Page 65 of Nothing But the Night (Basic Instincts 2)

“You don’t know what you’re walking into either,” Marc said. “Neither of these guys has been willing to talk to us, and suddenly today, they both change their minds. Do you buy it?”

“What’s he saying?” Nadine demanded.

Jason relented and put the call on speakerphone. “Nadine can hear what you’re saying,” he said.

“About fucking time,” she scolded. “So Soloman has slithered out of his hole. He must be shit scared.”

“I agree,” Jason said. “We’ll turn around and come to get you. We’ll speak to him together.”

“No. You have to hear what Blake has to say too. We need to talk to both of them. You continue with what you’re doing, and I’ll see Soloman.”

“He’s got a point,” Nadine said. “We don’t know how long this is going to take and by the time we get there, Soloman could have changed his mind. I can’t imagine his Parliamentary advisors know anything about this impromptu trip to Blyham. If they get wind of what he’s doing, they’re likely to shut him up.”

“You see,” Marc said. “This is the best way to do it.”

Nadine swore at the driver in front of her, before yanking the wheel and pushing her foot to the floor. Jason winced in pain as he was hurled against the seatbelt. She completed her reckless overtake and swerved back into her lane.

“What was that?” Marc asked.

“Don’t ask,” Jason said. His mind was racing. What they were both saying made sense, but he didn’t like any of it. “All right, stay where you are. I’ll call Ryman and get him to pick you up. You’ll need someone to drive anyway. It’ll be safer if he goes with you.”

“Good idea.” Marc sounded relieved too. “Tell him to come for me now, I don’t want to be late.”

When he hung up he turned to Nadine. “What do you think?”

“Honestly? It’s suspicious as fuck. Soloman is not an easy man to get to and he’s just offered himself up. I don’t buy it, but we can’t waste the opportunity. Call Marc back once you’ve arranged his ride and tell him to record the whole thing, from getting out of the car. Don’t ask the slimy bastard for permission, just get it on record.”

Jason groaned. After two weeks of slow progress, things were proceeding at a rapid pace. Marc was in no fit state to put himself in further danger, but Jason knew there was no way he could stop him. Marc would meet with Soloman regardless of the risk.

The best thing he could do was offer some protection.

He took up his phone again and dialled Ryman’s number.

He hoped they weren’t all walking into an elaborate trap.

Chapter Twenty-Three

A Darkening Storm

The rain was pouring by the time they reached Blake Remar’s address. It was as cold as stone on Jason’s skin when he got out of the car. Nadine rushed ahead with an umbrella to the shelter of the porch, but Jason’s ankle prevented him from hurrying. His hair was plastered to his head when he reached the entrance. He shook it off and wiped his brow with the back of his hand. Nadine had already summoned the lift and held the door for him.

The apartment was on the fourth floor. There was another boom of thunder as they waited for Blake to answer.

“Think he’s legged it?” Nadine asked.

There was a click of a lock and the door partly opened. A face peered out from the guard of a security chain.

“Blake?” Jason asked.

“Let me see your ID,” the man said.

Jason produced his wallet and complied. Nadine rummaged in her bag before pulling out her press card.Blake squinted and studied them. He appeared uncertain. The door slammed shut. Jason was about to knock again when he heard the chain being undone and it swung open fully.

“Come in,” Blake said without a hint of welcome.

His was in his early to mid-thirties. Blond and good-looking with a chunky build. He stood well back, regrading them suspiciously.

“The police have already been around,” Blake grumbled.

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