Dead of Winter

Chapter 63

Justin’s head was swollen and throbbing as he dangled upside down. His feet had long since lost all feeling.

Carmichael watched him from the side of the dance floor.

‘Let’s go through things again.’ Justin groaned. ‘Why did you come back?’

‘Business.’

‘You can harvest bodies, sell organs, anywhere in the world.’ Carmichael picked up his rifle and inserted a new magazine. ‘Don’t lie to me.’

‘Okay. It wasn’t just business. We came back for someone specifically. We needed a match.’

‘For who? Martingale? You? Digger?’

‘No.’

‘The woman?’

It was the first time Carmichael had mentioned that he knew there was a woman in their team. Justin didn’t answer. Carmichael repeated the question.

‘The woman. Was it for her? Who is she?’

‘She wasn’t there when your wife was killed. . leave her alone. She just does what she’s told.’

‘Who are the other Bloodrunners? Is Martingale involved?’ Justin didn’t answer. ‘The woman?’

‘I told you; she does what she is told. I won’t tell you about her.’

‘Do you think she would protect you?’

‘No.’

‘What then? Do you think she’ll have time to get away? Has she got the organs she came for?’

‘She will have.’ Carmichael moved around him in the dark. ‘I remember you at the graveside of your wife and daughter. You want to find out who killed your wife and kid. . look to yourself, Carmichael. . you fucking failed them both. They were never meant to be there.’

Carmichael aimed his gun, ready to fire. Justin laughed. .

‘Yeah. . do it. . you useless piece of shit. . get on with it.’ Justin laughed in the darkness. ‘She begged me to save her daughter. All I could hear was It’s alright, Sophie, Mummy’s alright. She had no idea Digger had already killed your daughter. Digger made Louise suck his cock. . should have seen it. . her crying, gagging. Very funny. You know as well as I do that you had a hand in it all. If it wasn’t for you she’d be alive today — you know I’m right.’

Carmichael steadied himself. He leant his weight against the wall and breathed deeply. He knew what Justin was doing. Justin knew he was going to die and he wanted Carmichael to get on with it. . but it wasn’t Justin’s choice. It was Carmichael’s. He picked up a pair of wire snippers.