Page 56 of Pervade Montego Bay
“The same bastard who ruined your life also wants me dead.”
He looked horrified. “Terrance Farmer? He’s the double-agent?”
I nodded. “He’s working for the Russians.”
“Jesus Christ, the damage he must have done.”
The Right Honorable Terrance Farmer, member of the old-boys club, was a traitor—and he’d been the one who’d recruited us both. It was a catastrophic strike against our country.
“Get me a laptop and I’ll provide you with the proof you need,” I said.
“How long have you known?”
“I went deep into my research when I was in Macau. Blew right through his firewall—that was when I knew he’d send you after me.”
James stared at me in disbelief. “I was in his office before I came for you at Colchester. He ushered me out faster than usual. I sensed something was wrong.”
“I’m sorry for what he did to your wife,” I said softly. “I believe he gave the order.”
“What they did to her—” James shook his head. “Cruel beyond belief.”
“What are you going to do?”
He gave a casual shrug. “Kill him.”
“Just like that?”
“First, we need to find out who his connections are and then eliminate them. Take the power back.”
I offered him a wry smile. “You’ve been considering taking over the world for quite a while, then?”
“I’m going to burn the system down.” His eyes roamed over my face looking at my bruises and contusions. “They messed with the wrong man.”
“Other agents are at risk if we don’t stop him.”
He gave a nod. “Undoubtedly.”
“You believe Victoria suspected Farmer? She discovered what he was doing? That was why he had her killed?”
“He ordered Ivor Mikhail to do his dirty work.”
“I’m so sorry, James.”
“Turns out you’re about to get a demonstration of just what I’m capable of.” He stepped forward and cupped my face.
“It’s you and me against the world now, Ballad.”
“If I had to go down the foxhole with anyone…” He brushed his thumb over my lip. “God, the things you do to me, Rothschild.”
“No regrets, then?”
“I want you to stay.”
“So we can put this right?”
“That’s one reason, yes.” He stared intently into my eyes. “Xavier, I haven’t felt this kind of peace since…”
“How about we steal the keys to the kingdom?”
