Deception

FIFTY-SEVEN

‘So far so good, then.’ Paulton nodded. Deakin had just relayed the news that Ferris was in the bag and a message had gone to Tate letting him know. He and the others were walking around the lake at the conference centre, avoiding the other groups taking a break from their meetings. Chatting with corporate windbags was the last thing any of them wanted to do right now.

‘As long as Tate does what you said he will.’ Deakin picked up a stone and flicked it into the water. ‘You’ve got a lot more faith in him than I have. What’s to stop him screaming for the cops?’

‘Because it’s not in his nature. I know the way he thinks, believe me.’ Paulton was now relishing the fact that they were depending on his knowledge of Harry Tate to do the right thing. It meant the balance of influence had shifted, allowing him to play a more guiding role in what would follow. ‘He’ll trot after Ferris alone because he’s been conditioned to do so. It’s all he knows.’

‘But if he doesn’t?’ Turpowicz insisted.

‘In that case, there will be a messy confrontation with the police or Special Forces and I fear your two thugs will not return to their homeland. And Ferris will be another casualty of police action.’ He eyed Turpowicz keenly. ‘In which event, Mr Turp, I think we might have need of your specialized military skills.’

‘Me?’ Turpowicz stopped walking.

‘Yes.’ Paulton turned and glanced at Deakin for support. ‘Of the three of us, you alone have the freedom to travel to the UK without lighting up half the security or military networks in the country. You’re what some of my more hip, cool and trendy former colleagues call a “clean skin” — unknown to anyone and able to move freely without arousing interest.’

‘Why the hell would he need to do that?’ Deakin asked. He sounded torn between the desire to remain in control and fascination at what Paulton was saying.

‘Damn right,’ Turpowicz echoed. ‘I like it just fine on this side of the Channel, thanks.’

Paulton kept his eyes on the American’s face. It was a trick he’d learned when about to propose a dangerous course of action to a subordinate. It lent gravity and confidence to the implied request that was about to follow. ‘If the Bosnians fail to stop Tate, then you will have to step in and take over. Unless, of course, you’ve been out of practice too long?’

It was a risky way of provoking a positive response, not least because Paulton wasn’t sure what Deakin’s reaction would be at having matters taken out of his hands like this. Except that it made absolute sense — and he was certain that the former US airborne sergeant’s pride would not let him back down.

‘He’s right.’ Deakin nodded after a few moments. ‘We have to get this turkey off our tail. We’ve already used up three of our five days, and we don’t need Tate on our case along with the Chinese. How about it, Turp?’ He waited for his colleague to agree.

Turpowicz stared at them in turn, then tilted his head. ‘Sure. Why not?’

Paulton smiled broadly. ‘Good man. Shall we go and celebrate, or do you need to go off into the woods and practise those silent kill techniques which I know they teach at Fort Campbell?’

Turpowicz didn’t return the smile. ‘No need. Once taught, never forgotten.’