Page 36 of The Rat

Rory shook his head. “I don’tknow.Hementioned a pop.”

“A pop?”

“‘The last thing he hears beforehis world comes crashing down, will be a pop.’”

“A gun, does he mean agun?”Morrisdemanded.

“I don’t know.”

“Come on, Rory.”

“Look,it’s not easy finding a wayin.”

“There’s one in your faceand one in your ass.”

“Oi!” Hamishgrunted. Heflashed an angry look at Morris. “None of that talk.”

She rolled her eyes, thenstudied hernails.

Hamish turned back toRory.“Doeshe want to kill me?”

“I asked, but he didn’tanswer. But …I think that’s where his head’s at.”

Hamish grunted. “He said a bigbang.What ifhe doesn’t mean a bomb, but a gun?”

“He’s beeninvolved with both illegalfirearms, and bombs,” Morris mumbled, “it could be either, but ifhe wanted you shot, surely…”

“Surely what?” Hamish asked.

“He would’ve got someone to doit.”

Rory bit hislip. “I getthe impression, whatever he’s planning, he wants to do ithimself.”

“Sebastian’s after you,”Morris said, “you’vegot to go into hiding.”

“No—”

“But William—Inspector. You’re indanger.”Morris pushed off from the door and rushed over.

“I’m not in danger yet.”

“He’s threatening yourlife.”

“He’s still got eightmonths left.”Hamish argued. “It’s enough time to gather evidence against him.The second he steps out of those gates, we’ll arrest himagain.”

Morrispulled a pained expression, thenlooked at Rory. “Surely you can see this is madness.”

Rory shrugged. “It’s theinspector’s decision. He’s got to own his choices.”

Hamish pressed his lips together andbobbed his head.

“Both idiots,” Morris hissed.

She turned around, then rushedout of theroom. Hamish got to his feet and called after her, but shedidn’t come back.

“Find out all you can,Rory. My life depends on it.”

“Yes,sir.”

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