Lock-59

sixty

Ruth did a double take. “She?”

Grant looked pained. “I’m sorry, but the woman you knew variously as Helen or Clarisse escaped from a police van following her release from A&E.” If he had any thoughts about Ruth’s use of an illegal weapon, he didn’t voice them. “During the escape she seriously injured the escort. We believe she will leave the country with assistance and we’re keeping an eye out for that. You might be wise, however, to take some time out and keep your head down for a while. We consider her extremely dangerous.” He glanced at Aston, who was nodding. “Richard concurs and has agreed to an immediate leave of absence.”

“Thank you, but there’s no need. I’ll spend time with my physio instead.” She spoke calmly enough but a small voice of caution wondered how serious the threat was. Professional operators didn’t normally carry grudges; setbacks were inevitable at times and were part of the rough and tumble of their chosen trade. But she recalled the vindictive expression on Clarisse’s face as she’d come at her with the knife. Using a weapon like that in public took a particular mind set. The woman was clearly not normal so those rules didn’t apply. It was enough to make her reconsider her decision. “OK, maybe not. Thanks.”

“Very wise.” He stood up and nodded to them both, and left the room.

Outside, Ruth found Andy Vaslik leaning against a car, with Gina Fraser standing nearby, eyeballing the traffic moving along the street.

“What do you two want?” she asked. Vaslik seemed relaxed but she knew him well enough now to judge that he was more on the alert than he looked. Gina was as ready for trouble as ever, with one hand under her jacket, probably clutching the butt of a semi-automatic and hoping she’d be given a chance to use it.

“We’re taking you home to pack,” said Vaslik. “Your orders are to go somewhere quiet and remote for a couple of weeks. Any ideas?”

“None that I’d share with you,” she muttered, glancing involuntarily along the street. She doubted Clarisse would be insane enough to pop up here, but Grant’s warning had been serious. “I don’t need babysitting, thank you.”

“Not your call, sister,” Gina said easily. “Our orders include tying you up if we have to and putting you on the first available flight out of Heathrow, courtesy of Cruxys. So you’d better come up with a destination, otherwise it could get messy.” She smiled the sting out of the comment, and for once her face looked almost serene.

Ruth let it go. They were right; looking over her shoulder until Clarisse was caught or went back to wherever she called home was pointless. She thought about where she might go. To her parents first, to reassure them, to salve their hurt. But that wouldn’t last long. Then … where?

“Anywhere?”

“Anywhere,” said Vaslik. “We can even bump another passenger to get you on board if we have to. As long as you agree to come back, of course.”

“That’s not your say.”

“I know. But we get on so well.” He snapped a quick grin at her, and she felt her resolve crumble.

“OK. But what about you two?”

“We’re on vacation, too, as soon as you’re away. I have a meeting in Washington, which won’t be fun but it will be interesting. I think the suddenly retired Rear Admiral Drybeck and his dirty hands will be the main topic. Then I’m coming back.”

“Are you sure you’re safe going back there?”

“Absolutely. I have some big hitters on my side, including Grant and his people.”

Gina stepped up and patted the car roof. “Come on, guys. I’ve got a hotel room in Barbados with my name on it, so let’s get moving. Where to?”

Ruth nodded. There was only one place. It was a long flight but far enough away from all the craziness to be ideal. And she’d received that text message. It held a promise of something, but she couldn’t yet tell. Maybe taking a step back would be a good way to find out.

“Sydney,” she said. “Australia. I hear the beaches are good this time of year.”

the end