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

your trust in him seemed rushed.”
    â€œI can’t believe it. If this is true …”
    â€œDon’t worry about it. This is one of the reasons we take the precautions we do.”
    â€œWhat should I do?” asked Roche.
    â€œI want to confirm my suspicions. Tell him our people in Canada have discovered that the pimp really is an agent provocateur. Then say you are to meet me in a couple of minutes at the café across the street to discuss whether they should both be disposed of. Tell Kerin to wait where he is, then go to the café.”
    Roche glanced around again, taking note of the people he saw, then said, “If what you suspect is happening, should the two men in Canada be killed?”
    â€œIt is of more concern to me if the pimp lives. He may return with others and find the stash before we can move it. I will sleep better knowing they are dead.”
    â€œAnd the two whores the pimp has guarding Klaus and Liam?”
    â€œWhat can they do? At best, tell the police they are whores who kidnapped and beat two people … or as it will turn out, more likely murdered the two people they held captive. I am fed up with Klaus and don’t care what happens to him. Either way, the whores aren’t going to tell the police about it.”
    â€œAnd the situation here?” asked Roche. “If Kerin is working for the police … or with the recent approval of an agent provocateur, perhaps he is a cop.”
    â€œHis concern that the pimp in Canada could be an undercover agent would tell me the guy likely is. An informant wouldn’t care that much about what is happening in Canada.” The Ringmaster paused. “The French police have never been allowed to use such measures before. So how would you know? If they set Kerin up to meet you, they would have had to start prior to receiving their new powers. This may be an opportunity to persuade the French justice system that their new investigative tool should be taken away. I will deal with him.”
    â€œYou will deal with him yourself? Now?”
    The Ringmaster laughed. “Why not? It will be fun. Like a magician doing slight of hand, all eyes will be on you and not where they should be. For me, I will treat it like the last performance I give … before taking my final bow and leaving the stage.”
    Roche smiled. “And the stage may soon be in my hands.”
    â€œPrecisely. If my suspicions are true and things go as I suspect, meet me tonight in Frankfurt. If you are detained by the police, contact me when you are free or through your lawyer and we will set another time.”
    Roche glanced around the park yet again. Most people had left. Who was staying? A couple walking a dog seemed legitimate … but a man and a woman staring at a flower bed seemed to be taking far too long to enjoy the beauty, and they did not appear particularly fond of each other. Another man was taking an inordinate amount of time to tie his shoe. The Ringmaster has a sharp eye….
    â€œIf you are right, then I likely will be arrested,” said Roche, sounding matter-of-fact. “I have made certain statements to him, including today.”
    â€œArrested on what evidence?” replied the Ringmaster. “Especially if there is no witness to testify against you. Telling fairy tales to impress someone you thought was a gangster may have been childish, but it is hardly grounds to convict you of anything. You would be released in time for supper.”
    â€œI suppose you’re right,” Roche allowed.
    â€œTell Anton to tidy up the loose ends in Canada, then talk to Kerin and tell him what I told you to say. If my suspicions are right, I am certain I will see some activity to confirm.”
    Roche hung up and called Anton, giving him the order to kill Clive and the pimp.
    â€œAnd what about Klaus and Liam?” asked Anton.
    â€œIf you can think of a way to save them, fine. If not, don’t worry