silence. Not a flicker of emotion on his face. Inside he was shocked. Sickened. He couldn't comprehend the depravity. If the Serpent achieved this, it would be a catastrophe for London. People would get hurt. He was sure of it. Worse. And this sick bastard, smirking at him, was relishing the prospect. If he could have taken a swing at him, in that moment, he would have. To wipe that fucking smirk off his face.

There was no point asking someone like Svane why? What makes a person do evil things? Who the fuck knows? If you begin to think like them, feel like them, act like them, you might have some understanding. But then, you would probably be like them. Bad. Real bad.

"How long?"

Svane tapped his watch with his right trigger finger. "Two weeks, maybe less. Tick toc. Tick toc."

Dolls came out of the interview room. He called Nicole and Jeremy over.

"We need to find the Serpent. He's got something big planned. Way bigger than anything that's happened so far. We don't have much time."

Nicole had seen that name somewhere. Where? She would need to check her notes. Her mind kept drifting to Waverly. She might know something. Might have heard something. She had no reason to contact her again. And yet. She could always meet her on the pretence of an update on Bobo.

Waverly was at work when Nicole's text arrived.

Nicole: Can we meet. Need to discuss something.

Waverly: Sure. When? Where?

Nicole: The Narrowboat. Tonight. 6.30pm

Waverly: OK.

Waverly was already in the pub when Nicole arrived. Two glasses of gin and tonic on the table.

Nicole took a sip. "Good choice. Cheers."

They clinked glasses. "So what did you need to discuss?"

"We've got Bobo and his computers. It's an Aladdin's cave. Thank you. Without your help we might never have found him."

"I'm glad I did something right. Thank you for letting me know. And Robin. What's going to happen to him?"

"We'll keep a watch on his activities. He's not our main concern. Bobo mentioned the Serpent. Have you heard that name before?"

"No. But I'm fairly new to this. Should have listened to my gut and not get involved. My boyfriend's fault. Although, to be fair, it was my fault for being so naïve."

Nicole's face flickered with disappointment. "Oh, right."

"Well, I say boyfriend. More Ex-boyfriend. Not officially broken up. But, he's no longer my type."

Nicole's face flickered this time with interest. "Oh, right. And, what is your type?"

Waverly smiled. "The good guys. And, girls."

Nicole sat pondering what Waverly said. Was she in with a chance? The only way to find out would be to ask. She sat staring into her glass, nervous of making the next move. Any move.

Waverly saw she was struggling. "I'll ask around about the Serpent. If that's it."

"Right. OK. Yes. Thanks."

"Nothing else you want to ask me?"

"No."

"OK. Only this might be your last chance."

Nicole could feel the panic rising. She blurted it out before she could even think what she was saying. "Would you have dinner with me? One evening. You don't have to. You can say no.

Waverly laughed. "I'd love to. See, that wasn't so hard."

Nicole stared at Waverly. "Did you know, or did you guess?"

Waverly reached across the table, touching the back of Nicole's hand. "I'm pretty good at picking up vibes. You've been giving off the biggest vibe since we first met. Just wondered how long it would take before you plucked up the courage."

Nicole let a sigh of relief. "That's not fair. You had the advantage."

"So, where are you taking me?"

"Would my place be too much? Or, we can go wherever you'd like. I'm happy to go where you want. My treat. Just name the..."

Waverly cut her off. "Nicole, your place is perfect. I can't make it tomorrow evening. I'm meeting friends. The night after?"

"Great. What shall I cook?"

"Anything vegan. Sorry, I need to go. My sister has an antenatal class. I said I'd go with her. Text me your address and time."

Nicole watched as Waverly left. She was going to cook for her. She had so nearly blown it.