The Taken Read online

  Even from here she could feel the charged atmosphere. London was electric.

  Saskia was soaking it all up, mesmerised; even the sound of the traffic behind her fading into almost nothing now. Just a gentle constant drone. Background noise.

  This was the London that she loved the most: night, when everything seemed to come alive.

  For a few minutes there was nothing else. Just her, standing on the bridge. Her hands holding onto the icy cold metal railings; the chill of the evening wind sweeping over her.

  A few seconds of peacefulness overwhelmed her and it took all she had to stop herself from crying.

  Turning her head back towards Battersea she looked in the direction of her house, where it stood nestled away under the steely shadow of the power station’s iconic silhouette. Saskia felt the familiar heaviness in her gut at the thought of losing it.

  She remembered her father once telling her that he hadn’t been keen on moving there at first. How Saskia’s mother had talked him into it. She’d fallen in love with the house. Detached, and set on the edge of Battersea Park, she’d described it as a diamond in the rough.

  Her father had been approached by investors several times in the past few years, offering him large amounts of money to sell up. Battersea was a sought-after location to live in now, and everyone was cashing in. There were tower blocks and flats popping up everywhere. Even Battersea Power Station itself had been sold to developers.

  Saskia smiled to herself wistfully.

  A diamond in the rough. That’s how she used to think about her dad.

  Even with all his debt, all his money worries, her father had refused to sell their home. That’s how much it had meant to him.

  Closing her eyes, as if trying to block out the reality that she was facing, Saskia felt the familiar surge of anger rip through her.

  In the space of just a few weeks she’d lost everything that mattered to her; nothing would ever be the same again.

  That’s why she didn’t have anything else left to lose.

  Glancing at her watch, it was almost half past five. She needed to get a move on.

  Taking a deep breath, she continued walking, making her way to the end of Albert Bridge, towards Chelsea Embankment.

  Taking the business card out of her pocket, she eyed the black swirly writing. Though she didn’t need to keep reading it. She’d stared at the card for so long that the details were etched on her brain: Harper’s Palace, Kings Road, Chelsea.

  She was almost there.

  Turning onto the infamous King’s Road, Saskia weaved her way through the hordes of late-night shoppers and restaurant goers, grateful for the noisy distraction as she made her way towards what its website had deemed as ‘London’s most prestigious gentleman’s club’.

  She could see it just up ahead now. The purple neon uplighters illuminating the brickwork of the building; the neat row of topiary trees lining the front entrance.

  Harper’s Palace.

  The place looked plush. Nestled between the flurry of shops and restaurants, the club took prime location in the centre of the King’s Road.

  Reaching the red carpeted steps that led up to the main entrance of the club, Saskia stood at the bottom. It was early. The club wasn’t open yet. Saskia was glad; she wasn’t sure that she’d have the nerve to go in there if it had been packed with people.

  She stalled for time; scanning the road once more. The bravado she had felt earlier had gone now and her nerves were starting to get the better of her.

  Am I doing the right thing?

  Vincent Harper was dangerous.

  Unhinged.

  She’d seen it in his eyes and she had no doubt that he meant every word he said about ‘not being so polite’ the next time he came back. And he would be back. Of that she had no doubt.

  So what other choice did she have?

  She was on borrowed time. A week, he had said. Then she was out.

  Taking a deep breath, she silently cursed herself. She had to do this. She had no other choice. She needed to face these people once and for all. To show them that she wasn’t scared. That she wouldn’t be bullied out of her home.

  Gulping down one last lungful of dense London air, Saskia made her way up the steps, her eyes focusing on the burly bouncer who was guarding the main door.

  She smiled.

  ‘Can I help you, darling?’

  Towering above her, the man looked Saskia up and down suspiciously. A questioning look in his eyes. Saskia realised that she probably didn’t look like the usual sort that frequented Harper’s Palace.

  ‘Are you lost?’

  Staring the bouncer straight in the eyes, Saskia shook her head, speaking with more confidence than she felt.

  ‘I’m here to see Joshua Harper actually. My name is Saskia Frost. He’s expecting me.’

