Coercion: Alexandra Drummond Thriller Series, #2

By T M Goble

In the highly anticipated second instalment of the Alexandra Drummond series, "Coercion," our fearless protagonist is back, more determined than ever to unearth the truth and avenge the brutal murders of her husband and best friend. This time, the relentless pursuit of justice takes her on a heart-pounding journey to the enigmatic and perilous streets of Egypt.

Alexandra Drummond is a force to be reckoned with, unflinching in the face of danger, and driven by a burning desire for emotional closure after the traumatic events that shattered her world. She knows that the only way to find peace is to confront the demons of her past head-on, no matter the cost.

But the path to justice is fraught with peril, and the allies Alexandra has enlisted to aid her have their own dark secrets, woven with threads of deception and betrayal. In "Coercion," trust is a rare commodity, and Alexandra must navigate a treacherous labyrinth of hidden agendas and ulterior motives to achieve her mission.

From the bustling chaos of Cairo's souk, where secrets swirl like dust in the desert winds, to the heartlands of those who may hold the key to unravelling the mystery, Alexandra will stop at nothing to find the answers she so earnestly pursues. She is driven by a singular focus, ignoring the ever-present risk that shadows her every move, and she's determined to taste the satisfaction of achieving her aim, no matter what it takes.

"Coercion" is a gripping and pulse-pounding thriller that propels Alexandra Drummond further down a perilous path of retribution and revelation. As she inches closer to the elusive gang responsible for the murders that shattered her life, she will confront her own resilience, her deepest fears, and the chilling depths of betrayal. Will Alexandra finally unlock the secrets that have haunted her for so long? Find out in this electrifying instalment that will keep you hooked from the very first page to the shocking conclusion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Creative Peak
• Release date: Feb 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224825387

Book preview

02

Mustafa curled his lip at a level of luxury he could never accept. Throughout his life he’d never been a religious man, much to Fatema’s disgust, but the opulence of Abdul’s house courted with blasphemy. How could his true friend from the old days endure this style of living? His only reason for coming to Egypt at the behest of his friend had been to find the best way of protecting Doha. The plan had been to visit friends and acquaintances from the past and find out who remained active from the old gangs. He muttered and frowned with annoyance as he took another wrong turning in the extensive mansion.

Many years ago, he had given up smoking. Recent events had forced its return and he needed a true Egyptian cigarette. He growled at the need to smoke outside of the house, but Abdul insisted as he had many visitors who expected a smoke free environment. Taking the quickest route, he entered the kitchen. The Chef turned and looked at him, ‘Wrong way, sir. I will send a man to honour whatever requirement you may have.’

Mustafa flapped his hand, ‘I’m going outside for a smoke, the meal smells good, I would be happy to serve that in my restaurant.’ The Chef’s eyes narrowed with a quizzical look, but he nodded. Mustafa closed the door.

Despite the Cairo sun, which he had never expected to experience again, he leaned back against the wall with his eyes closed as he drew in the pungent taste and smell of the tobacco. Why had he come? It would end in misery. Abdul was the only person to have such influence over him apart from Fatema, but it had come as a surprise when she agreed to visit Egypt.

Abdul laughed as he came around the corner of the mansion. ‘You have never changed, Mustafa, always the direct way. Through the kitchen.’

Mustafa’s brow creased, ‘How did you find out?’

Abdul patted his friend on the shoulder, ‘I often have the cream of Egyptian society staying with me, many times the Prime Minister. The staff have been informed that the group from England are VIPs. They are terrified in case they make a mistake.’

Mustafa had no time for such social niceties and waved his hand dismissively, then dragged on his cigarette. Shuffling his feet, he peered at his broken and battered sandals. ‘We need to talk.’

Abdul nodded as he scanned the parched flagstones. Crossing to the end of the building, he peered around the corner. With a grim expression, he returned to Mustafa.

‘You are right. Here and now?’

Mustafa nodded and took a deep draw, ‘Alex must never find out what happened in the dark days thirty years ago.’

Abdul lowered his voice, ‘It is more complicated. If she doesn’t find a solution to her pursuit, she will rake up the past at every opportunity. Then the authorities will have the evidence to prove we were killers and will put on a showcase trial. We will then be executed.’

Mustafa waved a dismissive hand, ‘I know. There is no need to remind me. When Alex’s husband died my eldest daughter was also killed.’

‘Yes, my heart is sad for you and Fatema but we cannot allow Alex to unravel the past which both you and I know is linked to the crescents.’

