The First Commandment

CHAPTER 17

Moments later, the Troll responded, Agent Harvath, you have taken everything I have. Unless you put something more than threats against my life on the table, there really isn’t anything in this for me and I don’t see any point in continuing our conversation.

Harvath had expected this and was prepared to bargain. I’m prepared to purchase the information from you.

Using my own money, of course.

Of course.

I want it all, stated the Troll. Half as a show of good faith now, the rest upon delivery of the information.

Harvath typed slowly and deliberately. You’ll get one million if and when you provide me proof of the shooter’s identity. And as far as good faith goes, you’re going to demonstrate yours by giving me the name of the person who followed me to Bishop’s Gate.

I never reveal my sources, replied the Troll. Not even for one million dollars, which by the way is a mere pittance considering what you took from me.

Then there is no deal.

Agent Harvath, what happened to Ms. Hastings was indeed unfortunate. When I heard about it, I questioned my source, in detail, but he neither saw nor heard anything that could be of value to you. He followed you and early the next morning he placed my gift upon your doorstep.

Harvath had figured whoever it was had been nothing more than a courier, probably some cut-rate private eye the Troll had hired on the cheap. It was a concession he was willing to make, and he let it drop.

Before he could type a response, the Troll added, I heard they found lamb’s blood above your front door.

The man’s sources were scarily good. It sickened Harvath that such a person could worm his tentacles in wherever he pleased, even a highly sensitive federal investigation. So what?

So, very biblical, wouldn’t you say?

Can you help me or not? asked Harvath.

I want a show of good faith from you first.

I already told you I’ll let you live.

A rather empty threat considering that you have no idea where I am.

Harvath nodded to Tom Morgan and then typed, Just so you know, I don’t make empty threats.

A fraction of a second later, an infrared surveillance image appeared on the screen and Harvath narrated. This satellite footage was taken over your location in Angra dos Reis less than ten minutes ago. From what I can tell, that’s you near the front of the structure, and the two hot spots on your left would be the dogs. Am I correct?

The Troll didn’t respond. Harvath figured he had to be shocked. Having an adversary discover where you live is an incredibly unsettling violation. It was nice to be able to dish out a little of the Troll’s own medicine.

So now you have my show of good faith, added Harvath. I’m a man of my word. If I had wanted you dead, you’d be dead.

Minutes passed as the Troll tried to piece together how they had tracked him down. Finally, he typed, It was the wire transfer to the property management company.

Now it was Harvath’s turn to post a smiley face.:) With Finney’s help, he had stripped the Troll of everything and had knocked him completely off-balance.

A few minutes later, as he finished his instructions to the newly acquiescent Troll, Harvath left the man with one final warning, You are not to leave the island. If you do, I will hunt you down and kill you myself.