Intoxifresh

Chapter Twelve

Isleworth

London

The following morning Karim hesitantly picked up his telephone in the small one bedroom flat he shared with his tank of tropical fish. His brightly coloured walls were lined with pictures of reggae artists, which covered up the many cracks and were there as a reminder of his true love, music. The small television in the corner of the main room was bright yellow, perfectly blending in with the surroundings. He dialled the number for Merrick and Smyth and after three rings it was answered. 'Hey Sandra, its Karim...'

He was quickly interrupted. 'Are you on your way, Mr Maxwell? The boss is already here and is expecting you in 25 minutes.'

Karim could hear music flowing down the earpiece as well as Sandra's keyboard clicking away. 'What is that you're listening too?'

Slightly embarrassed, she realised she had only removed one side of her headphones. 'It's a new album I bought last weekend. Anyway, are you going to be late? I can pass a message to Mr Merrick if you'd like me to, although I should warn you he's in a terrible mood this morning.'

'Sandra, I don't think I'm well enough to come in today, I really don't feel too good. My leg muscles are aching badly and I have an awful migraine coming, I can feel it behind my eyes. I just need to rest today. Could you tell the boss I can see him first thing tomorrow... oh, and please tell him I have what he wants.'

'Sure thing, Mr Maxwell, I hope you feel better soon,' Sandra replied.

'Thanks, I'm sure I'll be fine by tomorrow.' Karim wished Sandra a good day and slammed the phone down before running down to his van. He'd agreed to meet George and Tom first thing to begin the process of making some identical pills, identical in every way, except they'd have no effect whatsoever.

The exterior of the Hounslow Police Station was an impressive structure but on the inside it was cold and grey as Jack Fox eyed the walls of his prison cell. With all the time he'd had to think, Jack's anger had subsided and he seemed relatively calm on the outside. He heard footsteps getting louder and turned around to face the steel door that separated his four walls from the outside world. The hatch was raised slightly and a breakfast tray came in to view. Jack gripped the tray. 'When am I getting out of here? he asked, trying his best to appear placid.

'Eat your breakfast, Mr Fox. We'll let you know when you can go. There's no rush, is there?' the officer said with a tone full of sarcasm. Jack took the weight of the breakfast tray and heard the hatch close as he sat down on the bed. He hadn't hurt anyone or stolen anything and Jack knew they couldn't hold him for long; he'd soon be a free man.

The thought of being released filled his mind. He had no idea what his next move should be once he was freed; that in itself filled him with anxiety. He'd failed his mission, a simple mission to get rid of one person and to pick up some tiny pills. It should have been so easy and he knew that his boss would flip his wig if he knew what had happened.

He looked down at the breakfast tray laying on his knees, a porridge looking substance with some kind of juice and began to eat, staring blankly at the corner of his cell. The sound of the hatch opening again gained his full attention and he turned to look at the door. 'Eat up, Mr Fox. We're releasing you at noon,' the voice said before the hatch was slammed down.

'Please take me back, George. It was a mistake. It's you I want. I love you so much. Jake means nothing to me.' Catherine pleaded. George was woken by Tom prodding his arm.

'Sorry, I did knock. Karim's downstairs waiting for you,' Tom said.

George rubbed his eyes. 'Thanks, Tom. I'll be right down,' he said, realising he'd been dreaming.