Page 38 of Soul of Discretion

“Now sit quietly, your Lordship, and shut the fuck up.”

The man who’d held him at gunpoint—at least that’s what Simon thought it was—flopped down on Simon’s left and he heard the door slam.

The vehicle pulled off sedately, no doubt not wanting to draw attention.

All Simon could do was sit and wait, fear and panic gathering in his chest like the clouds of a thunderstorm.

Someone will find the hire car, with the fuel not paid for. They’ll report it to the police and Nick will hear about it.Margaret will call and let them know I didn’t get to her. Nick would suspect something, and he’d find him was all Simon could think. He’s one hell of a policeman. He’ll find me…

The feeling of dread stayed with him as they sped toward their destination.

****

Nick passed a hand over strained eyes and groaned. God, this man was as irritating as fuck. Nearly three days he’d been here trying to get him to talk.

Nick missed Simon, missed Toronto, and couldn’t wait to get back home rather than speak with dirtbags like Jason Webber. He leaned back in his chair in the interview room at the Montreal police station and glared at the criminal in question. Thirty-two years old, with stringy blond hair and skin that looked as if it could use a good wash, Webber was hard work.

“So, you want to make a deal?” Nick asked slowly because it seemed the only way the other man understood him. “Am I right in believing that you’re ready to talk to us now about the Baronne investigation and using the airports to smuggle drugs?”

Webber shrugged skinny shoulders beneath his thin, grimy t-shirt. “‘Spose. I don’t have a choice, do I? I talk, they’ll kill me. I don’t talk, I’ll go into prison and they’ll arrange someone to kill me there. Witness protection is my only option.”

Nick snorted. “I don’t remember promising you anything like that. That’s way above my pay grade. I recall saying I’d try to get something sorted. You need to prove your willingness first.”

Jason leaned forward, and the waft of stale breath assailed Nick. He tried not to gag.

“So what guarantee do I have you’re not lying to me to get what you want, hey? Since when do fucking policemen tell the truth?” the other man sneered.

Nick rolled his eyes. “I could be lying. But, see, here’s the thing.” He stood up and leaned over the table menacingly. “I think you’re fucked whichever way you go. Difference is, if I’m telling you the truth and I can help you get out of the country and somewhere safe, you stand more of a chance that way than by staying here. The decision’s yours. It’s on the table for the next minute, then I turn and walk out of here. Then you’re on your own.”

He sat down again and tapped his pen on the table as he waited.

He’d be damned stupid not to go for my option. This man’s life won’t be worth living if the Baronnes find out he squealed.

Nick was confident of his ability to convince the powers that be to put the man into protective custody until they could get him into Witsec. After all, this was an important case and any testimony they could get was valuable. McKenzie had already backed the plan.

His mobile buzzed in his pocket. He picked it out and glanced at it. It was McKenzie.

He stood up and waved at the police guard in the room with him. “Keep an eye on that slimeball. I’ll be back in a minute.”

He stepped out the door and into the corridor as he answered. “Sir, I think I’m nearly there. A few more minutes and I think we’ll know what we need to.”

There was a tap on his shoulder. His colleague, Sergeant Claire Tremblay, stood there. He motioned to his phone and she nodded.

“Nick, that’s great news. I’ve asked Sergeant Tremblay to take over from you though. I need you back here. We have another emergency.”

Nick stared at Claire in confusion. She was familiar with the case, being the Montreal liaison for the investigation, but this was his witness.

“Sir, I understand that, but it’s taken me nearly three days to wear him down. Changing officers at this stage could hinder things…”

“Simon Bridgeworth has been abducted. He’s missing.” McKenzie cut him off curtly. “I need you here with me, seeing as how you know the man better than any of us. We need to find him before it’s too late.”

Nick’s brain had short-circuited the minute he heard Simon was missing. “Jesus Christ, what was that fucker Jeffries doing to lose him? I swear I’ll cut his balls off—”

McKenzie cleared his throat. “Mr Bridgeworth went off on his own to visit Mrs Teeman and disappeared on route. He didn’t tell Jeffries where he was going. Forget the blame. I need you on a plane home right away. Claire will take over interrogating Webber. We both know she’s good for it.”

Nick had no doubt the diminutive, sweet-looking Claire would pry the truth out of his witness. Her reputation preceded her.

“Yes sir. I’ll get on a plane straight away. Can you tell me more about the kidnapping? I mean…” He swallowed, gut churning. “Was anything found at the scene that could prove Mr Bridgeworth was hurt?”