Mustafa ended his concentration on his sandals and lifted his head to focus on his friend, ‘Will you kill her?’

Abdul hesitated for a long moment, ‘No. Will you?’

‘No, my killing days are over.’

Their eyes locked and they both mouthed, ‘Fatema.’

Abdul used a handkerchief to wipe his sweating brow, ‘She surprised me when she agreed to visit Egypt.’

Mustafa nodded, ‘She has frequently reiterated over the years that she would never return.’

Abdul patted Mustafa on the back, ‘Well, my friend, we need to find out her reason and what she intends to achieve.’

03

For Alex, the Modern Pentathlon event in Egypt gave her the perfect opportunity and time to unearth a connection to the interlocking crescents. Were they a true clue or too widespread, making her pursuit impossible? As the sun beat down at the Cairo Pony Club where the competition against Egypt would take place, she pushed all thoughts of her mission aside and enjoyed the atmosphere that the event created.

She wore a large floppy sun hat to ward off the Egyptian heat and her full length green dress had long sleeves. Apprehension built in her as her sister had completed half of her showjumping round without a fault. Leaning on the wooden rails, Alex urged her on and held her breath as she approached the final fence. The horse sailed over it without hesitation. A clear round. Alex beamed with pride at her sister’s achievement and clapped with enthusiasm.

‘What a wonderful attempt!’ squealed Alex as she hugged her sister. Tanya had dismounted but discovered she had lost, by the smallest of margins, to the leading Egyptian rider. The teams congratulated each other and Alex relaxed in the friendly atmosphere that sports occasions generate.

Tanya grinned at her excellent performance. Malcolm congratulated his girlfriend, then he approached Alex. With her dark skin tone and long flowing black hair, she was used to attention and men’s eyes never left her. But Malcolm’s look was distinct, not lust but a serious observation obtained from his days in the Navy. He was her protection bodyguard, although he would never admit it. Since the abduction of Doha when he had come to the rescue and used his skills to defeat the kidnappers, he had become protective of Alex. With keen restless eyes he scanned the crowd and satisfied there was no immediate threat his shoulders relaxed as he moved close to Tanya but constant glances in Alex’s direction showed the concern for her safety.

The competition athletes went to shower before the post-match reception. Malcolm walked alongside Alex in a companionable silence as he wasn’t a man for idle chatter. Abdul, not the host on this occasion, had a plate of food in front of him, piled high with traditional delicacies. He greeted Alex and Malcolm graciously and chatted as would be expected as part of an invited VIP contingent at the event. Alex familiar with film premiere events with her husband and other receptions relaxed with the social niceties. As with many events attended by the rich and famous, they were surrounded by security.

Abdul’s expression changed as a tall and handsome man in his mid-twenties arrived. He kept glancing in his direction. With a quick flick of his head, he touched Alex’s arm, ‘Come onto the veranda to meet the recent arrival.’ Taking her arm, he guided her across the crowded room and stepped through the large doors into the heat of the Egyptian sun. After the cool air conditioning it was like stepping into a furnace. The man joined them with a slight nod of his head towards Abdul and a large beaming smile for Alex. Abdul grinned, ‘This is a man I have known for a long time. Please meet Tariq.’ Then with haste not associated with Abdul, he left them together on the veranda.

Tariq’s eyes swept over her. ‘Abdul speaks highly of you. I believe you are trying to trace the history of your family and friends.’

‘Yes, that’s right.’ Alex continued the made-up story that Abdul had concocted. ‘My mother is Algerian but has distant relatives living in Cairo and we have family groups that used unique symbols in the past so I am trying to establish the broad symbology of the family, which I find to be a fascinating investigation.’

Tariq’s eyes focused on Alex’s face. She had become accustomed to the ploy from Arabic men, but despite her inner sentiments, she smiled, ‘What symbols?’

‘From the Egyptian branch of the family we have interlocking crescents, but there are some others such as a series of moons.’ Alex wanted to play down her emphasis, to make it appear a casual undertaking. Abdul could have set her up, but she would play along with Tariq.

‘Do you know which area of Cairo?’

‘According to the family, the market area in the centre of the city.’

Tariq gave a small chuckle, ‘That’s the mystery cleared up. I wondered why Abdul mentioned your investigation to us when he invited me to this event, but I understand now. We have a business in the market.’

‘Might you be able to help?’

He laughed, ‘Not me, but old Ahmed. He is nearly ninety and has lived all his life there. In his younger days he took a great interest in the local history. These days he lives near the famous lantern stall, which is owned by the family.’

‘Do you think he would talk to me?’

