The Hit

By Neil Harris

Heidi Fraumeister inherited her fathers business empire and became a millionairess overnight. While on a sailing holiday around the Canary Isles she is spotted by Jack Towney who assumes the alias of James De Villiers in order to impress her. They become entangled in a passionate relationship and are quickly married. Heidi insists on a pre-nuptial agreement to safeguard her fortune, which Jack gladly signs, but in the months that follow the gloss of the relationship suddenly tarnishes and Jack needs to find a way out without losing the lavish life-style being married to Heidi affords.
Divorce would leave Jack back where he started, poor and lonely. He hatches a plan to have Heidi killed by a professional hit man and engages old friends Michael and Patrick Flannigan to provide the assassin. However with a huge sum of money on offer, greed takes over, and in the end the Flannigan brothers decide to carry out the kill themselves.
"The Hit" follows the two bungling hit men as they try to kill off the millionairess to save their friend losing claim to her fortune. Despite numerous failed attempts they eventually manage to commit the murder they were being paid for, but not with the outcome they had anticipated.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Oct 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491879634

Book preview

CONTENTS

Dedication:

Thank You:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Dedication:

This book is dedicated to Janet for her loyal support and encouragement during the writing and production of this book.

Thank you:

Special thanks to Janet and Pat for their assistance in the final editing process.

Thank you to all the staff at Authorhouse for their support and guidance in the production of this book.

But most of all, thank you to all my readers who have provided some excellent feedback from my previous novels, ‘Eric and the red shoes,’ and ‘Engaging Eric.’ The lovely messages of support and encouragement have convinced me to continue writing.

CHAPTER ONE

Jack sat by the edge of the marina on a small wooden crate previously used to transport fruit from the busy market. The sun’s rays danced on the rippling water and hundreds of small fish darted back and forth just beneath the surface searching for food. Tourists bustled passed Jack, not paying him any attention, but by the same token he wasn’t interested in their activities either. He just stared blankly out into the marina where yachts bobbed up and down in their moorings and floating jetties creaked and groaned almost melodically. Jack was depressed, he had been on the island almost three weeks and still hadn’t found any work that would interest him or sustain him for any period of time. He was resigned to returning home, back to a dull and depressing England, his dream of finding a life of luxury in the sun dashed once more. His friends had once again deserted him and were at this moment in time ensconced in O’Reilley’s Irish bar just off the main street. They were here on holiday and they were going to party until they dropped, which in fairness they did almost every night.

Jack paid no real attention to the yacht approaching the quayside just in front of him; it’s large sails had long since been gathered up and secured to the rigging. The twin masts now stood naked except for a small German flag flapping in the breeze. Jack raised his sunglasses onto his forehead and squinted slightly to get a better view of the vessel in front of him, but more in particular the tall leggy blonde barking orders out to her crew as they endeavoured to bring the yacht into its mooring. He smiled gently and small creases formed around his deep blue eyes and the brilliant white teeth slowly came into view between his dry cracked lips. Perhaps this would be his chance to remain on the island, he had seen little else to tempt him, but this beauty would be well worth pursuing.

Jack leant back slightly and stretched out his long tanned legs and stared as the yacht slowly inched its way between two smaller fishing launches. The crew raced around preparing to tie up and bring the yacht to a safe and controlled halt. The tall leggy blonde carefully brought the vessel to a complete stop and ropes were tied to the jetty moorings and engines cut.

Jack raised himself up from his resting place and strolled over to the edge of the jetty and gazed down on the pristine timber decking, the immaculate dark blue paintwork of the hull and highly polished stainless steel rails and fittings. His eyes eventually became fixed on the tall leggy blonde once more. He saw this as his last chance to secure a carefree life before having to return home to a life of toil and drudgery.

