Bella - A Saviour Born Out of Conflict: Bella, #3

By Barrel Coops

Vincent, a vet rescued from a raider attack on his home, informs Alex and Bella about some old motorcycles at an estate he had worked for, perfect for Alex's journey to his uncle in Scotland. The estate, abandoned for over six months by its owners who left for the US, housed a secret WWII museum. Vincent, feeling slighted for unpaid services, suggested they were entitled to one of the motorbikes. Arriving at the estate, they find it seemingly deserted. But appearances deceive; a band of rogue soldiers has taken control, capturing three of their group. Now, it's up to Bella to ingeniously devise a plan to outsmart these imposters and rescue her friends. This twist turns their quest into a high-stakes mission, blending courage with cunning in a fight for freedom.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barrel Coops
• Release date: Nov 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223151296

Barrel Coops

After the tragic loss of my girlfriend as a teenager, I sought an escape. My pub upbringing introduced me to a traveling gypsy family, and they allowed me to join their journey under one condition: I had to contribute. Soon, they discovered my talent for spontaneous storytelling, known as "pantsing." In villages and towns, I showcased this gift, crafting stories based on audience suggestions after Mahala's performances. My dyslexia prevented me from pursuing writing as a profession, given the cost of ghostwriters and publishing. Now, with five children and a 50th birthday surprise, I've told countless imaginative bedtime stories. Reflecting on my time with the gypsy family, I've realised the profound impact of storytelling on people, contemplating the possibility of chronicling that journey someday. Throughout my 30s and 40s, I occasionally returned to the stage for charity events, driven by my love for storytelling. My daughter encouraged me to write a novel, leading to my first series under the pen name Barrel Coops, named after her. It took just five months to write five books, with four more for editing, mainly due to my struggles with spelling and punctuation. After extensive feedback and courses, they are being rewritten for release in early 2024. Despite dyslexia being a constant challenge, I'm committed to writing. I hope my stories will captivate and inspire you, bringing enjoyment to your life.

Book preview

Chapter one.

Was it time to go?

At dinner, Alex shared his decision to leave by the week's end. He expressed his concern for his uncle in Scotland, fearing that the older man might be struggling with similar challenges they had faced, but alone. Although Alex had intended to stay only briefly, the circumstances had led him to remain longer than anticipated. Now, he believed he had to go and help. With the group now in possession of a Land Rover, he planned on using the Austin Champ Jeep for his journey north. While he would've preferred the BSA motorbike at Tom’s, it seemed someone had taken up residence there, evident from the two vehicles they had spotted heading to Tom's the previous night.

Recalling a nearby estate he once visited for their horses, Vincent suggested another potential source for a motorcycle. The estate had a collection of vintage cars and motorcycles, and Vincent hypothesised that even if people had discovered the stash, they might have left the motorcycles untouched, opting for the cars instead. Alex agreed that a bike would be more versatile for his journey, allowing him to navigate congested roads and even off-road paths if necessary. The possibility of securing a motorcycle from this estate offered a promising alternative to his original plan.

Alex expressed his intention to investigate the estate with the vintage vehicle collection the next morning. Vincent offered to accompany him, pointing out the challenges Alex might face in finding the location without assistance, given its concealed nature. Pondering transportation options, Alex suggested taking the van and planned on bringing along a plank to function as a makeshift ramp.

Vincent mentioned that the estate's owners had travelled to their residence in the US more than half a year earlier, leaving the estate, including the stables, unattended. This departure had left Vincent unpaid for his services, indicating the unlikely chance of him receiving his due now. When Alex inquired about how Vincent knew about the hidden collection, Vincent recalled a visit to the estate for a thoroughbred check. A stable boy had introduced him to the treasure trove of vintage cars and motorcycles. The boy had shared that he was tasked with maintaining the cleanliness of these vehicles, a job he preferred over horse grooming due to its better pay and ease.

However, accessing the collection wouldn't be straightforward, Vincent noted, as the entrances were secured with numeric keypads. They'd need to bring tools to break in. The duo agreed to embark on their mission at dawn, ready to uncover the treasures that lay hidden in the estate.

