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“Information?”
“About your boss. But shush now.” Sergei smiled, laying a finger over Sir Edward’s lips. “First it’s picture time. Say ‘cheese.’ ”
Chapter Fourteen
Billy Hamlin was sitting on the train on his way into London. Outside, a steady, gray drizzle had set in, sluicing the train windows with a grimy film of water. There was water everywhere, sucking him down, drowning him. An endless current that, no matter how hard or how fast he swam, he could never escape
.
“You off up to London sightseeing?” The young mother next to him made conversation. “Heard your American accent earlier. You on your holidays?”
The woman was attractive but looked tired. She had two small, sticky-fingered kids with her, and was no doubt hoping Billy might provide some adult distraction. Taking in the normality of her life—the restless children, the stained raincoat, the bags of groceries wedged into the seat beside her—Billy felt a pang of envy so sharp it was like a knife in the heart.
“Actually, no. I’m on my way to visit Alexia De Vere.”
The young mother laughed. “Really? I’m off to see the Queen meself. Straight to Buckingham Palace once we get in to Paddington, aren’t we, kids?”
“I’m serious,” said Billy. “I have to warn Alexia De Vere.”
“Warn her? Warn her about what?”
Billy looked at the woman as if she were mad. “The voice. I have to warn her about the voice.”
The young woman turned away, drawing her children closer to her, protecting them.
She could see it now. The madness blazing in Billy Hamlin’s eyes.
“Excuse me.” Billy pressed his cell phone to his ear. “I have to take this. Hello?”
An eye for an eye, Billy. An eye for an eye.
Billy felt his throat go dry and his stomach turn to water.
Who will be the next to die?
The voice. It was back.
Billy started begging. “Please don’t hurt her!”
Hurt who, Billy? Your daughter?
“No, not Jenny.”
Or Mrs. De Vere?
“Neither of them.”
You choose.
“But they’re both innocent! Why are you doing this? Please, please just leave me alone.”
I can’t do that, Billy.
“Then tell me what to do.”
You know what to do.
“I need more time. It’s not that easy. She’s the home secretary! It’s not like I can walk up to her in the street.”
