The Darkness Below

Chapter Thirty One - 1970

Vince was still being evasive as John enquired discreetly about where they were going. As they got closer John guessed they were going to Vince's photography studio.

Vince led John around the back of the shops and along an alleyway to the back door of the studio. Vince opened the door and ushered John into the darkness. Vince told John to keep still as he locked the door behind him then with the practiced skill of a man who knew where everything was Vince moved swiftly off into the darkness through to the front of the store. John could just make him out as he saw the window blind twitch, Vince was checking the street to see if they had been followed. Or was he signalling to someone outside? John had a moment of panic and turned back toward the back door then remembered Vince had locked it. Damn.

John tried to calm himself down, he was getting panicked and overreacting he thought to himself. If Vince had tipped off the Police there was nothing John could do now...or perhaps he should refuse to accept the pictures. Then if they were being watched John would appear innocent of involvement and that Vince was trying to entrap him.

His train of thought was interrupted as Vince opened the door to a small room and John peered nervously into the darkness, he couldn't tell if it was a big room or led to a stair case. Vince noticed his hesitance and pushed him along and John realised Vince seemed very strong for a photographer.

John stepped in and realised that it was a small room and Vince stepped in behind him, closed the door and switched on a light. The small red bulb provided enough illumination and John looked around and felt foolish as he realised it was the dark room, of course how silly of me.

'Here are the photos' Vince said pulling them out from amongst a pile of other photos and handing them to John.

'Ok thanks very much. I trust you saw what they contained?' John responded.

'Well I didn't look too closely as you said it was sensitive but rest assured I got the idea and won't be showing them to anyone else!' Vince responded with just the right amount of gravity in his voice.

'Thanks Vince for your help' John responded feeling calmer.

'You don't want to look at them now, check the quality?' Vince enquired as if he were talking to any other customer.

***

Vince was reassured by the nervousness of John Wood. If John worked for the Police and was trying to entrap him he seemed to be a very good actor. As a precaution he had a bucket set up in the corner which contained a chemical that if the Police did try and bring down the front or back door Vince could grab the photos and throw them into the bucket and it would destroy the images on the photos.

'No I won't check them, I should probably get going as I have work early tomorrow' John said as he shuffled and placed the photos into a big pocket in his overcoat.

Vince took the hint and was happy to send John on his way.

'You go out the back door and I will lock up and leave in a bit' Vince said and John thought it sensible that Vince was taking precautions.

***

Mr Smith stood watching the photography studio and was annoyed that he couldn't tell what they were doing inside. The anger drove him forward and he closed on the back door figuring they weren't going to escape out the front as they had no idea he was following them.

He felt the weight of the billy club in his hand and lay in wait to ambush John and the other man. He would beat them a little to ensure they were not fit to escape and it would make them more compliant.

The back door opened and Mr Smith tried to slow his breathing but he was too excited. John Wood came out he could see but he was alone, this was not going to plan. Mr Smith had to make a quick decision, if he attacked John now the other man might overhear the commotion and call the Police. Despite the anger rising within him and the desire to beat John Wood he would bide his time and held off. John walked off briskly not realising how close he had been to danger.

***

Mr Smith was sure John Wood must have incriminating photos on him. Smith watched him walk and could see he had something heavy in the pocket of his overcoat.

Smith figured John Wood was walking back to his flat so he rushed around in the opposite direction so that he could confront John Wood head on.

Smith waited around the corner on an alleyway awaiting John Wood to appear. He heard the familiar sound and pattern of John Wood's footsteps so he started walking toward the corner and timed his arrival perfectly to bang into John Wood. Smith knocked into him with real force and determination and felt the air rush out of John Wood's lungs. Smith felt exhilarated.