Page 64 of Savage Reckoning

“It’s early days. The main attack hasn’t happened yet.”

“When…?”

“Soon. The attacks need to be synchronised, but our men in the field will determine the most opportune time. Then there’s sure to be mopping up to do. And the betting shops, obviously.”

I nod. “Of course. In that case, I’ll just…”

“What do you make of that boy?”

This is out of left field. I furrow my brow. “Boy?”

“Freddie Sillitoe. The geek.”

I take a moment. “He’s a bit of a puzzle. Very bright but dim as well. I didn’t get the impression he has any real purpose in his life. He has formidable skills, but no real direction or focus for them apart from selling his expertise in exchange for exorbitant amounts of cash he has no use for.”

He nods slowly. “I was coming to more or less the same conclusion. The question is, do I kill him?”

“Are you asking me that?”

“I’d welcome your opinion.”

“He’s very young.”

“I know that. Your point is?”

“Just sixteen,” I remind him. “A child, really. He didn’t think about what he was doing, the harm he could cause. I honestly don’t think he knew any better.”

That expressive eyebrow lifts again. “It seems a little harsh, even for me, to execute him for being a stupid teenager. What would Ethan do with him, do you think?”

I pause to consider. Ethan Savage was never a man to evade the dirty jobs, but neither is he unnecessarily cruel, especially with young people. “I think he might want to help him, if I’m honest.”

“Help him how?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t know anything about Frankie. His family, his background. But, I don’t get the sense that he belongs anywhere, with anyone. Where is he now?”

I expect to be told he’s in the cells awaiting his fate. I’m surprised when Jack shrugs.

“He’s about somewhere. The kitchen would be my guess.”

“You didn’t have him locked up again?”

“I figured he’s going nowhere. And he’s always hungry, so…”

“I’ll go and look for him. I really ought to x-ray that ankle in any case, though I’m fairly sure it isn’t broken. He’s getting about on it okay.”

“Do that. And have a chat. See if you can figure out what he’s about.”

I get to my feet. “Will you let me know if there’s any news? About the others?”

“Sure.” He’s already turned his attention back to the laptop in front of him, and I’m dismissed.

CHAPTER 14

Gabriel

“Fuck. What a dump.”

I can’t argue with Rome’s assessment of the down-at-heel bookie’s shop on the other side of the road. Prime real estate this ain’t. The tramp trying to grab some sleep in the doorway does nothing to elevate the neighbourhood.

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