Deliver Us From Evil

53

I WANT TO SEE HIM,” said Reggie.

“That is definitely not a good idea,” replied Whit.

They were once more meeting at the Abbaye de Sénanque bookshop.

“I don’t care if you don’t think it’s a good idea or not. I want you to take me to him.”

“Does the professor know-”

“I’m not feeling that charitable toward the man right now. So take me to see Bill.”

Shaw was sitting in the chair when the knock came.

“Away from the door!” called out a voice.

When it opened, Shaw blinked to adjust to the new level of light. Then he saw her standing there.

Reggie said, “I’m sorry about this. I had no idea what had happened to you.”

“Then let me go.”

“That won’t be happening, Paddy,” said Whit, stepping forward to stand next to Reggie.

Shaw noted the two other men at the doorway. They didn’t have their guns out, probably her doing. But he assumed they were armed.

“Then tell me what’s going on,” said Shaw. “Maybe I can help you.”

“Same answer as the last one,” countered Whit.

Shaw shot him a glance. “Did you tell her about Waller, about his background?”

Reggie spoke up. “Yes, he did. And something you told us will actually help.”

“What?”

“I can’t say.”

“Why are you after him?”

“Why were you after him?” replied Reggie.

Shaw didn’t say anything.

“Nuclear terrorism?” she suggested.

“He’s a bad guy,” said Shaw. “He needed to be taken down. That’s all I can tell you.”

“So then why were you leaving town?” asked Reggie. “Before he was taken down?”

Shaw glanced over at Whit. “Who are you with? Interpol? Mossad? MI6 maybe? Paddy.”

Reggie started to say something, but Whit let out a loud grunt. “No one you would recognize,” she finally said. “But why were you leaving town?”

“Op got pulled,” said Shaw finally.

“Because he killed the terrorists? That doesn’t mean he won’t try again.”

“I don’t make the orders, I just follow them.”

“And so do we,” snapped Whit.

“How did you figure things out with me?” asked Reggie.

“Right before they caved in my skull it sort of all came together. The last piece was you tipping Waller’s guy I was no longer an issue.”

“I didn’t want anything to happen to you.”

“When are you going to do it?” Shaw asked.

“Okay, little visit’s over,” said Whit.

Shaw ignored him and kept his gaze on Reggie. “Why did you come to see me?”

“To tell you that I was sorry.”

“Look, if Waller can get the drop on-”

She cut in. “He is very good, no doubt. But so are we. This is what we do.”

“What is?” he shot back.

“As soon as it’s over you’ll be released unharmed,” said Reggie. She paused. “I saw some men leave your hotel with your things. One of them was wearing a hat and he didn’t look happy.”

“I’m sure he’s not very happy with me.”

“We can contact him, tell him you’re all right. That this was not your fault.”

“I’ll take care of it. But let me ask you this. If you fail and Waller kills all of you, what then?”

Whit smirked. “Then it’ll be up to you to get yourself out of here. Not too hard for a tough guy like you, right?”

Shaw wasn’t giving up. “Tell me your plan and I’ll point out the holes.”

Whit shook his head. “And then maybe you escape and muck everything up? I don’t think so.”

“But-” began Reggie.

“No, Reg,” snapped Whit, and then his face contorted because of this mistake.

Shaw looked at her. “Reg, for Reggie?”

“Thank you again,” she said. She held out her hand. Whit moved to stop her, but Shaw was already clutching it. His fingers felt like they were on fire. When he looked at her he could sense she’d had a similar reaction.

Before the door closed Shaw called out, “I hope you get the son of a bitch.”

His last image of the woman was her eyes staring at him before the door shut between them.

He rushed to the door and listened. He heard one word clearly. “Market.”

Shaw groaned and slapped the door.