The tall leggy blonde Jack had been admiring, and staring at rather more than he had realised was in fact Heidi Fraumeister, the daughter of a wealthy German industrialist. He had sadly passed away a few years earlier leaving Heidi to inherit his businesses and vast fortune. She was one of the wealthiest young women in Europe. She had attended Cambridge University and obtained a doctorate in finance & economics. She had joined her father in business and had progressed through his business empire to the point she was the main thrust behind recent expansion and numerous acquisitions of competitors. Following her father’s death she had retracted from the business and started to enjoy life a little more, although she still had her finger well and truly on the pulse and nothing detracted her from expanding the businesses further. But she did have some down time and sailing her yacht was her main relaxation activity.

Jack was about to move in and seduce her with his charm. The soft Irish accent had been practiced and perfected.

Beautiful looking vessel, he remarked, as Heidi finished checking the yacht’s position and ensuring she was secure.

Thank you, she replied without glancing in Jack’s direction.

They never allow you enough room to park these things do they, Jack suggested.

You don’t park them, don’t you mean moor? she asked.

Sure I do, that’s what I meant. Just the same with my car, space is never big enough, he said as he wandered over to the gangplank and leant on the railing. I bet you need a big crew for something like this. I owned one very similar but suffered some storm damage last summer. We had fifteen crew most of the time but it’s been in dock since, having a few running repairs and a refit inside.

Fifteen sounds a lot, Heidi remarked.

Jack had never owned anything like this and certainly never had a crew of fifteen. It was a lie to impress. He had never really sailed anywhere before and had even felt queasy on the ferry over from Puerto Rico earlier in the day.

When I said fifteen, well maybe not fifteen actual crew, some were family that I used to treat and they liked to pitch in sometimes. Another lie, Jack’s family hadn’t seen him in years and he was not welcome back since he relieved them of their life savings on his alleged racing career. Something that Jack had dreamt of and quite frankly was useless at, but wouldn’t admit it. He saw racing as a way of impressing the girls, and developing a playboy lifestyle. To be rich and famous was his goal. Something he was never going to achieve. Jack had lived most of his teenage and adult life lying and cheating in the hope of impressing those around him. If he could live his life off someone else’s wealth he would do just that. And now he saw Heidi as another golden opportunity.

Still, it’s a wonderful looking vessel you have here. It reminds me so much of my parent’s boat. Same colour and everything, Jack commented as he stepped forward, resting one foot on the gang plank and rubbed the handrail to polish out an imaginary blemish.

Look, I don’t mean to be rude but we are tired and hungry. We have been at sea for over a week and in need of some refreshment. I need to find a nice restaurant and if I’m quick I might just get a table before the rush. But I need to change first, so if you would excuse me Mr? Heidi liked the look of Jack but was in need of a change of clothes, and the need for food and a drink was foremost in her mind.

De Villiers, James De Villiers, Jack replied very quickly anxious not to let Heidi brush him aside without at least letting her know his name. Not that it was his real name. De Villiers, a rich and successful playboy, sounded much more upmarket than Jack Towney, petty villain and confidence trickster.

Well Mr. De Villiers, if you would excuse me I need to change, Heidi said with a kindly smile. In her mind she wanted to find out a little more about this handsome man but that would have to wait, she felt drained and surely didn’t look her best.

You look a picture as you are, Jack replied, keen to maintain contact. An angel of the sea no less.

Thank you, but I feel a mess.

Say why don’t I just wait here and I could introduce you to my favourite restaurant, that is if you like fish. I expect you’ve seen enough of them for a while. Bet you have had nothing but fish all week. Jack needed to attach himself to Heidi as this looked like a meal ticket he could make last for a while.

I’m sure, you must be very busy, no need to wait, she suggested. Anyway what about your? Heidi was fishing to see if Mr. James De Villiers was attached or not. Surely he must be.

My what? he asked sensing she was sounding him out.

Well to be frank, your wife, girlfriend or whatever.

"Sadly Mrs. De Villiers passed away many years ago and I have been alone ever since. I nursed her through a terrible illness to the bitter end and my life is empty without her. Jack grinned inwardly; suckers never fail to be charmed by the tragic death of a loved one. He’d never been married, never had a long term relationship, and certainly never nursed anyone to the grave. He had used this lie many times in the past, and it had always worked. He had charmed numerous women into bed with that one, more than any other. He hoped this would work again to his advantage.