At the breakfast table the next day, Bella and Robert caught wind of the upcoming excursion and both were eager to join. Recognising the futility of attempting to dissuade Bella, a fiercely independent spirit, Alex conceded, allowing them both to accompany the group. As they prepared to depart, they loaded the van with several diesel jerrycans for the journey, and an extra canister of petrol to test any motorcycles they might find and consider bringing back. Before setting off, they made sure Bernard was informed of their whereabouts and expected duration.

Do you think you'll manage if trouble arises while we're gone? Can you, Daz, and Matt handle it? Alex questioned, hinting at the possibility of leaving Bella behind for added security.

I'm coming with you. If you think that feeble ploy to leave me behind was going to work. You better think again, Bella interjected firmly.

Bernard chuckled, Seems Bella's made the decision for you, Alex.

Approaching Tom’s former residence, Alex reduced speed, his eyes scanning for signs of its new inhabitants. The presence of two parked vehicles and a pair standing by the closed gate, though their armament status was unclear, confirmed someone had taken up residence.

Let’s not dally, cautioned Alex. We don’t know if the newcomers at Tom's are friend or foes.

Vincent nodded in agreement. Barring any unforeseen obstacles, we should reach our destination in less than an hour.

Navigating through a series of back roads under Vincent's guidance, the group evaded any populated zones. Their journey, taking a little over an hour, ended at a gated entrance. Vincent hadn’t anticipated this blockade. Fortunately, equipped with an assortment of tools to gain entry to the barn, including bolt cutters, they swiftly managed to sever the chain and gain access.

As they ventured further, Vincent provided detailed directions. Once you've followed this tree-lined drive for about a mile, make an immediate right. If you continue straight, you'll end up at the main house, he cautioned.

Heeding Vincent’s guidance, Alex soon sighted the stables ahead. Vincent, familiar with the layout, directed Alex to a concealed parking spot, ensuring the vehicle remained out of sight from the main residence.

Drawn by the open door of the indoor exercise arena, the group approached cautiously. Ensuring the area was secure, Vincent then revealed a hidden door located beneath the viewing platform. Its existence was betrayed only by a solitary keypad adjacent to it. Alex, extracting a flat bar and hammer from his bag, painstakingly worked on the door. After a considerable effort, he finally breached it.

Inside, a spectacle awaited them. Untouched and pristine, a vast collection of diverse vehicles and motorcycles greeted them, each distinct from the next. Alex's immediate challenge was locating the entrance or exit used for these vehicles. No apparent handles or latches were in sight, and Vincent admitted he had never witnessed the doors being used.

Bella's sharp eyes eventually discerned inset hinges, revealing that the door was hinged from one side only. In lieu of conventional latches, the doors were bolted directly to the frame, seamlessly blending with the surrounding structure and effectively masking its presence.

As Alex busied himself with unbolting the door to facilitate the exit of vehicles, Bella and Robert scoured the adjacent office, hoping to locate the necessary keys.

Alex marvelled at the ingenuity of the hidden door's design. For a moment, he'd almost concluded that perhaps there had been no exit, or it had been sealed after the vehicles had been stored. Yet, considering the ample space that remained, the idea of removing an entrance didn’t quite add up.

Having finally extracted all the bolts, he swung the door open. To their collective shock, an unwelcome sight greeted them: four men, heavily armed, stood poised and ready, having clearly anticipated their entry.

Chapter Two.

Not so gentle.

From her vantage point in the office, Bella's eyes darted to the display area, catching the entrance of three armed men. They swiftly disarmed everybody and ushered them out, their weapons firmly trained on them. She instinctively dimmed her flashlight, sinking into a crouch, her gaze narrowly peeping through the window's edge. She watched the scene unfold, her heart pounding loudly in her ears.

Mustering some courage, Bella made a move to slip out. But as she gently eased the door open, another figure came into view, prompting her to hastily retreat and silently secure the door again. This new entrant, a young man around Alex’s age, efficiently bolted the entrance and then promptly exited the way he came in.

