Chapter 13 Shopping for Shoes

Abby met Mitch at the airport and in the bar he told her everything that had happened. She was frightened but they couldn’t see any way out. Even while they were talking Mitch saw a tall, fair-haired man with a moustache watch them. They were following him all the time.

Terrence didn't wait long. A week later Terrence met him and suggested they turn into a shoe shop. He tried to make Mitch decide what to do, but he suddenly stopped.

'What is it?' Mitch demanded.

'I just saw someone walk by the shop and look in at us. Listen carefully, Mitch. We'll walk out together, and as soon as we're outside, you push me away and shout at me. Then run in the direction of the office.'

As soon as he got back to the Bendini Building he went to Avery Tolleson's office and reported that the same FBI agent had contacted him again. He pretended to be frightened and upset, and demanded to know why the FBI had now contacted him twice. Lambert told him the same story as before. Mitch hardly heard him; he watched his lips move and thought of Kozinski and Hodge and their families. Then Locke asked him what had happened today.

'Terrence pushed me into the shoe shop. I tried to run away, but Terrence followed me. I pushed him away and ran back here. That's all that happened. What shall I do?'

'Nothing, Mitch,' said Lambert. 'Just stay away from this Terrence. If he even looks at you, report it to us immediately.' Mitch tried to look as pitiful as possible. 'You can go, Mitch,' Lambert said.

♦

'He's lying. I'm sure he's lying,' DeVasher said. They were all in DeVasher's office.

'What did your man see?' asked Locke.

'Something slightly different, but at the same time very different, you know? He saw McDeere and Terrence talk in the shop for a couple of minutes. Our man walks by and looks inside. Next minute they're fighting on the street. Something isn't right, I tell you. I'm sure,' said DeVasher. 'I make McDeere have a little talk.'

'About what?' Lambert asked nervously.

'Just leave it to me. Lazarov thinks he can get someone in the FBI to talk. Then we'll know whether McDeere is lying.' ♦

Mitch was alone in his office late that night when a short, fat man walked in. 'My name's DeVasher,' he said.

'What can I do for you?' Mitch asked.

'You can listen for a while. I'm in charge of security for the firm . . .'

'Why does the firm need security?' Mitch asked.

'We believe the FBI are trying to get a man inside the firm to help in their investigations of some of our clients. It's important that you tell us whenever they attempt to make contact with you.'

'Yes, I already know that.'

Suddenly DeVasher was smiling evilly. 'I brought something with me to show you,' he said.

He reached inside his jacket and pulled out an envelope.

Mitch opened it nervously. Inside were four photographs, black and white, very clear. On the beach. The girl.

'Oh, my God! Who took these?' Mitch shouted at him.

'We've got plenty upstairs, I’ve heard the girl be nice' DeVasher said calmly. 'We don't want to use them, but if we catch you talking to Mr Terrence, we'll send them to your wife. The next time you and Terrence decide to shop for shoes, think about us, Mitch. Because we'll be watching.'

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 762