  Unable to hide his amusement, Joshua Harper smiled as he leant back in his chair listening to the continuous nervous chatter of the girl opposite him.

  So this was Daniel Frost’s daughter. What a turn-up for the books! The girl was simply stunning: model material. Her skin was clear, even devoid of make-up. Her hair scraped up into a messy bun on top of her head.

  She was a looker all right; only she seemed completely unaware of her natural beauty.

  Somehow her presence lit up the room, yet it was effortless. It was no wonder that Daniel had kept her as far away from Joshua and his business dealings as he possibly could. Especially knowing what kind of establishment Joshua ran here.

  ‘So that’s it, Mr Harper. That’s my proposal.’

  Joshua Harper zoned back in now that the girl’s incessant talking had finally stopped. Raising his brow, he checked that he had heard her correctly.

  ‘So let me get this straight. You want me to sign the house back over to you?’

  Saskia nodded.

  ‘The house that your father signed over to me in order to clear his substantial debt?’

  Joshua eyed the girl curiously. She may be stunning, but she was deluded it seemed.

  That was a real shame, Joshua thought, but then, wasn’t it always the way? The prettier the girl, the more of a fucking head-case they generally were.

  He could see now why Saskia had been so nervous. The girl was completely out of her depth.

  ‘You do realise that I’m running a business here, Miss Frost, not some kind of charity, don’t you?’

  Saskia nodded again, shifting uncomfortably in her seat as she caught the mocking tone in Joshua Harper’s voice. He made her request sound suddenly ridiculous. Maybe she hadn’t explained herself properly?

  ‘I’m not asking you to just hand the house back over to me, Mr Harper. I’m asking that you reinstate my father’s debt. Give me the chance to pay it off, and in return I get to keep my home.’

  Joshua pursed his lips.

  This had to be some kind of a joke? If Daniel Frost hadn’t been able to keep on top of his finances, then how the hell did this young woman think that she could?

  ‘I’m serious, Mr Harper.’ Saskia spoke now with assertion, determined that the man realised she was deadly serious about her proposal.

  Joshua frowned.

  Saskia Frost either had some serious front on her, or the girl was just completely naïve. Joshua just couldn’t put his finger on which it was. He could normally read people like books, but not this time. Baffled, he wondered if he was perhaps losing his touch.

  ‘So, exactly how do you expect to pay me back £700,000, Miss Frost?’ Joshua asked, intrigued.

  Leaning back in his chair, he watched the girl flinch as she learned exactly how much money was involved.

  ‘Seven hundred thousand pounds?’ Saskia repeated, her voice barely a whisper.

  It was an obscene amount of money, but the house was worth four times that, at least. Her father must have been desperate to agree to handing the house over.

  Shit!

  How would she find that kind of money?

  Joshua was bored now.<
br />
  Saskia Frost clearly had no idea what she was dealing with here. The girl didn’t even know how much money her father owed. She was out of her depth; she knew it too. She had fear written all over her face. It was laughable. Coming here, making grand gestures that she would never be able to meet.

  Saskia Frost was clearly as delusional as her father had been.

  ‘Look, I’m sure you can appreciate, Miss Frost, that I am a very busy man. I’m very sorry about your circumstances, but I’m afraid there’s nothing that I can do. The deeds are all signed. It’s all above board. I’m really sorry… Truly.’ Joshua’s voice was clipped, irritated that he’d even entertained this meeting.

  If anyone else had waltzed in here requesting something so ridiculous, they’d have been out on their ear before their arse had even touched the seat, but for a reason that he couldn’t fathom, Joshua was still sitting here – still tolerating this absurd conversation.

  ‘Please?’ Saskia was begging now, obviously desperate. Holding Joshua Harper’s gaze, unflinching under his obvious scrutiny, she no longer cared what he thought of her. If she walked out of here she’d lose everything. She had to at least try. ‘I give you my word that I will pay you back every single penny that my father owed you. I will work seven days a week. I’ll do whatever it takes, but I promise you, I will get you your money.’

  ‘And how do you propose to make that kind of money, Miss Frost? What line of work are you in?’

