Nightfall

72

Nightingale walked out of the bathroom. He had changed back into his suit and had on his raincoat. Sylvia was waiting for him with the metal suitcase. Two of Mitchell’s heavies were standing behind her. ‘If you do anything to compromise Mr Mitchell’s security, you will be dealt with immediately,’ she said.

‘Don’t worry, Sylvia, I’ve his best interests at heart,’ said Nightingale. ‘Once I’ve dealt with Proserpine, he can go back to living a normal life.’

Sylvia flashed him a cold smile. ‘Mr Mitchell’s life has never been normal,’ she said. ‘We will walk around the house to the patio,’ she said. ‘Mr Mitchell says that I am to give you anything you need.’

Nightingale patted the suitcase. ‘I’ve got everything I need right here.’

They went outside and around the house, flanked by the two heavies. The gardens were illuminated by floodlights and beside the wall Nightingale saw another heavy walking with a Rottweiler on a leash.

When they reached the terrace, he put down the case and lit a cigarette. Sylvia looked at her watch. ‘It’s half an hour until midnight,’ she said.

‘I know,’ said Nightingale. ‘But I figure that the condemned man deserves a last cigarette.’