Page 24 of Pervade Montego Bay

I led him toward the waiting Jeep, and was pleasantly surprised when Xavier willingly climbed in the front passenger side. I got behind the wheel.

Xavier turned to face me. “You don’t strike me as the kind of man who follows orders blindly.”

“I’m full of surprises.”

He shook his head. “What I don’t understand is why they sent you. You’re a national hero, James.”

That was a personal dig at my relationship with the royal family. I’d done some personal work for the Monarchy, and he seemed to be alluding to it. Nowthatsecret was going to my grave.

“I’m just trying to get it through to you that I’m innocent.”

“Are you this annoying at parties?”

He ignored that comment. “Turns out my skill is a liability to those in power back home.”

“And what skill is that?”

“A classified one.”

That made me smile.

“I have secrets, too,” he said, smiling. “The kind that could blow up a career. Someone in London has been very naughty. He knows that I know he’s a double agent. That’s the reason you’ve been sent to deal with me. He wants me to go away. He wants me silenced.”

“You need to tell me that person’s identity.” I said. “Right now.”

If it was even true.

“I’m not putting anyone else in danger.”

My hand reached into my jacket. This used to be a lot easier.

He stared at me. “You’re doing their dirty work.”

“Depends on your point of view.”

“They knew what time I was arriving. Just as they knew they’d be sending you after me.”

“Not convinced.”

“Five hours ago, you received a message by way of VLF radio via the Coms Tech. That message was an order to kill me.”

How the hell did he know that?

“Someone wants us both dead, James.” He used my first name like we were friends.

I pulled my hand out of my jacket and placed it back on the wheel. “Are you referring to the MSS?”

“British side. Have you not been listening, Commander?”

I glared at him. The bastard was paranoid.

“You know we’re being followed, right?”

I’d already seen the Range Rover following us in the rearview. “Give me specifics, Xavier.”

“Someone at MI6.”

“Who?”