  Joshua Harper shook his head in dismay. The girl was starting to irk him now.

  ‘I’ll take the first job that I’m offered.’ Clearing her throat, Saskia shuffled nervously in her chair.

  Joshua Harper was staring at her so intently it was almost like he was looking straight through her.

  ‘So you haven’t even got a job?’ Joshua could feel himself losing his temper. This girl was wasting his time. It would take her years to pay him back that kind of money.

  This conversation was getting them both nowhere.

  ‘I’ll get one easily. I have auditions already lined up… ’

  ‘Auditions? So, you’re an actress?’

  Saskia shook her head.

  ‘A dancer.’

  ‘You’re a dancer?’ Joshua laughed then. ‘Well, this really is just getting better and better… ’

  Stung by his laughter at her expense, Saskia rose to her feet, her temper finally getting the better of her.

  ‘Mr Harper, my father has just passed away, and I’m about to lose the house that I grew up in.’ Saskia fought back her tears, adamant that she wouldn’t show this man any sign of weakness. How dare he sit and laugh in her face. She shouldn’t have come here. ‘Last night I woke up to find one of your thugs had broken into my house to threaten me. This isn’t a joke. This is my life—’

  ‘Calm down, Miss Frost.’ Raising his hand to silence the girl – Joshua didn’t have the patience for melodramatics. ‘Please, sit.’

  Realising that she had been shouting, that her hands were trembling, Saskia felt foolish. Joshua had barely raised his voice, but there something commanding about his tone that made her do as she was told.

  ‘Let’s get something straight, shall we? First of all, that thug that you are referring to is my brother, Vincent. He did not break into your house. He has a key. The reason why he has a key is because I gave it to him. I own that house. Secondly, I think you’ll find that at no point were you threatened. Vincent was simply informing you that you have seven days to vacate the property. Was he not?’ Joshua’s tone was neutral now.

  ‘Well, yes, but—’ Saskia nodded.

  ‘No buts! It’s a real shame. I was quite fond of your old man as it goes.’ Joshua meant it too. Unlike some of the down-and-outs that Joshua had loaned money to over the years, Daniel Frost was a decent man. He’d just let everything get out of control, and when it all had become too much he’d buried his head in the sand. Still, that was what this business was all about. One man’s loss was Joshua Harper’s gain.

  He’d built an empire out of other people’s misfortunes.

  Joshua had an eye for knowing when to strike a deal and something in his gut was telling him to cut this girl a chance. Fuck knows why though, he thought, as he continued to scrutinise her. Whatever it was made Saskia Frost waltz in here and ask him outright for her house back – be it boldness or naïvety – Joshua really wasn’t sure, but the girl had certainly made quite an impression. She was ballsy, he’d give her that.

  ‘How old are you, Miss Frost?’

  ‘I’m eighteen.’ Saskia spoke quietly now. He was patronising her. Saskia knew what he was thinking: that she was just some stupid, naïve little girl.

  She was beginning to feel like one too.

  ‘Eighteen. Hmm!’ Joshua nodded. Deep in thought. He knew better than anyone that there was nothing more attractive in this world than youth. Especially in his line of work. Fuck it! In for a penny, in for a pound. ‘And you’re willing to take the first job that you’re offered?’ Testing her now, trying to gauge how serious she was, Joshua raised his brow questioningly.

  ‘You have my word.’ Saskia nodded, full of determination.

  Silent for a few moments, Joshua clasped his hands together across the desk before finally speaking. ‘Okay.’

  ‘Okay?’ Confused at Joshua Harper’s sudden change of heart, Saskia shook her head. ‘What? You mean you’re going to help me?’

  ‘I’m going to give you one chance, Miss Frost. If you fuck it up, then that’s it. Done. There will be no negotiations.’

  ‘Thank you so much, Mr Harper. Thank you so much… ’ Sitting forward in her chair, Saskia was so grateful for this opportunity that she felt like crying.

  She had her house back. All she had to do now was find the money.

  ‘Whoa. Whoa.’ Holding up his hands, afraid that in her excitement the girl was going to run around the desk and hug him, Joshua looked at her sternly. ‘You haven’t heard my terms yet. There are conditions, of course!’ His tone was serious now, forewarning.

