The Possibilities - Desire - A Collection of Short Stories Read Online Free PDF Page B

identical…she might not make the connection, but
if she does, so what?  He’s an established photographer for yourpaper. 
Just make sure he’s carrying Jason, his license is up to date, and I’ve got a
copy of it in my hand.  Torres is one of the bad ones Jason, a no shit,
bona fide bad guy.  He’s killed more than a dozen men we know for
sure, and all of them were messy.”
    “Are you sure she wouldn’t be better
off in protective custody Bill?”
    “She probably would, Jason, but she
wouldn’t be any safer.  They don’t come any better than Nathan.  He
was the best we ever had.”  The obvious question was on the tip of Jason’s
tongue, but he didn’t ask it.  If Nathan was the best, why was Nick
promoted and why had Nathan quit?
    “I’ll assign him to the story and
give it to her…and I’ll explain to him why I’m doing it…and thanks Bill.”
    “Make sure you tell him about Torres
Jason, I’m sure he’ll recognize the name and take the right steps to cover the
woman.  Nathan and Torres have a history, I know that much but that’s
all.  I gather it’s personal.”
    Bridie was thrilled with the
assignment, but she was less than enthusiastic about Jason’s condition
requiring that she partner up with Nathan Harcourt.  “You wouldn’t do this
to a man,” she raged.  Her anger took a steep dip at Jason’s next words.
    “Yes, I would,” Jason said evenly,
“and if you don’t agree to it the Police are going to take you into protective
custody as a material witness.  This is not a game Bridie.  The guy
in these pictures you took is a real international bad guy.  He’s a wanton
killer, a guy who leaves a real mess as a signature.  We know he’s
responsible for a dozen murders in this country alone.  The Feds tell me
they know about as many more overseas…some of his victims were women.” 
Jason’s eyes were somehow old as he spoke the next words.  “And then we
know about the kids.  As far as anyone knows, the kids were to teach a
politician in Colombia that he was not untouchable.  The bodies were
almost unrecognizable.  Frankly, I debated just having the cops come pick
you up Bridie.  I’m still not sure I shouldn’t do just that…and if you
don’t agree to stay with Nathan Harcourt twenty four hours a day until this is
over, I’ll do it anyway.”
    “Okay Jason, I understand why you
want me to have a protector…but why a photographer?”
    “Nathan is prior military, a Special
Forces type, and a former cop.”
    Bridie rolled her eyes and then
froze.  The last name suddenly clicked.  “Harcourt?” she asked, “Is
he related to the guy that got shot tonight?”
    Jason nodded.  “They’re
brothers Bridie, fraternal twins.  I called him at the hospital. 
Nick’s going to be just fine by the way, they’re only going to hold him
overnight for observation…and then he’s going into seclusion until after
the trial.  This is no game Bridie; it’s dangerous as all hell.  You
either agree to it or you sit this one out in a safe house with Nick until
after the trial.  I called Nathan and he’s leaving there to go by his
house to pick up his gear and some clothes.  The paper’s going to pick up
the tab for a double suite at a hotel…even I won’t know where you’re at. 
You’re going to need a disguise, a good one” He reached into the top
drawer of his desk and pulled out a credit card.  “You’re going to need
this.”
    Bridie’s eyes widened.  If the
paper was willing to pay for all this, she had underestimated the danger very
badly.
    Jason saw her surprise.  “Try
to wrap your head around this Bridie, this is real, and this is dangerous. No
one can know where you are or what you are doing.  Not, friends, not
family, and not colleagues.  This guy is seriously bad news, and any
contact you make with them will put their lives in jeopardy.”

NATHAN HARCOURT
     
    He came through the door of the city
room with a black rucksack on his