The Sister(200)

‘Who told you all this?’

‘Now, that would be telling, but it’s enough to say one of the other escapee’s works in a nearby bar. Apparently, he followed them for quite a while after the escape, before Khan set Hasan onto him. He lived to tell the tale, obviously, but he told me he’d spotted “The Mute” as he called him coming into this hotel a couple of weeks ago with Khan.’

His mind wandered back to the first time he’d seen Carlos with his bodyguard in Piccadilly. Three questions formed. Could it really be him? Could it be the same minder? Would they recognise him after all these years? ‘If what you say is true, I’m beginning to think we might be in over our heads—’

‘Think about the money, Miller.’ Although her eyes gleamed, they'd taken on a glassy appearance.

Miller encircled the thumb of his left hand with his fingertips and contemplated them. ‘Money isn’t everything,’ he said, thoughtfully. ‘It alleviates some worries for sure, but the acquisition of wealth…’

‘So it’s selfish to want money for security, if it brings happiness?’

‘That’s not what I’m saying. I’m talking about the true happiness that comes from contentment. It shouldn’t be complicated by selfish needs. I’m talking about people who give without expecting something in return, because if you do that – if you expect nothing, and you get nothing – how can you be disappointed?’ The alcohol clouded his thoughts. ‘We shouldn’t be selling ourselves to the highest bidder. If everything is for sale, then where do we stop? If supply and demand is all that matters, then what price do we place on our souls?’ Miller’s telephone rang. He ignored it.

She swallowed the last of her drink. ‘I don’t care about any of that,’ she said. ‘Miller, can I ask you something?’

‘Sure, fire away.’

‘Do you want to f*ck me?’





The sound of tinkling cutlery, faint, but unmistakable, reached his ears. Dull pain pushed into his eyeballs from behind; he opened them seeking release and turned his head on the pillow. Carla remained asleep next to him. ‘Never drinking like that again,’ he mumbled and sat up.

She stirred, and lazily ran a fingertip down his spine. ‘What are you doing?’

‘I’m going home. Are you coming?’

‘Why?’

‘I told you last night. It’s not worth the money and Stella needs my help.’

‘What about me?’

‘Come home.’

She bit her lip and sat forwards, holding the quilt under her chin. ‘I’m in too deep. I’m sticking with the story. You go on though, run home and wet-nurse your little girl.’

‘Carla, it’s not that at all. It’s too dangerous.’

‘It’s okay, I’m a big girl. I know what I’m doing. Leave me.’





For most of the journey home, he thought about her, and wondered if he’d done the right thing. To her it was all a game. She might want him, but she didn’t need him. Sooner or later hurt would come knocking. What would be the point in that?





On Friday the 13th July, he returned from the Netherlands and reported to Donovan Kale.

The billionaire pushed his seat away from the desk, clasping his hands together, and resting them on his crotch. ‘I thought you told me you wouldn’t stop, until you had the job done.’

‘It’s true; I did say that, and I’ve helped you to shut down almost every major cult operating in Europe. That leaves only one of any size and a rapidly growing pseudo religious organisation. I’m going to have to terminate my involvement.’

‘Miller, we’ve known each other a long time so let me ask you … why the change? You like the money don’t you?’

‘Donovan, this isn’t about money. This is about a couple of things that have crept onto the radar, and I can’t just walk away without resolving them.’

‘What are they?’

Miller explained, and when he’d finished, Kale sat forward abruptly.

‘This other business, it needs to be out of the way. What was the name of this pseudo religion as you put it?’

‘They call themselves the Resurrectionists of Monte Cristo —’

‘Leave them – they’re crackpots!’

‘You wanted to find out more about Carlos?’

‘Forget him, he’s just a mercenary. Besides, he’s too dangerous. I want you focused on bringing this last organisation to heel. I want the leader. If we don’t take him out, the whole thing will just start up again. This other business – what is it, and how long do you need?’

Didn’t I just quit? Miller thought, but decided not to press the point for now. ‘I need to get Kathy out of the hospital and up to Scotland.’

‘Kathy? Scotland?’

Miller pressed his lips together. Although Kale was one of the few people he could trust, he decided it best not to mention Carla. ‘Donovan, it’s a long story, so I’ll condense it for you…’

A few minutes later, Kale stopped him. ‘I’ve heard enough, take the time you need and then get back to me, yes? A few days won’t hurt.’