Tariq pursed his lips in a thoughtful manner, ‘He’s frail in his body but his mind is clear and loves nothing better than to talk about the old days, but he only speaks Arabic.’

‘So, do I.’ Alex maintained her smile, but a shiver ran through her. Could it be a trap set by Abdul? Unlikely as he wouldn’t have made his plan public. Why didn’t he hint at the meeting when he gave her the gun? It would be too big a risk for him to have Tariq know unless he was part of his empire.

Alex’s mother and father would fly to Cairo in the next few days to join her and Tanya, and her mother loved the Algerian markets, so would relish a trip to the famous Souk of Cairo. Her thoughts came back to the present as Tariq spoke, ‘I will be delighted to introduce you to old Ahmed, he will welcome a visitor.’

04

Fatema wanted protection for her daughter. Mariam had died in an attack and Doha had been lucky to survive an abduction. It had never been her intention to return to Egypt, but Cairo held the key to the threats.

She had chosen traditional Egyptian clothes, as it would give her the best chance of anonymity. Flicking the hijab as she walked through Abdul’s luxurious mansion, her mind drifted. When young, Abdul had courted her and everyone expected them to marry, but rapid changes happened, and she had chosen Mustafa. If it had been Abdul would she be his wife in this mansion? Smiling for the first time since arriving in Egypt, she had selected the right man in Mustafa, who had been faithful to her since they married.

Fatema emerged from the cool air conditioning of the mansion to the shaded verandah. Mustafa and Abdul relaxed in the wooden chairs. Mustafa would not sit in the luxurious seating with cool air fans. Their heads were close together as though they shared a secret. Were they discussing the old days? It would be the past that would bring their downfall. It wouldn’t be like England where, festering in jail, you had a chance of finding a technical legal matter to grant your release. The Egyptian authorities were different. They executed.

It was imperative that Abdul and Mustafa acted decisively, but they would be reticent and would need persuading.

Mustafa leapt from his seat as she approached, ‘May I fetch you a glass of icy water?’

Abdul clicked his fingers. A servant appeared from nowhere, ‘Cold water and a few iced delicacies.’ The man bowed then disappeared as fast as he had arrived.

Fatema glanced around. They were some distance from the house to ensure they couldn’t be overheard from a window. Checking, as best she could, that there were no eavesdroppers in the garden, she dropped on to the shaded seat. Without waiting for the niceties to be served she narrowed her eyes and scowled, ‘The situation with Alex is serious, but she cannot be allowed to discover our past. Will you kill her?’

Both leaned back in their chairs. Mustafa opened his eyes wide, ‘No, why would we? She is our devoted friend and saved the life of Doha.’

Fatema studied their faces, making them squirm in their seats, ‘We need a plan to ensure she does not unearth what happened in the Souk. Let her find some evidence that her current pursuit is worthless or the links point elsewhere. Then she will return to England and our past will not be uncovered. Alex is a police officer and will turn to her colleagues and seek help from the Foreign Office. It is obvious that she will reveal any information she discovers. The gallows loom for the three of us if she unearths the true significance of the crescents. Have you thought of a strategy for deflecting her?’

Abdul took an iced delicacy from the plate that had arrived. The servant poured three glasses of iced water and left, following a dismissive wave from his master. ‘Yes I have a plan and I have arranged for her to meet an old man from the Souk who claims to know all living history.’

Fatema narrowed her eyes, ‘That is dangerous what happens if he remembers us.’

‘In thirty years, we have changed.’ Abdul grinned and rubbed his finger and thumb together, ‘Dollars means he remembers what Mustafa and I tell him. I left Alex at the Modern Pentathlon reception to come to speak with you and Mustafa.’

Fatema spurned the offer of water. ‘The approach is dangerous. Anyone prepared to take your money might well tell a different story if someone bids higher. I have changed in my appearance considerably since I was last in the Souk. My slim figure has gone and I can easily hide half my face without causing suspicions, but while you have aged your faces can easily be deciphered by anyone who knew you. It is not a good plan and I hope you can remedy it, Abdul. I shall leave you as I wish to send a text to check on Doha in London.’

Rubbing her forehead, she made her way to the bedroom. The tension had built on her return to Cairo. The men had a half conceived plan that could go horribly wrong. Mustafa entered the spacious suite that had been allocated by their host, then closed and leaned against the door. ‘Why are you trying to alienate Abdul as he has influence and contacts in Cairo and we do not? It was a bad idea to come to Egypt. I would urge that we return to London.’

