Tested by Fire by David Costa (the little red hen read aloud TXT) 📗

a better idea where we stand, and we can bring everyone up to date tonight.’

They met Mohammad outside the apartments at eleven on the dot.

‘I just have to buzz the one that’s for sale and the agent will let us in.’

‘Introduce us as Mr and Mrs Webb, I’ll do the rest of the talking,’ said Lyndsey. ‘Then I’ll keep the agent occupied while you two look around.’

‘Fine by me,’ said Mohammad.

He buzzed a number on the metal keypad for apartment C-13 which was on the first floor.

‘I’ll buzz you in and you can take the lift to the first floor where I’ll meet you,’ said a man’s voice.

The door opened with a loud click. When they came out of the lift they were met by a young man. Costello thought he was just out of school.

‘Hello, I’m Jake, welcome.’ He shook everyone’s hand.

‘Good morning, Jake,’ said Mohammad. ‘I made the appointment with your office for Mr and Mrs Webb, my clients.’

‘Nice to meet you. Let me show you the first apartment which is up for sale.’ He spoke as he led the way to the door.

‘As I told your office, my clients would like to see both the properties for sale and to rent with a future option to buy,’ Mohammad said.

Mohammad knew the commission for Jake would be larger if he sold a property rather than rent one, but the fact they would rent one with a future option to buy would perk him up. The prospect of a rental becoming a sale as opposed to a straight rental improved his commission prospects even more.

‘There are eight apartments on each floor four facing front onto the square and four facing the rear of the building. All the apartments are of similar design with two bedrooms except for the top floor which has four penthouse apartments.’

Jake opened the door of number 13 and led the way, still talking as he walked.

‘This apartment as you can see looks out to the rear. All apartments have a balcony. This one because it’s for sale is, as you can see completely empty of furniture although all the main electric goods, cooker, fridge, washing machine are installed all included in the price.’

‘Really, we’re more interested in a fully furnished let for now,’ said Lyndsey.

‘No problem, we have two on the twelfth floor. I’ll take you there now.’

Lyndsey looked at Sean, she didn’t need to speak. She could see for herself the first-floor balcony gave no view of the target area.

‘Great, Jake, let’s have a look at them.’

It took another half hour and the inspection of the second rental on the twelfth floor, apartment C-12 for Costello to nod to Lyndsey that this was the one. Jake had walked her round the fully furnished apartments she’d questioned him for long periods in one bedroom giving Costello the time he needed to check the view from the rear windows and balcony. He took a few discreet photos on his mobile of the main living area and from the glass doors onto the balcony using the zoom on the camera phone he could clearly see the rear door of the Midland.

The monthly rent was £1000 with a deposit of £3000 Jake told Lyndsey.

‘I’m happy with that and I think this apartment is perfect. We might need a second viewing if that’s all right, but it would be soon if we do.’

‘Yes, that’s no problem but a property like this is highly sought after so first come first served, as they say.’

‘No problem. Mohammad will be in touch with you later today. How quickly can we get the keys?’

Jakes eyes lit up at her answer.

‘There’s just a little paperwork and once the deposit has been paid, you can have the keys right away.’

‘I think it’s just what we’re looking for. We’ll be in touch this afternoon.’

After leaving Jake and the apartment they sat once more in the café looking back towards the building. Looking at the photos on his camera it was Costello who spoke first.

‘It’s good. I can get a clear shot from there, at least two good ones if needed. Can you cover the paperwork? They might ask for references and credit checks.’

‘The credit check I can cover. References might take a little longer and it will take them longer to check than we need but they can be provided. Cash jumps many fences, my friend. At the very least we can ask for another viewing on Wednesday morning do the job and get away. We will meet tonight to go over things and tie up details. In the meantime, I’ll go with Mohammad to Jake’s office and complete the forms to get things moving. A cash up front offer should get us the keys.’

‘While you’re doing that, I’ll take one more walk from this side to the front door of the building then back to the hotel. The NCP down the street will be ideal to park the van up when we’re in the apartment.’

‘Until later then. Mohammad can pick us up outside the hotel about seven. I’ll see you in the lounge about six thirty.’

 

 

FRIDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2019

 

 

Chapter Thirty

Reece hadn’t slept well. The pain in his shoulder and the dreams woke him during the night. When he’d returned to the bunker it was late, but the team were still up. They’d been watching the CCTV sent from London tracing the van along the motorways from Holyhead to Warrington. Jim Broad had also contacted the GARDA in Ireland asking for any identification of the driver. The same request had been made of the Irish Ferries shipping line that transported the van across the Irish Sea. Reece had watched the short clips showing a man, tall and lean with the black New York baseball cap, and asked