Deadly Diplomacy by Jean Harrod Page B

“You both stay here and talk. I’ll wait outside on the terrace.”
    “ No .” Susan pointed at Jess. “You can say whatever you want in front of her .”
    The Inspector extended his hand to Jess. “We’ve met, I think?”
    Jess noticed the pink spots on his cheeks. Was he embarrassed or cross? She shook his hand. “Jessica Turner, British Consul.” The surprised look in his eyes gave her some satisfaction. Over his shoulder, she saw another policeman standing at reception, waving an envelope. “Is that for you, Inspector?”
    Sangster turned and beckoned his colleague over.
    The officer approached and held out his hand to Jess. “DS Dalton,” he said.
    Dalton’s hand felt clammy as Jess shook it. Carrying more weight than he should for his height, he looked like he was suffering for it. But he sounded so sincere when he expressed his condolences that Jess warmed to him.
    When he turned to have a private conversation with the Inspector, Jess whispered to Susan. “You have to accept they’re responsible for the investigation. Tell them everything you’ve just told me. It’s the only way.”
    Susan looked devastated. “If you won’t help me, I’ve no one else to turn to.”
    Her words struck right at Jess’s core. “Of course I’m going to help you, Susan, but you must talk to the police first. Now,” Jess held her hand out for the diary. “I’ll be waiting outside on the terrace for you.”
    But Susan hugged the diary tighter. “I’ll give it to Inspector Sangster.”
    Jess’s ringing mobile distracted her and she checked the caller ID. The High Commissioner! “I have to take this call, Susan,” she said. “Now don’t worry. I’ll just be outside. We can talk again when you’ve finished with the Inspector.” And with that, Jess hurried out of the door to the terrace, where the mobile signal was stronger.

10
    He drove through the traffic, keeping his eyes glued to the target ahead like the expert he knew he was. Although he couldn’t see through the black Mercedes’ tinted windows, he knew the target was alone and driving himself. He couldn’t believe his luck.
    He blinked when the sun came out from behind a cloud, and his foot hesitated over the accelerator. Broad daylight wasn’t a good time for what he was about to do. But he couldn’t wait for nightfall. He had to stop that bastard before he could do any more damage.
    He looked at his watch – 2.15.
    Pulling the peak of his cap down over his eyes, he pressed down on the accelerator and moved back into the inside lane to keep a car between him and his prey.
    Look at you in your limousine, driving along like you own the world. You should have been happy, you know. You had everything. But it still wasn’t enough. Oh no, you wanted more.
    As the traffic lights ahead turned red, a woman stepped out in front of him to cross the road. He had to stamp on the brakes to avoid hitting her. The jeep screeched to a stop.
    The woman’s dark eyes glared at him through the windscreen.
    He frowned at the familiar image. Dark, staring eyes. Her… lying dead on the kitchen floor. He could feel the knife… the blood.
    Why was he thinking about her again now? He had to focus. Seeing the cars ahead start moving, he slipped the jeep into drive and started following again. When the black Mercedes turned left and began to slow down, he almost smiled. Now he knew exactly where the bastard was going. And he was just in time by the look of it.
    The Mercedes pulled up alongside the kerb. He stopped a short distance behind and pushed the gear into park. This was good. Divine justice. He’d do it right outside their front door. He pulled on his gloves, and reached under his jacket to draw his gun. Leaving the engine running, he got out of the driver’s seat, walked calmly up to the Mercedes, opened the back passenger door and slid inside.
    Before the bastard could even turn around, he pressed the barrel of the gun to the back of his head and ducked down