Heidi was immediately touched by his apparent sadness, his loss and his obvious grief still close to the surface. She had remembered her own mother’s death and the way her father had reacted to the tragedy. Fortunately she had been able to help him through the darkness by her involvement in the business, but his heart was always with his departed wife and he appeared to die of a broken heart.

A lump rose within her throat, perhaps Mr. De Villiers needed some comfort and perhaps he could be company for her for the evening. It would be better than eating alone. She never ate with the crew, on or off the yacht.

Look, I’m sorry for your loss, it must have been horrible. If you wouldn’t mind waiting I would love some company, and yes fish would be nice. Please bear with me while I change. Please come aboard and help yourself to a drink. There’s a mini bar aft, please relax and I’ll be as quick as I can.

Heidi was hooked as far as Jack was concerned. He was convinced he would bed her before the night was out. In the meantime there were drinks to be had and he was never one to refuse an invitation to free drinks and a quick look round an expensive yacht. Not that he’d had many such invitations for a while.

Heidi disappeared below deck and Jack wandered aboard with a swagger as he made his way to the lounge area to the rear. If only his friends could see him now, they would be green with envy. Perhaps it would be better if they didn’t see him as it could be a little embarrassing as they would be party to his current deception. They would certainly blow his cover. He needed to keep Michael and Patrick Flannigan well away from Heidi for the time being.

Jack lounged back on the soft white leather sofa sipping a gin and tonic. He would rather have had a pint of Irish nectar but beer of any description seemed in short supply. He poured a second for himself and another for Heidi as he waited for her return. He was almost lost in his dreams when she emerged from down below in what can best be described as a white ball gown that looked as if it had been sprayed on. Every curve, every muscle and every part of her shapely form was wrapped tightly in the pure white silk dress. Gold rings and necklaces glistened in the evening sunlight and her blonde hair cascaded loosely down her back. She looked a million dollars but in truth was worth considerably more. Jack almost swallowed an ice cube whole as she stood before him.

I’ve taken the liberty of pouring you a gin and tonic, I hope that is alright, he said softly.

Lovely, thank you James, she replied.

Heidi was careful to sit close enough to allow Jack to smell her perfume but not so close to make contact. She was trying subtly to entice him and Jack was out to seduce her. Perhaps he was surer of the outcome than Heidi was. Jack was full of compliments for Heidi, her clothes, her hair and especially the yacht.

Jack jumped to his feet and offered his hand to her. May I take you to dinner? he asked.

I would be delighted, she replied and allowed Jack to pull her up from the sofa. His hand felt warm and strong, but gentle and kind. Heidi liked that in a man. She was normally cautious about men friends. She had enormous wealth and those who were aware of it either shied away or were out to make the most of it. Normally Heidi would be very guarded so early on in a friendship, but this felt different, this felt like it was going somewhere. She could sense gentleness in Jack, an honesty which was rare in her world. She thought he had genuine warmth, a sincerity which she could be comfortable with. What is more he had obvious charm, wealth, kindness and clearly a loving devotion to his late wife. Such dedication and warmth deserved a chance to flourish. How wrong she was, but she didn’t realise it now or for some time.

Jack offered his arm and Heidi duly rested her hand on his forearm and allowed him to escort her off the yacht and onto the quayside. They walked slowly, Heidi being guided by him as they made their way around the marina towards the ‘Harbour Lights’ restaurant where they sat at a table on the paved area at the front overlooking the marina and the many pleasure crafts, fishing launches and sailing yachts all neatly side by side moored for the night. Jack was ever watchful to make sure Michael and Patrick didn’t find him and blow his cover, but he didn’t need to worry as they had already been ejected from O’Reilleys following a disagreement with a member of the bar staff which had resulted in a fight. The police had been called and the Flannigan brothers were now spending the night in a police cell to calm down and sober up.

