Page 33 of Five for Silver

“What weakness?”

“Yourneedfor a result, your need toprove yourself to the public, and he’s giving you what you want, agoal that seems achievable, but we both know he’s not going to tellyou where Harriet is.”

“Then how do I win?”

Romeo reached for Chad’s shoulders, holdinghim in place. “By getting the result regardless.”

“Romeo … you’ve lost me.”

“You’re going to prove what I’ve alwayssuspected.”

“Which is?”

“Vincent Whitehalldidn’tkillHarriet Hastings.”

“What?” Chad’s eyes widened. “Of course hedid. He confessed.”

“I don’t think he did it. I have read aboutso many killers and there’s something about this victim that stoodout, something false.”

“Jesus, Romeo, you’re talking crazy rightnow.”

“If we unravel the lies and find out whatreally happened to Harriet Hastings the night she went missing, wecan cut Vincent Whitehall from his own game.”

“I’ve already told James no.”

“Then you need to call him back.” Romeoglanced across the fields. “Because puppets don’t get to choosewhether they dance on strings or not, the puppeteer does, andVincent’s making you dance regardless.”

****

Chad pressed his lips in a firm line.Exiting his car, he ignored the shouts and screamed questions ofthe journalists kept behind the barrier. The noise reared,battering his back in waves as he remained emotionless. He kept hisstern detective face on until he was inside the station, thenleaned against the wall, cursing under his breath.

Josh appeared from the corridor. “It’smadness.”

He held out a takeaway cup of coffee.

“Life saver,” Chad smiled. “Didn’t happen toadd a shot to it did you?”

“Nope, but I’m pretty sure Angel has rumunder her desk if you want some.”

Chad shot him a coy smile. “And how wouldyou know that?”

Josh blushed. “Rumors…”

Chad snorted.

Ally pushed inside the station, releasing abarrage of shouts and camera clicks until the door swung closed andsealed behind her.

“Vultures,” she hissed. “Don’t even thinkabout it, Chad.”

He looked away from her. “Think aboutwhat?”

“Going to see Vincent. It’s clear as day apower move. He’s never going to tell you where he’s scatteredHarriet. Others have tried, and they’ve all failed. You were rightto say no to James. Vincent is just trying to fuck with you.”

“It’s kind of worked.”

Ally’s mouth dropped open before snappingshut. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

“I called James, agreed to go with him toWiltknot.”

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