The Repeat

By Josie Wells

Home, safe and sound after a quick turnaround trip to Russia as a chaperone, Greg Redman is pleased to be back in the UK even though his employer is a friend.
A quiet night in turns into a nightmare when an old TV program is shown again.
A rouge chat show-host also sees the show.
A journalist at the top of his game, caught in a trap of mistaken loyalty, and two lost souls make a dreadful mistake.
Is murder on someone's mind?
Will the law enforcement help?
Kinman and Wells discover a link to a previous case and will be calling in ex-military pals. Will they be able to put an end to some dangerous and shocking events?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: May 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781788780629

Josie Wells

Josie lives in Sherborne Dorset in the UK; she is interested in politics and current affairs, and how the world is working. Having specialised in dementia care and although retired, still keeps an interest in health and social care, mental health, crime and punishment. Josie paints oil on canvas and has already begun her third book; a passion for fast cars and beautiful engineering is always on the agenda.

Book preview

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About The Author

Josie lives in Sherborne Dorset in the UK; she is interested in politics and current affairs, and how the world is working. Having specialised in dementia care and although retired, still keeps an interest in health and social care, mental health, crime and punishment. Josie paints oil on canvas and has already begun her third book; a passion for fast cars and beautiful engineering is always on the agenda.

Dedication

To those who change.

Copyright Information ©

Josie Wells (2020)

The right of Josie Wells to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781788780612 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781788780629 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2020)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LQ

Acknowledgement

Thank you to Paul Hendey, a dear friend, for his knowledge regarding horseracing.

Also, to Michael Gulvardsson at Mercedes Benz in Salisbury, regarding the G Class; without him, I would have made a mistake, and to my husband, Alan, for his knowledge on military matters.

Thank you to Neal Caffrey and his team for their hard work and expertise.

Chapter 1

Thursday

Greg Redman returned to the UK, his round trip to Saint Petersburg as chaperone to a couple of chaps at a private school had yet again been safe and successful, no problems at all. However, Greg was tired this time; the end of October in Russia was already very cold. Getting through airport security caused no issues with a nod of the head from many staff. His friend and colleague, Private Investigator Alan Wells, was quietly waiting. The two men shook hands, Good to see you, mate. Greg had the sound of relief in his voice.

Alan drove his friend’s Mercedes Benz G Class, which was more than useful for the type of work carried out, quite often-close protection, maybe moving valuables or secure items with the client on board.

They drove on to Brighton and home. Greg commented to Alan he wished this trip to Russia to be his last because he hadn’t felt comfortable and wasn’t quite sure why, in his mind he felt his host and employer was rather aloof which was out of character.

Mostly, Artem Volkov was gregarious and charming, yet Greg felt there was something going on behind the scenes and wanted no return to Russia, but was concerned for the man who had become a friend out of business arrangements.

The decision to quit had been made on the flight home. He would tender his resignation the following day once he was rested. The position although extremely lucrative financially, seemed to have taken its toll, the long journey although in flight time quite short, it was the hassle of getting to Pushkin Airport which in itself was 23 kilometres from the city then once home London to Brighton on the odd occasion staying in his small flat in Pimlico.

Greg hoped there would be no ill feeling from Artem Volkov, the last thing he wanted was an angry disagreement with him and heated exchanges would be most disagreeable.

Alan asked his friend if he had any particular plans as they had on occasions worked together, Not sure yet, Al, he replied and resting on the headrest, he fell asleep.

Arriving eventually in Regency Square, Susan heard the engine of the G Class pulling up outside, the lights on in both homes were welcoming on a chilly night. Greg thanked Alan for the drive, they said goodnight and agreed to meet again very soon. Alan walked the few yards down the square to his own home with Julia. Susan was delighted to hear Greg’s news that the Russian trips were to come to a finale but understood her husband’s concerns for the oligarch. Sue told Greg, I’m sure your friendship will be sound, you have known Artem for such a long time. He hoped his wife was right.

Susan had prepared a light supper, they chatted for some time before turning in to bed, the day had been long and unusually for Greg, he felt deadbeat and fell into a deep sleep.

Friday

Greg woke at 07:30 a.m., feeling well rested; he took a shower then emerged downstairs to find Susan preparing coffee and breakfast. After an hour or so, he set about drafting his e-mail to Artem resigning his chaperone position. He decided the best thing was to telephone first followed by the e-mail and hope for the best. A call was placed at ll:00 a.m. UK time and as British clocks had gone back one hour ready for the winter, Artem would answer about 2 p.m. The call did not go well; Artem was furious, he could not and would not understand. Greg’s reasoning.

So, you want to spend more time at home? So, do we all, young man; what is the matter, do I not pay you enough? asked Artem.

Of course, you do and I’m grateful, I would like a change that’s all, to work more in the UK and Europe, replied Greg.

Very well, if you change your mind, call me. And with that, Artem slammed down the phone.

Greg followed this call with a long e-mail more explanatory than trying to converse with his impatient friend. Artem, brooding for quite some time eventually replied saying, Okay, I get it, I understand, let’s part as the good friends we have become; let us keep in touch. I shall be in Paris in a few weeks’ time, perhaps we could meet then. Remember, if there is anything, I can do for you, please tell me and hopefully I will see you very soon. The call ended in friendship.

Greg was feeling very relieved, he sat back in his chair smiling, he felt content that all was not lost, he had no idea what was to come and