With the coast now seemingly clear, Bella found herself trapped in a cocoon of uncertainty. Her priority was to reunite with her father, Alex, and Vincent. But with the sound of a departing vehicle still ringing in her ears, she was at a crossroads, unsure of her next move and the direction the vehicle had taken.

Marched briskly out of the building, Alex, Vincent, and Robert found themselves at the mercy of three stern-faced armed men. The metallic snip of zip ties cinched around their wrists, confining their hands behind them, followed shortly by the enclosing darkness and muffled world that came with bags being pulled over their heads.

A sense of weightlessness consumed them as they waited, straining to make out any conversation or clue to their impending fate. But the conspiratorial whispers of their captors remained just out of discernible range.

During the meticulous pat-down that followed, their captors relieved them of their weapons. But it was the discovery of the Luger in Alex's pocket that truly stung. The palpable weight of frustration hung heavily in the air. At that moment, Alex mourned the loss of both his cherished shotgun and now his Luger pistol.

With a sudden shove, the trio was herded into a vehicle, the cool leather of the seats barely registering as a stern warning silenced them.

The drive felt interminably long, even though it only spanned a few short minutes. They were unceremoniously pulled from the vehicles and guided down a series of cold, hard concrete steps. The sound of their footsteps echoed back at them as they were led along a corridor, eventually descending another set of stone steps that took them into a dimly lit room. With a swift motion, their blindfolds were yanked off, though their hands remained bound. They waited, listening for the retreating footsteps of their captors before daring to speak.

I'm baffled. They didn't even bother to ask why we were there, murmured Alex, the confusion evident in his tone.

Robert offered a speculative glance. Maybe they presumed we were there to burglaries the place.

Vincent nodded pensively. When the time comes, we'll be straightforward. I'll tell them I was merely trying to recoup what Mr Kimber owed me. That man left for the States without settling his debts. The least he could've done was inform me that the mare wasn't even around anymore. Technically, he owes me just for that.

Alex's gaze hardened. But let's keep our origins under wraps. Mention only our Leeds addresses. The farm doesn’t need any more enemies.

Robert frowned. But what if they couldn't care less about your unsettled scores?

It's plausible they don't, Vincent acknowledged. But explaining our presence there with a semblance of truth is more foolproof than spinning a tale they might see through.

Alex's jaw clenched. Right now, my primary concern is Bella's whereabouts and what she might be planning. But also, what do these people intend to do with us?

Robert leaned in, lowering his voice. Did you notice? Their attire? All camo gear. Perhaps they're some sort of military unit.

The hushed conversation was abruptly interrupted as the door swung open. Without hesitation, two uniformed men marched straight to Vincent, grabbing him by the arms and dragging him out. The echoing footsteps filled the corridor as they escorted him to the opposite end, thrusting him into another room. Inside, the ambience was stifling, dominated by a grand desk. The men directed Vincent to a chair before promptly leaving.

After what seemed like an eternity, a robust figure clad in a similar uniform entered the room, taking the seat across the desk from Vincent. His piercing gaze met Vincent's, and he posed a simple question: Who are you?

Vincent, came the response, with a hint of defiance. And you are?

Choosing to ignore the counter-question, the man pressed on, What business did you have in the motor collection storage?

Vincent, not deterred by the man's commanding presence, answered, We were in need of a motorbike for Alex, whom you've detained. His journey to Scotland required it. Given that Mr Kimber had conveniently disappeared to the US without settling his dues to me, I assumed he'd be owing me at least that much. His collection seemed like a fair trade-off. Our last visit here showed no signs of inhabitants. In fact, a gardener – who also hadn't received his wages – was the one who informed me of Mr Kimber's sudden departure.

The man's face remained stone-like, betraying no emotion. Firstly, he began in a cold, measured tone, everything there now belongs to me. Whatever debt Kimber owed you is of no concern to me. Secondly, his gaze hardened, no one dares to steal from me. With that, he rose and exited the room, leaving Vincent to contemplate his words.

