Art and Murder Read Online Free PDF Page B

guys this morning. I can go get it. Forty minutes there and forty minutes back.”
    â€œWhat makes you think they still have it?”
    â€œOh, they got it all right,” replied Clive, sounding relieved that Jack appeared interested. “If you wait here, I’ll be back in an hour and a half.”
    â€œLike fuck you will. If you think I’m letting you go on your own, think again!”
    Klaus looked at Clive and mumbled, “Don’t take ’im there. There has to be another way.”
    Jack pointed the barrel of the shotgun at Klaus’s face and said, “Shut the fuck up! When I want your opinion, I’ll politely ask for it.”
    â€œPlease,” Clive said. “Let me make a phone call and maybe I can get them to deliver it.”
    â€œNot a chance,” Jack replied. “No phone calls. I’m not setting myself up to be whacked or to walk into some ambush. Take me to them, and no tipoffs that we’re coming!”
    Clive looked at Klaus, who shook his head. “Do we have a choice?” snapped Clive in response. He then looked at Jack. “I’ll do whatever you want.”
    â€œOkay, I’ll have a word with the girls. Same as before — don’t move and don’t talk!”
    Jack passed the shotgun to Laura and then blindfolded the men again, before picking up their pants and going through the pockets. He found their driver’s licences. One licence had been issued in Germany to Klaus Eichel, and the other two were Canadian licences, issued to Clive Dempsey and Liam Quinn respectively.
    Laura stood guard while Jack went into the bathroom and closed the door.
    A call to the telecommunications centre said there was nothing on Klaus in Canada, but Liam was listed as being of interest to the Major Crimes Unit in regard to several armed robberies. Jack did not bother with Clive’s name, as he already knew he had a previous charge for drug trafficking that had been dismissed in court.
    Jack opened the door and motioned for Laura to return so they could confer. After telling her in a whisper about Liam’s criminal background, he said, “I’m going to get Clive to take me to the guys he delivered the coke to. If we took all three of them, these guys we’re meeting would likely get the drop on us.”
    â€œYou want me to stay here with Klaus and Liam?” Laura asked.
    â€œYes. Clive’s a wimp so I can handle him okay.” He gave a half-smile. “Although a lot of guys get wimpy when you kick ’em in the nuts.”
    â€œThat was nothing compared to what you did to Klaus,” said Laura, sounding defensive. “If anyone is wimpy, it should be him.”
    â€œYeah, Klaus.” Jack’s tone was serious. “Watch that guy — and not just for breathing difficulties. He’s more than a sadist. He’s evil.”
    â€œI know,” agreed Laura. “I can see it in his eyes.”
    â€œLiam won’t be a problem. He shit himself earlier and is still babbling.”
    â€œWhat if Clive sets you up? He may be bullshitting about the coke.”
    â€œI don’t think he is. That was his reason for going to Mexico. I’m sure there’s a lot more than a pound at the stash, which is why Klaus doesn’t want me to know where it is. If things turn ugly, Klaus and Liam can be used as bargaining chips.”
    â€œBargaining chips,” repeated Laura. “That’s a polite term for kidnapping.”
    â€œKidnapping? Nah, I simply think of it as being a little slow at reading them their rights. As far as my safety goes, they only know I have a shotgun. It might be better if Clive doesn’t think I’m armed when he takes me. Whoever I’m meeting will be more inclined to talk first rather than shoot first. I want you to do a little scenario out there about your being worried about my safety.”
    â€œI am worried about your safety,” replied Laura