Page 62 of Mann Hunt
Declan stayed in the reception room after Michael had gone. He stood there until the three beeps from the alarm system let him know that Michael had left the building, then turned to Charlie.
“He’s hiding something. I can just taste it.”
Charlie said, “Did you notice his feet? They looked to be around a size ten.”
Declan replied, “It isn’t an uncommon shoe size.” Declan crossed his arms. “You know what’s bothering me? What kind of guy refers to his lover by her full first name?”
“What do you mean?” Charlie asked.
“He always referred to her as Katherine. Never Kath, or Kat, or anything like that. What’s he up to? And why did he come here unannounced? He reallyseemed to want to ensure that his rehearsed story was heard. I’m going out for a minute.”
Declan ran down the stairs, turned out onto the street and saw Michael halfway down the block. He rushed after him, hoping he wouldn’t be seen, but Michael never looked back. Michael reached for his phone and Declan was close enough to make out his voice.
“Katherine… That went well. I don’t think he’s as smart as you think. He believed everything I said… Look, I’ve gotta go. We’ll talk more later.” He ended the call and put the phone back into his jacket, then took something out of his pants’ pocket. As Michael rounded the corner, Declan saw him slide a stick of gum into his mouth then slip the wrapper back into his pocket.
Chapter Nineteen
Charlie sighed, headed into the kitchenette to prepare a quick caffeine fix, then returned to his desk. He took his first sip of coffee and felt the immediate rush as it entered his system. Outside, a loud rumble shook the windows. There was a brief revving of an engine, then silence.
I bet Gwen put a quick end to that.
The alarm beeped, warning that someone was entering the building.
What now?
Charlie heard the slow plod of footsteps up the stairs as he took another sip of coffee. The door opened.
“Mr Attwal!” Charlie said with surprise.
“Mr Watts. It is so good to see you again, my friend.”
They shook hands. Mr Attwal’s left hand was still bandaged. Charlie tried not to stare.
“Yes. I am afraid that will not be growing back. But the doctors feel that they can do a good job of constructing me a new ear, although for now youcannot see the damage under mypagri,” Mr Attwal said, touching his turban.
“Please, have a seat. I’m afraid Declan’s out right now. Can I get you a tea or coffee?”
“Oh, no. Do not go worrying yourself. I will only be here for a minute. I wanted to give you both a gift. A small way of saying thank you for the great gift you gave me.”
“Honestly, Mr Attwal, I know I speak for both of us when I say that a gift is not expected.”
“That is very kind, but it is something that would give me great pleasure to do.” The accountant reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny box, and handed it to Charlie. “Now, I must be going. My son is downstairs waiting for me. I have to get busy and find some new clients. I lost the Monarch account when I lost this,” he said, raising his left hand, “and I just found out that another client of mine has been found in a river. Maybe I should hire Mr Hunt to find me some more clients, eh?” He laughed, shook Charlie’s hand again and left, calling out, “Until we meet again my friend.”
What an interesting man.
Charlie reflected on what Mr Attwal had said. It gave him an idea. He went to his computer and did a quick search. “Perfect.” He continued to look through folders and files.
Ten minutes later, Charlie took a sip of his coffee and looked at the box that Mr Attwal had left. He opened it. Inside was a note.
A real detective needs a real detective’s ride. Your car is an embarrassment. Your gift awaits you on the street.
Beneath the note was an envelope containing a set of car keys.
Charlie walked over to the window and looked down. Sitting at the curb was undoubtedly the source of the noise he’d heard earlier—the cherry-red, 1970 Dodge Challenger from Abel’s Wrecking Yard. Declan was standing beside it. Charlie ran down the stairs.
“It’s gorgeous.” Charlie said. “Mr Attwal gave it to us!”
“I guess the police are done with it,” Declan replied.
