Shoot Him If He Runs

58

Teddy left his workshop and walked up the hill to Irene’s house. She was in the kitchen making a salad.

“I’m done here,” he said.

“I figured you would be, after I saw the TV this morning,” she replied. She wiped her hands on her apron. “Why didn’t you tell me what you were doing, Teddy?”

“Surely you knew something was up, especially after I sent the yacht north.”

“Knowing that something was up is not the same as knowing that you were going to take out three government officials, including the prime minister.”

“Life is going to be better for you here with those three gone,” Teddy said. “Their replacements are going to be of a different order.”

She put her arms around his neck. “When will I see you again?”

“Until a few minutes ago I thought I could get myself to Lauderdale, sell the yacht and come back as Harold Pitts. That’s not possible now.”

“Why not? The identity is still good, isn’t it?”

“There are some people on the way here now, and I expect they want to kill me.”

“Who?”

“Thomas, Stone Barrington and the Ginny girl, whose real name is Holly Barker.”

“I know that name; she works for Lance!”

“I know.”

“How are you going to get out? You’ll meet them going down the road.”

“I’ve made some preparations.”

They both heard the crunch of gravel from the driveway, and car doors slammed.

“Shit!” Teddy said. “You’re going to have to stall them for me; give me as much time as you can.” He kissed her and ran out the back door as the doorbell rang. As he ran, he looked up at the overcast, which was nearly down to rooftop level at Irene’s house. This was going to be tougher than he had thought. He headed down the hill at breakneck speed.

Irene Foster opened the door, wearing an apron. “Well hello, all of you, what a nice surprise! I was just making a crab salad; can you stay for lunch?”

“I’m afraid not, Irene,” Thomas said, stepping into the house. “Where’s Harold?”

“He’s just getting out of the shower. Why don’t you all have a seat; he’ll be out as soon as he’s dressed.” She showed them all into the living room, but nobody sat down.

“We really need to see him right now, Irene,” Holly said.

“Goodness, what’s the rush? Can I get anybody some iced tea?”

From outside somewhere came a loud buzzing noise.

“What’s that?” Stone asked.

“Chain saw,” Irene replied smoothly. “They’re clearing out some trees in the ravine below the old guest house.”

“There aren’t any trees in that ravine, and that’s not a chain saw,” Holly said, and she started running.