Art and Murder by Don Easton Read Free Book Online Page A

did to Klaus.”
    Roche didn’t respond. The idea of his brother being tortured was too horrific to imagine.
    â€œYour silence answers that,” said the Ringmaster. “I’m not particularly fond of pimps, let alone someone stupid enough to bring him there. Would Liam be a problem if Clive was permanently removed?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œThen let Liam live, but tell Anton to dispose of Clive and the pimp immediately.”
    â€œThere could be an investigation,” warned Roche.
    â€œI doubt a missing pimp will cause the police to do anything … but no matter, tell them to hide the bodies and leave Clive’s car parked at an airport or a train station. If the police do look into their disappearances, it will throw them off-track. Once my Pierrot is onboard ship, tell Anton it is time for them to return to Europe.”
    â€œHe will be pleased. I know he is homesick.”
    â€œGood. Once you receive confirmation that Liam and the pimp have been taken care of, ensure he disposes of the phone, which is what I will be doing when we are done talking.”
    â€œNaturally, but …”
    â€œBut what?”
    â€œWill we abandon North America completely?”
    The Ringmaster smiled. “I will soon retire. That is a decision which will be left up to you or one of the other jugglers.”
    â€œYou have hinted at retirement before, but I did not realize your decision was imminent,” said Roche in surprise.
    â€œI’ve made enough,” replied the Ringmaster. “Besides, I am becoming bored. It is time to move on.”
    â€œWho were you thinking of to —”
    â€œI have given the matter much thought. Although I am inclined to think it should be you who replaces me, it is important that the other three receive a fair voice. I am not counting your brother, as he is too new.”
    â€œBy fair voice?”
    â€œI want there to be harmony in the decision. If there are any objections or reasons to oppose you, it needs to be discussed. That is better than someone sticking a knife in your back later.”
    â€œWhen will this take place?”
    â€œOur Italian juggler happens to be in Germany at the moment meeting with our man there. Tomorrow we will have a meeting in Frankfurt to give everyone time to think about it and then come to a final decision in a month or so.”
    â€œI am truly grateful that you favour me to take over.”
    The Ringmaster focused the binoculars on Roche’s face. “Good. The day I hang the Pierrot in my gallery will be the day I step aside.” The concern was evident on Roche’s face. The task of handling the situation in Canada was now of utmost importance to him, as well.
    â€œAre you ready to meet Kerin?” asked Roche, anxious to get matters taken care of.
    â€œI have some concern in that regard. Did you say anything to him about your call from Canada?”
    â€œI mentioned that someone had brought a stranger to our stash house and asked him what he would do about it if he were the juggler.”
    â€œAnd his response?”
    Roche chuckled. “At first he was worried that it might be a cop. I assured him it was only a pimp.”
    â€œAnd why would he worry if it was a cop? Especially in Canada?”
    Roche was silent as he thought about it.
    The Ringmaster continued, “There is more. After you left, Kerin may have signalled to a man in the park.”
    â€œWhat man?” Roche looked cautiously around.
    â€œHe is wearing a blue windbreaker and has a droopy moustache. Kerin made eye contact with him and then tapped his watch and opened his hand twice.”
    â€œI told him I would be back in ten minutes,” said Roche sombrely.
    â€œHe then went to the public washroom for a few minutes. Nobody went in with him, but he may have used his phone. I also think you are being followed, although I am not sure.”
    â€œMy God! I trusted him.”
    â€œI warned you that