Bella realised the necessity of caution; the last thing she needed was to rush and risk getting caught. She understood that allowing some time to pass would mean making the task of locating the others even more challenging, but safety was paramount. She cautiously peeked through a small window that opened up into the museum. Satisfied that there wasn't a soul in sight, she slinked toward the grand entrance, pressing her ear against the door, trying to catch any signs of movement. Hearing none, she made her way stealthily to the smaller door they had breached earlier.

Every fibre of her being was attuned to her surroundings. She was a hair's breadth away from making her exit when an unexpected cough from the other side held her in place. Her heart skipped a beat. Someone was still there. The door no longer seemed like a viable escape route.

But then a thought struck her. The door they had entered through was secured with a keypad, which in all likelihood wouldn’t operate without power. Given the intruders' swift acclimatisation, they probably were familiar with the museum and its secrets. So, there had to be another external access point, one that didn't require power. If she could locate that, it might just be her ticket out. After barricading the door with a welder on a trolly, which fitted neatly between the door and the steel handrail on the other side of the ramp, Bella began her search, hoping to find this alternate exit before her presence was detected.

Taking a deep breath, Bella began her meticulous search for the concealed entrance. The layout discrepancies between the exterior and interior of the office suggested that there was an entire section of the building she hadn't yet accessed. The film-inspired idea of a hidden doorway behind a bookcase seemed plausible given the current circumstances. She meticulously inspected each bookcase, seeking any anomaly or clue that might lead her to the concealed door.

Meanwhile, Vincent was escorted back to the holding cell. Robert and Alex, eager to grasp the nature of his interaction with their captor, immediately bombarded him with questions. Vincent recounted his brief exchange, emphasising his unease regarding the man's ominous demeanour, which seemed to hint at a shady history.

Curiosity about the number of their adversaries soon cropped up. Alex and Robert deliberated, concluding that they had only identified five individuals so far, though there might be more lurking around. Vincent's question about their captor's numbers didn't arise from any escape plan he had in mind, but rather a concern for Bella. Knowing her, she was likely devising a strategy of her own. The group, despite their dire situation, took some solace in that, banking on Bella's resourcefulness to get them out of this mess.

Chapter Three.

The secret entrance.

Bella's determination was unwavering as she worked meticulously to uncover the mechanism holding the concealed door in place. With no immediate solution in sight, her mounting frustration culminated in her forcefully emptying the bookshelf, methodically placing each book on the floor in an attempt to minimise noise. When her quest to locate the elusive latch continued to prove futile, she inadvertently discovered its secret by sheer accident. The jolt from her frustrated kick released the door, revealing a descending staircase.

Now faced with the unknown, she ventured down the hidden path, her torch illuminating the way. The seemingly endless tunnel gave her pause, but she continued undeterred until she came upon a metal door, positioned mysteriously in the midst of the passage. Unsure of whether to continue down the corridor or explore behind this new barrier, Bella decided to prioritise the door, cautiously opening it to uncover another staircase, this time leading upwards.

Her journey upward brought her to another door, distinguished by a small window, situated in a wooden structure. With the memory of the multiple wooden buildings they had passed earlier, Bella was unsure of her exact location. Exercising caution, she delicately unlatched the door's internal lock, peeking out to ensure the coast was clear. With no imminent threats in sight, Bella felt a fleeting moment of relief, silently acknowledging her small victory in this ominous setting.

Bella's realisation was swift. The room she found herself in bore the unmistakable markings of a tack room within a stable. She observed that the window she had initially peered through from the other side was, in fact, a strategically positioned mirror on this side. This feature, combined with the meticulously arranged equestrian equipment, effectively concealed the secret passage. It was clear that significant effort had been put into ensuring this entrance remained undiscovered, hinting at the importance of the tunnel's final destination.

After ensuring she could open the secret door from the inside by manipulating a discreet coat hook mechanism, Bella concluded that her next course of action would be to explore the stables. Her primary aim was to ascertain the whereabouts of the van and her trusted bow. While she had her knife with her, it offered limited protection, especially when faced with multiple adversaries. Bella understood the urgency of arming herself adequately before planning her next move.

In the stillness of the tack room, Bella paused to listen, straining her ears for any indication of nearby activity. The potential ramifications of being detected were not lost on her – her capture would doom the rescue mission. The quiet reassured her, but the weight of the situation manifested as a rapid heartbeat, each pulse echoing her anxiety.

