For Your Own Protection(78)

‘Who told you?’ Samson said.

‘That don’t matter,’ Harvey replied. ‘What matters is that I hold you responsible for what happened. And I’ve waited a long time to get to this place – to bring justice to the man who killed my brother.’

‘Don’t do it, Harvey,’ Matt said. ‘Please don’t.’

But Harvey wasn’t listening. He brought the gun closer to Samson’s head. But Samson didn’t even flinch. ‘You know, my brother wasn’t perfect. But I loved him. He protected me, made sure the family was looked after. Without his money, we’d have been out on the street, man. He did what he had to do.’

‘I was sorry to lose him,’ Samson said. ‘Jason was a loyal member of my team.’

Harvey shook his head in disbelief. ‘No, you’re lyin’.’

‘Jason was one of my best men,’ Samson continued. ‘Until he got greedy.’

Another headshake of disbelief. ‘Jason wouldn’t have worked for you. He wouldn’t.’

Nick Samson smiled. ‘He did what he had to do. So you see, Harvey, the money your brother brought home, keeping you in shoes, keeping food on the table for you and your family, and a roof over your head, it was my money.’

‘You’re wrong.’

Samson was emboldened. ‘You know I’m not. I’ve been watching you for a while, Harvey. I see the potential. The spark of ruthlessness in your eyes – you remind me so much of your brother.’

Harvey was being drawn in, transfixed by the words. Matt could see his grip on the gun loosen. ‘I would never work for you!’ Suddenly the grip tightened. ‘Go to hell!’

‘Harvey, don’t!’ Matt shouted, taking a step towards them. ‘Don’t do this. Don’t throw everything away. You’re better than this. You’ve chosen a different path, remember?’ Another step forward. ‘You kill him, and you’ll go to jail for a very long time.’

‘It’ll be worth it,’ Harvey said. But there was a lack of conviction in his voice.

‘Harvey, this isn’t what Jason would have wanted.’

‘Stop talkin’, man,’ Harvey said, as a tear trickled down his cheek. ‘Just shut up!’

But Matt continued. ‘He’d be proud you’ve taken control of your life, moved away from the violence.’

‘It’s too late,’ Harvey said, his teeth clenched in anguish. ‘Too late.’

‘No, it’s not. Did you bring the drugs?’

There was a momentary pause, as if he didn’t want to answer, and then Harvey said quietly, ‘Yes.’

‘Then give them to him.’

Matt now addressed Samson. ‘That’s my offer. You have the money and the drugs. And you leave us alone. Never come near us again. Harvey included.’

Samson twitched, then smiled. ‘Deal,’ he said emphatically.

Harvey laughed in disbelief. ‘You’re jokin’, right?’

‘No, I’m not,’ Matt replied. ‘It’s got to end here, Harvey.’

‘You have my word,’ Samson said.

Harvey threw Matt another look, and Matt nodded.

‘Just go,’ Harvey said, gun still raised. ‘Get in the van and go.’ He slid his hand into his jacket and pulled out a large packet of coke, throwing it over towards the van.

Samson, Deed, and their companion grabbed the drugs and bags of cash, and then retreated to the van. Samson turned at the door. ‘I’m sorry about your brother, Harvey. Such a waste.’

Harvey gestured with the gun. ‘Just leave, before I change my mind.’

And with that, the van door closed. The wheels of the vehicle spun on the gravel, kicking up dirt, and it sped off across the wasteland.

Harvey joined the others, gun now hanging limply at his side. ‘We were on top, man,’ he said, as the van disappeared in the distance. ‘We could have won.’

Matt placed an arm around Beth as Charlie emerged from her protective embrace. ‘We have won, Harvey. We have won.’





CHAPTER SIXTY


James Farrah paused the Liam Neeson movie on the television and went into the kitchen to refill his glass of red. He considered his next move. He’d stay for at least a week in the lodge, deep in the New Forest, before crossing the Channel on the ferry and then tracking down through France and Spain to Portugal.

He’d already identified a few suitable apartments in the Algarve. Looking right on to the Atlantic Ocean. Expensive, but he could afford it.

There was plenty of time to decide what to do after that. Maybe he’d just stay there until he got bored.

He’d enjoyed the two nights here, hidden away from everyone and everything. When he’d purchased the state-of-the-art lodge twelve months ago, he’d vowed to keep it his own little secret. It would be his bolthole.

Only one other person knew about it.

He smiled as he took a glug of wine.

He’d never expected the lodge would come in so useful.

James moved to the window. Total blackness outside. With the lodge silent, the woodland creatures made their presence felt. An owl hooted, and there was the caw-caw of a crow.

It was a pity Beth couldn’t be here with him. But one had to make choices in life.