Page 36 of Pervade Montego Bay

“It’s James,” I said.

“I didn’t think I’d hear from you so soon,” she quipped. “Hold on.”

I heard the muffled sound of her moving to a more private area. “Okay, I can talk.”

“If you don’t hear from me in the next few hours, can you retrieve my Aston Martin V12?”

I would be stepping into a high security facility—getting out was going to be a challenge. In fact, my fate could be aligned with Xavier’s if I took one more step.

“What’s going on?”

I gave her the number plate. “Keep my car out of MI6’s hands, will you?”

“Where is it?”

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

“James?” She sounded nervous. “Where would I hide it?”

“Consider this a command task, Kitty. If you do well it’ll be an open invitation to work for me in the future.”

“I already have a job.”

“Working for a grumpy old misogynist bastard with gout?”

She chuckled.

“Maybe consider working for another misogynist bastard who’s easier on the eyes.”

She went quiet, realizing I was serious.

“Thank you, Katherine. The keys are under the hood.”

“Be careful. Whatever you’re up to.”

“Just so you know…you’re the best thing about that place,” I said, and hung up.

I was asking so very much of Kitty Adair. Our paths would cross again. I felt sure of it.

A young Private escorted me to the main office. The soldier led me into the station’s HQ.

Entering the Captain’s office, I learned that his commanding officer, Colonel Flaherty, was up at Milbank. And his second-in-command, Major Howard, was also in London. A pleasant advantage that meant I could pull rank.

I reached out to shake the hand of the officer left in charge and delivered the lie, “I’m Brigadier Henley.”

“I’m Captain Rawley, sir.” He returned a strong handshake. “Welcome.”

I glanced at his nametag. “And the E stands for?”

“Edward, sir.”

“Edward, I’m from the RAMC. I’ve been requested to provide a psychological profile on one of your prisoners…Xavier Rothschild.”

“He’s not here.”

“On paper or otherwise?”

He looked nervous. “Colonel Flaherty comes back tomorrow.”