With careful deliberation, she cracked open the door and stepped out. Using her recollection of the path she had travelled, she opted to move left, journeying through the horse stalls until she reached a pair of hefty double doors, barred from the inside by a thick wooden beam. A smaller door, fitted with a lock, sat adjacent. Peering through its window, Bella's spirits lifted as she spotted the familiar shape of their van — untouched and seemingly unguarded.

However, her immediate challenge was the locked door, secured with a basic shed rim lock. Bella knew she had to find a screwdriver to remove the rim lock keeper. With that tool, she could remove the fixture, giving her the access she needed.

Bella's search for a screwdriver in the shed yielded no success. However, her return to the tack room proved more fruitful. Although perplexed by its presence, she found an old dinner knife that seemed to have been used for some sort of cleaning or scraping task. Resourcefully, she realised it could serve her needs as a makeshift screwdriver.

The task of undoing the screws was arduous and time-consuming. Over an hour passed before she managed to free them both, finally granting her the ability to open the door. The dimming light of the evening signalled to her that night was fast approaching. Rather than venturing out immediately, Bella opted for caution. She decided to secure the door once more and wait until full darkness. Her logic was simple: any guards or patrolling individuals would likely use some form of illumination, making them easier to spot against the night's backdrop. Thus, by waiting, Bella ensured she would have the advantage of seeing them first, allowing her to plan her next moves safely. Replacing just one screw, she realised she could manoeuvre the keeper to one side, thus releasing the door. She also noticed it would look untampered with should anyone enter.

Several hours of tense waiting ensued before there was any activity outside the cell. Eventually, two guards entered and unceremoniously hauled Alex out, leading him to a familiar room. This was the same room where Vincent had been taken earlier. The guards deposited Alex in a chair and exited, leaving him alone. Shortly after, a large man entered and took a seat across from him.

With an apparent prior knowledge about Alex's identity, he began, I take it your name is Alex?

Choosing a cooperative tone, Alex replied, Why have you locked us up? I believe Vincent explained to you why we were here, and why he felt he had the right to take a motorbike. It wasn't even for him, it was for me. My uncle is alone in Scotland, and I need to get there. We were completely unaware that the place was occupied, and if we did expect someone, it would've been Mr Kimber. If you now own this place, you have every right to it, but please, let us continue on our way.

Hoping that a show of understanding and remorse might change their circumstances, Alex remained somewhat hopeful, despite Vincent's less-than-encouraging experience. But the man's stern response did little to bolster Alex's optimism.

Sorry, but it doesn't work that way. Whether you were aware, you attempted to steal from me, and no one steals from me, the man declared.

Seeking a solution, Alex ventured, So, how do we make this right then?

The man's expression remained unreadable as he responded, I haven't decided yet. When I do, I'll let you know. With that, he departed, leaving Alex alone in the room, riddled with uncertainty.

Alex was escorted back to the cell by the guards, where he quickly relayed the events of his brief meeting to the others.

It was odd, Alex mused. The man's demeanour was different from what I expected. I assumed he'd interrogate me extensively, but instead, he only posed a few questions and issued a vague threat concerning our alleged theft. I can't tell if he's a mastermind trying to put us at ease only to catch us off guard later, or if he's genuinely not as intimidating as he projects. Whatever his game is, it's left me perplexed.

Robert was preparing to share his thoughts on Alex's encounter when, suddenly, he was yanked out of the cell by the guards. With a tinge of bravado, he called back, See you shortly, as he was led away.

However, the state Robert was in upon his return was a horrifying contrast to his earlier confidence. Approximately an hour later, the guards unceremoniously thrust him back into the cell. Robert was a battered mess: his eyes were swollen nearly shut, his face and arms bore multiple lacerations, and it was evident from the awkward angle that at least two of his fingers had been broken. The grim scene underscored the direness of their situation.

Bella cautiously emerged from her hiding spot once nightfall cloaked the area in darkness. Silently, she made her way to the van, reaching for her bow and gathering additional arrows. But her movements were not as