  Saskia nodded in agreement as she watched Joshua pick up his phone and tap in a number. It was answered immediately.

  ‘Misty, can you come in here please?’

  Replacing the handset, Joshua sat back in his chair. Tapping his fingers noisily on the desk as they waited; his eyes remained fixed on her.

  Pretending not to feel awkward as they sat together in silence, Saskia concentrated on the music – the thud of the bass making the floor vibrate.

  Finally, she spoke, her nerves kicking in again. ‘I know that I won’t get the deeds back until I’ve paid you off, but it would be helpful if you could put our agreement in writing.’ Seeing the blank look on Joshua Harper’s face, she continued, ‘though I expect you know what you are doing. Being that this is your job I mean. Sorry, I’m babbling. I’m just so grateful for this opportunity. You have no idea what that house means to me.’

  There was a knock at the door then.

  Saskia was silenced as the door swung open.

  ‘Saskia, this is Misty,’ Joshua told her.

  Saskia stared, unable to tear her eyes away from the stunning woman that had entered the room, followed by an overpowering cloud of sweet, heady perfume that filled the air around them all.

  ‘Hi,’ Saskia mouthed, smoothing her hands down the front of her black knee-length dress. Suddenly self-conscious of how frumpy she looked in comparison, Saskia eyed the girl’s sharp, pointy-toed stilettos and the black lace fitted dress that barely covered her bottom.

  ‘Misty is the House Mother here at Harper’s Palace. She looks after all of the girls.’

  Misty smiled at Saskia.

  The gesture curt, unfriendly.

  Undeterred, Saskia smiled back as she tried to gauge how old the girl was. A few years older than her she guessed. Her face was heavily painted with a thick mask of make-up and her clothes were provocative. Scanty.

  Misty certainly didn’t look like any kind of ‘mother’ that Saskia ha
d ever seen before.

  ‘Misty, I want you to give Saskia a tour of the place. Introduce her to some of the other girls. Make her feel welcome.’

  ‘No problems, boss. Is this the new cloakroom girl?’ Misty asked inquisitively, looking Saskia up and down with vague curiosity.

  ‘No, actually. Saskia is a dancer. I want you to put her on a trial. Show her the ropes, so to speak. See how she gets on.’

  ‘Hold on,’ Misty said, her face flashing with anger. ‘I thought recruiting the girls was my domain? We aren’t taking anyone on right now? We’ve got a full house.’

  Misty glared at Saskia like she was something she had stepped in; the disapproval clear on her face.

  ‘Oh no, no, no,’ Saskia interrupted. ‘I’m not a dancer. Well, I am, only I do ballet. I’m not here for a job… ’ Looking back over towards Joshua Harper, Saskia frowned. Her face reddening. She wasn’t sure what was going on here, but it appeared that someone had their wires crossed. That someone being Mr Harper. ‘I think there’s been some kind of a misunderstanding.’

  ‘There is no misunderstanding, Miss Frost. These are my terms.’ Joshua leant back in his chair, amused now. ‘You said that you would take the first job that you were offered. Well, here it is. Working here, for me. It’s good money too. You’ll earn triple what you could earn anywhere else in London, trust me.’

  ‘But this is a lap-dancing club.’ Saskia shook her head. Screwing her face up at the thought of working here at Harper’s Palace. ‘I didn’t mean somewhere like this, I meant a proper job—’

  ‘A “proper job”?’ Misty piped up, offended at the young girl’s dismissive attitude. Misty had seen girls like her a thousand times before: stuck up bitches that had somehow managed to convince themselves that their shit didn’t smell. ‘Sweetheart, you have no idea!’

  Turning to her boss, Misty shook her head, eyeing him like he’d lost the plot. ‘Are you kidding me? This girl wouldn’t last five minutes here. She’s gonna go down like a dose of the clap, and that’s just with the other girls, never even mind the punters.’

  Joshua pursed his lips. He knew Misty well enough to know that she wasn’t going to be happy about him overriding her authority, but as far as he was concerned it was tough shit.