Jack was charming the pants off Heidi, not literally of course, but he was working on that. He ordered champagne and lobster, an expense he couldn’t afford but was prepared to risk the outcome never the less. He was confident in their discussions and the difference in the backgrounds was not obvious to anyone around, least of all Heidi. To her, Mr. James De Villiers was as charming and successful in life she had hoped for and the whirlwind romance was well and truly in full swing. She giggled at his wit and her heart melted at the way he described his lost love. Why had such a lovely charming man been dealt such a cruel and heartless blow to his life? He deserved some happiness again and she was happy to provide that. Jack could see his charm offensive was working and decided to go for broke.

I have to say Heidi you have restored my faith in life again. I never thought I would meet anyone as kind and loving as my Sophia, but I have to say, you have convinced me there are still some good people left on this earth. You have made me smile again, you have taken away the hurt in my heart and you have given me a reason to move forward in my life. As if by magic Jack managed to make a tear trickle slowly down his cheek. I have enjoyed our evening together and I would love to be able to share some time together soon if you could find it in your heart to spare me some time. Not the best lines he had ever spun, but it might work.

James, I have found you to be very caring and interesting. I am pleased you have learnt to smile again. It must have been so horrible to lose someone so close, so dear to you. Would you like to come back to the yacht and we could talk some more and perhaps enjoy a little more champagne?

That would be very nice, but I have to get back to my hotel. I have some business to attend to. There’s a shipment arriving at our offices and I need to check my managers are on top of things. The gold has been in transit for three days now and I must make sure it is dealt with properly.

Jack was really in fantasy land once again. He didn’t have two Euros’ to rub together never mind organising a large shipment of gold.

You could ring from the yacht if you wish. I have an office on board fully equipped to deal with any business necessary, Heidi suggested, keen to keep in close company with him, just in case she didn’t see him again.

I wouldn’t want to impose on your hospitality. I could always drive back to the hotel later, as long I make the call it would put my mind at rest. It is so difficult to get staff you can fully trust, especially when gold is involved. Are you sure you don’t mind, he asked.

Of course I don’t mind and by the way I think you may need to think about a taxi. We may have had a little too much to drink I fear, to be driving on these dangerous roads, she suggested. She wasn’t sure she wanted him to go at all, let alone risk driving after the gins and champagne.

Jack didn’t have a call to make; there was no gold shipment and no factory back home, no managers and certainly no car and no hotel as such. So given the opportunity of spending more time with Heidi was something he was determined to pursue.

Well if you really don’t mind it would be a great help. I think your suggestion of the taxi is a good idea as well, that way I don’t have to worry and we can enjoy a little more champagne if you would like. I’ll order another bottle.

To Jack’s great relief Heidi suggested they settle the bill and go back to the yacht where there was at least one bottle of Moet chilling in her fridge. A relief in one way but panic set in because Jack could never settle the restaurant bill with the little change he had in his pocket. He had to think fast to save face and in a flash a plan was hatched.

I must visit the bathroom before we go, he said wiping his lips gently with the napkin. La cuenta por favor, senor, he confidently requested as the waiter approached.

The waiter scurried off to make up their bill and Jack stood and kissed Heidi gently on the back of her hand. Excuse me a moment, I won’t be long. Now don’t go running off without me, he said with a chuckle.

Heidi smiled back; she had no intention of leaving without him.

Jack stood and stared into the mirror, alone in the bathroom thinking of a way out. He had to come up with a plan very quickly. Normally he would have disappeared into the night, without paying, but tonight he had his sights set on Heidi, so absconding wasn’t an option. In a flash it came to him, pretend to be mugged, surely she would fall for that. And so his plan was put into action. A self inflicted injury was necessary so he brought his head down hard onto the cold water tap, THUD. The resultant bruise and swelling on his forehead was almost instant and the split in the skin allowed a trickle of blood to run down the side of his head. Jack swore to himself, he had done it much harder than he had intended and stars circled round in front of his eyes like a whirlpool making him feel dizzy and sick. He composed himself a moment and then emerged back into the restaurant staggering from side to side. Did you see him? he shouted as the head waiter gave him a puzzled look.

Que? came the response

He must have run passed you, jumped me in the toilet he did, you must have seen him, Jack shrieked.

