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He’d have liked more time for a recce but he just didn’t have it, they were just going to have to play it by ear and live in the moment.
They left Anca behind with Simon’s phone, simply because there would be no room for her in the car should they locate their target. He and Si headed out whilst Anca made some calls to the companies Spilbury was listed for.
It wasn’t long before she was back to them. “He’s still at the company HQ in Preston Brook. I’ll send you the GPS coordinates. He’s due to leave in forty-five minutes so you might just make it. I said I was from a tyre company and we had them down as making an enquiry. He was quite chatty and even asked me for a date. I told him I’d think about it.” She laughed. “Have you got everything you need?”
“I think so. We’ve got his car number and home address and Simon’s found my picklocks under the passenger seat so we’re good for the lock-up in Runcorn. Speak to you soon.”
Simon cancelled the speaker and left the phone in the centre console. Nicks needed to concentrate on his driving now; he was going to have to be inventive if they were to make sufficient progress.
By the time they arrived outside the company building, in the Industrial Park at Preston Brook, Spilbury’s car had gone. Without stopping to swear, they headed for his home address. With a bit of luck, he’d stop off for a pint. If not, they still had several options. If he left his home on foot, they’d take him off the pavement. If in his car, they’d force him off the road if they had to. Worst case scenario? If he didn’t come back out it meant Nicks would have to go in and get him. Last resort, he thought. He wanted to make sure he had the right guy so that’s where the Runcorn lock-up came into the equation; somewhere safe to explore the truth.
Simon found the house in Frodsham on Google maps and showed it to Nicks whilst at the traffic lights. “If we get there before he’s back we’ll park up next to his drive then when he gets there we’ll ask him if he’s got any petrol, something like that. As soon as I can lure him closer I’ll show the gun and ‘bob’s your uncle’”
Simon looked dubious. “It’s a bit thin, isn’t it?”
Nicks scowled. “Have you got a better idea?”
Si shook his head.
“Good! Thin as it is, it’s a plan.”
“If you say so,” Simon replied, still not convinced.
He wasn’t there when they arrived so they parked up and tried to look normal. Thirty minutes later, he drove into his driveway. Nicks was straight out:
“Excuse me, mate. Sorry to bother you but we’ve run out of petrol. I don’t suppose you’ve got any spare or can tell me where the nearest garage is?”
Spilbury glanced over at Simon in the car. “Mine’s a diesel, I’m afraid. The nearest garage is down that way, turn left at the roundabout and it’s another six hundred yards.”
“Thanks.” Nicks hesitated. “I don’t suppose you’ve got an old petrol can at all? I’m happy to pay for it. These places don’t always sell them and my mate won’t want to push the car that far.”
Never one to pass up an opportunity to make money, Damon nodded. “I have actually. I used it with my old car. You can have it for twenty quid.” He saw the look in Nicks’ eyes. “I’ll have to do some digging around in the garage and I’ve got my suit on.”
Nicks took out his wallet. “I don’t suppose I’m in a position to argue. Look, here’s a tenner. I’ll have to get the rest off my mate. I’ll see you by the car.” Nicks wandered back to Simon.
Damon entered his garage and after a quick rummage around he reappeared carrying an empty red plastic container. He joined Nicks by the open rear door on the pavement.
“Give me the other tenner and you can have the can,” he said, a smirk on his face which died when he felt a hard grip on his arm and something pressed firmly in his ribs. He looked down and saw the silenced Glock.
Nicks told him, quietly: “If you say anything or move before I tell you, I will kill you here and now. Then I’m going to blow your brains out so your kids will have nightmares for the rest of their lives.” He nodded back towards the house. Damon turned his head and saw them at the window, waving. He raised his arm and waved back. Nicks waved too.
“Keep it happy, Damon. Keep it happy,” he said through his smile to the children.