Honeytrap: Part 1 Read Online Free PDF Page A

so often that he was sure she was talking about him. A warning, probably.
Watch out for that guy. He’s some kind of weirdo.
    ‘Problem?’ Harry asked when Denis came back.
    ‘No problem, ‘he said.
    Harry gave one last glance at Caroline Westwood before deciding to call it a night. He could try again, send a drink over, attempt to rekindle the spark, but he knew he’d be wasting his time. Anyway, he was no longer in the mood. Seeing Ellen Shaw had shaken him up. He wanted to head off home and sort through his thoughts.
    After emptying his glass, Harry placed it on the bar and gave Denis a nod. ‘That’s me done. Have a nice evening.’
    ‘Can’t be any worse than yours.’
    ‘I won’t argue with that.’
    Outside the air was cold and damp, a reminder that although it was March winter had not yet completely relinquished its hold. It was raining harder now and Harry hunched his shoulders as he walked along the street. It was only when he reached the corner that he remembered the recording device was still running. He reached into his pocket and switched it off, his face twisting as he thought of how Mac and Lorna would react to his failure to even finish the job properly.
    ‘Well, Caroline,’ he said. ‘Looks like you got away with it this time.’ He was pretty sure that what had gone on between them was more than just harmless flirting. Or was that his male ego talking? Maybe she’d have given him the brush-off if he’d hung around long enough to find out. Now he’d never know one way or the other – and nor would the suspicious Mr Westwood.
    As usual there was never a free black cab when you needed one. He stood for a while, watching out for a taxi with a light on. A few minutes had passed when a smart white Daimler with tinted glass drew up at a bus stop a few yards beyond him. The window slid down and a voice with a strong Cockney accent came from the interior. ‘Hey, you! Lind! Over ‘ere.’
    Harry approached the passenger side of the car with caution, already knowing who’d boomed out the summons. He stared down at the man, not even trying to hide the contempt in his eyes. ‘What do you want?’
    Danny Street’s thin, foxy face leered up at him. ‘You can tell that bitch that I’m not happy. Next time she brings along some brainless muscle, she’ll be paying for his fuckin’ hospital bills.’
    ‘I’ve got no idea what you’re talking about.’
    ‘Nah, I’m sure you don’t.’
    ‘Perhaps you’d like to enlighten me.’
    Danny Street’s mouth twisted into a snarl. ‘Just pass the message on, right? I don’t like being fucked about.’
    ‘Tell her yourself. I’m not your messenger boy.’
    ‘You weren’t invited, mate. Just stay away in future.’
    ‘I think that’s up to her, isn’t it?’ Harry was in the dark about what was going on between Street and Ellen, but was doing his best to alter that. ‘Maybe she’s not so keen on your terms.’
    ‘I don’t do business with amateurs.’
    ‘Come off it, Danny. You’ll do business with anyone who pays.’
    Street looked him up and down, his face growing tight and angry. ‘Just keep your fuckin’ nose out of it.’
    ‘Bit late for that.’
    Street gave a sneer and closed the window. The car immediately moved off. As the white Daimler accelerated and disappeared into the distance, Harry felt a cold finger of dread run down his spine. He had to find Ellen Shaw, and fast. But he didn’t even know where to start.

5
    Jess was sitting talking to Sylvie Durand in a quiet corner of the Fox. It was midday on Saturday and slowly the place was beginning to fill up. The French girl was smart and funny and the epitome of chic; even in her faded blue jeans and plain white T-shirt she still managed to look infinitely more elegant than any other woman in the pub. It was something to do with the way she held herself, a kind of poise.
    ‘So do you have a technique?’ Jess asked. ‘A method of approach?’
    Sylvie gave a light shrug.