"It seems you've a lot to answer for", said Peter. His look was plainly vicious.

"But the most important thing is the hard drive you took and I want you to hand it over to me now".

Sarah was looking from one to the other as the pieces fell into place.

"You work together don't you. They destroy a firm from the bottom up and you destroy it from the top down".

"I've got to be able to blame somebody", said Peter. It was close to a sneer, the way he said it.

Outside, there was then sound of a car pulling up the drive. It cut off suddenly. Hesdyke had quickly moved outside. There followed the quick rattle of small firearms outside and the sound of splintering glass.

Peter pointed to Sam. The voice of command.

"Check out who got the better of that".

Sam disappeared nervously but rapidly outside.

To Terry, Peter said: "grab her and hold onto her - if you're capable!"

Sarah was still squirming to try to get free when Tim was half carried, half dragged through the door with blood oozing from a shoulder wound.

He lifted his head with an effort and tried to smile encouragingly at Sarah but he was obviously in shock.

"He needs a hospital - what have you done", sobbed Sarah.

Peter was completely uninterested.

"Stick him with the other down the cellar, we'll deal with him later - if he lasts that long".

The cellar door was opened and Tim dumped down the stairs as Ralph had been. As he slipped down the stairs, his groans echoed against the dark unlit walls.

Sarah took this opportunity and bit hard into Terry's hand. He howled with pain but didn't let go. His language turned the air blue.

"She's got it in for you, son", Peter observed. "Since she's refusing to tell us where the computer disk is, I think you owe her one".

Sarah was still absorbing the meaning of that simple word 'son' when she received the full impact of Terry's punch on the side of her face. Its force was the stronger it came with venom and loathing and Sarah went reeling across the kitchen knocking over the table as she went.

"He's your son she spluttered?"

"Chip off the old block - or might be one day if he put his brains to work and didn't think with his zipper undone".

Terry clearly took this as a compliment not a criticism and smiled wolfishly.

"As we were saying, we are here to collect the hard drive", said Peter.

"Let us go and I'll tell you where it is".

Peter thought for a moment.

"No chance. You've got no bargaining chips. You are going to have to tell us sooner or later."

"And what assurance do I have that you will let us go then?"

"Not a lot! But it may be less unpleasant for you".

"I'll stick with what I've got then - it has the advantage that I know I'm giving you a hard time". He voice sounded even to her unconvincing.