By now Heidi had seen him and rushed over to his side.

What happened? What have you done to your head? That looks terrible, here let me bathe it, she said wetting her napkin with the iced water from the jug. What happened James?

Bloke jumped me in the toilets. He must have been waiting for me. I’ve had a feeling I was being watched all night, he said sitting quickly as his legs were feeling a little unsteady.

That looks nasty, you may need a stitch, she suggested, still dabbing at his head. Jack wincing each time she touched him.

No, I’ll be fine, I’ve had worse, he said softly.

Right on cue the waiter returned with their bill. Is senor alright? he asked.

I’ll be fine thank you. Did you see him? Jack asked, squinting up at the waiter.

No, I did not see anyone, he replied.

Jack reached in his pocket and let out a cry. Feck, he’s nicked my wallet.

He’s what? Heidi asked.

"My wallet, gone, and my Rolex. Hell that was a present from Sophia. Jack slumped back in his chair.

I didn’t know you wore a Rolex, Heidi said looking a little puzzled. Surely she would have seen something as obvious as that.

Always kept it in my pocket, would you believe it, so it didn’t get pinched, and Jack gave an ironic laugh. It was a lie; he didn’t carry a wallet and certainly didn’t own a Rolex. With very little cash he wasn’t in a position to settle the bill and he secretly hoped Heidi would do the honours.

Did you have any cards, in the wallet? she enquired, looking after the practical aspects of the alleged theft.

A few, visa, diners, American express, and of course all my cash. Thankfully they didn’t get my phone.

They? I thought you said it was one, a puzzled Heidi wished to clarify.

Oh, yeh. One, yeh, big bugger though, Jack confirmed quickly.

Don’t worry James, I’ll settle the bill. You need to cancel your cards quickly.

If you don’t mind babes, I’ll pay you back just as soon as I can get this sorted, he said, knowing it was another lie. He quickly pulled the phone from his pocket and started dialling. He had moved away from Heidi and the waiters and spoke quietly into his mobile. Michael, it’s me, look I’ll not be back tonight all being well, I’ve picked up this rich sort, at the marina and if all goes to plan I may not be back at all. Don’t worry about my stuff, if I’m not back in a few days just leave it there. I’ll catch up with you again soon.

Jack listened as Michael repeated his message to Patrick, obviously at Michael’s side.

Say Jack, where will you be going? Michael wanted to know.

Don’t know yet, but hopefully off to sea for a life of luxury and with more money than you’ve ever seen before, Jack replied. This is it mate, I’m well and truly sorted this time. If I play my cards right I may never have to lie, cheat and steal ever again.

So you’re going to tell her the truth then are yah? Michael asked.

Course not you fecking eejit, Jack snapped. What do you think I am? Stupid.

Michael didn’t respond, he knew Jack was a cheat and a liar and the smell of money made him worse. But then he would be the same given the same chance.

Look after yourself Jack and don’t forget your old mates, Michael said, but Jack didn’t hear it. He had already killed the phone as Heidi was approaching at speed.

Michael slumped back down on the bench in the cell and raised his eyebrows to his brother. ‘Lucky Jack’ he thought, enjoying life while they were banged up in a police cell but at least they had been spared a few luxuries, their phone being one.

Cards cancelled, Jack said with a smile.

Good, let’s go and get your head examined, she said, which in reality was something she should have done, or rather have her own examined for falling for such a lame con. She took Jack gently by the arm and led him from the restaurant having successfully negotiated a sizable discount from the owner to cover for their lack of security and inadequate protection of their customers. The police had not been called to save the restaurant the adverse publicity and Heidi didn’t want them involved in case she was delayed more than necessary.

They walked arm in arm back to the marina and carefully boarded her yacht so she could have a closer look at Jack’s head.

Let me get some ice for your head, she suggested.

It’ll be fine, had far worse than that in my time, Jack said softly. Smiling inwardly, he had achieved the first part of his plan.

Heidi had fallen for him, his charm, his looks and she was convinced he was genuine