Read Online The Stealers by Charles Hall - Free Book Online

newly-acquired handgun in a strategic place completely out of sight, at the end of the narrow hallway. He was well aware of the UK’s gun laws and had meant to dispose of the weapon, but in view of the past few hours, he thought it prudent to keep hold of the gun for a while longer.
    An urgent rattle on the front door ensued. Stooping low, Crane peered around the wall at the end of the hallway. He recognised the shadowy figure through the frosted glass straightaway. It was unmistakably Penny. At a lower level, Andrew’s face rested on cupped hands. His eyes were screwed up tight; trying to stare through the opaque glass. She rattled on the door again, only this time, the noise was more prolonged. Crane pulled on a pair of jeans and ran bare-footed towards the door. An excited Penny began a breathless chatter until Crane motioned for her and Andrew to come inside. He directed them towards the cosy beamed sitting room and said patiently, ‘Okay, now start from the beginning.’
    Penny brushed the hair out of her eyes and began in a calmer voice, ‘I had a phone call from Bradley. He said he was on his way to the house and if I was still there when he arrived, he would beat me to a pulp. I was terrified.’
    Crane looked at her for a moment. Even in her distressed state, he realised that she was a very attractive young woman. Crane looked at his watch, ‘When did he call?’
    â€˜No more than half an hour ago. I hurriedly packed a few things for Andrew and myself, jumped in the Mini, drove around for a while, tried your phone, but there was no reply, and thought I had better come here to warn you. He sounded absolutely furious.’
    Crane told her the details of his confrontation at the farm and finished with, ‘One thing’s for certain, he won’t be going there again. I’ve discovered from the owner of the farm that he has use of a barn in France; somewhere near Calais, I’m going to follow it through when I catch up with him. Hopefully I’ll also find out what has happened to your sister. But meanwhile, I’ll pay a quick visit to your house, just in case he is still hanging around.’
    Penny gave Crane a nervous glance, ‘Do be careful, I really believe he’s capable of anything.’
    Crane smiled in an easy-going manner as he ran a hand over Andrew’s mop of curly brown hair. ‘I’m sure he is, but I’ll be okay. I think for the moment, it would be safer if the pair of you stayed here until I get back.’
    Crane finished dressing and dashed outside into the Mercedes. Within fifteen minutes he was standing by the front door of Penny’s house. There was nobody in sight. There were no vehicles parked nearby and the house appeared deserted. However, Crane was taking no chances. Using Penny’s key, he turned the latch slowly and stepped cautiously inside. All was quiet. He slipped off his shoes and padded softly towards the lounge. It was dark; the heavy velvet curtains were still drawn. He felt something brush against his leg. It was Felix, the cat, head-butting against the lower part of his trousers, mewing and purring; it was obviously his breakfast time and he had missed out.
    Crane thought he heard something and stepped back into the hall. As he did so, Felix, vying for attention, sprang into action; running around and dashing in and out between his legs. Crane ignored this unwanted attention as he put an ear to the wall. A faint whining noise – an electric drill – could be heard from below. There was somebody still around. He moved to the end of the hall, stepped into the kitchen and peered through the window. From there he could see the twin doors of the basement garage. They were flung wide open. Crane replaced his shoes and stepped outside onto the brick pathway that sloped down towards the end of the rear garden onto the service road. Beside the path, a series of flag-stone steps led to a steep concrete ramp