Narrowing her eyes, she focused on him as he mopped his brow. ‘Abdul believes he is being clever by inviting Alex to Egypt. Agreeing to come here was a mistake. If Alex discovers the full truth in her pursuit of the crescents it could be disastrous. If we were not here, then he would be in the firing line not us. Even if the Egyptian authorities discovered our role, they would not seek extradition for a thirty-year-old crime.’

Mustafa sighed, ‘Abdul is a clever man.’

She snarled, ‘Alex is determined and capable. If she finds the truth behind the attack in Leicester Square, what will her reaction be if she discovers her husband was killed because our enemies from the past wanted to kill our daughter. When she revealed that the gunman had a tattoo of interlocking crescents it was easy to deduce that Mariam was the intended victim. It was not a random shooting as the police concluded after a lengthy investigation that revealed nothing.’

‘But Alex saved Doha.’

‘She kills. Remember that, Mustafa.’

05

Alex took five minutes to herself on the terrace as she waited for Tanya. The Modern Pentathlon event had been well attended and the area bubbled with conversation. Abdul with a hasty wave of his hand, left in a smart dark blue Mercedes. Why was he in such a hurry? What to make of Tariq? Abdul had appeared agitated when he’d introduced him. Tariq had been friendly with his offer to introduce her to the old man in the Souk. He gave nothing away in his face beyond studying her intensely. A common attribute of men in Egypt. She had decisions to make but they would not be easy, although an exploratory trip to the Souk with her mother would do no harm. Alex had to make the most of her trip to Egypt, but for now she would enjoy her sister’s pentathlon event.

Her phone buzzed with a text message. Glancing at the screen, she screwed up her eyes. Enjoy Egypt. A frown crossed her face. How did Vincent know she was here? Don’t forget about me. A wonderful guy. She liked him, but he had come along too soon after Matthew. After being shot, the hospital would have discharged him and he had returned to his job. Could he be tracking her? Perhaps Alex was looking for a mystery where none existed. Jane, her boss, and Vincent had been lovers but had split although they would still communicate on security issues. No doubt she had informed Vincent about the trip to Egypt.

Alex returned to the lounge. Tanya appeared in conversation with a man who Alex didn’t recognise. Tall, with thinning hair, he was smartly dressed in casual clothes and clean shaven. Immaculately turned out, he exuded the confidence of a British man abroad. They stood in the corner behind a display of plants. From their body language, they knew each other well. Tanya touched his hands and he gave her a hug. Malcolm was not in sight as they chatted and laughed.

The proximity showed unusual behaviour from her sister who wasn’t a tactile person. When they parted Tanya strode across the room to join her. ‘Hi, sis, are you expecting anyone?’

‘No, having a few minutes peace.’

‘Good, can you come with me? It needs to be in private.’ Alex didn’t question her sister but followed her outside to the far corner of the car park where the man, who Tanya had been laughing and joking with, waited with a serious expression.

As they arrived Tanya and he scanned the locality, but there was no one else around. No doubt the mysterious behaviour of her sister would be explained. ‘This is David, he works at the British Embassy.’ Alex waited as David and Tanya exchanged glances. ‘I’d better explain the background.’ David nodded. Tanya grinned, ‘In his youth,’ she poked him in the stomach, making him laugh, ‘he used to be a good modern pentathlete. But he has let himself go and rarely rides.’

A quizzical look crossed Alex’s face.

Tanya touched David’s hand, ‘We went out together but you did not know as you travelled the world with Matthew.’

‘I had a complete crush on Tanya then.’ Alex raised her eyebrows in surprise as he didn’t appear to be a man who would show his feelings.

‘We dated for a while and became lovers.’ The old flame between them had never died. ‘We won’t go into our love lives, but we separated.’

‘I married another woman and gave up the modern pentathlon, so Tanya and I rarely met, but we remained friends. The relationship between us continues as she enjoys the company of my wife and I like Malcolm.’ Alex was unsure where this meeting was leading. David’s face became serious while Tanya shuffled and stared at the ground.

David placed a reassuring hand on Tanya’s arm, ‘Your sister has explained that she has come here with Malcolm to support you because you are in danger.’ Alex threw her a rapid glance. What had she been saying? ‘Don’t despair Alex, she hasn’t told me the details but hinted that the reason for you being here is serious. I agreed to help. You didn’t hear this from me, but one of my jobs is to monitor British citizens who come into this country. It’s normally VIPs, but sometimes we receive information from the Foreign Office that other people are visiting. It can involve contacting them but is often just an awareness of their presence in the country in